We Can Stem the Pangs of Hunger IF... I Church, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund Lead 100 Charities in Major Anti-Hunger Campaign by Ian Dunn

The WEEKEND FOR LIFE organised Organisers of SCO TLAND’S RIO ask young by the Knights of St Columba people to sign up now for Scotland’s main in Glasgow sends a strong pro-life Year of Faith event for youths to coincide message. 2Page with World Youth Day in Brazil. Page 3

No 5502 YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLICwww.sconews.co.uk NEWSPAPER SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH Friday January 25 2013 | £1 We can stem the pangs of hunger IF... I Church, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund lead 100 charities in major anti-hunger campaign By Ian Dunn

ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow has led Scottish Christian leaders in backing a mammoth new charity campaign to end world hunger. The Enough Food For Everyone IF campaign highlights that hunger and malnutrition in childhood will trap almost a billion young people in poverty by 2025 if nothing is done. More than 100 UK charities and faith groups are backing the initiative, including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), and the Catholic bishops of Scot- land. For the official campaign launch on Wednes- day, Archbishop Tartaglia showed his support in an open letter that decried the horror of famine. “Hunger is the greatest scandal of our age,” the letter, which was also signed by other Scottish Christian leaders, said. “It kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis put together. One in eight people on our planet—that’s nearly 1 billion people—go hungry every day, and 250 children die every hour due to malnutrition. Yet we produce enough food to feed everyone.” Moral obligation The Scottish Church leaders say they are backing the campaign, the biggest of its kind since the Make Poverty History campaign in 2005, because ‘we believe we have a moral obligation to help the poor in our global community and play our part in relieving the injustice of hunger.’ The letter stresses the key aim of the campaign, which is to put pressure on Prime Minister David thousands around the country who are committed The campaign wants to see the Prime Minister People working with SCIAF, an agency of the Bishops’ Cameron to ‘put hunger at the heart of the G8 to making 2013 the year where we see the begin- and other world leaders commit to stopping ‘poor Conference of Scotland, in Burundi with the Enough Food For Everyone IF campaign logo when it comes to the UK this year.’ ning of the end of world hunger. farmers being forced off their land,’ forcing ‘gov- “This gives us an unprecedented opportunity to The campaign has also attracted many high-pro- ernments to keep their promises on aid’ and ‘stop- tackle hunger and make a real and lasting positive file individual supporters, including Anglican ping big companies dodging tax in poor countries.’ change to the lives of the poorest people in the Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The campaign’s first report, which was released everyone has enough food to live,” she said. world,” the letter said. “There will only ever be “Hunger is not an incurable disease or an at the launch, warns of the human and economic “Progress has been made, especially as a result of enough food for everyone if we all take action to unavoidable tragedy,” he said. “We can make sure cost of hunger in a world where there is enough other major campaigns that SCIAF and our sup- encourage our leaders to make the right decisions no child goes to bed hungry. We can stop mothers food to feed everyone. That report estimates that porters took part in, such as Jubilee 2000 and Make on key issues like stopping land grabbing, crack- from starving themselves to feed their families. We malnutrition will be costing developing countries Poverty History. But with one in eight people still ing down on tax dodging and keeping their prom- can save lives. We can do all of this, IF we are pre- an annual £78 billion in lost economic output by going to bed hungry around the world, we must ises on aid and climate finance.” pared to do something about it. IF we challenge 2030 and aims to build on global success in reduc- redouble our efforts. If we all work together, and Archbishop Tartaglia; the Right Reverend Albert our leaders to take action. IF they listen to us...” ing world poverty in recent years. demand progress from our political leaders on the Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly of the issues of land, tax, and aid, we can make 2013 the Church of Scotland; the Most Reverend David UK launches SCIAF beginning of the end of this global hunger crisis.” Chillingworth, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal The campaign was formally launched across the SCIAF is a key partner in the campaign and its direc- Ms Chalé also said she knew that ‘the Catholic Church; and Reverend John Humphreys, modera- UK on Wednesday at high-profile events in Glas- tor, Patricia Chalé, said that ‘tackling the root causes community will respond as it always has done to tor, Scottish Synod of United Reformed Church, gow, Cardiff and Belfast with a showpiece finale of poverty and hunger have always been part of the calls for action on the major issues of our times, say they hope all Scots ‘of all faiths and none, will in London at Somerset House, which was attended Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund’s mission and I look forward to working with people of all join us.’ by more than 1000 campaign supporters. to build a more just world, so I am delighted to be faiths and none in building a world where no one “The time to act is now,” they write. “In Scot- Attendees called on Prime Minister David Cameron part of this exciting new campaign.’ need ever go hungry again.’ land we have an opportunity to play our part, and to make a number of key commitments ahead of the “One of the greatest injustices in the world today join with 100 organisations, faith groups and many UK’s hosting of the G8 Summit later this year. is that there is enough food for everyone, but not I Visit http://www.enoughfoodif.org

ST MARGARET’S JOE McGRATH’S hospice wins the new series on the highest praise path our Catholic for its work with Faith takes us on patients through life begins YEAR OF FAITH JOURNEY OF FAITH OF JOURNEY Page 5 HOSPICE PRAISED Page 12 visit www.sconews.co.uk

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 PICTURE NEWS THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013

New care home opens in Aberdeen

A BRAND-new care home modern standards and expecta- in Aberdeen opened its doors tions, and within increasingly on Thursday January 10 to demanding legislation. more than 50 residents. After much discussion and The residents from Nazareth negotiation a deal was struck Care Home, founded in the whereby a major building com- mid-19th century as Nazareth pany has provided this purpose- House in the city’s Claremont built, superbly equipped new Street, have been transferred to care home on a green-field site, the state-of-the-art Northcote in exchange for ownership of the Lodge Care Home at 191 previous premises and grounds Craigton Road on the western with planning permission for outskirts of Aberdeen. development as apartments. Six years ago, the Sisters of New trustees were identified to Knights answer call to action with Weekend for Life Nazareth decided they had to join the trust and on January 10 move from Aberdeen. The they had the reward of years of trustees, under whom the sisters intensive work and the joy of wel- By Tom Knight ran the home, then had to coming their existing residents become much more active and into their splendid new home. GOD has given us our instructions and ‘hands-on,’ and a succession of This was a red-letter day also we should follow them, those gathered lay managers were employed. for the almost 100 full-time and in Glasgow for the Weekend for Life Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran part-time carers and other staff were told. (above) of Aberdeen is a trustee who transferred with those The Knights of St Columba held a Week- of the facility. whom they look after. Some of end for Life in St Alphonsus Church, Lon- The 19th century building is the staff have been with the don Road, Glasgow, on January 18-19. This certainly impressive, but it has home since the first tentative event was organised in response to MSP proved less and less suitable for plans were formed which have Margo MacDonald’s attempt to once again the care of elderly residents to now come fully to fruition. bring a bill before the Scottish Parliament legalising euthanasia and the announcement that Lord Falconer intended to bring a simi- FIND AND LIKE THE lar proposal before the House of Lords. The weekend began on Friday evening SCOTTISH CATHOLIC with a Mass in St Alphonsus, attended by Knights of St Columba from many parts of OBSERVER PAGE ON FACEBOOK Scotland and a number of interested members of the public. At the opening Mass, principal celebrant Fr Ian Bathgate said that God has given us our instructions and that we should follow them. (Top) Knights of St Columba from across The following day, members of the order We know what must be done and through that Scotland with Luke Bronshof, 7, a pupil from St maintained a constant vigil. They were pres- knowledge we have gained strength, he said, Stephen’s Primary School, Dalmuir, who attended ent in considerable numbers for the Day of LEISURE TIME TRAVEL the opening Mass at St Alphonsus for the Weekend adding that Catholics must get closer to God. for Life with his grandfather,Alan Beaton a member Adoration and Reflection, which continued LOURDES By Coach from Glasgow That was one of the aims of the weekend, of Council No 8, Clydebank. (Above) Readings at from 10am to 4pm, during which time they 14 April - 7 days - £450 a call to act. the Mass were given by Charlie McCluskey, were joined by many worshippers. Speaking of euthanasia, Fr Bathgate said director of membership and development, KSC Charlie McCluskey, a director of the 21 Sept - 8 days - £519 that we must keep God at the centre of our PICS: PAUL McSHERRY Knights of St Columba, said: “I would like lives and make an effort to proclaim His to thank Fr Ian Bathgate SX and Deacon LOURDES By Air presence. We must never forget the deeds of John Fletcher for hosting such a powerful Edinburgh - Toulouse the Lord. We must learn from experience and Referring to the Knights of St Columba and prayerful weekend in support of Life. 14 July - 4 days - £475 make the most of our time on earth. motto of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, Fr “It was wonderful to join with fellow God is with us, he said, and we must never Bathgate said that unity is what is required knights and members of parishes from all ROME By AIR forget that He is with us. He asked the congre- now, as unity gives us the power to change over Scotland who popped in to St Alphon- Glasgow - Rome gation to remember the Latin phrase—Carpe things. He said that other Christians, Mus- sus during the day of Reflection and Wit- Diem—seize the day—and not wait for tomor- lims and religions are with us on this and ness. If we truly pray, those prayers will be 27 June - 6 days - £699 row, adding what matters is to be involved. together we can overcome. answered.” Half Board 3 Star Hotel In Rome for presentation of Pallium to Archbishop Tartaglia Opening Hearts and FATIMA and POLAND from Scotland by Air Minds to God ENTER Go to Leisure Time Travel Pilgrimages on CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK facebook for our pilgrims comments. February 3-9 2013 LEISURE TIME TRAVEL 0151 287 8000 Donʼt miss the special section in www.lourdes-pilgrim.com 5097 next weekʼs SCO on February 1

INSIDE YOUR SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK

NEWS pages 1-9 VATICAN NEWS page 9 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 FAITH IN ACTION page 4 OPINION pages 10-11 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 20 LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,5,7 FEATURES pages 12-13, 21 LAY READERS GUIDE page 22 SCHOOLS NEWS page 6 LETTERS page 14 CELEBRATING LIFE pages 22-23 NATIONAL NEWS page 8 CHILDREN’S LITURGY page 16 GAELIC COLUMN page 24 Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH NEWS 3

Cold shoulder Are you going to Scotland’s Rio for WYD? for asylum seekers today Young Catholics are asked to book their place at the Year of Faith WYD event now to avoid disappointment ARCHBISHOP Philip By Martin Dunlop Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Cardinal Keith O’Brien and Fr Stephen McGrattan joined Tartagilia has highlighted young Catholics last August at the launch in that Scottish society must YOUNG Catholics from across the Paisley of Scotland’s Rio, the CYSS event to do more to help unsuccess- country are being encouraged to coincide with World Youth Day in July ful asylum seekers in this sign up now for what will be the PIC: PAUL McSHERRY country who, he says, are Church in Scotland’s biggest youth being forced ‘to return to a event during the Year of Faith. dangerous situation of per- This summer, hundreds of young secution or survive on the people from parishes and schools across Sponsors freezing and inhospitable the country will gather together to cele- Ms Riddoch and the CYSS team are streets of Scotland.’ brate Scotland’s Rio, a national youth also keen to encourage sponsors to help The archbishop has been event, organised by the Catholic Youth them with funding for Scotland’s Rio. campaigning for fair treatment Service Scotland (CYSS), to run in con- There are a number of ways in which for asylum seekers since being junction with the international World individuals, organisations, charities and installed in Glasgow. “I think Youth Day 2013 celebration in the groups can do so, from sponsoring indi- most decent-minded people Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro. vidual items—such as candles or work- would find it hard to believe, let From July 25-28, Stirling University shop rooms—to paying for a young alone support, a policy which premises will be transformed in to a working on fundraising, Liturgy, music, Event person’s participation in Scotland’s Rio. decrees that when a man or mini Rio de Janeiro and a venue fit to speakers, workshop leaders and social Scotland’s Rio will aim to work within woman seeking sanctuary host a large-scale celebration of the events,” Ms Riddoch said. the structure of an international World I For information on attending Scotland’s reaches the end of the process, Catholic Faith. “It is an exciting time for everyone Youth Day gathering, and will, there- Rio or for further information on how you, or and their bid for asylum is and the Year of Faith gives us an fore, host Reconciliation, catechesis, your group, may be able to help in fundraising unsuccessful, they should lose February deadline additional emphasis on bringing young prayer vigils, morning-prayer sessions the event, the following diocesan youth all support in terms of housing Christine Riddoch, chairwoman of the people together to share their faith and and various talks from speakers who officers/offices can be contacted: and sustenance,” he said. “I do CYSS, believes that Scotland’s Rio, to experience their own gifts and will be invited to attend and address the not claim to be an expert on which is open to young people from the talents.” young people. Paisley: Christine Riddoch, 0141 8476133. immigration policy but I speak age of 14-25, will give people who are Young people have until the end of There will be a Brazilian flavour to Aberdeen Diocesan Office: 01224 319154. as a Christian leader, represent- unable to travel to World Youth Day February to book their places for Scot- the gathering and attendees will be able Argyll and the Isles: Denise Roberts, 01838 ing a Church which has a noble 2013 in Rio an opportunity to enjoy land’s Rio and are asked to contact their to enjoy themed celebration nights. 200216. tradition of care for the most the next best thing and experience diocesan youth officer as soon as possi- It is also hoped that the celebrations Dunkeld: Caroline Laidlaw, 01382 225453. vulnerable.” the flavour of what takes place at ble to do so. in Stirling will be able to link up with, Galloway: Fr Stephen McGrattan, 01290 The archbishop said he an international World Youth Day “This is an exciting opportunity to and hear from, Scottish pilgrims travel- 421031. believes that Glasgow has to gathering. meet other young people from across ing to Rio, including those participating Glasgow: Rachel Romain, 0141 433 9521. open its arms to all those who “Catholic Youth Service Scotland is the country, celebrate our Faith and in the Aberdeen diocesan pilgrimage, Motherwell: Elizabeth Duffy, 01698 269114. flee here in fear. “Some are currently finalising the programme for have fun in a Catholic environment,” which is being led by Bishop St Andrews and Edinburgh: Anne McEvoy, unsuccessful asylum seekers, Scotland’s Rio and task groups are Ms Riddoch said. Hugh Gilbert. 0131 6238917. yes, but first and foremost they are human beings,” he said. MPs back anti-Catholic MancuniaMancunia act reforms JoinJoin UUss in tthehe YYearear ofof FFaithaith MPs this week backed planned reforms to the anti- LOURDESLOURDES Catholic Act of Settlement FlightsFlights everyeverryy SaturdaySaturday - MayMay toto that will allow heirs to the throne to marry Catholics and SSeptembereptember - DDirectlyirectly iintonto LLourdesourdes female heirs to have equal succession rights. ShortShort DDurationuration DeparturesDepartures The changes would retain 3 NNightsights - 114th4th AAug,ug, the ban on a Catholic becoming monarch, prompting a Church 4 NNightsights - 117th7th JJunun & 223rd3rd SSept,ept, spokesman in Scotland to sug- 5 NNightsights - 66thth MMayay gest they did not go far enough. MPs gave the Succession to ROMEROME 4& 5 NNightsights FFromrom ManchesterManchester the Crown Bill an unopposed " second reading on Tuesday. The HOLYHOLY LLANDAND legislation was rushed through 7 NightsNights fromfrom ManchesterManchester " ! the Commons this week with FATIMAFATIMA ! just two days set aside for 4,4, 5 & 7 NightsNights ffromrom LLiverpooliverpool debate. Deputy Prime Minister WeWe wwelcomeelcome iindividual,ndividual, andand groupgroup enquiriesenquiries Nick Clegg insisted it was time to update the ‘arcane laws.’ 01610161 790790 68386838 “The current law says that [email protected]@mancunia.com our monarch can’t be married wwww.mancunia.comww.mancunia.com to a Catholic,” he said. “This legal ban doesn’t apply to any % $$##! $""& other faith—not Muslims, Jews, Hindus, nor to atheists. Thomas Marin James Scott Just Roman Catholics. The rea- Independent Funeral Directors Funeral Directors $40001(11 sons for this go back 300 years, “Stay local... keep it in the Your local Independent Funeral Director ##0$11 to the days when Britain was family... offer a prompt Over eighty years of -12"-#$ worried about the threat from giving undivided attention, and personal service 24 ### # its Catholic neighbours, such as 24 hour care and a level of service Louis XIV of France. Times hours a day... make it second to none. The only independent, $,"*-1$ "'$/3$2-(#2-2'$'30"'(,$$# .*$ 1$#$!(2+7 have changed, along with our affordable.” family-owned business in the area. attitudes towards each other. It Thomas Marin 1926 12$0 0#+$6 $120- is time for us to bring these Let our family look after your family 6.(07 2$ *(#0-+ 2$ 113$- $120- arcane laws up to date.” Three generations later, his words are just as important to our family business today. 314 Portobello High Street, Peter Kearney, director of Edinburgh EH15 2DA (&, 230$120(."-#$ * 12!*-")-%#(&(21 (&, 230$ 62-64 St Mary Street, Tel: 0131 556 7192 or Tel: 0131 669 6333 #-,-25(1'2-0$"$(4$(,%-0+ 2(-, !-32(#2-2'$'30"'(,$$# the Scottish Catholic Media Edinburgh EH1 1SX 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) or 0131 669 1285 (24hrs) Office, said the reforms only %%(" $ *8($* 3(* #(,& "-22 20 postponed dealing with the true 7 Bridge Street, Musselburgh EH21 6AA $$2 -2'$05$** issues as they ‘stop short of Tel: 0131 665 6925 removing the biggest inequality that is the bar on a Catholic ever being head of state.’ www.thomasmarin.co.uk www.thomasmarin.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 FAITH IN ACTION THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013

A fortnightly news round up from our Catholic faith in action university chaplaincies Society of St Vincent de Paul members are here to help

FOR many of us, our only real contact with Frederic or World Youth Day and the Vincentian the Society of St Vincent de Paul has been World Youth Gathering. We value the develop- through their collection boxes after Sunday ment of all SSVP members. Mass, so to find out more, we asked CLARE CARR, SSVP National Youth Development How has your own faith been affected Officer, to answer a few questions. by your involvement with SSVP? I have been working for the SSVP as national What is the Society of St youth development officer since August 2009, but Vincent de Paul? my involvement did not begin there. Generations It is an organisation which provides assistance to of my family have been involved with the SSVP, the needy, vulnerable and marginalised in more and as a child, I have many memories of my par- than 300 locations around Scotland. SSVP mem- ents going out visiting people, as well as attend- bers are people of all ages who want to make a dif- ing SSVP summer fayres at Langbank and in our ference to the lives of others. As Catholics, they own parish of St Bernadette’s in Motherwell. are committed to their Faith and use this Faith as I would say that the SSVP has been possibly one a starting point for their work. They help people of the biggest influences in my life. After years of who are in need first and foremost by extending waiting to be properly involved with the SSVP— the hand of friendship, and then by helping people my sisters were also members—when I was 15 I in any way that they can. This could be by visiting was asked to help at the Ozanam Club in Carfin; them in their homes, in hospitals, hospices, nurs- a group for children and young people with dis- ing homes or prisons and if required, providing abilities and special needs. I was involved for assistance materially—money, food, clothing, fur- eight years and learned a tremendous amount niture and so on. Members also provide social about myself and about the lives of others during opportunities for people who may be socially iso- this time. As the conference president, I was ulti- lated, perhaps due to disability or infirmity. SSVP mately responsible for the welfare of the children groups—conferences—also provide caravan hol- called to action and are making a direct differ- An SSVP member in the US passes out bread as and young people, as well as the volunteers. This idays for families, or generally anyone who is in ence to people’s lives. They are desperately keen volunteers from the society distribute school supplies was a tremendous responsibility but also a great and food to families outside St Gall School in Chicago. need of a break. The SSVP helps people in need to help some of the poorest and most vulnerable The annual Back to School Book Bag Day assists privilege as I learned so much from the children, regardless of their religion, race or lifestyle. people in society, the people who attend soup more than 2000 families with necessities to start off their families and the other volunteers. I also rep- kitchens and night shelters. the school year resented SSVP Scotland at an international level How important is faith to the work where I was to meet young people from countries of the SSVP? How does SSVP youth help the faith that I did not know existed. Faith is the starting point of all SSVP work. Fred- of those involved? willed to become poor, give us eyes and a heart After living abroad for a few years and doing eric Ozanam, founder of the SSVP, said: “Chris- Being a member of the SSVP does not only mean directed towards the poor; help us to recognise various jobs, I moved home and my current role tianity is not about ideas but about deeds inspired going out and helping those in need, our spiritu- you in them, in their hunger, their loneliness and as youth officer came to be. The involvement that by love,” so being involved in the SSVP and car- ality and its development is an integral part of their misfortune. Enkindle within our Vincentian myself and my family have had with the SSVP rying out our work is an integral part of being a being a member. family, unity, simplicity, humility and the fire of has been a massive influence in my life, for Christian for SSVP members. On a day-to-day basis, each and every SSVP love that burned in St Vincent de Paul.” which I am eternally grateful. meeting—not only in Scotland but in 145 coun- On-going formation is an integral part of being What is it that attracts young people tries where the SSVP exists—is started and ended involved with the SSVP. For young people, this I To get involved in the SSVP, contact your to the SSVP? with SSVP prayers. The prayers begin with the can involve coming along to the Voice of the local parish or university group, or visit Young people like the fact that they are being Vincentian Family Prayer: “Lord Jesus, you who Poor residential conference, or attending Camp www.ssvpscotland.com A choral celebration

ON JANUARY 13, a choral city, but also of Glasgow Uni- Mass was celebrated at versity and the chapel at Turn- Turnbull Hall, Glasgow bull Hall. The choir sang the St University Catholic Chap- Cecilia Mass by Kristina Vasili- laincy, for the Feast of St auskaite, and motets including Mungo. The parish had the O Sacrum Convivium by pleasure of welcoming the William Byrd. The Byrd piece University Chapel Choir was particularly apt as a line and its director James Gros- from St Thomas Aquinas’ O smith, as well as university Sacrum Convivium is inscribed organist Kevin Bowyer. on the chapel’s altar: Et futurae Although choral Masses gloriae nobis pignus datur— have previously been held in And a pledge of future glory the University Memorial was given to us. A translation Chapel, this was the first time of a medieval hymn to St SPOTLIGHT ON... the Glasgow University Chapel Mungo was also sung to Tallis’ Choir had visited the Catholic Canon and the chaplain, Fr chaplaincy. Students and John Keenan, sang the priest’s parishioners who attended the parts of the Mass. Mass remarked on its beauty I A choral Mass will be and prayerfulness, and ‘sub- After celebrating Mass in St Mungo’s Church, Glasgow, to mark the feast of Glasgow’s patron saint, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia joined representatives celebrated by Archbishop Philip lime’ seemed to be the most from Christian churches in Glasgow at Glasgow Cathedral for an ecumenical vespers service, where he delivered the homily. The service formed part Tartaglia in the Glasgow common reaction. of the Mungo Festival and saw Christians from across the city unite in honour of St Mungo. Mgr Gerry Fitzpatrick, director of the St Mungo Singers and It was fitting to have such a University Memorial Chapel on parish priest at St Leo’s in Dumbreck, organised much of the music for the festival. “The theme of this service was to pray for the city and its people beautiful Mass to celebrate the Sunday February 3 at 6pm, with with civic leaders and representatives of the Trades House and merchants groups from across Glasgow,” he said. feast day of the patron saint not music from the chapel choir. All PIC: PAUL McSHERRY only of the archdiocese and the are welcome.

How can we deal with a popular EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. culture promoting values so different 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. from our own? Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] for free monthly posted programme guide and visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. Visit http://www.facebook.com/scostronginfaith to reply Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH LOCAL NEWS 5

Schoolgirl blogger in the running to be named Scot of the Year

SCHOOLGIRL blogger As the SCO went to press, it Martha Payne, who has was reported that Martha, who raised more than £100,000 is from Lochgilphead, was for Mary’s Meals charity, is leading the public vote for the the frontrunner to be named 2012 Scot of the Year award. 2012 Scot of the Year. Martha’s achievements are Ten-year-old Martha made made even more remarkable by headlines across the world last the fact that she is frontrunner year as a result of her school to win the competition even meals blog NeverSeconds— after Scotland had a magnifi- which was taken down by Argyll cent year of sporting success and Bute Council before being in 2012. re-instated following a public Andy Murray became the outcry—and she is currently on only man to win the Olympic course to beat tennis star Andy singles gold medal and the US Murray to the crown of being Open title in the same year, named the greatest Scot of 2012. while cyclist Sir Chris Hoy Martha (below) encouraged became the UK’s most success- visitors to her blog site, which ful Olympian ever. pictured and rated her school In October of last year, meals, to make a donation to Martha attended the opening of Top marks for St Margaret’s Hospice Mary’s Meals, a charity that feeds a kitchen in Malawi, which was hungry school children around funded by money she raised for the world, and she has since Mary’s Meals. Clydebank facility run by Irish Sisters of Charity receives glowing report from watchdog managed to raise the incredible Willie Docherty, chief execu- sum of more than £100,000. tive of ScotsCare, said the char- By Bill Heaney cation of the report, chief inspector Susan (Above left) Sr Rita Dawson, chief executive of Martha’s extraordinary gen- ity ensures ‘Scots get the Brimelow, has said: “We found that people St Margaret of Scotland Hospice takes Queen erosity has been recognised by recognition for continually who used St Margaret of Scotland Hospice Elizabeth II on a tour of the facility in 2012. the charity ScotsCare, which punching above their weight.’ CLYDEBANK’S St Margaret of (Above) Sr Rita is flanked by hospice supporters Scotland Hospice, run by the Irish were very complimentary about the service Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Celtic FC manager will name its 2012 Scot of the Sisters of Charity, has received the and were encouraged to raise issues so that Year today, marking Burns Day I To vote for the 2012 Scot of Neil Lennon and Professor Leo Martin, chairman the Year, visit the website: best ever report by a health watchdog. staff could make improvements. of the hospice’s board of directors celebrations taking place across The Healthcare Environment Inspec- “Staff were motivated and spoke with the country. http://www.scotscare.com torate in Edinburgh recently awarded St pride and passion about their work, and the Margaret’s the maximum score of six out hospice was very pleasant, comfortable dian Johnny Beattie and other stars of the of six in every category examined. The and well maintained both inside and out. BBC’s Scottish soap opera, River City. facility’s quality of care, environment and “This inspection resulted in no require- Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow management were all rated as ‘excellent.’ ments or recommendations. We will concelebrated Mass in the hospice on Christ- The hospice, which is overseen by CEO tinue to inspect St Margaret of Scotland mas Day, a tradition begun some years ago Sr Rita Dawson, has faced closure in the Hospice to ensure that it maintains this by his predecessor, Archbishop Emeritus past, after NHS Greater Glasgow and high standard of care.” Mario Conti. Clyde considered withdrawing £1.2m from Petitioner Jean Anne Mitchell com- its budget—a proposal that was withdrawn No surprise mented that she is ‘absolutely thrilled to in 2009. The Queen and Prince Philip vis- Professor Leo Martin, chairman of the read that the hospice has had such an ited St Margaret’s during their Diamond hospice’s board of directors, said the excellent report although I am in no way Jubilee tour of the UK last summer. report was ‘not a surprise to anyone who surprised because of my own personal and The report comes as welcome news has been touched by St Margaret’s.’ family experience of the hospice.’ after the sad announcement of the death of “The findings reinforce the excellent “I am continuing with my petition as I hospice chaplain Mgr James McShane, management at the hospice and the care believe that a comparison of funding 88, on December 21, 2012. and dedication of all of our staff,” he said. shows that St Margaret of Scotland Hos- Representatives of St Margaret’s have pice receives substantially less funding High standards said that funding of the hospice is still than the sector average,” she said. “This The hospice has a total of 60 beds—30 for being considered by the Petitions Com- requires to be addressed. frail adults with complex needs and 30 mittee at the Scottish Parliament. “Despite the lack of funding, through the palliative care beds. St Margaret’s has a large number of dedication of the board, the staff, support- The inspection visit took place towards celebrity supporters, including the Celtic ers and volunteers, the hospice continues to the end of 2012, and now, following publi- FC manager Neil Lennon and actor/come- perform at the highest possible level.” Fundraising to restore St Mary’s to its former glory

By Martin Dunlop window—an image of Jesus’ Crucifixion, with Our Lady and THE community of St St John by His side (left)—was Mary’s Church in Arisaig is fitted in 1906, by Hardman of ALBA TOURS seeking help as it aims to Birmingham. MOTHERWELL meet a fundraising target for Fr Barrett informed the SCO LOURDES 2013 essential maintenance work that Lady Gwendolyn Crich- APRIL(HCPT WEEK) on the church building. ton-Stuart gifted the window to 01 APRIL- 7DAY LOURDES DIRECT It was recently discovered St Mary’s in memory of her FULL BOARD IN LOURDES AT 3* HOTEL JEANNE DʼARC that the external stonework husband, John Crichton-Stuart, MAY surrounding St Mary’s triple the third Marquess of Bute. 27 MAY - 7 DAY LOURDES,NEVERS AND PARIS stained-glass window, which Having seen the dangerous FULL BOARD IN LOURDES AT 3* HOTEL JEANNE DʼARC. sits above the church’s external stonework removed VISIT TO TOMB OF ST BERNADETTE IN ST GILDARDʼS CONVENT,NEVERS sanctuary, was in need of from their building, Fr Barrett AND CONVENT OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL,PARIS. urgent repair. and St Mary’s parishioners are JULY Fr Andrew Barrett, St Mary’s now awaiting the delivery of 10 JULY - 9 DAY LOURDES,ORLEANS AND PARIS parish priest, confirmed that stone that has been sourced FULL BOARD IN LOURDES AT 3* HOTEL PARADIS ‘dangerous stone work had now from Lancashire, England, VISIT ORLEANS CATHEDRALAND MIRACULOUS MEDAL CONVENT,PARIS been taken away,’ and that he which will then be cut and used 27 JULY - 7 DAY LOURDES AND PARIS and St Mary’s parishioners are to repair St Mary’s Church. FULL BOARD IN LOURDES AT 3* HOTEL BON PASTEUR ISIT ONVENT OF THE IRACULOUS EDAL T INCENT E AUL HAPEL planning ways they can raise Fr Barrett is hopeful that this V C M M &S V D P C the £21,000 total cost of repair- take place in spring and sum- itage funding bodies have been OCTOBER process will take place towards 12 -19 OCTOBER - 8 DAY PARIS (2 NIGHTS), LOURDES (4 NIGHTS), AND ing and replacing the 164-year- mer, when there are more visi- contacted for potential support, the end of next month. NEVERS (1 NIGHT). PANORAMIC PARIS TOUR/MASS IN SACRE COEUR/VISIT old church building’s external tors to the area and, it is hoped, while young people from the TO IRACULOUS EDAL ONVENT ASS AT T ILDARD ONVENT I If anybody is interested in M M C /M S G C , stonework. the weather will be better. parish are also in the process of EVERS AND SPIRITUALAND EXCURSION PROGRAMME IN OURDES OTEL ARADIS helping the St Mary’s commu- N L (H P ) “We have formed a steering However, parishioners— setting up a Facebook page to 12-20 OCTOBER - LOURDES VIA PORTSMOUTH -ST MALO.6NIGHTS nity reach its fundraising target group and are now discussing young and old alike—have co-ordinate fundraising events LOURDES.FULL SPIRITUAL AND EXCURSION PROGRAMME INCLUDED they can contact Fr Barrett by various ways we can raise the already set the fundraising and ideas. GROUP ORGANISERS - 2013 AND 2014 - TAILOR MADE money,” Fr Barrett said. wheels in motion and have a “Perhaps this has been the telephone at: 01687 450223 QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST FOR YOUR PILGRIMAGE The priest added that, with number of events, including a catalyst for a number of things or by email at: frbarrett@ Arisaig being ‘a small village ceilidh, penciled in to take we needed to start doing in the tiscali.co.uk E-MAIL: [email protected] Member of the Passenger 40 Chestnut Grove in the west Highlands,’ a lot of place in the weeks and months parish,” Fr Barrett said. Financial Protection CALL the fundraising initiatives will ahead. Various local and her- St Mary’s triple stained glass I [email protected] Scheme Motherwell HCC 01698 262941 ML1 3JF 6 SCHOOLS NEWS THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 Celebrating a decade of education at St Andrew’s Catholic primary school in Cumbernauld marks its tenth anniversary with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia By Martin Dunlop Archbishop Philip Tartaglia joins Mgr Pat Osborne of Sacred Heart parish in Cumbernauld, St Andrew’s Primary School headteacher Eileen Mulrooney, the A DECADE of Catholic education at St school choir and primary one pupils for a photograph Andrew’s Primary School in Cumbernauld after the Mass to mark the school’s tenth anniversary was marked with a celebration of Mass on PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Thursday January 10. The St Andrew’s community was delighted to welcome Archbishop Philip Tartaglia to celebrate with them, while Mgr Pat Osborne, from Sacred Heart Church, Cumbernauld, joined the arch- community present, who filled a transformed bishop in celebrating the anniversary Mass of school hall for the occasion. Thanksgiving. Mrs Mulrooney, who has been headteacher of St Andrew’s since the school opened, reflected on A decade of education a memorable day for staff, pupils and friends of St St Andrew’s first opened its doors to staff and Andrew’s and Cumbernauld Primary School. pupils on January 6, 2003, an event that was “I am delighted that so many people could come marked with a special Mass, which was celebrated to this Mass of Thanksgiving and that the arch- by Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti, Archbishop bishop could take time out of his very busy diary to Tartaglia’s predecessor asArchbishop of Glasgow. come and share in this special time with our school It was somewhat fitting, therefore that Eileen community,” she said. “The school has been mark- Mulrooney, St Andrew’s headteacher, and the ing its tenth birthday on the 10th of every month school community were able to welcome Glasgow’s over the year, but this is an extra important celebra- new archbishop to join them for their tenth birthday. tion because this is the week of our actual birthday. “I was delighted to be with the staff, parents and Weare incredibly grateful not only to the archbishop children from StAndrew’s for their special anniver- for joining us today but also to Mgr Osborne for sary celebrations,” Archbishop Tartaglia said fol- concelebrating the Mass with us and to Cumber- lowing the Mass. “It is one of the great joys of being nauld Primary School for their unwavering sup- a bishop to be able to mark these occasions with Shared celebrations teachers of which joined their neighbouring staff port of us and the joint campus as a whole.” communities. I was very impressed by the devotion St Andrew’s shares a campus with Cumbernauld and pupils for the anniversary. and commitment by all at St Andrew’s.” Primary School, the previous and current head- There were many other invited guests from the I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON...

St Thomas’ singers in tune with charitable giving Niamh Brown, an 8-year-old pupil of St Vincent’s Primary School in East Kilbride, was among the winners in TALENTED singers from St A large part of the fundraising Christmas shoppers at the local the SCO’s 2012 Christmas competition. Niamh answered the question: Who is Jesus? with a touching poem, Thomas’ Primary School, total had been earned when TESCO store to a selection of which impressed the SCO judging panel. Martin Dunlop, an SCO reporter, is pictured presenting Niamh with Neilston, have raised a fan- pupils from primary five to seven Christmas songs, all of which her prize at St Vincent’s assembly last week tastic sum of money for chil- sang carols for two hours at Glas- added to the school’s charity total. dren’s charity CLIC Sargent. gow’s Silverburn shopping centre The St Thomas’ community Before the Christmas holi- on Thursday November 29. was delighted to raise so much days, Richard Donald, CLIC St Thomas’ choir performed money for CLIC Sargent, a Do you have a schools story for us here at the Scottish Sargent’s area fundraising man- Christmas carols at Barrhead charity that supports children ager for the west of Scotland, Health Centre and East Renfrew- and young people with cancer, Catholic Observer? If so, call Martin Dunlop on 0141 visited St Thomas’ to collect a shire Council’s offices in Bar- with which St Thomas’ has a cheque for £1064.50 from the rhead, while primary four close affiliation. 241 6103 or e-mail: [email protected] school choir. children from the school treated PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Entrance St Aloysius’ College is a Catholic,c, independent school for pupils ageded 3-18 that balancesces an academic Assessments education withth an emphasis on service to others. As a January 2013 Jesuit school,, the College seeks to develop the whole person and thehe gifts and talentss of every child.

St Aloysius’Aloysius’ KG: w/c Mon 28th Jan The College is now welcoming applicationsapplicationscations fforor entry in AAugustugust 2013. Forms canan be downloaded ffromroom our websiwebsitete or obtained P1: w/c Mon 21st Jan CollegeCollege from the Admissionsssions ManagerManager,r,, Mrs MarMargaretgaret WWrightright (m(mwright@wright@ P2-P7: Sat 26th Jan 9.30am staloysius.org, 0141 331 9269), whoo would be happyhappy to ofofferfferer Building on S1-S3: Sat 26th Jan 9.30am any further assistance.istance. 45Hill St, GlasgowGlasgow G3 6RJ Strong www.staloysius.org/admissionswww.staloaloysius.org/admissions www.staloysius.org Tel: 0141 332 3190 Email:ail: [email protected]@staloysius.org FoundationsFoundations Company Ltd byy Guarantee NNo.o. SC4059511 RRegisteredegistered Charity NNo.o. SCO42545 Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH LOCAL NEWS 7 New name, renewed commitment Vow from the Scottish charity as MISSIO Scotland becomes Mission Matters Scotland

By Hugh Dougherty tap into, and as a Lanarkshire man myself, I only have to think of David Livingstone, IT WAS known to generations of to know that many people will chime with Catholics as MISSIO Scotland, the the whole concept of mission.” Church’s official mission charity in this Mission Matters Scotland reports inter- country, but now, in this Year of Faith, nationally to Rome, as a pontifical charity, the Scottish charity with a worldwide and, locally, to the Bishops’Conference of impact has had a make-over to give a Scotland. Church mural may remain hidden new impetus to its work. “We are delighted that Archbishop The newly renamed Mission Matters Philip Tartaglia, the conference president, AN EDINBURGH priest the time and members of his Scotland has a revamped website and logo. is giving us his full backing in our mission has cooled recent specula- own family, as well as St The Coatbridge-based national charity is to make the missions matter,” Fr Welsh tion that a hidden mural at Ignatius and the then Cardinal launching its new identity, and it plans to said. “We also have practical support from his parish will soon be Gordon Gray, all dressed in raise and keep a high profile, throughout the Scottish Catholic Education Service in uncovered. fashion of the 1950s. 2013 and well beyond. While there is a our quest to reach out to young Catholics Recent reports have suggested “It was surrounded by huge new image and approach to its work, Mis- in schools, colleges and universities.” that a mural at the Jesuit Sacred Stations of the Cross, so it had sion Matters Scotland’s message remains Heart Church in Lauriston, to be big and bold,” Mr Clarke the same as it always has—pray a little and Work in Scotland which has been covered follow- said. “Jesus is coming out of a give a little—to ensure that the Church’s “We will be working hard to play our part ing the Second Vatican Council, tomb. He is rising up and His missionary work in areas such as Africa in evangelisation, here, in Scotland, in this could soon be once again halo is in gold leaf… I had and India can continue effectively. important year for the Church,” Fr Welsh revealed to the public, but such to climb into the organ loft to said. “We will be encouraging people to rumours have been played down do that.” Continuity of care more able to do the work entrusted to us pray, and we will be launching new initia- by Fr Peter Scally SJ, parish After changes were brought “Scotland has a proud record of mission- by the Vatican itself.” tives throughout this New Year. By praying priest at Sacred Heart Church. in by the Second Vatican Coun- ary prayer, giving and activity, and we That means a launch of the new logo a little and giving a little regularly, we “It is not a hot debate in the cil, the mural was covered with want to make sure that this continues,” Fr and a calendar of activities and prayer ini- can all move closer to Jesus Christ, Our parish but the way it has been lining paper, paste and then Tom Welsh, national director of Mission tiatives over the coming year, all designed Saviour. covered means it has not been plaster, but Mr Clarke hopes Matters Scotland, said of the changes. to raise awareness of the charity. Schools “We will all reap the personal and spir- ruled out,” Fr Scally said. that it may, one day, be on dis- “Many people will be amazed to hear and parishes will be provided with mate- itual benefits, both individually, and, as a Derek Clarke was commis- play for parishioner and visitors that our small country ranks an astonish- rials and encouraged to support Mission nation, that come with that approach to sioned in 1957 to create the to the Sacred Heart Church. ing eleventh in the world for giving to the Matters Scotland. The new name—a play making missions matter. Those benefits huge mural on the arch above “I am hoping that perhaps ten missions. We want to keep up there and I on the fact that mission does matter to will be felt both here, in Scotland, and in the high altar at Sacred Heart years after I have died some- know that many Catholics, both young everyone, while the charity deals with the far flung places in which the money Church. The artist, who cele- body will think of unveiling it,” and old, will dig deep, even during the missionary matters—will be promoted, to we collect does so much to build a life of brated his 100th birthday last he said. current recession, just as they have always ensure that as many people as possible are faith and to bring education, hope and month and in whose honour an Mr Clarke is officially the done, to keep money flowing to our mis- aware of the vital work carried out. social justice for those who need it most.” exhibition is being staged at the oldest member of the Royal sionaries. But we felt it was time to renew “We are equally keen for people outwith Royal Scottish Academy in Scottish Academy of Art and Missio, especially in this Year of Faith, the Church and across Scotland to become I To learn more or to donate to Mission Edinburgh, was inspired by Architecture. The exhibition of with its emphasis on spreading the good aware of us,” Fr Welsh (above) said. “There Matters Scotland, visit the charity’s new Italian murals he had seen on his works is being held at the news of the Gospel, so that we are even is a rich, Christian missionary tradition to website: www.missionmattersscotland.org an art trip and began his work, academy in Edinburgh until incorporating parishioners of January 31.

Mission Solidarity Welfare Hospitality

Full-time Port Chaplain: North East Scotland (including Aberdeen Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Invergordon, Orkney and Shetland). Church backs battle to prevent school closure Salary: £23,000 per annum “I thank the Lord for the work of the Apostleship of the Sea, which for many Pupils and parents show their support THE Catholic Church backs clear support for the continued years has offered human and spiritual support to those who live this for St Joseph’s Primary School, difficult and challenging way of life. “ plans for the continued pro- presence of two Catholic Milngavie PIC: PAUL McSHERRY vision of Catholic education schools in the area, namely, St Pope Benedict XVI in Milngavie as a group of Joseph’s, Milngavie, and St to remain in the heart of the local parents fight to save Andrew’s, Bearsden,” the Milngavie community,” Ms 95% of British imports and exports travel by sea. Seafarers come predominantly from their school from potential spokesman said. “We would McIntyre said. “The Catholic poor countries, working away from home on contracts of up to 12 months. They are closure. encourage all parents who are community is an integral part an invisible workforce, a forgotten element in the global economy. The task of AoS Last week, East Dunbarton- concerned about the proposals of Milngavie.” shire Council launched a con- to make their views known to Fellow parent Geraldine Scott chaplains is to be alongside seafarers, to make visible our care for their pastoral and sultation that asks the public to the council as soon as possible.” said that the closure of St spiritual well-being through a hands-on, practical expression of the Catholic Churchʼs have their say on proposals that Parents from St Joseph’s Joseph’s would have a ‘devastat- mission. Fundamental to the post is ship visiting and developing teams of volunteer could lead to school mergers have highlighted a number of ing impact’ on her children. Ms ship visitors. and closures within the local concerns they have regarding Scott also highlighted the close authority. Among the council’s the council’s proposals. links St Joseph’s school has with • AoS port chaplains are priests, nuns, permanent deacons and lay chaplains. proposals is the closure of St Laureen McIntyre, chair- its local parish in Milngavie. • A Catholic faith, belief in our mission to seafarers working within a globalised Joseph’s Primary School in woman of St Joseph’s parent A questionnaire is being dis- Milngavie, which would be council, said that parents of St tributed to 10,000 randomly industry and excellent interpersonal skills are essential. amalgamated with St Andrew’s Joseph’s have been given ‘a lack selected households throughout • Experience in chaplaincy is desirable. Primary School, at its present of options’ regarding the pro- the area and it will also be avail- site in Bearsden. posals, adding that many parents able on the council’s website, in For an application pack or an informal chat contact Martin Foley, Such a move would mean have highlighted the council’s libraries and by calling the coun- National Director, on 07914 231628 or [email protected]. that Milngavie would no longer use of ‘out of date figures for St cil’s customer contact centre. For information about AoS please visit our website: have a Catholic primary school, Joseph’s school roll’ in the lead Interested parties have until www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk. a possibility that has both con- up to the consultation and are in Monday February 4 to respond. cerned and angered parents. disagreement with the local Port visits can be arranged with a working port chaplain. A spokesman for Glasgow authority’s reasoning that I To complete the questionnaire Archdiocese confirmed that the ‘improved educational benefits’ online, visit: http://www.east- Deadline for applications: 15 February 2013. Church will respond formally will be brought about by a dunbarton.gov.uk, alternatively Interviews: 5 March 2013 in Aberdeen. to the consultation. merger with St Andrew’s. call the council’s customer contact centre on 0300 123 4510 Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) “The response will express “We want a Catholic school Registered charity in Scotland number SC043085 8 NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013

English, Welsh bishops launch marriage postcard campaign Abuse focus of Irish cardinal’s successor Mgr Éamon Martin, the new coadjutor archbishop of Armagh, highlights his priorities THE Bishops’ Conference own views known to their MP. of England and Wales is To assist them in doing that we sending a postcard to every have printed postcards ‘speak By Stephen Reilly Martin believes the Church in Ireland will Catholic south of the border out for marriage’ and a bundle recover and grow. calling on them to tell their of these are with this letter.” MGR ÉAMON Martin is to succeed “We live in a time of great change, chal- MPs to oppose the Govern- “Parishioners simply need to Cardinal Seán Brady when he retires lenge and opportunity,” he said. “It is a ment’s redefinition of add the name of their own local as Archbishop of Armagh. time, as the psalms say, to ‘sing a new marriage. MP to the address on the front Mgr Martin, named by Pope Benedict song to the Lord.’ There is need for The postcards will be distrib- of the card, and their own name XVI last Friday, said his greatest chal- renewal in the Church, so that the message uted in parishes this weekend and address below the text on lenge would be to help the Irish Church of Christ, in all its richness, is presented and will each have a space for the back,” the archbishop live with and learn from the trauma of the in ways which engage a new generation. people to sign their name so explains. “Please can you put clergy abuse scandal. There is a need for a mature relationship they can post it to their MP. up the enclosed posters, let between Church and society, in both parts The text says that marriage is your parishioners know the Historic announcement of this island, and people of faith have a the ‘foundation of the family’ name(s) of your local MP, and The 52-year-old has been administrator of vital role to play. It would hugely impov- and upholds the common good. strongly encourage your parish- Derry Diocese since 2011, and its former erish our Faith if we were expected to It does not say anything about ioners to send the cards and to vicar general, has been named as coadju- ‘leave it at home’ or ‘keep it for Sundays,’ same-sex relationships. give them to their friends to tor archbishop of Armagh with the right of excluding it from our conversations and Accompanying the cards will send in as well. The first key succession. The announcement was made actions in daily life.” be a letter to all parish priests vote is likely to take place in simultaneously at the Vatican and at St us— they have been left with a lifelong He also said that Christians are ‘not signed by Archbishop Peter early February so the time to Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Brady, the suffering. I am saddened that many good there to impose, but to invite.’ Smith of Southwark, chairman act is now. We need to encour- Primate of All Ireland, said he had asked Catholics were let down so badly over the of the bishops’ Department of age as many people as possible the Pope to appoint a coadjutor to assist issue of abuse and that some have even An invitation Christian Responsibility and to get involved. Please do all him in 2010 and congratulated Mgr Mar- stopped practising their faith. It saddens “We are not there simply to oppose, but to Citizenship. you can.” tin on his appointment. me because I love God and I love the convince others of the truth of Christ’s In it, the archbishop says: A similar postcard campaign Mgr Martin (right) said it was a great Church that I serve. I believe that faith in teaching and to offer them the gift and “My purpose in writing is to successfully raised the profile privilege to be called to serve in this way. Jesus Christ brings meaning and purpose message of salvation,” he explained. “We ask you to urge the members of of opposition to same-sex ‘mar- “I am humbled and honoured to serve to our lives and gives hope and healing to say to everyone in our society, as Blessed your congregation to make their riage’ in Scotland. as bishop in this historic Archdiocese of anyone who feels broken or in despair.” Pope John Paul II did: ‘Do not be afraid, Armagh but in truth I have to admit it was He pledged to do everything in his the Gospel is not against you, but for you’, with considerable nervousness and trepi- power to heal these wounds in his or as Pope Benedict XVI put it: ‘if we let than the materialistic needs. It’s dation that I accepted his call,” he said. “I new role. Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, NEWS IN BRIEF not important what you give; it’s am very conscious of the great trust that “As Church, we must continue in our absolutely nothing.” important how you give it.” the Holy Father has placed in me.” efforts to bring healing to victims and Cardinal Brady described Mgr Martin UNSTABLE SYRIAN REFUGEE ensure that young people are always pro- as a man of great gifts and great generos- INFLUX INTO LEBANON CHURCH SEEKS APOLOGY FOR Challenges tected, respected and nurtured,” he said. “I ity who knows how to use those talents in THE influx of nearly 200,000 Syr- PAKISTAN’S POPE REMARKS Mgr Martin also said that ‘one of the bring with me the experience of working the education of people, young and old. ian refugees into neighbouring A SPOKESMAN for the Catholic greatest challenges facing our Church is on the National Board for Safeguarding “I am delighted that the man chosen is Lebanon, a nation of 4.1 million Church in Pakistan has demanded to acknowledge, live with, and learn from Children, alongside Mr Ian Elliott and Mgrr Eamon Martin,” he said. “I congrat- people, is creating ‘an unstable sit- an apology from Rehman Malik, the past, including the terrible trauma his team. ulate you most heartily, Mgr Martin. I uation, at all levels: security-wise, the nation’s interior minister, after caused by abuse.’ “We can never take for granted that the welcome you to the city and the Diocese and economically and politically, he compared Pope Benedict XVI “I think today of all those who have safeguarding systems we have in place are of Patrick.” and socially,’ the president of the to Mohammad Tahir ul-Qadri, a been abused by clergy, and the hurt and robust and failsafe.” Mgr Martin was previously principal of Church’s charitable agency in controversial Muslim cleric who betrayal they have experienced,” he said. St Columba’s College, Derry, and later Lebanon has warned. “Most of the has spoken out against terrorism “As the words on the Healing Stone at the Future became secretary of the Irish Episcopal refugees have come to areas that and recently led a large protest International Eucharistic Congress remind Despite this and other challenges, Mgr Conference. are already poor… which makes against government corruption. things much harder,” Fr Simon “There is no comparison or link Faddoul, president of Caritas between the two personalities,” Fr Tens of thousands rally to protest plans to legalise abortion Internationalis Lebanon, said in an Emmanuel Yousaf Mani said. interview with Vatican Radio. “It “While [the] Pope is an undis- has become very hard.” Most puted leader of the Catholic TENS of thousands of peo- that would loosen some of the Pro-life activists say Prime where this unavoidably results refugees, he added, are Muslim. Church, the largest faith group in ple rallied outside Ireland’s world’s most restrictive regu- Minister Enda Kenny’s ruling in the death of the baby,” Car- “There is, first, a common the world, the credentials of Dr parliament building last lations on abortion. Ireland is Fine Gael party is reneging on oline Simons, a spokeswoman approach to all,” he said. “That the Qadri are prerogative of Pakista- Saturday urging the gov- the ony EU member state that an election pledge not to intro- for the pro-life campaign, said human touch is more important nis and Muslims to ascertain. ernment to conserve strict currently outlaws abortion, duce new laws allowing the during the event. abortion laws and protect but it’s government has com- procedure. Five senior Catholic bish- ‘the right of the unborn mitted to introduce regula- “The facts are simple... ops attended the rally that child.’ tions to allow abortion if there Irish medical practice allows took place after crowds gath- Pro-life activists, backed by is a risk to a woman’s life, doctors to intervene to ensure ered as the Archbishop of the Catholic Church, called on after the European Court of women receive whatever Dublin held prayers for ‘the Ireland’s prime minister not to Human Rights criticised the treatments are necessary to child in the womb’ at a nearby introduce planned legislation current regime. safeguard their lives, even church.

Church in Mali pleads for aid as French forces fight Muslim militants

THE Catholic Church in Twins Hawa and Adama Keita, 15, Mali is pleading for interna- warm tea outside rented room after tional aid as French forces fleeing violence in Mali continue their airstrikes against Islamist militants in Islamic militants took control the north of the country. of northern Mali and began their The archbishop of Bamako in advance to the south about nine Mali is appealing for humanitar- months ago. French and African ian aid from the international forces have combined their community for the thousands of efforts to stop the militants’ Malians displaced due to the advance and French Defence ongoing violence in the country. Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian 9-., Archbishop Jean Zerbo says the confirmed that France will con- need for food, drinking water, tinue to launch its airstrikes. hygiene kits and medicine will Media reports say the violence only increase as the conflict con- has led to around 400,000 peo- tinues. ple to flee their homes to south- Missionary priest Fr Zacharie ern Mali and neighbouring Sorgho has also said people countries. there are facing a desperate The French action in Mali is struggle to flee the fighting. believed to have made Islamist “One morning, there was an and other southern cities,” he told everyone was in a state of confu- groups take hostages at an armed assault [by Islamist Aid to the Church in Need. “This sion. People were fleeing and Algerian oil refinery in rebels] in the city of Konna… created a great fear in the city and there were cries of despair.” retaliation. Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH VATICAN NEWS 9 Charity ultimately arises from Faith His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI warns against an ‘anthropology that is essentially atheist’ By Ian Dunn

POPE Benedict XVI has warned Catholic charities against ‘closing their eyes to serious ideologies’ that harm the common good of mankind and reminded them that charity arises from Faith. Greeting participants at the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum on Saturday, Pope Benedict spoke at length about the challenges facing Christians engaged in charitable activities. Vatican makes a reconciliatory Negative materialism gesture to Society of St Pius X The Pope said Christians in the charitable sector were in a direct relationship with so THE Holy See has made time the vice president of many other social actors, and are often another reconciliatory ges- Ecclesia Dei has recognised the faced with a negative materialistic views. ture towards the Society of existence of a fundamental “From the union between a materialistic St Pius X (SSPX), sending a impasse in relations with the view of man and the great development of letter addressed to all priests SSPX, and the lack of progress technology, an anthropology that is essen- in the group about ways to made regarding the interpreta- tially atheist has emerged,” he said. “It resume the dialogue that tion of the council. presupposes that the man is reduced to halted last June. News of the letter also comes autonomous functions, the mind to the The letter, signed by the US after the Vatican publicly criti- brain, human history to a destiny of self- Dominican archbishop Augus- cised the SSPX for calling Jews realisation. tine di Noia, vice president of enemies of the Church in a talk “In the perspective of a man deprived of Ecclesia Dei (above), was sent in December. his soul and therefore a personal relation- to Bishop Bernard Fellay, the “It is absolutely unaccept- ship with the Creator, what is technically head of the order that rejects the able, impossible, to define the possible becomes licit, each experiment is Second Vatican Council, before Jews as enemies of the church,” acceptable, any population policy permit- Christmas. It asked the bishop, Vatican spokesman Fr Federico ted, any manipulation legitimised. The who is superior general of the Lombardi said, responding to a most dangerous pitfall of this line of think- society, to send it on to all the statement from the SSPX. ing is in fact the absolute good of man: fraternity’s priests. In an audio recording posted man wants to be ab-solutus, freed from The eight-page document on YouTube on December 30, every bond and every natural constitution.” touches on three key points: the 2012, the head of the tradition- one point that I would call the prophetic yes to the dignity of the person called to current state of relations; the alist SSPX called the Jewish Solitude dimension that faith instils in charity,” he intimate communion with God, a filial, spirit of these relations; and a people ‘enemies of the church,’ The Holy Father concluded that this athe- said. “Belief in the Gospel impresses char- humble and confident communion,” he method for resuming the inter- saying Jewish leaders’ support istic view ‘is a radical negation of man’s ity with a distinctively Christian form and explained. “The human being is neither a rupted dialogue between the of the Second Vatican Council created and filial being, which results in a constitutes the principle of discernment. stand-alone individual nor a separate Church and the SSPX. In terms ‘shows that Vatican II is their dramatic solitude.’ Christians, especially those who work in anonymous element in a collectivity, but a of the interpretation of the Sec- thing, not the Church’s.’ And he warned all Catholic charities not charitable organisations, need to be directed singular and unique person, intrinsically ond Ecumenical Vatican Coun- Bishop Fellay said those to fall into the trap of ‘closing their eyes by the principles of Faith, by which we ordered as a relational and social being. cil, one of the most most opposed to the Church to these serious ideologies. adhere to the ‘point of view of God,’ to His “Therefore, the Church reaffirms its controversial points in the dia- granting Canonical recognition “It is in fact a negative pitfall for man, project for us. This new view of the world great yes to the dignity and beauty of mar- logue, Cardinal Di Noia says to the traditionalist society have even if disguised by good sentiment in the and mankind offered by Faith also provides riage as an expression of the Faithful and relations are still ‘open’ and been ‘the enemies of the name of an alleged progress, or alleged the correct criteria for evaluating expres- fruitful alliance between man and woman, ‘full of hope.’ Church: the Jews, the Masons, rights, or an alleged humanism,” he said. sions of charity, in the current context.” and its no to philosophies, such as that of This is thought to be the first the modernists.’ The Holy Father explained that charity The key for Catholic charities, the Pope gender, is motivated by the fact that the ultimately arises from Faith. (above) said is to promote a fully Chris- reciprocity between men and women is “From this dynamic relationship between tian view of humanity. an expression of natural beauty of the Faith and charity, I would like to reflect on “The Christian vision of man is a great Creator.”

The 85-year old Holy Father Retreat will begin this year on He was also general relator NEWS IN BRIEF has also encouraged a partial March 17. During the retreat all at the Synod of Bishops for the return of the Latin Mass that Papal audiences are suspended, Churches of the Middle East. In POPE BENEDICT XVI TWEETS was phased out more than four and work in other offices of the December 2011, Patriarch HIS FIRST LATIN MESSAGE decades ago. Roman Curia is curtailed as Naguib suffered an intracranial THE Holy Father tweeted in With just over 5000 follow- ranking prelates join the Pope haemorrhage. Latin for the first time on Sun- ers, the Pope’s Latin-language for the meditations, which are day, taking his mission to Twitter account is the smallest held in the Redemptoris Mater POPE ELEVATES UKRANIAN revive the Catholic Church’s of his eight profiles, through chapel of the apostolic palace. APOSTOLIC EXARCHATE IN UK official language to the popular which he communicates with THE Holy Father has elevated social networking site. more than two million follow- HOLY FATHER SENDS GREETINGS the Ukrainian apostolic exar- “Unitati christifidelium inte- ers in languages including Ara- TO COPTIC CATHOLIC PATRIARCH chate in Great Britain to the Holy Father calls on all Christians to gre studentes quid iubet Domi- bic and his native German. POPE Benedict XVI has sent a rank of eparchy (diocese). nus? Orare semper, iustitiam personal letter to the newly The new eparchy has the title: renew commitment to world peace factitare, amare probitatem, CARDINAL RAVASI TO LEAD THE elected Coptic Catholic Patri- Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of humiles Secum ambulare,” the LENTEN RETREAT FOR CURIA arch of Alexandria, Egypt, His the Holy Family of London. By Bridget Orr “One of the most serious sins Pope wrote. CARDINAL Gianfranco Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak, Bishop Hlib Borys Sviatoslav that disfigures the face of the The English translation was Ravasi, the president of the ‘joyfully’ granting him full Lonchyna, until now apostolic POPE Benedict XVI has Church is against its visible as follows: “What does the Pontifical Council for Culture, ecclesial communion. exarch there, was named the called on all Christians to unity, especially the historical Lord command to those wholly has been chosen by Pope Bene- With this letter the Holy first eparchial bishop. renew their commitment to divisions that have separated eager for the unity of those fol- dict XVI to lead the Lenten Father formally confirms the An apostolic exarchate in the world peace. Christians [and] that have not yet lowing Christ? To always pray, Retreat for the Roman Curia. election of the 62 year-old for- Eastern Catholic Church is sim- In his audience at St Peter’s been overcome,” the Pope said. to continually do justice, to The Italian cardinal will be mer bishop of Minya by the ilar to an apostolic vicariate in Square on Sunday, as part of During the audience, the Pope love uprightness, to walk the first head of a Vatican Synod of Bishops of the the Latin Rite Catholic Church. Christian Unity Week, the Holy also recalled a vigil he cele- humbly with Him.” dicastery to preach the Lenten Catholic Coptic Church, which It is headed by a titular bishop Father (above) led the prayers brated last month with young The message was shorter Retreat during this Pontificate, took place January 15. as its ordinary with the title of calling for ‘an end to all vio- Christians across Europe and the and, arguably, more elegant in although Cardinal Francis The 11 bishops of this East- exarch. lence, and that courage to dia- Taize community, describing it its original language—one of Arinze had only recently retired ern Catholic Church based in With the elevation of the logue and to negotiate is found.’ as ‘a moment of grace in which the reasons why the Pope from his post as prefect of the Egypt had gathered last week Ukrainian apostolic exarchate The theme of this year’s we experienced the beauty in the wishes to conserve in the Congregation for Divine in Cairo to elect a successor to in Great Britain to the rank of Christian Unity Week is What form of one Christ.’ tongue of ancient Rome. Worship when he led the Patriarch Antonios Naguib. 77- eparchy, Bishop Hlib Lonchyna does the Lord require of us? The Christian Unity Week runs In November, the Pope set up spiritual exercises in 2009. Last year-old Antonios Naguib is no longer the titular bishop theme was inspired by Christian until January 25, concluding a new Vatican department year’s preacher was Cardinal became Patriarch in the spring of Bareta but becomes the First communities in India and calls with the Pope presiding over charged with promoting the Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of 2006 and in November 2010, Bishop of the new Eparchy on Christians to overcome vespers at the Basilica of St Paul study and use of the language of Kinshasa. Pope Benedict created him car- (Diocese) of the Holy Family discrimination and promote vis- alongside representatives from within the Church and beyond. The week-long Lenten dinal. of London. ible unity. different Christian communities. 10 COMMENT THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 What progress since the Edict of Milan? The 17th centenary of Emperor Constantine granting Christians tolerance nears but we still face challenges

is impossible to assess how many Chris- weapon to subvert the family; that is tians suffered martyrdom prior to 313, why homosexuals, who comprise only but there is sufficient evidence to show 1.5 per cent of the population, are it was a large number. being extravagantly promoted so that hypocritical claims of ‘tolerance,’ hen Constantine I entered ‘equality’ and ‘inclusion’ can be used Rome after defeating the to mask the real purpose—to eliminate pagan Maxentius at the Bat- family life and Christianity. tleW of the Milvian Bridge on October British politicians belonging to the 28, 312 he was welcomed by Pope St three (in Scotland four) mainstream Miltiades. This Pope was the 32nd parties support this anti-Christian head of the Church and almost half of agenda; but they are happy to take his predecessors had been martyred. refuge in the pretence that they have no The following February the Western option but to comply with the demands BY GERALD WARNER Emperor Constantine and the Eastern of the European Union. The EU has Emperor Licinius jointly issued the become the modern equivalent of the Edict of Milan extending toleration to pre-Christian Roman Empire, a vast, EXT month marks the Christians alongside the established tyrannical, unaccountable power block 17th centenary of the pagan cults. Paganism, however, was with a mission to re-paganise Europe. Edict of Milan by doomed: Constantine, whose conver- This month the ironically named Emperor Constantine the sion had been ardently prayed for by European Court of Human Rights Great (right), the historic his mother St Helena, had seen a vision handed down its latest clutch of anti- moment at which Christianity, perse- of the Cross on the eve of the Battle of Christian decrees. It struck down the cuted for the first three centuries of its the Milvian Bridge with the message: longstanding principle of conscien- Nexistence, was granted legal toleration “In this sign thou shalt conquer.” tious objection by rejecting the appeals throughout the Roman Empire. The He became a Christian, though he of a Christian registrar unwilling to irony attaching to the celebrations of postponed his Baptism until 327. At the perform civil partnership ceremonies, this great anniversary is that the time of the Edict of Milan, although a Christian counsellor who would not Church today, in those regions that Christianity was stronger in the East, give ‘sex therapy’to same-sex couples once constituted the Western Roman one-fifth of the population of the West- and a nurse who was denied the right Empire, is beginning to be subjected ern Empire was already Christian, tes- to wear a Cross at work. to a new intolerance and persecution tifying to the failure of the There is no room for pussyfooting that aims at its extinction. It is instruc- persecutions. Later, by the Edict of around the issue, for taking refuge in tive, in these circumstances, to review Thessalonica issued on February 27, supposed ‘cultural’ advantages in the events that led to the Edict of Milan. 380AD by the joint Emperors Theodo- belonging to the EU: it is an unac- During its first three centuries the sius I, Gratian and Valentinian II, Chris- countable dictatorship seeking to sup- Church learned by hard experience the tianity became the official state religion press Christianity and Catholics prophetic nature of Our Lord’s warning: of the Empire. That marked the start of should have no truck with it. We need “Blessed are you when they shall revile the greatest and most civilised period to leave now. Then we could deal with you, and persecute you, and speak all in European history, the reign of Chris- our own weasel politicians, deprived that is evil against you, untruly, for my tendom which was eventually sundered of their ECHR alibi, at the ballot box. sake.” (St Matthew 5:11) Of the 11 sur- at the Reformation and destroyed by Meantime, it might not be a bad idea vivingApostles after the Crucifixion, ten the French Revolution. to form some kind of Catholic guild, suffered death by martyrdom, including destroy the family because it poses the minating it in the womb by abortion or embracing all trades and professions, St Peter the first Pope. The persecutions oday, Christianity in general and strongest challenge to the power of the in later life by euthanasia. The current so that members could act in solidarity by the pagan Roman Emperors and local Catholicism in particular are state that they aspire to make the all- assault is against marriage, without with their co-religionists when sub- administrators were variable, but often under vicious attack by militant encompassing regulator of every facet which the family cannot exist. Same- jected to persecution. The fight back savage.After so long a lapse of history it Tsecularists. Their central purpose is to of human life, even to the extent of ter- sex ‘marriage’ is being employed as a has to start now. The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of GERALD WARNER’S comments on religious tolerance? Send your points of section of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups to foster debate and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Looking for the signs of God’s Kingdom in our everyday lives

BUYING nail varnish has its began the ‘improvers’ course. The pleted our first improvers session I tively. People knew Him and they us to say that the people that down side. I get some very five who had just completed, were was well pleased. My job was to knew where he had come from. At Jesus spoke to and worked strange looks. Of course, I am joined by another prisoner who varnish the finished article. Two least they thought that they did. among missed the point. Would not buying nail varnish to Fr Eddie had been part of a previous begin- coats of nail varnish later and the Interestingly, he chooses a pas- you and I have been any differ- match the colour of my eyes, ners course. We were ready to buzzers were fit to grace any fly sage from the prophet Isaiah. ent? I doubt it. We are too busy or my outfit, I am buying it to McGhee rock and roll, in the heady world box. I was better than well When these words were first getting on with the reality of our finish off my buzzers. I have of fly-tying, complete with nail pleased, I was absolutely proud written, centuries before Jesus, own lives. We worry about the found that two or three coats becomes a matter of perseverance. varnish. of what had been achieved. the prophet Isaiah was spelling price of fuel rather than about of clear, ‘hard as nails,’ gives In my case, the mastering of the Fly-tying, like fly-fishing, is not Ultimately, in teaching a few out to the people of his own global warming. We worry about an excellent finish to buzzers basic techniques took more than a just about the blindingly obvious, prisoners, fly-tying, I was only times how the Kingdom of God traces of horse meat in burgers that trout seem to appreciate, little effort. Manual dexterity was the production of fishing flies or passing on a skill that had been would be recognised. Isaiah was but not about the problem of even if sales assistants don’t not one of my strong points. I was the catching of trout. There are handed on to me. Over the years, telling the people unequivocally, world hunger. We worry about quite understand. better at perseverance. It has stood other less obvious outcomes. My like all other fly-tyers, I have that the Kingdom had discernible terrorism and fail to address the The ‘buzzer’ is one of the prin- me in good stead. fly-tying class in HMP Kil- developed the skill and added my signs. They would need to recog- problems of institutionalised cipal food sources for trout. As Last September, I began a fly- marnock allows me to get to know own bits and pieces, tweaking nise them. In choosing to use injustice. The list is endless but these tiny insects begin to hatch tying class in the slightly unlikely a few of the prisoners at a com- already existing patters and these words Jesus was informing the signs are all there for us. We under water, their bodies become setting of HMP Kilmarnock. Ini- pletely different level. They trust developing new ideas. It is, His own people that the time was can choose to ignore them and almost translucent and shiny; fly- tially, the class was oversub- me and I respect the trust they immensely satisfying. now. He was informing them that often do. How recognisable in tyers try to imitate this. Nail var- scribed. I decided I could manage place in me. I get to know them as This week, as we move forward if they looked around they would our lives today are the signs of nish gives the perfect shine, to the with 12 potential tyers. After two individuals. I get to know about gently, towards a more even see the signs. Then they could the kingdom. Would our words perfect, imitative, buzzer pattern. weeks the number had dwindled their backgrounds and their fami- rhythm of life the Gospel directs draw their own conclusions. and actions lead people to Being inventive and innovative to seven. By week four we had lies. Tying flies almost becomes a us again towards Jesus at the Jesus was also telling His peo- believe that we are still trying to have always been the hallmark of steadied with five committing bonus. Our aim in the ‘improvers’ beginning of His ministry. This ple that what He was about to do build God’s Kingdom? the fly-tyer. themselves to the remainder of the class is to produce flies that would moment, recorded in the Gospel is and say was not radically new. It Underpinned as it is by history Before innovation in tying flies, programme. Before we stopped, satisfy the needs of the most dis- of supreme importance. Jesus was rooted in the tradition of his and tradition, fly-tying is only a comes the learning of the basic at Christmas time, I was confident cerning angler. Hopefully the chooses to ‘announce’ His min- own people. Isaiah had spoken hobby. Surely the building of God’s techniques involved. Essentially, that my five pupils had mastered development of a new skill to a istry in the most difficult of about it. Now it was happening. Kingdom is much more important? fly-tying is not difficult. There are the basics of fly-tying. Two weeks higher standard will also help places, His home town of All they had to do was be awake a few basic moves. After these ago, with Christmas safely behind improve the self image of the fly- Nazareth. It was here that he was and astute enough to recognise I E-mail: edwardmcghee have been mastered, tying any fly us and January slipping away, we tyers. By the time we had com- most likely to be critiqued nega- this. With hindsight, it is easy for @btinternet.com Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH COMMENT 11 Protecting and promoting Catholic education MICHAEL McGRATH dispels latent negativity surrounding Catholic schools and explains why they have a vibrant future

CAN concur with one of Kevin McKenna’s observations in his comments on Catholic education—‘Are we protecting Catholic education?’ (Scottish Catholic Observer, January 18, 2013). Anyone who takes the opportunity to visitI Catholic schools cannot fail to be impressed by the atmosphere and the quality of educational experience on offer. Thereafter he and I depart, particularly when he indulges in gross exag- geration about the likely demise of Catholic education resulting from the development of shared campus schools. My view is that Catholic education in Scotland is secure for as long as parents understand and are committed to the particular form of education which Catholic schools offer. Headteachers of Catholic schools have been encouraged by the Church for many years now to demonstrate how the education of young people in the Faith and values of our Catholic Christian tradition makes a distinctive and significant contribution to the welfare of Scottish society. The evidence indicates that parents continue to avail themselves of this choice, although we must work harder to ensure that we do not take such commitment for granted. Under the auspices of the Catholic Education Commission, work is already underway to help parents to understand and appreciate the unique benefits of Catholic education. All Catholic schools in Scotland include children from other faiths and none, and they are no less Catholic for Catholic schools in Scotland remain promote greater tolerance and under- the true value of Catholic education embrace in this Year of Faith. It would doing so. Indeed, it could be argued that committed to engaging in the vital task standing among children. The Church and to recognise its worth. Undoubt- be a tragedy if parents were to become this requires them to be more ‘evangel- of ‘opening hearts and minds to God’ refutes this view because it implies that edly, this lobbying has had a positive complacent about the worth of ical’ in their approach, explaining more there is something inherently wrong in impact at times but we will always Catholic schools or if they were lulled explicitly how their values, practices offering a choice of educational provi- need to do more. into accepting the secular view that the and traditions are based on the Gospel. a relatively small number of cases dio- sion. Such an argument flies in the face hearts and minds of children should be Similarly, a Catholic school which ceses have agreed to a shared campus of society’s current valuing of myriad he people whose opinions mat- closed off to God. shares facilities with a non-denomina- where pupil numbers could not justify forms of equality and diversity. ter most, though, are the parents Perhaps Kevin McKenna will accept tional school must take the opportunity the building of a new stand-alone Politicians usually espouse views who choose education for their this invitation to bring some of his to show quite clearly that its educa- Catholic school. But such arrangements which are politically convenient to Tchildren. The Church needs to focus on journalist/atheist friends to accompany tional approach is distinctively Faith- are few, relative to the overall provision them at particular times. Sometimes ensuring that parents fully understand me on visits to Catholic schools where based, that Christ is at the heart of the of Catholic schools in Scotland and, they can be persuaded, through exten- the great worth of Catholic schools they will see some great work being school and that the school culture, or despite Mr McKenna’s gloomy predic- sive lobbying, to express views which which—as we will read in next week’s done, not only to ‘protect’ but to pro- ethos, is inspired by the Holy Spirit. tions, they have not prevented new emerge from informed sources and are SCO preview of Catholic Education mote Catholic education. stand-alone schools being built. expressed in measured terms. Week—are engaged in the vital task of n reality, of course, the reasons for Of course, some politicians have Over the years, the Church has been ‘opening hearts and minds to God,’ a I Michael McGrath is the director the development of shared campus tried to claim that the main justifica- proactive in helping politicians, at task which the Holy Father calls on of the Scottish Catholic Education Iprovision has been finance-driven. In tion for shared campus schools is to local and national levels, to recognise parents, teachers and clergy to re- Service Scottish Catholics reach a crossroads in tackling sectarianism

By Professor Tom Gallagher and other religions are dispar- The other similarity between Americans in the pre-civil for the past six, that in order to new forms of anti-Catholicism aged but usually overlooked the old and the new sectarian- rights era. Letters that it enjoy the patronage of the are on the rise which enjoy IN 2013, Scotland is reach- because they are not seen as so ism is that care is taken to insist subsequently published backed media here, you have to buy more backing from the heart of ing a crossroads in its threatening to the radical secu- that either there is no prejudice its own claims even though it into its narrative about sectari- the state than was true in the approach to sectarianism. lar world view. or else a neutral state is received one arguing that anism largely being a thing of case of older antagonists. It The standard form where The duration and intensity of intervening to check Church denial and evasion in the the past and no new forms is no coincidence that the discrimination was permis- inter-Christian rivalry in Scot- claims and behaviour no longer Scottish print and broadcasting replacing it. hostility towards Catholic state sible on account of a person land from the Reformation compatible with modern times. media’s approach to the The Herald actually devoted schools from secularists is or group’s religion or ethnic onwards now gives the state In an editorial on January 13, problem of sectarianism had a full page to my 1987 book on now reaching an intensity origins, may be slowly bow- here more opportunity to define The Sunday Herald refuted the given it fresh impetus. the subject , Glasgow, the rarely experienced in contem- ing out, but the fact that the moral order than in any view of Peter Kearney that Secular and religious Uneasy Peace, but it is hard to porary times. Professor Duncan Morrow, other country where recently secularists had an anti-clerical perspectives about what the imagine the newspaper show- Scottish Catholics may be in an Irish academic who Christianity enjoyed influence. agenda and even questioned moral order of society should ing any sympathy to the 2013 a steadily weakening position to heads a group advising New laws already—or will their existence in Scotland be deserve a free airing in any follow-up Divided Scotland: confront an old foe—now in a Holyrood on sectarianism, soon—require the churches in by referring to ‘so-called’ democracy. But it is troubling The Endurance of different guise—because too finds that there is a culture their private affairs to comply secularists. when the state pursues a secular Sectarianism—due to be pub- many leaders who claim to of denial still about the sub- with an emphatically secular An unwillingness to explore perspective with ideological lished in September. And, last speak in the name of the ject, indicates that progress agenda. Equality is used to jus- the dimensions of sectarianism fervour as over the same-sex year when I approached the community have made an is far from accomplished. tify the erosion of religious is also sometimes accompanied ‘marriage’ question not just in head of BBC news and current accommodation with a state What could be called a new autonomy. But under govern- by efforts to view critics of its London but Edinburgh. affairs in Scotland about the many of whose architects are liberal sectarianism is emerg- ments where economic dispari- continuing role and influence The media in Scotland station’s limited focus on the openly impatient with the idea ing, which is poised to enjoy ties have widened at a as themselves extreme in their broadly echoes the monolithic Catholic community and its that anything recognisably more influence than the older remarkable rate, equality is portrayals. view of the political establish- long-term experience, he Christian ought to possess prototype. There are a few essentially an ideological tool Thus on January 8, The Her- ment on the desirabilty of head- reacted with derision and indi- stature and relevance in Scotland. common features. Catholicism to establish the supremacy of a ald wrongly claimed that Peter ing in a completely secular cated he would pass my letter is viewed as a backward belief sprawling bureaucracy over Kearney made a direct compar- direction. For some time it has to his colleagues for their I Professor Tom Gallagher is system that should not be per- other social forces which it pre- ison between the plight of been clear to me as an aca- amusement. a social scientist attached mitted to influence public life; viously cooperated with, such Catholics facing discrimination demic for many years based in The older forms of ‘No Pop- to Bradford University’s other branches of Christianity as the churches. in modern Scotland and black England but back in Scotland ery’ may have had their day but department of peace studies 12 MY JOURNEY IN FAITH THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH CHURCH AND THE ARTS 13

Praising the art of the Living Word Our monthly feature on THE ARTS explains how the literary arts and language can deepen our relationship with God

how the young student-actor who would become (Above left) The Priest Poets Society at Lentfest 2010. n May 2011, AGAP gathered a large group of Pope, would pace up and down reading aloud the (Above) The cast of The St John Gospel Experience in people from across Glasgow to take part in a text of St John’s Gospel as if it were a great epic 2011 ABOVE LEFT PIC: MICHAEL DAWSON ‘dramatised reading’ of the entire Gospel of St poem. As a poet himself and a student of philol- IJohn, which was performed at St Andrew’s Cathe- ogy—the philosophical study of language—Karol Words are carefully chosen and finely distilled to dral. Sadly, the event was poorly attended by the Wojtyla would be particularly attuned to the carry great significance. As such many spiritual public but the experience was about much more than beauty of St John’s writing but anyone who has greats have turned to poetry as a mode of expres- a performance. It was an opportunity to immerse read even the prologue will appreciate something sion for their relationship with God. They include oneself in the Word of God and, in doing so, read it of the beauty of its language. Immediately, the St Theresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, and with conviction as part of a shared group experience. Word is at the centre of our Faith. Jesus Christ is Blessed John Henry Newman to name just a hand- The results were very successful and the cast were the Word of God incarnate, the one who comes to ful. We can add to this canon such great meta- moved to a new appreciation of the Gospel. It was a fulfil the promises made through the prophets, the physical poets of the English language as Gerard form of Lectio Divina—Sacred Reading—using Faith is a long and winding road revelation of all that the Spirit has spoken through Manley Hopkins, John Donne and George Her- dramatic performance as a vehicle for contempla- BY STEPHEN CALLAGHAN the Old Testament scriptures. bert—in 2010, Lentfest featured an event called tion. We need to hear the Word of God proclaimed. JOE McGRATH begins a new series examining the journey of faith that we undertake during the course of our lives Creative Director For Karol Wojtyla and his friends, the power of Priest Poets Society that presented a selection of There is a beauty in the spoken word and Mass Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project language was everything. It was a weapon against works by poets who were also priests. Readers would do well to recognise this in their the totalitarian oppression of the Nazi regime Through poetry, these men and women ministry. St John Vianney pointed out that God does HERE is an old Chinese saying that is the prayer we use to start the Mass. It is some- Pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago in Villafranca which occupied Poland, seeking to eradicate the expressed the highs and lows of their relationship not care any less for His Word than He does for His observes that a journey of a thousand times an involuntary prayer in times of crisis. This Montes de Oca, near the town of Burgos, Spain. A pil- O YOU have a favourite poem or book with God. Taking Gerard Manley Hopkins as an Body. When we meet the Lord in Holy Mass, we grimage path that Joe McGrath aims to tread in 2013, language by closing down all centres of Polish cul- miles begins with a single step. This is is the basic prayer. In it we declare that what we do the Year of Faith that draws your heart and mind to ture: the universities, the theatres and newspapers. example, we hear of the beauty of ‘God’s should meet Him in Word and in Sacrament. Too both a simple statement of the fact and is done in the name of the Father and of the Son God? Perhaps you have a favourite Thus, Wojtyla and his friends began the Theatre of grandeur’ but also feel the pain in ‘I wake and feel often, we hear the Word of God proclaimed as if the a profound observation of the nature of and of the Holy Spirit. It is a declaration of our Bible passage or prayer that speaks to the Living Word—a theatre company who per- the fell of dark not day.’ Through their words, we reader is mumbling the words out of a menu or a our lives. I imagine a pilgrim leaving home on their Christian Faith. a solemn duty and is probably the reason for par- you? Words, whether spoken or writ- formed in people’s homes in secret, performing are comforted, realising that our journey is a love telephone directory. There has been a lot of discus- journey. They lock their front door, turn and take When I learned that simple prayer I had no idea ents feeling guilty when their children do not carry ten, play an enormous part in our lives: we live in a great epic poems and plays to keep alive the Pol- story of joy and beauty, pain and loss. sion recently about the role of music in the Liturgy thatT first step, followed quickly by the second, third how profound it is. If I thought about what this on the practice of the Faith. society of advertising slogans, text messages, email, ish culture. There were no props or costumes: the However, there is perhaps no better illustration but perhaps we should remember the importance of and so on. prayer is saying I’d be more careful about what I Now that I am taking this journey seriously I Dand constant news fed through electronic, social and word was paramount and through it, Wojtyla grew of poetry as a vehicle for prayer than the poetry of the Word. The new English translation of the Mass The journey on the long road to Compostela, do. It is a simple reminder, every time we make the have the feeling that I need to get away from the print media. For Christians, the Word is at the cen- in his awareness of the ‘Word’ who is Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, in both the Old and New Testa- has left many of us befuddled despite its intention to Lourdes or Mecca cannot begin without that first sign of the Cross that we believe in God, in the distractions of my normal life. The everyday tasks tre of our Faith so how can the literary arts and lan- there in the cries of his brothers and sisters, in the ments. Those who pray the four-week Psalter will increase our reverence for the sacred mysteries that step. The pilgrim will have many memorable expe- Trinity and we intend to live in accordance with of getting through each day and getting down to guage help us to deepen our relationship with God? beauty and the tragedy of their words. It was a know that the Church makes great use of the we are celebrating. Some of us may feel that the riences on their journey, some of them life chang- Christ’s teaching. work all militate against serious meditation. The It is interesting to note that towards the end of resistance through culture: a sign that the pen was Psalms to help us journey through the peaks and changes to the prayers of the Mass were unneces- ing. It is very unlikely that they will remember that Every day is the start of the next phase of our obvious answer is to go on pilgrimage. Over the the 20th Century, some theorists of postmodernism truly mightier than the sword. troughs of the spiritual life. sary. But, whatever your personal views, perhaps first, momentous step. JOE McGRATH’S journey of Faith. I remember a Mass in the glass past ten years or so I have been drawn to the posited that the era saw both the ‘death of God’and Once, after praying the Night Prayer of the the new translation can be grasped as an opportunity In this Year of Faith I have been moved to think chapel in Carfin last year when Fr McGachey Camino, the pilgrimage to Santiago do Compostela the demise of ‘logo-centrism’—a word-based, lan- ext month, people from across Glasgow Church with a group after a drama rehearsal, I to listen a little more attentively, take things a little about my own Faith and the nature of that Faith. I JOURNEY OF FAITH drew our attention to the way we make the Sign of in Spain. I have usually managed to let this notion guage-dependent model for understanding and will pack into church halls for the annual asked an actress from an evangelical church why more slowly and savour the beauty of the language recognised that I was having difficulty coming to the Cross. For many of us it has become a hasty fade away with the help of some good excuses; too defining the world around us. With this came a Lentfest Poetry and Music Cafe. For those she was laughing during the Psalm. “I just can’t of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which ultimately terms with the exact nature of that Faith. My best thousand miles and yet I was blissfully unaware wave of the hands that could easily be mistaken busy working, a young family and so on. more subjective understanding that embraced an unfamiliarN with it, the association with Lent may believe that a Church would make its congregation is God’s gift to us. approximation to it is a journey. That journey that I was on that road. Indeed, just like the pil- for an attempt to swat a fly. This prayer deserves On a recent visit to my cousin in San Francisco anarchic freedom to express the individual’s state seem tangential at best and downright ill-fitting at say a prayer with the words ‘Friend and neighbour Finally, not so long ago in Glasgow, an unfortu- began in September 1948 with a momentous first grim who is approaching Santiago de Compostela, more than that. He urged us to make the Sign of I watched the Martin Sheen film The Way. It is the of being through art in any way; echoing Pilate’s worst. Those who have attended, however, will you have taken away, my one companion is dark- nate exhibit at the Gallery of Modern Art invited step—my Baptism. Just like the pilgrim, I have no it is only when I look back that I can see how far I the Cross properly and thoughtfully. story of a man making this journey in place of his words to Christ, it asked the question ‘what is know that the presence of God on such occasions ness,’” she said. I responded by pointing out that it the public to deface a Bible. It provoked outrage memory of that first step. I was Baptised in St have come. I may have been unaware of the significance of son. Now I think it is time to do this. My journey truth?’and plunged the Gospel into a sphere of rel- is very palpable. A collection of poets, which was Friday night—the end of a day when we con- from people of many Christian denominations. I Columbkilles, Rutherglen, and that first step is my Baptism that day but it was something more of Faith will incorporate a real life journey of 485 ativity among the many other narratives offered to includes several laypeople, a Marist Brother and a template the abandonment of Jesus by all His knelt down and prayed beside it. But why such a recorded in the register of Baptism there. My par- his year I want to look at the journey of faith, than a ritual. In my Baptism I was given a new life miles. I am hoping that the preparation for the human beings as ‘truths.’For Christians, the ‘Word Jesuit Priest, take turns at the microphone, reading friends during His Passion—but I also pointed out public attempt to deconstruct the Word of God, ents, godparents and grandparents would have its changing landscapes and the changes it in Christ and received special graces to enable me walk, both physical and spiritual, will help my is God’ and it is no coincidence that a philosophy their work. Together, their words take us through that, as Catholics, we pray through many psalms strip it of meaning and destroy its sacredness? The remembered the event but, at the time, the signif- brings about in us. I say ‘in us’ because we to live the Christian life God had intended for me. journey of Faith and my journey on foot. that pronounced the ‘death’ of the power of the the whole range of human emotions: sadness, long- and some of them are difficult but they give voice answer is simple, because, despite the false claims icance was lost on me. Tare all pilgrims on the journey. Just like the pilgrims In Baptism all sins are forgiven so that the Bap- Word should also pronounce the ‘death of God.’ ing, anger, pain, faith, doubt, joy, laughter, love and to the whole range of human emotions from the of some postmodernists, the Word is as powerful My earliest memories of the Faith are of being on the roads of Spain, we are often unaware of the tised person is freed to follow this new life. invite you to join me on my journey of Faith, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word everything in-between. The evening is concluded heights of ecstasy to the pain of despair, from anger today as it has ever been. It is alive and active, in church and learning about the large Stations of others on the road. We sometimes journey alone and My initial steps on this journey, then, were taken not the long walk in Spain. In this Year of Faith was with God and the Word was God.” These with a short formal prayer but, in fact, the entire at injustice to seeking forgiveness. Although we inspiring new writing and prayer every day. Read the Cross that trace their route round the building. often walk along with other pilgrims. It is only at on my behalf by my parents. My earliest religious we have an opportunity to examine what our words should be familiar to us from the Gospel of evening is an invitation to prayer. It raises our might not be directly feeling the things that the it. Pray with it. Write about it and share it. In doing Learning to say my prayers before going to sleep the end of the journey we realise how much of the education was done by my parents. It is the par- IFaith is and what it means to us. We can take a St John. Their language is rich and poetic, full of hearts and minds to God and vocalises some of the psalmist is describing, we are invited to pray so, we will truly see that God’s Word articulated in is my first memory of religious education. At the journey we have shared. ents, in fact, who are the main educators and it is serious look at what we profess and the way we the majesty of God’s infinite plan to give His own thoughts and emotions that members of the audi- through those words for those who are having those our Liturgy, our poetry, and our personal prayer, is time I was unaware that I was setting out on a jour- The Sign of the Cross is the first prayer I they who pass on the Faith to us. They pass on the live out our Faith. Are we living our home lives, Son for our salvation. ence are also grappling with in their faith journey kinds of experience. Just two days later, that same truly a Divine work of art. ney, a journey of Faith. remember. For Catholics this is the first prayer. It Faith, not only by teaching us our early prayers but working lives and social lives in the way Jesus George Weigel, recounts in Witness to Hope, his and we invite them to take part in an open-mic. actress asked me if she might pray a psalm with the This has been a journey of much more than a is the prayer we use to start our formal prayers. It by their example of living a Christian life. That is showed us how to live? definitive biography of Blessed Pope John Paul II, Poetry is perhaps the most intense literary art. cast before a performance. And we did. I http://www.agap.org.uk 12 MY JOURNEY IN FAITH THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH CHURCH AND THE ARTS 13

Praising the art of the Living Word Our monthly feature on THE ARTS explains how the literary arts and language can deepen our relationship with God

how the young student-actor who would become (Above left) The Priest Poets Society at Lentfest 2010. n May 2011, AGAP gathered a large group of Pope, would pace up and down reading aloud the (Above) The cast of The St John Gospel Experience in people from across Glasgow to take part in a text of St John’s Gospel as if it were a great epic 2011 ABOVE LEFT PIC: MICHAEL DAWSON ‘dramatised reading’ of the entire Gospel of St poem. As a poet himself and a student of philol- IJohn, which was performed at St Andrew’s Cathe- ogy—the philosophical study of language—Karol Words are carefully chosen and finely distilled to dral. Sadly, the event was poorly attended by the Wojtyla would be particularly attuned to the carry great significance. As such many spiritual public but the experience was about much more than beauty of St John’s writing but anyone who has greats have turned to poetry as a mode of expres- a performance. It was an opportunity to immerse read even the prologue will appreciate something sion for their relationship with God. They include oneself in the Word of God and, in doing so, read it of the beauty of its language. Immediately, the St Theresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, and with conviction as part of a shared group experience. Word is at the centre of our Faith. Jesus Christ is Blessed John Henry Newman to name just a hand- The results were very successful and the cast were the Word of God incarnate, the one who comes to ful. We can add to this canon such great meta- moved to a new appreciation of the Gospel. It was a fulfil the promises made through the prophets, the physical poets of the English language as Gerard form of Lectio Divina—Sacred Reading—using Faith is a long and winding road revelation of all that the Spirit has spoken through Manley Hopkins, John Donne and George Her- dramatic performance as a vehicle for contempla- BY STEPHEN CALLAGHAN the Old Testament scriptures. bert—in 2010, Lentfest featured an event called tion. We need to hear the Word of God proclaimed. JOE McGRATH begins a new series examining the journey of faith that we undertake during the course of our lives Creative Director For Karol Wojtyla and his friends, the power of Priest Poets Society that presented a selection of There is a beauty in the spoken word and Mass Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project language was everything. It was a weapon against works by poets who were also priests. Readers would do well to recognise this in their the totalitarian oppression of the Nazi regime Through poetry, these men and women ministry. St John Vianney pointed out that God does HERE is an old Chinese saying that is the prayer we use to start the Mass. It is some- Pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago in Villafranca which occupied Poland, seeking to eradicate the expressed the highs and lows of their relationship not care any less for His Word than He does for His observes that a journey of a thousand times an involuntary prayer in times of crisis. This Montes de Oca, near the town of Burgos, Spain. A pil- O YOU have a favourite poem or book with God. Taking Gerard Manley Hopkins as an Body. When we meet the Lord in Holy Mass, we grimage path that Joe McGrath aims to tread in 2013, language by closing down all centres of Polish cul- miles begins with a single step. This is is the basic prayer. In it we declare that what we do the Year of Faith that draws your heart and mind to ture: the universities, the theatres and newspapers. example, we hear of the beauty of ‘God’s should meet Him in Word and in Sacrament. Too both a simple statement of the fact and is done in the name of the Father and of the Son God? Perhaps you have a favourite Thus, Wojtyla and his friends began the Theatre of grandeur’ but also feel the pain in ‘I wake and feel often, we hear the Word of God proclaimed as if the a profound observation of the nature of and of the Holy Spirit. It is a declaration of our Bible passage or prayer that speaks to the Living Word—a theatre company who per- the fell of dark not day.’ Through their words, we reader is mumbling the words out of a menu or a our lives. I imagine a pilgrim leaving home on their Christian Faith. a solemn duty and is probably the reason for par- you? Words, whether spoken or writ- formed in people’s homes in secret, performing are comforted, realising that our journey is a love telephone directory. There has been a lot of discus- journey. They lock their front door, turn and take When I learned that simple prayer I had no idea ents feeling guilty when their children do not carry ten, play an enormous part in our lives: we live in a great epic poems and plays to keep alive the Pol- story of joy and beauty, pain and loss. sion recently about the role of music in the Liturgy thatT first step, followed quickly by the second, third how profound it is. If I thought about what this on the practice of the Faith. society of advertising slogans, text messages, email, ish culture. There were no props or costumes: the However, there is perhaps no better illustration but perhaps we should remember the importance of and so on. prayer is saying I’d be more careful about what I Now that I am taking this journey seriously I Dand constant news fed through electronic, social and word was paramount and through it, Wojtyla grew of poetry as a vehicle for prayer than the poetry of the Word. The new English translation of the Mass The journey on the long road to Compostela, do. It is a simple reminder, every time we make the have the feeling that I need to get away from the print media. For Christians, the Word is at the cen- in his awareness of the ‘Word’ who is Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, in both the Old and New Testa- has left many of us befuddled despite its intention to Lourdes or Mecca cannot begin without that first sign of the Cross that we believe in God, in the distractions of my normal life. The everyday tasks tre of our Faith so how can the literary arts and lan- there in the cries of his brothers and sisters, in the ments. Those who pray the four-week Psalter will increase our reverence for the sacred mysteries that step. The pilgrim will have many memorable expe- Trinity and we intend to live in accordance with of getting through each day and getting down to guage help us to deepen our relationship with God? beauty and the tragedy of their words. It was a know that the Church makes great use of the we are celebrating. Some of us may feel that the riences on their journey, some of them life chang- Christ’s teaching. work all militate against serious meditation. The It is interesting to note that towards the end of resistance through culture: a sign that the pen was Psalms to help us journey through the peaks and changes to the prayers of the Mass were unneces- ing. It is very unlikely that they will remember that Every day is the start of the next phase of our obvious answer is to go on pilgrimage. Over the the 20th Century, some theorists of postmodernism truly mightier than the sword. troughs of the spiritual life. sary. But, whatever your personal views, perhaps first, momentous step. JOE McGRATH’S journey of Faith. I remember a Mass in the glass past ten years or so I have been drawn to the posited that the era saw both the ‘death of God’and Once, after praying the Night Prayer of the the new translation can be grasped as an opportunity In this Year of Faith I have been moved to think chapel in Carfin last year when Fr McGachey Camino, the pilgrimage to Santiago do Compostela the demise of ‘logo-centrism’—a word-based, lan- ext month, people from across Glasgow Church with a group after a drama rehearsal, I to listen a little more attentively, take things a little about my own Faith and the nature of that Faith. I JOURNEY OF FAITH drew our attention to the way we make the Sign of in Spain. I have usually managed to let this notion guage-dependent model for understanding and will pack into church halls for the annual asked an actress from an evangelical church why more slowly and savour the beauty of the language recognised that I was having difficulty coming to the Cross. For many of us it has become a hasty fade away with the help of some good excuses; too defining the world around us. With this came a Lentfest Poetry and Music Cafe. For those she was laughing during the Psalm. “I just can’t of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which ultimately terms with the exact nature of that Faith. My best thousand miles and yet I was blissfully unaware wave of the hands that could easily be mistaken busy working, a young family and so on. more subjective understanding that embraced an unfamiliarN with it, the association with Lent may believe that a Church would make its congregation is God’s gift to us. approximation to it is a journey. That journey that I was on that road. Indeed, just like the pil- for an attempt to swat a fly. This prayer deserves On a recent visit to my cousin in San Francisco anarchic freedom to express the individual’s state seem tangential at best and downright ill-fitting at say a prayer with the words ‘Friend and neighbour Finally, not so long ago in Glasgow, an unfortu- began in September 1948 with a momentous first grim who is approaching Santiago de Compostela, more than that. He urged us to make the Sign of I watched the Martin Sheen film The Way. It is the of being through art in any way; echoing Pilate’s worst. Those who have attended, however, will you have taken away, my one companion is dark- nate exhibit at the Gallery of Modern Art invited step—my Baptism. Just like the pilgrim, I have no it is only when I look back that I can see how far I the Cross properly and thoughtfully. story of a man making this journey in place of his words to Christ, it asked the question ‘what is know that the presence of God on such occasions ness,’” she said. I responded by pointing out that it the public to deface a Bible. It provoked outrage memory of that first step. I was Baptised in St have come. I may have been unaware of the significance of son. Now I think it is time to do this. My journey truth?’and plunged the Gospel into a sphere of rel- is very palpable. A collection of poets, which was Friday night—the end of a day when we con- from people of many Christian denominations. I Columbkilles, Rutherglen, and that first step is my Baptism that day but it was something more of Faith will incorporate a real life journey of 485 ativity among the many other narratives offered to includes several laypeople, a Marist Brother and a template the abandonment of Jesus by all His knelt down and prayed beside it. But why such a recorded in the register of Baptism there. My par- his year I want to look at the journey of faith, than a ritual. In my Baptism I was given a new life miles. I am hoping that the preparation for the human beings as ‘truths.’For Christians, the ‘Word Jesuit Priest, take turns at the microphone, reading friends during His Passion—but I also pointed out public attempt to deconstruct the Word of God, ents, godparents and grandparents would have its changing landscapes and the changes it in Christ and received special graces to enable me walk, both physical and spiritual, will help my is God’ and it is no coincidence that a philosophy their work. Together, their words take us through that, as Catholics, we pray through many psalms strip it of meaning and destroy its sacredness? The remembered the event but, at the time, the signif- brings about in us. I say ‘in us’ because we to live the Christian life God had intended for me. journey of Faith and my journey on foot. that pronounced the ‘death’ of the power of the the whole range of human emotions: sadness, long- and some of them are difficult but they give voice answer is simple, because, despite the false claims icance was lost on me. Tare all pilgrims on the journey. Just like the pilgrims In Baptism all sins are forgiven so that the Bap- Word should also pronounce the ‘death of God.’ ing, anger, pain, faith, doubt, joy, laughter, love and to the whole range of human emotions from the of some postmodernists, the Word is as powerful My earliest memories of the Faith are of being on the roads of Spain, we are often unaware of the tised person is freed to follow this new life. invite you to join me on my journey of Faith, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word everything in-between. The evening is concluded heights of ecstasy to the pain of despair, from anger today as it has ever been. It is alive and active, in church and learning about the large Stations of others on the road. We sometimes journey alone and My initial steps on this journey, then, were taken not the long walk in Spain. In this Year of Faith was with God and the Word was God.” These with a short formal prayer but, in fact, the entire at injustice to seeking forgiveness. Although we inspiring new writing and prayer every day. Read the Cross that trace their route round the building. often walk along with other pilgrims. It is only at on my behalf by my parents. My earliest religious we have an opportunity to examine what our words should be familiar to us from the Gospel of evening is an invitation to prayer. It raises our might not be directly feeling the things that the it. Pray with it. Write about it and share it. In doing Learning to say my prayers before going to sleep the end of the journey we realise how much of the education was done by my parents. It is the par- IFaith is and what it means to us. We can take a St John. Their language is rich and poetic, full of hearts and minds to God and vocalises some of the psalmist is describing, we are invited to pray so, we will truly see that God’s Word articulated in is my first memory of religious education. At the journey we have shared. ents, in fact, who are the main educators and it is serious look at what we profess and the way we the majesty of God’s infinite plan to give His own thoughts and emotions that members of the audi- through those words for those who are having those our Liturgy, our poetry, and our personal prayer, is time I was unaware that I was setting out on a jour- The Sign of the Cross is the first prayer I they who pass on the Faith to us. They pass on the live out our Faith. Are we living our home lives, Son for our salvation. ence are also grappling with in their faith journey kinds of experience. Just two days later, that same truly a Divine work of art. ney, a journey of Faith. remember. For Catholics this is the first prayer. It Faith, not only by teaching us our early prayers but working lives and social lives in the way Jesus George Weigel, recounts in Witness to Hope, his and we invite them to take part in an open-mic. actress asked me if she might pray a psalm with the This has been a journey of much more than a is the prayer we use to start our formal prayers. It by their example of living a Christian life. That is showed us how to live? definitive biography of Blessed Pope John Paul II, Poetry is perhaps the most intense literary art. cast before a performance. And we did. I http://www.agap.org.uk 14 LETTERS THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013

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T IS ALWAYS good to see the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund at the cutting edge of aid and international development. The Catholic charity many of us knew in our younger years proved once again this week that it is as true to its mission Bishop Stephen Robson of St statement today as it was when it was started in 1965 by Andrews and Edinburgh was very comfortable in the hotseat when playing an integral role in the Enough Food for Everyone PICTURE he joined pupils at the St Mungo’s IFI campaign. FM radio station during his visit Hunger, a major and complex world problem, is in the OF THE to the Falkirk secondary school firing line of this joint initiative by 100 charities who to celebrate Mass for its patron want to tackle the hunger trap that will ensnare almost a saint’s feast day. See page 22 for billion young people by 2025. SCIAF was at the heart of WEEK full report its Scottish launch on Wednesday. And while feeding PIC: PAUL McSHERRY those who are hungry and in crisis now as a result of famine, flood, crop failure social unrest and the like is the most visible and understood aspect of the problem, the international government and multi-agency co-oper- Time for a final stand admit that I have not ation to tackle this predicted hunger epidemic is also an on marriage for MSPs responded to this request as arena in which SCIAF has expertise. IT IS wonderful to see our best I can so far, since the As an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, clergy in England and Wales Year of Faith was announced, SCIAF has grown over the years and extended its reach standing up for traditional but the New Year brings a far beyond anyone’s highest hopes into the type of devel- marriage and their recent Letters new start for us all. opment, and indeed advocacy, work that is very much letter in the Telegraph brings SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT Instead of complaining required to go hand in hand with the important appeals, home the strength of feeling [email protected] about persecution and the donations and funding. Pope Benedict XVI told Catholic out there. We know the suffering we supposedly charities at the weekend that ‘anthropology’ alone ‘is position of our Hierarchy here endure because of our Faith, essentially atheist’ and that real charity ultimately arises in Scotland and the excellent know that not only the future formation and on-going which is all I seem to have from roots in Faith. Food for thought indeed. efforts they have put in to of traditional marriage is at Catholic education. When read about this year so far, oppose a change to the law at stake here but when it comes better to strive for this than let’s take a leaf out of Holy ere parables the sound bites of Biblical times? Holyrood. It was also great to to the next election they may now, just three weeks until Cross’s book. It is time to be In an age when people did not know leisure see the people of France need to make a different Lent begins. up front and proud of our time, and had even less to fill it with, did Jesus standing up to be counted in career choice. P McCabe Faith and promote it in a have the luxury of the undivided attention of those He what is normally thought of as Charlie McCluskey HAMILTON positive manner. W DIRECTOR S Daniels spoke to who hungered for an inspiring story? Compare a secular country. that to today when we all have education and a seemingly Therefore, I believe it is KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA Sweet harmony in MOTHERWELL infinite number of distractions to grab our attention and time for one more push to gracious comment fill our time. As the Catholic Church, and the Holy Father persuade our MSPs that Our universal Church CATH Doherty’s overview of YoF pilgrimage not himself, tap increasingly into social media (in languages changing the law here in needs unity, education the loss of the Church’s musical first national one now including Latin) to get the Faith message across— Scotland would be wrong. We AS CATHOLICS, we belong heritage over the last 50 years WITH reference to your

CA’ foodSCIAF’s for thought; Faith is not a conversation 140-character as observed this week by the BBC’s David know that this is nothing to do to the Universal Church and if (SCO January 14), though sad article on Page 3 SCO, Willey in Rome—does this mean that with equality as the existing there was ever a time to and startlingly accurate, fills one January 18, I wish to point out our Catechism needs to be revised to fit civil partnership law ticks remember this it is during the with hope rather than lament, as to you that, despite neatly into a 140-character paragraph or every human rights box. We Week of Prayer for Christian her account is gracious in its Archbishop Tartaglia’s be lost to future generations? know that the majority of Unity this week. presentation. I do so hope we invitation to Catholics to join As SCO editor Liz Leydon battled homosexual people are not The SCO’s passing can find the lost penny in our him on “Scotland’s first to be heard on the BBC’s The Big demanding this change. So the reference to the success and house. national pilgrimage to the Questions at the weekend, it struck silent majority must now need for ecumenism last week M Savage Holy Land,” this pilgrimage home that we need have no fear. become vocal. in its editorial goes some way BY E-MAIL which he is leading in October Today’s Catholic sound bites are but People have already said to to redress the balance after will not be the first national cleverly placed entry points into me that this is a done deal column Gerald Warner wrote Uncertain future pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Catholicism, keeping a moral, ethi- because all the political last year that it was more source of anger, fear As secretary of the Jubilee cal and spiritual element alive in parties support it. But have important to put our own SCO columnist Fr Eddie 2000 National Committee of society’s consciousness. And while the individual MSPs really house in order than to build McGhee writes that ‘no-one the Bishops’ Conference of Biblical times relied on an oral tradi- thought about it? ties with other churches. can predict what lies ahead.’ Scotland, I was responsible tion, Catholics today can count, by The SNP, without the I agree that internal I would add that there is for organising not one but and large, on a literate society who can support of a sizeable number bickering within the Catholic great anger in working class three national pilgrimages to explore the Church’s written teachings of Catholics and indeed Church to score points is communities over an the Holy Land in February,

Opinion at their leisure. We must pray we all Muslims voting for them over counter productive and plays uncertain future. July and November 1999 in choose to do so. the past number of years, into the hands of critics, James Haggerty preparation for the Jubilee In this Year of Faith, Patricia Carroll’s would never have made the however constructive debate GLASGOW Year 2000. All of these SCO column is an ideal place to start, as is the massive gains that have led is very much needed, now national pilgrimages were led Strong in Faith Facebook page. them to their present position. more than ever I would argue. Holy Cross, Croy, sets by members of the Scottish Throughout history, the When faced with internal a great example hierarchy, in particular Bishop Labour party in Scotland has challenges or external WHAT a great message the Vincent Logan, who was had a position of being left pressure, the more transparent parishioners of Holy Cross president of the Jubilee 2000 wing on social issues but in the Church is the better for Church in Croy are sending National Committee on behalf the centre ground when it everyone. We must not be out with their giant Year of of the Bishops’ Conference of SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER came to moral issues. This afraid to scrutinise our own Faith banners (SCO Scotland and who gave it the majority support of Church, and the more we January 11). accompanied each one of the the Catholic community and work with those of other Of course, not every parish pilgrimages with other MAIN SWITCHBOARD denominations or faiths (or in the country has the members of the hierarchy. Tel: 0141 221 4956 Fax: 0141 221 4546 indeed people of faith. I • believe that there is no none) the better we are heard resources to replicate what [Former Lord Provost] Alex EDITOR coincidence that its recent and understood. Holy Cross has done, but, Mosson and his wife both demise has coincided with a To be true participants in nonetheless, we can each try joined the second national Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 shift to the left on matters of Christian unity, we must set and respond to this request pilgrimage in July 1999, that [email protected] morality and ethics and a aside any difference within from the Holy Father—to being his first visit to the Holy DEPUTY EDITOR drive towards political our own Church and strive to encourage and better our Land. correctness. Without that core be of the one true Faith. But knowledge of the Faith—in I hope that you amend your Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 [email protected] vote Labour will indeed be a that does not mean blind our own different ways article in next week’s edition spent force in the future. obedience, rather proper this year. I will be first to of the SCO as the large REPORTER The Conservatives adopting G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style number of pilgrims who requirements Martin Dunlop—Tel: 0141 241 6103 this position are well out of visited the Holy Land in 1999 This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed [email protected] touch with their own grass G will be wondering if they roots opinion on this. are not necessarily shared by SCO really were there. SUB-EDITOR Let’s make that final push. G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the Rena McVey, former secretary, above address Jubilee 2000 National Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 All of us should contact our MSPS in person or by G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, Committee, Bishops [email protected] and phone number or your letter will not be used e-mail/letter and let them Conference of Scotland Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH THAT’S LIFE 15 Playing hard and fast with gift of fertility THAT’S LIFE examines a controversial new surgical sterlisation procedure and the added health risks it carries

enough operation finally puts paid to the worry of all too easy to say that these women have made an unplanned pregnancy. And now women have their choices and must stand by them. But Ms the fast-growing alternative of a less invasive, non- Brockovich and others argue that they have not surgical procedure called Essure (right) to add to been fully informed of the risks and questions By Mary their array of contraceptive choice. It is gaining in remain over the extent of the clinical trials. popularity in the area that it is available because it Certainly, a couple of counselling sessions and McGinty requires neither general anaesthetic nor abdomi- a two-week cooling-off period after a request for nal incision. Inserted in just ten minutes, the busy sterilisation in your 20s or early 30s is meaningless career girl can have it done in her lunch hour. when a rethink on the baby front ten years later T IS a bit simplistic but sometimes it seems With savings on doctors’ time and the cost of offer the procedure are playing hard and fast with leaves you with no choice and nowhere to go. that women fall into two categories: Those prescriptions it will be popular, too, with the health the precious gift of fertility. That quick and easy Choice—that proud boast of the pro-abortion who are trying to have children and those service mandarins. But it is not the medical marvel fix takes no account of the fickle nature of human- movement—supposedly sets women free. But the who are trying not to have them. Once we it is being sold as. A whole host of problems asso- ity, of the change of heart that may come suddenly women who live to regret their decision to relin- reach a certain age we no longer have the ciated with Essure have been recorded. Debilitating and swiftly or smoulder long and slow. quish their fertility must ponder the hollow ring to choice and by that time for many of us the baby headaches, nausea, allergic reactions to the nickel that promise. It is hard enough for couple who fail years are well behind us. Any tinge of regret when used in device, perforated colons due to the dis- o far thousands of women in the UK have to conceive but to have deliberately and intention- weI see a new-born is balanced by the thankfulness placement of the device and the need for hysterec- opted for the procedure. In the US, the cam- ally put paid to your fertility must be a hard cross for our own children and the relief that the 2am tomies are all side effects associated with Essure. paigner Erin Brockovich, who became world to bear when you yearn for a baby. feed is a thing of the past. In my case, also, the Conventional sterilisation is drastic enough but Sfamous after the eponymous film starring Julia Meanwhile natural family planning has plenty three, 4am and 5am guzzles. since Essure works by inserting materials that Roberts, is leading the call for Essure to be of research and statistics to back it. Its efficacy rate Ask any GP and they will tell you that women cause a benign fibrotic reaction which results, after banned. The sad and scary tales of women’s lives of 99-100 per cent is the same as the pill and often spend years anxiously trying to avoid preg- three months or so, in a blockage caused by tissue severely affected by this device which boasts higher than other methods such as the IUD. And it nancy only to find when they want a baby that it growth it offers a virtually no chance of reversal if power and control are painful to read. It would be is definitely not bad for your health. requires that same determined effort to conceive. the woman changes her mind. A consultant gynae- Success, when and if it comes, is swiftly followed cologist who performs the Essure procedure con- by another decade or so of desperate avoidance. cedes that there is a 10 per cent ‘regret rate’ among Apparently a third of married women who either women who have been sterilised with that figure Gordius No 75 do not want any more children or who do not want rising to 30 per cent in the under-30 age group. CROSSWORD any at all opt for sterilisation. A straightforward The manufacturers and the doctors who so readily Be joy-filled witnesses to the Lord 1 23 4 5 67

89 By Patricia Carroll hear the language of spiritual jour- on the Year of Faith ney? How can we become more aware of how each person in the 10 11 12 WHEN I was on my Christmas parish is unique and at a different First entry out the hat next break I took some time to stage of their journey from me, 1314 TUESDAY will be the winner explore the Pastoral Recom- that we are not all in the same mendations for the Year of place and don’t all grow at the Send your completed Faith from the Congregation for same rate? Where is there a struc- 15 16 17 crossword entries—along with ture to enable the parish commu- the Doctrine of Faith, and came 18 across this statement of intent: nity to share their stories of Faith? your full name address and “The Year of Faith is intended Are we still in the frame of mind 19 20 daytime phone number—to to contribute to a renewed con- that emphasises Church member- CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 version to the Lord Jesus and ship as more important than disci- WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 to the rediscovery of Faith, so pleship and following of Jesus? 6BT that the members of the Church is one a spiritual journey, whether How does the parish intentionally will be credible and joy-filled they know it or not. provide forums to grow in Faith 24 25 The winner’s name will be witnesses to the Risen Lord in G That each person is on a differ- and sustain it over a long period of printed next week the world of today—capable of ent stage of the journey. time? When has the parish been G 26 27 leading those many people To support that journey we invited to update its understanding The editor’s decision is final who are seeking it to the ‘door need to be in community with of the faith using the latest and of faith.’” each other sharing our stories of best resources and technology? I was also reflecting on the faith and walking with each other. How does preaching help people ACROSS impact of the Rite of Christian G Emphasises the importance of to connect the teachings of the LAST WEEK’S 1 The Spanish have a grand tree (3) SOLUTION Initiation of Adults (RCIA) on discipleship and relationship with Gospel with their everyday 3 Give an autograph if I am unable? That’s notable (11) our Catholic population here in Jesus. choices? Where are there opportu- G 8 French port on the English Channel (6) ACROSS Scotland. I remember when the Focuses on conversion to Christ nities to grow in habits of prayer? 9 Entire word with which one may vie to embrace a novice (8) RCIA was being introduced into as the principle motivating how What about the sacraments—how 1 His 3 Recommenced 10 Evaluate a precious metal or its ore (5) 8 Nearly 9 Asserted St Andrews and Edinburgh Arch- we live and the choices we make. do they really sustain and nourish 11 Lawful (5) diocese in the early 1980s with G Provides opportunity to growth a vibrant life of Faith? 10 Eider 11 Twain 13 Shoplifter (5) 13 Grout 15 Muggles the leadership of Fr Charlie Bar- in deepening Faith. These are all important ques- 15 Temporarily stop such send-ups (7) clay. One of the key insights G Enables participants to become tions. The point of the RCIA is of 16 Giraffe 20 Those 16 Tailless feline (4,3) 21 Negev 23 Toxic about the RCIA was that it is not more and more conversant with course that participants have an 20 Part of a play (5) only a process for gradually form- 24 Creosote 25 Tumble the Christian tradition. experience of Church and its real- 21 Sound like a bird, right inside a French fry (5) ing and initiating converts, but G Helps the group to connect the ity, often in fact what RCIA par- 26 Pass the salt 27 End 23 Taut as one nylon? (5) that it also renews and refreshes Gospel with their life. ticipants experience during their 24 Sounded like a horse hid in new form (8) the parish communities who are G Forms habits of prayer and time of formation is the exception DOWN 25 A part of speech (6) welcoming newcomers. prayerfulness in participants. and feel let down when they join 1 Hunters’ Moon 26 How one shot Lindsey—in an underhand way (11) A survey was done in England G Enables participants to realise the real community. 2 Standing ovation 27 Take a court case against someone (3) and Wales about the impact of the how the sacraments sustain our So as we embark upon another 3 Ruler 5 Erect 6 Catnap RCIA on parish communities and 7 Did 12 Nicene Creed lifelong journey of Faith. year of faith in God we need to DOWN what emerged is that those who look at ourselves and how we are 13 Greet 14 Twine had been through the RCIA were It will not be long now until Lent need of renewed conversion. 1 & 17d As succinct ogres hire out a great church occasion... (11,8) 17 Flexible 18 Cobwebs now the very people who had is upon us and all over Scotland in Those of us who are lifelong 2 ...seal moss spills treacle (8) 19 Ogress 22 Visit enabled renewal in their parishes. our various cathedrals we will be Catholics could learn a lot from 3 Reflective, glossy (5) 23 Trust 24 Cop These newcomers bring a fresh welcoming the elect from RCIA replicating the patterns of Chris- 4 Apparel awarded for a draw in a cuddling competition? (7) 5 Urge forward (5) perspective on living as a Catholic groups in our dioceses. The spon- tian formation that are found in Last week’s winner was: today, and are more open to new sors and godparents will be asked the RCIA process so that we will 6 Exact retribution for the destruction of Geneva (6) 7 Digit on the foot (3) Elizabeth Gargaro, ways of doing things than some questions about how these Elect be credible and joy-filled wit- Dumbarton cradle Catholics who have per- have grown in their knowledge and nesses to the Risen Lord in the 12 Non-clerical the furniture one will set up for a meal (3,3,5) haps got set in their ways. love of Christ. These are questions world of today. 13 A cask is, in North Africa, capital (5) What is it about the RCIA that is we could all ask of ourselves. 14 Distress signal (5) so effective for newcomers and As we begin this New Year and I Patricia Carroll is the Episcopal 17 See 1 down. Scottish Catholic Observer: how could these patterns be repli- continue the Year of Faith it might Delegate for Pastoral Resources in 18 Moreover, one writes next to a cardinal (7) Scotland’s only national cated to renew the Faith of those be useful for parishes to examine the Archdiocese of St Andrews and 19 Flowers cited in many falsehoods (6) Catholic weekly newspaper Edinburgh who are already Catholic? Essen- these growthful patterns in the 22 Point out a horse (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. I [email protected] tially the RCIA does the following: RCIA and look at how these can 23 On this date (5) Registered at the Post Office I http://catechesisscotland. be replicated into existing parish 24 Married on a short day (3) as a newspaper. G Honours the fact that everyone life. Where in parish life do we wordpress.com 16 CHILDREN’S LITURGY THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith chaos after losing a football match and forgiveness. We love you. Amen. everyone goes so crazy they do not even know what they are doing? Well, that is Responsorial Psalm Fourth Sunday in Ordinary what happens here. 71:1-2, 3abcd, 3ef and 5a Jesus reminds us again that He came (R) I will sing of your salvation. Time—First Reading to bring the gift of love, not just to live I run to you, Lord, for protection. Don’t I have appointed you as prophet to the nations. A into our expectations. disappoint me. reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah 1:4-5, You do what is right, so come to my rescue. 17ab, 18-19. Discussion Listen to my prayer and keep me safe. As we read the list of love’s characteristics, (R) I will sing of your salvation. The Lord said to Jeremiah: “Before I gave we realise just how simple and yet Be my mighty rock, the place where I can challenging love is. Our society does not always run for protection. you life and before you were born, I chose always reward us when we are patient, or Save me by your command! you to be a prophet to the nations. even kind. In fact, it regularly says ‘look (R) I will sing of your salvation. “Jeremiah, get ready! Go and tell those out for number one,’ ‘don’t be taken You are my might rock and my fortress. advantage of,’ and so on. By making icons I depend on you. people everything I command you. Don’t be of movie stars, sports heroes and musical (R) I will sing of your salvation. afraid of them. artists, we see their power and fame as Second Reading “Today my power will make you as strong more often praised and sought after than love, care and truth. If we stop for a There are three things that last; faith, hope, and as a fortress or a tall column of iron or a wall moment and reflect, we might discover that love; and the greatest of these is love. A reading of bronze. You will be against everyone in the people we really admire the most are from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians Judah, its kings, leaders, priests, and all the Reflection those who are indeed patient and kind. The 13:4-8a, 11-13. common people. They will fight against you, JESUS always spoke the truth even if it ones who make our days and nights more Brothers and sisters, love is kind and patient, didn’t make others like Him. The Gospel safe and enjoyable not by doing big things never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love but they won’t win, because I will be with begins with the line that ended last but by doing simple things in a big way. isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t you to protect you. I, the Lord, have Sunday’s Gospel: “Today this Scripture They are people who genuinely love, keep a record of wrongs that others do. spoken.” passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” The people after whom we might want to Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. stories Jesus retells show us that many model ourselves, people who have Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, The Word of the Lord times in history people believe they discovered the ‘more excellent way.’ and trusting. Love never fails! know what is best, right and true and no When we were children, we thought and one is going to convince them otherwise. Activity reasoned as children do. But when we Jesus clearly says to the religious G Use a newspaper (SCO), bulletin, diocesan grew up, we quit our childish ways. Now The Children’s Liturgy page is published one people listening to Him: You have it all newpaper or magazine to find stories that all we can see of God is like a cloudy wrong. You have to think differently. show ordinary people doing loving deeds. picture in a mirror. Later we will see Him week in advance to allow RE teachers and those You do not have it all figured out. They Prayer face to face. taking the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Masses to just could not take it. In fact, the story We don’t know everything, but then we says clearly, they were so upset they Dear God, we know you help us to do will, just as God completely understands use, if they wish, this page as an accompaniment couldn’t even stay focused enough to good things. Help us to see and understand us. For now there are faith, hope, and love. to their teaching materials move Jesus to the edge of the hill to hurl your love in new and better ways every But of these three, the greatest is love. Him down. Does that not sound like the day. Thank you for your love and The Word of the Lord Alleluia Luke 4:18 (R) Alleluia, alleluia. The Lord sent me to bring good news to the poor and freedom to prisoners. (R) Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel No prophets are liked by the people of their own town. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 4:20b-24, 28-30. Everyone in the Jewish meeting place looked straight at Jesus. Then Jesus said to them: “What you have just heard me read has come true today.” All the people started talking about Jesus and were amazed at the wonderful things He said. They kept on asking: “Isn’t he Joseph’s son?” Jesus answered: “You will certainly want to tell me this saying, ‘doctor, first make yourself well.’ You will tell me to do the same things here in my own hometown that you heard I did in Capernaum. But you can be sure that no prophets are liked by the people of their own hometown.” When the people in the meeting place heard Jesus say this, they became so angry that they got up and threw Him out of town. They dragged Him to the edge of the cliff on which the town was built, because they wanted to throw Him down from there. But Jesus slipped through the crowd and got away. The Gospel of the Lord Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES EXPERTSERVICES

Our Lady of FatimaʼsPeace Plan from Heaven Our Lady's Great Promise SCOT-COVER I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who on the First Saturday of 5 consecutive months, shall confess,receive Holy Communion, pray 5 decades of the Rosary RE-UPHOLSTERY and keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary---all with the intention of making reparation to me. Our Lady to Lucy, Dec. 1925 ONTHLY Freephone: 0800 389 8084 You are invited to do so at any of the following venues on: M SATURDAY 2nd February, 2013 Suites and church kneelers re-covered. 9.00am - Mill Hill Fathers, Cardonald, Glasgow 9.00am - St Columbaʼs, Renfrew, Glasgow EDJUGORJE For quality and expertise, all types of 9.00am - St Francis, Port Glasgow M 9.20am - St.Aidanʼs, Johnstone upholstery work undertaken - 9.30am - St Bernadetteʼs, Carntyne, Glasgow 9.30am - St Anneʼs, Dennistoun 9.30am - St Brigidʼs, Toryglen VENING contract, commercial and domestic. 9.30am - St Gregoryʼs, Wyndford E 9.30am - St Josephʼs, Tollcross 9.30am - St Lucyʼs, Cumbernauld ST JOHN THE BAPTISTʼS CHURCH www.scotcover.co.uk 9.30am - St Maryʼs Cathedral, Edinburgh 9.30am - St Maryʼs, Calton, Glasgow Lower Millgate 9.30am - St Maryʼs Duntocher 9.30am - St Maryʼs Greenock 9.30am - St Matthewʼs, Bishopbriggs UDDINGSTON TERRY SPECIALIST 9.30am - St Mirinʼs Cathedral, Paisley IN 9.30am - St Philipʼs, Livingston LUNDIE TOOTH 9.30am - St Robertʼs, Househilwood, Glasgow on Monday January 28th 2013 9.30am - St Rochʼs, Glasgow G The WHITENING 9.30am - Christ the King, Glasgow Rosary at 7.15pm Mass at 7.30pm AND 10.00am - Christ the King, Howwood, Johnstone COSMETIC 10.00am - Christ the King, Pittenweem Denture 10.00am - St Columbaʼs Bridge of Don, Aberdeen Light refreshments in the hall afterwards DENTURES 10.00am - Our Lady of Lourdes, East Kilbride Technician 10.00am - Our Lady of Good Aid, Motherwell Have your own natural teeth High quality Dentures made with 10.00am - Our Lady Star of the Sea, Saltcoats ALL WELCOME whitened. Monitor your own shade good quality private teeth and 10.00am - Our Lady and St Anneʼs, Cadzow Bridge, Hamilton change by this new safe method. quality denture base material. 10.00am - Our Lady and St Helenʼs, Condorrat 10.00am - St Sophiaʼs, Galston Home visits can be arranged. A beautiful natural appearance 10.00am - St Aloysius, Springburn SAVE YOURSELF £££’s made for the individual. 10.00am - St Brendanʼs, Yoker, Glasgow 10.00am - St Patrickʼs, Dumbarton To Advertise on this page TELEPHONE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 10.00am - St Brideʼs, Cambuslang 10.00am - St Brideʼs, East Kilbride 18 ASHBURTON ROAD, KELVINDALE, GLASGOW G12 10.00am - St Cadocʼs, Newton Mearns email: Telephone 0141-334 1883 10.00am - St Charlesʼ Paisley 02559 10.00am - St Convalʼs, Pollok, Glasgow 10.00am - St Gabrielʼs, Merrylee, Glasgow [email protected] 10.00am - St Helenʼs, Langside, Glasgow 10.00am - St Jamesʼ, Crookston, Glasgow 10.00am - St Johnʼs Barrhead Tel: 0141 241 6105 10.00am - St John the Baptist, Uddingston 10.00am - St Josephʼs, Helensburgh 10.00am - St Maryʼs Irvine 10.00am - St Michaelʼs, Dumbarton 10.00am - St Paulʼs, Whiteinch 10.00am - St Patrickʼs, Shotts 10.00am - St Peterʼs, Livingston 10.00am - St Philipʼs, Ruchazie, Glasgow 10.00am - St Stephenʼs, Dalmuir 10.00am - The Holy Family and St Ninian, Kirkintilloch 10.00am - Sacred Heart, Bridgeton visit: 10.15am - St Maryʼs Star of the Sea, Leith 10.30am - St Athanasius, Carluke 11.00am - St Anthony's, Govan 12.15pm - Carfin Grotto www.sconews. 12.15pm - St Mungoʼs, Townhead, Glasgow 1.00pm - St Mirinʼs Cathedral, Paisley 2.00pm - Our Lady and St Patrick, Auckinleck, Ayrshire co.uk 5.00pm - Immaculate Heart of Mary, Balornock, Glasgow 5.15pm - Immaculate Conception, Maryhill, Glasgow 5.15pm - St Peterʼs, Bellsmyre 7.00pm - Franciscan Convent, 92 Dixon Avenue, Glasgow For more information phone 0141 882 2254. THANK YOU. and Do you feel that Scotland’s only National Catholic Weekly Prayer Group Meeting Times God is calling you to the Archdiocese of Diocese of Dunkeld Missionary Bring you the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package Glasgow N Ss Peter and Paul’s Priesthood N Prayer Group Then we for as little as £7.50 per month. Rhema Prayer can help Community Ss Peter and Paul’s Parish you Direct Debit Only - Saving £66 per year on over-the-counter price. St Mary’s RC Church, Centre 89 Abercromby Street, Milton Street, Dundee • Magnificat every month (Behind Church) Calton, Contact: • SCO every week Glasgow. G40 2DQ Tuesdays 7.30pm Wednesday 8.00pm The Vocations Director • Magnificat Advent Companion SMA FATHERS St Theresaʼs • Magnificat Lent Companion Clarendon Place, Dunblane Perthshire FK15 9HB Sent by post direct to your home ADVERTISING TERMS AND for only £7.50 per month CONDITIONS saving you time and money. 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FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATH RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM DUFFY KILCOYNE MacBETH, Mary Angela 12th Anniversary 27th Anniversary 9th Anniversary, January 29, Cherished memories of Char- In loving memory of our dear 2004. MacINNES lie, a loving husband and mother, Hannah, who died I look at your photo and speak Peacefully at St Brendan’s adored dad, who died January January 15, 1986, our dear your name, Hospital on January 11, 2013, 27, 2001. May your gentle soul father, John, died July 7, 1964, It fills me with so much pride Effie, much loved sister and rest in peace. our dear brothers, John and love to have had you as aunt to the family. Remembered with love, today Patrick, who died May 30, my wife. Fortified by the rites of the and forever. 1997 and Michael Christopher, Love is a smile, a tear and a Holy Catholic Church. R.I.P. Breda, Karina, Scott and Millie, who died December 5, 2006. touch, Glasgow, Chas, Jaymee, Eternal rest grant unto them, O Love says little but means so BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Charlee Ann and Aideen, New Lord. much. York, and all the family. Those who die in grace go no It’s difficult to face the day and , William BRADLEY AUSTIN further from us than God, and know you’re not there, Fondest memories of Billy, a Please remember in your GRAHAM God is very near. But in my heart you will dear brother, uncle and best prayers, Charles Bradley, who BARRY 7th Anniversary Inserted by their loving family. stay, friend, whose 80th birthday died January 24, 1981. Pray for the repose of the soul In loving memory of my dear Loved and remembered every occurs on January 23. Rest in peace. of Very Rev. Canon Thomas husband, John, much loved KIRK day. Sadly missed. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Barry, retired Parish Priest of father, father-in-law and grand- In loving memory of our dear Loving husband Danny, sons From Kathy and family. have mercy on him. the Diocese of Motherwell father who died on January 24, parents, Mary, died January Daniel, Andrew, grandchildren 1945-2006, died January 26, BURKE 2006. 22, 2006, Charles, died Janu- Daniel, Lily and Lev, 2006. In loving memory of my dear May he rest in peace. ary 28, 1993. daughters-in-law Anne and May he rest in peace. mother and grandmother, Mar- Those who die in grace, We keep you close within our Shona. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for garet Burke, who passed away Go no further from us than hearts, Always in my heart. him. on January 29, 1985, also God, And there you will remain, St Joseph, pray for him. loved ones gone before. And God is very near. To walk with us throughout our From all his friends. It does not take a special day, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for lives, For us to think of you, him. Until we meet again. Each Mass we hear, each Inserted by his loving wife and In the shelter of Thy Sacred prayer we say, family. Heart, may they find eternal Is offered up for you. rest. St Martin, pray for her. Inserted by their loving family. Inserted by George, Susan, Margaret Weatherall LEES, John and Paul. LAFFERTY Remembering my dear wife, In loving memory of our dear Margaret, whose birthday BURNS father and mother, Joseph, occurs on January 28. 4th Anniversary died January 14, 1963, and I keep you close within my In loving memory of Sadie, Bridget, died January 29, heart, much loved mum, gran and 2000; also Winifred Fitzsim- McGEE And there you will remain, great-gran, who died January mons, died January 29, 2001, In loving memory of our To walk with me throughout my 28, 2009; and her beloved a devoted wife, mum and gran beloved parents, Joseph, who life, McCOLGAN husband Eddie who died and our dearly loved sister. died February 23, 1977 and Until we meet again. 26th Anniversary August 9, 1998. Will those who think of them his wife, Rose, who died Janu- You were my best friend for 48 Please remember in your Eternal rest grant unto them, O HENDERSON today, ary 29, 2010. years, prayers, Father Gerald B. Lord and let perpetual light 9th Anniversary A little prayer to Jesus say. Eternal rest grant unto them, O We shared many good times McColgan, who died January shine upon them. May they Please pray for the soul of Queen of Heaven, pray for Lord. and also our tears. 25, 1987. rest in peace. Margaret (Maggie Traynor), them. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for So rest in peace dear Mar- Loved and remembered who died January 30, 2004, Inserted by their loving family. them. garet, always. CRILLEY beloved wife of the late Paddy John, Denis, Bridie and all the And thanks for all you’ve done, In loving memory of Mary, who Inserted by his family. and dear mother, grandmother family. I pray that God has given you, died January 23, 2007, and great-grandmother. The crown you’ve truly won. beloved wife of the late Jimmy, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Little Flower, at this hour, pray and dear mother and grand- her. MacINTYRE for her. mother of the family. Rest in MEMORIAM Margaret, Thomas and family. In loving memory of my dear St Pio, pray for her. Peace. brother, Peter, brother-in-law From husband Bobby and ANDERSON Will those of you who think of and uncle, died January 28, family. 1st Anniversary her today, 2007. In loving memory of our dear A little prayer to Jesus say. So sadly missed. son, Danny, who died January Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray Anne, Robin, relatives and 31, 2012. for her. friends. Inserted by mum and dad, Inserted by the family. brother and sisters, brother-in- McATEER, Jessie McCabe law and baby Joel Daniel. DALY 23rd Anniversary My dearest wife, died January MacINTYRE In loving memory of Angus In loving memory of our dear 29, 2012. John, died January 24, 2009, father, Di, and brother, Dan, My thoughts are on you beloved husband, dad, who died on January 27, 1990. always, grandad, brother, brother-in- Gone from our home but for- Your place no one can fill, law, uncle and friend. ever in our hearts. HORAN In life I truly loved you, Sorely missed by all. Inserted by his loving family. In loving memory of my dear In death I love you still, mother Bridget Horan, died I know you walk beside me, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray QUINN, Geraldine DALY January 30, 1977, and my And when my life is through, for him. Remembering Geraldine, a 31st Anniversary dear father, James, who died I pray that God will take my much loved wife, mum, granny In loving memory of my dear February 10, 1990; also my hand, and mother-in-law, who died mother, Susan, who died Jan- dear sister, Bridget McBride, And lead me straight to you. MacLELLAN June 10, 2006, and whose uary 26, 1982. died July 13, 1977. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 16th Anniversary birthday occurs on January 26. May her soul and the souls of Treasure my mum Lord, in her. In loving memory of our dear Always in our thoughts and BIRRELL the faithful departed, rest in peace. Your garden of rest, Inserted by her loving husband brother, uncle and brother-in- prayers. Treasured memories of our St Martin, pray for her. For while on this earth she John. law, Donald Archie, who died From your loving husband dear Mammy and Granny, Nel- Inserted by her loving family. was one of the best, January 25, 1997. R.I.P. Peter, sons, Peter Joseph, lie, who died on January 28, Never selfish, always kind, Sadly missed. James and Gerard, daughters, 2002. DONNELLY These are the memories mum, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Anne and Geraldine, daughter- We lost a mother with a heart Fifth Anniversary of my mum, you left behind. him. in-law, Angie, the late of gold, Eunice, who died on January Inserted by her loving daugh- To place an 5 Haun, Eriskay. Jonathan and grandchildren, How much we miss her can 29, 2008. ter Margaret and son-in-law Lauren and Jack. never be told, You are so sadly missed as a Neil. intimation Place Your Intimation She shared in our troubles and mother, grandmother, sister After pain, peace, Daddy. MacLEOD Announcing, Remembering, helped us along, and aunt, but most of all for Granny, you watched over us In loving memory of Mary, who Thanking Call: 0141 died January 20, 1998, and all Births, Marriages, If we follow in her footsteps, being my best friend. when we were small, Deaths,Anniversaries We’ll never go wrong. May the Sacred Heart of Watch over us now as we loved ones gone before. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Jesus, Our Blessed Lady, St grow tall. 241 6106 Eternal rest grant unto them O her. Pio and St Anthony keep you Goodnight granny. Lord. Inserted by Anne, Catherine, safely in their care. Liam, Bridie, Neil and 62 Bualuachrach, Eochar, To place a Family Announcement Contact Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 Mary and Ellen. Your loving daughter Eunice. Stephen. South Uist. Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19

FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacNEIL ROCK, Mary RELIGIOUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In loving memory of my dear 10th Anniversary father-in-law, Dougald, who In memory of our beloved died at Bruernish, January mum, gran and great-gran, FATHER DAN FRIEL We, the family of the late 23, 1929, also my died January 27, 2003. Father Dan Friel (retired parish mother-in-law, Christina, who You are always in our thoughts priest of St Flannan’s, Kirkintil- died December 31, 1960. and hearts, Mum. loch and for the past 20 years R.I.P. Our Lady, pray for her. resident in St Patrick’s, Dumb- On whose soul, sweet Jesus, St Theresa, pray for her. arton) wish to thank all those have mercy. Your loving family. who sent sympathy cards, Inserted by Margaret, Michael Mass cards and letters of sym- SINCLAIR Iain, Douglas Anthony and pathy; Doctors and Nurses of 6th Anniversary , Betty McMILLAN Michelle Anne, 17 Hutton O’DONNELL WILSON the Royal Alexandra Hospital, In loving memory of Agnes 1st Anniversary In loving memory of our dear Died January 25, 2011. Drive, Glasgow, G51. Paisley and the Vale of Leven (Hynds), who died January 31, In loving memory of Patrick father, father-in-law and gen, They say it’s a beautiful jour- Hospital; district nurses and 2000. Donald Patrick, who died on ney (Packie), who died January 25, the Dumbarton doctors who Gone to sleep, our Lord to January 26, 2007. R.I.P. From the old world to the new, 2012. R.I.P. visited him regularly in the keep. Fois shiorruidh thoir dha a Someday I’ll take that journey Dearly loved husband of Kath- Chapel House. We would like From all of us who love you. thighearna Which will lead us straight to leen, much loved dad, papa to thank too the housekeeper Your Gus and all our loving Agus solus nach dibir you, and brother. Irene McCallion, and her family. dearsadh air, And when we reach that gar- Softly in the morning, you helpers in the Chapel House Gun robh fhois ann a sith. den heard a gentle call, for the loving care and atten- Inserted by his loving family, In which there is no pain, McMILLAN You took the hand God offered tion they gave to Father Dan 13th Anniversary home and away. We will put our arms around you, all the time he was in Dumbar- Remembering our sister, you both And quietly left us all. ton, especially in his latter Agnes Hynds, who died Janu- SMILLIE And never part again. So rest in peace dear loved years when he wasn’t well. We ary 31, 2000. 16th Anniversary Love and miss you. one, thank all the parishioners of St Will those who think of her In loving memory of our dear Moira and Robert, grandchil- And thanks for all you’ve Patrick’s for making Father so today, mother and grandmother, dren and great-grandchildren MONTAGUE done, happy in Dumbarton, espe- A little prayer to Jesus say. Mary, who died January 25, and family. 19th Anniversary We pray that God has given cially those who did the cater- John, Mary and family. 1997. R.I.P. In loving memory of Charlie, you, ing. We thank those, too, who Those who die in grace go no , Helen my dear husband, loving The crown you’ve truly won. WRIGHT came to the Rosary Services, further from us than God, and In loving memory of Helen, McMILLAN father of Pauline, John and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Vigil Service and the Requiem God is very near. who died on January 23, 2012. Treasured memories of Agnes Kevin, father-in-law of Rory, him. Mass, and the choir and altar Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Loving wife, mother and Hynds, taken from us on Janu- Celestine and Andrea and a Inserted by Kathleen and fam- servers for a very uplifting her. grandmother. ary 31, 2000. loving grandfather, who died ily, Kirkintilloch, Dunbar and liturgy. We thank Canon Inserted by her loving family. Always in our thoughts and It does not take this special January 25, 1994. Dungloe, Donegal. George Bradburn (Dean) and prayers. day, O you whom I have loved Archbishop Emeritus Mario THOMPSON Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for To bring you to our minds, so much on earth, pray for Conti for attending the Vigil 42nd Anniversary her. For days without a thought of me and live in such a manner Service and speaking so nicely Of your charity, please pray for Inserted by Donald John, you, that we may be reunited about Father Dan, and, of the repose of the soul of our Christopher, Roddy, Donald Are very hard to find. forever in a Blessed Eternity. course, Archbishop Philip dear mother, Elizabeth and Andrew. Joann and John. Inserted by Anne and family. Tartaglia for being principal Her smiling eyes are forever MacMillan, who died on Janu- ary 26, 1971, also our dear concelebrant at the Mass and remembered by her niece and also speaking so highly of her nephews. father, Thomas, who died Sep- THANKSGIVING tember 30, 1976, and our Father Dan, and we thank the Sacred Heart of Jesus, have many concelebrants too. The beloved sister, Julia, who died PRAYER TO THE BLESSED mercy on her soul. large attendance, both of January 1, 2004. VIRGIN The McAulays and clergy and layfolk, showed the On whose souls, sweet Jesus, O Most Beautiful Flower of Mulhollands. high esteem in which Father have mercy. Mount Carmel, fruitful in the Dan was held. Above all we Inserted by their loving family, splendour of Heaven, Blessed MacMILLAN would like to thank Canon Ger- PRENDERGAST Castlemilk. Mother of the Son of God, Happy and precious memories ard Conroy and Father Treasured memories of Robert Immaculate Virgin, assist me of a very special person, John Anthony Gallagher of St Lawrence, beloved husband in this my necessity. O Star of (Jackan) MacMillan, who died Patrick’s. We can’t find words of Violet, dear father, the Sea, help me and show January 21, 1999. to express our gratitude to grandfather and great-grandfa- me herein You are my Mother. Always in our thoughts. them for the love and care ther, died January 28, 2001. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Kirsty and Donald and family. they showed to Father Dan Also all loved ones gone Queen of Heaven and Earth, I especially in his final illness; it before. R.I.P. humbly beseech You from the MacMILLAN was charity in action. If we So sadly missed. bottom of my heart to succour 2nd Anniversary have omitted anyone who feel So dearly loved. me in my necessity. There are In loving memories of Effie, they should have been Inserted by loving wife Violet none that can withstand Your who died on January 19, 2011. included in this message of and family. power. O show me herein You Loving wife of the late Alasdair, gratitude, please count your- are my mother. O Mary, con- loving mother, grandmother selves in, and everyone will be ceived without sin, pray for us and sister. included in a Mass offered for who have recourse to Thee Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for WILSON the intentions of all. her. 11th Anniversary (three times). Holy Mary, I From all the family. Of your charity, please pray for place this cause in your hands the repose of the soul of my (three times). O thank you for MORRISON dear mother, Jean Fowler, died your mercy to me and mine. MacNEIL In loving memory of a much January 29, 2002; also Amen. Say for three days; 39th Anniversary loved mother and grand- remembering at this time Aunt publication promised. – E.K. In loving memory of our dear mother, Cathie, who died Teenie (Christina Fowler Pot- father, Jonathon MacNeil, who January 31, 1989 and a ter), died February 5, 2002. BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, died January 31, 1974, also much loved father, grandfather ‘And in God’s house for ever- you who can find a way when our dear mother, Mary and great-grandfather, more, there is no way, please help MacDonald, who died March Patrick, who died November My dwelling place shall be.’ me. Repeat 6 times and 1, 1968. R.I.P. 29, 2007. QUINN,Tommy Psalm 23, Verse 6. promise to publish. - R.M. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for We hold you close within our 16th Anniversary Our Lady of Lourdes, St them. hearts, In loving memory of my dear Bernadette and St Martin de THANKS to St Jude, St Inserted by the family, And there you shall remain, husband, our dear father and Porres, pray for them. Martha, St Anthony for prayers Glasgow. To walk with us throughout our grandfather, Tommy, who Henry. answered. - L.M. lives, died January 29, 1997. Until we meet again, It does not take a special MacNEIL So rest in peace dear loved day, In loving memory of Donald ones, For us to think of you, Aidan (Dan), a dear brother, And thanks for all you’ve Each Mass we hear, each brother-in-law and uncle, died done, prayer we say, January 27, 2009. We pray that God has given Is offered up for you. So sadly missed. you, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Chrissie, Peggy, Donnie and The crown you’ve truly won. him. families. Inserted by their loving family. Inserted by Joan and family. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS CARDINAL O’BRIEN Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh www.archdiocese-edinburgh.org.uk TUE JAN 29 6.50PM Return from In-service Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, course with Bishops in Spain. WED 30 11AM 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Meeting of Vicars General, St Bennet’s; 2PM A sign that we care 53 Morrison Street Glasgow Meeting of Trustees of Archdiocese, Gillis Centre. FRI FEB 1 7PM Silver Jubilee of 0141 429 4433 Ordination to Priesthood of Fr James Tracey, St Patrick’s, Kilsyth. T&RFUNERALDIRECTORS O’BRIEN ESTABLISHED 1890 ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA It is our business to care. Every member of staff is Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk dedicated to delivering the best service possible—with professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity. THU JAN 31 7PM In-service awards Dignity Caring Funeral Services ceremony, Glasgow University School of We are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors Education. FRI FEB 1 7PM Mass, St Patrick’s, Dumbarton, for 40th anniversary of Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road the school. SAT 2 10AM Mass and reception Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow for religious, St Andrew’s Cathedral. Tel. 0141- 778 1470 BISHOP DEVINE Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk Frank J Lynch Ltd. THU JAN 31 1.30PM Pre-Confirmation visit, Funeral Directors St Brendan’s PS, Motherwell; 2.30PM Pre- Gorbals 156 Crown Street, Glasgow, G5 9XD Confirmation visit, St Mary’s PS, Cleland; Tel 0141 429 0300 7PM Annual Teachers’ Mass, Cathedral. FRI Partick 323 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AL FEB 1 1.30PM Pre-Confirmation visit, Tel 0141 339 1122 Cathedral PS, Motherwell; 2.30PM Pre- Confirmation visit, St Bernadette’s PS, Possilpark Gilchrist & Lynch Motherwell. 136 BalmoreRoad, Glasgow, G22 6LJ Tel 0141 336 2300 One of the few privately owned companies left in Glasgow BISHOP CUNNINGHAM Organist Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans available Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk & THU JAN 31 3PM Council of Priests, JAMES Bishop’s House. SAT FEB 2 12NOON Cantor SHERRY As featured in the Day for religious, Bishop’s House. Available for weddings FUNERAL DIRECTORS BISHOP GILBERT and funeral services our services are Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com provided at any time Mary Queen of Scots Listen online at: in any district SAT FEB 2 10AM Conference of religious, www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk private rooms of Cath Doherty Bishop’s House; 7PM Youth Formation, repose and service by By popular demand, Bishop’s House. T. 01698 325 493 rooms available 104-106 PARK ST these articles are now BISHOP TOAL TOADVERTISE: MOTHERWELL available to own in Argyll and the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk 01698 264000 book form at a cost of 01412214956 ATALLTIMES £7 TUE JAN 22-TUE 29 Bishops’ just (including P&P). Conference In-service, Salamanca. MEMORIAM CARDS To purchase a copy, simply fill in the attached AUXILIARY BISHOP ROBSON of St Andrews and Edinburgh MEMORARE MEMORIAM CARDS LTD form or contact the SCO Full colour traditional Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, Bookmarker and Single cards. by telephone on the WED JAN 30 11AM Meeting of Vicars General; 2PM Trustees of the Archdiocese. *Full Colour Order of Service Booklets (Fast Service)* number below. 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Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH A HISTORY OF THE PAPACY 21 Medieval wars that weakened Papacy DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of the Papacy, looks at the conflicts in the 13th century that caused damage to Papal authority A HISTORY OF THE PAPACY

HE brilliant achievements of Pope Innocent III, which we examined last week, were consolidated by his successors. However, the seeds of destruction, already noticeable under Pope Innocent III, germinated in thisT period. In time, they would over- whelm the medieval Papacy. The first half of the 13th century was dominated by three events: the battle between the German Imperial family of Hohen- staufen and the Papacy, the rise of France and the contraction of Christen- dom in the east. All three plagued Pope Innocent III’s successors, from Pope Honorius III to Pope Martin IV. At the time, the conflict between Pope and emperor seemed the most pressing. Frederick II, Pope Innocent III’s former protégée and a student of Pope Honorius III, turned out to be anything but a Papal puppet. Frederick is a difficult man to gauge. His contempo- raries rarely portrayed him in a sympa- thetic light, largely because they were clerics. In addition, he has suffered greatly from his adoption by the Euro- pean secular elite: Nietzsche called Frederick the first European, and he is accepted as the first modern ruler. There is much to admire in Frederick. He was a tolerant man in an age of extreme intolerance. His court was a mixture of Latin and Orthodox Chris- tians, Jews and Muslims, all living in an atmosphere of mutual respect. He was the King of Sicily, ruler of northern Italy, Emperor of Germany and King of Burgundy—Frederick was without doubt the most powerful man of his age. He spoke six languages, was a patron of the arts and sciences, and wrote what many still consider to be the Both Pope Innocent IV (above) and Pope bility of the Papacy: St Peter’s succes- himself that he came to occupy the Papal This Nicaean Empire managed to Urban IV (above right) were involved in definitive book on hunting with birds. conflicts that had serious consequences sors were opening and closing Heaven’s throne. However, his support for Charles recapture Constantinople in 1261. None of his Papal opponents had for the Papacy gates for political caprice. of Anjou, younger brother of St King Although Popes would work for an end either his breadth of learning or his Louis IX of France, to gain southern to the Great Schism, and even came charisma. They were fearful of his t the same time that the Popes Italy was unconditional. He probably close a few times in achieving this, the power, which encircled the Papal States tion. Initially, it worked, but it effec- were reducing the German colluded in the execution of Conradin, legacy of 1204 and 1261 proved to be in central Italy, distrusted his tolerance tively delivered the Papacy into French Empire to a political gelding, the the last of the Hohenstaufen, who was too bitter: reunification is still awaited of other religions, and were scandalised power. Soon, that power was to eclipse FrenchA crown was reaching new only 16 when he met his fate. Although today. by the way he treated the Crusades. that of the German Emperor, and would heights. They had driven out the English it would be some time after the death of Frederick had postponed joining Cru- dominate the Papacy for almost the from most of France, and were now Clement IV in 1268 before a new he above is a veritable list of sades several times. When he did reach remainder of the Middle Ages. expanding. In Sicily and southern Italy, Frenchman came to occupy the Papacy, despondency, and raises the ques- the Holy Land he was under excommu- The furious persecution of the war a scion of the royal family gained the the trend was set. tion if there was anything posi- nication, and his negotiated return of with the Hohenstaufen is nothing less throne. When Pope Urban IV became Ttive about this period at all. There was: Christian control over Jerusalem and than a serious blot on the Papal record. Pope in 1261, they also managed to gain he woes of the Papacy did not the mendicant orders grew from Bethlehem was condemned. He had left Whereas one can still conjure up the a toehold in Rome. Pope Urban was a end with the conflict with the strength to strength, and Carmelites, the Dome of the Rock under Muslim historical perspective that creates an Frenchman, born into a family of cob- Hohenstaufen and the rise of Mercedarians and others soon joined control, much to the horror of the understanding of the war with Freder- blers, and amongst his first acts as Pope TFrance. In the east, the Crusader states Franciscans and Dominicans. These Papacy. To modern ears, this does not ick II, there is nothing that could possi- was the creation of a French majority in were gradually pushed into the Mediter- greatly strengthened the Church, and sound offensive at all, yet we have to bly justify the brutal annihilation of his the College of Cardinals. ranean. Between 1244 and 1289, almost provided assistance to countless needy recall the poisoned atmosphere of the successors. The Papacy did not rest This was the first instance in the his- all the Latin states were conquered: people. Universities sprang up all over Crusader period, which left no room for until the execution of Conradin, the last tory of the Papacy that a nationality Jerusalem fell in 1244, Antioch and Europe, and overall wealth increased in compromise. of the Hohenstaufen, in 1268. In the deliberately set out to dominate the northern Syria in 1268, and Tripoli with the final years of a climactic optimum His attempts at centralising govern- process, Popes Innocent IV, Alexander office. True, there had been attempts to what is now Lebanon in 1289. that saw average temperatures exceed- ment in Germany and northern Italy led IV and Urban IV all abused the notion stack the College of Cardinals with rel- Here, too, the increasing French ing those of the late 20th century. to civil war in both places, and Pope of Crusading. atives of the Imperial family, and at one power on the Mediterranean was mak- Yet clouds appeared on the horizon to Gregory IX, a nephew of Pope Innocent This began as an elevated ideal of the point Greek-speakers were the pre- ing itself felt. Pope Martin IV, the first add to the other underlying challenges III, used the opportunity to form an defence of Christendom. To 21st cen- ferred office holders of the Byzantine French Pope since Pope Clement IV, faced by the Papacy. From 1250, tem- anti-imperial party in Italy. The long- tury eyes Crusading may seem repre- Emperor. However, in the former case assented to an attempt by the French peratures began to drop, which by 1300 lasting civil war between Guelphs and hensible, but its original motivation was dynastic considerations held sway, and ruler of Sicily to gain control over what would leave Europe’s population at star- Ghibelines was to ruin many an Italian pure. Not so what followed. All three in the latter it was knowledge of the was left of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, vation levels. In southern France, the city, and many an Italian life. The great Popes just mentioned called for Cru- Byzantine Rite that mattered. with disastrous consequences. The Papacy had supported a Crusade against poet, Dante, was to be exiled from his sades on the Hohenstaufen, and those Pope Urban’s successors would con- attack failed, but fatally weakened the the Cathar heresy, and for the first time beloved Florence for belonging to the who fought for the Pope, frequently tinue the trend. Some of them were pious remaining Christian forces. The Cru- since the Fall of the Roman Empire col- wrong party, for example. mere mercenaries, were promised the Catholics. The father of Guido le Gros, sading kingdom was now confined to a luded with worldly power to supress rewards of Heaven should they die in later Pope Clement IV, had become a few coastal enclaves. religious dissent. Soon, the Inquisition ope Innocent IV went to war with the process. Those supporting the Impe- Carthusian when his wife died. Guido Elsewhere in the East, things were as was erected, with negative long-term the emperor. The Guelph Party, rial family, including bishops and was to follow suit: when his own wife bad. In 1204, after the Fourth Crusade consequences. The foundations of the led by the Pope, turned to France priests, were excommunicated. Both died he, too, entered into Holy Orders had captured Constantinople, a rump Medieval Church were beginning to Pfor help. It was a massive miscalcula- moves seriously undermined the credi- and he would make such a name for Greek state was established in Anatolia. show serious cracks, indeed. 22 CELEBRATING LIFE THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 25 2013 Celebrating Life Do you have a special occasion from your parish or a celebration at your school that you wish to share with the SCO? If so, e-mail Dan McGinty: [email protected]

EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN 27 JANUARY WED 30 JANUARY 9AM 1PM THE FOURTH RUPTURE A HOLY MASS PATH TOWARDS RECONCILIATION 9PM 11AM WHEREVER YOU ARE THE ANGELUS THURS 31 FEBRUARY WITH POPE 1PM BENEDICT XVI HOLY MASS 1PM LIVE 8PM SUNDAY MASS 2.30PM EWTN LIVE CATHOLICISM 9PM 6PM BURMA—THRESHOLD OF THE WORLD OVER HOPE PIC: PAUL McSHERRY 8PM FRI 1 FEBRUARY DEMOGRAPHIC WINTER: THE DECLINE OF THE 1PM FAMILY HOLY MASS Bishop Robson tunes into secondary school’s heartbeat 10PM 8PM VATICANO THE WORLD OVER By Dan McGinty pupils attending Mass together. dealing with the media. pupils the challenges faced by 11PM 9PM Bishop Robson was joined Bishop Robson was given an all young people, even their BENEDICTION & PUPILS and staff at St by school chaplain Fr Simon insight into the working of patron saint. DEVOTIONS PROVIDENCE WILL Mungo’s High School in Hughes, who concelebrated SMFM (see page 14) as he sat Facing a challenging back- MON 28 JANUARY PROVIDE Falkirk marked their Mass, and was given a tour of down in the studio with the ground, he said St Mungo 1PM LIVE SAT 2 FEBRUARY patron’s feast day by wel- the school facilities, including media team for an interview experienced successes and fail- HOLY MASS 1PM LIVE coming Bishop Stephen the St Mungo’s FM studio, with S6 pupil Christopher ures, but ultimately overcame 7PM where pupils broadcast the Quieletti, speaking of how his struggles by placing his HOLY MASS Robson of St Andrews and EWTN ON LOCATION Edinburgh to the school for school’s online radio show. impressed he was by the Faith in Jesus Christ. 9PM 4.30PM LIVE a celebration Mass. The SMFM project, which Falkirk school and vowing to Bishop Robson concluded by CHURCH IN PUERTO RICO VESPERS WITH RELIGIOUS Bishop Robson was making along with a St Mungo’s televi- return again to see how the asking the young people to do TUE 29 JANUARY ON THE FEAST OF THE his first visit to the school, and sion channel is controlled and pupils are progressing. the same, using his example to 1PM PRESENTATION OF THE his celebration of the feast day operated by the school’s pupils, Speaking to the whole school overcome the challenges they HOLY MASS Mass saw pupils of St Mungo’s was one of the first of its kind during his homily, Bishop Rob- will face in life. LORD gather as a school for the first in the UK and gives pupils an son gave a history of the young 8PM I [email protected] THE JOURNEY HOME 7PM time in 2013, with all 1350 experience of working in and Mungo’s life, outlining to the 9PM DOORS TO HOPE A TIME TO REBUILD COAST LAY READERS’ GUIDE by Fr John Breslin

SUNDAY JAN 27 Sunday 3C. Nehemiah 8:2-8.8-10. Response: Your words are spirit Lord, and they are life. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30-11. Luke 1:1-4; 4: 14-21. MONDAY Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas. Hebrews 9:1- 15.24-28. Response: Sing a news song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. Mark 3:22-30. TUESDAY Hebrews 10:1-10. Response: Here I am Lord! I come to do your will. Mark 3:31-35. WEDNESDAY Hebrews 10:11-18. Response: You are a priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek of old. Mark 4:1-20 THURSDAY Memorial of St John Bosco. Hebrews SPOTLIGHT ON... 10:19-25. Response: Such are the men who see your face, O Lord. Mark 4:21-25. Primary 7 children from St Blane’s Primary School in Blantyre showed their enterprising spirit as they raised money for homeless people in FRIDAY their local area. The children decided to make up luxury hampers and raffle two of these in their local churches. The money raised from the Hebrews 10:32-39 Response: The salvation of raffle was then used to purchase essential items to make up small bags for local homeless people. After a very successful fund raising activity, and through the generosity of their family and friends, the pupils quickly surpassed their intended target, and Helen McKay and Grant the just comes from the Lord. Mark 4:26-34. Brooks from The Eva Burrows First Stop charity came along to the school to receive around 50 bags from St Blane’s pupils. The bags were subsequently distributed to people staying in the homeless centre. SATURDAY Ms McKay spoke of how impressed she was by the caring and mature attitude of pupils, assuring them of how gratefully received their Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Malachi 3: 1- donations would be. “We really appreciate this kind gesture and I am very impressed that these school age children recognise the situation of 4. Response: Who is the king of glory? Is is the people being homeless and want to help them, especially at this time of year,” she said. Lord. Luke 2:22-40. Friday January 25 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH CELEBRATING LIFE 23 A homecoming for St Mary’s pupils and Bishop Robson

By Dan McGinty

FR JOSEPH Brannigan, parish priest of St Mary’s in Lanark, welcomed Bishop Stephen Robson to his parish as the Auxiliary Bishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese celebrated a Confirmation Mass. Bishop Robson was there to confer the Sacrament of Confir- mation to primary six and seven pupils from the local St Mary’s Primary School. Family and friends of the young Confirmandi filled the church as the children, after many weeks and months of preparation, took the next step in their ongoing development as Catholics. It was a homecoming of sorts for Bishop Robson, who attended secondary school in Lanark before going onto university in Edinburgh, where he found his vocation after convert- ing to Catholicism. The local Catholic community was happy to welcome him to its home parish, offering him warm congratulations on his recent appointment asAuxiliary Bishops of St Andrews and Edinburgh. As part of their preparation children’s ‘Request for Confir- local Catholic community, with St Mary’s pupils “We were delighted to see for receiving the sacrament, the mation,’ with one pupil reading pupils Finlay Sliman and Roya sing Lean on Bishop Robson returning to children learned and perfected out a formal request for the Fenton giving the Bishop the Me (above) and Lanark for the Confirmation,” Fr their own Confirmation song, sacrament on behalf of the chil- gift of a new crozier, made from present Bishop Brannigan said. “It was a great Lean on Me, which they per- dren from St Mary’s. wood salvaged from the pews of Robson with night for the school and the formed during the Confirmation Pupils from St Mary’s Pri- the old church. the crozier parish, and he was wonderful Mass. mary also made a presentation to PICS: PAUL with the children.” The song formed part of the Bishop Robson on behalf of the I [email protected] McSHERRY

her love affair with that country and sparked her “At Christmas, she told me again how blessed and OBITUARY burning desire to do all she could to help the poor how privileged she was to have the energy and there. She came to Dundee in 1991, and was Supe- strength to do what she was doing. She simply loved rior at Lawside Convent until 2000. She brought it and I know she will be more than happy that she SR ALOYSIUS, SISTERS OF with her her ideas to help Romania’s orphans and, died in harness. MERCY, DUNDEE shared them with her colleague Sr Marie-Therese “Countless people owe an enormous debt to Sr who died last year aged 92. Aloysius and we give thanks to God for her and Sr Aloysius, the Sister of Mercy who co- The two elderly sisters decided to visit Roma- her amazing life.” founded the Dundee-based Lawside Romania nia in the 1990s to see the situation for themselves. She was honoured by the City of Dundee for her Fund, has died. She was 89-years-old. They were both so moved by the plight of young work when she was made Citizen of the Year. Sr Aloysius was still visiting the sick children boys in an orphanage that they vowed they simply A Requiem Mass for Sr Aloysius was said in of Bucharest’s Budimex Hospital on Sunday Jan- had to do something to help. Thus the Lawside Bucharest on Tuesday morning. Among the concel- uary 13, the day before her death. Romania Fund was born. ebrants were Fr Colin Golden, parish priest of Our Born Gertrude Philomena Kiernan, into a farm- Help poured in, as donations of clothes, blankets Lady of Lourdes, Perth and St James’, Kinross. She ing family in County Cavan, Ireland, she was one and toys were given by people, first of all in is to be buried near her orphans as requested. of 12 children, three of whom died in infancy. Dundee, but then from across Scotland as news of Fr Golden visited Romania many times and raised One of those children was her young brother their work spread. thousands of pounds for the Lawside Romania Fund. Aloysius and that was why she chose that name as The cellars of the convent were soon packed Sr Anna, Superior of the Mercy Community in her religious name. Her eldest sister Delia (Sister with boxes to be shipped to Romania. Dundee, was also due to travel to Bucharest for the Mary Clare) decided she wanted to become a Sis- The project continued to grow and Sr Aloysius Along with Romanian businessman Traian Despa, funeral. ter of Mercy and she travelled to Scotland to enter and Sr Marie-Therese made several visits to who became manager of the fund in Bucharest, she Paying tribute to SrAloysius, SrAnna said: “With the Mercy Convent in Elgin in 1928. At 17, Bucharest, one of which saw them taken to the travelled out to the countryside around the capital, her boundless energy and enthusiasm, Sr Aloysius Gertrude decided she wished to follow in her sis- city’s Budimex Children’s Hospital. helping some of the poorest people. was undoubtedly the driving force behind the Law- ter’s footsteps and she, too, joined the Sisters of Again, they were appalled by the conditions Through the fund, houses were built for cancer suf- side Romania Fund. Mercy. She trained as a teacher at Craiglockhart they found and in typical determined fashion they ferers and their families, who had been living in what “But she would be the first to admit she would College in Edinburgh and then taught at schools in resolved to try to improve matters. were little more than farm outhouses, with no run- have achieved nothing without the support and Elgin, Tomintoul, Buckie and Keith. Sr Aloysius told of abandoned babies lying in ning water, sanitation or adequate heating. commitment of countless people, many of whom Among her pupils was Michael Milton, now squalor in their cots, of young cancer patients in Among those to visit Sr Aloysius to see her work gave quietly and anonymously, to the fund. She Canon Michael Milton, Administrator of St overcrowded wards, of their parents sleeping on the in Romania was Bishop Vincent Logan, Bishop was especially indebted to our Mercy Congrega- Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee. floor to be beside them, of skilled doctors who had Emeritus of Dunkeld. tion for allowing her to work in Romania and for all During her time as a teacher in the north she ran little medical equipment or supplies to help them. He recalled: “Sr Aloysius was an incredible the financial help given to her. the school football teams and was honoured for her People from across Scotland and Ireland, including human being, an indomitable spirit. She took on an “She was totally devoted to the cause. She was a work with the local Scout groups. members of her own family, rallied to her call and immense project at a time of life when she should woman of great faith and gave thanks every day to After retiring as a teacher she worked in Lon- steadily the fund was able to offer help. Sr Aloysius have been putting her feet up. God for His bountiful goodness to her, first of all in don’s east end, where her order ran a hostel for became a weel-kent face around the Budimex and “She simply loved what she was doing in Roma- calling her to be a Sister of Mercy and secondly for young women. It was during her time there that would challenge anyone, especially the hospital top nia, trying to help the poorest of the poor, and she giving her the privilege of working in Romania. she got to know the MP Emma Nicholson. brass, in order to get a better deal for ‘her’children. was loved by them. “She touched the lives of so many people, both Ms Nicholson invited Sr Aloysius to the House She also visited many of the city’selderly poor,most “She wanted nothing more than to be able to here and in Romania.” of Commons to hear a talk about the situation in of whom were younger than her, and set up a Meals on continue her work, and I know she thanked God A Requiem Mass for Sr Aloysius will be held in Ceaucescu’s Romania. That was the beginning of Wheels service, which gave them a hot meal each day. every day that she was able to do so. Dundee next month. Celebrating Life Do you have a special occasion from your parish or a celebration at your school that you wish to share with the SCO? If so, e-mail Dan McGinty: [email protected] 24 GÀIDHLIG THE SCO SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday Janaury 25 2013

SCIAF a’cur iomairt saoranachd cruinne air bhog sa Ghàidhlig In his Gaelic column this month, ANDREAS WOLFF looks at the Scottish GÀIDHLIG Catholic International Aid Fund’s new drive to promote its charitable works and global citizenship among Gaelic-speaking communities

HAN ann dìreach air taobh thall an gu sònraichte air sgoiltean. Is e an teachdaireachd a th’ feadhainn gun robh iad gu math snasail a’ coim- (Os cionn seo, air do làimh chlì) Rosemary Ward. (Os rathaid a tha do nàbaidhean!” Sin ann do sgoilearan gu bheil iad nan saoranaich na head. Tha iad ann an dathan freagarrach le daoine cionn seo) Sgoilearan aig Àrd-Sgoil an Òbain leis na postairean ùra Gàidhlig aon dhe na h-abairtean a tha cruinne. “Bi fhèin an atharrachadh a tha thu airson òga a’ toirt seachad an teachdaireachd. Feumaidh sgrìobhte air na postairean ùra fhaicinn san t-saoghal,” a tha postair eile ag ràdhn. gu bheil e cudromach gu bheil aodach ann an fasan Gàidhlig a dh’fhoillsich SCIAF o Thàinig SCIAF gu Àrd-Sgoil an Òbain gus na an là an-diugh orra cuideachd, ach tha postair eile chionn ghoirid. Le seo tha buidheann cobhair eadar- postairean ùra a shealltainn dha na meadhanan. Tha ag iarraidh orra: “Miannaich gun barrachd a bhith goireasan ùra air leth cudromach ann a bhith a’ nàiseanta na h-Eaglaise Caitligich ann anAlba ag amas e coltach gun do chòrd iad ris na sgoilearan. Thuirt agad, ach a bhith nas fheàrr.” Is e stiùireadh cudro- brosnachadh agus a’ dìon na Gàidhlig agus tha ‘C mach a tha seo san là a th’ ann far a bheil mòran sinn an dòchas gum brosnaich iad luchd-labhairt dhaoine a’ cur cus cuideam air nithean saoghalta. òga na Gàidhlig gus a dhol an sàs nas dlùithe ann Dh’innse tè dhe na sgoilearan dhomh gun robh i an saoranachd cruinne.” dhen bheachd gun robh na postairean nas pearsanta Airson a’ chiad uair riamh bidh a’ Ghàidhlig a’ a-nis agus iad ann an Gàidhlig. Thuirt Stiùiriche nochdadh air na bogsaichean beaga am bliadhna SCIAF, Patricia Chalé: “Tha e air leth cudromach cuideachd. Bidh a' bhuidheann gan sgaoileadh ann gum bi sinne a’ conaltradh ri daoine òga air feadh am paraistean air feadh Alba aig àm a’ Charghais. Alba ma tha sinn a’ dol a chur às dha acras, Bidh Caitligich a’ cruinneachadh airgid unnta agus bochdainn agus ana-ceartas. Tha sin a’ciallachadh gan tilleadh thuca aig àm na Caisge. Ach tha SCIAF gum feum sinn a dhol an sàs ann an coim- ag obair ann an dùthchanan bochda fad na bliadhna. hearsnachdan san fharsaingeachd, agus nam measg Chan eil iad dìreach a’ toirt cobhair do dhaoine ann sin tha coimhearnsachdan far an e Gàidhlig a’ an suidheachaidhean èiginneach, tha iad cuideachd phrìomh chànan. Tha mi an dòchas gum brosnaich a’sealltainn sgilean dhaibh a chuidicheas leotha gus na postairean ùra barrachd dhaoine òga aig a bheil beò-shlàinte a dhèanamh. Ann an Alba, tha SCIAF Gàidhlig gus barrachd a dhèanamh a thaobh sao- ag iomairt gus dèiligeadh ri gnothaichean a tha ag ranachd na cruinne agus gus daoine eile a bhros- adhbhrachadh bochdainn agus ana-ceartas. nachadh gus taic a chur ri obair SCIAF, obair a tha Gheibh sgoiltean leth-bhreacan dhe na a’ toirt piseach air beatha mòran dhaoine.” postairean le bhith a’ cur fios air oifigear sgoiltean SCIAF, Mark Booker air: 0141 354 5555, no air ha Rosemary Nic a Bhàird, tè-labhairt post-dealain aig: [email protected]. Tha na Gàidhlig ùr na buidhne, an làthair agus i postairean rim faighinn ann am Beurla cuideachd. dhen bheachd nach deach an teach- Sin e an turas seo às an Òban. Gus an ath-mhìos: Bdaireachd seachad air na sgoilearan. Thuirt i: “Tha Beannachd Leibh. SCIAF rim moladh airson mar a tha iad fhèin air tighinn gu coimhearsnachd na Gàidhlig. Tha na I [email protected] Ann am Beurla (In English)

SCIAF, the Scottish International Aid and encourage others to get involved in sup- Fund, has recently launched a set of porting SCIAF’s life-changing work.” posters in Gaelic promoting global One of the students told me that she citizenship. thought the posters were more personal They came to Oban High School to tell because they were in Gaelic. students that: “Your neighbours don’t just Rosemary Ward, SCIAF’s new Gaelic live across the street,” as one poster reads. spokesperson, thought the message did not The students seemed to like the colourful pass the students by. posters on which young people in fashion- “SCIAF should be commended for pro- able clothing also tell them: “Aspire not to actively reaching out to the Gaelic commu- have more, but to be more.” nity,” she said. “The new resources are a “Engaging young people across Scotland valuable contribution to the promotion and is vital if we are to make hunger, poverty preservation of the Gaelic language and will and injustice a thing of the past,” SCIAF’s hopefully encourage more young Gaelic- director, Patricia Chalé, said. “This must speakers to feel included in the agency’s involve the wider community, including in drive to promote active global citizenship.” areas where Gaelic is the main language. I This year for the first time there will also hope the new posters will encourage more be a Gaelic strapline on the wee boxes young people in our Gaelic-speaking com- which are distributed in parishes all over munities to become active global citizens Scotland by the agency at Lent.