Ahead of relics New series Missionaries arriving, links begins from give insight for between Scotland Scottish Network Mission Sunday and St John of Catholic appeal. Paul II. Page 22 Students. Page 15 Pages 8, 12-13

No 5642 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday October 16 2015 | £1

Holy Father apologises I and Christians UK leaders unite in for scandals praise of Aid to the in the Vatican are being Church in Need’s new POPE Francis has asked for report that reveals forgiveness for recent scandals that have taken place in the Christians are being Church and in the Vatican. run out of much During his general audience in St ‘ethnically Peter’s Square on Wednesday, the Holy Father said: “Before beginning of Africa and the the catechesis, I would like to ask Middle East forgiveness in the name of the Church for the scandals that have happened in this last period both cleansed’ in Rome and at the Vatican. I ask forgiveness.” Some commentators have linked By Ian Dunn sustained persecution of Christian minorities,” the apology in part to this week’s she added. “Only by publishing reports such leak of a Letter of 13 cardinals to the POPE Francis, Nicola Sturgeon and David as this and identifying the extent and scale of Pope contesting the direction and Cameron have united in praising a new report the problem can we hope to take steps to methods of the current Synod of that reveals the shocking scale address the persecution of minorities that Bishops on the Family, which was of Christian persecution around sadly still exists across the world.” followed by a series of denials the world. At a time when Aid to the Church in and clarifications. The Holy Father has given his full Need has been criticised by secular Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Prefect support to Persecuted and Forgotten? groups in Scotland for its commitment of the Congregation for the Doctrine the new report produced by Aid to the to religious freedom, the charity of the Faith, said that although the Church in Need (ACN) that has found welcomed the First Minister’s statement leak of the letter is ‘a new Christians are being ‘ethnically cleansed’ that she is ‘committed to creating a modern, Vatileaks,’there is no great dispute from much of Africa and the Middle East and inclusive Scotland which protects and respects over the family synod. Scotland’s First Minister and the UK Prime human rights.’ “The scandal is that it makes Minister have praised ACN. “This includes upholding freedom of thought, public a private letter of the Pope,” A letter from the Vatican Secretary of State conscience and religion and we support our faith Cardinal Müller, believed to be a Cardinal Pedro Parolin reveals that the Pope was communities and promote interfaith initiatives signatory of the letter, said. “This is pleased to learn of the report—that details because we recognise the invaluable contribution they a new Vatileaks: The Pope’s private global persecution of Christians between 2013- make to building a safe and peaceful society,” she documents are private property of 2015—ahead of its launch at the House of Lords said. “We will continue to promote freedom of religion the Pope and no one else. No one can on Tuesday and in Scotland yesterday. in all our relationships with other nations and work publish it, I do not know how that “He prays that those in positions of authority will with others to end persecution and oppression against could happen.” diligently strive not only to end religious discrimination all people.” Cardinal Wilfrid Napier has in their own nations,” the letter says. And ‘also seek Among the findings of the report are fear of a Christian confirmed that he signed a letter, but ever more effective ways to increase international ‘genocide’ has prompted a migration of Christian said that it was different to the text cooperation to overcome these offences against human refugees of the Middle East and Africa, that Christianity that has been published, while dignity.’ is on course to disappear from Iraq within five years Cardinal , another and Christians around the world are increasingly the reported signatory, said the letter to Scottish launch target of nationalist religious movements— ‘Muslim, the Pope was private and ‘should The Scottish launch of the report took place at Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist.’ remain private.’ St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen yesterday and First Cardinal Müller also said it was Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she ‘strongly House of Lords not true to say there was great dispute condemns persecution or oppression of any kind At the launch at the House of Lords on Tuesday, over the family synod: “I do not and we are concerned by the horrifying persecution Prime Minister David Cameron also know anyone here who is against the of Christians and others that continues across signalled his support in a statement. Pope. Always the synod discusses the world.’ how to improve procedures, “This report by Aid to the Church in I Continued on page 7 everyone has the freedom to say Need provides welcome evidence- their opinion on this.” based analysis of the His views were echoed by Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, one of Pope Francis’ closest advisers. “Some in the media want to present it that way because that is the of the world today,” Cardinal Maradiaga said. “Here we are all united under the light of the Holy Spirit and under the love of God.”

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church-related events, more online at www.sconews.co.uk FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 18 SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 IHealing Service at St Colum- I Renewal Weekend at St bkille’s Hall, Kirkwood St, Mary’s Monastery, Kinnoull, Rutherglen on Sunday October Perth. Friday Oct 16 to Satur- 18 at 2pm. Speakers: Fr Dou- day Oct 17 glas MacMillan and Joe Liv- I All-night Prayer Vigil for ingston. Vocations from 10pm on Fri- I Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary day October 16 until 8am Mass Annual Crowning Pilgrimage on Saturday October 17 at St on Sunday October 18 at Catharine’s Convent of Mercy, Schoenstatt Scotland, Ken- 4 Lauriston Garden, Edin- tenich Way, Campsie Glen, burgh. Please consider taking Glasgow. Rosary at 3pm fol- part in some or all of this lowed by Mass at 3.30pm. important initiative. Presider: Bishop . I All Night Prayer Vigil for Tel 01360 312 718. Women. Women from all dio- I A Festival Mass of Thanks- ceses are warmly invited to this giving at St Mungo’s, Town- all-night prayer vigil of head on Sunday October 18 at Eucharistic Adoration. For 7pm. Celebrating 50 years of information, call 01475 the Vernacular at Mass. Music 726318. October 16 8pm to led by The St Mungo Singers, October 17 8am. singers and cantors from the Glasgow Archdiocese. FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 18 MONDAY OCTOBER 19 Special day for Jericho community I I Bingo Tea St John the Bap- RENEWAL WEEKEND tist Perth Church Hall, 7pm, Pope Francis has announced in aid of Funds for the Keep in Bishop John Keenan and Dom that 2016 should be the Year of Touch Group. Tickets £1 also Stephen Horton OSB Mercy. In preparation for this available from the shop Prior and Novice Master of Aberdeen Diocese has made I Songs of Praise will be Prinknash Abbey, Gloucester, led this the theme of its annual recorded for the BBC at the the celebration of Thanksgiving Renewal Weekend to consider Mass for the silver jubilee of The Cathedral on Thursday and Fri- House of Prayer of The Brothers how we might respond to day October 22-23, 7-10pm. of the Jericho Community, God’s mercy in our lives and in There will also be a rehearsal Kilbarchan, on October 8.They turn how can we be merciful to in the Cathedral on Monday 19 were joined by Fr James others. Organised by the October, 7-10pm. Ferguson and clergy from the Aberdeen Diocese Association Please make sure you have a Paisley.The occasion was also of Prayer Groups it is open to ticket to attend the recordings. marked by the reception of all CCR prayer group members Tickets available from Cathe- Br Richard of the Jericho in Scotland. The invitation also dral Office, 0141 204 2409, Comunity by Dom Horton as as a extends to members of other info@cathedralG1 .org, or Benedictine of Prinknash denominations who are happy from Tern Television 01224 Abbey. Br Richard recieved the to share in the Catholic atmos- 211123, annie.woolridge Scapula phere of the St Ninian Institute. @terntv.com Book online at http://www.dio- PICS: PAUL McSHERRY ceseofaberdeen.org/?event=dio TUESDAY OCTOBER 20 cese-of-aberdeen-renewal- I Exploring Catholicism Talks weekend St Thomas Aquinas Secondary, The pupils of St Ronan’s 112 Mitre Road, Glasgow, G14 SPOTLIGHT ON Primary, Bonhill, recently SATURDAY OCTOBER 17 9PP from 4.15-5pm. Free of marked the 40th I SSVP National meeting and charge. Tuesday October 20 annivresray and blessing Mass at Celtic Park, 10am. ‘Revelation: Jesus.’ of the new building with a visit by E-mail [email protected] Philip Tartaglia, Fr Charles McElwee and Fr John Mulholland. Headteacher Clare Levens is seen here with pupils and Frs McElwee and Mulholland Kraków 2016 PIC: PAUL McSHERRY World Youth Day Urgent appeal

Can you help raise funds to help Scottish youth travel to World Youth Day in Krakov, Poland, in 2016 in honour of the newly canonised Sts John Paul II (who founded WYD) and John XXII? Anyone wishing to support this cause can send their donation to The Scottish Catholic Observer Appeal Account, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT marked WYD 16. The SCO will work with the Church and its associated youth ministries to make sure the funds go to helping young pilgrims get to Poland for the cele- brations.

INSIDE YOUR SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. NEWS pages 1-7 LETTERS page 9 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 21 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,4 and 5 COMMENT pages 8-11 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. WHAT’S ON page 2 CENTRE SPREAD pages 12-13 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 20 Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] WORLD NEWS pages 6-7 FAITH BY DEGREES page 15 SPECIAL OCCASIONS page 23 for free monthly posted programme guide and VATICAN NEWS pages 6-7 PUZZLES pages 16 and 21 CHURCH AND ISLAM page 24 visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3

Children’s minister plays down SPOTLIGHT ON impact of Named Person bill

SCOTLAND’S children’s right, professionals can get it minister has been criticised wrong, but within this system for attempt to downplay with the named person the the impact on the Named assumption is that the Persons Bill. professionals are always right,” Speaking on BBC Radio she said “Parents’ views, Scotland, Aileen Campbell parents’ opinions, are put way (right) stated that the bill would down the ladder and way down only intervene where there are the scale and if parents start to child protection concerns. But object, if parents start to say to the legislation assigns a named professionals ‘no, you’re person to every child to monitor wrong, we’re right’ then they’re their ‘wellbeing.’ seen as a problem.” Her statement contradicts a The Tymes Trust is part of government guide showing the No to Named Persons that the named person can campaign group, which opposes check up on, for example, the Named Person scheme. whether a child has a say in Other groups, including the what they watch on TV or , have raised whether they can join Scouts concerns about the scheme. The or Brownies. Christian Institute, alongside Lesley Scott, of Tymes Trust, other charities and concerned Bishop John Keenan celebrated Mass for Paisley Diocese Union of Catholic Mothers this week at Holy Family raised concerns that parents are parents, has lodged an appeal Parish, Port Glasgow. The bishop was joined by parish priest Fr Brian McGee, Chaplain to the UCM Fr Andrew marginalised under the plans, undermines traditional family. against the legislation in the Coleman and clergy from the diocese PIC: PAUL McSHERRY which the Scottish Church fears “Professionals are not always UK Supreme Court.

LOURDES 2016

14 MAYMAAYY - 7 NIGHTS NIGHTS 14 MAYMAAYY - 7 NIGHTS NIGHTS FULL BOARDBOARD DEPARTSEPARTSB BYYC COACHOACH & Enjoy:Enjoy: RETURNS BYBY FLIGHT ••RReturneturn flights frfromom GlasgoGlasgoww Enjoy:Enjoy: • 1 night in ParisParis • Quality hotelhotel near the LourdesLourdes GrottoGrotto • 1 night in NeversNevers ((ConventConvent with • Full excursionexcursion prprogrammeogramme included SStt BernadettBernadette)e) • 5 nights Full BoardBoard in LLourdesourdes • QualityQuality hothotelel near the LLourdesourdes GrGrottootto • Full excursionexcursion prprogrammeogramme included

FROM PER PERSON FROM PER PERSON ONLONLYLYY £699£699 ONLONLYLYY £619£619

FORFOR MORE INFORMATIONINFORMATION CCONTACTONTACT ANTHONY AANTHONY,Y,, MARK OR MARGARETMARGARETANNEANNE

58 StoresStores 01410141 435435 775077550 NationwideNationwide TermsTerms and cconditionsonditions apply

JOE WALSH TOURS Bishop Gilbert to rededicate Pluscarden PILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1961

By Ian Dunn bit of an eye-opener with a fire lit on the buildings that is still not complete. CEBU, PHILIPPINES altar and it’s perhaps the longest Liturgical “All are warmly invited to attend the 51ST51ST INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTICEUCHARISTIC CONGRESSCONGRESS £ BISHOP is to rededicate service there is, but everyone who wants Dedication Mass, and to stay for the lunch 21 JANUARY | 10 NIGHTS from the 13th century to come is welcome.” that follows,” a spokesman for Aberdeen From London Heathrow £1,8951,895pp in Aberdeen Diocese in an historic Pluscarden Abbey was founded in 1230, Diocese said. “All proposing to stay for » IEC2016 Registration package ceremony.The bishop, a former abbot of and originally dedicated soon after. lunch are asked to inform Pluscarden, so » 5HWXUQÀLJKWVIURP /RQGRQ WR &HEX YLD +RQJ .RQJ Pluscarden, will be joined by the monks The original dedication Crosses may that numbers can be evaluated.” » $LUSRUWWUDQVIHUV ZLWK (QJOLVKVSHDNLQJJXLGH and many friends of the abbey for the still be seen on the walls in the Transepts. The re-dedication Mass will take place on »  QLJKWV KRWHO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ EUHDNIDVW GLQQHU service on Thursday November 5. Significant damage occurred in 1390, at Thursday November 5 at 11am, followed by » 'DLO\VKXWWOHVHUYLFHWRFRQJUHVV YHQXHV Br Michael de Klerk, the cellerar at the the hands of the Wolf of Badenoch, the lunch. Mass is likely to last around three » +DOI GD\ H[FXUVLRQZLWKGLQQHUDWORFDOUHVWDXUDQW abbey, said it was something the monks had notorious Earl of Buvcha, followed by hours, so lunch will likely begin somewhat REGISTRATION PACKAGE JOIN wanted ‘ever since we came back in 1948.’ extensive re-building and repair in the mid after 2pm For those who wish and are able » $FFHVVWRDOOVHVVLRQV ZRUNVKRSV H[KLELWV THE DELEGA Prior to that, the abbey had lain in ruins for to late 15th century. That was followed by to stay, the afternoon will end with Vespers, » $FFHVV WR DOO &RQJUHVV HYHQWV &KXUFK YLVLWV TION many centuries and Br Michael said the a second dedication. Evidence of this is the Exposition, Te Deum and Benediction FRQFHUWV VSHFLDO +HULWDJH QLJKW rededication was necessary because in presence of four dedication Crosses in the at 6pm. » 2I¿FLDO WUDQVSRUW WR IURP &RQJUHVV YHQXHV between it had been used for secular Chancel, situated in areas of later stone repair. » 6SHFLDO 3LOJULPSDFN Those wishing to stay for the lunch purposes including as a cattle byre. After the Reformation of 1560, monastic I » /XQFK YRXFKHU IRU  GD\V “As we’ve now physical restored that part life at Pluscarden ended, and the monastery need to indicate this via: of the Church it seemed a good time to do it, buildings gradually fell into ruin. In 1948, [email protected] or by and it’s something Bishop Gilbert had been however, a band of monks from Prinknash post to Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin IV30 8UA, or by phone 01343 890 257 Joe WaWalshlsh ToToursurs | Glasgow Tel: 0141 530 5060 keen on when he was abbot here, so it’s Abbey in Gloucestershire came up to resume www.joewalshtours.co.uk | [email protected] great he can come back and lead the service,” monastic observance at Pluscarden, and to I [email protected] Follow us: Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages he said. “The dedication service itself is a begin the long, slow process of restoring the Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 Spreading message of peace

By Daniel Harkins

AN INTERNATIONAL musical Focolare group came to Scotland last week to spread their message of peace and unity. Gen Verde, a group of 21 women from 13 different countries, has travelled the world from their base in Italy, working with young people in deprived and divided communities, including with Jewish and Muslim children in the Middle East. On October 4 they brought their musical message to Stockbridge Parish Church in Edinburgh to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ecumenical group Action for Churches Together (ACTS) in Scotland, before spending the week working with young people from schools in Lanarkshire St Cadoc’s says farewell to headteacher leading up to a joint performance in Motherwell Concert Hall last Friday. By Daniel Harkins faith campus school is to be including a number who went And on Saturday, the group concluded the built nearby with Calderwood on to become headteachers Scottish leg of their UK tour with an acoustic PUPILS and staff from St Lodge, a move Mr Duffy was themselves. concert in the Memorial Chapel at Glasgow Cadoc’s Primary School heavily involved with. “I was at the Catholic heads University (right). For over 600 people who saw in Newton Mearns said “A remarkable thing is that conference a couple of weeks Gen Verde perform in Motherwell and Glasgow goodbye to their headteacher in 13 years we’ve had about 14 ago and one of the speakers last weekend, there was music that at times of 13 years with a Mass last headteachers who came from was talking about weavers of stirred the heart and got the foot tapping to a week in St Cadoc’s Church. this school, most directly, some magic—how teachers are often Latin beat, with lyrics that ranged from the Jim Duffy, a teacher since have went on to become depute weavers of magic—and we loneliness of youth and family breakup to the 1976 and a headteacher for 28 heads and then headteachers,” were to think about somebody refugee crisis and ecological challenges. years, was joined by his family he said. “People say we have a we would describe as a weaver Their version of St Francis’prayer was delivered at the retiral Mass celebrated spinning chair—we are known of magic and tell that person. with the clarity of birdsong in spring, while the by Bishop John Keenan of as a school people get “And just after we finished a lively K-pop dance routine to You’re a part of me Paisley and parish priest Mgr promoted out of quickly.” headteacher came over to me (about the division of North and South Korea) Tom Monighan (above with Mr Having worked in Catholic and said ‘you’re my weaver of brought the teenage members of the public to Duffy and pupils), during which education for almost four magic.’ She’d been a primary their feet. There were anthems to inspiring icons different singers, dancers, actresses and technicians, he received a Papal blessing. decades and had responsibility seven pupil when I was a of enduring love in the face of injustice and producing 67 albums in nine languages. Mr Duffy studied at Notre for around 10,000 children, Mr young teacher and she said I violence: Archbishop Oscar Romero and the Sally McAllister is the band’s manager. Born Dame College and began his Duffy is well placed to judge made her want to become a Cistercian monks of Tibhirine in Algeria. in Belfast, she comes from a background that career at St Michael’s in Port the value of Catholic schools. teacher. That was fantastic. For three days, young people from Lanarkshire gives her an insight into the types of barriers the Glasgow, later becoming “Its really important for That was a lovely feeling.” schools took part in workshops in order to go on group are trying to breakdown. headteacher of St James children to have a moral He added that: “I will be stage with Gen Verde, prompting comments “I understood entirely a division in a community, Primary School in Paisley and compass,” he said. “It’s important very difficult to say goodbye. including: “It was amazing to be part of a where a way of expressing yourselves can be then St Joseph’s Primary School for them to learn about their I’ve been given loads of gifts concert like this.” “In the workshops we learned offensive to another without wishing to be,” she in Busby, before moving to St Faith, and other faiths as well the last couple of days. I’m how much we can achieve by really working said. “Being in the Holy Land took me back to Cadoc’s. A long and varied —we have over 20 percent feeling it today as tomorrow is together.” “It was a great experience to be with growing up in a working class area of Belfast and career has seen him seconded ethnic minorities in the school last day with the children.” performers from so many different countries.” watching the peace walls go up to keep the to Jewish school Calderwood and other religions. Following his retirement, Mr Gen Verde began life in 1966 with the gift of a community from killing each other in the streets. Lodge and work as a Quality “People say this and it’s a bit Duffy will take up a consulting green drum set to a group of girls in the What we found though is that the arts can be a Improvement Officer, as well hackneyed, but there is a special position with education International Centre of Loppiano, a Focolare universal language that people can understand as studying for a master’s atmosphere and a special ethos authorities, and he said he will centre in Florence. Focolare is a lay Catholic without causing offence.” degree and a doctorate. within Catholic schools, which also find some time to relax and society founded in Italy in 1943 to support positive Ms McAllister spoke about witnessing first Speaking a few days before is not always there within a non- enjoy some of hobbies, including change in the world. From such small beginnings, hand how the group’s workshops break down his October 9 retirement and denominational school—although cycling and playing music. the group grew and over 47 years has had 144 barriers whilst in Jerusalem. A Jewish boy and a reflecting back on his career, I have been in many very good He will be succeeded at St Mr Duffy said he has loved non-denominational schools.” Cadoc’s by Maria McBride, every job he has had and that Mr Duffy picked out as headteacher of St Thomas’ the children at St Cadoc’s were highlights of his career the Primary School in Neilston. fantastic. The school has a roll friendships he’d made and the of 720, so big that a new joint affect he’d had on former pupils, I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON

Mass celebrates 40 years of SPUC in Dundee

FORTY years of the Society SPUC National Director John promoted children and women’s for the Protection of Unborn Smeaton and SPUC Scotland rights and saved the lives of Children in Dundee was chief executive John Deighan. many twins in West Africa. celebrated with Mass in St Bishop Robson commended Pictured above are Clare Andrews Cathedral recently. the work of the branch and an McGraw and Marysia Kobylarska Children from St Thomas’ Primary School Arbroath enjoyed a welcome Mass in the local parish—also St Bishop of address was given by Obianuju O’Sullivan of Dundee SPUC Thomas’—as the nursery and primary one classes were officially welcomed to the school. They were joined at Dunkeld celebrated Mass in front Ekeocha, founder of pro-life with Bishop Robson and SPUC Mass by pupils from primary four—who are starting their preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Communion of a congregation that included group Culture of LifeAfrica, who supporters and workers; Sisters —and the primary six pupils who this year will be working towards their Caritas Award Marysia Kobylarska O’Sullivan spoke about Dundee’s own Mary of the Immaculate Heart of PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY who founded the branch in 1975 Slessor, an African missionary Mary, Obianuju Ekeocha, John and is still active in the diocese, and pro-life heroine who Smeaton, and John Deighan. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 and harmony through music

Archdiocesan clergy receive lesson on power of prayer ahead of Year of Mercy

EDINBURGH’S priests was ‘the joy of the Gospel’ that mercy in your own life.” received a potent lesson last with a particular focus on the In doing so, the priest will be week on the power of prayer forthcoming Year of Mercy that better able to tend to those also ahead of the Year of Mercy. begins this December. in need of Christ’s healing during “It is because Jesus had a He told the clergy gathered at the Year of Mercy. relationship with His Father the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh “Each generation has its own Muslim boy were at first reluctant to engage with Ms McAllister said, were fantastic, and the that He spoke with authority and that the disappointments of life challenges, each time has its each other, but after embracing the workshop, workshops help them to deal with challenges all so if a priest has a relationship —often unexpected, unfortunate own opportunities and I think their preconceptions were removed. Afterwards, young people face, for instance, feeling a lack of with Jesus Christ through and unfair—can sometimes rob that as we approach the Year of Ms McAllister said, the Jewish child told her: self-worth. prayer he too will have the them of the joy that should Mercy the vision of Pope Francis “Until now I’ve always thought Palestinians Following their workshops the young people same authority,” Mgr John come from being a priest of is that the Church has to be an equalled terrorists—I will never say that again.” performed a concert together, with one song Armitage, rector of the Jesus Christ. The answer, he instrument of mercy for everyone Gen Verde is an all-women group, but Ms focusing on a Gen Verde member’s childhood Catholic National Shrine of said, was to accept the loving regardless of where they’ve come McAllister is keen to point out the peculiarity in growing up with Oscar Romero as her bishop in Our Lady of Walsingham in mercy of God in one’s own life. from or what they’ve done,” people seeing that as peculiar. El Salvador. Norfolk, said on a visit to “If the Church is to be a he said. “People ask why is it an all women group but “We’ve been going for 50 years now,” Ms Scotland last week. place of welcome and The Year of Mercy begins on I say ‘would you have asked that question about McAllister said. “The people who are involved The monsignor (above) made reconciliation then it has to the Feast of the Immaculate a group of men?’” she said. “You might think to see now are not the people who have been involved his comments to the clergy of start with us,” he said. “You Conception, December 8, an all-male group is normal, but we are just saying from the start, but if the people have changed, the St Andrews and Edinburgh cannot be a ‘missionary of mercy,’ 2015, and runs until the Feast ‘Come along to our concert and tell me if you are spirit of the group remains the same—that spirit Archdiocese on October 1. as the Holy Father asks us to of Christ the King on 20 missing anything because the drummer is a woman!’” is to work for dialogue, for unity, and for peace The theme of his reflection be, unless you have accepted November 2016. Gen Verde were invited to Scotland by ACTS, using the arts as a medium.” The , the Conforti Institute in Coatbridge and Motherwell Diocese. The I [email protected] young people in the schools Gen Verde visited, PIC: ROBERT WILSON

Island community comes together to mourn fisherman who died in tragic circumstances

BARRA has come together rallied around the family. “I knew him well and his death to mourn a fisherman who “Whenever a fisherman goes has been felt very widely. It has died when he fell overboard. out to see we all pray he comes sent shockwaves around Barra Gerard Gillies, 42, of Vatersay, back safely,” he said. And when and Vatersay (above). He had was rescued from the water by we have tragic accidents we spent his life around boats and his crewmates after the incident do come together in prayer to despite the best efforts by all aboard the 33ft crabber, Annie T, support each other and especially those involved he has sadly lost last weekend. It is thought that the family.” his life following this accident at Mr Gillies may have become He also paid tribute to the sea. He will be badly missed by entangled in the fishing boat’sgear. charity Apostleship of the Sea all those who knew him.” Mr Gillies’ funeral took place and the Fisherman’s Mission “We are extremely grateful to last Friday, at Our Lady Star of who he said were always ‘a great Fr John Paul MacKinnon for all Catholic Mens Society hold plan conference the Sea, with parish priest Fr support in times like these.’ his support during this very John Paul McKinnon presiding. Western Isles MP Angus difficult time for the bereaved’s BISHOP of October 11. the conference and members “This is an island community MacNeil—who lives on Barra— family,” Euan McArthur, national Motherwell, joined with Chris Bolger from Liverpool, are encouraged to use it at their and a fishing community,” Fr said that Mr Gillies’ death had development officer for the members of the Catholic Great Britain president of the monthly meetings. McKinnon said. “To lose one of sent shockwaves around the Apostleship of the Sea, said. “It Men’s Society of Scotland at society, was in attendence. Bishop Toal concelebrated the our own is a huge loss to the island. reminds us all of the perils of the their annual plan conference Reflections of Sainthood, the conference Mass with Fr Grant, island. A dark cloud comes over “Gerry was a great guy who sea and that’s why we exist, to in the Holy Family parish society’s discussion document parish priest and diocesan the place.” was extremely popular locally support seafarers both spiritually centre in Mossend on Sunday for the year, was launched at chancellor. PIC: TOM EADIE The priest said that people had and fun to be around,” he said. and practically.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015

ISIS free Syrian priest Fr Jacques Mourad after five months captivity

SYRIAN priest Fr Jacques of Mar Elian monastery in the consequences of the Syrian Mourad is free, five months once heavily Christian village war. In particular he set great after he was kidnapped by of al-Qaryatain, was kidnapped store by renovation projects to ISIS near Homs. in May after the nearby city enable people to live again in Church sources revealed that of Palmyra was seized by the their houses, which had been the Catholic priest said his first terrorists. destroyed.” Mass since his abduction last ISIS then captured al-Qary- In an email sent hours before Sunday, with a source saying: atain town in August after a his kidnapping, Fr Mourad sent “Fr (Jacques) Mourad is free. battle with the Syrian Army. a message to ACN to thank the He is currently in the village of More than 2000 Christians charity and its benefactors for Zaydal. The priest of the Syriac lived in al-Qaryatain before the their ongoing support. Catholic Church celebrated civil war, but most have now “We have received many mass this morning in Zaydal.” left. After taking over al-Qary- who were asking for shelter in For security reasons the atain, ISIS extremists destroyed our safe monastery,” he writes. details of his release have not the Assyrian monastery of Mar “When there was a possibility been revealed, but the good Elian in late August. for these families to go back we Holy Father condemns news is a surprise considering Fr Jacques’s colleague, Fr tried to help them in the that ISIS have not released any Jihad Youssef, spoke of Fr restoration of their houses. clerical prisoners, unlike the Mourad’s great work within the “We are trying to help some By Stephen Reilly Following his words, Pope Francis invited all other major Islamist group Church: “In the monastery of of these families offering chil- those present in the square to pray for a moment in active in the Syrian conflict, the Mar Elian in Qaryatayn Fr dren’s clothes and some pres- POPE Francis offered a silent prayer last silence for the victims of the blasts. Cardinal Pietro al-Nusra front. Jacques dedicated himself to ents especially in the occasions Sunday for the victims of the bombing mas- Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, later sent a Fr Mourad (above), the head the people suffering from the of the feasts.” sacre that killed dozens of people in Ankara, telegram of condolence in Pope Francis’s name to Turkey, the day before. The Holy Father said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan follow- he received the news with great sorrow and ing two bombings. spoke of his pain for those who were killed “His Holiness Pope Francis is deeply saddened to Tax bill could close Catholic homeless charity and wounded in the explosions. learn of the loss of life and the injuries caused by the Two suspected suicide bombers targeted a explosions in Ankara this morning, and he peace rally of pro-Kurdish and labour activists near expresses his heartfelt solidarity with those affected A LEADING Catholic home- Ankara’s main train station three weeks before an by this tragedy,” Cardinal Parolin said in his Octo- lessness charity in London is election, killing at least 95 people and fuelling ber 11 telegram. facing closure after it was unease in a country beset by conflict between state “While His Holiness deplores this barbaric act, hit with an unexpected bill forces and Kurdish militants. he asks you to convey his spiritual closeness to all for an additional £1 million The Holy Father also said there was sorrow the families affected during this time of grief, and to in VAT by HM Revenue because the attackers struck defenceless people who the security and emergency personnel working to and Customs. were demonstrating for peace. The Pope made the assist the wounded,” he continued. In a statement the charity appeal following the Angelus in St Peter’s Square “Commending the souls of all who have died to says: ‘We have been told by asking the Lord to welcome the souls of the dead the loving mercy of the Almighty, Pope HMRC that this bill relates to and to comfort the suffering and their families. Francis invokes divine strength and peace upon our construction of ‘move on'’flats, a pivotal feature of our Home and Hope Appeal, Church programmes there grimage resources for 2016—its designed to help homeless resi- NEWS ROUNDUP include a care centre for children diamond jubilee year. The theme dents achieve a sustainable who were homeless, schools, for the 2016 pilgrimages is transition back into independent Bishop of Mongolia clinics and training centres for Thanks be to God! There are living. they are ‘currently appealing best interest.” in London vocational skills. many reasons for the organisa- “This unexpected cost to our to the Government to reverse The charity was recently BISHOP Wenceslao ‘Wens’ “All cater to the very poor tion to thank God in 2016. First finances will force us to moth- this decision.’ praised by politicians at a recep- Padilla, the first and only Bishop those that have no clothes to and foremost it is HCPT’s dia- ball this development, will place “For every £1 invested in tion to mark World Homeless- of Mongolia, will visit London wear, no food, no family,” mond jubilee. For 60 years the substantial pressure on our serv- Caritas Anchor House, we ness day last week. this weekend. As the Pope’s offi- Bishop Wens said. charity has travelled to Lourdes ices and funds, and will increase deliver savings to society of The former Shadow Minister cial charity for overseas mission, Mongolia is one focus of the with disabled and disadvantaged the demand on local authority nearly £4,” Keith Fernett, chief of State for Employment, Missio is focusing on the world’s World Mission Sunday 2015 children and with vulnerable services. Though the additional executive of Caritas Anchor Stephen Timms MP, said Cari- youngest Catholic Church which collection and money raised in adults. In all that time it has bill we are facing is for £1 mil- House, said. tas Anchor house had ‘the was established in Mongolia just parishes will go to support the changed thousands of lives lion pounds, the full cost of “This means that ultimately, capacity to transform despair over 20 years ago following the work of missionaries, like through pilgrimage. HMRC's actions could rise to HMRC's demand will cost more into hope.’ fall of communism. Bishop Wens, all around the “We'll also be giving thanks £1.5 million, once costs to halt than it would secure in taxes.At “What”s fantastic about Cari- In 1992, the future Bishop world. To make a donation, or for the Year of Mercy which we the development and challenge a time when Government is tasAnchor House is that it gives Wens, a Filipino from the Italian to find out more, please visit are celebrating, a year in which the decision are included.” seeking savings, it needs the people the prospect of a decent Congregation of the Immaculate www.missio.org.uk/wms Pope Francis calls on us to The charity say the ‘situation likes of Caritas Anchor House. future, people that thought they Heart of Mary, and two fellow reflect on the greatness of God’s is a serious threat to our serv- Hopefully this is recognised and would never have one, and sup- missionary priests, arrived in HCPT diamond mercy and love,” Caroline Ben- ices, which provide an enor- a decision is taken not to pursue port them into employment,” Mongolia and began ministering jubilee celebrations nett, HCPT Pilgrimage Director, mous benefit to society’ and a tax when it is in no-one’s he said. out of a hotel room.Today HCPT has released the first pil- said: “There are many reasons WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7 Mother Teresa sisters forced to close adoption services due to Indian law

THE Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa says it has shut down its adoption services in India over religious objections to the country’s new adoption rules. The sisters known for their blue and white habits and vow of free service to the poor say they have asked the government to de-register 13 orphanages. The secretary of India’s cen- tral adoption agency, Veerendra Mishra, said that there were two points of dispute: “First, [Mis- sionaries of Charity] will not allow adoption by single parents; second, they also have issues with couples, one or both of whom has had a divorce earlier.” A liberalisation of adoption guidelines this summer has brought ideological differences between the conservative Catholic order and the Indian titute children, including those our conscience.’ government to a head. India has with special needs across India. “They are certainly not for opened up adoption to prospec- The adoption services were religious people like us,” she tive parents who are single, ended August 1, according to added. “What if the single par- divorced or separated. Sr Amala, the nun in charge ent who we give our baby [to] Under the name Nirmala at the Missionaries’ home in turns out to be gay or lesbian? Shishu Bhawan, the Missionar- North Delhi. What security or moral upbring- ies’ network of homes provides Speaking about the decision ing will these children get? Our shelter, food, medical care and not to offer adoptions, SrAmala rules only allow married couples schooling to abandoned and des- said ‘the new guidelines hurt to adopt.” ‘No believer should live in fear’ I Continued from page 1 This report serves as a voice doing everything we can to for the voiceless, from their help those who lack food, “Every day in countries prison cells and the places far clothes, or other essentials,” he bomb blasts in Turkey across the world, Christians are from home where they have said. “By God’s grace, and with systematically discriminated sought refugee. Now is not the the continuing help of organisa- against, exploited and even time for silence. We must stand tions including Aid to the their grieving relatives.” (Above right) Family members of Korkmaz Tedik, a vic- driven from their homes together and fight for a world Church in Need, we have been The Islamic State (ISIS) group is the prime sus- tim of Saturday’s bomb blasts in Ankara, Turkey, mourn because of their faith,” Mr where no one is persecuted able to respond to the urgent over his coffin during his funeral ceremony on Sunday. pect, Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglu has said. No (Above) A man comforts an injured woman after the Cameron said. “No believer because of what they believe.” needs of our people.” group has said it carried out the attack, but the gov- bombing during a peace march. Turkey’s government should have to live in fear, and In the report’s foreword, ernment believes that two male suicide bombers this is why this government is Melkite Greek Catholic Arch- I Read the full report Perse- said Islamic State was the prime suspect in suicide cuted and Forgotten? A Report caused the explosions, hitting a peace rally. The bombings that killed at least 97 people in Ankara committed to promoting reli- bishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart official death toll is 97 but rally organisers have put gious freedom and tolerance of Aleppo says the Church is on Christians oppressed for the figure at 128. around the world.” ‘confronting one of the most their Faith 2013–2015. The Funerals for more of the victims were held on The Prime Minister’s state- important challenges of our report is only available online at Sunday and Monday, with some mourners express- left no party able to form a government. ment said the work of Aid to 2000 year history.’ www.acnuk.org/persecution ing anger at the government. Many of the victims were activists of the pro- the Church in Need was ‘cru- “Despite our problems here The situation in Turkey was tense even before Kurdish HDP party, which believes its delegation cial’ in this fight. in the Middle East, we are I [email protected] theAnkara bombings. The ceasefire with the PKK, at the march was specifically targeted. The HDP a Kurdish separatist group, had broken down and gained parliamentary seats for the first time in there had been clashes between the militants and June’s vote, depriving President Recep Tayyip security forces, killing at least 150 since July. Erdogan’s AK Party of its majority. SPOTLIGHT ON “These attacks will not turn Turkey into a Syria,” In a statement released on Monday, the HDP’s Prime Minister Davutoglu said on Monday. leaders said the AK Party was using ‘escalation Speaking on Turkish television, Mr Davutoglu of violence’ as a strategy to push the leftist, pro- said the bombings were an attempt to influence Kurdish party back under Turkey’s high electoral elections due on November 1, after a vote in June threshold for entering parliament. for HCPT to shout Thanks be to world and Europe, because it a heart divided between two God! Let’s make HCPT's 60th shows that in an Arab country, lords: God and money, and he anniversary a huge celebration despite all the obstacles placed goes away sad. This shows us which highlights for everyone by terrorism and by social and that faith and attachment to how loved they are by God. economic conditions, it is possi- riches cannot coexist.’ Let’s help the Lord change lives ble to have peaceful confronta- “The youth did not allow him- through pilgrimage!” Read more tion through dialogue and self to be conquered by the lov- about HCPT’s diamond jubilee mutual respect,” Fr Jawad Ala- ing gaze of Jesus and thus he at: http://www.hcpt.org. mat said. wasn’t able to change,” he uk/theme “We thank the Lord and all added. those who wanted to give this “Only in welcoming with Pontifical Mission award to Tunisia.” humble gratitude the Lord’s love welcomes Nobel prize do we free ourselves from the THE national director of the Pope warns against seduction of idols and the blind- Pontifical Mission Societies of love of money ness of our illusions. Money, Tunisia has welcomed the deci- POPE Francis warned of the pleasure and success dazzle, but sion to award the Nobel Peace dangers of attachment to money later they disappoint: they prom- Prize to the Tunisian National in his Angelus address last Sun- ise life but cause death. The A mother helps her child touch the reliquary containing the relics of St Maria Goretti at the Cathedral of the Dialogue Quartet. day. Commenting on the day’s Lord asks of us a detachment Holy Cross in Boston. The major relics, which are virtually all of the skeletal remains of the saint, known as “It is an encouragement for Gospel reading at Mass, the from these false riches to enter the ‘patroness of purity,’ are on a US ‘pilgrimage of mercy’ this autumn that will go to nearly 20 states Tunisia but also a strong signal Pope reflected on the rich young into true life, a full life, that is launched to the rest of the Arab man and said that ‘this youth has authentic and luminous.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 MISSION SUNDAY APPEAL SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 We must support our missionaries through prayer and practical help

MISSIO SCOTLAND let’s the powerful testimony of Sr Veronica Edita speak loud and clearly ahead of this weekend’s MISSION SUNDAY appeal. We may not be able to take an active part in Sr Veronica’s mission but through prayer (regular and sincere) and sharing what we can by spending a little less on ourselves, we can help make an impact on the work of missionaries in the poorest parts of the world t e Joy o t e Gospel URING this mis- sion month, and as we mark Mission Sunday this week- end, it is useful to take a closer look at the mis- sionaries. Who are they and Dwhat inspires them to devote their lives to mission work? Here is the personal reflection of Sr Veronica, a Teresian sister working in Zambia:

Looking back at my vocation story brings up fond memories of my life as a Teresian sister. I am Sr Veronica Edita Nyoni, aged 37 and coming from a family of 10. I and a journey of faith centred on am the third born daughter and we Jesus Christ. There have been are five boys and five girls. What times when I have felt disillu- a fantastic ratio? God's ways are sioned but have always been ever beautiful. inspired by a Scripture verse in My parents are the ones that John 6: 68, “Lord, to whom shall introduced me to the Catholic we go? You have words of Eternal faith. They are both Catholics. Life.” This has been a reliable With this background, I have source of encouragement. As a always cherished the fact of being teacher, I am also able to reach out a Christian. Christ has always to many vulnerable children been at the centre of my religious through my teaching career and call. In fact, I feel very much ful- have a child at my heart. In col- filled with continuing the work laboration with all missionaries that Jesus left. and my fellow Teresian Sisters, During my childhood, I never Grade 12, I seriously started think- Weare called by Jesus Christ to be we remain committed to giving cherished the idea of becoming a ing about how best I could reach with him and be sent to proclaim a Catholic touch wherever we are nun. Other dreams dominated my out to the community without any his Gospel message of Liberation and take Jesus Christ as mind. I very much wanted to be a hindrances. It was then that I (Matthew 11: 4-5). our model. musician. However, in high attended a retreat of aspirants that Founded in 1929 by Bishop Through the intercession of St school, it came to my attention wanted to join the Teresian Sisters. Mathurino Guilleme, the Teresian Therese of the Child Jesus, may that, ‘to be a musician,’ was such Wewere 30 girls that attended this Sisters are a local congregation God bless the new branch of our a delicate vocation that would retreat. present in Zambia and Malawi. A Missions, St Columbas Secondary attract a lot of attention and often Eventually,I joined the Teresian Teresian sister spends most of her School in Lusaka West that shall prone to lose good morals. It was Sisters in 1997 because I was time in Prayer in order to know be managed by the Teresian Sis- then that I made a U-turn and inspired by the life of St Therese Christ whom she is drawn to Love ters. Thank you. longed to do social work through of the Child Jesus as well as the and Serve. This is clearly seen promotion of the Christian voice. work the Teresian Sisters were when a Teresian Sister makes her We may not be able to take an All these were mere dreams and I doing in the Church. Their charism profession in the vows of poverty, active part in Sr Veronica’s mis- came to have a strong passion for of liberating captives of all kinds obedience and chastity. sion but through prayer (regular reaching out to the poor and vul- was the motivating factor. I per- As liberators, Teresian Sisters and sincere) and sharing what nerable in our society. sonally felt that I could easily are sensitive to the needs of the we can by spending a little less When I was in secondary reach out to the needy in society. local church and are assigned to on ourselves, we can help make school, I participated in a number The simple life style and commit- administrative work, social work, an impact on the work of mis- of Church related groups such as ment by the sisters left a deep health ministry and education sionaries in the poorest parts of the School Choir and the Little impression on me. Thus, I made ministry.ATeresian Sister devotes the world. Way Association (LWA). I loved my first religious profession herself in building a better world singing and taking part in reading in 1999 and made my final vows where there will be peace, justice, I Visit http://www.missio.scot. the Word of God at Masses. It was in 2007. love and unity. Contact and donate to: Missio during this involvement in the “Go therefore, make disciples Finally, when I look back at my Scotland, St Andrews, 4 Laird church that I felt being drawn to of all nations,” is the sole princi- vocation story, I realise that it has Street, Coatbridge ML5 3LJ Tel. become a religious sister. While in ple that we Teresian Sisters follow. been a journey of soul searching 01236 449774

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK Stephen Callaghan (below), creative PICTURES OF THE WEEK director of the Archdiocese of Glasgow Let’s do politics without Arts Project, joined John Cairney (left) slurring the other side at the AGAP’s Arts in Autumn opening event at St Patrick’s,Anderston, with IN THE SCO Friday October 2 2015 your local school pupils. correspondent, hiding behind anonymity, This Arts in Autum programme writes about ‘doing politics when they are began with a special event on relevant’ whilst admitting to being a Wednesday October 7 (the Feast of Our Labour Party member then uses the Lady of the Rosary) at 7pm to mark language of gutter politics which saw the the opening of Mr Cairney’s The Mar- Labour Party wiped out in Scotland at the ian Way exhibition in St Patrick’s. The recent general election. Anonymous exhibition runs until October 28 and is referred to ‘the evil that is nationalism.’ open daily. For more information on Carry on Anonymous with that kind of The Marian Way and other Arts disgusting language and your party will in Autumn events, visit never rise in Scotland again. Good on you! http://www.agap.org.uk/arts As an 83-yerar-old practising Catholic inautumn/ activist I have also been an active member of the SNP for seventy years and proud of both links in my life. Please be advised Anonymous that 80 percent of the Founding Fathers of The National Party (now the SNP) were themselves active practicing n Catholics. My message therefore is this: “Let us only do politics without slurring the democratic choice of others to be members of whichever political party they so choose.” My final advice to Anonymous is this, come out whoever you are and apologise for your disgraceful language published in your letter to the SCO on Friday. On the other hand, carry on doing the Labour Party no favours by slurring the winning side! John J G McGill AYRSHIRE

Group on religious freedom Dunkeld deacon is an religious life sets a fine example as we pray is welcome inspiration to all also for more vocations to the priesthood. Establishing a culture, in parishes, I WAS cheered by your coverage of the IT SEEMS un-Catholic sometimes to schools and homes, in which it is ESTABLISHED IN 1885 new cross party group on religious freedom single out one amongst many unsung acceptable and encouraged to listen for and at the Scottish Parliament in the October 9 heroes for particular prasie but, after last to God’s calling is not a situation we can SCO. This is a much needed innovation week’s SCO, it seems only appropriate to ressurect overnight. However, when you that will shed light on a vital area. Some congratulate Deacon Ron Wylie, his family, see the joy in the photographs from Deacon other publications reported this in a his parish and Dunkeld Diocese. Wylies’s ordaintion, one vocation answered shocking, and offensive way, implying Reading between the lines it would is an inpsiration to us all. there was something malevolent about this appear, through no fault of his own, that I believe there are many more people out Learn by asking, help by group. This is nonsense. the new deacon did not have the eastiest their from whose skills the Church could Of the four worst conflicts in the world path to this new vocation in life. To time benefit in lay and ordained roles. It is false doing, pray for tolerance right now, in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and his ordination to the permamnet dicaonate humility as a Catholic not to come forward Nigeria, all involve people, usually with the Diocesan vocations Mass was a as and when God—via your parish—calls Christians being persecuted for their stroke of genius. While the Church needs upon you. YOUNG, inquisitive Catholic primary school pupil religious beliefs. everyone to answer God’s call in their own once asked her parents if she could attend Sunday The charity ACN is one of the few to way, there is little doubt that a injection of J Sweeney School with her Church of Scotland friend instead of help these people, and deserved every new blood into the diaconate and the EDINBURGH Mass with her family. When asked why she replied credit for it. openly that ‘well, they get to ask questions at Sunday Long may the SCO continue to cover School.’ them fairly. There is a widely and commonly held misconception that we as A SMITH SNP MSP questions Synod is not a battle ground Catholics don’t ask questions of our Faith or our Church, a belief that FIFE controversial law for point scoring A is, in part, fuelling media speculation this week over controversy at the Synod on the Family. As pointed out by Ronnie Convery of Glas- IT WAS interesting to see in the last I HAVE said it before and I feel complelled gow Archdiocese in the SCO last week, however, even senior edition that even SNP MSPs have no to say it again. It is unChristian to use the Catholic clergy do not always entirely agree with each other. Not only Local news inspiring in confidence in the offensive behaviour at Church—from parish to synod— for our is that OK, it is to be respectfully encouraged. the SCO football act. own ends, especially for point scoring. We What would be the point of a having a frank and open discussion Not only is the law opposed by the each come to the isues of marriage and on marriage and family—and on the diverse views on the way to con- A MEMBER of my parish recently Catholic Church and the Church of family with our own preconcieved ideas in duct frank and open discussion within the Church—if everyone sim- encouraged me after Sunday Mass to read Scotland, but it is a ludicrous restriction on addition to the framework of Church ply agreed out of fear or disinterest? To the conspiracy theorists within the SCO because of a local story. I admit I freedom of speech. doctrine. Pope Francis asked synod and out with the Church, do not will the synod to cause fracture and bought a copy to keep her happy but I Who gets to define what is and what is participant to keep their heart and minds division. Have faith, be patient and listen to what emerges. generally don’t tune into the news, Catholic not ‘offensive behaviour?’ The SNP? open to the Holy Spirit. It takes a mature Church to face the difficult issues in society and or otherwise, it is just all too depressing. Random police officers? Indeed, there has The Catholic world is praying for the reassess its approach to delivering pastoral care as a result.We can I have to admit I was pleasantly suprised been a large discrepancy with how the act synod fathers, knowing that they ar only hope that those watching and commenting on its work show a by the Catholic Observer. The news story is enforced, and some judges have laughed wrestling with difficult issues when similair level of maturity in their questions and reporting, and that in question was uplifting and there was a prosecutions out of the court. cinsuating on the pastoral care the Church they avoid being disingenuous. The synod has a long road ahead still. lot more going on to boot that I would not If even SNP MSPs have no confidence in can, and perhaps cannot, offer. have known about otherwise the law then it is time it was scrapped, and Has Pope Francis already blazed a trail e are living in a period where religious persecution is not I am glad the SCO tackles the genuine efforts made to tackle the with recent announcements of the just something that happens out of our sight in marginalised hard-hitting Catholic news at home and deep-rooted, centuries-old causes of anulment process and forgiveness and regions of the world. It is, infact, dominating our news abroad, but I know now that it is is the sectarianism, instead of using football as a absolution for abortion? What will be the Wreports, causing mass migration from trouble zones and its victims local news that is most uplifting. scapegoat. tone of the synodal document and will that are literally washing up on our shores, sadly not always alive. Mrs Murray Tony Collins be mirrored in Pope Francis’Apostolic This week Pope Francis and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised MOTHERWELL GREENOCK Exhortation? Are there women and lay the work of Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity that strives Sathoics contributing to the synod this year to help persecuted Christians, as it launched its Persecuted and For- as there were at the extraordinary synod gotten? 2015 report at St Mary’s Cathedral in Aberdeen with Bishop G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements last year. Hugh Gilbert and visiting speakers from parts of the world most sev- G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily So many questions with, it seems , a erly impacted by religious violence. The vital work of this charity is shared by SCO great deal at stake. We must have and keep at the forefront of our minds and at the heart of our prayers. G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below the Faith. Like hunger and poverty, religious persecution remains a shocking K WALKER G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or problem in the 21st century, and a problem that charities and gov- your letter will not be used GLASGOW ernments must make a concerted effort to tackle and eliminate in our lifetimes. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015

W them online. IR Alanna Lastiwka (below) ED IN plans to attend 100 different Church will care for refugees churches in 100 Sundays. Baptised in the Ukrainian Catholic Church and raised in An SCO diary the United Church, Ms Lastiwka started her blog long after the media forgets (http://100churches100sunda A RABBI, the Pope and… The ys.blogspot.ca/) and uses jokes are coming thick and Instagram as a way to explore fast after a 70-year-old US her faith and relationship with rabbi was appointed comedic Christianity. She has become advisor to Pope Francis after a consultant of sorts for other winning online competition. ‘seekers’ in the Edmonton Participants in the Joke area of the state. with the Pope competition The twist? The Edmonton were asked to dedicate their off-license employee, a joke to one of three self-described ‘sinner,’ isn’t causes—housing the your typical church-goer and homeless in Ethiopia, children her no-holds-barred reviews in need in Argentina or are as honest as they are feeding the hungry in Kenya. It detailed on welcome, sermon, will come as no surprise that music, location and the like. entrants were asked to keep Ms Lastiwka said what their jokes clean, and short. started as an experiment has BY PETER KEARNEY Rabbi Bob Alper, one of 4000 turned into a passion. She has people from 47 countries who explored more than 50 submitted jokes in a churches so far. competition ahead of Pope “Some people aren’t happy N THE course of the past month Francis’ visit to the US last with their churches, and some our screens and the pages of our month, thinks the Holy Father are just curious to know what newspapers have been filled with has a good sense of humour. else is out there and they've the tragic stories of displaced and Rabbi Alper’s winning used this to better desperate people fleeing war and joke—“My wife and I have themselves," she said. persecution, seeking refuge in the safer been married for over 46 Ms Lastiwka is now territories of the EU. The reality of war and violence, which years. Our lives are totally in expanding her reach beyond I sync. For example, the same the Christian faith and has compels so many to leave everything time I got a hearing aid, she begun attending temples and behind and seek safety, thousands of dan- stopped mumbling”—can be synagogues. gerous miles from home, is sad and tragic, viewed online at I wonder how churches in but it is not new. In fact the volume of dis- https://www.youtube.com/wat Scotland would take to a placed refugees searching for sanctuary and ch?list=PL-df1yrgYzU7FMv40 similar experiment here? safety is thankfully a fraction of what it USdBOeu75ylDn_Nx&v=15hf once was. Y2S0e9Q in a video. GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG The tragic exodus from Syria, Libya and Rabbi Alper (70) describes Afghanistan is certainly newsworthy and himself on his website as the SOME appeals are as worthy merits the attention of our press and broad- world’s only practising as they are interesting, make casters. Though it’s worth noting, that over in someone’s spare room in Glasgow or your Father in heaven. So when you give clergyman doing stand-up no bones about it. The Bishop the past four years, as the Syrian civil war Dundee was probably about as meaningless alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; comedy. The rabbi was of Shrewsbury is appealing for metastasised into an intractable, pan and empty as meaningless gestures get. But this is what the hypocrites do in the syna- ordained in 1972 and has donors to help to fund regional conflict the plight of those affected it was conspicuous and conspicuous com- gogues and in the streets to win human worked for the last 27 years research that might and displaced hasn’t really bothered our passion as the psychologists term it was in admiration. In truth I tell you, they have had as a stand-up comic after 14 conclusively establish whether news media too much. overdrive. Politicians and church leaders their reward. But when you give alms, your years as a full-time rabbi. parts of skeleton of a The main reason, may be the fact that the were bombarded with demands to open left hand must not know what your right is “For me, Joke with the martyred priest belong to St overwhelming majority of Syrian refugees their homes to refugees. Whether the doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and Pope was doing good while John Plessington. Forensic have remained close to Syria: there are 1.9 refugees wanted to become lodgers with your Father who sees all that is done in having fun,” said Rabbi Bob. scientists have examined the million in Turkey, 1.2 million in Lebanon the Archbishop of Canterbury or the First secret will reward you.” He donated his US $10,000 human remains and have and 630,000 in Jordan, which incidentally Minister of Scotland was completely irrel- For many commentators and celebrities, prize to helping to house the concluded that they are the is more than 10 percent of that country’s evant in the stampede to emote volubly giving money may well be much more use- homeless in Ethiopia but, due skull and right leg of priest population. Almost 95 per cent of those with increasingly absurd gestures. ful to those in need, but its also much less to the success of the who was hanged, drawn and fleeing the war in Syria are now distributed According to the philosopher Stjepan visible. If they can’t publicly trumpet their campaign, the Pontifical quartered, probably in the late between 5 countries: Turkey, Lebanon, Jor- Mesotrovic, we live in a post-emotional compassion and excoriate those who refuse Mission Societies decided to 17th century. dan, Iraq, and Egypt. age, characterised by crocodile tears and to do the same, people won’t know how donate a $10,000 cash prize The bones were found in a Meanwhile, aid agencies, including manufactured emotion. This, he posits, is a caring and benevolent they really are. to each of the causes. garment dating from the CARITAS with whom our own SCIAF is symptom of post-modernity. In a shallow By the time the Home Office issued Participants in the period of the fabricated affiliated, together with overburdened host age in which reality and fiction have advice, which said ‘We’re not asking peo- competition, which had Popish Plot of Titus Oates countries have been struggling to support blurred, in which we are constantly bom- ple to come forward with offers of a spare comedian Bill Murray which resulted in St John them, with little or no attention being paid barded with news bulletins, soap operas and bedroom,’all 32 of Scotland’s local author- advising, included actress and dying as a martyr in Chester in to the work they’ve done. ‘reality television,’ our capacity to feel ities had pledged to house refugees in coun- comedian Ellie Kemper, 1679. The evidence pointing Sadly, it seems the reason such a massive authentic, deep emotions has withered. cil properties and the Government had weather forecaster Al Roker to the likelihood that the human tragedy hasn’t made it on to our Ostentatious caring, he suggests, allows a revealed that only 60 refugees were and late-night TV host Conan bones are those of St John is screens or front pages until very recently is lonely nation to forge new social bonds in a expected in Glasgow, the media had lost O’Brien. overwhelming but DNA from chillingly simple; it was happening far society where the traditional ones of fam- interest and moved on. Needless to say, the this finds needs to be away. What followed the tragic image of ily and faith have lessened. Church hasn’t and since cash donations are the tiny lifeless body of a Syrian child GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG matched to that from other Wearing coloured ribbons, strapping red the fastest and most efficient way to get relics of the saint to prove that washed ashore on a Turkish beach, while noses onto the front of your car, signing help those in need, SCIAF’s emergency EVERYONE fears a bad they are his. trying to reach Europe, was a tsunami of internet petitions, and carrying banners say- appeal continues. You can donate by call- review but now churches are Bishop Davies is now conspicuous compassion from an army of ing ‘Not In My Name’ are part of a culture ing 0141 354 5555 or online at front and centre. A blogger in inviting donors to come pundits and commentators, whose prog- of ostentatious caring which is about feeling www.sciaf.org.uk. nostications pass for analysis on the pages good, not doing good. Conspicuous Com- the US is set to explore 100 forward to help to pay for I Peter Kearney is the director of the churches in California and rate the work. of our impoverished newspapers passion author Patrick West argues that the these days. three Cs of modern life—compassion, car- Scottish Catholic Media Offic Bizarrely and relentlessly, they chose not ing and crying in public— show not how to focus on the geopolitical causes of the altruistic we have become, but how selfish. tragedy or how to end it, but on how willing Immodest alms-giving isn’t new. In St The views expressed in the opinion public figures were to offer a spare room to Matthew’s Gospel (6:1-4) Christ tells the pages of the SCO are those of a fleeing family. To people in fear of their crowd: “Be careful not to parade your informed individuals and groups and lives crossing the deserts of Syria or the uprightness in public to attract attention; not necessarily those of the Mediterranean Sea, the promise of a space otherwise you will lose all reward from newspaper or the Church

What do you think of PETER KEARNEY’S comments on REFUGEES? Send your points of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected]

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER ARTS 11 Find refuge in Wilderness this autumn A highlight of AGAP’s Arts in Autumn is Wilderness, the new play by Stephen Callaghan. CHRISTINEGLEN interviews the playwright about what lies in store

O THE nights are drawing in AGAP relies on a community of volun- but the Archdiocese of Glas- teers both on and off the stage, although gow Arts Project (AGAP) is the cast is not as big as the Martyrdom not taking time to hibernate. of John Ogilvie, there are still chal- Arts in Autumn, although lenges, he added. organised over a shorter time period “Rehearsals are moving at a fast than Lentfest, is still a spiritual journey pace. We have a very short asS the seasons change. rehearsal period of about two The new AGAP play Wilderness is months to get this production ready modern day affair and although a depar- for performance. It’s a big chal- ture from the last play, it has its own lenge but the cast and crew have message, according to Stephen already shown their commitment. Callaghan, AGAP director and the “However, when it comes to get- playwright: ting new participants, it is slightly “On the surface, more diffi- Wilderness might The message of the cult. We appear like a have a few light-hearted play is one of hope. It is familiar play set in an an invitation to hold a faces who everyday parish, have been but like any good mirror up to ourselves and with AGAP The cast and crew of AGAP’s Wilderness, is a lot of pessimism around just certain amount of stress that goes comedy, it deals for several touring parishes soon in Arts in Autum now and a lot of fear for the future. with playing the lead role and plan- with some serious look at what makes our productions Many are facing the very real possi- ning a national tour. I got through issues. Certainly, parish communities strong and a few bility that their parish is going to it with the support of a good cast it’s a departure new ones close. The message of the play is one and crew and Isla’s admin support from the com- and what can tear who have of hope. It is an invitation to hold a in the office. plexities of stag- them apart never been themselves because they experience mirror up to ourselves and look at “This time, I was determined not ing an historical involved in also the solidarity of others in their what makes our parish communities to play a part but I’ve ended up drama like The theatre own challenges, in their own per- strong and what can tear them doing a very small cameo role. Peo- Martyrdom of St John Ogilvie but it before. When I pray before the sonal ‘wilderness’ experience. From apart.” ple will need to wait and see what it is grappling with very difficult auditions, I always ask that God a practical point of view, clergy is!” issues facing parishes today; issues sends me the people that he wants to changes took place within the Arch- Mr Callaghan spoke of the changes to that Pope Francis touches upon in be involved, rather than praying for diocese just as we were trying to his own schedule with this production; And there may be a few surprises in Evangelii Gaudium. big numbers. This seems to have schedule the performances, but we most notable he is not in the lead role. store with this new production. ‘Pope Francis dedicates a whole worked so far and I believe that the managed to schedule nine shows “Acting was my first love, before I “There are always challenges of one section of The Joy of the Gospel to present production is no exception.” including some parishes that we ever started writing and directing. kind or another but we persevere. “temptations facing pastoral work- haven’t visited before.” I’ve always ended up acting in the That’s what the play is about: perse- ers.’ Among them, he mentions Mr Callaghan went on to highlight AGAP plays, mostly by default, verance. Jesus says, ‘your persever- ‘sterile pessimism’ and ‘warring what essentially AGAP is at its very While AGAP plays always hold a because I’ve had to fill in. Playing ance will win you your lives.’” among ourselves.’ These are central heart. message for the audience, Wilder- St John Ogilvie was a blast! It will to the plot of Wilderness, which is “It’s important to remember that nesses is more close to home. be hard to top that experience as an I Wilderness begins touring parishes based loosely around Christ’s para- AGAP is also a pastoral project. “We are at a crucial time in the life actor. However, it was also very on October 29. For details visit ble of the wheat and the weeds.” The people taking part are giving of of the Church at a local level. There physically demanding and there is a http://www.agap.org.uk/artsinautumn/ Every refugee needs to find a friend like Selma The plight of an 8-year-old migrant fleeing Bosnia has a fresh relevance, CHRISTINE GLEN discovers

REFUGEES and migrants Beesley, the writer and per- issue but how adults have “It’s turned out to be a great former of this tale of change, have become a headline of former of the play, said. responded to it starting point for conversations she is clear. our news in recent weeks “My Friend Selma is a great “The great thing about the about war, persecution, integra- “I’ve loved everything about and months. opportunity for children to play is that it can be enjoyed by tion and what we can do to help it,” she said. Amid the men and women, explore issues like why people adults too, because the real-life people arriving in our country.” “I’ve been taking the story of there are the children, brought flee, what it’s like when they story is so amazing,” she said. On the current situations for My Friend Selma into primary along on the journey for a bet- arrive in a new country and “The adults who have seen the refugees, Ms Beesley draws schools across Scotland for ter life. But their current life why it’s important that Scot- show have found it particularly parallels. over a year now. The response has been turned upside down. land offers support to these moving to hear the story from “It’s also taken on greater has been utterly lovely. The play My Friend Selma is people. It’s a true story and it’s the perspective of an 8-year-old resonance with the current “Classes have been mes- based on true events and tells all told through the eyes of an who is trying to make sense of refugee crisis that I couldn’t merised by the story and can’t this story from the perspective 8-year-old girl, so it’s accessi- a world turned upside down. foresee,” she said. believe it’s real—they’re all of one 8-year-old girl from ble to audiences young and old. It’s fascinating to spend a bit of “Yet again we’re having ask desperate to meet Selma! I Bosnia. I also think it’s brilliant for time in her shoes, and see the ourselves what we can do and really have no complaints. “The issue of migration is young people who come from world from her perspective, whether we’re doing enough to “Venues have been great, I’m often reported negatively, so families who may have and it gets adults thinking help people who are in a pretty working with a lovely team, I it’s important that we all take migrated to Britain to hear sto- about how we welcome people her family went on to get to desperate situation. So the play love performing it, and I can’t time to understand the various ries that reflect their own expe- to our country.” safety and to get help for has turned out to be as much wait to share it with more audi- reasons that lead people to riences, so they deepen their The ambitions of the play Selma’s younger sister (who about exploring today’s situa- ences this October.” migrate so that we can get a understanding of their personal have moved beyond workshops was ill at the time the war tion as telling a story from rounder picture of the situation. history and feel like an impor- into classrooms, theatres and broke out) is remarkable. I the past.” It’s also important that we tant part of our culture.” other venues, she added: wanted to document their expe- When asked about whether I My Friend Selma, directed by acknowledge the amazing con- I asked about the importance “When I started writing the riences, to share them with a there was any challenges she Joe Douglas, is showing at the tributions refugees and other of the play, for ages 8 and up, play I just wanted to tell wider audience, and to cele- had faced on the journey that Tron Theatre, Glasgow, on the migrants have made to our cul- not just for helping children Selma’s story. brate the incredible family that the play has taken since Friday October 23 and Satur- ture and society,” Victoria understand such a complex “The journey that she and they are. she is both the writer and per- day October 24. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

MISSIONS MESSAGE

(Above) A photo of the house belonging to the the widow whose husband and brother went missing while fishing on the high seas. (Right) A scene of the countryside surrounding the town where Fr MacInnes lives, with not a blade of grass to be seen on land that is now barren, which was previously—even within the living memory of the older citizens—the grazing ground of herds of cattle, sheep and goats RELIGIOUS VOID HAS CREATED A LACK OF RESPECT Scottish priest, FR COLIN MacINNES, a missionary living and working Guayaquil, Ecuador, explains how God has been displaced from politics in many countries throughout the western world and how it has a knock-on effect on our social values and respect for each other Could you give up N AERIAL view of the world presents a now refugees from other Muslim countries. Nor have About two months ago the brother of the lady whose was made. A guilty silence followed. People only spoke for distribution amongst the neediest members. The rather shocking situation of unbridled these countries been the goal of their Muslim brothers husband had gone missing was lost without trace in the in whispers about the situation. parish is divided into 12 sectors such that every week one of these ... ? savagery and viciousness that has been who have been driven from their native lands. Is it that open sea along with two other fishermen. The boat was The young ‘widow’has four young children; her house there is a collection in one sector or other. It means that institutionalised in countries across northern these governments are not prepared ‘to do God,’even found, partially damaged but no sign of the crew. A is no royal palace; the floor is of earth; mattresses on each sector only contributes once every three months. I Africa, from Libya, through Eritrea, Sudan though his name be Allah? whale could have damaged the boat and the men could the floor serve as beds; they had no bathroom or running remember listening to the complaint of a relatively to Egypt and then throughout the Middle East and We have also to look at the other side of the coin. In water. I am glad to have been able to connect them to the young man who was saying: “I also am poor and needy into Turkey. 20 or 30 years times when, strengthened by the influx of main water system and have built them a bathroom; to and why should I contribute?” At the same time he AEurope, which for commercial reasons, had for so refugees, an Islamic culture gains strength throughout The world has changed a have cemented the floors and am in the process of admitted that he had been helped by friends and family many years turned a blind eye to the corruption and Europe, will European governments and the mass media providing another room to accommodate the family. I when he first married and have since helped people in brutality which had displaced the rule of law in many be as intent on eliminating from the public forum the lot in the last 30 years and would have expected more cooperation from the greater need than himself. When I asked him why he of these countries, has had a rude awakening as more god of Allah as it has the Christian God? governments are not so neighbours—in fact two sacks of cement and a number was not willing to contribute to the parish system his and more bodies of refugees have been washed ashore of cement blocks were stolen one night—but little help impoverished reply was: “I don’t know. Things are on its Mediterranean pleasure beaches and wave upon share these thoughts with you because I witness aware of social values like was forthcoming. different now from how they were.” ... to give them one of these? wave of those seeking political asylum invade its high daily in families and in village communities how a I realise that the fishing has been bad for a number of I agreed with the man—not before first persuading roads and byroads fleeing for their lives from terror modern wave of Western paganism is destroying respect for others, solidarity months and that other houses are in a similar condition, him that he should be a contributor! The world has It seems so little but with just £1 per week you can share the regimes which have no respect for human life and Ideeply held Christian values which were the mainstay of “with all and responsibility for but a more authentic reason is that the communities are changed a lot in the last 30 years and governments are Scriptures with people in twelve different countries each year. threaten whole populations into a common grave. the community. Family solidarity was an unwritten law being ‘modernised’ with the pervading ideology of not so aware of social values like respect for others, God has been displaced from politics and we are reaping here for many generations. It is no longer. Especially the the weaker members of every person for himself. I am not my brother’s keeper. solidarity with all and responsibility for the weaker Team up with our existing Bible-a-month Partners the consequences of a Godless society. That fateful old suffer the consequences. Widows have increasingly members of society. Governments don’t ‘do God’ and to pray and give regularly so that together we can phrase of Alastair Campbell ‘we don’t do God’ has not to fend for themselves. When there was a death in a poor society. Governments don’t hen Pope Francis was in Ecuador he preached condemn man and humanity to unrelenting suffering. only pushed God out of the political arena but has also family, a public collection would be the norm to follow. ‘do God’ and condemn man a beautiful simple sermon on that phrase from In conclusion, I leave you with a penetrating reflection change the lives of people around the world. alienated Christian thought and principles, the bases and Today the hat can go from street to street and still Genesis: “Where is your brother?” Our brothers from the recent encyclical of Pope Francis. He states Become a Partner today Sign up online or call 0131 347 9801 and claim foundation of our civilisation, from our statutes. remain empty. and humanity to unrelenting andW sisters are all around us and we should recognise all that we have become increasingly aware of an impending scottishbiblesociety.org/bible-a-month Vestiges of Christianity, however, still flower ‘amongst In the past, people were not only more conscious of we meet as a brother and sister. Welcome them into our ecological crisis which threatens the physical world and your FREE MP3 player with audio New Testament. the encircling gloom’ as Cardinal John Newman wrote. the needs of others, but more prepared to contribute to suffering. lives. It is the only way of creating a loving and fraternal humanity at large. We are not so aware of the fact that European governments—urged by a moral and alleviating those in need. Perhaps I can give you a more society. We should oppose with all our might that the- ‘we are not able to resolve our relationship with nature compassionate population—are opening their borders, immediate example. Some eight months ago the father ology of greed, globalised by US President Ronald Rea- and the environment without first resolving the basic hearts and homes to the flood of needy families that of a young family of four disappeared at sea along with have perished; or a bigger vessel could have crashed gan and Margaret Thatcher, ex-Prime Minister of relationship of one to another.’ the BIBLE changes lives have arrived at their doorsteps. two other fishermen. No trace of them nor of their small into it… it is hard to determine the cause. A few years Britain, and which has through the years contaminated I In stark contrast are the Muslim countries like the fishing boat has been seen since. Pirates, that cause so ago it would have been unknown for the fishing politics, our economic systems and, more seriously, the To support Fr Colin MacInnesʼ missionary effort, you United Arab Republic, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim much havoc, could have ended their lives; drug syndi- community not to have made a generous collection to hearts and souls of good people. can make a donation out to Scottish Catholic Observer Pray. Give. Volunteer. The Scottish Bible Society, 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5XU, Tel: 0131 337 9701 – Scottish Charity No. SC010767 states which have not invited their brothers and sisters, cates could have captured them... their fate is unknown. help the family. This time nobody moved, no collection I have a system in the parish for collecting basic foods Charity Appeal, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow, G2 6BT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK ” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

MISSIONS MESSAGE

(Above) A photo of the house belonging to the the widow whose husband and brother went missing while fishing on the high seas. (Right) A scene of the countryside surrounding the town where Fr MacInnes lives, with not a blade of grass to be seen on land that is now barren, which was previously—even within the living memory of the older citizens—the grazing ground of herds of cattle, sheep and goats RELIGIOUS VOID HAS CREATED A LACK OF RESPECT Scottish priest, FR COLIN MacINNES, a missionary living and working Guayaquil, Ecuador, explains how God has been displaced from politics in many countries throughout the western world and how it has a knock-on effect on our social values and respect for each other Could you give up N AERIAL view of the world presents a now refugees from other Muslim countries. Nor have About two months ago the brother of the lady whose was made. A guilty silence followed. People only spoke for distribution amongst the neediest members. The rather shocking situation of unbridled these countries been the goal of their Muslim brothers husband had gone missing was lost without trace in the in whispers about the situation. parish is divided into 12 sectors such that every week one of these ... ? savagery and viciousness that has been who have been driven from their native lands. Is it that open sea along with two other fishermen. The boat was The young ‘widow’has four young children; her house there is a collection in one sector or other. It means that institutionalised in countries across northern these governments are not prepared ‘to do God,’even found, partially damaged but no sign of the crew. A is no royal palace; the floor is of earth; mattresses on each sector only contributes once every three months. I Africa, from Libya, through Eritrea, Sudan though his name be Allah? whale could have damaged the boat and the men could the floor serve as beds; they had no bathroom or running remember listening to the complaint of a relatively to Egypt and then throughout the Middle East and We have also to look at the other side of the coin. In water. I am glad to have been able to connect them to the young man who was saying: “I also am poor and needy into Turkey. 20 or 30 years times when, strengthened by the influx of main water system and have built them a bathroom; to and why should I contribute?” At the same time he AEurope, which for commercial reasons, had for so refugees, an Islamic culture gains strength throughout The world has changed a have cemented the floors and am in the process of admitted that he had been helped by friends and family many years turned a blind eye to the corruption and Europe, will European governments and the mass media providing another room to accommodate the family. I when he first married and have since helped people in brutality which had displaced the rule of law in many be as intent on eliminating from the public forum the lot in the last 30 years and would have expected more cooperation from the greater need than himself. When I asked him why he of these countries, has had a rude awakening as more god of Allah as it has the Christian God? governments are not so neighbours—in fact two sacks of cement and a number was not willing to contribute to the parish system his and more bodies of refugees have been washed ashore of cement blocks were stolen one night—but little help impoverished reply was: “I don’t know. Things are on its Mediterranean pleasure beaches and wave upon share these thoughts with you because I witness aware of social values like was forthcoming. different now from how they were.” ... to give them one of these? wave of those seeking political asylum invade its high daily in families and in village communities how a I realise that the fishing has been bad for a number of I agreed with the man—not before first persuading roads and byroads fleeing for their lives from terror modern wave of Western paganism is destroying respect for others, solidarity months and that other houses are in a similar condition, him that he should be a contributor! The world has It seems so little but with just £1 per week you can share the regimes which have no respect for human life and Ideeply held Christian values which were the mainstay of “with all and responsibility for but a more authentic reason is that the communities are changed a lot in the last 30 years and governments are Scriptures with people in twelve different countries each year. threaten whole populations into a common grave. the community. Family solidarity was an unwritten law being ‘modernised’ with the pervading ideology of not so aware of social values like respect for others, God has been displaced from politics and we are reaping here for many generations. It is no longer. Especially the the weaker members of every person for himself. I am not my brother’s keeper. solidarity with all and responsibility for the weaker Team up with our existing Bible-a-month Partners the consequences of a Godless society. That fateful old suffer the consequences. Widows have increasingly members of society. Governments don’t ‘do God’ and to pray and give regularly so that together we can phrase of Alastair Campbell ‘we don’t do God’ has not to fend for themselves. When there was a death in a poor society. Governments don’t hen Pope Francis was in Ecuador he preached condemn man and humanity to unrelenting suffering. only pushed God out of the political arena but has also family, a public collection would be the norm to follow. ‘do God’ and condemn man a beautiful simple sermon on that phrase from In conclusion, I leave you with a penetrating reflection change the lives of people around the world. alienated Christian thought and principles, the bases and Today the hat can go from street to street and still Genesis: “Where is your brother?” Our brothers from the recent encyclical of Pope Francis. He states Become a Partner today Sign up online or call 0131 347 9801 and claim foundation of our civilisation, from our statutes. remain empty. and humanity to unrelenting andW sisters are all around us and we should recognise all that we have become increasingly aware of an impending scottishbiblesociety.org/bible-a-month Vestiges of Christianity, however, still flower ‘amongst In the past, people were not only more conscious of we meet as a brother and sister. Welcome them into our ecological crisis which threatens the physical world and your FREE MP3 player with audio New Testament. the encircling gloom’ as Cardinal John Newman wrote. the needs of others, but more prepared to contribute to suffering. lives. It is the only way of creating a loving and fraternal humanity at large. We are not so aware of the fact that European governments—urged by a moral and alleviating those in need. Perhaps I can give you a more society. We should oppose with all our might that the- ‘we are not able to resolve our relationship with nature compassionate population—are opening their borders, immediate example. Some eight months ago the father ology of greed, globalised by US President Ronald Rea- and the environment without first resolving the basic hearts and homes to the flood of needy families that of a young family of four disappeared at sea along with have perished; or a bigger vessel could have crashed gan and Margaret Thatcher, ex-Prime Minister of relationship of one to another.’ the BIBLE changes lives have arrived at their doorsteps. two other fishermen. No trace of them nor of their small into it… it is hard to determine the cause. A few years Britain, and which has through the years contaminated I In stark contrast are the Muslim countries like the fishing boat has been seen since. Pirates, that cause so ago it would have been unknown for the fishing politics, our economic systems and, more seriously, the To support Fr Colin MacInnesʼ missionary effort, you United Arab Republic, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim much havoc, could have ended their lives; drug syndi- community not to have made a generous collection to hearts and souls of good people. can make a donation out to Scottish Catholic Observer Pray. Give. Volunteer. The Scottish Bible Society, 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5XU, Tel: 0131 337 9701 – Scottish Charity No. SC010767 states which have not invited their brothers and sisters, cates could have captured them... their fate is unknown. help the family. This time nobody moved, no collection I have a system in the parish for collecting basic foods Charity Appeal, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow, G2 6BT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK ” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 Tackling stigma attached to suicide

Gabriel Marcel had an axiom which said: To love someone is to say of that person, you at least will not die. That’s solid Christian doctrine. As Christians we believe that, as a community of believers, we make up the Body of Christ along with all of those who have died in faith before us. Part of that belief is that Christ has given us the power to bind and loose which—among other things—means that our love for someone can hold that person inside our family, inside BY FR RONALD the community of grace, and inside of ROLHEISER Heaven itself. In all three of these books, these mothers make it clear that this is exactly what they are doing. ECENTLY I read, in Their family, their circle of grace, their succession, three books love, and their Heaven includes their on suicide, each written lost child. My Heaven too includes by a mother who lost one these three young people, as should of her children to suicide. any true understanding of God, of All three books are powerful, mature, grace, of love, and of the family of life. not given to false sentiment, and worth That’s a deep consolation, but it Rreading: Lois Severson, Healing the doesn’t take away the pain. For a parent, Wound from my Daughter’s Suicide, the loss of a child to any kind of death Grief Translated into Words, lost her leaves a wound that—this side of daughter, Patty, to suicide; Gloria eternity—will find no healing. The Hutchinson, Damage Done, Suicide of death of one’s child goes against an Only Son, lost her son, David, to nature, parents aren’t supposed to bury of suicide and a more enlightened writings that the majority of suicides and acceptance of the community. The suicide; and Marjorie Antus, My their children. The death of any child attitude towards it, there is still a should be understood as death by a families of those ‘crucified’ carried a Daughter, Her Suicide, and God, A is hard, but if that death comes by social, moral, and religious stigma mortal illness: A deadly chemical certain shame and those who died by Memoir of Hope, lost her daughter, suicide, that pain is compounded. attached to it, equally true in both imbalance, an emotional stroke, an crucifixion were also buried apart, in Mary, to suicide. Patty and David were There’s the frustration and anger that, secular and religious circles. In the not emotional cancer, or an oversensitivity grounds that then took on their own in their mid-20s, Mary was still a teen. unlike a death from a physical disease, too-distant past, churches used to that strips someone of the resiliency stigma. And it was understood that You cannot read these biographies this is unwarranted, unnecessary, and refuse to bury someone who died by needed to live. Here, however, I want they were outside the mercy of God and not have your heart ache for these an act of betrayal in some way. And suicide on blessed ground. The address more specifically the issue of and of the community. three young people who died in this there’s the endless second-guessing: churches have changed their attitudes the stigma attached to suicide. Jesus’death was clearly not a suicide, unfortunate manner. What these books How responsible am I for this? How and their practice on this, but, truth be There’s still a stigma attached to but it evoked a similar perception. The describe in each case is a person who should have I been more alert? Where told, many people still struggle in their suicide, that’s clear. With that in mind, same stigma as we attach to suicide is very loveable, oversensitive, has a was I negligent? Why wasn’t I around gut to accord a blessed, peaceful it can be helpful to reflect upon the was also attached to the manner in history of emotional struggles, and is in at the crucial moment? Guilt and anger farewell to someone who has died by manner in which Jesus died. His death which He died. all likelihood suffering from a chemical comingle with the grief. suicide. The stigma still remains. was clearly not a suicide, but it was imbalance. Hearing their stories should Someone who dies in this manner is similarly stigmatised. Crucifixion I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and leave you more convinced than ever ut that isn’t all. Beyond all of still seen as somehow accursed, as dying carried a stigma from every point of member of the Missionary of that no God worth worshipping could this —which is itself more than outside the family of life and the circle view: Religious, moral, and social. A Mary Immaculate. He is president of ever condemn any of these persons to sufficient to break a person— of grace. There is, for most people, person dying in this way was the Oblate School of Theology in San exclusion from the family of life simply lies the stigma attached to suicide. In nothing consoling in their deaths. understood to be dying outside the Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at B www.ronrolheiser.com because of the manner of their deaths. the end, despite a better understanding I have suggested elsewhere in my mercy of God and outside the blessing

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on SUICIDE? Send your points of view to pages of the SCO are those of the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Review

NICOLA BENEDETTI one. The performance was note concert of the tour in Perth. Glasgow Royal perfect from the artist, and from The concert was brought to Concert Hall her ensemble, which included a close with Tchaikovsky’s September 29 musicians who are noted Souvenir de Florence, which soloists in their own right. the famed Russian composer NICOLA Benedetti’s Italy The first half was completed was inspired to write after and the Four Seasons tour by Ms Benedetti, backed by The spending many holidays in of Scotland reached the Big Noise Orchestra, playing Italy. Ms Benedetti and her Glasgow Royal Concert the first and third movements ensemble took this lesser Hall late last month. The of Vivaldi’s Concerto in G known piece and used it to programme was compiled Major. The young musicians, create an ambience reminiscent as a tribute to her Italian some of whom are still in of warm Italian summer days. roots, whilst also featuring primary school, were given an Ms Benedetti is credited the young musicians of enthusiastic welcome by the with broadening the appeal of Sistema Scotland, with packed auditorium. classical music to young and whom she works regularly. The second half of the concert new audiences through her Ms Benedetti, one of the began with Duetti d’amore, a extensive education work and world’s most beloved classical piece commissioned by Ms appearances at events such violinists, took advantage of Benedetti for violin and cello, the Commonwealth Games the venue, and the clear sound for which she was accompanied Opening Ceremony and iTunes from her Stradivarius soared in by Leonard Elschenbroich, a Festival. The Glasgow audience the fine acoustics of Glasgow noted German cellist. The treated her and her fellow Royal Concert Hall. There are music was written for them musicians to a long standing few works that are better heard by Mark-Anthony Turnage, ovation and left everyone there live than the sometimes over- a contemporary British looking forward to her future produced studio recordings, composer, and enjoyed its performances in Scotland. and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is world premiere at the first DAVID THOMSON PIC: SIMON FOWLER

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAITH BY DEGREES 15

Catholic news from university campuses via the Scottish EWTN PROGRAMMES faith by degrees Network of Catholic Students SUNDAY OCTOBER 18 DAILY MASS 9.30AM 6PM HOLY MASS AND EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE CANONISATIONS WITH SYNOD ON THE FAMILY POPE FRANCIS 9PM 11AM MAGADAN: THE DEVIL'S Journeys of faith thrive ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS PLAYGROUND 11.30AM THURSDAY OCTOBER 22 EWTN SEASON PREVIEW 1PM 1PM DAILY MASS LIVE SUNDAY MASS 6PM 4PM EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE EWTN'S CANADIAN PRO-LIFE at Scottish universities SYNOD ON THE FAMILY ROUNDTABLE 6PM 8PM Beginning in this week’s SCO, the SCOTTISH NETWORK OF CATHOLIC THE WORLD OVER LIVE EWTN LIVE 8PM 9PM STUDENTS revamps Strong in Faith to created a new SCO THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL THE HOUR HAS COME TO REAP: MONDAY OCTOBER 19 THE PERSECUTED CHURCH 1PM FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 monthly section by Catholic students called FAITH BY DEGREES DAILY MASS 1PM 6PM LIVE DAILY MASS Interview with Gabriele Franchi De’Cavalieri, EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE 6PM president of the Scottish Network of Catholic SYNOD ON THE FAMILY EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE Students, who is a PHD student in econom- 7.30PM ics at Glasgow University, and Clare Logan, SYNOD ON THE FAMILY VOCATION BOOM 8PM a 3rd year PE teaching student at UWS, who 9PM is the network’s event coordinator. THE WORLD OVER LIVE PREPARATION FOR THE 9PM By Michael Kearns SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE UKRAINE: FORGOTTEN TUESDAY OCTOBER 20 GENERATION 10AM What is the Scottish Network of Catholic SATURDAY OCTOBER 24 Students? LIVE HOLY MASS IN HONOUR 1PM Clare: OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA The SNCS is an agency of the Bishops’ LIVE EWTN MASS Conference of Scotland, within its department 1PM DAILY MASS 6PM for the laity, which is run by Archbishop Leo EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE Cushley and Bishop John Keenan. The 6PM SYNOD ON THE FAMILY network brings together the Catholic groups, EWTN NEWS PRESENTS: THE societies and associations from each of our SYNOD ON THE FAMILY 7.30PM Scottish Universities, and helps to set up 9PM SAINT JOHN PAUL II: THE similar groups in those Universities where EXTRAORDINARY FAITH SPIRITUAL LEGACY there isn’t one currently. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21 9PM 1PM EWTN THEOLOGY ROUNDTABLE Why was it formed and what are its goals? Clare: The network was formed in July 2013 in order to help try to deal with two issues, which it was felt young Catholics are currently facing in Scotland. Firstly, there LAY READERS’ GUIDE doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of opportunities for people our age to be able to ‘cultivate’ their Faith and join a strong community of students. And secondly, we really feel that students and student life can be vital to SUNDAY OCTOBER 18 re-engaging the Catholic faith with what is Isaiah 53: 10-11. Response: May your an increasingly secular society. love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all Gabriele: We use the traditional Catholic our hope in you. Hebrews 4:14-16. principle of subsidiarity, meaning that the Network helps local university groups rather such as the Caritas Award in order to engage Mark 10:35-45. than directs them, and facilitates co-operation and encourage future students to get involved between them, really so that we can make with their Catholic society/association when MONDAY sure we are providing more opportunities for they reach university. Romans 4:20-25. Response: Blessed be young people on campuses to develop their the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited Faith and for the Church to be more integrated What are your views on the general climate into university life. and direction of student Catholicism in His people and redeemed them. Clare: Some of the universities have a long Scotland today? Luke 12:13-21 history of having very fruitful Catholic Clare: I’d say that now there is a really societies and associations, the network wants positive climate as far as Catholic students TUESDAY to see that same positive standard being in Scotland are concerned. There is a lot of their local community. Colossians 2:6-15. Response: How good achieved across the board. more going on now than in recent years, Clare: That’s really one of the main points of especially in student-led activities at the a university Catholic Society or Association. is the Lord to all. Luke 6:12-19. How do the individual Catholic associations universities which don’t have Catholic To help provide well-formed young adults and societies benefit from the network’s chaplains, as well as at those which do. It’s for the parishes and families of Scotland into WEDNESDAY existence? great that the bishop’s conference has the future. Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21. Clare: In many ways. Regular meetings are endorsed and embraced the movement in organised for members from the different this direction and in the work of the network What can we expect to read in Faith by Response: Here I am, Lord; I come to do universities in which everyone is able to which we hope will help us even further Degrees in future? you will. Luke 12:35-38. exchange ideas and discuss success stories along the path. Gabriele: Faith by Degrees will be a monthly from each of the individual associations and Gabriele: It speaks to a wider ‘awakening,’ column, with contributions from all of the THURSDAY societies. The network also helps with ‘national as it were, that is taking place amongst the student groups in the network. Each month Feast of St John Paul II. Romans 6:19-23, profile’ advertising on behalf of each of the laity in general, but particularly the youth, we’ll tell you something about our student groups, through the SNCS Facebook and which is exactly what the Church wants to activities in the chaplaincies across Scotland. Response: Happy the man who has Twitter pages. see in the context of the New Evangelisation. Clare: The aim is to share with the wider placed his trust in the Lord. Luke 12:49-53. Gabriele: And crucially, the network is also Scottish Catholic community what young able to offer societies and associations financial What do you hope to see in the future? people are thinking, discussing and reflecting Gabriele: FRIDAY support, which can be a much-needed What I really hope is that this new upon, and also to give some hope: the Faith Romans 7:18-25a. Response: Lord, teach boost, especially for the newly-established wind of change and renewal that we are is much more alive in many of our young chaplaincies. In addition, the network witnessing among university students people today than what most people think. me your statutes. Luke 12:54-59. organises a spiritual retreat for board members reaches out to the parishes as well. I hope and a summer pilgrimage for all students that the students who have experienced the I What do you think about this new monthly SATURDAY involved with the Catholic societies and importance of living their faith in a vibrant section in the SCO? Have your say on the Scottish Network of Catholic Students Romans 8:1-11. Response: Such are the associations. We also go into schools to talk to community at university will go back to their men who seek your face, O Lord. the pupils about the work of our constituent parishes and put what they have learned Facebook page at http://www.facebook. groups as well as attending various events during their time at university at the service com/scotncs Luke 13:1-9. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 Stories activate our hearts and minds FAITH IN CULTURE column gives an insight into the Scottish Government’s literature outreach programme, Bookbug

the feeling of looking at a book collection in a are worried about their children’s behaviour. It’s a friend’s house, it communicated a lot about them tragedy that any parent should be made to feel this and their parents identity and tastes. With Kindle way. Dr Zeedyk suggests that many parents are our book choices remain hidden from view. I don't afraid of being ‘silly’ for not having the time, By Richard really buy the argument about space—does a resources and confidence to have much needed paperback really take up much room in your bag or playtime with their children. One mother described pocket? It’s also worth considering all the power the programme as ‘life-saving’ after benefiting Purden they take to run not to mention the toxic metals from attending public sessions and taking what she used to make them. You can probably guess by had learned into the family home. AST week book retailers Waterstones now I’m not a big fan of Amazon Kindle but I do announced a surge in physical book love books. t is hard to believe that in Scotland today there sales and that it was removingAmazon’s are still children who have never seen an actual Kindle e-books from its stores. The ast week, my wife Louise was invited to a book. The Bookbug programme is creating idea of replacing your book collection training day for Bookbug, a literature Imore positive outcomes for hard to reach families. with a thin metal slate has never appealed to me. outreach programme run by the Scottish concern about others in the communities in which Beyond nurturing a bond with parents, having a Although I was gifted a Kindle at Christmas some LGovernment. The aim is to reach vulnerable we live. Reading to babies is scientifically proven to passion for books and words can make all the Lyears ago I’ve found this mode of reading difficult families, particularly young children and babies, help create a connection between parent and child, difference to children born into poorer backgrounds to embrace. My shelves of signed Celtic books and to encourage a love of reading and language. it also plays an essential role in early development. —it has been proven that a passion for reading will rock biogs perhaps say something about me—what Improving children’s literacy says much about The programme has worked diligently alongside lead to greater academic success despite social do your shelves represent? Growing up I remember the kind of society we would like to be and our health and educational professionals with the goal background or class. No matter what your politics of reaching the children in our society who are are, the Scottish Government should be recognised most in need. for an initiative that will encourage future generations Bookbug has been an important resource for of Scots to flourish. Louise who runs a mother and toddler group in Beyond the joy of reading it is undoubtedly a CROSSWORD Gordius No 216 south Edinburgh. The group attracts a range of health benefit, as people of Faith we believe that mothers, but the simple activity of reading a book the living word of God is a nourishing source of (above) or singing a song together with the children spiritual and mental growth which connects to our 1 2 3 4 5 6 is one way of uniting the room and creating a sense very souls. Jesus is known as a great story-teller of community while strengthening bonds between using often using cryptic narratives to get His 7 8 parent and child. message across. Stories activate our hearts and 9 10 Dr Suzanne Zeedyk is a senior lecturer at minds, they can change us for the better and help Dundee University and a long-term supporter of us grow as human beings. From that perspective, 11 Bookbug. She has suggested that babies’ brains are reading gives life and no one in Scotland should

12 13 14 built on ‘fun or fear.’ She believes Bookbug is more be deprived of that. First entry out the hat on FRI than simply a literacy programme, but a safe place 15 16 17 for young parents to build up their confidence. Her I Richard Purden is a freelance journalist, the OCTOBER 23 will be the winner author of We are Celtic Supporters, Faithful 18 19 20 research found that many parents from struggling and poor backgrounds lack the self-esteem to Through and Through, an SCO feature writer and Send your completed a married father of two 21 22 become part of a wider social group because they crossword entries—along with 23 your full name address and

24 25 daytime phone number—to CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 SUDOKU 26 27 28 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 29 30 31 32 6BT SIMPLE 284 6 33 34 35 The winner’s name will be printed below. 36 7 1 6 834 725 1 9 9 1 4 586 7 3 2 37 The editor’s decision is final 7 4 82 7 532 1 9 8 6 4 5 6 9 17 4 3 2 8 ACROSS 1 Spotted pieces tumbling in this ongoing reaction (6,6) OCTOBER 9 1 4 59 4 7 8 352 1 9 6 7 Sing wordlessly (3) SOLUTION 32 196 8 4 5 7 9 What the cricketer may do with an item of crockery (4) 3 9 5 2 4 7 6 18 10 One might be well suited by this person from Rialto! (6) ACROSS 15 11 Arduous journey (4) 1 Mob 3 Elastic band 8 4 6 9 5 1 2 7 3 14 Hackman's DNA (5) 1 2 7 863 9 45 15 Garments traditionally associated with Scotsmen and 8 Stoves 9 Soulmate 526 8 pipers (5) 10 Homes 11 Spent FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 16 At which one stands when throwing darts (4) 13 Bucks 15 Vikings 18 Clergyman with many a motor (5) 16 Lebanon 20 Mayor 1 764 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 21 Discovered (5) AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 22 Egg-shaped (5) 21 Scour 23 Cliff 23 The composition of some of Shakespeare’s sayings (5) 24 Open fire 25 Eclair 8 9 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 24 Take note (4) 26 Fundraisers 27 ENT WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 25 The lawyer leads a strange rugby formation (5) 26 A trace of something bad or offensive (5) 3 5 4 7 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 29 The northern primate has some neck! (4) DOWN IS THE OCT 9 SIMPLE SOLUTION 33 This bird can present one with quite a bill (6) 1 Mischievous 34 Underground part of a plant (4) 2 Bookmark 3 Evens 36&37 Biblical structure that needed much interpretation MODERATE (3,5,2,5) 4 Suspect 5 Colts 6 Abated 7 Dye 3 9 8

DOWN 12 Twenty-first 4 1 7 3 8 2 6 5 9 1 A pair (some Hindu outcasts) (3) 13 By gum 14 Swear 187 2 Dairy product (4) 17 Navigate 18 Cypress 5 3 6 7 1 9 2 8 4 3 Immature lice (4) 2 89 6 4 5 1 3 7 4 The ‘cream,’ the privileged few (5) 19 Solemn 22 Refer 5 Turned to ice (5) 23 Cocks 24 Oaf 2 8 5 4 9 6 3 7 1 2 6 Being divine, he was hot in Rock! (4) 9 632 517 8 4 8 Good budgetary practice will ensure termini are 9 4 78 3 7 1 4 2 8 9 6 5 connected (4,4,4) OCTOBER 2’s crossword 9 The hack often bet, unusually, that a soccer cliché 7 8 5 2 3 6 4 9 1 would appear (4,2,3,3) competition winner was: 12 Garment in which to throw boules (6) John Gowans, Kirkcaldy 641 6 4 3 1 9 7 5 2 8 13 Stage whisper (5) 1 2 9 8 5 4 3 7 6 14 Donates veg. Is that chopped? (5) 17 Vocally they sound so rich, somehow (6) 3 5 2 9 19 Underground tomb (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 20 Cook in an oven (5) Scotland’s only national 4 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 27 A flower got up (5) AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 28 Oh, can it turn up a Mexican snack? (5) Catholic weekly newspaper 30 Writer of verse (4) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 31 Handle made of potassium? No, boron (4) Registered at the Post Office 5 4 3 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 32 Dull (4) 35 Pussycat fancier! (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 1 4 6 THE OCT 9 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

Paisley Diocese Catholic Charismatic Renewal Installation ofthe Relic of Evening of Renewal with St. John Paul II MARK SHEA On Sunday ST. PATRICK’S, International Evangelist from the USA 18th Oct at SHIELDMUIR, Speaking on the Age of the New Evangelisation 3.00pm 71 SHIELDMUIR by Rt. Rev Bp. STREET, ‘Care and Feeding of the Lay Apostle’ Joseph Toal WISHAW Sunday 25 October 2015 7 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

All Welcome

The Sisters of the Gospelof Life To advertise invite you to a contact Monthly Mass for Life Maire Élise At Blessed John Duns Scotus Church Khoo 270 Ballater Street, Glasgow, G5 0YT St Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Incle Street, Paisley PA1 1HR email: Celebrant: To be confirmed For more information phone: Helen 07786097147 avertising@ Wednesday October 21st sconews.co.uk Email: [email protected] Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm or call: Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet Lord let Paisley flourish through the preaching of Your word and the praising 0141 241 6105 of Your name. up with pro-life friends gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com EXPERTSERVICES VOCATIONS Advertising Tel: 0141 241 6105

Archdiocese of Glasgow DalyFamily Business Garage With Over 30 years Doors Experience Music Committee JERICHO INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS & “The Autumn Music Day: 24th October MAINTENANCE OF ALL GARAGE DOORS Compassion of St Simon’s, Partick Bridge Street Do you feelthat Glasgow G11 6PQ Free estimates & advice 24 Hour Jesus.” 10.00: Introduction/housekeeping Call Out Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., God is calling ShortMorning Prayer TEL: 01355 261601 10.20: The Year ofMercy and resources for it Refuge for Victims of you to the The Devotional Life of the Church Domestic Violence, 11.05: Looking to the future and enriching the G EORGE P. R EILLY Missionary present Supported Accommodation Priesthood Psalms as personal prayer and for Painter and Decorator for the Destitute, the Morning/Evening Prayer 3 0 Years of Experience Distressed, and all being Then we 11.50: Tea break can help 12.10: Making the most of the music of the Missal Free Estimates ‘passed by on the other side.’ you 12.30: Renewing the Psalms of Advent & Christmas A COMMUNITY OF and the lovely feasts that followthem. 07974379811 1.30: Discussion on howwe are doing MEN OF PRAYER FOR 01698 822215 Contact: Short Afternoon/Evening Prayer (founded 1970) Music and CDs provided. OUR TIMES Suggested donation of £10.00 payable as a parish expense. Vocation info from Bro Patrick Mullen, To book a place please contact [email protected] or The Jericho Society, [email protected] St Leo’s, 5 Beech Avenue, Opinions of advertisers are not GlasgowG41 5BY – 0141 427 0293 Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, The Vocations Director Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY name: necessarily SMA FATHERS Scottish Charity SC016909 parish: those held by Tel: 01505 614669 St Theresaʼs diocese: The Scottish Catholic Observer Email: Clarendon Place, Dunblane cantor/singer/organist/instrumentalist [email protected] – delete as appropriate Perthshire FK15 9HB 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM CAMPBELL DALY KIRKWOOD 10th Anniversary 4th Anniversary 11th Anniversary In loving memory of a much In loving memory of In loving memory of Ellen, MacLEAN loved husband, father and In loving memory of Father Michael (Mike), a beloved a darling wife of the late nen, Duncan, who died husband, dad, father-in-law Angus MacLean, former October 16, 2005. Thomas, who died on and granda, who passed January 25, 2009, mum Parish Priest of St. To hide my sorrows I away on October 17, 2011. Charles, Kelvinside, died always try, and gran, who died To laugh with others, alone Thank you for the years we October 17, 2004. October 12, 1994. R.I.P. shared, I cry, Forever in our hearts. Our Lady of the Isles, pray The love you gave, the way With aching heart I We will always love and for him. you cared, whisper low, cherish you both. Inserted by his cousins. God bless you Duncan, Deep in my heart, your GALLAGHER McGOVERN Those who love you will 4th Anniversary of John South Uist and Glasgow. I miss you so. memory is kept, In loving memory of a From his ever loving wife, Too dearly loved to ever wonderful wife, mum and not forget. McGovern, my dear BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Mary Kate. forget. gran, Margaret, whose 7th Love and miss you both husband, father and Ten years have passed Your loving wife May. Anniversary occurs on and always will. grandfather, who died since that sad day, A smile for all, a heart of October 17, 2014. God bless. October 16, 2011. You closed your eyes and gold, It does not take a special Inserted by the family. Sacred Heart of Jesus, slipped away, One of the best dads this have mercy on him. A silent thought brings day to bring you to our world could hold, many a tear, minds, LONEY Silent thoughts of times The days we do not think 50th Anniversary MacINTYRE Of a Dad we lost and loved 35th Anniversary so dear. together, of you are very hard to find. Treasured memories of our In loving memory of our From his children, Mary, Hold memories that will last dear father, Bernard Our hearts still ache with dear dad, Ronald, and Neil, John, Raebelle, Pene, forever. (Benny), who died on sadness and secret tears much loved grandad, who Iagan, Andrew and Calum Lorraine, Michael, October 18, 1965; also still flow, died October 21, 1980 and and sons and Desmond and Yvonne. loved ones gone before daughters-in-law. Precious memories fondly For what it meant to lose our dearly loved mum, and after. McKERNAN ‘Till roses lose their petals, kept, you no one will ever know. gran, and great-gran, who On whose souls, sweet Happy Birthday Simon, 29 ‘Till heather has lost its dew, Of a father-in-law too Our thoughts are always died February 6, 2014. Jesus, have mercy. on October 17. ‘Till the end of time dear special to forget. with you, your place no one Sorely missed by all the “For you He has Nen, we will always Alasdair, Kevin and can fill, Queen of the Most Holy family, grandchildren and commanded His angels. remember you. Margaret. In life we loved you dearly, Rosary, pray for them. great-grandchildren. From the grandchildren & They will lift you up in their A kiss blown up to the sky in death we love you still. Inserted by his loving Our Lady, Queen of the great-grandchildren. hands.” so blue, Missing you today and family, 12 Viewfield Road, Most Holy Rosary, pray for Catch it Granda, it’s just for Coatbridge. them. Love from mum, dad, CURRIE every day. Francis, Gabriel, 19th Anniversary you. John and all your loving Madeleine and Rachel. In loving memory of my Cara, Kirsty, Zoe and family. McCANN MacINTYRE dear mother, Sarah Eilidh. 27th Anniversary 9th Anniversary MEMORIAM (Cissie), who died October Eternal rest grant unto him, Of your charity, please pray In loving memory of my 15, 1996. O Lord, for the repose of the soul mother and grandmother, ARMSTRONG In my heart you are always And let perpetual light of our dear father, Joe, Peggy, who died October Please pray for the soul there, shine upon him, who died October 18, 19, 2006, also my father Loved and remembered in of our dear mother, Jennie May he rest in peace. 1988, and our dear mother, and grandfather, Angus every prayer. Armstrong, who died on Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Agnes, who died April 25, John, who died February Eternal rest grant unto her, 22, 1996. October 19, 1956; also our for him. 1998. O Lord, Forever in our thoughts. dear father, Thomas And let perpetual light On whose souls, sweet DEENY Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Armstrong, who died March shine upon her. Jesus, have mercy. pray for them. 12, 1973, and our brother and May she rest in peace. Margaret Clare Went to God October 17, Inserted by the family. Inserted by Theresa, uncle, Joseph Inserted by her loving daughter Sheila. 2012. GALLANAGH George and family. Armstrong, who died Sweet Heart of Jesus Treasured memories of our McDONACH December 16, 1984. I place all my trust in Thee. beloved son, and brother, 55th Anniversary. McKENNA Our Lady of the Michael Joseph, who died In loving memory of 23rd Anniversary of my dear Assumption, pray for them. DOOGAN on October 17, 1986, aged Augustine husband, Daniel, a loving Inserted by their loving family 8th Anniversary 19 years. (ex City of Glasgow father and grandfather, who . In loving memory of our A light from our household Police), died October 1, died on October 20, 1992. dear mum and loving is gone, 1960, beloved husband of Queen of the Most Holy grandmother, Mary, who A voice we loved is still, Catherine Rosary, pray for him. died on October 14, 2007. A place is vacant in our Murray McCourt, died May St Pio, pray for him. Sadly missed by her family home, 15, 1976, and their elder Inserted by his loving wife . That can never be filled. son, Brian Thomas, died Cathie and family, Cleland. FLAHERTY Will those who think of him suddenly on September CLARK, James 10th Anniversary today, 17, 1981, their eldest MacLEOD 10th Anniversary. Always remembering our A little prayer to Jesus say. daughter, Geraldine Precious memories of In loving memory of our son, dearest mum Kathleen, Inserted by his loving Mum, Elizabeth Currie, after a George, a much loved James, died October 18, 2005. who died October 18, husband, who died Dad, brothers and sisters. long illness, died October A light is from our 2005, our dad John and October 22, 2013. household gone, 25, 1984; also his sister, brothers Peter and As you were to me, so in A voice we loved is stilled. GILLEN May Miller (ex Paisley), Anthony. Second Anniversary of memory will you always be. A place is vacant in our home, died May 5, 2000, and her R.I.P. Philip M. Gillen (Phil) who Our Lady, Star of the Sea, That never can be filled. daughter, Maureen Parise, Sadly missed. God be with you till we died October 19, 2013. pray for him. died June 18, 2000. Both Mum and Dad. meet again. A much loved and missed Inserted by his wife You bade no one a last husband of Eileen, dad to buried in Block Island Margaret, Allasdale, Barra. farewell, son and daughters, papa to Cemetery, R.I. You gave your hand to To place an St Augustine, pray for Place Your Intimation grandchildren and baby Announcing, none, intimation them. Remembering, great-grandchildren. Thanking Your spirit flew before we St Catherine, pray for Births, Marriages, If tears could make a Deaths,Anniversaries knew, Call: 0141 them. That you from us had gone. stairway From Hugh, Geraldine 241 6106 And memories build a lane, St Theresa of the Child and Cara and Frances, We would walk right up to Jesus, pray for them. heaven Inserted by Austen on Phil, Cathleen, Michael and To place a Family Announcement Contact Evelyn. And bring you home again. behalf of their family. Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacMILLAN MORGAN (CORRIGAN) GRATEFUL thanks to the Dear Heart of Jesus, and Thy Father, in Thy name, 5th Anniversary 11th Anniversary Most Sacred Father in place it within Your broken that my prayer be granted Remembering with love In loving memory of Heaven, Jesus, Mary and heart where your Father (make your request). O today and always, our dearly Catherine, our dear mum Joseph, Our Lady of sees it, then in his merciful Jesus, who hast said, loved father and grandfather, and gran, who diedOctober Fatima, Lourdes, Knock, eyes it will become Your Heaven and Earth shall Neil, who died on October 16, 2004. Medjugorje, Guadalupe, favour, not mine. Amen. pass away but My word 22, 2010. Also our much Ladywell, Preston, Lancs, Say for three days, shall not pass, through the loved mum and granny, St Pio, pray for her. Flora MacMillan, who died From your loving family. Walsingham, St John publication promised. – intercession of Mary, Thy on February 28, 2008. Bosco, St John Ogilvie, St K.C. Most Holy Mother, I feel We hold you close within Ignatius, St Wilfrid, St Pio, confident that my prayer our hearts, St Francis, St Anthony, St GRATEFUL thanks to St shall be granted (make And there you shall TAYLOR Jude, St Margaret, Venera- Jude for a miracle. – M.C. your request); publication remain, 16th Anniversary of John, a ble Margaret Sinclair, St promised. – J.M. To walk with us throughout good, loving husband, Margaret Ward, St Mary GRATEFUL thanks to St our lives, father and papa. Also great MacKillop, St Anne Line, St Joseph for answering our GRATEFUL thanks to the Until we meet again. brother and son-in-law, Margaret Clitherow, St Lily prayers. – E. Blessed Virgin Mary and St Eternal rest grant unto treasured and much Tekakwitha, Little Nellie, St Pio for prayers answered. them, O Lord, missed also by a loving Martha, St Theresa, St POWERFUL NOVENA And let perpetual light Still praying. – E.K sister Alice. Thoughts also Bernadette, St Patrick, St Of Childlike Confidence shine upon them, for my dad Ronnie and (This novena is to be said May they rest in peace. Gerard Majella, St Maximil- NOVENA PRAYER TO ST at the same time, every Inserted by their loving QUAIL, Kevin Michael wonderful brother William. ian Kolbe and Michael the JUDE family. 14th Anniversary If only I had those old days Archangel for good news hour, for nine consecutive May the Sacred Heart of In loving memory of our back when we were all today, October 8. Thank hours – just one day). O Jesus be praised, Jesus, who hast said, ask MacPHEE dear son, Kevin Michael, together, you all. Prayers answered. adored, glorified and loved and you shall receive, seek In loving memory of who died October 19, At least we have our – M.R.W. throughout the world now Theresa, a wonderful 2001. memories and they last and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to and forever more. mother and granny, who Most Sacred Heart of forever. GRATEFUL thanks to Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus died October 21, 2006. you, through the Jesus, I place all my trust Our Lady of Lourdes and Heart of Jesus, Blessed have mercy on us. St Jude Also our dear father, intercession of Mary, Thy in You. St Roch, pray for them. Virgin, St Joseph, St Clare, Alexander (Alick), who died Most Holy Mother, I knock, helper of the hopeless, Inserted by Mum, Dad, November 20, 1972. St Anthony, St Martha and I seek, I ask that my prayer pray for us. St Jude, great WRIGHT Loved and remembered Francis, Niamh, Frankie, St Jude. – M. be granted (make your miracle worker, pray for us. In loving memory of every day. Caoimhe, Sadhbh and request). O Jesus, who Say nine times daily. James, loving husband of Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh Ossian. DEAR HEART OF JESUS hast said, all that you ask the late Mary, loving father a Thighearna, Dear Heart of Jesus in the of the Father in My name, NOVENA TO ST CLARE Agus solus nach dibir REYNOLDS and grandfather, who sadly past I have asked you for He will grant you through Say nine Hail Mary’s for dearrsadh orra. 4th Anniversary died October 20, 2008. many favours, this time I the intercession of Mary, nine days with a lighted Inserted by the family at In loving memory of our If tears could build a ask you for this special one Thy Most Holy Mother, I candle; publication home (Kilpheder, South beloved parents, Margaret stairway (mention favour), take it humbly and urgently ask promised. Uist) and away. and Gerry, who died on And heartache make a 12th and 31st October, lane, 2011, aged 97 and 98 We would come straight up years. to heaven Eternal rest grant unto And bring you home again. them, O Lord. We do not need a special day SPENCE, John To bring you to our mind, 2nd Anniversary of John The memories we have of Spence, who died October you 21, 2013. Belovedhusband Are the everlasting kind. of Christine, loving dad of Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, MOONEY James, Margaret Anne, Christina and John Paul And let perpetual light 24th Anniversary. shine upon him, Treasured memories of and grandad of seven much loved grandchildren. May he rest in peace. SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Frances, a loving wife and Amen. mother, who died October Put Your arms around him Lord, Inserted by all your loving 18, 1991. family at home and abroad. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 Though you’re no longer Shelter him with care. with me, Until we meet again. THANKSGIVING We want you to experience the benefits of having Every single day I find, The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and That when I take the time STEWART GRATEFUL thanks to St to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making to think, 4th Anniversary of a loving Gerard Majella, St Jude You’re always on my mind. aunt, teacher and friend. and Our Lady. – C.A. you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers I will hear a piece of music, May you rest in peace who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s And at once I am returned, Maureen. Inserted by her DEAR HEART OF JESUS na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. Back to a precious niece and friend Avril. Dear Heart of Jesus in the moment, I do not forget her past I have asked you for That the two of us had I never intend, many favours, this time I 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 shared. I think of her daily ask you for this special one Return with cheque to:Scosh Catholic Observer, I never try to stop them, And will to the end. (mention favour), take it 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone I let them just pass Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Dear Heart of Jesus, and through, for her. place it within Your broken 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card It’s just my way to spend heart where your Father Name: some time, STRAIN-O’RIORDAN sees it, then in his merciful Once again, with you. 26th Anniversary eyes it will become Your Address: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Treasured memories of our favour, not mine. Amen. We place all our trust in much loved mum, Betty, Say for three days, You. who died on October 22, publication promised. – A.F. Inserted by her loving hus- 1989. Email Address: band Thomas, daughter Always missed, forever GRATEFUL thanks to St Mary, son-in-law Richard loved. Clare, Our Lady and St Telephone Number: and grand-daughters Inserted by daughter Marie Anthony for prayers This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once Frances and Mia. and son Paul. answered. – C.T. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS FUNERAL DIRECTORY ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA , www.rcag.org.uk

THU OCT 1 - SUN OCT 25 Rome, Synod on the Family.

porteousfunerals.com ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY

EST 1912 Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh An Independent Catholic Family Funeral Directors Fourth Generation Family www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Raised within the Catholic faith, with extensive experience Funeral Directors & Monumental Sculptors in arranging and conducting Catholic funeral services. SAT17 OCT 6PM Sunday Vigil Mass, Sisters of Mercy, St Catharine’s We specialise in creating funerals that reflect your specific Exquisite private facilities & unparallelled quality of Convent of Mercy, Edinburgh SUN 18 9.30AM Sunday Mass, St wishes and beliefs. service from an established family funeral directors Joseph, Peebles 11.30AM Sunday Mass, St James, Innerleithen

TUE 20 12PM CYSS Youth Forum, St John the Baptist, Perth 7PM We will guide and support you in personalising your with over 100 years local experience service, while still embracing the time-honoured traditions Unrivalled cost for comparable funeral service Archdiocesan Youth Ministry Forum, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh of Roman Catholic funeral liturgy. WED 21 7PM General Synod Scottish Episcopal Church, Edinburgh Perfect Choice Pre-Paid Funeral Plans FRI 21 1115AM St Augustine’s High School Feast Day Mass Contact us at any of our branches Indoor memorial showrooms & bespoke designs BISHOP TOAL Juniper Green Branch - 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 airdrie coatbridge Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 12-18 Hallcraig Street 45 Sunnyside Road Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 ML6 6AH ML5 3DG Leith Branch - 72-72 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB - 0131 554 1113 SUN 18 OCT 3PM Mass of reception of Relics of St John Paul II, St Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors - 01236 762000 01236 424132 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988 Patrick’s Wishaw MON 19 AM Visit to ST Mary’s Colleges Oscott. www.DonaldMcLarenLtd.co.uk TUE 20 AM Feast day Mass at St Mary’s College Oscott. THU 22 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for over 100 years 7PM Mass for reception of relics of St John Paul II in St John the Baptists, Uddingston FRI 23 7PM Knights of ST Columba annual For every pre-paid ball, Moodiesburn SAT24 11AM Our lady of Palestine Mass for Thomas Marin funeral purchased Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in Motherwell cathedral. (Founded 1926) Organist we donate to Affiliate St.Andrew’s Hospice Funeral Directors & BISHOP GILBERT Memorial Consultants Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com Traditional service and values 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Cantor To advertise in the SUN 18 OCT 9.30AM Mass St Mary’s Blairs. SUN 18 – SUN 25 ICEL Funerals carried out the way meeting Washington. YOU want them Available for weddings — We sell Dignity Pre-Paid Funeral Plans — and funeral services BISHOP ROBSON a straightforward way to gain peace of mind for you and your family. Listen online at: Funeral Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk We guarantee that the money you pay for your Plan is held in a secure and www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk independent trust fund . SUN 18 OCT 11.30AM Mass & Visit to St Joseph the Worker, Callan- No one else has access to this money der 4PM Old Rite Mass, Lawside Convent WED 21 10AM Meeting until it is needed. Directory T. 01698 325 493 with L’Arche Regional Leader THU 22 8.30AM Mass and Importance of Faith Talk , Dunblane 7.30PM Faith Forum Talk, Glasgow Univer- Thomas contact Maire Élise Khoo sity FRI 23 Seminary Applicants Year II, Diocesan Office arin To aadvertisedvertise BISHOP KEENAN FUNERAL DIRECTORSM & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS email: [email protected] 62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX phone: 00141141 Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk Tel: 0131 556 7192

Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd 241 6105105 SATOCT 17 10AM SSVP National Meeting and Mass at Celtic Park 7PM SERRA national Conference, Conforti institute Coatbridge SUN 18 3PM Celebrating annual crowning Mass at Schoenstatt MON 19 830AM Mass at Holyrood secondary school 7PM Pause for MEMORIAM CARDS hope service St Mirren’s cathedral TUE 20 CYSS Youth forum Gillis college THU 22 7PM Feast day mass St Lukes High school Bar- rhead FRI 23 730PM Queen’s awards for voluntary service ST Mir- ren’s hall. SAT24 Divine mercy conference. Memorare Memoriam Cards Ltd Full-Colour Tradi'onal Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, Single Cards, Acknowledgement and Bookmark Cards BISHOP NOLAN For free sample pack posted 1st Class Tel 0141 812 4491 * DIRECT LINE MEMORIAM CARDS Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk (Everything is produced in Erskine, Scotland, nothing is sent away) designed & printed to your exact requirements You canspeak with Margaret un'l9.00 P.M Every day including all weekend * we can produce order of service for Requiem SUN 18 OCT Return from Cultural exchange with China exposure 50% Off selected cards. We deliver anywhere in the United Kingdom. Masses and also design and print visit. SAT24 1PM Singing the Mass Galloway music network at st Free Keyrings; free Full Colour Photo in Silver Plated Frame, free Acknowledgment Cards (T’s & C’s apply) Sophia’s Galston Please visit our web site. h(p://www.memorare.co.uk jubliee cards, bookmarks, and Never beatenonprice, quality or delivery, we come highly recommended.Now inour 15th year. acknowledgement/thank-you cards please call for full details of the personal service we can provide

Tel 07818 645 863 SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER MAIN SWITCHBOARD Advertising Terms and Conditions Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 EDITOR Contact Maire Élise Advertisements submitted must contain complete and accurate information and comply with Khoo Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 requirements of all relevant legislation, the British Code of Advertising Practice, and the [email protected] Advertising Standards Authority. Phone: The publisher has the right, at its discretion, to refuse, omit, suspend, or change the position DEPUTY EDITOR of advertisements, or require artwork or copy to be amended to comply with any moral or Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 0141 241 6105 legal obligations. The publisher will not be liable for any loss of revenue to the advertiser [email protected] incurred as a consequence of non-publication or incorrect reproduction of an advertisement. REPORTER Email: Advertisementsmay be cancelled within 14 daysof an order being received and not lessthana Daniel Harkins—Tel: 0141 241 6103 minimum of 24 hoursbefore deadline for entry. [email protected] advertising Any cancellationsoutsidethisperiod will not affect the buyer’sliability for payment for the SUB-EDITOR advertisement. Payment for advertisements must be received within 30 days. Any order, verbal @sconews.co.uk or written, which isplaced for the insertionof an advertisement amountsto an acceptance of Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 these conditions. [email protected] FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

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

blind and those who are lame. A reading from the offer sacrifices for his own sins and for the sins CHILDREN’S book of the prophet Jeremiah 31:7-9. of others. But no one can have the honour of The Lord says: “Celebrate and rejoice for Israel, being a high priest simply by wanting to be one. the greatest nation of all.” Only God can choose a priest and God is the CROSSWORD 103 Offer praises and shout: “Rescue your people, one who chose Aaron. Lord! Save what’s left of Israel.” That is how it was with Christ, He became a I will bring my people back from that country high priest, but not just because he wanted the 1 2 3 4 5 in the north and from everywhere else. The honour of being one. It was God who told Him: blind and the lame will be there. Expectant “You are my Son, because today I have become 6 mothers and women who are about to give birth your Father!” In another place, God says: “You will return and be part of that great crowd. They are a priest forever just like Melchizedek.” 7 will cry and pray as I bring them home. They The Word of the Lord won’t stumble as I will lead them along a level 8 9 road to streams of water. Alleluia I am a father to Israel, and they are my 2 Timothy 1:10. favourite children. (R) Alleluia, alleluia. The Word of the Lord Our Saviour Jesus Christ has done away with 10 11 death and brought us life through the Gospel. 12 Responsorial Psalm (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 126:1-2ab, 4-5, 6. 13 14 (R) The Lord has done great things for us; we Gospel are filled with joy. Master, grant that I may see. A reading from the Holy 15 It seemed like a dream when the Lord brought Gospel according to Mark 10:46-52. us back to the city of Zion. Jesus and His disciples went to Jericho and as 16 We celebrated with laughter and joyful songs. they were leaving, they were followed by a (R) The Lord has done great things for us; we large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of 17 are filled with joy. Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time Our Lord, we ask you to bless our people again, the road. When he heard that it was Jesus from and let us be like streams in the southern desert. Nazareth, he shouted: “Jesus, Son of David, ACROSS We cried as we went out to plant our seeds. have pity on me!” 1 Puzzle made of pieces (6) Reflection Now let us celebrate as we bring in the crops. Many people told the man to stop, but he 6 Truthful (6) JESUS continues to ask: “What do you (R) The Lord has done great things for us; we shouted even louder: “Son of David, have pity 7 Twelve o’clock in the daytime (4) want of me?” Bartimaeus is a reminder to are filled with joy. on me!” 8 The world's largest bird (7) us that each of us has a need to trust! The We cried on the way to plant our seeds, but we Jesus stopped and said: “Call him over!” 10 Creature such as a lizard or a snake (7) phrase Bartimaeus uses as his prayer is will celebrate and shout as we bring in the crops. They called out to the blind man and said: 12 You might put it on your face a Halloween (4) based on an ancient tradition called: The (R) The Lord has done great things for us; we “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” 13 Large area of trees (6) Jesus Prayer. Bartimaeus reminds us that are filled with joy. The man threw off his coat as he jumped up 15 Pastime, such as stamp-collecting (5) ‘seeing’ is more than just physical sight. Second Reading and ran to Jesus. 16 Not fancy (5) Seeing is about relating to God and others Jesus asked: “What do you want me to do for 17 Goes in (6) with trust. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. you?” In his ‘blindness’ Bartimaeus ‘sees’ an A reading from the letter to the Hebrews 5:1-6. The blind man answered: “Master,I want to see!” DOWN opportunity to trust in Jesus—‘to see.’ How Brothers and sisters, every high priest is appointed Jesus told him: “You may go. Your eyes are 1 The first month of the year (7) do we learn to trust? Just like Bartimaeus, to help others by offering gifts and sacrifices to healed because of your faith.” 2 A child will do this to become an adult. we call out for help—to parents, siblings God because of their sins. A high priest has Right away the man could see, and He went (4,2) and teachers to guide us and help us see the weaknesses of his own, and he feels sorry for down the road with Jesus. 3 Referees blow them (8) right way, the right thing to do. foolish and sinful people. That is why he must The Gospel of the Lord. 4 Trap (5) 5 It makes you want to scratch (4) Activities 9 You’ll see it on a goal or on some bikes (8) G Make blindfolds. Have the children put them 11 A kind of vegetable (6) 13 Tumble (4) on one child at a time or in twos. Have a person 14 Skinny (4) lead them around. G When we can’t see, we learn to trust. Sometimes, LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION we have to trust that others know best how to keep us safe. We don’t see why but we must trust. G ACROSS We celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day. 1 Swimming 6 Ouch 7 Insult 8 Rich 10 Urgent Saints and those who have died and gone before 11 Pink 12 Even 17 Elm 18 South 19 Maybe us know how to trust in all that God offers. 20 Serve Saints and those who have gone before us see God face to face. Growing in holiness is really DOWN trusting God and ourselves to be all we are 1 Stirrup 2 Mouth 3 Intrude 4 Going 5 Acting created to be. 9 Century 13 Venus 14 Never 15 Smoke 16 Shoe G Make a pair of glasses. Talk a little on how 18 Sum we have to ‘see’things differently when we trust God, Jesus and each other. Ask: What you can practice seeing in a new way this week? The Children’s Liturgy page is Prayer published one week in advance to Dear God, you have given us many wonderful allow RE teachers and those taking gifts—the beauty of creation, family and the Children’s Liturgy at weekly friends, Help us to see all the ways you show us love. Amen. Masses to use, if they wish, this First Reading page as an accompaniment to their I shall lead them back in mercy–both those who are teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 ST JOHN PAUL II SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015

In relics, John Paul II comes back again With a relic of St John Paul II about to be installed at St Patrick’s Shieldmuir ahead of the saint’s feast day, RONNIE MATHIESON looks at the links between Scotland, the parish and the late Pope

NUSUALLY early on the glorious (Above) The new Cardinal Winning introduces young members of his family to Pope John Paul II. (Left) sunny Tuesday morning that was the Cardinal Winning receives his red hat from Pope John first day of June 1982, to avoid the Paul II traffic of the rush-hour, a convoy of 15 packed coaches left St Patrick’s church in Craigneuk—or more officially— Garwoliński has now replaced former parish priest Shieldmuir, Wishaw on an eagerly awaited and Fr Chromy. Fr Krzysztof quickly settled and not Ujoyous journey to Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park. only serves the parish well but also provides local The expectant pilgrims, led by parish priest Fr pastoral and Liturgical support in Polish including Kieran O’Farrell, converged with seemingly weekly Sunday Mass—well attended by Poles countless other travellers from all over Scotland from a large part of Motherwell Diocese. on that grassy venue where later they would together warmly welcome another pilgrim—His he Polish story is not yet ended. For Holiness Pope John Paul II—to our beloved country Krzysztof, to his credit and by his initiative, and to Glasgow. has procured from the Vatican a first class There was a festive mood as the throngs settled Trelic of John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II, or in their designated corrals to await the arrival of Święty Jan Paweł II in Polish. This relic, some of Karol Wojtyła, the relatively new Pope—of less the late pontiff’s blood on a piece of cloth, will be than four years—a Pope who had suffered an permanently installed by Bishop Joseph Toal of assassination attempt a year previously and the Motherwell at a special Mass at 3 pm in St first ever Polish Pope, a man from a far country as Patrick’s Church on Sunday October 18 a few days he said of himself. There were not a few present before the saint’s feast day on October 22. that day both in the Craigneuk and in several other Anyone who wishes to attend on that day will delegations who had close Polish family connections be most welcome. It is a great honour indeed for St arising from economic and political immigration Patrick’s to house this relic and it is hoped that it to Scotland in the decades prior to the great war will encourage many to visit the parish in the and the influx of military and civilian evacuees Papal UK visit in jeopardy. Winning very well, appropriately referring to him future, venerate the relic, be inspired by St John during the Second World War. For these the day Throughout that memorable day the scorching as ‘A man of the people.’ Paul II and seek his intercession with Our Lord was perhaps even more special. sweltering sunshine very much gave its own Jesus—another Man from another far country— Pope John Paul II had already shown that our warmth to the proceedings; but that was well and t John Paul II is not the only Polish cleric but ever present God here with us. country was indeed beloved to the Holy Father truly outshone by the great mutual appreciation beloved of the Craigneuk flock. The curate Let’s look to the future which, as the great Pope when he knelt and kissed the Scottish soil on his and warmth of a Polish Pope and his Scottish at the time of that Papal visit, a man of Polish himself once said, ‘starts today—not tomorrow.’ arrival at Murrayfield the preceding day and he faithful. During his sermon the Pontiff told us: descent, was Fr Gerard Chromy, currently PP of St S I Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell will install was to further remind us, in his words at “The new spirit is to be gentle, generous, simple, Leonard’s, East Kilbride, who was pleased to lead Bellahouston, that Scotland was recognised as the and above all sincere. To avoid being arrogant, three Craigneuk buses to the 1982 Papal Youth the relic at St Patrick’s parish in Sheildmuir during special daughter of the Roman Church—Specialis censorious, or self-seeking. The disciples of the Rally at Murrayfield Stadium. Mass on this Sunday, October 18, 3pm and there Filia Romanae Ecclesiae. new Kingdom must seek happiness even amidst Fr Chromy was in later years gladly welcomed will be a special concert in the church with tenor poverty, deprivation, tears and oppression.” back at Shieldmuir as parish priest—not just once, Martin Aelred to mark the occasion tonight hen the Papal helicopter landed at the Don’t we today hear again and again that same but indeed twice—and in total he faithfully and (Friday October 16) before the Mass. city park His Holiness was greeted and exhortation from Pope Francis? willingly served the parish for just under a quarter then accompanied by that esteemed son The link with John Paul continued when in 1984 of a century. I St John the Baptist’s in Uddingston is to of Craigneuk, Thomas Winning, Archbishop of he elevated Archbishop Winning to the rank of The Polish connection continues to this day. officially welcome another relic of the Polish Pope W next week. Bishop Toal will be the principal Glasgow. To his great credit Archbishop Winning cardinal, much to Craigneuk’s delight. Many locals Although many of the older Polish immigrants are had been instrumental in convincing John Paul to and Craigneuk ex-pats accompanied the Cardinal no longer with us there are newer immigrants from celebrant at Mass in the parish on October 22 at come to Scotland despite last minute anxieties to Rome when he received his red hat from John Poland to Scotland and Craigneuk has its share. 7pm at which the relic of the saint will be venerated caused by the Falklands War which had put the Paul. His Holiness certainly knew Thomas Not only that, a Polish priest, Fr Krzysztof for the first time WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23 Celebrating a Mass for Seafarers in Aberdeen

By Dan McGinty the work of all those who assist in helping seafarers cope with the uncertainty and harshness, which a MEMBERS, friends and supporters of the life as sea invariably brings. Apostleship of the Sea gathered in Aberdeen “It is great to see so many supporters with the as they celebrated their inaugural Mass in best interests of Apostleship of the Sea at heart,” honour of seafarers worldwide in St Mary’s Bishop Robson said. “The sea is one of God’s most Cathedral. beautiful creations but, at the same time, it can be More than 100 supporters, ship visitors and very unforgiving. parish contacts came together for the first Mass of “I think we all know someone who has been at its kind, which they hope will become an annual sea, is currently at sea or is contemplating a life at sea, event in AoS calendar. and around 70 per cent of them come from Catholic Mass was celebrated by Bishop Stephen Robson, countries like the Philippines, Goa and India. the charity's Bishop Promoter for Scotland, and “It is so important that we support them because came just a week after the feast of Our Lady Star they bring so many of the everyday goods we of the Sea, the patron saint for the seafarers AoS require to keep our country going.” support, both practically and spiritually. Following the celebration of Mass a large number Bishop Robson was joined by several members of those in attendance retired to the Cathedral Hall, of clergy from the Aberdeen Diocese and the AoS where they enjoyed some light refreshments and port chaplain for the north-east, Doug Duncan took the opportunity to find out more about the (right), who works closely with seafarers visiting work of AoS here in Scotland—prompting several these shores in the nearby city harbour and further to volunteer to ensure AoS can continue its work afield, many of whom experience hardships along into the future. the way. In his heart-felt homily, Bishop Robson praised I [email protected] Bishop Gilbert celebrates Pontifical Orders Mass

BISHOP Hugh Gilbert marked the feast of St Gregory the Great by celebrating a Diocesan Mass for all those members of the Association of Pontifical Orders across Aberdeen. This year was the eighth year that such a Mass has been celebrated, and saw Knights and Dames of St Gregory the Great and Pope St Sylvester joined for the first time by recipients of other Papal Awards such as the Bene Merenti and Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medals for the Mass in Elgin. The Orders of St Gregory the Great and Pope St Sylvester, were established in 1831 and 1841 medal—also known as the Cross of significant service to the church. respectively, by Pope Gregory Honour—which was established The occasion was an ideal Erskine youngsters prove masters of their craft XVI, and are two of the five by Pope Leo XIII in 1888, to opportunity for members from Papal Orders within the Catholic commemorate his golden jubilee around Aberdeen Diocese to By Dan McGinty together, as well as raising funds raising over £250 were able to Church. The title of knight or and is the highest medal that can attend Mass together in St and spending time in prayer for master a variety of craft skills dame is conferred on individuals in be awarded to the laity by the Pope. Sylvester’s Church, Elgin, and YOUNG members of the vocations, the young parishioners and challenges. Following the recognition of their distinguished The Bene Merenti medal, those in attendance took full Craft Ark in St Bernadette’s —led by group founders success of their efforts they are services to the Church, support meanwhile, is an honour awarded advantage of the chance to in Erskine celebrated as they Sophie, Erin and Ava (above)— already preparing for a the next of the and the good by the Holy Father. Originally socialise with Catholics from other raised hundreds of pounds for put their faith into action. round of the Craft Ark, which example set in their communities. established as an award to parts of the diocese after Mass as charity through their initiative. They were assisted by helpers begins on October 31 and will Similarly, significant service to soldiers in the Papal Army, the they enjoyed some refreshments Meeting on Saturday mornings who are preparing for their Caritas conclude with a craft fair set to the Church can also be honoured medal was later extended to together at the nearby Laichmoray to enjoy arts and crafts fund awards, and in the process of take place on November 28. with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice the laity and clergy, again for Hotel (above).

GOLDEN JUBILEE ARCHIVE REPORT: MAY 23, 1997 Lottery grant for SCIAF

DURING 2015—the golden town (right) are at risk of drug jubilee year of the Scottish addiction, child prostitution and Catholic International Aid Fund violence or even from death squads (SCIAF)—the SCO will bring you hired by local drug batons. highlights of the last five Mr Chitnis said that the grant decades of the campaigns and would keep the project going work of the Catholic aid agency beyond its first stages. —an agency of the Bishops’ “The circus training will restore Conference of Scotland—as its the street children’s self esteem and reach developed and it became a dignity, develop their physical, member of the umbrellagroup mental and social skills and offer them . realistic employment opportunities upon which their future well-being SCIAF became one of four can be founded,” he said. Scottish charities to win a handout The grants were the first to be from the first ever round of given for projects abroad. Some international grants made by the 130, £25 billion grants were to National Lottery Charities Board. be given to UK-based agencies They were granted £250,000 to working in third world countries. fund a project working with the However, Mr Chitnis said, ‘the best street children of Cali, Columbia. way of giving to charities remains Street Children in the Columbian by direct donations.’ E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] 24 CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY OCTOBER 16 2015 Islamic presence in India gathers apace DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of Islam and Catholicism, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM looks at the expansion of the former in India and the expense of the latter

AST week, we examined the contacts found great support from their Armenian brethren. A descendant of Timurlane, he was part-Mongolian, above their weight. That said, the economy of the that the Portuguese, as the leading The contacts between Catholicism and Islam often part-Uzbek, and deeply influenced by Persian culture. Christian European powers was still but a fragment Catholic power, established with Persia. ran through groups and institutions that have been His ascendancy on the Indian sub-continent would of that of the three Muslim giants. As the Mughals Space precluded an examination of all but forgotten, at least in the West. In Iran, the ensure a lasting Persian influence there. While pushed south, they encountered not just indigenous Shah Abbas I’s diplomatic contacts church in Isfahan is well-known, particularly as it very young, he converted to Sunni Islam. Indian powers, but also the Portuguese. with Europe, his intermittent alliance with the was the place where the Bible was first translated His original powerbase was in Fergana, modern These had established the second pillar of their Spanish Habsburgs as a counterfoil to the into Farsi, with financial assistance of the Shah. Uzbekistan. In another parallel with Ismail, he empire at Goa—the other two being at Hormuz LOttomans, and a more detailed examination of the There are few Catholics in Isfahan now, most became the city’s ruler aged only 12. Although he and Malacca. Goa was another of Afonso de foundation of the episcopal see of Isfahan. Before reside in Tehran, but in 2005 the Vatican and the had an alliance with Ismail, he failed to cling on Albuquerque’s conquests. First taken early in 1510 we move on to look at the Portuguese interaction Iranian Government co-operated in restoring the to his inheritance and was expelled. Undaunted, he with Hindu assistance, it was recaptured by the with the Mughals of India, let us briefly consider Isfahan church and its library. turned to Kabul inAfghanistan, which he successfully Portuguese in November of that year. Significantly, the See of Isfahan. conquered. Irked by the poverty of his new kingdom, the local Muslim rulers were supported by the This, as seen last week, is still in existence today ime to turn to India. As in Persia, there was and blocked to the north, he turned his attention to Ottomans. This still had a strong Crusading fervour and may, therefore, be regarded as the oldest a strong revival of Islamic power in India at India as a source of wealth. The first raid across to it, and it is informative to read that the Portuguese continuous link between Catholicism and the Shia the same time as the Portuguese conquered the Khyber Pass took place in 1505. At this point, King felt that this fervour would have been better of what is now Iran. It was erected in 1629, and Tthe Atlantic and Indian Oceans. India’s Muslim the Portuguese were gently probing the Indian directed towards Morocco. was first served by Italian Dominicans. The first history prior to the Mughals is complex and since coastline, many miles to the south. When the Mughals reached the Gujurat coast in bishop was a Spaniard. Both facts are significant: we are examining the relationship between the During his Kabul years, Babur was a vassal of 1572 under the command of the great Emperor, the Italians were totally loyal to the Papacy and not Catholic Church and Islam, unnecessary for us to the Persian Shah, but this was not to last. As Babur Akbar, he had to accommodate the Portuguese, to the Habsburg monarch; the latter was controlled consider. Mughal power was a reality when the grew in power, the Ottomans assiduously courted and they, him. At sea, the Mughals were outgunned, by Madrid, but was at least not Portuguese. Catholic Portuguese arrived and theirs was the first the new central Asian power and built a relationship on shore, the Portuguese outnumbered. The former The Dominicans were chosen for other reasons, prolonged Catholic contact with the Islamic world that would last. In 1525, after once more losing his was more important to trade, and so the great too. Firstly, they were learned and could be trusted in India. We also have to recall that India in the control over central Asia, Babur began a full-scale Mughal Emperor conceded that he had to ask the to interact well on an intellectual level with Muslims. 16th century, like today, was a multi-faith world, conquest of India. In 1526, one of the largest battles Catholic Portuguese permission to go on the Secondly, they revived a Dominican presence in which included indigenous Christians, Jains, of the early modern world was fought at Panipat, pilgrimage to Mecca, and ask for permits for his Persia which began in the High Middle Ages. For Sikhs, the majority Hindus as well as a myriad of with over 150,000 soldiers clashing on the field. subjects to trade with the Middle East. All of this 80 years in the 14th century, they had run a Church smaller faiths. Babur destroyed his Islamic opponents and is rather puzzling. Akbar knew of the Portuguese province centred on the Persian city of Soltaniye, The history of the Mughals began with Zahīr- conquered Delhi. One year later, at the Battle of enmity with the Ottomans, their alliance with the with suffregans in India, Central Asia, the Caucasus ud-Dīn Muhammad, better known as Babur (1483- Khanwa, in another 100,000 men fight, Babur Persian Safavids and their history in Goa: after the and Anatolia. The Mongols wiped them out, but a 1530). He was a near contemporary of the first (below) destroyed his main Rajput enemies and November conquest, they had massacred the group of Armenian Uniate Dominicans survived Safavid Shah of Persia, Ismail I, and like him was expanded across northern India. Muslim population. until 1813. to found a major Islamic power. Again like Ismail, From the later 1580s things began to decline for The Italian Dominicans who came to Isfahan Babur came from a very mixed ethnic background. ith that victory, Mughal power became the Portuguese. To begin with, ships from the permanent. A third major Islamic empire, Protestant Dutch Republic began to encroach on besides the Ottoman and the Persian was their patch, often linking up with local rivals of the born.W Contagious, these stretched from almost on Portuguese, much as the English had done in the the Atlantic Ocean across North Africa to modern- Persian Gulf. Catholic missionaries, for long day Bangladesh, and from just outside Vienna to unopposed, were being attacked, and several were the Gulf of Aden. If contemporary observers had martyred. It is true that Akbar invited the Jesuits had better geographical information, they would to his court, had the New Testament translated and have noted that Islam was reaching a new apogee allowed the order to preach the Gospel. However, Corresponding to the Jubilee Year of Mercy of power, just as the Europeans were beginning to the Jesuits were gradually taking control of trade, expand. The Mughal Empire would expand into and it was the Church, rather than a Catholic proclaimed by Pope Francis, the “Magnificat Year of southern India until it embraced almost the whole monarchy, that was to take the leading role in the subcontinent, and east towards modern Burma. Catholic-Mughal relations after the 1630s. Mercy Companion” will help you accept the merciful Of course, land was not the only source of power. In reality, the Islamic presence in India, as it had embrace of a loving God, and prepare you to extend Commerce would prove to be more effective in the been in Persia, was simply too well-established to long term, and here the Portuguese, although ruling be even vaguely threatened by the powerful but that mercy to your neighbour. over only a tiny country in Europe, punched well peripheral Portuguese. Day by Day readingsby 30 different writers Poetry Medita"ons Profilesof saints Catechesis and witness Scripture Devo"onsand Prayers

Single purchases For bulk supply to parishes etc: £4 plus£1 p&p to subscribers £3.60 for ordersover 50 £4.50p plus£1 p&p £3.80 for ordersover 10 (to 49) to non subscribers £4 for 5 to 9

To order call 0141 241 6112 or send a cheque or postal order to: Sco#sh Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK