1
DEAR FRIENDS...
Life everl
Upon this Rock magazine is published by EuropeAxess Media, Gibraltar. Editor Fr. Stuart Chipolina: editor@uponthisrock.eu Production Editor: A. Sargent angela@europeaxess.com Cover: Joint Stamp Issue First Day Cover graphics by Stephen Perera
No tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long.
To advertise: This magazine is hand delivered to homes, churches, hospitals and many businesses around Gibraltar every month. Copies are sent abroad far and wide, to the Falklands, North of Scotland, USA and Malta. To discuss your advertising requirements call Tel: 200 79335. Church Groups or Charities: If you would like to have an article considered for publication, please send it by e-mail to the production editor at the address above. Enquire for details of sending high resolution digital images to illustrate your article.
Jesus not only died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3); he also, by the grace of God, tasted death for every one (Hebrews 2:9). It was a real death that put an end to his earthly human existence. Jesus died in mid afternoon and the Sabbath began at 6:00 pm. Since the Jewish law permitted no work on the Sabbath, the body had to be buried quickly. Someone brave enough would have to get permission from the Roman authorities to take the body and bury it. The bodies of executed criminals were usually left unburied as carion for the vultures and dogs. Jesus was spared this indignity through the gracious intervention of Joseph of Arimethea. Who was this admirer and secret disciple of Jesus? Luke tells us that Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council that condemned Jesus. We are told that he did not agree with their verdict. He was either absent from their meeting or silent when they tried Jesus. What kind of man was Joseph? Luke tells us that he was “good and righteous” and “looking for
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.
the kingdom of God.” Although he did not stand up for Jesus at his trial, he nonetheless, sought to honour him in his death by giving him a proper burial. This was to fulfil what the prophet Isaiah had foretold: “He was cut off out of the land of the living ..and they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:8-9). In the Book of Revelations, the Lord Jesus speaks: “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one: I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelations 1:17-18). No tomb in the world could contain the Lord Jesus for long. His death on the cross purchased our redemption and his triumph over the grave on Easter morning defeated death. What preserved the Lord Jesus from corruption? He was kept from decay and he rose from the dead by divine power. “My flesh will dwell in hope. For you will not let your Holy One see corruption”
A Charity Concert at The Convent 16th April 2009
Tickets, £15 from Sacarello’s Restaurant and Solomon Levy Estate Agent
All Proceeds to Cancer Relief 2
lasting
Jubilee Arts Competitions
Open to anyone, with a Lourdes Pilgrimage for two and 4 Netbooks to be won.
(Psalm 16:9-10). The mystery of Christ’s lying in the tomb on the sabbath reveals the great sabbath rest of God after the fulfilment of our salvation which brings peace to the whole world (Colossians. 1:18-20). Is your hope in this life only, or is it well founded in the resurrection of Christ and his promise that those who believe in him will live forever?
Our Lady of Europe Art and Drama Jubilee Competitions are aimed at fostering creativity through participation in and appreciation of the arts. Art, Music and Word entries may be invited to contribute to the Jubilee Celebrations, in print or performance. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Catholic Community Centre; then at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe exhibition hall which is open to the public free of charge throughout the year, on the website: ourladyofeurope. net and published in the Shrine Messenger and Upon this Rock magazines.
“Lord Jesus, you died that I might live forever in your kingdom of peace and righteousness. Strengthen my faith that I may know the power of your resurrection and live in the hope of seeing you face to face for ever.” Happy Easter to you all Fr Stuart
Categories: The closing date for the Art, Word and Music competitions was the 23rd of March 2009, but the Film category has been given an extended period to 1st June 2009. It is hoped that filmmakers will take advantage of this extended period to cover the unprecedented events of the Jubilee Celebrations as they unfold around the Rock and at Europa Point during the week commencing May 4th. Entry forms are available at the Catholic Multimedia Centre at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned, Main Street.
The closing date for the Film competition category is the 1st June 2009! 3
Highest ranking member of the Church ever to visit Gibraltar
Cardinal Jose heads Vatican Envoy to visit Gibraltar for Our Lady of Europe Jubilee Celebrations.
On Tuesday 3rd March 2009, His Lordship Charles Caruana hosted a Press Conference which was attended by journalists and photographers from local media. His Lordship announced that Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, C.M.F. would be representing His Holiness Pope Benedict XIV as his Special Envoy, at the forthcoming celebrations for the 700th Jubilee of the devotion to Our Lady of Europe in Gibraltar. In response to a question from the Press, as to whether the Pope himself had been invited, His Lordship assured us that the
Holy Father had indeed been invited to attend the celebrations, and in addition, a petition carrying over 5,000 names; members of the local Catholic lay community and other religions, (and also sympathetic people of other nationalities who were in Gibraltar at that time) was presented at the Vatican last year. However, as Fr. Charlie explained, with this decision Pope Benedict is, in effect, saying, “I can’t come but I send my Special Envoy Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins on my behalf.” It is known that Pope Benedict is not travelling as much as his
Bishop Caruana, joined by Fr. Charlie Azzopardi and Mgr. Paul Bear, (not shown in the photo above), briefing members of the Press on the forthcoming visit to Gibraltar of Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, C.M.F.
predecessor, and perhaps there are those who are tasked with organising the security for the event that breathed a sigh of relief to hear the announcement. It is indeed a great honour that His Holiness has bestowed upon this little Rock, in sending such a great man as the Cardinal who hails from Portugal. There are only 10 active Cardinals of the same rank who report directly
4
to the Holy Father himself. As Papal Legate in charge of the Causes of the Saints he also is a very high profile Vatican official who has said, when speaking with Mgr. Paul Bear, that he is “Delighted to be coming to Gibraltar.” One of the Cardinal’s responsibilities as a member of the Postsinodale Council of the II Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Europe is the encouragement of the resurgence of Christianity uniting the continent under the intercession of Our Lady of Europe. Fr. Charlie also announced at this conference that the European Network of Marian Shrines, who have been so helpful in the development of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point, will be sending representations to the Celebrations in May, and that they plan to hold their annual conference in Gibraltar in 2010.
ds for the Rock
Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins said he was “Delighted to be coming to Gibraltar.”
A Shortened Biography of Cardinal Jose SARAIVA MARTINS, C.M.F. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins was born on 6 January 1932 in Gagos do Jarmelo, Diocese of Guarda, Province di Beira Alta, Portugal. His parents were profound Christians, Antonio Saraiva & Maria da Natividade Martins. The sixth of eight children of which the last of the girls is Sister Cassiana, a Missionary in Angola. He entered the junior Seminary in October 1944 to follow a novitiate with the Claretian Fathers at Carvalhos. On 22 August 1950 he made his first religious vows. In 1953 he settles in Rome (where he will reside always with great affection tightening his ties with the Eternal City) where he enriches his studies in Theology and in 1957 graduates in the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He completes his studies obtaining a Doctorate in Theology at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in 1958. He was ordained as a Claretian Father on 16 March 1957, at the Church of the Sacred Heart at Piazza Navona by His Excellency Mons. Ettore Cunial, of the Diocese of Rome. From his youth he cultivated a particular love for scripture and at the age of 26 he became a brilliant teacher of Theology. After teaching metaphysics for a year at the Claretian seminary in Marino, Italy, he was assigned
to the Claretianum, Rome, where he taught fundamental and sacramental theology for 10 years. He later taught sacramental theology at the Pontifical Urbaian University, where he also served as rector. In the field of Theology Prof. Jose Saraiva Martins has written 29 books of various subjects, 471 scholarly articles in the field of science and other materials published in different newspapers and international magazines. Amongst his immense productions he compiled, directed and edited another collection researched in the field of Theology which consists of 3 volumes from amongst ‘Evangelization and Culture’ of over 1500 pages, ‘Proclaiming the Gospel Today’ commenting on ‘Preaching the Gospel in the modern world’ of nearly 1000 pages, also on ‘Divine Mercy’ another 500 pages and on the volume ‘Creed on the Holy Spirit’ of another 1500 pages. Through his own activities he organized the International Congress ‘Evangelising & Culture in October 1975 in Rome. On October 1977 International Congress ‘Forming today’s missionary’ and in March 1982, in Vatican City an International Congress. In his service to the Roman Curia Jose Saraiva Martins makes an important contribution to the Church. As a Member of the Theological Commission, spirituality and pastoral animation of the Congregation of Evangelization of the people; Consultor for the Secretariat to non Christians; Consultor to the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith; Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Interreligious Dialogue. As Secretary to the Congregation
of Catholic Education he will be also nominated Consultor to the Congregation of Bishop and the Pontifical Council for Culture; also member of the Pontifical Pastoral Council for immigrants and travellers; Member of the Pontifical Council of Health Operations; Member of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. His work and service to the Holy See and to the Congregation of Catholic Education has brought him to have first hand contact and its problems with the universal Church. He has always been ready to assist and contribute by personally visiting and giving lectures. On 30 May 1998 the Holy Father appointed him as head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and nominated also Member of the Congregation of Bishops (19 November 1998); Member of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (22 April 1999) and member of the Pontifical Council for the Health Pastoral Care and Member of the Permanent Council of the Synod for Europe. As Prefect of the Congregation in the Causes of Saints he has led the Congregation to bring to completion important cases of the Servants of God. Venerable proposal to the Holy Father for the beatification and canonization of Saint Faustina Kawalska, also Edith Stein, Saint Martiri Cinesi, Saint Giuseppina Bakita, San Pio di Pietrelcina, Saint Luigi Orione, Saint Angela della
Croce (Siviglia), Blessed Pope Pious IX and Pope John XXIII, Blessed Jacinta & Francisco of Fatima, and the youngest non martyrs to be elevated to the honour of the altars, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Charles de Foucauld and others. In the Public consistory of the 21 February 2001, His Holiness John Paul II elevated Jose Saraiva Martins to the College of Cardinals receiving the titular at the Church of the Sacred Heart at Piazza Navona which he took possession in April of the same year, remembering with great emotion his priestly ordination in the same Roman Church on 16 March 1957. In 2007 he celebrated his 50th anniversary to the priestly ordination. On 24 February 2009, Pope Benedict XVI has promoted Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F. prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, to the order of bishops, assigning him the suburbicarian see of Palestrina. During his years of service to the Church, the Cardinal has worked incessantly in the field of Academic Teaching and for the Roman Curia and faithfully has executed his pastoral ministry on Sundays and on his free time from Office volunteering for celebrations, conferences, encounters and discussions in many parishes of Rome, outskirts of Italy; at the requests of the Parish Priests, religious institutes and ecclesial movements.
Shredding & Degaussing We offer a shredding and degaussing service for the secure disposal of confidential documents. For maximum efficiency we will collect your documents and take them to our Gibraltar facility.
• Strictly Confidential Service • Daily Pick-ups • Data shredded or degaussed in Gibraltar • A Certificate of Destruction issued on job completion Please contact Brendan (Tel: 20050449) or John (Tel: 20051627) for further information.
5
Has your life Religious Lifebeen turned upside down?
J. Alcantara
Mary Ward
“What God asks of you: to do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Mary Ward was the founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known to us as Loreto. Born in 1585 into a Catholic family in Yorkshire, England, Mary knew religious persecution and was inspired by the heroism of family and friends. She felt called to join a religious community but not like the cloistered groups of the time. In 1609 Mary founded a community of active sisters who educated young women and helped persecuted Catholics. Eventually, her followers also worked in other parts of Europe and Mary sought Church approval of the community.
Mary Ward Companions Her community grew and is now dispersed over the five continents. These sisters cared for the poor, established schools, and nursed the sick and visited pris-
oners. Mary sought to empower women to fulfil whatever part God called them to play in the work of the Church. To do this she sought freedom for her community, externally from cloister, choir, and habit and internally in the ability to refer all to God. She invited her followers to “become lovers of truth and workers of justice.” Time has passed and the spirit of Mary Ward is still very much alive. A number of years ago the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary [Loreto] began an “Affiliate Relationship” in some countries with lay people who felt inspired by their founder Mary Ward. In this light, a journey of companionship sharing the spirit, prayer and mission began, and these groups affiliated to the Loreto were called: MARY WARD MISSION or ASSOCIATION. As expected, these groups reached Gibraltar and have existed for nearly eight years now. We are men and women, married and single who through our Christian commitment are responsive to the charism of Mary Ward. We desire a mutual commitment centred on the vision, goals, values of Mary Ward and
SPONSORS OF UPON THIS ROCK
Spanish and Gibraltar groups meet together locally
6
Registration forms available in the Bookshop
- 400 Years Loreto Celebrates concerns for the world of today. Christians who want to walk with friendship and commitment sharing more intensely in the mission of the Gospel. At present we are a group of about eleven members, comprised of men and women, young and not so young, who feel they would like to do that extra bit which sometimes is not too clear. Meeting once a month, we share in prayer, deepen our knowledge of who Mary Ward was, her life, spirituality linked with that of St Ignatius of Loyola, we have annual retreats (either during Lent or Advent). As for our active reply to our Mission, we help in whatever means we can
More about Loreto
MARY WARD (1585-1645) a Yorkshire woman who, in a time of great religious and political unrest, dedicated herself to strengthening and supporting Catholics in their faith, to providing education for girls and to advancing the cause of women. In 1609, Mary was inspired to begin a new way of religious life for women, a life not bound by cloister. Indeed the sisters were to be ready to go to wherever the need was, “even to the Indies.” This new apostolic life for women met with many difficulties. To-day however her followers, the Loreto Sisters and the Congregation of Jesus, are living and working in at least 44 different countries and in each continent. Mary Ward’s spirit and work is carried on in companionship with colleagues, associates, pastpupils and friends in all walks of life. The process leading to her possible beatification is underway. (continued overleaf)
The AGM held in Gibraltar at Asiliah – Morroco, where a community of Loreto Sisters are based and work with the marginalised, especially in a vast area of slums. We are also open to whatever needs the local Diocese may ask of us, i.e. help during local retreats, be it serving or helping in
the kitchen. Also we have been quite involved during Diocesan Youth Encounters, such as Rock Alight back in 2006. Basically, we strive to share and discover Christ in our everyday circumstances, be it before the Blessed Sacrament, helping in a continued overleaf
Bilbao, Gibraltar and Asilah Group Representatives
7
Religious Life
Mary Ward - 400
Seville Youth MWM Group kitchen during a Youth Retreat or simply by visiting a much needed neighbour. We discern God in our daily situations by reflecting individually and as a group. At the heart of our intention are justice, freedom, sincerity and love for all, particularly for those who are rejected and neglected. On the whole we simply “journey together” especially when we meet up with other Mary Ward groups from England, USA, Canada and Spain, all under the same banner of Christ.
The Rights and Dignity of Women
We are committed to recognising the challenges facing women in our society and working together to meet them with courage and dignity. It is with this focus, that as part of the 400 celebrations held in Gibraltar, Mary Ward Mission Group are organising two events during the course of this year. Firstly, on Holy Saturday, April 11th, during Holy Week, we are inviting the people of Gibraltar, to join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe where we shall be praying together with our beloved Mother in a VIA MATRIS. Many of you may be wondering what this is. A Via Matris is a Marian Stations of the Cross. Being held on Holy Saturday, we encourage all women to join Our beloved Mother in her sorrow and pain as we walk with her, accompany her as she recalls her Son’s agony on the Cross. It is focused on the pain, prayers,
8
reflections that mothers and women of today face up to, the worries we may have towards our children, our families in general, or other reasons which pain us and the women of the world of today. So we remind and encourage everyone to join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe on Saturday 11th April, Holy Saturday, at 11.30am. Then near the end of this month, on Wednesday 22nd April, we hope to organise a TORCH LIGHT PROCESSION, starting at Europa Road, by Loreto School and make our way towards the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point. The Procession will begin at 6.30pm. Why this procession? Where is the link between Mary Ward and the Shrine again? It is very simple – reading Mary Ward’s biography, we learn that she had the courage to cross the Alps by foot to Rome, whenever she had to meet up with His Holiness the Pope so that the Church would officially recognise the congre-
More about Loreto
Years
gation. Before she would actually reach Rome itself, she would always stop at a shrine named Loreto (still in existence). There, Mary would invoke our Lady to intercede to her Son, so that her petitions to the Pope would be blessed. She would also pray for her companions or followers at the Shrine. It is, therefore, with the same intention that we make this Procession to our Shrine here in Gibraltar also celebrating its Jubilee
A group working in conjunction with nuns in Asilah, take human aide to the families in the slum areas. At times, when permitted, reconstruction of parts of the slums has been done by male members of the MWM Group year – 700 years. Like Mary Ward we make our way to the Shrine where we shall have prayers and petitions for guidance, blessing and protection. We hope that as we invite the people of Gibraltar to join us in these two Marian events where we also strive to celebrate the figure of Mary Ward that it will not fall on deaf ears. We feel it is an important moment in both Gibraltar and in the women of Gibraltar to come and gather humbly on these events.
Loreto Celebrates 1821
and day pupils. It was from Gibraltar that the Mary Ward spirit was brought to Spain, when in 1888, a small group set out to begin Las Irlandesas there. By 1940, there were thirty-five Loreto sisters, some living in Convent Place, the rest in Europa Convent, to be evacuated. The Annals tell of the sisters praying to Our Lady of Europa that they might be able to return to the Rock. When Loreto did return in 1945, old friendships were renewed but the educational needs of Gibraltar had changed. Before long, Loreto High School and Loreto Convent School were in full swing. Gibraltar’s appreciation of this long and continuing connection was shown with great ceremony at the civic reception in 2005.
The oldest convent of Mary Ward’s followers is the Bar Convent in York. Frances Ball (1794-1861) went there, first as a schoolgirl and later to become a novice. 1821 saw her, now Mother Teresa, returning to Dublin with two companions to begin the first LORETO Convent in Rathfarnham. Such was the need for education of girls at that time that calls came from several bishops, “Please open a convent and school here.” So many were the generous young women who were prepared to offer their lives to God for this work that Mother Teresa was able to meet many of these requests. Soon news of the good work spread outside Ireland. Requests began to come from India and Mauritius. As she saw the missionaries off to these faraway places, Mother Teresa used to quote St Ignatius and say to them “Go, set the world on fire with love.” Nowadays the Indian and Mauritian sisters go on mission to Peru and Seychelles.
2009
Mary Ward’s influence still is active HERE, TO-DAY. Loreto sisters, celebrating 400 years of Mary Ward’s dream, remembering in prayer the in-
1845
Reading “The Rock under a cloud” (Caruana, 1986) and “A Short History of Loreto in Gibraltar” (Prior, 2005) gives good insights into the next stage of our story. To GIBRALTAR, the first Loreto sisters came in 1845. There were five of them. Over the next hundred years, their number increased. They taught at elementary and secondary level, in free schools and fee-paying ones, boarding
Remember: Saturday 11th April at 11.30am - Via Matris at the Shrine Wednesday 22nd April at 6.30pm - Torchlight Procession Maria Louisa Aguilera Mary Ward Mission Gibraltar Co-Ordinator
9
Louise Latin IBVM with children in Equador. tentions of all whose lives have been touched by Loreto; Loreto Convent School, maintaining the traditions, enthusiastically drawing inspiration from Mary Ward’s ideals of sincerity, justice, verity, and joy; Numerous generous supporters of Loreto Missions in Ecuador, Peru and South Sudan; Mary Ward Mission, with its special focus on the Mission in Asilah.
Anne Mesilio
The Golden Toad...
Did it all begin that first Christmas night with the ox, cow and donkey sharing the stable, and later when the shepherds came to visit with their sheep and lambs? Perhaps it was as early as the fifth day of Creation when God said: “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the firmament of heav-
en”. Genesis 20, and then 24; “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds; cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kind”. What is our relationship with nature and the animals that were here before us? Is our attitude driven by ignorance or just lack of respect or just plain couldn’t care less as our natural ecosystems shrink and our wildlife comes under threat? Big questions as the balance of nature shifts due in part to illegal trade, hunting and poaching. It is easy to think of the rainforests and Great Plains, the wilds of the Arctic and the like, as undisturbed habitats, but sadly that is not true anymore as man’s rapacious greed, and yes, to an extent climate change is fragmenting the animals’ natural habitat. Wildlife is much closer to home, on our doorstep, even in our backyards. On a recent
...and other stories
visit to the UK I found real delight in my eighteen months old granddaughter’s joy in watching some grey squirrels about their business on the trees outside her window. These were introduced to the UK in the late 19th/ early 20th centuries and have become widespread in England and Wales. They can be found in trees, parks and gardens and live on acorns, fruit and nuts and whilst they are delightful to watch, they are busy from sunrise to sunset, they are actually regarded as pests. Be that as it may, Azalea loved watching them and was learning about their love for nuts. Blackbirds were in evidence too as she watched and listened to them singing. I watched and listened too and began a voyage of (re)discovery.
10
Wild animals can live with us; I remembered from my country childhood the foxes, badgers, hedgehogs etc as well as the profuse bird life which lived alongside us humans. They did not use any extra space and foraged for their own food. The golden rule was to leave them be and respect their right to be here, they were here first. Education is the key to unlocking this understanding, and teaching this tolerance and respect needs to start with the young and I’m pleased to note that it has. Bookshelves teem with a variety of animal based stories; switch on the TV, especially the Disney Channel and it abounds in animal related stories, all aimed at the very young. There is nothing new about Mickey Mouse, the exuberant Tigger and friend
Pooh etc, and children accept these characters singing, talking and dancing. Tigger is bouncy and fun loving, “Tiggers are wonderful things.” This is imaginative activity at its best, maybe even a rose tinted view of the relationship between humans and animals; but it steps outside the boundaries of paradox because it contains the small grain of truth that animals and humans need each other. Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 “Wind in the Willows” story of anthropomorphised (attributing human form to a god/animal) animal characters, Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad, set in a pastoral version of England is a mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie which endures. Poetry and language can bridge the gaps of confusion we often experience in our relationship with the animal world, and I would suspect our fears about it too. Learning is the key and now that Easter is here to close the door on Lent’s austerities, let the Easter Bunny sally forth. This enchanting fellow has origins in preChristian fertility lore when the hare and the rabbit were the most fertile creatures known to man. He is the symbol of new life at this Spring season and once children believed (and I hope a few still do) that if they were good the Easter bunny would lay a nest of coloured eggs. Over the past fifty years the BBC has produced edge of seat drama with its ground breaking dramatic wildlife programmes introduced by Sir David Attenborough. His easily recognisable and distinct voice has lent a true sense of dignity to the animals and helped them take their
rightful place in our environment. During the recent series, “Natures Great Events” one episode dealt with grizzly bears catching salmon and watching it with Azalea, who was captivated, fully brought home to me the crucial world of learning from the animals. I’ll tell you why. Ever heard of ‘Bear in the big Blue House’? It is a Disney channel programme for pre schoolers where Bear, with his puppet friends, learn simple life lessons during the course of one day. Bear is a talking 6ft light brown bear and while you would think his size might terrify, he is actually a child friendly gentle fellow who interweaves learning with playtime. So, when Azalea saw the grizzlies she jumped up and down in excitement calling, “Bear, Bear.” When the bald headed eagle swooped in slow majestic motion, talons extended and grabbed a quivering salmon, her excitement knew no bounds. Next day, re telling her Dad, her little hands were held in claw like imitation as she explained how “bird got fish.” That was a magic moment for me of in-
teraction between the real world and one of make belief. The title of this piece, The Golden Toad, is not, to my knowledge, a children’s story, though it might become one because the toad referred to here is extinct. The last golden toad is believed to have been seen in Costa Rica in 1989, not so long ago really, and is thought to have been a victim of climate change. We must learn to live in harmony, respect and tolerance with our wildlife. There is music in birdsong, water ballet with the dolphins and countless expertly crafted programmes of stunning visual delight which bring into
11
our homes the silent valleys, vast plains, mountains and the deep blue oceans, and yes, back gardens where our wildlife live. We cannot afford to lose them, not through ignorance, neglect or greed. Biodiversity is essential to the existence of humankind and on the sixth day when God created man he said; “Let us make man in our image and likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” (Genesis 26). What a trust he (mis)placed in us?
Remembering a Friend
In memory of Faith and Light wishes to thank you Angelique for your love, patience and support you gave to us all. Niños de Fé It was with great anger, shock and sadness that we heard of the sudden and untimely death of our dear friend Angelique Acolina some weeks back. Angelique was synonymous with the Faith and Light Movement. She belonged to Faith and Light since it started over twenty years ago, belonging to various communities on the way and lately to the Ray of Hope Community where she formed part of the Co-ordinating Team. She loved
so much Faith and Light that in the end her husband Darrell and daughters Aimee and Katelyn also attended the meetings and celebrations. What did Angelique mean to us all? She meant a lot, she meant everything. Whenever she came into the place we were holding a celebration or meeting, she used to bring laughter and happiness to all, especially the Special Friends and their parents. Faith and Light could count on her for
anything that was required. Her love for music and drama meant she always was at the helm of every celebration; she always wanted to organize and participate in whatever was being organized. She was a real perfectionist. We used to tell her ‘this is not the Drama Festival, this is Faith and Light’ in the end she used to laugh and did what she wanted. She used to bring out the best of the Special Friends and make them feel important and useful. She once wrote a dedication to Joanna and me thanking us for our love and dedication to our community whilst being leaders of Ray of Hope Community. We would now like to reciprocate with her own same words: Faith and Light wishes to thank you Angelique for your love, patience and support you gave to us all. Sometimes little things seem to be left unremembered, and although we are sometimes selfish and do not realize how much each of us can give, we do know how hard you worked to keep the community together and how you helped us go through the good and the bad things in life together. We all make this community but you are the special person who keeps it together and feed it a Roy of Hope of Faith and Light. May God keep you always in his arms and may you shie over us all from Heaven, Rest in Peace dear Angelique, All our Love, Faith and Light Gibraltar Joanna & Douglas Ressa National Co-ordinators
12
Ninos de Fe, Ninos de Luz Siempre seran ninos Llenos de Amor Dando Alegria Y humilde como Dios. Que tienen Ellos Que no tengo Yo? Esperanza, Llenos de Amor Traido a este mundo Para brillar la Luz A los Perdidos. Estan aqui para Guiar A los demas al buen Camino Y para ensenar la palabra De Dios que es:Tener Fe, una Luz immense Paz y Amor. Angie I GIVE YOU MY SONG
I give you my song
I give you my song To sing to you
O Lord,
My God. My voice is not sweet I know, But with my song I sing hello; My voice is not made for evil to hear, But to be a sweet sound in your ear. I give you my gift My Lord:Not his song Not her song But my song; I give you my song. ANGELIQUE GALLIANO
Two obituaries from the Faith and Light community
This article is dedicated to Angelique Acolina neé Galliano
The difference between friends and parents in ‘Faith and Light’ is that friends choose to come and be with the person most weak. They also provide parents with genuine support in their sufferings. Angelique was one of those friends in ‘Faith and Light’ who spent many years of her short life serving her second family,
the family of ‘Faith and Light,’ as she mentioned on some occasions. She loved life and radiated warmth and joy to others. Her gifts and talents which she was blessed with, were put into good use, for the good of the community. Her participation in the monthly newsletter uplifted peoples spirits when they read her poems,
Getting to Know by Angelique My name is Angelique but I am better known as Angie. I belong to the Youth 4 Jesus Community (Y4JC) in which I am very committed. It must have been my commitment of following Jesus in this community which led me to this other community – Faith & Light. Three years ago I lost a cousin, Christian, who tragically died in a swimming pool in Spain. I used to love him very specially because of his handicap. During his short life of ten years, he had come to know Christ and knew He was always beside Christian. This faith he had, led me to loving and caring for kids and people like Christian. During my third year in Westside, I did my Work Experience at St. Martins School and whenever help was needed, the headmistress, Pricilla Sacramento would phone or ask me if I wanted to help. Just recently, I attended the school on a voluntary basis and also helped in the Special Olympics – Gibraltar.
Even though I was quite involved and knew God had called me to serve Him by working with these special children, I did not know there was a small light illuminating in the darkness. This LIGHT was so small that I did not know it even existed. But with much FAITH of this community, the LIGHT shone brighter and the FAITH grew stronger. This FAITH and this LIGHT was so immense that mine eyes saw it. The day I realised this community existed was on an outing to Camp Emmanuel on the 5th May 1990. Mr & Mrs Fynlayson, who knew I loved sharing myself with these children, told me about the outing and not knowing where it would lead me, I agreed and went with them. So that is why I am here today, having a great time with my friends and sharing the Good News with everyone that Jesus Christ lives and that He is Lord. May God bless you all! LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES, ANGIE X
which spoke about love, hope, joy and friendship. She enjoyed organising mimes at the monthly Celebrations, or indeed, other activities outside Gibraltar. As a member of the co-ordinating team, she offered ideas especially in music, dance and drama. Her heart was indeed rooted in ‘Faith and Light’, with its trials and difficulties. Nevertheless, her love and compassion for the weakest person in the community helped her to grow spiritually and as a person. In the course of time Angelique married her boyfriend, Darren, and the family was complete with the birth of their two beautiful daughters. This young family always went together to the Celebrations and to Mass; and in time, God willing, Darren will continue to do so, because this is what Angelique would desire. To end this article, we have to thank Angelique for being who she was, a lovely person. She will always be in our hearts and
13
A Photo for the Newsletter February 1991
Angelique Acolina
never forgotten. All ‘Faith and Light’ members love you and miss you. Pray for us, Vicky Zayas on behalf of your friends in ‘Faith and Light’ We have included on these pages some of Angelique’s own words, sent in to the Faith and Light newsletter in its day.
Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes at Sacred Heart Church.
Sacred Heart Novena
Yet another successful event in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes, continuing a long tradition.
From 3rd – 11th February, the Sacred Heart Church once again this year held a very well attended and successful Novena in Honour of Our Lady of Lourdes with Fr. Teofilo Rodriguez being this year’s preacher and Fr Jonathan de la Santa Cruz being in attendance. The Novena ended with the outdoor torch light procession to the Moorish Castle Estate’s Grotto and back to the Church where His Lordship the Bishop imparted Solemn Benediction. Large congregation still gather together for this demonstration of devotion. The Sacred Heart
Church never sees such crowds during the rest of the year. Other parishes have for some years organised their own services in honour of this popular feast, but still people from all over Gibraltar come to the traditional novena and procession held at Sacred Heart Parish. In 1889 Bishop Canilla opened public worship at the Church to Our Lady of Lourdes. The Bishop accompanied his brother, who had a cerebral illness to Lourdes. This illness would have left him at the best paralysed and after bathing in the famous baths there he never felt his illness anymore.
In recognition of this fact the bishop donated statues of Our Lady to the Catholic Church in Gibraltar. In 1904, Spanish Missionary priests started administering the Sacred Heart Church and in 1908 on the 50th anniversary of the apparitions at Lourdes, a triduum was held from 23rd – 25th March. The chapel dedicated to Our Lady was constructed with the donation given by Arturo Carrara and works were completed on the 11th January 1913, and to inaugurate it a triduum was celebrated from the 9th – 11th February 1913
to coincide with the Feast of Our Lady. The following year, 1914, saw in this Church the first Novena in honour of Our Lady. The faithful packed the church for the novena and on the final day, so many people attended that some found it impossible to get into the church. This Novena continued to take place every year, and since 1915 a procession within the church used to take place on the last day. Numerous crowds continued to attend each year but the war caused this novena to stop due to the evacuation of the civilian population and the Spanish missionary leaving. In 1948 Fr Carter took over the running of the Church and in 1949 he reintroduced the novena with one difference – the procession started to be organised outside the church, with alternate routes being taken each year; there was a period when the procession stopped at the hospital and a blessing was imparted to the patients there. The procession
Sheriff Electrical Contractors Ltd.
Electrical Contractors Office 40/42 Cornwall’s Lane,
Tel: (350) 200 79353, Fax: (350) 200 74515 E-mail: sheriffgib@gibtelecom.net Fire Services Division 3 Cornwall’s Parade, Tel: (350) 200 40583, Fax: (350) 200 74515 E-mail: sherelec@gibtelecom.net
General Building Contractors
A. A. Sheriff (Wholesale) Ltd.
95B Harbour Walk, The New Harbours, Gibraltar
Retail 51 Engineer Lane, Tel: (350) 200 78065, Fax: (350) 200 74515 Wholesale Unit 12A, Watergardens, Tel: (350) 200 73083, Fax: (350) 200 40585 Planet Mobile Unit 12A, Watergardens, Tel: (350) 200 50063, Fax: (350) 200 40585 Offices 40/42 Cornwall’s Lane, Tel: (350) 200 40583, Fax: (350) 200 74515
Tel: (+350) 20043621 Fax: (+350) 20041272 Email: management@profield.gi
E-mail: sheriffgib@gibtelecom.net Warehouse Unit 14, The New Harbours, Tel: (350) 200 41836, Fax: (350) 200 46344 E-mail: wisco@gibtelecom.net
14
A Poem for Meditation
this THE CALL The time I took my life into my prayer Was when I said to you, simply, you bore me For then it happened, you were everywhere And my life suddenly no longer stormy. The self within and what I call my life Became identical and I was new The preferential option for the strife Dissolved as you gave me yourself as you. This is the bliss that waits upon us all Who have to learn a self no longer two, The dualism that prevents the call From coming through to the deep self from you To tell us as no one on earth is able That we are loved, and not otherwise stable. Sacred Heart’s packed nave during the Novena of 2004 has for the past years been going from the Church to Moorish Castle Estate Grotto where the prayers to Our Lady are said and blessing given by the Bishop or Mgr Paul Bear . During this year’s novena, the sixth day was dedicated to thanksgiving, not only for the graces received by the hands of Our Lady of Lourdes, but also to thank God for all the people who, throughout the years, have participated and contributed to
Dom Sebastian Moore
this outgoing festivity. Once more we want to thank everyone for their help in making this novena possible. For almost one hundred years this popular devotion has held its attraction in Gibraltar, and judging from the way people still respond to this Novena, it seems that this event will continue to be the biggest celebration in the Sacred Heart Church for many years to come.
15
16