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Children risk paying the biggest price for pandemic School closures driving increases in youth mental health problems say psychiatrists Michael Winterbottom The surge has been blamed on The Royal College of Psychiatrists has Covid-19 restrictions, with a survey warned that the Covid pandemic risks by the Prince’s Trust revealing that a generation of young people being one-in-four young people feels unable lost to “lifelong” illness as they con- to cope with life at present and that tinue to struggle to cope with current the crisis has taken a “devastating restrictions on their lives. toll” on the confidence of teenagers The closure of schools, cancelled and young adults. exams and lockdown restrictions all A leading paediatrician has con- threaten a “mental health crisis that firmed that the number of children A shot in the could plague the current generation admitted to hospital for mental health of children for years to come,” it reasons now outstrips those with med- stressed. ical ailments. Prof Russell Viner, pres- Half of the college’s child psychia- ident of the Royal College of Paedi- arm as cardinal trists have reported an increase in atrics and Child Health told MPs that emergency or urgent cases among this is a phenomenon that paediatri- children, and one in six children now cians have seen across the UK since backs vaccines has a mental health problem, up from the start of the pandemic. Cardinal Nichols has received his first dose of the one in nine just three years ago. Continued on page 3 Covid-19 vaccine, saying it was “a kind and cheerful experience” as he strongly encouraged everyone to “play their part and support NHS staff” by ‘Mother Teresa of Manchester’ accepting the vaccine when offered. • Priest who survived Covid-19 urges all to see moves closer to sainthood vaccines as a blessing: See pg 3 See pg 15 This week’s Companion £2.40 €2.70 Leg-strengthening Why the future is exercises to boost your looking digital for running performance our finances

Common symptoms The joys of a of gluten sensitivity traditional and how to treat it English garden 02 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress Mass mourns loss of ‘a great tree of the faith’ Nick Benson was so engaged and realistic, the civic “A great tree felled unexpectedly in life of Glasgow, not forgetting its sport,” the middle of the night” resulting in he added. a loss that “has changed the land- Bishop Gilbert recalled the arch- scapes of so many lives,” Bishop Hugh bishop’s “deep Catholic faith” and his Gilbert said at the funeral Mass of the “genuine, heartfelt” concern and work Archbishop of Glasgow. with the vulnerable, including asylum Archbishop Philip Tartaglia died seekers, survivors of abuse and victims suddenly at his home in Glasgow on of accidents. He also remembered Wednesday, 13th January, just two Archbishop Tartaglia’s comforting role The Primate of All-Ireland and days after celebrating his 70th birthday. in the aftermath of the Glasgow bin Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon He had been self-isolating at home lorry tragedy and the Clutha helicopter Martin, pictured when in-person after testing positive for Covid-19 crash. public worship was possible shortly after Christmas. “We are commending to God today Covid-19 restrictions meant only someone who wasn’t small in any 20 relatives and friends of the late sense, someone of gravitas, and some- Archbishop were able to attend the one in whom head and heart came together, possessed of intellectual force and clarity and at the same time Public worship ban stays until of great human warmth,” said Bishop Gilbert. he had a “gift for friendship and insight into people”, Bishop Gilbert recalled, during an Ad Limina March says Northern Ireland visit with the pope in 2018, he said to the Holy Father, “I miss the parish”, Nick Benson 18th February because it would be celebration of Mass and other devo- which received “a delighted papal The Catholic bishops of Northern Ire- very wrong to keep restrictions in tions online, and highlighted the “im- thumbs-up” in response. land have announced that in-person place for any longer than necessary.” portant role faith and prayer plays at Bishop Gilbert described the loss worship will continue to be suspended The Catholic Church, as well as the this difficult time.” of Archbishop Tartaglia as “a great until March. Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian The bishops also continued their tree felled unexpectedly in the middle The announcement comes as the Church and the Methodist Church, call for prayers for the sick, the be- of the night”, adding that “only when first and deputy first ministers ex- confirmed that it would continue to reaved and all those whose livelihoods we woke up the day following did we tended Covid-19 lockdown restrictions suspend services until the end of lock- have been particularly impacted by divine what had happened, did we until 5th March. down. the pandemic. grasp the depths of its roots, see the First Minister Arlene Foster said ex- Churches would remain open for “We keep especially in mind all The Archbishop of Glasgow, space this tree occupied, the shelter tending the restrictions was an “ap- private prayer and arrangements made health workers, carers, chaplains and Philip Tartaglia it gave, and what we’ve personally propriate and necessary response” to for recording and/or live-streaming other essential workers,” they said. Photo: Scottish Catholic Media Office and collectively lost. This uprooting tackle the “imminent threat” posed of services. Exceptions would be made They also welcomed announce- has changed the landscapes of so by Covid-19. weddings, funerals and baptismal ments that a similar position is being service at St Andrew’s Cathedral on many lives.” Deputy First Minister Michelle liturgies, with appropriate restrictions taken by the leaders of the Church of Thursday, 21st January. The bishop also noted that this tree O’Neill said she was aware that the in place. Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in In his homily, Bishop Gilbert, pres- had a root – “the deep Catholic Chris- executive was “asking a lot of every- The Catholic bishops said they were Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ire- ident of the Bishops’ Conference of tian faith he had received from his one” but stressed that “we will do making the decision “reluctantly, con- land and many other denominations Scotland, acknowledged the many family”. “Through that faith flowed everything we can to make sure you scious of the pain that not being able and faith communities in response different ways people knew Archbish- the sacramental sap that nourished are supported during this time”, while to gather for public worship causes to the extension of restrictions. op Tartaglia, “as a member of his fam- and greened his life,” he added. Ms Foster admitted that the executive for all the faithful.” The statement was signed by the ily, or in his school and student days, He noted that it was “consoling” had not ruled out the possibility of However, they did so “in the hope Primate of All-Ireland, Archbishop in Rome, in the seminaries and parish- that Archbishop Tartaglia, who served the measures being required until at that this period of sacrifice is inspired Eamon Martin; the Bishop of Down es he served, as Bishop of Paisley and as Archbishop of Glasgow since 2012, least Easter. by the command of Jesus to love our and Connor, Noel Treanor; the Bishop Archbishop of Glasgow”. “should go to God” on the Feast of St “We have to be proportionate and neighbours and undertaken for the of Derry, Donal McKeown; the Bishop “There were the many circles he Kentigern/Mungo, the patron saint we have to only do what is necessary,” protection of life and health and for of Clogher, Larry Duffy; and the Aux- moved in: of ecumenical dialogue, of Glasgow. “May he rest in peace and she said. the Common Good” They encouraged iliary Bishop of Armagh, Michael Catholic education about which he rise in glory. Amen.” “We will review this decision on parishes to continue to broadcast the Router. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 03 News Trust me: get the vaccine says Fr Albert Nick Benson 19 is real and is a danger to all, as he A London-based Catholic priest who criticised those attempting to down- was admitted to hospital with Covid- play the severity of the virus. 19 has recalled his “frightening” ex- “I had a near-death experience con- perience of the “havoc” caused by the tracting Covid-19 not long ago,” Fr virus, and has encouraged all to get Ofere said in a video message, posted vaccinated. by the Diocese of Westminster. “I was admitted at Northwick Park Hospital Fr Albert Ofere, parish priest of Eng- Nuns arrive at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to lish Martyrs, Wembley Park, London, and it was frightening and not an ex- receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: John Sibley, Reuters described the vaccine as “a blessing” perience anyone should go through. Inset, Fr Albert Ofere and “a gift from God” as he urged “I speak from experience of what I Screenshot from YouTube/Diocese of Westminster. people to listen to the facts and speak have been through, that Covid-19 is to their GP to make an informed de- real and is causing havoc. We are all prise as he discovered that some mem- “Look at the facts, speak to your pacity as Bishop for Ethnic Chaplains cision about the vaccine, rather than affected directly or indirectly regardless bers of the public said they would GP. If you prefer, speak to your ethnic for the Diocese of Westminster and being influenced by “outlandish con- of your nationality, race or class.” turn down the vaccine “and are en- GP, get answers to any questions you as Lead Bishop for Migrant and jectures” attempting to dissuade peo- The Nigerian priest explained that couraging others not to take it,” he might have. Importantly pray, pray Refugee Issues for the Catholic Bish- ple from getting it. he suffered greatly from the virus, de- said. “I have even heard some people about it and then make an informed ops’ Conference of England and Wales, His appeal has been echoed by Car- spite being an active and healthy per- say that Covid-19 is not real but I am decision to have your vaccine,” he reiterated Fr Ofere’s words, describing dinal Vincent Nichols, who recently son. “I can only imagine how it affected here to tell you that it is real. If you said. Citing the words of Pope Francis, the vaccine as “a blessing”. received the first dose of the vaccine those with underlying health issues. have been through what I have been Fr Ofere stressed that it is everyone’s He thanked Fr Ofere for sharing his and “strongly” encouraged others to It’s not surprising that people have through you will not hesitate to go “ethical duty not to only protect our- experience and stressed that all should do so in an effort to support the NHS, died. I was saved by prayers and med- for your vaccine.” selves but to protect others”. listen to his message. as it continues in its battle to save ication. Indeed, God saved me. I am Fr Ofere urged people to “listen to “Pope Francis supports the vaccine “Fr Albert Ofere urges us to listen lives amid the deadly pandemic. a testimony to God’s goodness and facts and not some conjectures”, in- and so do I. As Jesus says, ‘I’ve come to the voice of reason, to be united in Recalling the harrowing experience love and the power in prayer.” cluding some “very outlandish” posts to give you life, abundant life’. So go protecting ourselves and others by he suffered after contracting the virus Recalling the “great joy” he felt when on social media, which present so- get your vaccine so you can live your being vaccinated,” he said. “His mes- and being admitted to hospital, Fr Covid-19 vaccines were approved, Fr called reasons for not being vacci- life to the full.” sage is for everyone, regardless of Ofere warned the public that Covid- Ofere said this emotion turned to sur- nated. Bishop Paul McAleenan, in his ca- race, culture or origin.” Cardinal’s ‘great joy’ after receiving vaccine YOUR GIFT CAN HELP BRING MEDICINE TO SOME OF INDIA’S POOREST PEOPLE Cardinal Nichols described receiving the first dose of “I strongly encourage everyone to take the vaccine. Children under the age of five are dying from malnutrition and vitamin deficiency the vaccine as “such a kind and cheerful experience”. Let’s play our part and support NHS staff as they fight The Sisters of Charity of St Vincent Speaking the following day, he said: “First dose of to save so many lives. Please, please continue to pray De Paul write to The Little Way the Covid-19 vaccine yesterday! Such a kind and too for an end to this pandemic and for all who have Association from north-eastern cheerful experience. lost their lives.” India: “Covid means that people are completely depending on the St Vincent Health Centre which we established in 2015 in Darenchigre. Patients are suffering from anaemia, Keep lonely in jaundice, typhoid, diarrhoea, Children at risk of malnutrition, calcium and iron deficiency, and many children below prayers says the age of five are dying. We are unable to provide better medical One of the Sisters of Charity and grateful patients paying highest price archbishop care and treatment due to the lack at St Vincent Health Centre, north-eastern India. of finance and the other issues like lack of medical equipment and oxygen supply monitors The Archbishop of Cashel and Emly in emergency situations.” Continued from page 1 ferent issues have arisen in children has urged Catholics to ensure that “Please can you help us?” The Children’s Commissioner, Anne as a result of being kept at home, they keep in regular contact with the The sisters work in one of India’s poorest regions, where the people scrape a living from Longfield, said the findings were so such as difficulty sleeping, a reduction vulnerable and lonely throughout the subsistence-agriculture. The health centre was intended just to provide first aid but people alarming that the Prime Minister must in physical activity and reduced well- ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and ap- from 20 villages have come to use it as their principal medical facility. The sisters urgently ask for funds for vitamins, diagnostic equipment and treatment for those suffering from now prioritise school reopenings, call- being, he said. pealed to the faithful to continue to various dietary deficiencies. ing for a “clear roadmap for getting The latest NHS figures showed the pray for those affected by the virus. The sisters conclude their letter: “We earnestly ask you to participate in this humble effort all pupils back in the classroom.” number of children referred to child Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly ex- to offer our medical support to the people in need.” “It is far easier to close schools than and adolescent mental health services pressed his “deep sadness and soli- Your donation to the Little Way Association’s fund for the to reopen them,” she warned, and (CAMHS) was 4,615 per 100,000, the darity with all those affected by the sick, hungry and deprived will go, without deduction, to without a clear path to reopening highest on record and up nearly 20 pandemic”, and encouraged all to help hard-pressed establishments such as the St Vincent Health Centre. there was a risk that “the status quo per cent. keep regular contact, in the safest of closer could become embedded as A spokesperson for the Catholic ways possible with those who live Crossed POs and cheques should be sent and made the default position.” Education Service commented: “The alone or with those who might be payable to: THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION “School closures are having an enor- decision regarding the opening and vulnerable in any way to the virus or Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common,     mous impact on children,” she said, closing of schools is made by national to loneliness or depression,” he said. London SW4 0PR (Registered Charity No. 235703)    Tel. 020 7622 0466. www.littlewayassociation.com “badly affecting their mental health Government in consultation with its The archbishop praised the many   

“amazing lessons of Christianity-in- I enclose £ ...... to be allocated for:- U/29/01 and widening the gap in learning.” scientific advisers.    
Meanwhile, another group of pae- “Conscious of the importance of action we have seen throughout the    £...... SICK, HUNGRY AND DEPRIVED diatricians has said that anxiety, self education to children’s health and pandemic, and what an example our     £...... NEEDS OF MISSIONARIES frontline workers have set us, and es-       £...... MASS OFFERINGS (Please state no.…...... …) harm and suicidal thoughts are at well-being, Catholic dioceses work in      The Little Way £...... LITTLE WAY ADMIN. EXPENSES Association “frightening levels” among children. close partnership with local authorities pecially for our children and young     Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss) Please tick if you would Prof Viner told MPs that children across the country to ensure that people.     (Block letters please)    like an acknowledgement “I pledge, and I ask you humbly to Address were now being admitted to hospital Catholic schools remain operating in     for mental rather than physical ail- a Covid-secure manner for vulnerable join me, to continue to pray daily     ments in increasing numbers, with children and those of key workers, both for all those affected by the virus         school closures being the driving factor with a view to full re-opening when it but also to pray for continued health   behind the increase. A number of dif- becomes safe to do so.” and strength for all frontline staff.” ! 
To donate online go to: www.littlewayassociation.com 04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper

Universities’ ‘no platform’ SPUC offers brave Pippa a policy tackled by Tory MP lifeline by funding appeal

Veteran Tory MP David Davis has The mother of a brain-damaged five- Specialists have diagnosed acute brought forward a Bill that would re- year-old girl who was told that her necrotising encephalopathy and those quire universities to respect freedom daughter should be left to die “in a treating her at the Evelina Children’s of speech. controlled fashion”, has been given a Hospital in London said life-support The Bill has received praise from lifeline after a pro-life group donated treatment should end. pro-lifers, who say universities must £100,000 to fund a court battle to save Hospital bosses asked Mr Justice be “bastions of free speech”. It follows her daughter. Poole to rule that ending treatment a number of attacks on pro-lifers’ Pippa Knight has been in hospital and allowing Pippa to die would be right to address meeting at UK uni- for two years after taking ill and is lawful and in her best interests. The versities. currently in a vegetative state. Her judge was told that the youngster is The MP for Haltemprice and How- devoted mum Paula Parfitt, 41, from in a vegetative state and has no aware- den warned that there is now a “cor- Strood, Kent, has carried out a bedside ness. rosive trend” in universities whereby vigil at her London hospital bedside. He ruled specialists could lawfully certain views are However, medics went to court in stop treatment but said it should con- prevented from December seeking permission to end tinue for a short period to give time being aired. While her treatment and won the backing to mount an appeal. Paula has asked certain groups ar- of Mr Justice Poole after a trial in the that her daughter to be placed on a gue that this is to High Court. He described the case as portable ventilator and allowed home protect from of- “heart-rending” after visiting the for a home-care trial. fence, Mr Davis in- youngster at Evelina Children’s Hos- She said evidence shows that Pippa sisted that it is pital in London. is not in pain and two independent “censorship”. Pippa’s case was initially funded by medical experts believe home care is He insisted that the principal reason legal aid but this was refused for the worth trying. that the UK is a great nation can be appeal. In desperation Paula made a Paula added: “Pippa has survived encompassed in one word – “free- public plea for financial support to the last two years which shows she dom” – of which one of the most pre- fund the hearing, which could cost wants to survive. cious of all is freedom of speech. £100,000. “I have a strong Christian faith and “It has been fundamental to the Her call has now been answered I’m keeping my faith in God. They development of our culture, our so- by the Society for the Protection of have tried to talk me into switching ciety, our literature, our science and Unborn Children (SPUC). Deeply re- off Pippa’s life support. But she’s still our economy,” he said. ligious Paula said: “When my solicitor Pippa Knight. there and that is not God’s will. He “Freedom of speech is fundamental told me I was overwhelmed and I Photo: SPUC would have taken her by now if He to everything we have, everything we must admit I shed some tears. SPUC had wanted her. She is amazing. are and everything we stand for.” has given Pippa a second chance – John Smeaton who retires later this “I would urge everyone to dig deep “I am convinced she knows what is He said those who “explicitly or in- and she deserves a second chance. year, said: “We have been deeply and provide as much as they can to going on. Hand on heart. She is aware directly no-platform” others “are not “I feel so privileged. And I’m grateful moved by Pippa’s plight and Paula’s help fund the legal fight to save Pippa. I am here and knows her family. protecting themselves; they are deny- not just for the financial support but predicament as this courageous mum You can make a donation at www.spuc. “Before she was ill I taught her to ing others the right to hear those peo- for their prayers for Pippa, their faith does everything humanly possible to org.uk/donate.” pray, she put her hands together and ple.” and humanity and for trying to save protect her daughter. We could not Pippa was born in April 2015 and said: ‘Jesus’. I am trying to follow the her with prayers and love. I know that, stand by and do nothing. developed normally, but in December way of Jesus. To God be the glory. Al- The Universe as a Christian, I am a great believer “Our supporters have a wonderful 2016 she became unwell and began ways.” in God’s law, and that is to preserve track record of giving generously to to suffer seizures. Since she was 20 Expressing her thanks to SPUC, she – Contacts – life and respect and care for every defend the right of life in such court months old she has fought various added: “Please tell everyone at SPUC human life.” cases and I am sure they will respond virus conditions which have left her I am really appreciative of what they John Deighan, SPUC’s deputy chief to our call to help finance this crucial brain damaged and for the last two are doing for us. executive who takes over as CEO from legal battle which now looms. years she has been in hospital. “Thank you so much.” Tributes to To contact a member Bishops wade into row over of The Catholic Universe teacher killed team, call: Polish patient denied treatment in M4 crash ADVERTISING SALES: The Catholic bishops of England nutrition at a Plymouth hospital. definition of assisted nutrition and Tributes have been paid to a much- 07984 616950 and Wales have written to Health However, the Court of Protection hydration as medical treatment. loved Catholic teacher, grandma and Secretary Matt Hancock expressing gave permission to University ‘Providing food and water to very bride-to-be who was killed in a car their opposition to a court ruling to Hospitals Plymouth National sick patients, is a basic level of crash. CIRCULATION: withdraw life support treatment Health Service Trust to withdraw care. This must be given whenever Devout Catholic Carole Patricia 07375 397312 from a Catholic Polish patient in an artificial hydration and nutrition possible unless it is medically Fowler, 61, died following a collision English hospital. earlier this month. indicated as being overly on the M4 in Hendy, Carmarthenshire. ACCOUNTS: The letter follows a request The patient’s birth family burdensome or failing to attain its She had worked at St Mary’s Catholic 07984 616949 from Archbishop Stanislaw purpose. The recent court cases Primary School in Llanelli for 30 years Gldecki, who wrote to Cardinal Health Secretary concerning patient Mr RS in the and was planning to marry to her Vincent Nichols, president of the Matt Hancock has care of Plymouth NHS Trust has long-term partner. EDITORIAL: Bishops’ Conference of England been asked to look at shown the level of controversy Ms Fowler’s family said she was a the case of ‘RS’ 07949 987771 and Wales, asking for his around this definition as judges perfect teacher, as “she loved children intervention in the case, which appealed to the European Court of have been called to make decisions and they loved her”. GENERAL ENQUIRIES: involves a Pilish national known Human Rights to halt the case but in the ‘best interests’ of the patient. In a statement her family said: “As only as RS. its application was dismissed. The ‘We note that Mr RS had not one of her past colleagues said, she 0161 820 5722 As reported in last week’s European court later also rejected refused food and fluids nor had he made such a difference to every child Catholic Universe, RS is a Polish an application from the Polish expressed any view about not she taught. She was very popular with Supporting Catholic journalism citizen who has lived in Britain for Government to repatriate the wanting food and fluids in these staff and well respected and loved by many years. He fell into a coma patient. circumstances and that there was parents. She was dedicated and con- www.thecatholic after suffering a heart attack in In their letter to the Health no evidence that he viewed assisted scientious, always 100 per cent for November. Since then he has Secretary, the bishops state: ‘The nutrition and hydration as medical the children – and she was wise, strong, universe.com received artificial hydration and Church continues to oppose the treatment.’ beautiful, generous, devout and feisty.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 05 News Jesuit to lead on key Pro-life power scores safeguarding role Fr David Smolira SJ has been appoint- win on DIY abortions ed as the Religious Lead for overseeing Nick Benson “Thanks to pro-life power, the Gov- that women and babies deserve bet- the implementation of the new safe- Pro-lifers have heralded “pro-life pow- ernment will now accept responses ter. guarding structures on behalf of the er” after the Government performed from people who cannot make an on- “We urge all pro-life people in Eng- Religious in England and Wales. a U-turn on the way in which the line submission,” said Michael Robin- land to make their voices heard and The role has been established to public can make submissions to a son, SPUC director of communica- respond to this consultation,” he ensure the needs of religious congre- consultation on ‘DIY’ home abortions. tions. “It is concerning that the Gov- added. gations are met as the new ‘standards- The Department for Health and So- ernment deemed it appropriate to si- To access the consultation online, based’ safeguarding structure is es- cial Care had previously said its con- lence the voices of many on this im- see: https://www.gov.uk/government/ tablished. It follows a major review sultation on whether ‘DIY’ abortion portant matter solely because they consultations/home-use-of-both-pills- of safeguarding in the Church by Ian should be made permanent would cannot contribute online. for-early-medical-abortion Elliott. Fr David Smolira Carol Lawrence accept online submissions only. “We welcome the Government’s de- However, written paper submissions Carol Lawrence, project implemen- However, members of the pro-life cision to revoke this restriction. This can also be sent to: Abortion Consul- tation director, said: “Fr David’s ap- this challenging but vitally important community contacted their MPs to shows the power of the pro-life pres- tation, Ministerial Correspondence pointment completes our team and I work, ensuring that religious congre- express outrage at the fact that those ence in the UK.” and Public Enquiries Unit, Depart- am delighted to welcome him. gations play their full part in safe- without access to technology would The Government’s consultation will ment of Health and Social Care, 39 “We are fortunate to have his guarding within the Catholic Church. be unable to take part. close on 26th February. Victoria Street, London SW1H 0EU breadth of experience and skills that “We have work to do as we move Now the Society for the Protection Mr Robinson welcomed the oppor- People who would prefer to make will support our work.” forward with renewed commitment of Unborn Children (SPUC) has re- tunity given by the consultation to a written submission on paper to the Fr Paul Smyth CMF, the President to higher standards in safeguarding, vealed that responses can be submit- highlight the particular horrors of the consultation can download a paper of the Conference of Religious, said: as well as improving our responses ted on paper. home abortion regime and to argue form at https://www.spuc.org.uk/ “We too are delighted Fr David has to and our support of victims/sur- agreed to take on this important role. vivors. “We are committed to making every “I know there is a great desire within effort to assist religious congregations religious congregations to do every to embed a safeguarding culture at aspect of safeguarding well and so it all levels of religious life.” is very important to ensure that we Spread some Fr Smolira has worked in safeguard- have the knowledge and the right re- ing for over 35 years, with a profes- sources available to fulfil this objec- sional background in social work and tive.” psychotherapy. The bishops are adopting a “One Buy now He will take on this role for a period Church” strategy which will place safe- of six months and will be undertaking guarding in a comprehensive model this work alongside his duties of di- covering religious institutions and Easter joy! while stocks recting the spirituality work of the Je- other areas of ecclesial life as well as suits in Britain. diocesan parishes and schools and The best range of Easter religious last! Fr Smolira said: “I look forward to other settings. greetings cards online Hypocrisy charge as new coal mine gets go ahead Nick Benson A Catholic environmentalist has ac- cused the Government of “hypocrisy” over its decision not to block plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria. Cumbria County Council approved plans for Woodhouse Colliery in 2019, as it will create jobs in an area of high unemployment. And now Robert Jenrick, the Secre- tary of State responsible for planning, had decided against using his powers to block the decision, with the pro- posed coal mine set to become the peratures. The Columbans have sup- first deep coal mine in England since ported protests describing them as Asfordby pit in 1987. “immoral”. Some argue that the mine It comes as the UK is set to host a will create jobs in an area of high un- UN climate summit in November, employment, but what about more where it will urge other nations to investment in green jobs.” phase out fossil fuels. Mrs Teague said that recent floods Ellen Teague, of the Columban Jus- in the north of England shows that tice, Peace and the Integrity of Cre- the country is experiencing wilder ation, branded the decision “utter weather events, linked to global warm- hypocrisy” and noted that it under- ing. “Victims of extreme weather both mines Britain’s claim to climate change here and in the global south will be leadership. paying a heavy price for fossil fuel “Not challenging the decision is ut- projects,” she said. ter hypocrisy,” Mrs Teague told The Alok Sharma, who is leading Catholic Universe. “At the UN climate the COP26 climate summit and who summit in Glasgow the UK will urge co-ordinates UK policies on climate other nations to phase out fossil fuels. change, acknowledged how it could In addition, the British Government be seen as an “embarrassing” move has launched the ‘Powering Past Coal’ but added that “the direction of travel alliance of nations to relinquish coal.” for the UK is very clear and I com- She added: “Coal is the dirtiest of pletely understand the point you’re All at thecatholicuniverse.com the fossil fuels driving up global tem- making.” 06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment

the Universe CatholiC – Comment – CommEnt We’re still here for Sean you every week! Ellard

There is something different in the air. For the past four years, so much of North America, and the world, The revelation that new variants of has been on alert for what could be the coronavirus may be deadlier incoming at any time from the than the first shows why the Govern- White House. The sheer unpre- ment’s response must be flexible dictability of the daily chaos of the and sophisticated. Circumstances Trump administration was exhaust- change and we must adapt to them. ing. But what we need now is a calm The renewed sense of hope is in- conversation about the philosoph- credible. The relief that the people in ical choice we face. There are two power in Washington are folks that key questions: is the goal to elimi- we can at least give reasonable as- nate the virus, or to control trans- sumption are good, decent humans mission? And if we can control is palpable. People who want to treat Covid-19, do we need to talk about others with kindness and respect finding a way to live with it? because that’s what civilized people If the goal is elimination, that do. It’s not hard, complicated, or dif- would justify policies such as clos- ficult. President Biden takes the ing schools, keeping businesses After more than 30,000 false oath of office from Chief shut or shutting the borders. But statements during President Justice Roberts (out of when would Britain reopen? When Trump’s time in office, the daily on- picture) while his wife, Jill the entire world is vaccinated? slaught of falsehoods had left many holds the family Bible And, as we have seen, new variants beaten, exhausted and exasperated. can emerge from within the coun- Now, after what has felt like an eter- try. This is not March 2020; the dis- nity, we are all left with relief, but ease is among us and widespread – also angst the crisis is far from over. as many as one in 55 could have it Everyone knows what’s possible, in England – so it is highly unlikely Hope returns – now it’s now. that we can push transmission to Between the Capitol insurrection zero, however tough we act, and on January 6th and the departure of expect it never to rise again. the 45th President, many people felt As Sir Patrick Vallance said, a sense of time standing still for two up to Biden to restore Covid-19 is “going to stay around weeks. We were all waiting to see ... probably forever”. But, he what would happen next as Wash- added, “it will be controlled”. ington was turned into fortress-DC. Pushed to explain what this means One of most incongruous sights to in practice, the Prime Minister laid faith in US democracy be witnessed was that of the out three conditions for easing the mobilisation of troops to protect lockdown: confidence that the Americans – from other Americans. Texas the following year – both of people, struggling with economic Especially when fear of defeat at the vaccine is working, certainty that With a military budget of more which left children dead after deadly disparity, that extends far beyond hands of an extremist fringe, and the variant does not pose signifi- than $600 billion, it’s ironic that exchanges of gunfire with federal their insurrectionist bubbles. what it could mean for everyone, is cant new challenges, and getting people fuelled by misguided trea- agents – unfolded on live television People are hurting and afraid, and reality. the R-number to a point low sonous patriotism posed the biggest after days of around-the-clock cov- this is what makes it easy to be ca- The amazing part about right now enough that unlocking the country threat to its centre of power since erage. The stand-offs and deadly joled by a populous political move- is the genuine feeling of hope, relief, will not lead to a “rebound”. the Cold War. While many have said sieges were broadcast into the ment to channel their feelings and and optimism. A devout US presi- But learning to live with a pan- the unimaginable took place when homes and minds of millions in resentment for someone else’s evil dent who is committed to the basic demic does not just mean count- the mob stormed Washington, the real-time. Ghastly images, regardless deeds. The fact that people were tak- tenants of not just Catholicism, but ing the things we cannot do: it also seeds of modern day hate and divi- of beliefs, that were unimaginably ing private jets to storm the Capitol human decency, is good for all of us, has to mean planning for and in- sion on the right had long been horrific. Especially when you think shows just how deep and wide- regardless of what we believe. vesting in opening up as far as we planted and were already growing of the innocents caught in the cross- spread the feelings and manipula- Emotions of the heart are some of safely can. It means getting chil- above our knees when the terror oc- fire. tion of truth can go. the most powerful forces in the world. dren back in school; helping busi- curred. But deadly showdowns with right We have an amazing skill of put- President Biden has the chance to tap nesses not only survive but return The growth of fear and a distrust wing extremists, especially under ting a nice, heavy glaze over the top into that unlimited resource in all of to work; and expanding NHS ca- of the US government and ‘authori- Democratic presidents, was occur- of things here in North America. us to change things for the better. pacity so that it can function as a ties’ really began to take hold and ring, on video, right up to the 2016 From our food to our facts, a glossy, Love thy neighbour as thyself. health service for all, not just those spread during the early 1990s. Sev- deadly shooting of a militia member sugar-coated, foggy layer is the per- with Covid-19. eral deadly and violent clashes with involved in the occupation of federal fect dressing to partially mask those Sean Ellard is a professional feature US federal officers was akin to land in Oregon. So, the modern cul- harsh realities we’d rather hide from writer for CBR.com and a former the Universe throwing accelerant on the fires of ture of weaponised distrust and ag- ourselves. The comforting part is the senior national news producer. He distrust which had long been sim- gression by the far right, especially bitter taste of reality beneath is still has also served as – Direct Contacts – mering. It was easy anti-Govern- against Democrats, had become too overpowering to ignore and many director/producer for a number of To contact a member ment propaganda that had platforms mainstream for some since the last are finally losing their taste for it. TV series, including series like of The Catholic Universe to push it both online and in con- century. Many Americans now understand Border Security: Canada’s/ America’s team, call: ventional media. Distrust was both However, it does not mean that there really is something to lose – Front Line, Yukon Gold, Love It or easy to propagate and had the bonus within the dangerous, extremist their democracy – if the complacency List It, The Bachelor Canada and ADVERTISING SALES: of being good business for some. agendas there doesn’t lie elements of of invincibility isn’t overcome. But 60 Minutes International. 07984 616950 The deadly 1992 stand-off in harsh truths to their causes. Truths no one loves a comeback, or a re- You can find out more about him at CIRCULATION: Ruby Ridge, Idaho and in Waco, that speak to the hardships of many demption story, better than we do! Twitter: SeanE@SingingRebels 07375 397312 ACCOUNTS: www.thecatholicuniverse.com Supporting Catholic journalism 07984 616949 EDITORIAL: Universe Media Group Limited, News and feature items: Subscription rates: 07949 987771 Editor: Joseph Kelly 2nd Floor, Oakland House, All enquiries: (Annual) £99 UK; £129 Ireland/Europe. Email: joseph.kelly@ 76 Talbot Road, Email: pool@ Tel: 0161 820 5722 To subscribe, please use the order form GENERAL ENQUIRIES: thecatholicuniverse.com in this issue or call us on 0161 820 5722 0161 820 5722 thecatholicuniverse.com Manchester M16 0PQ The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 07 News

Book praised New figures reveal abortion for offering ‘real science’ Pro-lifers have praised a new chil- remains world’s top killer dren’s book that teaches young- sters that life begins at fertilisation, Abortion remained the leading cause saying it should not be viewed as of death worldwide in 2020, according A memorial for controversial. to data provided by Worldometer. victims When You Became You by Chris- The free statistics website found of abortion. tiane West and Brooke Stanton that 42.6 million abortions took place Photo: takes readers on a scientific jour- Jonathan around the world last year, dwarfing ney through the stages of a human Bachman, being’s life and comes in response the number of deaths from cancer Reuters. (8.2 million); road traffic fatalities (1.4 to teachers’ requests. million); and Covid-19 (1.8 million). The colourful book teaches The Society for the Protection of youngsters that it is a “basic fact” Unborn Children (SPUC) said: “2020 that life begins at fertilisation, the was a terrible year, especially for the authors stated, noting that teachers world’s unborn. The Covid-19 pan- had approached them asking for demic has wreaked hardship and such a book that teaches children death on a global scale. But amidst about this concept for years. this challenge, we should not forget The book states: ‘Your humanity the world’s unborn who are attacked is what you have in common with every day. all human beings. It does not mat- “42.6 million babies lost through ter what you look like ... you are a abortion is a catastrophic death toll.” human being.’ SPUC noted that last year 209,519 Catherine Robinson, of Right To unborn children were aborted in Eng- Life UK, welcomed the book’s pub- land and Wales in 2019 – the highest lication, saying that it should not number since the Abortion Act came be viewed as controversial. “The into force in 1968. basic facts of embryology, chiefly, “These statistics are sobering and that life begins at conception, is a heart-breaking,” the pro-life group tion. We must defend the innocent the year of major world statistics, in- Library Association (ALA) and has at- well known fact, which is sup- said. “They underline the challenge and the vulnerable. We must not lose cluding population, births, deaths, tained greater popularity due to host- ported by 96 per cent of biologists pro-lifers around the world face in hope.” public healthcare expenditure, news- ing reliable statistics on Covid-19 in the largest survey of biologists on this question,” she said. 2021. Worldometer is a respected refer- papers circulated, water used and CO2 The site registers the total number “This year we must act on these ence website that provides counters emissions. of abortions worldwide, based on the “A book for children which states figures and advance the pro-life cause and real-time statistics for diverse It was voted one of the best free latest statistics published by the World this explicitly should not be contro- with renewed vigour and determina- topics, keeping a running tally through reference websites by the American Health Organization (WHO). versial. Only an abortion ideology intent on dehumanising the hu- man being in utero would attempt to deny such a well-established an Health staff obvious truism.” Corrie star proud of The authors noted that no-one takes an issue with any of the state- urged to say ments until the section about those pro-life role in drama who aren’t born yet. Stanton said no to abortion people reading the book called it “pro-life science” – but she insisted Pro-lifers are calling on healthcare Nick Benson “My mum and dad lost my brother it is not. “This is the real science,” workers to refuse to participate in Coronation Street actress Kerri Quinn Kevin when he was three and I think she said. abortion after the Northern Ireland has revealed that she is “delighted” life experience plays a massive part “Having a book that starts chil- Department of Health released abor- to play the part of a pro-life activist in the matter. My mum is the most dren off correctly and protects tion figures for the 2019-2020 period. in a forthcoming BBC drama. influential person in my life so I want- Kerri Quinn. them against false information is Liam Gibson, the Society for the The Belfast-born actress, 37, best ed to represent the pro-life community Photo: ITV. part of the goal of this book,” she Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) known for playing Vicky Jefferies on as I know it.” said. Northern Ireland’s political officer, the ITV soap, said she is “thrilled” to Ms Quinn said it was great to have said: “Sadly, the 22 babies killed by represent the pro-life community in the opportunity to represent that point abortion in Northern Ireland is only The Awakening, which covers the of view and represent it well. She even the tip of the iceberg as these figures change in abortion laws in Northern went so far as to say she was made to Are you buying your weekly do not reflect the radical legislative Ireland. play the role. changes imposed on the Province by Ms Quinn said the role is an im- “I really clicked with the director Universe from a newsagent? Westminster. Since then unborn chil- portant one not only for her, but for straight away. It was very clear that I dren were stripped of all meaningful her entire family. She also revealed was meant to play that part,” she said. legal protection. In 2019 over that she based her character on her Ms Quinn admitted that while it’s In order to improve the service we offer to you, 1,000 children from Northern Ireland mother who, she said, is the “most a very important part of her life, it’s a The Catholic Universe is moving entirely to direct were killed in abortion facilities in influential person in my life”. topic she doesn’t discuss that often, home subscription from 1st February. You can now Britain and this number increased “I play a pro-lifer which I was de- as she has a lot of friends who have a dramatically in 2020.” lighted about because my whole family different view. “It’s not that we would receive your favourite Catholic paper just by placing a Mr Gibson pointed out the tragic are pro-life, so it was a role I really argue but we have differing views so subscription with us, and we will deliver direct to you. irony of the public being urged to wanted to portray and portray prop- we shall remain friends and not dis- protect the NHS and save lives amid erly,” she told The Belfast Telegraph. cuss it,” she said. Place your direct home subscription order now ... the Covid-19 pandemic, while the “I based the character very much “It’s obviously going to provoke a same health service ends the lives of on my mum who comes at it from a reaction from both sides and but I BY PHONE tens of thousands of babies each year. very different angle, having lost a was thrilled to be a representative of “We are continually being reminded child. the pro-life community.” 0161 820 5722 to protect the NHS and to save lives Ms Quinn revealed that her parents Ms Quinn also warned that she is by slowing the spread of Covid-19, lost her brother Kevin, who had a preparing for a lot of controversy. ONLINE: yet the NHS is now responsible for hole in his heart, when he was just “I think there will be a lot of con- the deaths of more than 200,000 chil- three-years-old. “I think that definitely troversy but that needs to happen I www.thecatholicuniverse.com/subscribe dren,” he said. “Abortion is not health- impacts on how you feel about it. I think so I’m really excited to see how care. It is lethal violence against an think that’s why I believe that life is it’s received,” she said. Subscribe now and you’ll pay innocent child. Healthcare workers absolutely precious, I really do, be- Ms Quinn’s comments have been should refuse to take part in abor- cause I have watched friends and welcomed by the pro-life community just £1.94 a copy, not £2.40! tions,” said Mr Gibson. family lose children.” across the province. 08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Youth hold the key Getting the jab: When will

John Battle poorest nations get access? The impact of Covid on society has not just been deaths, hospital- isations and serious illness in the older population. It’s also hitting children and young people hard. They are the real victims now in terms of school and educational Rory shutdowns and the loss of job op- Horner portunities, future incomes and security. The closure of schools is not easily replaced by virtual home schooling. For primary Covid-19 vaccination programmes school children, not only are the are gathering pace in high-income basic learning building blocks countries, but for much of the falling away, the absence of peer world, the future looks bleaker. Al- group social interaction is already though a number of middle-income registering as withdrawal and be- countries have started rolling out havioural problems. Older chil- vaccines, widespread vaccination dren working in bedrooms worry- could still be years away. ing about course interruptions The first two vaccines authorised and exams are, according to the in Europe and the United States – Children’s Commissioner, showing made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Mod- signs of serious mental health erna – aren’t well-suited to lower-in- problems. The interruption of uni- come countries. Pfizer’s has to be versity and further education is stored at -70°C, requiring costly Surabaya in leaving young people losing faith equipment and infrastructure, and Indonesia was the in the future. Young people are in- is expensive at roughly US$20 first place to creasingly the new poor and are (£14.50) a dose. Moderna’s can be provide its citizens losing any sense of career or sense kept in a standard refrigerator for up with Covid-19 of vocation. The ‘millennials gen- to 30 days, but is even more expen- Sinovac vaccine eration’ can’t get jobs, homes or at sive. Low- and middle-income injections, on 15th present marry and are last in the countries have consequently struck January queue for vaccines, feeling be- few direct deals to buy these vac- trayed by the ‘baby boomer’ gen- cines. volumes to be released between will also supply Covax, but the SII with Hetero Drugs and other Indian eration born in the 1950s and Availability is also a problem. February and June may not extend Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is still firms, as well as for production in 1960s, now comfortable pension- Most of these vaccines have been beyond the needs of frontline waiting for regulatory approval from Turkey. The Brazilian state of Bahia ers. They will leave the younger purchased by high-income coun- healthcare workers, and may thus the WHO. has agreed to host further trials of ones a world of pandemics, con- tries. Pfizer has offered to provide not be enough to contain the ever- Following its earlier ventures Sputnik V in exchange for getting flict and environmental degrada- only 50 million doses of its vaccine increasing toll of the pandemic in in mask diplomacy, China has been priority access to 50 million doses. tion. Moreover, they have been to Africa’s 1.3 billion people between Africa”. extremely active in using vaccines to told to pay the debt. Little wonder, March and December 2021, while The total doses pledged by Covax build political bridges as well. Presi- When will the world be vaccinated? as unemployment among young Moderna has none allocated for to Africa, he noted, will only cover dent Xi Jinping has promised Increasingly, middle-income people hits 18.4 per cent and is ex- Africa this year. Fears abound that, 300 million people, or 20 per cent of China’s vaccines will be available as countries are accessing and begin- pected to rise, young people are for a while at least, the majority of the continent’s population. a global public good, and has also ning vaccination programmes, but the new poor, the lonely and the the world will go without. offered financial support to help are doing so outside of the WHO’s desperate. Over 350,000 young India, China and Russia to the Latin America and Africa acquire procurement and regulatory mecha- people under 25 are now expected Covax: not enough and too slow rescue? vaccines. nisms. While this is allaying fears to be ‘long term unemployed’. Backed by the World Health Or- Not wanting to wait, higher-in- On 31st December, China ap- that they would go completely with- While ‘the forgotten children’ ganisation (WHO), the Covax initia- come countries have bypassed Co- proved a vaccine developed by out, there is some mistrust arising locked out of school are attracting tive was created to share Covid-19 vax by cutting direct deals with state-owned pharmaceutical com- around the testing and reported effi- some attention there is a danger of vaccines around the world, espe- Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers in- pany Sinopharm for general use. cacy of vaccines that haven’t yet had a generation being written off as cially with lower-income countries. stead. Increasingly they are being The company projects it will pro- WHO approval. we wait to get free of the virus. But In 2020, $2.4 billion was raised, with joined by middle-income countries, duce one billion doses in 2021, and If the world is to reach sufficient even before the pandemic youth agreements made to give low- and such as Argentina, Indonesia, South the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco vaccine coverage to halt Covid-19, services had seen funding slashed. middle-income countries access Africa and Turkey, but these nations have all begun rolling out the vac- existing vaccines – including those 763 of 1,759 youth clubs had al- to 1.3 billion vaccine doses. are turning to different products: cine, while Egypt and Pakistan have from India, China and Russia – need ready closed and many more are However, the Pfizer vaccine is still vaccines made in India, China and announced deals for 10 million and to prove effective. Accessibility must in financial jeopardy. the only one that has received Russia. 1.2 million doses respectively. also increase in low-income coun- In Leeds we are resetting our WHO emergency use listing, a mini- The Serum Institute of India (SII), Both Turkey and Indonesia have tries, not just in middle-income Bramley Community Baths proj- mum regulatory requirement for the world’s largest vaccine manufac- begun vaccination programmes ones. Fears that the virus will ect, which employs over 49 local distribution through Covax. A third turer, has a licence to produce the with another Sinovac vaccine, Coro- mutate beyond these current vac- young people as lifeguards, gym Western vaccine – developed by Ox- Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, while naVac. Thailand and the Philippines cines must also remain unrealised. and fitness trainers, as an employ- ford/AstraZeneca – is substantially Bharat Biotech has developed its will also soon start rolling out this It can’t be overstated how enor- ability centre, training young peo- lower priced, more easily stored and own. India approved both products vaccine. Further afield, the state of mous the vaccination task is. Al- ple in the skills of first aid, life has large-scale manufacturing part- on 3rd January, and the domestic São Paolo in Brazil has agreed a though possessing huge manufac- guarding, physical and mental re- nerships in place, as well as an roll-out began on the 16th. deal for 46 million doses of Coron- turing capacity, India’s aim to habilitation support and health agreement to supply Covax, but India is also making its vaccine aVac and has administered the vaccinate 300 million of its people caring in the community. is still awaiting approval from the output available to other countries. country’s first inoculations with it. by August 2021 still means less than The health needs of the com- WHO. Bangladesh has approved SII’s Russia, the first country in the a quarter of its population will have munity are a post-Covid future The WHO has stated Covax will Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and world to approve a Covid-19 vac- had the vaccine. priority. Training and qualifying deliver its first vaccines by the end has a deal for 30 million doses, while cine, is also active on vaccine diplo- “For everyone on this planet – or young people to be properly of January at the earliest. By the end South Africa has announced it will macy. Its Sputnik V jab received ini- at least 90 per cent – to get it, it’s go- equipped and paid to go out into of 2021 it aims to have supplied two procure one million by the end of tial approval on 11th August. ing to be at least 2024,” says Adar the community to tackle the prob- billion doses globally. January and another half a million Argentina began rolling out Sputnik Poonawalla, CEO of the SII. lems could help reset our eco- But even if this promise is met, it in February. V on 24th December, and the vac- nomic and social systems. As Pope will be insufficient. Speaking on be- The SII is one of three suppliers cine is one of the first for Covid-19 Francis stresses in Christus Vivat, half of the African Union, South providing the African Union with to be administered anywhere in sub- Rory Horner is a Senior Lecturer, making space to include young Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa 270 million vaccine doses, with 50 Saharan Africa, in Guinea. Manufac- Global Development people now is the key to our future. expressed concern that “the Covax million due to arrive by June 2021. It turing partnerships are in place Institute, University of Manchester

10 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress Have faith – but it’s time to dig deep

CATHOLIC moods will lift. seasons are as constant as God’s School lessons via COMMENT love, and of the benevolence of Cre- Zoom are no With no hope of a summer holi- substitute for the day, or even being able to meet up ation. Caroline real thing. with our friends in the garden and a Perhaps inevitably, with so much Credit: ElinaMist huge amount of uncertainty hang- global instability, there has been a Farrow ing over our futures, it’s not surpris- lot of apocalyptic chatter on social ing that in a recent survey over 42 media, which can also add to the It’s no surprise that anxiety levels are per cent of adults surveyed by the sense of fearful anticipation. While currently at their peak. There isn’t a National Office for Statistics re- we always do need to be prepared single person who is not finding this ported high levels of anxiety and for the fact that Jesus could come third period of lockdown much said that they felt less happy, less back tomorrow, we are also told that harder and more trying than when it satisfied and were less inclined to this will be like a ‘thief in the night’ was first introduced in March. think that things they were doing and that nobody knows the day or The reasons for this are obvious. were worthwhile. the hour. Every generation on the Many people are desperately wor- But before we get thoroughly de- precipice of enormous change feels ried about their livelihoods, espe- pressed, there are still many reasons that perhaps this is a portent of the cially if they are in the travel or retail to be cheerful. If coronavirus had ‘End Times’ and that the tribulation industry and there seems to be no happened in previous generations, is occurring, but even if this were to end in sight, despite the promise of then the experience would be alto- be the case, then as believing Chris- the vaccine. gether different, with families being tians, we ought to have nothing to If like me, you are a parent, you’ll forced to live an almost monastic fear. be desperately worried about the existence in total isolation. At least We must use this time produc- impact upon your child’s education there is the internet to keep us en- tively, to reinforce both our faith and or mental health. My heart broke the tertained and, importantly, connected. our family bonds, and realise that other day when my five-year-old using scissors. Likewise, don’t expect previously affluent, have been What lockdown is demonstrating tough though things are, we are be- plaintively held up a drawing he had an eight-year-old not to be tempted forced to sell valuable possessions in is that the internet is a poor substi- ing given an opportunity to pause done in school “before Covid existed” by the lure of YouTube, distracted by order to pay the bills and are now at tute for real-life interaction and if and to take stock of what truly and expressed how much he was Solitaire or whatever else they can the point of needing to sell their anything, we might actually become counts. missing his friends. get their hands on, instead of listen- house, although its unlikely that any less, rather than more, dependent As Christians we really need to re- I count myself among the lucky ing intently to their teacher drone mortgage lender will take them on. on our phones and tablets. member that our mission is to pass ones. At least my job affords me the on about the Anglo-Saxons. Compared to situations such as Hard though it is, we really need on the joy and the hope of the flexibility of being able to work out- Not that I am knocking teachers: these, we feel relatively lucky; while to keep viewing lockdown and this Gospel – trusting that things will get side of office hours, meaning that al- it’s hard to deliver the curriculum in it’s clear that the children’s education enforced isolation as a blessing and better, even if not in this life but in though I am exhausted after having an imaginative, interactive and is suffering, we are at least better an opportunity to really reconnect the next. Perhaps God is giving us to work late into the night, I can at hands-on fashion via Zoom, espe- placed than many in being able to with God, especially as once again this time to help evangelise and en- least devote time to my children cially when a lot of the time you help them catch up, and neither do we approach Lent. courage those who are anxious and throughout their school day. As I’ve can’t even see your students. we stand to lose our home. That Even though I have more de- looking for answers. said before, you cannot simply Friends of mine have told me tales said, life does seem pretty bleak, in mands on my time, the rhythm of On the day of judgement, when plonk your primary school age child of woe about needing to prioritise that there is little to look forward to the day means that I am now more we are asked what we did to get to in front of a screen and expect them their own work and leave their chil- in the near to medium term future. able to fit prayer into my daily rou- know and love Him better during to be able to get on with their tasks dren to get on with it, in order that Part of this stems from the tine and am going to try to make the lockdown, when we had all that independently. If they are to make they can pay the mortgage. “I’m try- weather. During the summer we 2021 the year that I deepen my rela- spare time, we need to have a better any kind of progress then they need ing not to think about the effect on were at least able to go for regular tionship with God. answer than “watched Netflix and an adult on hand to act as a full- their education, otherwise I’ll get walks in the afternoons once school I talked a few weeks ago about complained on Facebook”. time teaching assistant, providing upset”, said one friend, “but if we had ended, whereas now, there’s grasping the moments of joy where Caroline Farrow is a Catholic assistance and encouragement. lose the house, it will be even harder only about half an hour before it you can – this week’s snowfall has journalist and UK campaign A five year-old is still mastering for them to catch up.” gets dark. No doubt, once the been one such timely moment, re- director and media commentator the art of forming their letters and Another couple I know, who were weather improves, many people’s minding us that the rhythm of the for Citizens Go There’s still time to enter Columban competition 2021 There’s still time to enter the Columban Reflecting on a year that saw a global schools media competition 2021 – but pandemic disproportionately impact on with just a month to go before the com- ethnic minority groups and a series of petition closes on 20th February, you will mass protests in the US in response to have to get a move on producing your high profile killings such as that of George writing and image entries. Floyd, the lead Bishop for Racial Justice, This year the theme is ‘Let’s Create A Bishop Paul McAleenan, says: “It’s not World Without Racism’ and it is open to enough to simply denounce racism. This is students aged 14-18 years old. All details a time to act.” can be found on: www.columban Bishop Paul echoes the words of Pope competition.com. Francis pointing out that instances of Entries have already been received from racism continue to shame us and show schools the length and breadth of the that “our supposed social progress is not country – from St Thomas More in as real or definitive as we think.” Nuneaton to St Gregory’s Oxford to Worth He adds: “Racism is a sin and a violation School in West Sussex. So far, the Colum- of human dignity in which we are all com- bans have received roughly the same plicit. As Catholics we need to acknowl- number of articles and images. edge and confront our own failings – as in- Winners will be announced on 15th dividuals and as a Church. March 2021 and there are cash prizes of “Every single one of our parishes, £300 for winning written and image en- schools and organisations has a responsi- tries. Two separate competitions will be bility to actively practise anti-racism in all judged, one for students in Ireland and aspects of our mission. one in Britain and high-profile judges “We need to address the lack of visible from the world of journalism have been diversity at every level, so that people can secured. see themselves, their race, their culture The theme is very relevant in the lead up and their history in the Church’s life.” to Racial Justice Sunday on 31st January. See: www.columban competition.com The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 11 News God helped me reach Your chance to purchase my pinnacle says a beautiful, hand crafted football’s cult hero white resin statue of Nick Benson Our Lady Football is temporary but faith is eter- nal, Wycombe Wanderers’ Adebayo Akinfenwa has said. The experienced striker revealed Of Fatima how important faith is in his life and for the Championship side, with many of the players praying together before Our Lady of Fatima made her first games and ensuring that they support appearance to three shepherd each other through good times and children in Fatima, Portugal. bad. Starting on May 13, 1917, and “There’s a strong faith that runs monthly through October 13, they through the Wycombe changing room saw the Virgin Mary, “brighter and it’s nice to be able to discuss that than the sun, shedding rays of with your peers,” Akinfenwa told Talk- light clearer and stronger than a Sport. Recalling the famous moment fellow crystal goblet filled with the most Wycombe striker and Christian Alex sparkling water and pierced by Samuel knelt beside him in prayer on the burning rays of the sun.” the Wembley turf after the side were She spoke to them. promoted to the Championship fol- She warned them of the perils to lowing a hard-fought victory against come to the world. Oxford, Akinfenwa said it will always remain a “special” memory. “That moment with me and Alex Samuel is something that will hold St John Paul II itself in such high regard for myself,” he said. “It wasn’t something that was gave the bullet from planned whatsoever. Adebayo his his assassination “I went off to give thanks [to God] Akinfenwa. by myself and then I felt his hand on Photo: Rob Crane attempt to the Shrine my shoulder. It was a special mo- ment.” Championship, but I’ve got there at hang up my boots, but my faith is of Our lady of Akinfenwa, who is nicknamed ‘the 38 and trust me, I’m going to enjoy with me for eternal. Beast’ due to his hulking physique, it,” he said. “When there’s been good moments Fatima... the bullet credited his faith for the major role it “My faith has played as big a role and when there’s been bad moments, has played in him reaching the “pin- as the ability has taken me,” Akinfenwa my faith has always been there. sits in the crown of nacle” of his career – playing Cham- said, contemplating the journey he “My life is testament to that, in the pionship football. has taken to reach this goal. sense that at the age of 38 I reached the statue today. “You start getting older and think “Football is temporary. One day it the pinnacle of my career and that’s to yourself, maybe I won’t get to the will come to an end and I’ll have to down to my faith and belief.” * Statue is 10.5 inches high STRICTLY LIMITED £39 Halifax star turns to faith to OFFER ORDER NOW! incl P&P push him on to next match

Halifax Town defender Tom Bradbury and then spread the word, because playing to enjoy myself, believing To order online visit : says that his Christian faith goes hand- I’m forever grateful to him.” you’re good enough and knowing that www.thecatholicuniverse.com/fatima in-hand with his passion for football. The youngster revealed that he used God’s got big things for you,” he said. The 22-year-old said his faith has to suffer with his nerves prior to games “When the timing’s right, I’ll achieve played a “huge” part both in his per- but his faith has helped to alleviate those things.” sonal life and his professional life. those feelings of stress and worry. Bradbury revealed that his faith To order by cheque or PO please send a cheque or PO for “There’s no football without faith “It’s not about that anymore, it’s also pushes him to better himself and £39 with your full name, phone number and details to now, and there’s no faith without foot- not fall into bad habits. The Universe Media Group, 2nd Floor, Oakland House ball,” he told The Halifax Courier. “Even little things like when you 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 OPQ. “Football’s my platform to express want to watch a film and not stretch my faith, and live through my faith.” and prepare for the next game, God Bradbury said football is extremely tells me to get my stretching done important in his life but his faith is because I’ve got another game,” he To order by credit card please call “just as important, if not bigger”. said. “It makes me a better person, I 0161 820 5722 and give your card details “The way I would describe it would try not to sin. They’re both entwined. be it gives me peace, and it takes the They come as a pair.” pressure off me in terms of football,” Bradbury said he hasn’t always been Why not visit our exciting new online shop he said. religious but since finding God – just today ... for other offers and exclusive gifts ! “I don’t just have my faith for that, three months before he received his but I believe that God has a plan for first professional contract – his faith Go to: www.thecatholicuniverse.com my life, he’s chosen me for a reason has changed his life. and he’s given me this talent for foot- “He’s honestly changed my life and ball to express myself. I couldn’t imagine having my life with- “The plan is to get as high as I can out God,” he said. 12 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper

Minister in Fraud warning pledge to as bailiff scams help prisons on the increase The Government is urging the pub- lic to be vigilant as fraudsters are beat virus posing as bailiffs and enforcement Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer has officers to demand money from pledged to “double down” on efforts victims. to control the spread of Covid-19 in It warned that scammers are prisons as she paid tribute to staff phoning members of the public, who had been the “crucial factor” in posing as County Court bailiffs, helping to curb prison infections. High Court Enforcement Officers Prisons have introduced tough (HCEOs) and Certificated Enforce- measures including routinely testing ment Agents (CEAs). In a number of staff and new prisoners and stopping cases they claim to be a bailiff at social visits. Vaccinations for prisoners Northampton County Court. had also begun. They are targeting people with a In addition, stringent safety measures County Court judgment for debt. are in place to curb infection, including Local church The fraudsters claim that the per- providing PPE to staff and creating an partners help Feed son owes money, and demands that additional 1,200 temporary cells to en- the Hungry they transfer funds into a bank ac- able better social distancing. distribute food in count. Prisoners now can see their families Coventry. HM Courts and Tribunal Service only via secure video calls unless a does contact people by phone to compassionate visit is required in cer- discuss taking payments over the tain circumstances. phone. However, it stressed that it However, staff are helping offenders will never telephone someone to to keep in touch through phone calls, Say Halo to a new way ask for their bank details or tele- with more than 1,500 mobile handsets phone someone to ask them to and extra phone credit distributed. make a bank transfer using their Specially trained staff are also sup- sort code and account number. porting prisoners with mental health If anyone claiming to be a county issues, as well as continuing with re- to solve city food crisis court bailiff, an HCEO or CEA calls habilitation work, in-cell education asking for this information, it said and exercise. Coventry Foodbank is to become part part of the Trussell Trust’s network, Through its 17 citywide food distri- people should not make any pay- Ms Frazer said: “Our decisive action of Feed the Hungry, a charity which working with food banks across the bution centres, it rapidly became one ment and should not provide their is limiting the spread of the virus in worked with other food provision or- UK to implement the best projects, of the largest food banks in the Trussell bank details. our prisons. But this is largely thanks ganisations in the city as it looks to partnerships and networks needed Trust’s network across the country. If you believe you have been a to the tireless efforts of our dedicated to end the need for emergency food. to end the need for emergency food. Williams added: “The Covid pan- victim of this scam you should re- officers. The move will see a 25,000 square This month Trussell Trust reported demic has impacted us all – but those port it to: https://www.actionfraud. “I am proud of our staff, who are foot warehouse in Coventry repur- a 47 per cent rise in food parcels given living in or near the poverty line have police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. keeping prisoners safe.” posed by Feed the Hungry into the out by its volunteers between April been disproportionately impacted. “As always, my priority remains to Halo Centre, providing long-term so- and September 2020. The charity re- The great work of campaigners such limit the spread of the virus to save lutions to the current food crisis. vealed that during the first six months as Marcus Rashford have highlighted Mortgage problems lives and prevent the NHS from being The Halo Centre will bring together of the pandemic it distributed 1.2m the need to provide emergency food, to soar, warn lenders overwhelmed.” local and national partnerships to food parcels, of which 470,000 went and we are hugely grateful to the Default rates on mortgages and benefit the people of Coventry. to families with children. Trussell Trust for the work they have other types of non-mortgage lend- The Universe Day-to-day food bank support will Gwyn Williams, operations director been doing locally and across the ing are expected to increase in the continue as before, with people strug- for Feed the Hungry said: “The Halo country to meet that need. first quarter of 2021, a Bank of Eng- – Contacts – gling to afford food still able to access Project wants to transform the most “But the solutions must be long land survey of lenders hsa said. emergency food at the food bank’s deprived communities and bring life term to ensure those families are given The Bank’s Credit Conditions centres, while that longer term work and hope by walking with hurting the opportunity to not only survive Survey said that lenders were also to address the reasons why people people. We believe that journey is but build a sustainable future for reporting that the lengths of inter- don’t have enough money for food is most effectively enacted when the lo- themselves.” est-free periods on credit cards for underway. People will also be able to cal churches act together. This is not Gavin Kibble, founder of the Coven- balance transfers decreased in the access support with business mentors, simply about getting food to people, try Foodbank, said: “We are very proud final months of 2020. work clubs, clothes recycling, and ad- it’s a holistic approach to support.” of our impact in Coventry. But the To contact a member Figures released last week show vice on welfare, debt, health and well- Coventry Foodbank was established needs are greater now than ever – we 130,000 mortgage deferrals were in of The Catholic Universe being. in 2011 as part of the Trussell Trust need not only a short term solution place at the end of December 2020, team, call: The food bank will continue to be national network of food banks. but a holistic and long term one, too.” down from a peak of 1.8 million in June 2020. Mortgage payment holi- ADVERTISING SALES: days are still available, until 31st 07984 616950 More help on way for mental health March. CIRCULATION: Nick Benson sleep problems and low mood during By answering five simple questions, TV licence evasion ‘to Public Health England (PHE) has the pandemic. adults will get a personalised action 07375 397312 launched a new campaign to support Missing friends and family, loneli- plan with practical tips to help them remain offence’ the nation’s mental health. The move ness, uncertainty about the future deal with stress and anxiety, boost The Government said it has ACCOUNTS: come as half of adults say they are and financial and employment worries their mood, sleep better and feel more dropped plans to decriminalise TV 07984 616949 more worried during this current lock- were the key reasons for low mood. in control. licence fee evasion but will keep the down than in March 2020. The good news is that three-fifths The Every Mind Matters Covid-19 idea under consideration. The Better Health – Every Mind remained hopeful for the future. hub also includes practical tips and It is also looking at alternatives EDITORIAL: Matters campaign will support people Many adults (75 per cent) said they support on how adults can deal with to the licence fee for 2027, when the 07949 987771 to take action to look after their mental had or were planning to they take uncertainty, how to cope with money BBC’s royal charter expires. health and wellbeing and help support steps to look after their mental well- and job worries and how to look after Culture Secretary Oliver Dow- others, such as family and friends. being, with exercising regularly (32 both their own and their family’s men- den said that, while a criminal GENERAL ENQUIRIES: sanction feels “outdated and 0161 820 5722 A new survey commissioned by per cent) eating well (29 per cent) tal wellbeing while staying at home. PHE has revealed that almost half of and talking more to family and friends wrong” in the current public serv- respondents (49 per cent) felt that (28 per cent) being the main actions. • For urgent help with mental health ice broadcasting landscape, moving Supporting Catholic journalism the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted The Better Health – Every Mind see nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth. to a civil enforcement system negatively on their mental health and Matters campaign encourages people For more information on the Better risked being seen as an “invitation” www.thecatholic wellbeing. to get a free NHS-approved Mind Health – Every Mind Matters cam- to evade the fee and could result in Significant numbers said they had Plan from the Every Mind Matters paign, see: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every- those who decline to pay being re- universe.com been experiencing more anxiety, stress, website. mind-matters/ warded. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 13 News

Your opinions: Letters to the Editor We want to hear your views on the big Catholic issues. Write to: Joseph Kelly, Editor, The Universe, Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ E-mail: [email protected]. Please keep letters concise; we reserve the right to edit. Vatican should be out a decent bone in his body. Yet Biden’s clear support of brave on Biden abortion, despite his Catholic It was a shame that the Vatican or- faith, so troubles me that I find my dered the US bishops’ conference support for him wavering already (USCCB) to hold back a statement as he puts liberal abortion backers on incoming President Joe Biden into prominent positions in his that called attention to his pledge cabinet. to pursue anti-life and anti-family Tolkien’s former home in Oxford And as the detested Trump goes policies that would advance Photo: Breckon and Breckon. off to contemplate his post White Inset: Tolkien. “moral evils” in the areas of “abor- House life in the shadows, I find Photo: Frazio Dalla Casa tion, contraception, marriage, and myself yearning for the pro-life gender.” The statement was to be stance he took throughout his four released on Wednesday but was years in office. embargoed. Part of the statement It begs the question, can you re- said: ‘So, I must point out that our ally be a good Catholic and back Hollywood stars new President has pledged to pur- Trump, and all the horrors he sue certain policies that would ad- stood for and supported? And at vance moral evils and threaten hu- the same time, can you equally be man life and dignity, most a good Catholic and back Biden seriously in the areas of abortion, when he appears so aggressively back campaign contraception, marriage, and gen- pro-abortion? der. Of deep concern is the liberty Life for a Catholic in the public of the Church and the freedom of square has never been so hard! believers to live according to their Patrick Delaney, consciences.’ Co Antrim to save Tolkien’s house ‘Abortion is a direct attack on life Nick Benson ning theme Into the West, from The established. that also wounds the woman and Time for the old to People from around the globe, in- Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Golding admits it is a tough target: undermines the family. It is not cluding a list of Hollywood stars, have King; actor John Rhys-Davies, who “To raise six million dollars in three only a private matter, it raises trou- take debt burden John Battle’s prescient column joined with award-winning author Ju- plays Gimli in The Lord of the Rings months is a huge challenge,” Golding bling and fundamental questions (Catholic Universe, 22/1/21) on the lia Golding to launch a crowdfunding trilogy; the Emmy and Tony Award- told The Catholic Universe. “However, of fraternity, solidarity, and inclu- growing tension between the old campaign to try and save 20 North- winning actor Sir Derek Jacobi, who we need only to look at Frodo and sion in the human community. It is and young certainly makes me moor Road, the Oxford house in which stars in Tolkien and narrates the Sam’s journey from Rivendell to Mount also a matter of social justice. We think. Born at the end of World famed Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien Farmer Giles of Ham audiobook; and Doom, which took that same amount cannot ignore the reality that abor- War II I I am one of the fortunate wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the illustrator John Howe, whose work of time – and we are inspired that we tion rates are much higher among ‘baby boomers’ whose life steadily Rings, in advance of its being put on includes The Lord of the Rings and can do this too!” the poor and minorities, and that improved through the ‘peace’ of the market for sale. The Hobbit. Actor Sir Ian McKellen added: “We the procedure is regularly used to the 1950/60s, and with all the op- The initiative, Project Northmoor, Other notables include Lord Rowan cannot achieve this without the sup- eliminate children who would be portunities enabling me now to be aims to purchase the house and set Williams of Oystermouth, the former port of the worldwide community of born with disabilities.’ fairly comfortable during the third up a literary centre in honour of Archbishop of Canterbury; Joseph Lo- Tolkien fans, our fellowship of fun- Biden’s choice of a radical pro- lockdown. Tolkien, one of the most beloved lit- conte, author of A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, ders.” abortionist as Vice President, a I have even missed the dangers erary writers of the 20th Century. and the Great War; and Cliff Broadway, As a charitable venture, the mission radical pro-abortionist as head of of working in the NHS at this time. Tolkien was a devout Catholic whose also known as Quickbeam, a writer, of Project Northmoor is to promote medical care and a deputy who is a While during my 45 years of faith influenced and penetrated his actor, Tolkien fan and staff member Tolkien’s work, allow fantasy writers man who identifies as a woman hospital work we had some bad flu writings, and preserving his legacy of TheOneRing.net. and artists to come together to write, bodes ill for the moral future of the epidemics, they only lasted a few and the importance of his works is a Tolkien’s Oxford house is largely learn and create, and preserve the USA. Like John F Kennedy before weeks, and with more beds and priority for Catholics. unchanged since it was built in 1924. fascinating house for future genera- him, Biden’s ‘Catholicism’ may be very little need for intensive care, Sir Ian McKellen, who earned an It features six large bedrooms upstairs, tions to enjoy. The facility would also more Joe’s version of Catholicism there weren’t the public expecta- Oscar nomination for his role as wizard one bedroom on the ground floor, have an engaging online presence to rather than the real thing. tions we have now. Gandalf in the 2001 film, The Fellow- and a spacious garden. The Tolkien bring into the house’s programme Name and address supplied To talk of being a burden as we ship of the Ring, is helping to gather a family moved there in 1930 and stayed those who cannot travel to Oxford. get older is understandable, but new ‘fellowship’ of funders to purchase for 17 years, during which time Tolkien Fans may donate to Project North- Little choice when we are all a burden during some the house, with a crowdfunding cam- wrote both his fantasy masterpieces. moor at: www.projectnorthmoor.org faced with two evils part of our lives, and it is our hu- paign opened at www.projectnorth- It is also where he hosted fellow through to 15th March. The scenes from Washington last man duty to help others when we moor.org. Catholic author C.S. Lewis. The historic If the campaign to purchase the week, as a caring, compassionate, can, and accept help when we To kick off the project, McKellen home is located just a few miles from house is successful, donors will have thoughtful – dear we say, decent? – need it. and a host of celebrities and others his home parish. an array of benefits: from having their man was inaugurated as President, As the pandemic wanes, it will associated with the Tolkien universe Project leader Julian Golding says name listed in the Red Book of funders highlights perfectly the challenges be our generation’s duty to help as came together for a special video. this is a once-in-a-generation oppor- that will sit in Tolkien’s study, to being of being a Catholic in our increas- much as we can, not only our own Among them Emmy Awarding-win- tunity, and he aims to raise roughly invited to VIP events and even ingly chaotic political world. children and grandchildren, but ning actor Martin Freeman, who plays US$6 million from Tolkien fans around overnight stays – depending on the On paper, Catholics should have others less fortunate, too. Those of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy; the world to purchase the house and level of donation. rejoiced as Biden took office. He is us on reasonable pensions and music legend Annie Lennox, who set up a Tolkien centre. The centre • For more information, see: one of our own, a proud son of Ire- mortgage free, must be prepared wrote and performed the Oscar win- will be financially self-sustaining once www.projectnorthmoor.org land and a man who seems to un- to shoulder significant tax in- derstand immediately the societal creases to fund the Covid crisis challenges of our time. Every part and reduce the national debt that University axes Chaucer in favour of ‘decolonised’ literature of my being wanted Biden to beat the younger generation will inherit A university has been criticised af- liver a “decolonised” curriculum lection of modules on race, ethnic- Trump – a man I saw as a braggart from us. ter it announced it would no longer devoted to diversity. ity, sexuality and diversity, a de- who was aggressive, sexist, possi- Dr Steve Brennan teach Chaucer and other medieval However, the plans have met with colonised curriculum, and new em- bly racist; a man, it seemed, with- Thornhill, Hope Valley literature, replacing the classics widespread criticism, with critics in ployability modules.” with modules on race and sexuality. the literary world calling the move Other texts to be axed include “Those of us on reasonable pensions and The University of Leicester’s says part of the ‘woke’ culture and say- John Milton’s Paradise Lost and mortgage free, must be prepared to shoulder the new modules will cover texts ing students will miss out on in- works by Christopher Marlowe and “students expect” to study. depth knowledge of English classics. John Donne. However, Shake- significant tax increases to fund the Covid The new syllabus removes The New modules described as “excit- speare’s works will remain in place. crisis and reduce the national debt that the Canterbury Tales and Anglo-Saxon ingly innovative” would cover: “A The changes place 60 jobs under epic Beowulf in an attempt to de- chronological literary history, a se- threat. younger generation will inherit from us. 14 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome/World Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

IN BRIEF Sciatica Vatican homeless keeps Pope receive vaccines away from The Vatican health service has be- Word of gun offering Covid-19 vaccines to homeless people who live in Holy God Mass See-owned shelters. The first 25 shelter residents Archbishop Rino were vaccinated last weekend, Fisichella presides over with more due to receive the vac- Mass marking Sunday cine in the coming days. of the Word of God in St Recipients were all aged over 60 Peter’s Basilica at the and most had serious health prob- Vatican. lems. They live at the Vatican’s Pope Francis had been newest shelter, the Palazzo scheduled to celebrate Migliori, which is staffed by mem- the Mass but was not bers of the Community of San- present due to a bout t’Egidio, and in the separate shel- of sciatica, a condition with which he has ters for women and for men run suffered for many by the Missionaries of Charity. years, a Vatican Most are Italian but the group spokesman stressed. also included people from Georgia and Romania. One, named Mario, praised the Photo: Romano initiative: “We thank the pope for Siciliani the gift he’s given us. Now I have added security.” Carlo Santoro, a member of the Sant’Egidio Community who helps at the shelter, said that there had been a number of cases of Pope urges nations to create Covid-19 in the shelters. Covid-19 calls a halt to Lenten retreat world free from nuclear arms The pope’s annual Lenten retreat with Roman Curia officials has Carol Glatz The treaty comes into force on 22nd been cancelled because of the on- Pope Francis marked the day the Unit- January, three months after the re- going Covid-19 pandemic. ed Nations’ new Treaty on the Prohi- quired 50th nation ratified the historic However, Pope Francis has in- bition of Nuclear Weapons came into document, which resulted from vited those who normally partici- force to make a renewed plea for all months of negotiations led by non- pate in the retreat – cardinals liv- nations to scrap their nuclear arse- nuclear countries. ing in Rome and the heads of nals. The Holy See was a key participant Vatican offices – to arrange for The treaty is the first legally binding in the process that led to drafting the their own personal retreat in international agreement to prohibit treaty, providing encouragement and prayer, said the Vatican press office. signatory states from the development, advice to negotiators, according to Officials usually come together testing, production, stockpiling, sta- Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, a for the spiritual exercises at the tioning, transfer, use and threat of nuclear weapons expert who is pro- Pauline Fathers’ retreat and con- use of nuclear weapons, as well as fessor of ethics at Georgetown Uni- ference centre in Ariccia, 20 miles assisting with and encouraging such versity in the USA. south east of Rome. activities. The nuclear nations and those un- The week set aside for each per- Nuclear weapons have an “indis- Archbishop Paul Gallagher der the US nuclear umbrella opposed son to arrange for his own retreat criminate impact” as they can “strike pictured at the UN in 2017 the measure and played little if any will be from 21st-26th February. large numbers of people in a short when he signed the treaty role in negotiations. Pope Francis will follow the same space of time and provoke long-lasting on behalf of the Vatican The countries known to possess schedule, which means he will not damage to the environment,” the pope nuclear weapons are the USA, Russia, have any appointments that week, said during his weekly general audi- China, United Kingdom, France, Israel, including general audiences. ence, livestreamed from the library ment of peace and multilateral co- vote against it, while Singapore ab- India, Pakistan and North Korea. Pope Francis did not attend last of the Apostolic Palace. operation, which humanity greatly stained. Data from various sources, including year’s retreat because of a mild The pope “strongly encouraged” all needs today.” Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the US Department of State and the cold. It was held just days before nations and people “to work with de- The Holy See was the among the Vatican secretary for relations with Stockholm International Peace Re- the Italian Government enforced termination to promote the conditions first to ratify the treaty, which was states, signed it at the United Nations search Institute, show that the nine its first lockdown to prevent the necessary for a world without nuclear approved by 122 UN members. in New York the first day it was open countries hold an estimated 13,440 spread of Covid-19. arms, contributing to the advance- Netherlands was the only country to for signatures in September 2017. nuclear weapons. Pair guilty in first fraud court case A former president of the Vatican Francis asks us all to walk a mile in the trafficked’s shoes bank and his lawyer have been found guilty of money laundering Pope Francis has encouraged people lication is on the International Day an overcrowded boat. Anonymous and unseen, these vic- and embezzling millions of euros to put themselves in the shoes of vic- of Prayer and Awareness against Hu- Once on Italy's shore, Joy is forced tims are exploited by ‘unscrupulous from property sales. tims of human trafficking and not to man Trafficking – 8th February into prostitution, extorted with a huge traffickers who grow rich off the mis- Angelo Caloia, who served as pass judgement on them. Written by Mariapia Bonanate, the debt and threatened by her ‘madam’. fortune of others, taking advantage president of the Institute for the He was sure that once a person book offers a first-person narrative However, she never lost her faith of people's desperation, subjecting Works of Religion 1999 - 2009, and learns about these victims’ experi- of a woman from Benin City named in God, whom she felt was always in them to their authority,’ he wrote. his lawyer, Gabriele Liuzzo, were ences, “it will be impossible to remain Joy. Trusting the advice of a friend, her heart and by her side, and she Pope Francis then poses a question sentenced to 8 years and 11 indifferent when we hear talk about Joy leaves for a promised job in Italy, eventually found help at a safe house to the book’s readers, asking, ‘How months for skimming profits from boats adrift, ignored and even driven hopeful she would be able to work, in Caserta for trafficking victims. much does this reprehensible reality the sale of Vatican properties. back from our shores,” he wrote in study and send money home. In the book’s preface, the pope said of countless young women forced It is the first court case held in the preface to a new book. Her journey quickly unravels how- that Joy’s ‘Way of the Cross’ is just onto the streets as sex workers result the Vatican since it applied inter- The pope's remarks appear in the ever, and she recounts her ordeal as one tile embedded in a vast mosaic from the fact that many men, here, national standards for investigat- book, I Am Joy: A Cry of Freedom from she survives a desert crossing, violence of other tiles – other lives of so many request these “services” and are willing ing and prosecuting money laun- the Slavery of Trafficking. The book, and deprivation in Libyan detention vulnerable women and men – that to buy another person, crushing them dering and fraud. was released on 27th January. Its pub- camps and then risks capsizing on are invisible to others. in their inalienable dignity?’ The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 15 Rome/World

Mourners gather near the coffin of a man killed in the bombing Photo: Alaa Al-Marjani, Reuters Baghdad blast casts fresh doubt over pope’s Iraq visit Pope Francis expressed his bomber feigned illness to attract a condolences to Iraqi President Barham crowd before detonating his explosives. Salih after two suicide bombings in The second bomber detonated himself Baghdad claimed the lives of dozens of as people came to help those wounded people in a crowded commercial area. by the first explosion. In a telegram sent to Salih, Cardinal While no group has taken credit, it is Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of suspected the attack was carried out by state, said the pope “was deeply a group associated with the Islamic saddened to learn” of the attack at a State. clothing market in Tayaran Square. “In Despite the Iraqi government deploring this senseless act of brutality, claiming victory over the terrorist he prays for the deceased victims and organisation in 2017, remnants of the their families, for the injured and for Islamic State continue to carry out the emergency personnel in smaller attacks on security forces in the attendance,” Cardinal Parolin said. country. “Pope Francis invokes upon the The attack also raised concerns nation and its people the blessing of the about the pope’s safety during his Most High,” he said. planned visit to Iraq March 5-8. The two bombers blew themselves up In an interview with Italy's Canale 5 in the crowded market area after being broadcast on 10th January, Pope pursued by security forces. Francis said that although he is still Khalid Al-Mahna, spokesman for the moving forward with the planned visit, Iraqi Interior Ministry, said one he did not know “if it will happen.” Manchester’s own ‘Mother Teresa’ on path to sainthood

Pope Francis advanced the sainthood Italians murdered by the Nazis and causes of eight men and women, in- persuaded German soldiers to spare cluding English Sister Elizabeth Prout, the lives of at least 30 people taken founder of the Sisters of the Cross prisoner in revenge for partisan attacks and Passion. against German positions. The pope signed the decrees on He was found shot a week after a 21st January during a meeting with massacre in nearby Marzabotto, where Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect at least 770 Italian civilians were killed of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. by Germany’s Waffen-SS forces. Sr Prout was recognised for her The pope also recognized the heroic ‘heroic virtue’ after working with poor virtues of Jerome Lejeune, a French women and children in 19th-century Catholic physician and researcher Manchester, England. who was one of the three discoverers She set up the Sisters of the Cross of the extra chromosome that causes and Passion, which now has more Down syndrome. than 300 sisters working in the UK, Born in 1926 in Montrouge, France, he established the first specialised Sr Prout was clinic for Down syndrome patients at recognised for Necker Children’s Hospital near Paris. her ‘heroic He devoted his life to protecting un- virtue’ and work born children with Down syndrome in Manchester from so-called ‘therapeutic abortion’, which he regarded as a grave corrup- Ireland, the USA, Botswana, Jamaica, tion of medicine. Papua New Guinea, Australia, New He was a strong opponent of abor- Zealand, Argentina, Peru and Chile. tion and unrestricted experimentation She left the Church of England and on human embryos. became a Catholic nun in her 20s In 1989, he established the Jerome after she was influenced by Blessed Lejeune Foundation to continue his Dominic Barberi, an Italian Passionist work in research, advocacy and health priest working in England. She died care for those with intellectual dis- in 1864 in St Helens from tuberculosis abilities. He died of lung cancer at at the age of 43. the age of 67 in 1994. Among the other decrees, the pope The formal recognition of a miracle recognised the martyrdom of Fr Gio- attributed to his intercession will be vanni Fornasini – a 29-year-old Italian needed for beatification. priest who was killed “in hatred of Others recognised included Ade- the faith” in 1944, during Nazi Ger- laide Bonolis, an Italian laywoman, many’s occupation of Italy during who established summer camps for World War II. at-risk youth; Santiago Masarnau Fer- He served as a parish priest near nandez, who established the lay So- Bologna, a city of strategic military ciety of St Vincent de Paul in Spain; importance during the war. He aided Italian Father Michele Arcangelo Vinti, those affected by Allied bombings, a famed confessor; Italian Father Rug- digging people out of the rubble and gero Caputo, known for his devotion offering shelter to those made home- to the Eucharist; and Pasquale Canzii, less. He provided Christian burials to an Italian seminarian who died at 15. 16 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com World News

Racism: the inheritance of US Church plunged into unholy slavery row after bishops attack Biden Fr Shay Rob Beswick Cullen Deep splits have arisen within the US Catholic Church already over how it The most powerful and richest na- should respond to the presidency of tion on the planet is still arguably Catholic Joe Biden. the poorest in moral values and While congratulating Mr Biden on social and racial equality. It is suf- his inauguration, the official response fering a shock to its democratic from the the US Conference of systems. The days when black peo- Catholic Bishops (USCCB) was de- ple in the southern states of Amer- cidedly icy in parts, with its president, ica had to live segregated from Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Ange- white people may be over, but the les, picking apart the new president’s racist attitudes still persist. support for abortion and gay rights President Joe Biden has a mighty as reasons to suggest deep rifts exist challenge ahead of him. between him and the Church. Racism has many facets and However, staunch Biden admirers causes much hurt and social un- and two of the US’s most senior clerics, rest. It is exclusion and exists in Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop the minds and hearts, beliefs and of Chicago, and Cardinal Joseph Tobin attitudes of a single dominating of Newark rejected the official Church group that treats the other group line. Cupich turned to Twitter to as inferior. It perpetuates itself launch a scathing criticism of the everywhere when social and eco- USCCB, suggesting that the official nomic and cultural equality is ab- statement had not been signed off by sent. Racism and discrimination the rest of the conference and that oppress another group by expos- Gomez and a handful of other clerics ing their economic weakness. The had set out a Church position without dominant deny the other the discussing it with their colleagues. opportunity of equality and edu- Cardinal Cupich said that the state- cation to rise out of poverty. It is a ment was “ill-considered” and that it President Biden delivers an vicious circle of the oppressed. had “come as a surprise to many bish- address from the White House, When the Black American com- ops, who received it just hours before overlooked by a portrait of munity did prosper and proved it was released.” Abraham Lincoln them wrong, they were annihilated “It was crafted without the involve- by the white supremacist groups. ment of the Administrative Commit- That is what happened in the tee, a collegial consultation that is a but to preach the truth. He said that the poor and minorities, and that the freedom, were to engage in this con- thriving, prosperous black com- normal course for statements that while there are numerous issues of procedure is regularly used to elimi- versation, it would go a long way to- munity in Tulsa, Oklahoma, whose represent and enjoy the considered concern to the bishops’ conference, nate children who would be born with ward restoring the civil balance and members were well off and owned endorsement of the American bish- abortion is the pre-eminent issue that disabilities.” healing our country’s needs.” property, banks and businesses ops,” he added. cannot be ignored. “Rather than impose further ex- Others also leapt to defend Gomez. and had a superior school system Cardinal Cupich then added a host While acknowledging that much of pansions of abortion and contracep- He had showed “episcopal courage” for higher education. Some rich of his own thoughts about President Biden’s early work was to be applaud- tion, as he has promised, I am hopeful in releasing the statement, according families owned their own air- Biden, none of which tallied with the ed, particularly his clear stance on that the new President will work with to papal biographer and long-time planes. In 1921, racial violence official position but which suggested Covid-19, rejoining the Paris Climate the Church and others of good will to Church observer George Weigel. broke out and the community was the Church should get full square be- Agreement and the World Health Or- address the complicated cultural and In a dig at some established north- attacked by white supremacists. hind the new man in the White House. ganisation and his offer to help mi- economic factors that are driving east US Church figures, Weigel added They bombed 35 city blocks, killed Other bishops told the media that grants, “abortion is a direct attack on abortion and discouraging families,” that Gomez’s message came at a time 300 black people, seriously injured they were aware Cardinal Cupich had life that also wounds the woman and he added. when others seemed to be demanding 800 more, and thousands were left pushed for a supportive pro-Biden undermines the family,” said Arch- “My hope, too, is that we can work “a reprise of the accommodationist homeless. statement, and that he spent most of bishop Gomez. together to finally put in place a co- approach to Catholic public officials It goes on elsewhere. In South the day before last week’s inauguration “It is not only a private matter, it herent family policy in this country, long championed by [now disgraced Africa it was not the majority in trying to get other bishops to support raises troubling and fundamental one that acknowledges the crucial former cardinal] Theodore McCar- charge but a minority, the descen- an alternative to the official line. Cu- questions of fraternity, solidarity, and importance of strong marriages and rick.” dents of the former European pich pointed out that much of Biden’s inclusion in the human community. parenting to the well-being of children Weigel said that Biden’s Catholic rules. In the Philippines, the in- initial forays were virtually copied It is also a matter of social justice. and the stability of communities,” faith presented a unique challenge digenous people of different eth- from the Church’s own manifesto, “We cannot ignore the reality that Gomez said. “If the President, with for the Church as Biden not only sup- nic heritage and darker skin color, particularly on social justice, tackling abortion rates are much higher among full respect for the Church’s religious ports legal abortion but has pledged such as the Aeta or Manobo people, racism and immigration. to increase taxpayer funding for it. suffer racial discrimination and In his defence, Archbishop Gomez “The bishops believe abortion vi- racial slurs and bullying. Most re- stressed his job was not to be political, olates human dignity, and they urge main in poverty. In Myanmar, the the new president to reassess his po- ethnic group of Rohingya has been sitions on this question.” so discriminated against that ac- “By any reasonable standard, Arch- cusations of genocide are levelled bishop Gomez’s statement was bal- against the Myanmar ruling class. anced and measured,” Weigel said. European colonialists imported “What is unprecedented, However, he said, “Cardinals Cupich captured people from Africa into and Tobin put intense pressure on North America. Over 300 years, 13 is the situation of a Archbishop Gomez to make no state- million Africans were shipped president of the United ment, as did the apostolic nuncio to across the Atlantic in slave ships. the United States, Archbishop The black descendants of these States who professed a Christophe Pierre.” slaves are today’s victims of insti- Weigel said the controversy “un- devout‘‘ and heartfelt derscored the statement’s firm, clear, tutional racism. It is this culture of exclusion, discrimination and Catholicism and yet was and unambiguous stance on the pre- eminent priority of the life issues.” racial bias that is the open wound publicly committed to President Biden pictured of America today. He added that Cupich’s suggestion at the inauguration Mass, that Gomez was somehow acting facilitating grave moral held at St Matthew the against the norms of the bishops’ con- Visit www.preda.org, and on Apostle in Washington Facebook, Preda Foundation. evils in abortion...” ference “is unfair and irresponsible.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 17 World News

‘Dreamers’ can believe in America again, the Church has said

Critic: Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles

“To suggest that there was some- thing unprecedented here is to falsify Dreams can begin again as history,” he said. “What was indeed unprecedented, as Archbishop Gomez pointed out, was the situation of a Biden axes Trump policies president of the United States who professed a devout and heartfelt President Joe Biden has signed a dream’ but it was roundly attacked Catholicism and yet was publicly com- raft of executive orders and procla- by President Trump for offering, he mitted to facilitating grave moral evils.” mations aimed at undoing policies claimed, an incentive for people to New York Cardinal Timothy M. set in place by his predecessor, illegally enter the US. Dolan was even more blunt. He told Donald Trump. There was also praise for the de- the New York archdiocesan newspaper Many were cheered by US cision by the Department of Home- that “Biden speaks with admirable Catholics. Chief among them was a land Security to pause deportations sensitivity about protecting the rights boost for the Deferred Action for and rescind the ‘remain in Mexico’ of the weakest and most threatened Childhood Arrivals (DACA) pro- policy that required those seeking but ran on a platform avidly support- gramme created by Trump’s prede- asylum in the United States to stay ing this gruesome capital punishment cessor, Barack Obama, and which in Mexico until their case came up for innocent pre-born babies.” Trump sought unsuccessfully to for review. News that President Biden is looking end. The decision to preserve and Work on the infamous Trump to place the Roe vs Wade Supreme strengthen DACA was welcomed by Mexico Wall was also suspended Court in a stronger position isn’t help- Archbishop Gomez, who said the and all state funding stopped. ing ease Church concerns. It is ru- move “ensured that immigration President Biden has also re- moured he will ‘codify’ the ruling, enforcement in our country is bal- scinded the Muslim state travel ban meaning that even if the now con- anced and humane.” and restarted processing visa appli- servative leaning Supreme Court does There was also support for the cations from Islamic nations. find against the original judgement Development, Relief and Education These decisions ensure “those that allowed abortion, individual states for Alien Minors Act (Dreamers), fleeing persecution and seeking could still allow abortion to take place which offers a chance of condi- refuge or seeking to reunify with within their boundaries. tional residency with the right to family in the United States will not It is also accepted that the so-called work for unauthorised migrants be turned away because of what ‘Mexico City policy’ will be overturned. who enter the US as minors. Many country they are from or what reli- This blocks US funding of foreign say this act is the modern embodi- gion they practice,” said Cardinal non-governmental organisations that ment of the original ‘American Timothy M. Dolan of New York. perform and promote abortion as a form of family planning. It was introduced by President Rea- gan in 80s while on a visit to Mexico City, and is routinely upheld by Re- publicans and overturned by Democ- rats when new presidents take office. Critics of the policy call it a gag order against foreign Governments but the Trump administration said it had proven effective in channelling US funding to poorer nations’ essential healthcare services, such as vaccina- tions and maternity care. The remain in Mexico policy The Biden team is also repealing has trapped thousands of the long-standing Hyde Amendment, would-be immigrants in unsafe which outlaws federal cash from di- camps across Central America rectly funding abortion except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the woman would be endangered, in a further boost for abortion. Relief as US back on board It’s clear from this initial row that several issues could drive a wedge with Paris climate accord between the Catholic President and Catholic leaders welcomed Presi- However, the USCCB, the his Church unless some common dent Joe Biden’s announcement Catholic Climate Covenant and ground can be found. that the United States would rejoin other Catholic organisations criti- As one priest put it: “When a man the Paris climate change agreement. cised the move, arguing that climate comes to the White House pledging It means the US will work to the change posed a serious threat to to reach out to immigrants, challenge goal of net-zero carbon emissions the planet and in particular the institutionalised racism and improve by 2050, as the US Conference of poorest and most vulnerable. healthcare for the vulnerable, the Catholic Bishops has called for. Environmental groups also Church has to get behind him… only The Trump administration ar- cheered news that the controversial we have to work hard to convince gued the agreement was not benefi- Keystone XL oil pipeline from him that his abortion policies are not cial to US interests and hindered Canada to the US would be fir for a Catholic.” economic growth. scrapped. 18 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

NJPN Comment A weekend to WHO chief laments year lost put Earth first at Covid-19’s ‘anniversary’ Geoff The director general of the World Thompson Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has lamented what he The next annual conference of the called “a year lost for the world” as National Justice and Peace Net- he marked the anniversary of Covid- work (NJPN) will be held at The 19 being recognised as a major threat. Hayes Conference Centre, Swan- This week in 2020 it was revealed wick, Derbyshire 23-25th July 2021. that China had over 1,500 cases of a Yes, it’s a bit of a leap of faith in new variant of a respiratory infection – the context of the pandemic, but a coronavirus. 23 cases had been re- the planning group feels that the ported outside China. issues of the conference should Soon to be renamed Covid-19, it not be postponed for another year. has now infected over 100 million ‘2021: Life on Earth - moment of people – leading to 2.14million deaths. truth’ is the theme. As climate Dr Ghebreyesus told a media brief- change, the biodiversity crisis and ing in Geneva that the numbers are Covid-19 make clear, ecological so daunting that they can “make us conversion is becoming a matter numb to what they represent: every of life and death. Decisions to be death is someone’s parent, someone’s made this year at the November partner, someone’s child, someone’s COP26 summit in Glasgow, and in friend. the context of recovery from the “Our response must be twofold: to pandemic, are critical for salvaging mourn those we have lost, and to re- solve that each one of us will do every- a viable future. This is a year of op- A deserted St Mark’s Square in Venice portunity. thing we can to stop transmission at the height of the first lockdown We will take inspiration from the and save lives.” illustrates the impact on economic encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli He praised the work of scientists, activity of the pandemic Tutti and secular thinking on inte- saying their vaccines “are giving us gral ecology. We must seize this hope... and we must take heart, take moment of grace to look at choices hope and take action.” half of 2021, depending on vaccination In contrast, properly funding the wait. Every day that passes, the divide and changes confronting us. But he repeated his call for the rollout. But it recommends interna- Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator grows larger between the world’s haves Why not join us to: be inspired for world to share vaccines equitably, tional support for low- and middle- this year to supply vaccines globally and have nots. transformative ecological conversion adding that failure to do so would be income countries to support vaccine would cost US$ 26 billion. “I spoke to President Ramaphosa for yourself and for our communi- “a catastrophic moral failure”. rollout, and to promote economic Therefore, Dr Ghebreyesus said, “if of South Africa, and told him we are ties, nation and World; update our But, he added, it would also be an and employment recovery. we fully fund vaccines and share them doing everything we can to accelerate shared Christian witness in light of economic failure. Data from the In- The second study, commissioned equally, every $1 invested would return the rollout of vaccines in Africa, to the climate emergency and Covid- ternational Labour Organization had by the International Chamber of Com- $166 for every dollar invested.” save lives and get their economies 19; and re-imagine the justice and highlighted the impact of the pan- merce Research Foundation, makes He added: “Vaccine nationalism back on track. peace movement and our Church to demic on the global labour market. a strong economic case for vaccine might serve short-term political goals. “The rest of the world must play its meet the challenges ahead. Nearly 10 per cet of all global working equity. But it’s in every nation’s own medium part. The conference will be chaired hours were lost last year, resulting in It finds that vaccine nationalism and long-term economic interest to “The Covid-19 pandemic has re- by CAFOD’s director Christine a decline in global labour income could cost the global economy up to support vaccine equity.” minded all of us that health and eco- Allen. Marty Haugen, the liturgical equivalent to US$ 3.7 trillion. US$9.2 trillion, and almost half of “As we speak, rich countries are nomics are closely connected, and composer and pastoral musician, The ILO report projects that most that – US$ 4.5 trillion – would be in- rolling out vaccines, while the world’s that we are all in this together. We’re will lead our liturgy. Speakers will countries will recover in the second curred in the wealthiest economies. least-developed countries watch and family.” include Lorna Gold from Faith In- vest, the Spiritan priest Fr Eamonn Mulcahy and the integral thinker Priest’s body Mark Rotherham. Ethiopian Church hit by savage attack Workshops and activities will cover topics ranging from COP26 Fredrick Nzwili ken,” said the delegation. discovered to Divestment, Conflict and the Massive damage and looting has oc- It also spoke of damage to a nearby Environment, as well as look at curred in Adigrat, a diocese in Orthodox church and mosque as well after car theft biodiversity loss and the extractive Ethiopia’s semi-autonomous region as damages to church buildings. industries. of Tigray, where the Government The Catholic Church report comes Church officials in Burkina Faso have There will be age-appropriate launched a military offensive nearly amid international media reports that confirmed that the body of a man parallel programmes for young two months ago, the Ethiopian bish- churches and mosques in northern found in a remote forest is that of children and teens, as well as pro- ops’ conference has said. Tigray were attacked, with sacred missing priest Fr Rodrigue Sanon. vision of a creche. Our JUST FAIR Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel, treasures, including ancient manu- Fr Sanon had been missing for four consists of more than 20 stalls conference president, sent the dele- scripts, damaged or looted. days before his body was discovered with goods and resources, as well gation to the diocese in mid-January, The team also said the administra- after he disappeared while driving to as information and ideas about with instructions to visit and see Bish- tion offices and classroom buildings a meeting of priests. practical action. op Tefaselassie Medhin of Adigrat. at Wukro St Mary’s Catholic College Police say it is likely he was waylaid Book at www.justice-and- Fr Teshome Fikre Woldetensae, sec- an issue of concern after he was cut were broken and looted, with laptops by car thieves known to operate in peace.org.uk/ conference. For fur- retary-general of the bishops’ confer- off from the rest of the Church due to and computers stolen. the region. ther information or to book a Just ence who led the delegation, said the fighting. Trees in the college were dying, the “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm Fair stall, contact admin@justice- bishop is safe and in good health, but The delegation reported a church report indicated, after the solar panel, that the body was that of Fr Rodrigue and-peace.org.uk. All are welcome. his diocese is reeling from destruction compound in the diocese was used which provides power to supply the Sanon,” Bishop Lucas Kalfa Sanou of Though planned as an in-per- that will take a long time and cost the as a military command centre, even college with water, was stolen. Banfora announced last weekend. son event at Swanwick, if contin- church millions to repair. when the parish priests and the Delegation members spoke to offi- Bishop Sanou called on the faithful ued Covid-19 restrictions prevent Fighting in Tigray began in Novem- Daughters of St Ann were staying cials of the US-based Catholic Relief of the diocese “to pray intensely for the conference going ahead face to ber after Ethiopian Prime Minister there. The priests and the nuns wit- services, which had reached 50,000 his soul and remain confident in the face, NJPN will present the pro- Abiy Ahmed Ali sent the federal army nessed heavy fighting. people with food in Mekele. More merciful love of the Lord.” gramme, or similar, as a bookable to fight the Tigray People’s Liberation “Adigrat minor seminary building people were targeted for food distri- Fr Sanon, a priest from Souba- only online conference. Front, which he accused of attacking and water tanker (are) partly damaged bution. kaniedougou, disappeared on 19th an army base in the capital, Mekele. by the shelling fragments of the ex- At a meeting with the interim ad- January. His vehicle was found in the Geoff Thompson is the The Government recaptured the city plosives, chapel at the cemetery is ministration, Government officials Toumousseni forest, located 11 miles administrator of the National on 28th November. partly damaged, and windows ... of said 4.5 million people needed emer- from Banfora; his body was discovered Justice and Peace Network. Bishop Medhin’s safety had become the high school are damaged and bro- gency support all over Tigray. nearby soon afterwards. theCatholic Fr Michael David Fr Francis Collins Torkington Marsden The legacy of Martin Knowledge alone The Gospel of Luther King Jr. - p24 is not enough - p26 St Mark - p28

www.thecatholicuniverse.com TIMESA CATHOLIC UNIVERSE SUPPLEMENT Green New Deals need to respect diverse cultures, says archbishop

Carol Glatz In general, most proposals seek be a mistake, however, to reduce to: reduce carbon pollution; direct the economic and social teachings With a number of nations considering government investments in infra- of the Church to a generic invitation some form of a “Green New Deal” structure improvements and wind to deference towards the values of for reducing greenhouse gas emis- and solar energy; boost efficiency freedom and social justice because, sions, it is important that these of transportation systems and energy as Christians, we are called to charity efforts respect diverse cultures and usage; promote advanced technology; and universal fraternity as a joyous economic policies, and avoid im- and favour new financial instruments. observance of God’s will,” the arch- posing a “uniform” model that ends In fact, many of the programmes bishop said. up causing division, said Archbishop “do not call into question either the While many Green New Deals Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign industrial system, which historically being looked at represent the hope minister. is the source of pollution, or the fi- for a historical change of course for Current political debates about nancial (system) of the international a better future, he said, there is also the issue seem, on the one hand, markets,” but are actually pro- a focus on “certain themes that seem “to lead to a discordance of opinions grammes that tend to respond to to narrow rather than broaden envi- and, on the other, favour imposing existing economic trends with in- ronmental reflection,” thereby risking that singular cultural model” that dustrial solutions, he said. an environmentalism that becomes “unifies the world, but divides per- “We also understand that improve- “uniform and even.” sons and nations,” he said. ments in the scientific and techno- Pope Francis highlighted a similar It is important that promoting hu- logical fields help us to reduce the tendency in his encyclical Fratelli man and social development and very serious environmental problems Tutti when he wrote: “Local conflicts well-being also includes “the defence that afflict the world,” he said. and disregard for the common good The presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple 40 days after his birth and care of culture, especially if we “However, we can never be credible are exploited by the global economy is depicted in a stained-glass window. The feast of the Presentation of feel it as an indispensable instrument environmentalists without a critical in order to impose a single cultural the Lord, also known as Candlemas, is celebrated on 2nd February. for understanding the world and for eye on the modern idea of progress model. This culture unifies the world, (Catholic News Service photo/Gregory Shemitz) seeking the common good.” understood as a reassuring linear but divides persons and nations, for The archbishop spoke last Saturday progression of human possibilities ‘as society becomes ever more glob- More women scholars added to during a daylong course sponsored by way of unlimited technological alised, it makes us neighbours, but by the Centesimus Annus pro Pon- advancement.” does not make us brothers.’” Pontifical Biblical Commission tifice Foundation, which seeks to Any culture that imagines the That is why, the archbishop said, implement the teaching of St John things humanity can produce will he proposed people do their utmost Renewing the membership of the pointed to another term. Paul II’s 1991 encyclical on social be the best solution or will save the to safeguard and promote the wealth Pontifical Biblical Commission, Pope Francis appointed the and economic justice. world, he said, will end up “destroy- of human cultures that have a role to a body of scholars that engages first women to the commission in The foundation’s monthly series ing mankind and its environment.” play in promoting the common good. in research for the Congregation 2014 and renewed their appoint- of speakers and lectures will focus For the Catholic Church, the arch- The Church, which yearns for for the Doctrine of the Faith, ments. They are: Bruna this semester on The Church’s Social bishop said, humanity is asked to world peace and fraternity, strongly Pope Francis added two more Costacurta, an Old Testament Doctrine for a Green New Deal, care for creation for the common supports “an environmentalism that women experts. scholar who taught at Rome’s and Archbishop Gallagher’s lecture good, showing there is an inextricable is healthy, profound and respectful With the addition of Benedicte Pontifical Gregorian University; looked at how the Church’s social link between natural law and the of the human being,” he said. Lemmelijn, an Old Testament Spanish Sister Nuria Calduch- doctrine related to Green New Deal social order and harmony, between He asked people to make a com- scholar from Belgium, and Maria Benages, a member of the Mis- proposals and to discerning the com- creation and morality, between en- mitment to “constructive dialogue” Armida Nicolaci, a New Testa- sionary Daughters of the Holy mon good. vironmental resources and the re- that includes all sides, including the ment scholar from Italy, five Family of Nazareth, who spe- In his talk in Italian, the archbishop sponsibility of the human family. Christian perspective, which em- women are now part of the 20- cialises in Old Testament Wis- noted the various Green New Deal “The rule for the relationship be- phasises the desire to help people member commission. The Vatican dom literature and teaches at the proposals being looked at by the tween human beings and nature, open their hearts to God who creates announced the nine new members Gregorian; and Mary Healy, a European Union, the United States therefore, is not the pursuit of profit, all things and who teaches to take Pope Francis appointed, and the professor of Sacred Scripture at and the World Economic Forum, but the pursuit of the common good care of the human family and the commission posted the names of Sacred Heart Major Seminary among others. through the reasons of faith. It would world it lives in. the 11 members who were ap- in Detroit. 20 CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

In brief TALKING POINT MADRID: A young priest or- dained only six months ago was among the casualties of an ex- plosion at a parish centre in El Salvador struggles 29 Madrid. The Archdiocese of Madrid confirmed on 21st Jan- uary that Father Ruben Perez Ayala, a priest at the Church of Our Lady of La Paloma, died years after peace accords in the early hours of the morning due to internal hemorrhaging he suffered after the blast. According to the Spanish The civil conflict left 75,000 dead and at least 8,000 disappeared, Rhina Guidos reports newspaper El Pais, Fr Ruben’s death brought the death toll (left) The mural “from rifles to from the explosion to four. corn” depicts what happened in David Santos Munoz, 35, an this part of the Salvadoran electrician, died in the explosion countryside, as it evolved from a after he was called in to inspect theatre of war in the late 1970s and 1980s to a thriving the boiler room because of a agricultural area. Even though the strong smell of gas. Munoz, a 1992 peace accords stopped the married father of four, was an bloodshed from the civil war, they active member of the parish. have recently come under attack by the country’s president. (Catholic SEOUL: The Seoul Archdio- News Service photos/Rhina Guidos) cese is helping homeless people with a soup kitchen run out of (below) Salvadoran bishops, along Myongdong Cathedral. The en- with Archbishop Santo Rocco Gangemi, apostolic nuncio, ergy and chemicals division of celebrate a Mass for peace at the SK Group, the third-largest con- cathedral in San Salvador on 14th glomerate in South Korea, is January, days ahead of the 29th sponsoring the programme by anniversary of the signing of the supporting 1,400 packed lunches 1992 peace accords that ended each week. the country’s civil war. “When Pope Francis visited Myongdong Cathedral in 2014, he blessed us to be the yeast of 16th January in El Salvador’s La the Gospel,” said Father Francis Prensa Gráfica newspaper, Hector Kim Jeong-hwan, executive di- Lindo-Fuentes, a Salvadoran rector of the archdiocese’s One historian and retired Fordham Body One Spirit movement. University professor, said the “I hope that the soup kitchen accords provided a way towards will be a small yeast that the peaceful transfer of power that changes the Church and the did not exist before in the country. world into a world of warm “Before the accords, those who love beyond Myongdong and controlled the reins of government the archdiocese.” The mural in the town of La The violence of the civil war It’s a problem that Bukele and would not let go of them without Laguna depicts a rifle firmly was replaced by crime and his administration have not been violence,” he said in an interview VATICAN CITY: In a video planted into the ground but one violence from Salvadorans who able to solve. In a December 2019 published by journalist Ernesto message sent to Peruvian Bishop that, with time, becomes a tall had become gang members in the interview with the CBS news show Mejía. “Power would not change Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte of corn plant with a dove hovering US and were later deported, 60 Minutes, Bukele admitted that hands from one (political) group to Trujillo, president of the Latin nearby. returning to their country with a the gangs “have a de facto power, the other without violence.” American bishops’ council, also The mural “from rifle to corn” system of extortion that took root a real one. They charge taxes. Those who challenged the known as CELAM, Pope Fran- depicts what happened in this part and flourished among the largely They actually say, ‘OK, if you pay government were met with cis said the council’s upcoming of the Salvadoran countryside, as unprotected poor and middle class this, we’ll provide security for violence, jailed, tortured or meeting with the laity highlights it evolved from a theatre of war in of El Salvador. your business.’ They have a quasi- murdered. Catholic clergy and the importance of remaining the late 1970s and 1980s to a Politicians from the two main security force.” laity were among them, most “together with the people of thriving agricultural area, after political parties that held power But many say the failure of the famously, the archbishop of San God. This ecclesial assembly rifles and other weapons were laid following the accords abused the parties that took part in the Salvador, now St Oscar Romero, should not be a gathering of to rest with the signing of peace system for their financial gain accords is not a reason to deny that who was martyred at the start of the elite, separated from the accords in 1992. while doing little to resolve the the documents provided a the war in 1980 after speaking out holy, faithful people of God,” Almost three decades since the lawlessness that affected the lives foundation for a nascent, if in defence of the poor and he said. “Do not forget that we documents were signed on 16th of the majority. As a result, gangs imperfect, democracy in El government-sponsored violence. are part of the people of God.” January, 1992, ending decades of established deep roots in Salvador. Some say the war officially The message was sent to par- conflict and 12 years of civil war, Salvadoran society. In an interview published on began with the killing of the ticipants of a virtual meeting the accords have come under at the Basilica of Our Lady of criticism, mainly from the nation’s Guadalupe in Mexico City in current president and his preparation for the November supporters. 21st-28th Ecclesial Assembly On 17th December, 2020, of Latin America and the Salvadoran President Nayib Caribbean. According to Bukele called the accords a CELAM, the weeklong assem- “farce,” saying they had done little bly will be “an experience of to provide a sense of safety, made listening, dialogue and en- no advances in the areas of justice counter” that seeks to address or meaningful reforms in the “challenge, within the con- education, health care or other text of the Covid-19 pandemic, social programmes for Salvadorans. to revive our pastoral commit- “Why, if they were so good, did ment and to look for new paths they not benefit the Salvadoran so that we may all have life in people?” Bukele asked. “Ah, the abundance.” war stopped,” he added with sarcasm. CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21 TALKING POINT 21 www.thecatholicuniverse.com archbishop, who was fatally shot from the accords, a 9th February, as he celebrated Mass. With his 2020 event orchestrated by Bukele A man prays in front of a painting of St Oscar Romero killing, the scant opportunity to showed “a flagrant violation” of at the cathedral of San dialogue and call out injustices the spirit of the documents. Salvador, El Salvador on 14th died, too. That’s the day Bukele entered January, the day the country’s An independent press, just as the halls of the country’s bishops celebrated a Mass for fair elections, also did not exist, equivalent to the US Congress – peace, days ahead of the 29th nor did an independent Supreme the general assembly – flanked by anniversary of the signing of Court or legislative body. Those soldiers armed with machine guns the peace accords that ended problems ultimately led the nation as he tried to pressure legislators 12 years of civil war. on a path towards civil conflict to approve a £80 million package that would leave 75,000 dead and for security. at least 8,000 disappeared. The use of the military in an Lindo-Fuentes said that while attempt to coerce lawmakers, an the accords did not solve all of El action condemned internationally, Salvador’s problems, in 1992 the sought to “place the army as a killing from the war stopped. The political actor in an action that agreements between a coalition of sought to take away independence left-wing groups and El Salvador’s from the legislative power,” repressive right-wing government Lindo-Fuentes said. also provided a framework to work Some worry about what through political and ideological Bukele’s attacks signal for the differences without violence. future of El Salvador, particularly The accords also sought to if his party succeeds in gaining a change the role of the military, majority of seats in upcoming which had taken part in atrocities elections for the Legislative ordered by those in power, and Assembly on 28th February. instead reimagined a new role for Such a win “could further enable it as an institution to protect the Bukele’s worst instincts, boding ill populace, not harm it. They also for El Salvador’s democracy,” established a national office to wrote Robert Looney, a handle human rights violations, distinguished professor at the which were rampant during the Naval Postgraduate School in war. Monterey, California, in an article On 16th January, almost 200 earlier this month for World prominent Salvadorans signed a Politics Review. statement published in full-page On 14th January, the country’s ads in two of the country’s largest bishops gathered in San Salvador national newspapers supporting at the cathedral where St Romero the accords, in which the Catholic is buried and participated in a Church played a significant role. Mass to mark the World Day of Signers included Cardinal Peace that the Vatican observes on Gregorio Rosa Chavez and Bishop 1st January. Oswaldo Escobar of “Our celebration almost Chalatenango, along with three coincides with the 29th well-known Jesuits and anniversary of the Peace Accords representatives from the Lutheran, that restored hope and trust to Anglican and Baptist Churches. Salvadorans,” said Archbishop Those with different points of Santo Rocco Gangemi, the view say Bukele poses a greater apostolic nuncio to El Salvador, threat to the nation and its fragile speaking favourably of the democracy than any unfulfilled documents. ideals. He said that “like all human In the interview with La Prensa endeavours, they are subject to be Gráfica, Lindo-Fuentes said that improved upon with practice, but while he did not know what was they mark a milestone and a behind the narrative of detracting starting point.” After outcry, Salvadoran archbishop grants investigators access to archive

The Archbishop of San Salvador on the 1981 mass killing in the after criticism, reopened it, An inspection of the The judge will be issued reversed course and said on 20th town of El Mozote, where 800- though with greater limitations documents relevant to the certified copies of any material January he would allow 1,200 Salvadoran civilians, to those wanting to access it. massacre took place on 25th he considers helpful so investigators to view Church including many children, were January. authorities can pursue justice, archives related to a wartime slaughtered by government The archbishop had initially the archbishop said. massacre. forces. said the process would hurt David Morales, a lawyer with The announcement came In 1977, when St Oscar victims and also voiced concerns the human rights group following swift outcry after Romero was Archbishop of San that others would “kidnap” the Cristosal, who has prosecuted comments Archbishop José Salvador, the archdiocesan documents. the El Mozote case, had pleaded Escobar Alas made during a human rights office, Tutela “We spoke with the judge to with archbishop to reconsider news conference on 17th Legal, was a place where the precisely find out what he his initial refusal, saying the January. The archbishop poor and disenfranchised could wanted with his visit to the prelate’s statements were announced he would not grant have their stories of disappeared archive,” said Archbishop “lamentable” and based on authorities access to the or murdered loved ones Escobar. “He clarified his “disinformation.” archdiocese’s archives on human documented. The hope was to intention to help the victims of The initial refusal by the rights abuses, even though a house the information in the the massacre of El Mozote and prelate was seen as a second blow judge had issued a warrant. archive to locate the person, that at no time did he intend to to those attempting to prosecute Citing a “misunderstanding” dead or alive, or at least take with him any document. the crime since armed forces, about what the judge was document the abuses that led to “The purpose of the archives, backed by Salvadoran President asking, Archbishop Escobar said his or her killing and eventually as we have said, is to uphold Nayib Bukele, have refused to in a video released by the have the perpetrators face justice and we will support allow authorities to view any archdiocese on 20th January, justice. victims and we’re ready to help records the institution might Salvadoran Archbishop José that authorities were welcome to Archbishop Escobar abruptly Escobar Alas of San Salvador. any cases that can be have on the mass killings in view documents the Church has closed the office in 2013 but, (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) adjudicated.” which its members participated. 22 CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

Cindy Wooden VATICAN LETTER

A young woman reads during Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass on the feast of Christ the King in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on 22nd November, 2020. (Catholic News Service photo/Stefano Dal Pozzolo, pool)

Pope Francis issued a document, Spiritus Domini (The Spirit of the Lord) on 11th January, changing canon law to allow both women and men to be installed formally or “admitted on a stable basis through the prescribed liturgical rite to the ministries of lector and acolyte.”

those who have not yet received the work of evangelisation,” the it.” pope said. When instituting acolytes, the Welcoming the pope’s move, the text has the bishop tell them: “As women’s International Union of people chosen for the ministry of Superiors General said: “In many acolyte, you will have a special places women, and especially role in the Church’s ministry. The consecrated women, fulfil different summit and source of the Church’s pastoral ministries” in accordance life is the Eucharist, which builds with the guidelines of local up the Christian community and bishops. The pope’s document, makes it grow.” “with its universal character, is a The instruction notes that they confirmation of the Church’s path serve priests and deacons at the in acknowledging the service ‘of altar, but also that they are so many women who have cared instituted to distribute Communion and continue to care for the service at Mass and to the sick. of the word and the altar,’” the “In performing your ministry statement said. bear in mind that, as you share the Mercy Sister Sharon Euart, who one bread with your brothers and became a canon lawyer with sisters, so you form one body with Archbishop Borders’ them. Show a sincere love for encouragement, said she thought Lectors, acolytes: Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s some people would see the change holy people, and especially for the “as a further recognition of the weak and the sick. Be obedient to role of women in the liturgical life the commandment which the Lord of the Church; others may see it as gave to his apostles at the Last unnecessary or even undesirable.” Supper: ‘Love one another as I However, she said: “I don’t think formal installation also have loved you.’” the change is meant for every girl In most dioceses around the or woman who is currently a lector world, seminarians are the only or altar server in her parish. It is men formally installed as lectors likely that there will be some and acolytes. discernment of call, gifts and means more than When Pope Francis changed suitability for the ministry.” canon law to open the ministries to Phyllis Zagano, an expert on women, he asked the Congregation women in the Church, particularly for Divine Worship and the on the history of women deacons, Sacraments to implement the told CNS: “This is the first time service at Mass reform by amending the the Church has legally affirmed installation rites and connected that women can be near the sacred, norms. an important commentary that On 21st January, Archbishop underscores the Church teaching More than 40 years ago, then- and men to be installed formally or particularly during meetings of the Arthur Roche, secretary of the that all are made in the image and Archbishop William Borders of “admitted on a stable basis Synod of Bishops at the Vatican. congregation, told Catholic News likeness of God. Until now, there Baltimore, USA, issued a pastoral through the prescribed liturgical The requests, like the prayers Service he did not know how long has only been a finding in the early letter signalling his intention to rite to the ministries of lector and written for the installation rite for it would take. 1990s that women were included ask that the “official ministries” of acolyte.” each ministry, make it clear that Once the amendments are in ‘all laypersons’ in the canon that lector and acolyte be opened to The pope cited the request made reading the Scriptures or serving completed, it is unclear how many allowed a bishop to temporarily women. by members of the 2019 Synod of at Mass is only the most public dioceses would move to a allow any layperson to fulfil the Of course, in parishes and Bishops for the Amazon, asking part of the two ministries. widespread, formal installation of ministries of lector and acolyte. dioceses around the world, women that the Church “promote and For example, the Vatican- lectors and acolytes or how many “The ‘message,’ if you will, is were already reading the confer ministries for men and approved text of the bishop’s women would want to be installed. one of the common baptism of Scriptures at Mass, and some women in an equitable manner. instruction to those about to be Pope Francis, in a letter men and women,” she said, but women and girls were altar servers The fabric of the local Church, in installed as lectors describes the accompanying his change to canon when read alongside Pope Francis’ and extraordinary ministers of the the Amazon as elsewhere, is ministry as a “special office within law, highlighted both the symbolic frequent comments “about not Eucharist. guaranteed by small missionary the Christian community.” importance of the move – ‘clericalising’ women, it can also But when the Code of Canon Church communities that cultivate The bishop tells them: “You will recognising the equal dignity of be seen as an affront.” Law was promulgated in 1983, six faith, listen to the Word and be given a responsibility in the baptised men and women – but Still, Zagano said, “it is years after Archbishop Borders’ celebrate together close to the service of the faith, which is also how its concrete importance important to regularise canon law request, it still specified that people’s life. It is the Church of rooted in the word of God. You could vary from place to place. so that it recognises the equal permanent installation in those baptised men and women that we will proclaim that word in the “The choice to confer also to humanity of men and women, ministries was restricted to men. must consolidate by promoting liturgical assembly, instruct women these offices, which entail especially for areas of the world Pope Francis issued a document, ministries and, above all, an children and adults in the faith and stability, public recognition and a where women are still considered Spiritus Domini (The Spirit of the awareness of baptismal dignity.” prepare them to receive the mandate on the part of the bishop, chattel.” Lord) on 11th January, changing Over the years, many bishops sacraments worthily. You will renders more effective in the canon law to allow both women requested such a change, bring the message of salvation to Church everyone’s participation in I See page 30 - Journey in Faith CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21 23

Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress Questions and answers... with Fr Francis Doyle The Holy Family: Egypt or Nazareth?

Q. We have just read several My own view of the sequence of practising), were married in a lacking, the baptism is to be of heaven before human beings. accounts of the birth of Christ events – and this seems to civil ceremony. The parents were delayed…after the parents have You do not enter yourselves, nor during Masses after Christmas. harmonise the Gospel accounts of told by a priest that they had to been advised about the reason’. do you allow entrance to those In reading Luke 2:39-40 and both Matthew and Luke – is that be married in the Church before (The baptismal ceremony itself trying to enter.” Matthew 2:13-15, it appears that Jesus was presented in the Temple the infant could be baptised. I includes a pledge by the parents to Paul is even more graphic, there is a difference as to what a few weeks after his birth; then don’t think this is correct. What raise and educate the child in the observing that those who do not happened after Jesus was born. the Holy Family fled to Egypt and, does Church law say? beliefs and practices of the obey the Gospel of Christ ‘will My question is this: Did the Holy after the death of Herod, returned A. There is nothing in Church Catholic faith.) pay the penalty of eternal ruin’ Family flee to Egypt or did they to Palestine and settled in law that requires that parents be What I normally do is to meet (2 Thes 1:9). return to Nazareth? Nazareth. married in a church ceremony for half an hour individually with All sides of God’s personality A. My answer would be that Nowhere does Luke say that prior to having their child baptised each couple who are having their are on display across the pages of both things happened: Following they returned to Nazareth – although that, of course, would first child baptised. If I have not the Old and New Testaments. That the birth of the Christ Child and ‘immediately’ after the birth of be the ideal. seen them regularly in church, I having been said, it’s a fair the visit of the Magi, the Holy Jesus. Luke 2:39 simply says of In 2014, the Italian press am particularly direct in observation that, in the providence Family fled to Egypt to avoid Jesus, Mary and Joseph: ‘When reported that Pope Francis had highlighting their own of God’s progressive revelation, Herod’s persecution and then they they had fulfilled all the baptised the child of an unmarried responsibility to support the compassion and forgiveness come eventually returned to Nazareth, prescriptions of the law of the couple in a ceremony in the Sistine child’s growth in faith by their across most clearly when Jesus which was their family’s home. Lord, they returned to Galilee, to Chapel; and in 2009, while still a own Catholic practice. (Only a arrives on the scene – both in the Attempts to find a contradiction their own town of Nazareth.’ cardinal in Argentina, the pope couple of times – in more than 50 loving acts of Christ and in his in Luke’s and Matthew’s infancy Each Gospel writer was was quoted as telling the Italian years – have I sensed that this words. See, for example, John accounts are based on a false selective about the details of Jesus’ magazine 30 Giorni that “the child commitment was ‘altogether 14:1-2: ‘Do not let your hearts be understanding of the Gospels. life, according to his purposes. has absolutely no responsibility for lacking’.) troubled. You have faith in God; None of the evangelists claimed to Matthew, for example, doesn’t the state of the parents’ marriage”. have faith also in me. In my have written an exhaustive mention the presentation or the Canon law does say, though, that Q. Our parish priest has Father’s house there are many chronological account of every finding of Jesus in the Temple. for a baptism to take place, ‘there preached for years about how dwelling places.’ event in the life of Christ; they must be a founded hope that the loving, forgiving and merciful wrote for different audiences Q. I was recently asked whether infant will be brought up in the God is. But in the Old Q. I have been asked many times (Jewish Christians and gentile an infant can be baptised into Catholic religion’ (Canon 868). Testament, there are many why Catholics end the Lord’s Christians) and highlighted the Catholic Church even if his That same canon goes on to note occasions in which God destroys Prayer with “deliver us from different things. parents, although Catholic (non- that ‘if such hope is altogether men or threatens their evil”, while Protestants continue destruction (Noah’s ark and the on with “for thine is the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, kingdom”, etc. Is it because the the avenging angel with the additional phrase was not said firstborn in Egypt, etc.). by Christ when he taught the So did the nature of God prayer to the apostles? change after the birth, death and A. The original manuscripts of Resurrection of his son? Or am I the Gospel (Mt 6:9-13) end the supposed to disregard the Lord’s Prayer, as taught to the readings of the Old Testament? apostles by Jesus, with “deliver us A. You raise a perennial from evil”, and this has been the question. Not infrequently, readers Catholic version of the prayer. All of the Scriptures point to what the official ‘Catholic’ texts of the they see as a contradiction: a Bible down through the centuries wrathful, violent God of the Old have never appended the Testament versus the loving, additional verse, and Catholic and compassionate Father of the Protestant commentators are in Christian Scriptures. That, though, general agreement that it was is an oversimplification and never a part of the original text. creates a false dichotomy. As early as the year 100AD, The Old Testament does not though, the doxology beginning portray a primitive, warlike God “for thine is the kingdom” had who delights in destroying been added to some manuscripts, wrongdoers, and the Christian and it was included in the Scriptures do not present a ‘soft’ Didache, a first-century manual of God who refuses to judge and to morals, worship and doctrine in punish sinfulness. the Church. (A doxology is a short Justice and mercy are twin hymn-like verse that exalts the attributes of the Lord of all ages. glory of God.) Think, for example, of the Lord’s The doxology found its way into nearly endless patience with the the standard Protestant version of Israelites despite their recurring the Lord’s Prayer during the 16th infidelities. Consider, too, the century Reformation in England story of Jonah, whom God called under Queen Elizabeth I and has to preach a message of repentance remained a part of it ever since. to Israel’s enemies in Nineveh; In the Catholic Mass, after despite his reluctance, the Lord “deliver us from evil”, the priest used him as a messenger of divine recites the prayer that begins, mercy. “Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from Then move forward to the New every evil…” before saying, with Testament and see clear warnings the congregation, the concluding of God’s wrath against unrepentant doxology. sinners. In Matthew 23:13, for example, Jesus says: “Woe to you, I Please note that Fr Doyle scribes and Pharisees, you cannot answer readers’ personal The Flight into Egypt, by Giotto di Bondone (1304–1306, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua). hypocrites. You lock the kingdom questions through this column. 24 HIDDEN GEMS CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

Fr Michael Collins Inspiration on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A man who dedicated his life to the non-violent struggle for racial equality in the United States, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy remains crystal clear more than 50 years since his death

Over the past few weeks, anybody The national motto, ex pluribus with an interest in American unum – from the many comes the politics has been glued to events in one – is apt. On the surface, one Washington. might admire the apparent The storming of the Capitol on integration and harmony. But the 6th January by a rioting mob both events of the past few months, shocked people and instilled fear beginning with the death of for the future. George Floyd last summer, In the drama of these days, there reminds us that bigotry and is one image which stands out in intolerance simmer only slightly particular. On the evening before below the surface of those united his inauguration, President-elect states. Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect While there is a degree of Kamala Harris, with their spouses, harmonisation of skin tones, what gathered at the Lincoln Memorial has been achieved is the result of Reflecting Pool to honour the horrific suffering. memory of all who have perished For those with a long memory, as a result of the corona pandemic. the name Martin Luther King Jr. At the time, the figure of the dead stirs up particular feelings. Now had just surpassed 400,000. regarded as something of a hero, in A young nurse from Michigan, his day the controversial human Lori Marie Key, gave a beautiful rights activist stirred up visceral rendition of the hymn Amazing emotions. Grace and the new cardinal- Born in 1929, Michael King archbishop of Washington, Junior – his father changed his Gregory Wilton, read a prayer. In name to Martin Luther as a boy – Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on itself, these two figures may not was the son of a Baptist preacher Washington for Jobs and Freedom on 28th August, 1963, in Washington. have caught our interest, but there from Georgia, who for four was one thing which was decades led a black congregation less well educated than their white Ebenezer Baptist Church. impossible not to note; both were church in Atlanta. This was a counterparts and lived in great It was while studying for the black. period of racial segregation and poverty. ministry at Crozer Theological America seems to be made up of blacks were seen by many white One of Martin’s earliest College in Pennsylvania that the every colour and race. Indeed, it is people as second-class citizens. recollections was the way in which young man came in contact with this “pot-luck” which makes the The were treated as inferior and he was often forbidden to play the life and teachings of the Indian United States so interesting and is often subjected to violence. In with white children. Racial pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi. King also the cause of justifiable pride. addition, the black people were discrimination was a way of life in was encouraged by the college to the South, with blacks not allowed earn a doctorate which he was President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Lori Marie Key performs Amazing to use restaurants, toilets or travel awarded in 1955. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her Grace at Lincoln Memorial to equally on public transport with In that same year, the racial laws husband, Doug Emhoff, stand in front of the honour the victims of Covid-19. white people. Segregation was a in Georgia were challenged by a Washington Monument on 19th January, ahead of Biden’s remarks on Covid-19. fact of life. young woman, Rosa Parks, who (Catholic News Service photo/Tom Brenner, Reuters) As a teenager, Martin spent a was arrested following her refusal summer on a tobacco farm in to give up her seat to a white man Connecticut, he was surprised to on a bus in Montgomery. see how well blacks and whites got This proved the catalyst for on together. black people, who were often American slavery, which began accused of not standing up for in the 16th century under themselves, to take matters into European invaders, persisted for their own hands. A boycott of the three centuries until its abolition in bus system resulted and several 1865. But corrupt attitudes do not marches took place to challenge change quickly and inequality the discriminatory state laws. persisted. There is evidence that Martin was among the some attitudes still flourish today volunteers who helped organise in small pockets of American the demonstrations which, more society. than a year later, achieved their Although he first thought of goal of allowing black people studying law or medicine at travel equitably with white people university, Martin decided to on the bus system. become a preacher and joined his Even when the police used father as a minister at the popular force, Martin urged the protesters CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21 25

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continued to protest peaceably for human rights inside and outside the black community. In 1964, he was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year, the same year that he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On 4th April, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on a visit to Memphis. A 40-year- old escaped fugitive, James Earl Ray, confessed to the murder although he later recanted. President Lyndon B. Johnson called for a national day of mourning on 7th April. In the latter months of his life, several of Martin’s friends and supporters abandoned his philosophy of non-violence as they protested against America’s involvement in the Vietnam war. The group began to splinter. Martin decided to organise another March on Washington, this time to fight poverty. Struck down in his prime, his legacy lives on. The United States finally honoured Martin Luther King Jr. when President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded the Medal Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh, second from left, joins hands with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Edgar Chandler and Mgr Robert of Freedom at a ceremony in J. Hagarty of Chicago, far right, in 1964 at the Illinois Rally for Civil Rights in Chicago's Soldier Field. King once said: “We are caught in an Washington in 1977. Present at the inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” emotional event was the Reverend (CNS photo/courtesy University of Notre Dame) Martin Luther King Sr, the to remain peaceful and respectful. goals were set, including a As he concluded his black American girl, the poet activist’s wife and children. His gravitas diffused several minimum wage and proper impassioned plea, King laid aside laureate Amanda Gorman, Without Martin Luther Jr, Nurse heated situations and helped education. his text and spoke of his dream in overcome a speech impediment to Lori Marie’s voice would not have achieve a degree of liberty. But he In excess of 20,000 security which slavery and hatred would be recite a powerful poem: soared into the night sky above the was by no means alone, for many forces drawn from the state police replaced by freedom and peace. It Mall and Archbishop Wilton leaders emerged to encourage the and national guard were put on was to become a speech which “When victory won’t Gregory of Washington would people to stand up for their basic alert as tens of thousands of caught the popular imagination. lie in the blade, never have become the first native human dignity. marchers arrived from all over the People chanted their approval as but in all the bridges we’ve made. African American cardinal to offer Even when Martin Luther Jr. United States from dawn on 28th he repeated the refrain: “I have a That is the promise to glade, a public prayer as the lamps lit for was praised for his part in ending August. dream.” As he repeated his the hill we climb if only we dare. the dead and bells tolled across racial discrimination, the preacher Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle of rhetorical dream, did the preacher It’s because being American is America. always acknowledged Rosa Parks Washington led the invocation look to the steps of the Capitol and more than a pride we inherit. And from Ireland we watched as as the “true mother of the Civil after which nine speakers, all male see a vision of a black Asian It’s the past we step into one of our descendants turned in Rights movement.” but one, gave orations, culminating woman sworn in as the first female and how we repair it. prayer to ask God to help him Martin married a fellow racial in Dr Martin Luther King’s Vice-President of the United serve his fellow Americans, rights activist, Coretta Scott, in speech. States, or could he hear a young Martin Luther King Jr. whatever colour their skin colour. 1953 and the couple had four children. Despite his many marital The plaza at the Martin infidelities, Coretta was her Luther King Jr. Memorial in husband’s staunchest ally and Washington. The statue supported him when police began carved by the Chinese to target him for breaking State sculptor Lei Yixin was laws. Her bravery in the face of inspired by a line from the intimidation and death threats March on Washington matched her husband’s speech “out of the determination. mountain of despair, a The culmination of the stone of hope.” movement to end segregation and obtain equal working conditions came on 28th August, 1963, when close on quarter of a million people marched on the Capitol in Washington. While three quarters of the marchers were black, a quarter were white. The event had been planned for two years and the organisers were anxious that it would pass off peacefully. Two months before the march, on 22nd June, the organisers met with President J.F. Kennedy, who warned them of the dangers of bringing large numbers to the city. He also expressed fear that Communists, broadly disliked in political circles, would infiltrate the crowds and incite violence. But in the end, Kennedy did not stand in their way. Despite differences of priorities among the organisers, a number of 26 CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

David Torkington MYSTICAL THEOLOGY Knowledge alone is not enough

At their last meeting, the academic had not received love, he found it After several years of intensive read- James Robertson was deeply moved difficult to build up friendships, dif- ing I emerged with a wholly new by the hermit Peter Calvay whose ficult to let others love him, never and exciting vision, only to realise advice he sought, but there was one mind love them. That is why he felt with disappointment, that the vi- question that remained in his mind insecure and behaved so immaturely sionary remained unchanged. If to ask Peter the following day. Peter on occasions. He was quite aware knowledge of God could not change had said: “There is all the difference of his character problems and knew me, what about knowledge of hu- in the world between knowing that the reasons why. But as he explained mankind? Christ had after all iden- we are loved and experiencing being himself, knowledge alone is not tified himself with man and surely loved.” Without hesitation Peter said enough. It may give insight into this was what the Gospel was all that he meant what he said, but the yourself, but it does not give you about? Wasn’t this the meaning of distinction has important implications the power to change. the Incarnation? That God had iden- for the spiritual life. He went on to tified himself in Christ with the explain. Her love made him neighbour in need. I was at Strawberry Hill at the believe he was loveable I became a dedicated exponent of teachers’ training college near Twick- Mark went to the States to do a the tenets of the social Gospel with enham Station in London, staying postgraduate course. It was there all the verve and vigour of a new with a lecturer and his wife. There that he met his future wife. I met convert. However, my practice did were six other students and a young him just before coming out here to not measure up to my preaching. psychology lecturer called Mark, live the life of a hermit, and he told My enthusiasm changed with the all staying in the same house. Mark me what falling in love did for him. seasons, only to become snowed up and I found we had a lot in common He said that for the first time in his in winter when my inner reserves “Through faith we believe God and a deep friendship grew up be- life, he did not just know, but rather of philanthropic energy hardened loves us. We know he loves us; there can be no doubt about that.” tween the two of us. He was a bril- he experienced through her love and froze over. There was still a liant lecturer and I often went with that he was loveable. He said the flicker of flame in my head, but no in search of wisdom, as if my expe- I do not want to give the impres- him to the many outside engagements experience was like someone breath- fire in my belly. Knowledge of God rience was a carbon copy of his sion that I am anti-intellectual, he that he accepted. ing the breath of life into him for had failed me. Knowledge of hu- own, which it could not possibly said, or that I despise contemporary the first time. He came alive through mankind had failed me too. Then it have been. learning. On the contrary, I have A major security problem her love and was beginning to dis- suddenly struck me like a flash of “When will we ever learn?” Peter advised many correspondents to go Wherever he went he would always cover a deep security, an inner lightning. Why hadn’t I seen it be- said. on for higher studies and several to begin by belittling his competence, strength to throw away the defence fore? The words of the Delphic Or- Believe me every age has its own study sociology. Only a month ago assuring his audience that he felt mechanisms with which he had sur- acle rang out loud and clear in my solutions to the world’s problems, I told someone to consult a psychi- sure they knew far more about the rounded himself over the years, and mind. ‘Know thyself’. with its own secular prophets, each atrist because I realised she needed subject than he did. If the contents really start becoming himself. with their own brand of infallibility the sort of competent professional and delivery of his material did not It is exactly the same with our re- Know thyself and their own political correctness help that I was unable to give. All I blatantly belie his preamble, you lationship with God. Through faith Of course, it was obvious. I had that you challenge at your peril. am trying to do is to reiterate and could not have blamed his audience we believe God loves us. We know been blind all along. The real prob- They always think they can change underline that no branch of human if they stood up and walked out be- he loves us; there can be no doubt lem was within me. Knowledge of the world when they have not even learning will ever answer our deepest fore he even started. about that. We can list all the gifts myself would set me free. Surely begun to change themselves. needs. They may expose them, but I think it was what I originally that have been showered on us to this was the spiritual philosopher's Peter paused for a moment, gently they will never fulfil them. took for genuine humility in Mark prove it, enumerate not only what stone for which I had been searching: moving his head from side to side, After listening intently, James that initially drew me to him. It was he has said, but what he has actually it was self-knowledge. his lower lip lapping tightly over Robertson told Peter that he agreed only later that I came to realise that done. No matter how indisputable I went away for a year before the upper lip as he mused sadly on with him and was grateful for every- he took a morbid delight in deni- it is, or logically incontestable or going to Harvard to do a course in the tragedy of the human predica- thing he was learning, but he was a grating himself. It was only because even scientifically provable, it will pastoral psychology and counselling. ment. bit disappointed when he found that we had grown close that I was able not deeply affect us. Knowledge You name it, we did it: Group dy- the truth did not set him free. “Oh, to ask him why he always apologised alone is not enough. Knowledge namics, sensitivity sessions, personal Love to give, not just but it does!” said Peter. “Truth is and ran himself down in front of alone will never change anyone per- analysis tutorials and counselling dreams to share not just a body of facts, Truth is a others. “I suppose I have what we manently for the better. But the ex- techniques. I know the course did You would wonder how generation Person. In God, Truth and Love are psychologists call a security problem. perience of being loved will. me a lot of good, My faults, my after generation of rational animals one and the same, both light and I am a classic case.” failings, my problems of character, could fail to see a truth so obvious, life. The Ultimate Truth not only He told me something about his Knowledge alone is not enough even my personal idiosyncrasies so simple, that even a child knows shows you yourself as you are, but childhood, about his parents and how James Robertson begins honestly could be explained with detailed it by instinct, even before the age of as you ought to be. But further to he believed they did try their best to give an account of himself to analysis of my childhood. At first, reason. We want to know fulfilment; this – it not only gives you vision, for him. There was no doubt that Peter. the experience was shattering. After we want to experience joy, we want but also the inner power and strength they loved him. He was sure of it. I believed that knowledge alone the first few weeks I ended up like to be lifted out of ourselves into to fashion that vision into reality.” However, because of some Victorian was enough. But I could see now Humpty Dumpty in pieces on the endless ecstasy and share our com- Once again Peter’s wisdom as- hang-up, they were prepared to go that no amount of knowledge without floor, but bit by bit I was put together pletion with others. The only drink tounded James Robertson. He spent to any lengths to avoid spoiling him. love would ever enable me to find again, the better for my experience, that can slake our burning inner the night going over what Peter had They shunned all manifestations of the true wisdom for which I I am sure. thirst is the living waters of uncreated said and what he wanted to ask him affection. He was never kissed, never yearned. Before I went to Harvard At the end of the year I felt liber- love. It is only under the influence the following day. The story will be caressed, never held close or cuddled. to study for my doctorate in law I ated. The truth had indeed set me of this intoxicating draft that we continued next week. will ever be able to see ourselves, All physical expressions of love were spent three years studying theology free. It was only gradually as the I David Torkington’s latest book, prohibited, even though it went against at Notre Dame. It was there that I weeks went by, that I realised once not only as the psychiatrist sees us How To Pray - A Practical Guide to the grain. Naturally, all this came relentlessly searched for the truth, more that knowledge alone was not – as we are – but as we are meant to the Spiritual Life, published by out during his training. for spiritual wisdom. I identified enough. The psychological knowl- be. It will give us the strength to Our Sunday Visitor is on sale from As he looked back over his past, wisdom with knowledge and sought edge I gained about myself was grow into our true selves from the today (29th January). He is also he could see quite clearly, without it out with all the urgent intensity true, but it did not give me the ruins that we are now. Then we will the author of Wisdom from the a shadow of doubt that his parents of an alchemist in search of the power to change myself. It showed be able to reach out to others with Western Isles - The Making of a loved him. He was absolutely con- philosopher’s stone. me all the blemishes but it did not the genuine hand of fraternity, to Mystic, Wisdom from The vinced of it, but they never showed The haphazard plundering of dusty remove them. At the end of it all I give of ourselves totally in love to Christian Mystics - How to Pray the neighbour in need, because we the Christian Way and Wisdom their love. He never experienced mystical tomes gradually gave way was back to square one. from Franciscan Italy - their love and that made a big, big to the feverish desire to lay hands Peter smiled and nodded when I have love to give, not just dreams The Primacy of Love. difference to his life. Because he on the latest theological paperbacks. told him something of my odyssey to share. See www.davidtorkington.com CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21 27

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FOOD FROM SCRIPTURE Ellis Heasley Fish – at the centre of PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE In Nigeria young children from New Testament stories, Du Merci centres are forcibly relocated to an unknown area a symbol of Christianity On 18th January, authorities however, these recent in Nigeria’s Kano state developments make it clear forcibly relocated Emmanuel, that the Kano state Mercy and Destiny Tarfa, all authorities have no intention Nancy Wiechec perished quickly, it was often slices. Pat the fish dry with a paper aged four, from the of ceasing their campaign preserved by salting and drying or towel. Drizzle olive oil over the government-run children’s against the Du Merci centres. Fish stories capture our attention pickling. Although the Bible outside and inside the fish. Season home in which they were Reports initially suggested with suspense and metaphor. We comes up short in providing actual each, outside and inside, with a staying to an unknown rural that all of the Du Merci love to hear about the big catch or recipes, the last chapter of John’s few pinches of sea salt. Place two location. The relocations children aged between four the one that got away. Gospel recounts how fresh fish sprigs of thyme and two lemon mark the latest in the and ten were to be taken to an In fact, fish are at the centre of was cooked. slices inside the fish, cover them authorities’ lengthy campaign unspecified rural area on 18th some favourite Bible stories – “When (the disciples) climbed with plastic wrap and set aside at of targeting of the Du Merci January, while the others Jonah and the great fish, the out on shore, they saw a charcoal room temperature while you orphanages, where the aged between ten and 15 multiplication of the loaves and fire with fish on it and bread. ... prepare the grill. children were initially seized would be sent to a separate fishes, Jesus appealing to Jesus said to them: ‘Come, have Clean the grill grate well to from, and more are expected rural facility at an unknown fishermen to become his disciples. breakfast’” (Jn 21:9-12). prevent the fish from sticking. to take place. date. While it seems that most Among the oldest of trades, This recipe requires a fresh catch Prepare a fire using wood or Emmanuel, Mercy and of the younger children were fishing flourished along the Sea of and follows that method. Both fish charcoal briquettes. It’s ready for Destiny were among 27 not transferred on 18th Galilee at the place and time of and bread are subtly flavoured cooking when the coals are children seized in armed January as expected, there is Jesus’ public ministry. Fish, with olive oil, sea salt and a hint of glowing, about 25 minutes after police raids on the Du Merci still serious concern that they fishers and fishermen are smoke. starting the fire. Using long tongs, orphanages in Kano and will be moved soon. specifically mentioned more than carefully spread the hot coals in a Kaduna states which took The relocations only 30 times in the New Testament. GRILLED FISH AND BREAD single layer under the grill plate. If place in December 2019. As heighten concerns for the After the Resurrection, the fish Start to finish: About 1 hour. using a gas grill, preheat it to regular readers of this column children’s physical and became a symbol of faith. Fish Servings: 4. 500oF (260oC), then turn the may be aware, Professor psychological wellbeing, as depictions were used as secret Fresh-caught white bass, perch, temperature to medium before Richard Solomon Musa they continue to be separated signs to mark the meeting places trout or mackerel work well with cooking. Tarfa, who co-founded the from the adults they consider and tombs of early Christians who this recipe. You can substitute fish Brush olive oil onto both sides orphanages with his wife their parents, and have now did not want to be discovered by fillets. Put the lemon slices and of each bread slice. Sprinkle a bit Mercy in 1996, was detained been taken away from their their persecutors. thyme on top of the fillets, use a of sea salt on one side of each. during the first of the raids, older siblings. It was Christ himself who made grill basket to keep everything Place the bread and the lemon which took place on Please pray for all the the connection between fishers and together and adjust the grill time halves (cut side down) on the grill. Christmas Day. children from the Du Merci followers. as noted below. Flip the bread slices after about While eight of the older centres, asking God to draw “Jesus said to them: ‘Come after 2 lemons; two minutes and grill the other children were released into near to them and comfort me, and I will make you fishers of 4 whole fish about 12-14 inches side. When the bread is nicely the custody of the Kano them. Pray especially for men’” (Mk 1:17). long – gutted and cleaned; toasted, remove it and lemon Chapter of the Christian Emmanuel, Mercy and Anyone who fishes knows it 3-4 tablespoons quality olive oil; halves from the grill and set aside. Association of Nigeria (CAN) Destiny as they face intense requires commitment, skill and 8 sprigs of fresh thyme; Place the fish on the grill and in April 2020, the remaining fear at such a young age. patience. As the rod and reel folk Sea salt; cook each side for seven to 10 children have been housed in Please also ask God to like to say: “Good things come to 4 thick slices of sourdough or minutes. Use a large metal spatula the government-run comfort and strengthen those who bait.” Discipleship ciabatta bread. to turn the fish. Grilling time will Nasarawa Children’s Home Professor Tarfa and his wife demands similar traits. depend on the size and thickness ever since. During this time Mercy, and all those fighting Fish was a prominent protein of Cut one lemon in half crosswise. of your fish and the temperature of they have been prevented to reunite these parents with Jesus’ time. Yet, because fish Cut the other lemon into eight thin your grill. The fish are done when from leaving the home to their children. the meat flakes attend school or church. Finally, please pray that easily away from Some of the children have God would change the hearts the bones. Fillets also reported experiencing and minds of those in power will cook much mistreatment and even in Kano state so that they faster, about four to violence whilst in the home, would end their campaign six minutes on each including one instance in against the Du Merci centres, side. which one of the older Du dropping all charges against Place the fish on Merci residents was Professor Tarfa, and a serving platter physically assaulted by returning all the Du Merci and squeeze the security officers in the children to their rightful juice from the presence of a government homes. grilled lemon over official. the top of the fish. Another child remains Serve with the hospitalised following a fire in grilled bread and a the government orphanage in green salad. which he suffered first degree burns to the face, hands, body, and legs. Following the accident, other residents in Grilled rainbow the home falsely accused the trout is Du Merci children of having accompanied by started the fire deliberately. toasted bread. Professor Tarfa was finally Fresh trout are released on bail in December perfect for cooking Four of the youngest children 2020, after repeated and with Professor Tarfa. over an open fire. excessive delays in his case; (Catholic News Service (Photo: CSW) photo/ Nancy Wiechec) 28 CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

Fr Francis Marsden CREDO The Gospel according to Mark

Green vestments on Sundays Were these paragraphs which they way from memory, for his one early centuries. signifies that we are back in really didn’t want Sunday concern was neither to omit nor to Mark aimed to provide a simple Ordinary Time. In this Year B, our Massgoers to hear? They include: falsify anything that he had report of Jesus’ life and character. Gospel readings are taken mostly The exorcism of the Gerasene heard.” It is popular storytelling, the most from St Mark, so some demoniac. The beheading of St Most scholars place the writing direct of the Gospels, “a transcript background points about Mark John the Baptist. The Corban of Mark’s Gospel in Rome, around from life” (Westcott). It begins may be helpful. dispute with the Pharisees. The the time of Peter’s death (64-67 with a stark declaration of faith: In the three-year Lectionary Feeding of the Four Thousand. AD) but before the fall of “The beginning of the Gospel of cycle, Year A takes readings Jesus heals a blind man at Jerusalem in AD 70. It is basically Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” mostly from Matthew, Year C Bethsaida in two stages. Jesus Peter’s memoirs, his vivid It is full of human realism. from Luke. In Advent and heals a boy possessed by an unpolished eye-witness account, Jesus is moved with compassion, Christmas, Lent and Eastertide the unclean spirit. Third Prophecy of via the pen of Mark. with strong displeasure (1;43), pattern is broken, and the Gospel the Passion. The cursing of the fig He is probably the John Mark surprise at disbelief (6;5), he of John is read where appropriate. tree. The question of authority. Is who accompanied Paul and sighs deeply (8:12), indignation According to the General David’s Son the Messiah? Barnabas on the first missionary (10:14) and love (10:21). Instruction on the Lectionary, the It is true that some of these journey, then went with Barnabas Matthew and Luke, in Sunday readings were chosen passages are difficult to explain to Cyprus. Later he was with Paul comparison, are inclined to tone according to principles of pastorally. Does that really justify during his imprisonment in Rome. down or omit Mark’s eye-witness “harmony” and of “semi- their complete omission? One of Paul asked for him in 2 Tim 4:11, details, and smooth over any continuous reading.” the boasts of the post-Vatican II his last letter, while he was criticisms of the Apostles. However, not all Sundays in Sunday Lectionary was its awaiting execution. The first few chapters of Mark Ordinary Time appear in any one inclusivity, yet it seems Mark writes for a Gentile portray Jesus’ activity bursting like year. For example, this year, after deliberately to censor out certain Christian audience, not for a whirlwind upon the somnolent the Sixth Sunday (14th February) hard passages. Enough said. Let us converted Jews. The Roman Galilean countryside. It is the we hit Ash Wednesday and Lent. return to St Mark: location is supported by the use of sudden irruption of Divine Power We emerge back into the Eleventh In the early second century Latin loanwords in the Greek text. into our fallen human world – Sunday in Ordinary Time on 13th Bishop Papias of Hierapolis wrote: Mark explains for his Roman healings, exorcisms, preaching June. This year Ordinary Sundays “Mark, having become Peter’s readers Aramaic terms like with authority, miracles, the 7-10 are suppressed by interpreter, wrote down whatever Ephphata (Be thou opened) and display of a higher wisdom, follow Lent/Easter, Pentecost, Trinity and he [Peter] remembered of what Talitha kumi (Little girl, rise up). each other in rapid succession. Corpus Christi. Certain Sundays – was said or done by the Lord, For its first 40 years the Church Jesus is mighty in word and St Mark the evangelist. This the 9th and 10th – are hardly ever however not in order. For he had no written Gospels. The mighty in deed. window by Charles Eamer Kempe in Wells Cathedral depicts the celebrated, only if Easter is [Mark] was not a hearer of the faithful depended upon the oral The crowds flood in, yet Jesus saint with his symbol, the lion. unusually early or late. This Lord or a follower of his. He preaching and teaching of the remains curiously reticent about disrupts the “semi-continuous” followed Peter, as I have said, at a Apostles and disciples – Sacred his true identity. He silences the term had political and military Gospel readings. later date, and Peter adapted his Tradition. The most important demons who cry out: “I know who overtones for his Jewish Those of a critical mindset instruction to practical needs, parts of this Oral Tradition – but you are, the Holy One of God.” contemporaries. Furthermore, He check the verse numbers of the without any attempt to give the not all – were crystallized for Mark is often called “the Gospel wanted to allow people to come to readings at Mass, and grow Lord’s words systematically. So posterity by the writers of the New of the Messianic secret.” their own realisation of his suspicious when particular verses that Mark was not wrong in Testament books. Oral and written Jesus did not announce His identity. “But who do you say that are omitted. The complete Bible writing down some things in this Tradition ran in parallel during the Messiahship publicly, because the I am?” He asks his apostles at enables us to see what the 1970 Caesarea Philippi (Mk 8:29). The Lectionary compilers were real meaning of his Messiahship, reluctant to let us hear at Sunday of his role as the Anointed One of Mass. God, becomes clear only with his Looking through the Year B Death and Resurrection. Sunday extracts from Mark’s Mark’s theology focuses – as Gospel, it becomes apparent that does Jesus’ – on the Kingdom of some sections are reasonably God. “Repent and believe the omitted because they duplicate Good News!” is the opening cry. readings from year A (Matthew) or That Kingdom is the influx, the Year C (Luke). rule of divine grace in the hearts After all, Mark’s Gospel has of human beings. only 661 verses. Of these 606 also Mark uses various appear in Matthew, and 320 in Christological titles: Son of God, Luke. Both Matthew and Luke Son of David, Suffering Servant, probably had Mark’s Gospel – the the Suffering Just One. earliest – in front of them when Jesus’ favourite title for Himself they were writing. This leads to was “Son of Man.” In Hebrew this the exhaustively over-examined was bar adam, signifying a Synoptic Problem – the genuine member of the human interrelationship of these three race. In the Book of Daniel (7:13- Gospels – which I will pass over 14), however, it refers to a glorious today. eschatological figure who will Additionally the Marcan return at the end of time, upon sequence is broken for five whom eternal dominion and Sundays (17th-21st), when instead kingship will be bestowed by God, we hear Jesus’ discourse on the the Ancient of Days. bread of life, the Eucharist, from Mark gives us Jesus as the John 6. healer, the wonderworker, the However, the 1970 Lectionary teacher, the exorcist, the forgiver compilers puzzlingly omit some of sins, and finally the Crucified sections either unique to Mark, or The Beheading of St John the Baptist (1608) by Caravaggio. The imprisonment and brutal death of St John the and Risen One, as we shall see even common to all three Gospels. Baptist is recorded in three of the Gospels, although St Mark’s (6:17-29) account is the most detailed. during this year. CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21 29 www.thecatholicuniverse.com

SUNDAY WORSHIP Such authority is to be found in Jesus

31st January, 2021 raises the lowly and fills the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary hungry with good things, that Time includes within the community those who have been living on the First Reading: Deuteronomy edge, the power that forgives those 18:15-20 who have done nothing to deserve Moses predicts the coming of a forgiveness. This is the power of future prophet greater than the good Samaritan who took care himself. of his fellow traveller even though Moses said to the people: “The he was a Jew; it is the power of the Lord your God will raise up for Father who welcomed his you a prophet lie me from among returning son, the prodigal, who your own people; you shall heed had messed up; it is the power of such a prophet. This is what you the widow who in giving two requested of the Lord your God at copper coins to the temple treasury Horeb on the day of the assembly gave everything she had. Within when you said: ‘If I hear the voice the gospel’s vision of life, these of the Lord my God any more, or are the exercises of power that ever again see this great fire, I will confer authority. die.’ Not all power is worthy of being Then the Lord replied to me: recognised as authoritative. The ‘They are right in what they have imposing figure of G.K. said. I will raise up for them a Chesterton, the English writer and prophet like you from among their wit, was, apparently often seen own people; I will put my words in squeezed behind a table in London the mouth of the prophet, who restaurants. During one of his shall speak to them everything that literary lunches, Chesterton was I command. Anyone who does not Jesus restores a man expounding on the relationship heed the words that the prophet possessed of a demon. between power and authority. He shall speak in my name, I myself described the difference in these will hold accountable. But any anxieties. The unmarried man is authority! He commands even the act of Jesus in Mark’s gospel. terms: ‘If a rhinoceros were to prophet who speaks in the name of anxious about the affairs of the unclean spirits, and they obey According to Mark, Jesus first enter the restaurant now, there is other gods, or who presumes to Lord, how to please the Lord; but him.” At once his fame began to appeared on the scene as an no denying he would have great speak in my name a word that I the married man is anxious about spread throughout the surrounding authoritative teacher, as someone power here, but I should be the have not commanded the prophet worldly affairs, how to please his region of Galilee. whose teaching, whose word, first to rise and assure him that he to speak-that prophet shall die.'” wife, and his interests are divided. could deliver people from their had no authority whatever.’ And the unmarried woman or girl The authority that demons, from the forces that were For us as Christians, Jesus Responsorial: from Psalm 94 is anxious about the affairs of the liberate sets us free oppressing them and leaving them remains the ultimate authority. (R./): If today, you hear his Lord, how to be holy in body and We have all had teachers in the diminished as human beings. Like the people of Capernaum, we voice, harden not your hearts. spirit; but the married woman is course of our lives, at primary Jesus was recognised as recognise his authority, the Come, ring out our anxious about worldly affairs, how school, at secondary school, at someone who taught with authority of his teaching and his joy to the Lord; to please her husband. I say this third level or in other less formal authority. The word ‘authority’ has deeds, the authority of his life, hail the rock who saves us. for your own benefit, not to lay educational contexts. Some of received a rather negative press in death and resurrection. That is Let us come before him, any restraint upon you, but to those teachers we might prefer to recent times. Various ‘authority why we confess Jesus not just as giving thanks, promote good order and to secure forget, but others we remember figures’ have been criticised, often our teacher but as our Lord. We with songs let us hail the Lord. your undivided devotion to the with great fondness. Some of them with good reason. Yet, in Jesus are happy to submit to his (R./) Lord. had a significant influence for people experienced an authority authority, to his lordship, because Come in, let us kneel good on us. They inspired us with that they found attractive, an we recognise that in doing so we and bend low. Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 a love for the subject that they authority that, in the words of the will have life to the full, and, like Let us kneel before When Jesus heals the man in taught and we may have gone on gospel, left them so astonished the man in the gospel, be freed of the God who made us Capernaum, people recognise the to study it ourselves. They shared that they started asking each other those spirits that prevent us from for he is our God and we power of his message. some expertise with us and what it all meant. becoming the person God intends the people who belong Jesus and his disciples went to encouraged us to head off in a Jesus was recognised as a person us to be. There can be great to his pasture, Capernaum; and when the sabbath direction of our own. of authority because of the word reluctance today to submit to the flock that is led by his hand. came, he entered the synagogue In today’s gospel the people of that he spoke and the impact for anyone. The value of personal (R./) and taught. They were astounded Capernaum recognise Jesus who good of that word on others. autonomy is highly prized and O that today you would at his teaching, for he taught them had come to their synagogue as a Ultimately, his authority was sought after. Yet, it is not possible listen to his voice! as one having authority, and not as teacher, and not just another rooted in God, in the Spirit of God to live without submitting to some ‘Harden not your hearts the scribes. Just then there was in teacher but a teacher who was very that descended upon him at his authority even if it is the authority as at Meribah, their synagogue a man with an different to the teachers they had baptism. The first public words he of the self. What matters is to as on that day at unclean spirit, and he cried out: grown used to, the scribes, the spoke after his baptism were, ‘the submit to the right authority and Massah in the desert “What have you to do with us, experts in the Jewish Law. His reign of God, the power of God, is today’s gospel suggests that such when your fathers Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come teaching, we are told, ‘made a deep at hand.’ God’s life-giving, authority is to be found in the put me to the test; to destroy us? I know who you are, impression on people, because, liberating power was working person of Jesus. [Martin Hogan] when they tried me, though the Holy One of God.” But Jesus unlike the scribes, he taught them through him, and, so, he was they saw my work.’ (R./) rebuked him, saying: “Be silent, with authority.’ The people in the recognised by others as I Published by kind permission of and come out of him!” And the synagogue exclaimed: ‘Here is a authoritative. The power of God’s The Association of Catholic Second Reading: 1 Corinthians unclean spirit, convulsing him and teaching that is new and with love working through him gave Priests, an association for 7:32-35 crying with a loud voice, came out authority behind it.’ him that authority which people Catholic Priests who wish to have Paul promotes celibacy, to of him. This journey of Jesus to the found so attractive and so new. a forum, and a voice to reflect, discuss and comment on issues focus one’s undivided attention to They were all amazed, and they synagogue where he taught with Jesus defines authority as the affecting the Church and society the Lord. kept on asking one another: “What authority and healed a man with exercise of God’s life-giving and today. See www.associationof I want you to be free from is this? A new teaching-with an unclean spirit is the first public liberating power, the power that catholicpriests.ie 30 CatholicTIMES supplement 29.01.21

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Chris McDonnell JOURNEY IN FAITH An open door?

I make no apology for returning to much more than the words we them, the parish community has a subject that I have mentioned a utter or listen to. Community is not met need and is seen at number of times in recent months, built on mutual experience and we superfluous to the requirement of our parish life for the parish is a are poorer when that is missing. their daily lives. Add to that the place of belonging, a place where The gathering of different parish mobility of families who can just roots often search deep into the groups in the Eucharistic as easily drive to another parish soil, where birth has been given, community brings sustenance to should the mood so take them. life passed and death experienced. all who participate. This exercise of choice has had a At least, it used to be. So what of the future? How will counterpart in the parish hopping At one time it was not parishes function when easier from one televised Mass to uncommon for a person to have times return? How big will they another. lived their whole life within the be? How big do we want them to We might live within the boundaries of a particular parish, be? In so many aspects of life boundaries of a parish, but more lived, worked and loved on one there is an optimum group size. than likely our work takes us particular patch of land. There When that is reached, the group farther afield. Where we work is they knew the lanes and fields, the divides and smaller groups follow within another community of hills and streams that gave them a sustainable pattern, renewed and interest, it is another call on our sustenance week by month by refreshed by the experience. time, another allegiance. year. It is worth remembering that Such group identity depends on The image that accompanies beyond our Catholic parishes the relationships that aren’t just a these words is of an open village whole of England is divided into matter of number totals but thrive church door with a key in the lock, over 10,000 areas of land defined on the knowledgeable my own parish church. It gave rise by legally drawn parish boundaries. understanding, one with another. recently to this brief poem. With the industrial development It comes as no surprise that over of our towns and cities, things many years there has been a drive Door ajar changed. Churches were to reduce class sizes in our Lying on its back, established in urban communities schools. The teacher-pupil bond is white against the mid-evening sky, to meet the needs of an ever- enhanced in smaller groups which the thin curve of a lost Moon growing population. That greater encourage learning. Questions can hung over the fence. mobility has continued apace and be asked and answers offered with attachment to a geographical confidence. Lying lost in early May locality diminished in Isn’t parish life an instance of motionless without speech consequence. learning, a place where we feel silent in the desert, a door ajar We often talk of the ‘Parish safe to ask questions and hopefully in this darkness of night. Community’ without bothering to listen in expectation to some examine just what it is, how it honest answers? Maybe it should Parish communities have reacted functions and if it is fit for also be considered a place to give. in a great variety of ways to the purpose. So the issue of their size and the coronavirus pandemic, some I would suggest that there is not nature of the smaller constituent showing an enormous care and a single parish community but a groups becomes important. Many concern for each other, others a number of groups gathered may not return to a regular Mass lack-lustre response to what is a step on the way. Rome as a final appeal backstop. together to form a larger whole. attendance after the current hiatus. major crisis. The jury is out on As so many parishes have Before this change, the law said The experience of the Covid-19 Many will question the integrity of whether or not the closure of already moved in this direction, that “lay men who possess the age crisis has led to a re-examination the parish as a viable unit of church buildings should be part of this is only a matter of legality and qualifications established by of terms and relationships in a practice. present lockdown requirements. catching up with practice, but an decree of the conference of quite fundamental manner, Priests in past years were often Will we have learnt anything important one. At least, those few bishops can be admitted on a Consider for example, our tasked by their bishops with two from the painful experience of recalcitrant priests and bishops stable basis through the prescribed Sunday Eucharist, that time when targets; build a church for the recent months or, when it is over, who wished to adhere to liturgical rite to the ministries of we came together to share in people and establish a parish will we seek to rebuild an outdated traditional ways no longer have lector and acolyte.” spoken word and sung praise the school. It was the focus of so much structure not really fit for purpose? Lector and acolyte are publicly Gospel message, a time to share in communal activity. Whose parish is it? People and recognised ministries instituted by the Eucharistic presence of the With the growing crisis in the priests come and go, each making the Church. ‘Men’ have become Risen Christ. What about the rest priesthood, the advancing age a contribution a community ‘persons’ as another small step is of the week, how do we use our profile has led to difficult gathered round a church. For those taken in recognition that half of churches, what is their place in a decisions. Gone are the days when parishes that have the space for the world’s population is female. secular society? It is heartening to a parish had a priest assisted by suitable burial land it becomes a The key in the lock of the see that cathedrals are now two or three curates. Parishes have significant resting place when Church door must remain unturned offering their great space as been treated as ‘units of numbers’ their days are done, a place of and the door ever open to welcome vaccination centres. as one without a priest has been memorial can be found for anyone who may wish to walk A number of parishes have pressed into a hastily arranged families and friends to visit, lay through and share in the Gospel resorted to the internet to offer marriage of convenience with their flowers and offer prayer. invitation of the Risen Lord. those unable to attend Mass an next door neighbours. And this Hopefully the fuss over girls opportunity of prayer. Without solution to a real problem is no serving Mass and women reading Alexis Carra proclaims the first doubt, this has met a particular real solution at all. We have the liturgy of the word in parish reading during a Mass for young need. But it has consequences. The experienced the diocesan-parish celebration has finally been settled adults at St Patrick's Cathedral in ‘togetherness’ of the community model for so long that it has by the recent change in canon law New York City in this December has not been experienced in the blinkered our vision. to allow women to serve as lectors 2016, file photo. On 11th January, physical presence of others, the If the elderly do not resume their and acolytes. The recent papal Pope Francis ordered a change to exchange of a smile or the touch of place in the pews in coming document Spiritus Domini should the Code of Canon Law so that a handshake or hug, have been months, then their absence will be be seen as the latest moment in a women may be formally instituted missed. It has led to the realisation noticeable, for so many others long-term process to de-clericalise as lectors and acolytes. (Catholic News service photo/ that sharing in the Eucharist is have already walked away. For the Catholic Church, another small Gregory Shemitz) The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 31 World News Bishops see ‘less cause for optimism’ after virtual tour of the Holy Land Judith Sudilovsky take responsibility for providing the they called on their Governments to Bishops who spent six days visiting vaccines. The Palestinian Authority renew their active participation in a virtually with Christians in the Holy has given conflicting reports on when “search for a just peace supporting Land said “it has become painfully they expect to receive vaccines fol- dialogue between all sides, upholding clear that there is today less cause for lowing agreements with pharmaceu- international law, and reaffirming the optimism than at any time in recent tical companies and the World Health plurality of Jerusalem, given its unique history.” Organisation. significance for Jews, Christians and The bishops, drawn from the US, Health challenges such as the pan- Muslims.” Europe and South Africa, also said demic, the lack of international pil- Lauding the work of Christian in- the international community should grims, continued conflict, occupation stitutions – including schools, clinics, “hold Israel accountable for its moral, and blockages have exacerbated eco- hospitals and charity organisations legal and humanitarian responsibility” nomic hardships and compounded such as Caritas – the bishops said to make Covid-19 vaccines accessible the situation in the Holy Land during they were “models of charity, justice for Palestinians in the West Bank and the pandemic, the bishops of the Holy and peace.” Gaza, and countries should encourage Land Co-ordination said in their final “These Christian institutions are co-operation by the Palestinian Au- statement, released on 21st January. vital in bringing together people from thority. They began their virtual visit on 16th many different backgrounds to serve They also noted the lack of political January. the common good of all,” they said, progress and the continuing expansion “This is the first time we have been urging people to strengthen their ex- of Israeli settlements in the West Bank prevented from meeting physically in pression of solidarity with the people along with the impact of Israel’s Na- the Holy Land,” said the bishops, who of the Holy Land during this “critical tion-State law, which establishes ‘Jew- have visited each year since 2000. “Yet time.” ish settlement as a national value’ we remain resolutely committed to “While many of our own countries and the Jewish nature and character supporting our sisters and brothers continue to face severe hardship amid of the state without mention of in the homeland of Christ. Over the the pandemic, we have a profound democracy or human rights, as “erod- past week we have been privileged responsibility to support our fellow ing any prospect of a peaceful two- and moved to hear from Christians Christians in the Holy Land,” they state solution.” across the West Bank, Gaza and Israel said. Although the Palestinian Authority about their mission, resilience and Right, bishops pictured during appears to not want to be seen as ab- witness in these unprecedented cir- their 2020 visit to the Holy land, dicating its health care responsibility cumstances.” celebrating Mass at Holy Family toward the Palestinians as stipulated Stressing the importance of Israeli Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip in the Oslo Accords agreement, offi- and Palestinian leadership recommit- Photo: Marcin Mazur, Bishops’ cials have yet to publicly ask Israel to ting themselves to direct negotiations, Conference of England and Wales Lang criticises China on Uighurs and backs UK trade deal review Simon Caldwell minorities in Xinjiang, where 11 mil- Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton has led lion Uighurs live. faith leaders in condemning the per- They said the Government had a secution of Muslim minorities in China ‘rare chance to act’ in the face of and supported an amendment to ‘mounting evidence of a targeted birth allow the courts to review UK trade prevention strategy which, along with deals with countries suspected of the destruction of cemeteries, reports genocide. of mass incarceration, indoctrination, Bishop Lang, chairman of the in- extrajudicial detention, invasive sur- ternational affairs department of the veillance, enslavement and forced Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, added his name to a letter Bishop Lang backed ahead of a vote on a Trade Bill going calls for UK courts to have oversight through the House of Commons. on trade deals with The faith leaders’ intervention put states suspected pressure on the Government to take a of genocide position on the alleged genocide of Uighur and Turkic Muslims in China’s labour, can no longer be ignored.’ Xinjiang province at a time when Mike ‘In line with long-standing govern- Pompeo, former US secretary of state, ment policy that genocide recognition and President Joe Biden have each in- is a matter for judges, not politicians, dicated that they believe China is com- the amendment would give UK courts mitting “crimes against humanity.” the chance to review evidence of geno- The ‘genocide amendment’ to the cide and, where that high threshold bill was defeated 319-308, even though is met, for trade agreements with the it was broadly supported by the House offending country to be reviewed,’ of Lords, the second political chamber. the letter said. A revised but similar amendment is ‘Critically, the amendment would likely to be introduced to the bill when provide a sound legal basis for Gov- it returns to the House of Lords. ernment action, something that is at In a letter to The Times, two Chris- present unobtainable through the tian, one Jewish and two Muslim lead- United Nations,’ it said. ers said they stood united in their de- China has rejected claims of a geno- nunciation of the treatment of the cide as “outrageous lies.” 32 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com World Insight Hong Kong screams out in pain: is anyone in the world listening?

Nick Benson Left, a protester “I don’t know for how long you can holding a banner still hear my voice. So please pray reading ‘Chinese for us.” communist party is This is the sobering and alarming shameless, break the message shared by Cardinal Joseph promises,’ shouts Zen Ze-kiun, which highlights the during a protest true severity Hong Kong faces as it against the new national security law battles for the survival of its democ- in Hong Kong. racy and fundamental basic human Photo: Tyrone Siu, freedoms. Reuters These freedoms remain under serious threat of extinction and the new year has brought no promise of Inset, Cardinal Joseph hope for them; in fact it has only Zen Ze-kiun, retired confirmed that they are becoming bishop of Hong Kong, victims of an all-out massacre. has vowed to “endure A sense of fear and uncertainty all the suing, trials and gripped Hong Kong last year, as Bei- arrests” if he is jing imposed its draconian National targeted by a new Security Law on the region. Many security law. have warned this would see rights Photo: Paul Haring. and freedoms, including religious ones, quashed. The controversial law was rushed Below, demonstrators through the Standing Committee of march against the China’s National People’s Congress national security law on 30th June, the eve of the 23rd an- Photo: Tyrone Siu, Reuters niversary of the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to Beijing. The law targets secession, subver- sion and terrorism with punish- ments up to life in prison. However, “We call on the authorities to up- been shockingly ignored. racy movement, such as Cardinal otic’ education in Catholic schools many have voiced their concerns hold their obligations under the IC- “Not only has democracy been Joseph Zen and Auxiliary Bishop in Hong Kong and stopped a public that it could be used as a vehicle to CPR, and to refrain from using the dismantled in Hong Kong, and the Joseph Ha Chi-shing, could be extra- prayer campaign in support of the end Hong Kong’s freedoms and tar- National Security Law to suppress rule of law trampled on, but all basic dited to mainland China to be tried, pro-democracy movement. get peaceful activism and democ- the rights to freedom of expression, human rights are now threatened, since Beijing considers them to be Another troubling incident con- racy in the Chinese-ruled city. peaceful assembly and association,” including religious freedom. This threats to the regime.” cerned Beijing’s views on religious These fears became a reality just she added. should be a matter of urgent con- Hong Kong’s Justice and Peace freedom, as two Chinese nuns, who hours after the law was imple- UK Foreign Secretary Dominic cern for the international commu- Commission also signed an open work at the Vatican’s unofficial mented, as 10 people were held ac- Raab said the arrests were a “grievous nity, including the Church. Cardinal letter with 85 other social justice or- diplomatic mission in Hong Kong, cused of violating the law, including attack” on rights applied under the Zen has been right throughout in in- ganisations, decrying the law ahead were arrested by mainland authori- a man arrested for showing a pro- joint declaration signed with Britain sisting that it cannot be justified or of its implementation. ties during a visit home to Hebei independence flag. when the territory was handed over in anyone’s interests to stay silent in However, last August, just two province last May. The law has since resulted in an in 1997. He also reiterated the UK’s the face of such brazen repression,” months after the implementation of Three clerics with knowledge on onslaught of arrests, including that offer to holders of British national the Catholic peer added. the law, Cardinal John Tong Hon the matter told Reuters that the of Catholic pro-democracy media (overseas) passports in the city to Last year, Cardinal Zen warned worryingly told priests not to resort nuns, in their 40s, were detained for entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and come and live in the UK. that the National Security Law could to using “slanderous and offensive three weeks before being released Catholic activist Agnes Chow. “These arrests demonstrate that lead to a clamp down on religious statements” in their sermons. Some into house arrest without being However, the biggest single mass the Hong Kong and Chinese authori- freedom and said he was prepared priests believe his instruction was charged. The nuns are forbidden to arrest of recent times occurred ear- ties deliberately misled the world to suffer arrest and trials under it. influenced by the Beijing-controlled leave the mainland. lier this year, as some 53 political ac- about the true purpose of the na- His comments came as Interna- administration and the diocese did Western diplomats say that Chi- tivists, academics, legislators, coun- tional security law, which is being tional Christian Concern warned not want to confront the government. nese security agents have stepped cillors and lawyers were detained used to crush dissent and opposing that under the law, “vocal clergy who The cardinal also refused to op- up surveillance of the Hong Kong under the National Security Law on political views,” he said. have been supportive of the democ- pose the rollout of so-called ‘patri- mission in recent months, while top 6th January. “The UK will not turn our backs clerics in China and in the Vatican Liz Throssell, of the UN Human on the people of Hong Kong and will view the arrests of the nuns as a sign Rights Office (OHCHR), said the ar- continue to offer British nationals that Beijing wants the mission shut. rests were the latest in a series of de- the right to live and work in the UK.” Meanwhile, since the mass arrest tentions related to the exercise of Lord David Alton of Liverpool said of the pro-democracy politicians fundamental freedoms, including the mass arrest of the pro-democ- and activists on 6th January, Hong the right to peaceful assembly in racy politicians and activists for the Kong has seen further arrests under Hong Kong. “These latest arrests in- simple act of holding a primary elec- the National Security Law, including dicate that the offence of subversion tion to choose their candidates rep- 11 people for allegedly helping 12 under the National Security Law is resented “another mortal blow” to young pro-democracy activists ac- indeed being used to detain individ- Hong Kong’s fundamental freedoms. cused of attempting to flee the city uals for exercising legitimate rights “This is the biggest single attack by boat for Taiwan last year. to participate in political and public on any remaining vestiges of free- Benedict Rogers, Hong Kong life,” she said. dom in Hong Kong, and takes the Watch’s Chief Executive, branded Ms Throssell stressed that exercise city even further into the darkness of the arrests “a mockery” of previous of the right to take part in the con- draconian repression by the Chinese claims that the National Security duct of public affairs, directly and Communist Party,” he told The Law would be used sparingly and through freely chosen representatives, Catholic Universe. applied only to cases with a direct is one protected by the International “This is everything which China’s and imminent threat to security. Covenant on Civil and Political most senior Catholic, Cardinal This latest arrest “has never had Rights (ICCPR), which is incorpo- Joseph Zen, prophesied would hap- anything to do with national secu- rated into Hong Kong’s Basic Law. pen – grave warnings which have rity,” he said. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 33 Heart of the Matter

700 as people found other housing, applied for asylum in Mexico, re- turned to their countries of origin or risked the Rio Grande, according to volunteers. Residents said in interviews that criminal groups had infiltrated the camp and charge $500 for permis- sion to cross the river. Migrant ac- tivists in other parts of the border report similar situations of criminal control and desperation among asy- lum-seekers. “Many people, in their despera- tion, go to the river and try to cross. But many drown,” said Dominican Brother Obed Cuellar, director of the diocesan shelter in Piedras Negras, opposite Eagle Pass, Texas. Br Obed, two Franciscan sisters and a social worker have tried to as- sist asylum-seekers in Piedras Ne- gras, but encountered resistance. The local government closed the diocesan migrant shelter early dur- ing the pandemic and later prohib- ited providing hot meals for takeout. “It’s an extremely difficult situa- tion for the shelter because we’re be- ing prohibited from providing char- ity,” he said. For Br Obed, the situation re- flected a broader trend in Mexico: Migrants from Central America seeking asylum in the US are pictured through a fence in Nuevo Teapa, Mexico, on 21st January. Asylum-seekers along local populations showing scant in- the border are expressing hope with US President Joe Biden now in office. (Catholic News Service photo/Tamara Corro, Reuters) terest in the asylum-seekers’ plight and broken promises from the fed- eral government. Asylum-seekers along “The Mexican Government has not fulfilled what it promised upon receiving the migrants here. They’re not giving access to doctors, health care, not giving the work or giving them poorly paid work,” he said. Mexican border express Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has disputed claims of migrants being mistreated, saying last month: “We have respected mi- grants. There have been no viola- hope with Biden in office tions of their human rights.” Br Obed regularly checks in on the asylum-seekers, bringing food – when there are donations – and, during a cold week earlier this David Agren he would win.” the asylum-seekers remains uncer- of a migrant shelter in Tijuana. “An month, blankets. Reyes is stuck living in Mata- tain, and many still have US court asylum process that is fair should be At a flophouse full of migrants and Idalia Reyes remembers the desper- moros – opposite Brownsville, dates, which had been pushed re- started after so many years of injus- asylum-seekers, he fielded ques- ation that drove her to seek out Texas – as part of the Migrant Pro- peatedly into the future during the tice on the part of the Trump admin- tions on the front patio, including smugglers to take her children, un- tection Protocols, which forces asy- pandemic. istration.” one from a young Honduran accompanied, to the United States. lum-seekers to wait in Mexico as Catholics working with pro- Despite the dearth of details, the woman, who asked about a “law” al- Reyes and her children lived in a their cases are heard in US courts. gramme participants are urging prospect of an overhaul under a new lowing children to be admitted, a ru- tent camp along the Rio Grande, Biden has promised to scrap the them to remain patient. Some are en- US administration has buoyed spir- mor spread widely in Central Amer- where they endured crime, cold protocols and announced new par- couraging the Biden administration its among asylum-seekers stranded ica. Br Obed told them everyone was snaps and infestations of insects ticipants would not be enrolled after to wind down the programme, which in unsafe Mexicans cities the length being sent back, including pregnant and snakes. 21st January, though few people they describe as “unjust” and de- of the US-Mexico border women, some of whom “wait until After her children, ages seven and were being processed due to restric- signed to discourage asylum-seekers. “Biden is their hope,” said Juan they are in labour to trying cross- four, suffered an outbreak of sores, tions on entry implemented during “It should be eliminated. It doesn’t Sierra, a lay volunteer with the Dio- ing.” He urged them to wait until she sought out smugglers, who the Covid-19 pandemic. make sense for anyone,” said Scal- cese of Matamoros’ migrant ministry. there is more clarity from the Biden floated the children across the river Details on what comes next for abrinian Father Pat Murphy, director Adding to the expectations, he administration. in the dead of night to the US side. said: first lady Jill Biden visited the Sandro Hernández, 21, an Afro- The children promptly surrendered camp in December 2019 and served Honduran, travelled to Mexico in a to immigration officials and were re- them lunch. caravan and obtained a humanitar- united with their father, who was al- Sierra and the local diocese – ian visa to remain in Mexico legally ready residing in the United States along with volunteers, mostly from for one year. He expressed optimism with an older son. the United States – have attended to and some exasperation: Police de- “It’s difficult seeing your children the camp, which once hosted an es- tained him, he said, and stole 2,000 suffer,” Reyes recalled on a rainy timated 3,000 asylum-seekers. Its pesos (£73.) night in the camp. “That’s why I de- population has dwindled to roughly Hernández had been working at a cided to send them across the river.” Adalia Reyes, an asylum-seeker grocery store in the city of Saltillo, Despite the difficulties of remain- from El Salvador, poses with a 200 miles south, but quit his job and ing in the tent camp and desperately friend’s child outside a Mass headed for the border because of missing her children, Reyes spoke celebrated on 9th January in a tent the prospect of migration policy somewhat hopefully of being re- camp for migrants along the changes under Biden. united with her family. She cited a US-Mexico border in Matamoros. “When I heard about Biden, I simple reason: President Joe Biden, Reyes said, out of desperation, headed here,” Hernández said out- who promised an overhaul of US she sent her two children side a noisy bar, where he worked as immigration and asylum policies. unaccompanied to the United a bouncer. “I’m looking for a better “We’ve had our hopes in Biden be- States, where they were reunited future. Hopefully, I can fix my paper- cause he said that he was going to with their father. work, like the US president is talking (CNS photo/David Agren) help us,” Reyes said. “We hoped that about.” 34 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com AroundUniverse weekly pullout the Parishes CatholiC news and information from aCross the Uk and ireland

Moderator Rev Sebastian Jones Cong. Orat with Eric Celebration as Eric joins Oratory ranks Cardiff: On Saturday, 16th January, the Cardiff Oratory in formation marked the Oratorian Feast day of St Joseph Vas, who was the ‘apostle of Ceylon’ (Sri Lanka). St Alban’s Parish had further cause to celebrate as Eric Pratcher, who had completed his three-month Cambridge Song School keeps postulancy, received the habit of St Philip Neri at the Rite of Clothing and was given the name Brother Joseph Mary. young people in harmony Brother Joseph has already completed his philosophical and theological studies with distinctions. East Anglia when the Covid crisis is past, so that But Julia has really used this year to sic that they use only when in the During his three-year noviciate the Young people in Cambridge are we can be ready to do a Junior Choir teach the Youth Choir to move from church – to avoid virus transfer! living and study of the Oratorian life; sustaining a social life through Mass within weeks of restrictions being a three-part choir, to being a When back together in person, the writings of the desert Fathers lockdown thanks to the Song lifting. In addition, Julia has taught full SATB choir. the Youth Choir really enjoyed mak- and the study of Latin will occupy School at Our Lady of the the children 10 other songs with the The choir has worked on Latin ing ‘in progress’ recordings of their his time outside of his work as the Assumption and the English intention of leaving them with an Motets, and in the coming term, will pieces. sacristan. Martyrs. Julia Caddick and uplifting song in their hearts that be making the move towards more It’s hard for them to hear each The community has five clothed Mgr Eugène Harkness report. they can share around the house complex polyphonic pieces, such as other when they are spread out members, and a growing fraternity with their parents. Viadana, Exultate Justi ; Palestrina, around the church (as is necessary of lay men and women who join the Our junior choir rehearsals started To end the Autumn Term, the Sicut cervus. for Covid safety), so it was a very Oratory for prayer and devotions. back in September. We rehearse on- choir held an online concert which You can listen to the Youth Choir’s pleasant surprise for them to hear line via Zoom once a week for 40 was not a choral concert as such, recording of Oculi Omnium by how good they are getting. minutes (the duration of a seven- due to the limitations of Zoom. Charles Wood by typing ‘Music at We are really looking forward to year-old’s concentration span on- However, 11 children sang solos, Our Lady & the English Martyrs, the coming term. For so many Diocese to host line, so the experts say). and thanks to the Youth Choir having Cambridge’, into You Tube. teenagers who have lost their social In addition, each week Julia, who learned and recorded a harmonised The new lockdowns forced a lives due to the virus, the chance to online retreat directs the school, creates a video of arrangement of one of the Junior change to some of our sessions, with come together and sing in Our Lady herself teaching one of the new Choir Carols, the Junior Choir were the Youth Choirswitching back on- of The Assumption and The English for altar servers songs the choir is working on. This is able in their own homes to sing line. But it is using the time to have Martyrs Youth Choir provides a Salford: Salford Diocese is running emailed out to parents on a Thurs- along to the accompaniment of the sectional rehearsals. Julia prepares unique ensemble singing opportu- an altar servers online retreat on day or Friday and enables the child Youth Choir. recordings of their individual lines, nity. We have been one of the only Saturday, 27th February. Sessions for to practice with her for the next Our Youth Choir also started back and recordings of a choir singing the places in Cambridge offering real different age groups are available. week. They have proved very popu- in September but was able, because whole piece for them to practise face-to-face rehearsals for this age From 10am-12pm it will cover ages lar with parents and with children. of their age and slightly smaller with.She also prepares a digital copy group. 8-11, and from 1pm-3pm, ages 12- The number of children we’ve number (18) to meet in person with of the music for them, so that they We hope that other parishes 17. Servers aged 18 and over should had joining us regularly each week good social distancing in the can practise at home in lockdown. might find similar ways of keeping email the address below. from the Junior Choir ranks is 20. church. They loved this,a nd worked Then when they come back in per- our young people involved in parish The day will include a keynote We are learning a Mass setting really hard on a Mass setting in son to rehearse, they each have their life and with each other, especially from Bishop John on the ministry of and an anthem in readiness for readiness for more normal times. own individual hard copy of the mu- during this period. serving during this time and in the future, times of prayer, a recommis- sioning service and workshops on ‘Challenges & Opportunities’, ‘Prayer Prayers asked for Fr Patrick – A Friendship with Jesus’, and Birmingham: It was with deep regret Handsworth from 1980 to 1981; at St ‘Called to Serve’. that the Archdiocese of Birmingham an- Joseph, Nechells from 1981 to 1985 and To register or for more information nounced the death of Fr Patrick Joyce on SS Mary and John, Gravelly Hill, from email formation@dioceseofsalford. 13th January, aged 83. The Archdiocese 1985 until his retirement in 2017. org.uk. An under 18 consent form asks Universe readers for their prayers Prayers are also asked for Fr Pat’s must be downloaded, completed by for the repose of his soul. family and friends and for all who parents/carers and returned to the Fr Pat was ordained on 8th January mourn him, including the parishioners above email address. The retreat will 1972 and served at Our Lady of Lourdes, of SS Mary and John where he served as take place on Zoom. Yardley Wood, from 1972 to 1974; at St parish priest for 32 years. You can download a poster and John the Evangelist, Banbury from 1974 Details of Fr Pat’s funeral will follow videoconferencing consent form to 1980; at St Francis of Assisi, as soon as they are known. from the Salford Diocesan website. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 35 Around the Parishes Restored Alban rings out for those lost to Covid Chloe Kelly The bell was taken down on The sound of bells is deeply rooted 3rd December 2020 and taken to in British culture and many of us live Bridport in Dorset for two weeks of within hearing range of bells. Tradi- restoration by Nicholson Engineer- tionally, they have been used to call ing Ltd, to be returned on 10th us to wake, to pray, to work, to arms, December, and on 11th December to feast and, in times of crisis, to 2020, the bell was blessed with oil of come together. Chrism and given the name Alban, The sound of bells can be for the in order to set it apart from other bells purpose of celebration, or for reasons in a ceremony much like a baptism. of solemnity. Above all, bells are the Later that day, ‘Alban’ was rehung sound of freedom and peace as in and now proudly rings out as a sym- World War II they hung silently until bol of our faith. The bell has been the day they could ring in the peace. kept intact but has been modified The early missionaries used small for modern use and is automatically hand bells to call people to worship set to ring at 9am, midday and 6pm. and were later introduced to Chris- There is an electronic fob with pre- tian Churches on a wider scale. By programmed settings that can be the middle ages, bells were thought used for weddings, funerals and other to have supernatural powers and to occasions, a far cry from the original drive away evil spirits. There is a spindles and ropes of early bells! story of bells being rung as a warn- On 17th December a special ing of impending attack in the liturgy was held to celebrate the un- 7th century, which had the unex- veiling of a plaque in memory of pected result of scaring the enemy those who died of the covid-19 pan- attackers into retreat. Later, it was demic. We were joined by Reverend believed that bells could ring them- Amanda Keighley and Reverend selves, further fuelling this belief. Tom Keighley from the St Nicholas In the beginning, bells hung on a Church of England parish, along simple spindle and were chimed us- with two councillors from the ing a rope, however before long, bell Hornchurch resident association, ringers were experimenting with dif- Councillor Barry Muggleston and ferent ways to ring the bells with Councillor Stephanie Nunn who un- better control, and things have been veiled the plaque for us. progressing since then. During the Liturgy, Ann, Francie The Reformation sadly saw the re- and Julie Nolan lit candles to re- moval of many bells, but afterwards member all those who have lost they were reinstalled, and we still their lives to the Covid-19 pandemic, enjoy the glory and poignancy of the which included their mother sound of bells to this day. Frances, one of our parishioners, At St Albans in Hornchurch our who sadly passed away in April. bell was installed in 1959 by Mears The celebration was sombre, but London. For reasons unknown, the full of hope for better days ahead, as bell was out of use for many years. well as faith in our Lord and the This year, 2020, it was decided that it knowledge that we are stronger would be fitting to restore and rein- when we pull together for the sake stall the bell in memory of all those of the community. As the Angelus who have lost their lives as a result bell rings out each day all those we of the Covid-19 pandemic. have lost will be in our prayers. Sandra takes on Pictured above, from the top, the key diocesan role old bell and once The diocese of East Anglia has ap- restored; the pointed Sandra Portas as its new annointing with part-time stewardship and chrism; the unveiling fundraising co-ordinator. This is invite parishioners to share the ceremony by a new role created specifically to gifts that God has given them, be Councillor Barry help parishes undertake steward- that prayer, time and talents and Muggleston and ship campaigns and to be a key their financial blessings. Above Councillor point of contact for colleagues all else, it focuses on stewardship Stephanie Nunn seeking help with fundraising. and it has delivered impressive and, left, Ann, Sandra has lived in North Nor- results with an increase in the Francie and Julie folk for 20 years with her husband Gift Aid and offertory income of Nolan light and two sons. Prior to joining the over 30 per cent. candles to diocese, she worked in the City of Sandra is keen to hear from remember all London. She also has several any parish in the diocese that those who have years’ experience of investigating would like to find out more about lost their lives to external funding sources and of the ‘time, talents and treasures’ the Covid-19 writing grant applications. approach to stewardship. pandemic, The Church stewardship and Please get in touch with Sandra including their fundraising programme seeks to at [email protected]. mother, Frances 36 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Education

Schools promised fortnight’s warning on re-opening Children’s social care target

Schools in England will be given two which he said would be a “clear two week’s notice ahead of their full re- weeks” for teachers and families to in Williamson review aims to opening, the Education Secretary has get ready. promised. Mr Williamson stressed that the Gavin Williamson said that although Government wants to give schools as improve life for the young he is “not able to exactly say” when much notice as possible so “teachers pupils will return to class, he hopes it can get ready, children can prepare, A wholesale independent review of enough stable homes for children. for these vulnerable children, improve will be before Easter. and parents know in order to manage children’s social care will set out to Running throughout the review will their life prospects and most impor- “I want to see them, as soon as the their lives”. radically reform the system, improving be the voices and experiences of chil- tantly, it’s going to help give them the scientific and health advice is there, “We would want to give all schools the lives of England’s most vulnerable dren, young people or adults who chance to achieve their potential and open at the earliest possible stage - a clear two weeks’ notice period in children so they experience the ben- have been looked-after, or who have not be held back from the futures and I certainly hope that would be order to be able to ready themselves,” efits of a stable, loving home, the Gov- received help or support from a social they deserve.” before Easter,” he told BBC Radio 4’s he said. ernment has said. worker. Their experiences will be con- During the virtual launch event, Mr Today programme. Primary and secondary schools re- Education Secretary Gavin sidered and reflected sensitively and MacAlister launched a ‘Call for Advice’ He said schools and parents would main closed in England, with excep- Williamson has launched the review, appropriately, with their views in- to help shape the early work of the have “absolutely proper notice” of tions for vulnerable pupils and the which aims to raise the bar for vul- cluded in full in the work. review and invited applications for when children are going to return, children of key workers. nerable children across the country, Mr Williamson said: “We have an ‘Experts by Experience’ Group to delivering on a manifesto commit- known for some time that despite the advise him on how to include the ment to look at the care system and best efforts of hardworking and ded- make sure children and young adults icated social workers, the children’s get the support they need. social care system is not delivering a Review is part of Josh MacAlister will lead the review. better quality of life and improved Government A former teacher, Mr MacAlister outcomes for those it is designed to pledge to level up founded the social work charity Front- help. society, Gavin line in 2013. He will step down from “This review will be bold, wide-rang- Williamson said his role as chief executive to work ing and will not shy away from exposing with Government on this review. problems where they exist. Under Josh voices of people with a ‘lived experi- The Government hopes his work MacAlister’s leadership, it will benefit ence’ of children’s social care. will reshape how children interact from his understanding of the chal- Mr MacAlister said: “If 2020 showed with the care system, looking at the lenges facing the system and his ex- us the grit, commitment and creativity process from referral through to be- perience of improving outcomes for of social workers, teachers and other coming looked after. children and young people. professionals, then 2021 is our chance It will address major challenges “It is part of the golden thread that to think afresh about how we support such as the increase in numbers of runs through everything we are doing children without the safety, stability looked after children; the inconsis- to level up society, especially for those and love that many of us take for tencies in children’s social care prac- who are too often forgotten or mar- granted.” tice; outcomes across the country; ginalised. He vowed that the review “will listen and the failure of the system to provide “It is going to help us raise the bar deeply and think boldly.” $"%&.:3*/$*1"- 6--5*.&30-&3"%&
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he Catholic Universe | Friday 29 th January 2021 37 To see your Catholic school or college featured in The Catholic Universe , send your stories in to Michael Winterbottom at [email protected] or call him on 07949 987771 Education Busy bees, get drawing a logo Newman reaches for Salford’s Laudato Si centre out to help Beirut

The Bishop of Salford is calling on young artists from schools around school programme the diocese to get creative to draw, il - lustrate or paint the Laudato Si Centre’s A Brent school has launched a two- this project will be of great benefit to new logo. year long fundraising drive to help all these children and their commu - The diocese is home to the Laudato displaced Syrian refugees. nities.” Si Centre which, when open, will wel - Newman Catholic College, Harles - Professor Ian Linden, the chairman come visitors to learn about protecting den, aims to fund an afterschool ed - of the TCCT said: “I was very moved, our planet and will encourage all to ucation programme based in Beirut, as were the other Trustees of The Con - share actions and ideas ‘to protect our Lebanon. The money will go towards stantinian Charitable Trust, that the common home’ following on from the creating a three-year higher education Newman College Governors will be letter that Pope Francis wrote to every vocational and technical training pro - directing the school’s fundraising ac - person on the planet – Laudato Si. gramme based at two centres in Beirut. tivities in support for the Afterschool In order to take part, entrants must It will also support disadvantaged Programme. My hope is that this new attend a Catholic school in the Salford Lebanese students. Newman College and the disadvan - diocese. There will be three age groups The school is working with Catholic taged Lebanese children and Syrian and three prizes: two runner ups and charities The Constantinian Charitable refugees attending the programme one overall prize. Each prize winner Trust (TCCT) and their partner Caritas will be of real mutual benefit by further will receive a bookshop voucher for Lebanon to support the project. nurturing in Newman College students £15 and the overall winner’s logo will Newman Catholic College is among the practice of solidarity that Pope be digitally transformed and turned a handful of schools nationwide recog - Francis speaks about so often.” into the Laudato Si Centre logo. nised as a school of sanctuary for The Chairman of the school Gov - The diocese would like entrants to refugees by charity City of Sanctuary ernors, Paul O’Shea, said: “Both New - draw a logo based on what the Laudato UK. It is also a UNICEF Rights Re - man College and the TCCT project Si Centre means to them. The winning specting school. have thus far been involved in sup - design will be transformed into a dig - Headteacher at the school Danny porting Syrian children displaced and ital design which will be front and Coyle, who is also a TCCT trustee, disturbed by terrible conflict in their centre at the Laudato Si Centre. said: “I am delighted that the superb country, albeit in different places and work of this school over the last few different ways. For more information, including a years in supporting refugees from “This speaks to the solidarity to competition brief and competition Syria here in Brent, as well as from which we are called in supporting entry template, see: The Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, poses for a other parts of the world, will now em - those suffering the consequences of https://www.dioceseofsalford. photo with beehives at the Laudato Si Centre. brace children in Lebanon. poverty in Lebanon and those org.uk/calling-young-artists-the- Photo: Simon Caldwell “I am convinced that the relation - wrenched from their homeland by laudato-si-centre-needs-you/ ships that will develop as a result of war.”

St.S Bede’s CatholicCatholic College, BristolBristool Principal,PPrincipal SeptemberSeptember 2021 GovernorsGovernorrs of St. Bede’s Catholicc College araree seeking tot appoint an outstandingoutstandding and inspirational Principal to lead our collegeollege

St. Bede’s, a Catholic Academy with 11117777 The ideal personpersoon for this post must be a practisingctising Catholic and will have:e: pupils agedd 11-18, has a superb rreputationeputattion • A track recordrecord as an outstanding teacherr and leader • Vision,Vision, crcreativity,eativvity, energyenergy and ambition locally, withwithinhin the Diocese and nationally.ly. • A deep knowledgewledge about teaching and learninglearning Our specialspecialistist subjects areare those of ScienSciencence • A determinationdeterminattion to ensureensure no student is lefteft behind and Sports. WWee areare recognisedrecognised by the • A good understandingerstanding of data, timetablingng and the curriculum Diocese as an Outstanding Catholic schoolhool • Experience andnd success within a leadershiphip team and work ccloselylosely with SSASSATATT supporting thethhe • AnA abilitybilit tot leadlleeadd ini allll academic,d i pastorapastoralt all carecare andd financial matterss Leadership Legacy project.project. In addition, we • Excellent leadership,leaddership, communication andd interpersonal skills hold BeacoBeaconon status for Holocaust Education,Educaation, • TotalTotal commitmentment to securing high standardsstandarards fromfrom and throughthrough otherss the GeograGeographyaphy Quality Mark and an awarawardward • The ability to lead and inspireinspire colleagues frfromom the IncIncorporatedcorporated Society of MusiciaMusiciansans If you areare an existingexxisting Head teacher or a memberember of a successful leadershiprship team with a provenproven in rrecognitionecognitioon of excellence in Music. track recordrecord off success, a strategic thinker with the skills, ability and passionsion to help youngyoung people MorMoree recentlyrecenntly we have been recognisedrecognised for flourish within a grgreateat college, we would bee delighted to hear fromfrom you.. ‘Leadershipp throughthrough moral purpose’, ToTo arrange a discussioniscussion with the Chair or VViceicce Chair of Governors,Governors, ‘engaging withw evidence and research’research’ please email thethhe Clerk to Governors,Governors, [email protected]@stbcc.org and for our outstanding rresultsesults by SSAT.SSAATT. A relocationrelocation packagepaackage may be available andnd salary negotiable for an appropriatelyappropriately The Collegee has also rrecentlyecently been award-awaard- experienced candidate.andidate. ed the LeadLeadingding ParParentent Partnership awardawarrd in rrecognitionecognition of our work with parparentsents andd Closing date is noon on Monday, 22nd Februaryruary 2021 Short listing: Thursday,ursday, 25th February 2021 Investor in PeopleP accraccreditation.editation. Interviews will beb held on TuesdayTuesday 23rd23rd and WednesdayWednesday 24th MarchMarch 202121 Salary in the regionregion of £88k depending on experience, academic qualificationsfications and performanceperformance record.reecord.

St Bede’s is currentlycurrently a GroupGroup 7 school as outlinedutlined in the School TeachersTeacherrs Pay and ConditionsConditions document.ment. OffersOffers of emploemploymentoyment areare subject to Enhancedced DisclosureDisclosure and Barring Service checks, excellentexcellent referencesrefererences without reservationreservaation and medical clearance.e.

Further informationinformation and applicationpp detailsd areare available fromfrom our website: www.stbedescc.org,www.stbedeescc.org, byy emailingg [email protected]@[email protected] St Bede’s is a charitable company limited byb guarantee. Company NumberNumbber 07798550. 38 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Faith Alive - Catholic social teaching: Part 5 Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress Work: A sacred space for people to flourish

Don Clemmer present day. What we would now call the 2004 Compendium of the Social wage theft, Pope Leo XIII addressed Doctrine of the Church. For people who prefer to keep their with: “To defraud any one of wages This Vatican document describes job and their faith separate, the that are his due is a great crime work as a fundamental right and a Catholic Church poses a massive which cries to the avenging anger of good and that workers have certain challenge. Catholic teaching simply heaven.” rights. These include: the right to a Rerum Novarum does not see it that way. This isn’t was so influen- just wage, to rest, to a safe work en- about being a vocal believer at work, tial to Catholic thought that it vironment, to unemployment assis- but about how work itself is an es- sparked numerous “sequels” – sub- tance, to senior pensions, to health sential expression of human dignity. sequent popes applying the Gospel care, to disability insurance, to The Church’s body of teaching on to other signs of their times. The parental leave and benefits, to or- work and the dignity and rights of teachings enshrined in these and ganise and to strike. workers bridges from the very be- other encyclicals are enumerated in These rights carry with them im- ginnings of our tradition to contem- plications for how society should be porary phenomena and the most structured, as well as what the cutting-edge advancements in soci- Church advocates for in the public ety. square. The principles of Catholic The Genesis creation stories de- social teaching not only describe pict God as working and proclaim- how individuals, businesses, govern- ing the fruits of labour good. Being ments and religious institutions can meeting its need but also continu- recent decades, has drawn criticism able to work and delight in that live in balance, but also challenges ally in a state of scarcity, insecurity from Church leaders. The US bish- meaningful creative process is part everyone, individually and systemi- and social marginalisation is not ops’ 2013 Labour Day statement said of what it means to be made in the cally, to work towards the common flourishing. that current imbalances “demand image and likeness of God. In his good in solidarity with one another. The compendium boldness in promot- 1981 encyclical Laborem Exercens, St Catholic social teaching exists to states: “The economic ing a just economy ... John Paul II wrote that the Book of promote human flourishing, which well-being of a coun- by creating jobs that Genesis is the first “gospel of work” is one of those know-it-when-you- try is not measured pay a living wage and and that God also experienced work see-it concepts. Or not see it, as the exclusively by the share with workers on earth as Jesus, a carpenter. case may be. quantity of goods it some profits of the Work played a central role in A person who cannot work be- produces but also by company.” birthing the entirety of modern cause no jobs are available is not taking into account Pope Benedict XVI Catholic social teaching. Pope Leo flourishing. A person who has to the manner in which wrote prophetically XIII’s landmark 1891 encyclical Re- “To defraud any one of work multiple jobs essentially non- they are produced of the perils of ram- rum Novarum (Of New Things) ad- stop just to get by is not flourishing. and the level of equity pant inequality in his wages that are his due is a Cari- dressed the challenges posed to A young adult who has no health in- in the distribution of 2009 encyclical great crime which cries to tas in Veritate, working people and society overall surance because their employment income” (No. 303). noting by the Industrial Revolution. the avenging anger of consists of a patchwork of short- Income inequality, a that “not only does He laid a foundation that rever- heaven” – Pope Leo XIII term, part-time gigs is not flourish- reality that has wors- social cohesion suf- berates through Catholic teaching to ing. A family that is technically ened precipitously in fer, thereby placing democracy at risk, but so too does the economy, through the progres- sive erosion of ‘social capital’: the network of relationships of trust, de- pendability and respect for rules, all of which are indispensable for any form of civil coexistence” (No. 32). This is why Pope Francis carries on the tradition of applying the Gospel to ever newer “new things,” including the widespread disruption of Covid-19, which has thrown mil- lions out of work, and developments in artificial intelligence that could make entire job sectors obsolete in decades. In November 2020, Pope Francis said progress in artificial intelligence should always be “joined to the common good.” He has endorsed universal basic income proposals – regular monetary payments from the government – as a way of help- ing people flourish. Whether it’s the factories of the Industrial Revolution or lines of binary code, the Church opposes workers’ humanity being sliced and diced by systems. Work is a sacred space for flour- ishing, not a backdrop for exploita- tion and abuse. More than a way to pay the bills or sustain ourselves, the Church challenges us to make work A Palestinian worker looks after flowers at a where we become who God always nursery in Ramallah, West Bank. Work is a intended us to be, and in doing so, sacred space for flourishing, not a backdrop get to know him better. The God for exploitation and abuse. (Catholic News who laboured to enjoy the fulfilment Service photo/Mohamad Torokman, Reuters) of his creation wants the same for all of us. 39

YOUR WEEKLY LIFESTYLE PAGES INSIDE YOUR UNIVERSE FOOD | DRINK | MUSIC | BOOKS | HEALTH | FINANCE | TV GUIDE | GARDENING uuniverse make any changes to your diet until advised to. Finally, if the other possible causes of your symptoms have been excluded, you might decide to trial a gluten-free diet to see if your symp- toms improve. This is a reliable way of establishing if you may be suffer- ing from gluten sensitivity. Despite little being known about this condition, researchers believe gluten sensitivity is more common than both coeliac disease and wheat allergy combined. It is estimated that gluten sensitivity may occur in up to six per cent of the population, compared to coeliac disease which affects around one per cent. “You might decide to trial a gluten- free diet to see if your symptoms improve. This is a reliable way of establishing if you are suffering from gluten sensitivity.”

Why are people sensitive to gluten? No one really knows why there is an increase in the number of people who seem to be sensitive to gluten. Gluten intolerence: How to One school of thought is that in evolutionary terms, gluten is a relatively new food stuff for the digestive system, and we have noticed a trend of increased manage a sensitive gut diagnosis of coeliac disease over the past decades.

Gluten intolerence is not just a digestive issue. Here are some common If I do have gluten sensitivity, how is it managed? symptoms to be aware of and tips to reduce your guts sensitivity. Gluten sensitivity can be managed by excluding gluten from your diet. It is unknown medical professional: related disorders. As a result, gluten whether this exclusion should be • Bloating sensitivity can be hard to detect and temporary or lifelong (as in the HealtH • Abdominal pain diagnose and so it is vital to go to case for coeliac disease), but what • Diarrhoea and/or constipation Most of us have experienced bloating, your GP for a thorough medical as- we do know, is that cutting out nausea and vomiting abdominal pain, diarrhoea and sessment. gluten is a step in addressing the • Swelling of tongue and colour headaches from time to time, but if Therefore, it is critical to rule out symptoms of gluten sensitivity. these symptoms are appearing more any other possibilities. The following changes regularly then you could be one of key facts will help you understand • Pain or burning sensation of upper millions potentially affected by gluten sensitivity and how this stomach headaches • Confusion, numbness and/or pain •If you are experiencing any of the gluten sensitivity, and you may ben- emerging condition can be recog- above symptoms, it is extremely efit from a gluten-free diet. nised. in limbs •Skin rash (dermatitis) important that you visit your doctor Gluten is a protein composite to rule out coeliac disease and found in foods processed from Key ways to identify if you have If you experience any of these wheat allergy before commencing a wheat and related grain species, in- gluten sensitivity gluten free diet. It is vital that you cluding barley and rye. Most of us Gluten sensitivity exists alongside symptoms, it is important to exclude the possibility that you are suffering remain on a gluten containing diet can digest this with no trouble but the other gluten-related conditions until you have visited a medical those suffering with gluten sensitiv- and shares many of the symptoms of from coeliac disease, a wheat allergy or any other conditions which cause professional ity will develop the symptoms. coeliac disease, making it trickier to Gluten sensitivity can be managed For further information about This condition may affect up to six diagnose. Despite this, there are similar symptoms. To exclude these conditions, you should seek advice by eliminating gluten foods from gluten sensitivity, visit per cent of the population and can some definable ways of establishing your diet www.glutensensitive.co.uk be easily confused with other gluten this condition with guidance from a from a medical professional and not 40

uuniverse The future of finance is digital A shift in consumer habits shows we are choosing to take a digital approach to finances, all from the palm of our hand.

(48 per cent) of respondents FINANCE claiming they can’t remember the Recent research from Samsung Pay last time they visited a bank in reveals that the UK is more willing person. The flexibility of checking than ever to go digital with their accounts and moving money payments, as traditional methods around at the tap of a button is a key begin to get left behind – and the factor in this shift, as eight in ten impact of the lockdown has a trans- state it is a major benefit of going formative impact on the way people digital. Surveying 2,000 people want to manage their money. across the UK, Samsung’s research The UK’s enthusiasm for digital also revealed the following insights: payment methods has soared over • People want more control: More the last year, as almost half (46 per than six in ten (61 per cent) people cent) of Brits claim they are more between 18-64 wish they had more To renovate or move? willing to pay digitally following the control over their finances, with lockdown period. With half of the re- almost a third (31 per cent) of Gen Z spondents claiming to feel “anx- and Millennials admitting to feeling anxious when they think about it. Part of your decision to renovate ious”, “overwhelmed”, or “scared”, Give careful consideration to the choice may hinge on the state of your cur- when thinking about their finances, • Too many options: Four in ten consumers feel ‚“overwhelmed”, by between renovating your home or rent home. A building inspection the nation is looking for new, sim- can uncover potential problems pler ways to manage their money. the sheer number of different banking options currently available making the big move to a new home. such as dry rot, which may mean The survey suggests that traditional moving is more viable than the costs transactions could soon be coming to them, suggesting a simple solution is in demand. renovating an established home is involved in serious renovation. to an end. With more than four in that you can already measure the One vitally important part of the ten (42 per cent) people saying they • Rewards are rare: Over eight in ten HOME (82 per cent) consumers say that price performance over time. This decision process is to be exception- have too many cards in their wallet - determines how much the house ally clear about what you want to up to 15 in some cases - and many they want to get rewarded for using Most people, like hermit crabs, find their card, but currently only two in has been worth over the past few achieve with the renovation and wanting to avoid using physical cash they eventually outgrow their years and allows you to estimate how much you can spend as an ab- (45 per cent), a growing number of five say they currently feel like they homes. While the hermit crab’s only are doing so. what the future potential growth will solute maximum. Knowing your fi- people (31 per cent) are now turning option is moving shells, people have be with the added improvements. nancial boundaries and building re- to their phone to make payments. • Bringing cards together is the the choice of renovating to either dream: Seven in ten people agree Speak to your local estate agent quirements will help builders give make better use of space or to add a for advice on how adding something you the most accurate quote. It is Benefits of going digital that having all their payment cards little more room. in the palm of their hands is an such as an en-suite or loft conver- also wise to allow for an extra 10-15 While this attitude has, inevitably, Give careful consideration to the sion would affect your home’s value. per cent on top of your budget esti- accelerated due to this year’s amazing prospect. choice between renovating your “These results exhibit a clear shift If you decide to renovate, be care- mate to cover any unforeseen costs. pandemic, evidence shows this was home and moving to a new one. It is ful not to overcapitalise. This is Overall, you need to do some a pre-existing trend, with nearly half in consumer attitudes towards the a big decision that requires you to way they make payments following where the cost of your renovation homework and weigh up the advan- look carefully at the possible bene- outweighs the market value it will tages and disadvantages of each op- this year’s events. Research shows fits and drawbacks of renovating as that customers want the option to add to your home. Some believe that tion. For example, if you decide to well as your long-term goals. spending a great deal on renovating move house there are costs such as control all of their finances from the One of the main advantages of palm of their hand,” comments Teg their home will reap thousands refinancing costs, agent fees, legal Dosanjh, director of Connected more in the re-sale. This is not al- fees and moving costs and so on. On Services, UK & Ireland at Samsung ways the case. Some homeowners the other hand, if you decide to ren- Electronics. “Be careful not to make the mistake of overly extend- ovate, you will need to consider the ing their property. A five-bedroom costs for any finance that you may Security still key overcapitalise. This house with all the mod cons may be require for your project. Despite the will to go digital with hard to re-sell if it is located in a If you do decide to renovate in- their payments, research results is where the cost of downtrodden area. stead of move, create a viable master show that security is still a key However, the area can also be a plan, detailing your long-term goals, concern for people looking to make your renovation reason to renovate, particularly if budget, and time frame. the transition. Over half of outweighs the you have children. Uprooting your One key piece of expert advice is respondents (54 per cent) admit to family, leaving behind friends, the to not think of renovation as a quick, worrying about how secure their market value it will local school, neighbours, and near- one-off activity. Instead, start small details are when using digital by amenities can easily tip the scale and build up to major renovation payment methods. add to your home.” on the side of renovation. over time. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 41

uuniverse Involve the children to build perfect the family garden Think about how your garden will really work for you and turn the backyard in to a family paradise.

much as they love roses, little boys garden like getting down in the grass as much as playing on a swing. Ever since we were told to stay at Banish ideas about neat, straight home back in March, many of us lines, weekly mowing and co-ordi- have rediscovered the joys of our nated colours. If you have a lawn, garden as a safe family space. why not leave a section wild and un- Previously, when considering the mown? Here bugs will breed, frogs perfect garden, many of us would might hide, and wildflowers and have said we wanted a perfect mani- grasses will sow. Children and adults cured lawn, pretty, neat flower beds alike will love laying in the tall grass, and perhaps a charming water fea- and family pets will hide in it and ture. But recent events have made us bound through it. think in more practical terms – how When it comes to planting beds, are exciting and unusual to curious are explained to them and fencing caterpillars, ants, and beetles can be useable is a garden where everything pick plants for their colour and the little people. can keep them away from an un- found or even in which hedgehogs has its place? And how much can way they feel, things that smell un- Ponds are often considered a no- timely splash. Supervised pond dip- can hide. This will encourage young kids enjoy it? usual or beautiful or are edible. Use no in a garden where young children ping can offer an afternoon of fun as children not to be afraid of bugs and The traditional British garden that tall, round alliums, spiky grasses, will play. However, it is a shame to can rearing tadpoles in a jar after- creepy crawlies and help to teach many of us grew up with was all aromatic herbs, smooth, furry lambs miss out on lovely water lilies, an wards. them about basic biology. Not to about a nice patch of lawn and a ear, plumes of astilbe and cut and abundance of newts, croaking frogs, In the same way, fill your garden mention hours of fun catching but- good stock of summer flowers, per- come again lettuces. Don’t be afraid and their jelly like spawn. Children with piles of logs, upturned pots and terflies or counting spots on haps a patio for BBQs and maybe to mix vegetables in to flower beds, learn not to go near water if dangers large rocks under which spiders, ladybirds. even a swing. But thinking about plant edible flowers such as nastur- Beauty in a garden doesn’t have to how your garden will really work for tiums, sweet peas or asters in bright, “Learn the names of everything you plant mean pink climbing roses, neat you can turn the typical backyard in garish colours which can be picked rows of cabbage or modernist to a family paradise, whether large without issue. Avoid those plants to teach to small children new words - sculpture - in a family garden its or small. Observe how children use a that are irritating or poisonous and beauty should be in discovery, ex- garden – they touch, smell, taste, learn the names of everything you plant names are exciting and unusual to citement and they run around, and they pull up plant to teach to small children usability and there’s nothing neat flowers. Little girls love daisies as learning new words – plant names curious little people.” and tidy about that! ...and don’t forget about the wildlife Factoring in wildlife to your garden is incredibly important, as well as being surprisingly abundant. Here are a few ways to attract wildlife into your space. A simple pile of old wood can three things and you could be part are available a simple pile of old provide shelter for wild garden of a push to save British wildlife wood can also provide shelter for creatures, including hedgehogs. from becoming as extinct as the any number of other wild creatures. Wildlife adds something extra to any dodo. When it comes to planting, garden, taking it beyond just a bit of concentrate on native wild flowers Bumblebee grass or a flower bed, making a city Provide bees Bird Feeders which provide pollen and nectar boxes garden a haven, bringing a suburban The good old with a shop Bird feeders and bird houses are an that local wildlife can feed on. garden together with its surround- British bought bumblebee easy way to encourage birds, many box or even get ings. of which are in steep decline, in to bumblebee is Sadly, many gardens are losing Ponds set to become crafty to build your garden. Keep feeding tables your own. their link with wildlife, we are so close to shelter to avoid larger Ponds that are at least 18cm deep a thing of the concerned with design that we don’t overhead predators but keep them and surrounded by good plant cover past if we don’t consider nature. Encouraging away from fences or walls where are excellent to encourage frogs, begin lending it a hand. We need wildlife can be as simple or compli- cats can reach them. Avoid serving newts, many of which are very them: they are excellent helpers in cated as you wish, you might like the peanuts, which can choke smaller or endangered, insects and water the flower garden. So rather than idea of helping British bugs to younger birds. snails. Stock well with oxygenating running screaming in the opposite thrive, encouraging birds, observing plant and dot leaf piles and rocks direction – bees are far less likely to butterflies, giving shelter to mam- Wood around the garden to allow frogs sting than wasps as the sting will kill mals or giving a habitat to increas- Log piles in a quiet, undisturbed plenty of places to hide on their them – provide them with a shop ingly endangered aquatic species. corner are just the ticket for dusk hops about the place. Don’t be bought bumblebee box or even get What is important to remember is hedgehogs, a creature that no Brit too ready to obliterate slugs and crafty to build your own. Add plenty that animals of all kinds need food, could not wish to see in their snails which provide valuable food of pollen-rich flowers for food and shelter and safety – give them these garden. Although hedgehog houses for amphibians. watch your garden start to buzz. 42

uuniverse

Find the right frames for you The right choice of specs should become an integral part of your face without drastically changing it. So, how do you pick the per- fect pair of glasses for your face? Simple! By applying some of the basic tips shared by Pauline Voce, style consultant for glasses firm, Silhouette. According to Voce, following these three rules will guarantee you find the per- fect glasses for you. Voce believes many people wear the wrong frames for their faces because they are influ- enced by fashion trends rather than their personal features. “Your glasses are beyond fash- ion; they are a part of you.It's fun to have loads of styles to fit in with fashion, but not everyone can afford to replace their glasses with every passing trend. We all need a classic, timeless pair that suits every trend simply because they are ideal for you.”

Analyse the shape of your Tap into the health benefits face The shape of your face is the best indication of which frames are right for you. of your daily coffee ritual Round faces: Angular frames are the best earned coffee break should be part option as they add a flattering Did you know that your daily coffee break could be doing your of our daily routine, yet 63 per cent contrast. Glasses that are deep of us have tried to reduce the num- and wide are also ideal for round health more good than you realise? ber of cups we drink each day be- face. However, without sufficient cause of myths about coffee. width, deep glasses can actually make round faces appear short Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s that moderate coffee consumption However, it seems that far from and should be avoided. HEALTH disease. Not only this but coffee may (four to five cups per day) may con- having adverse health effects, coffee protect against the development of fer a variety of health benefits and has even demonstrated a protective We all know that eating your greens, Type-2 diabetes and 74 per cent of should be enjoyed when we take our effect against cognitive decline and Square faces: drinking plenty of water and taking Curved frames will soften the us have no idea. breaks in the day.” certain other neurological disorders. regular exercise are good for us. But structure of square faces. GP Dr Sarah Jarvis says: “We As well as being enjoyable, and Research shows that coffee con- did you know that your daily coffee Therefore, choose round or oval need to be aware that there are safe in moderation, caffeine can in- sumption is associated with a de- break could be doing your health frames and steer clear of harsh many misconceptions about coffee crease your levels of alertness, helping creased risk of Alzheimer’s and more good than you realise? lines, as these will accentuate the that are simply not true. There is you to stay on top form when you Parkinson’s disease. In addition, If so, then you’re not alone as the square silhouette. strong scientific evidence to suggest are at your desk. Going for that well- coffee has been shown to have a latest market research suggests that protective effect on the liver, lower- current perceptions about coffee in ing the risk of developing liver cir- Heart-shaped faces: the UK are completely off the boil. Top coffee myths debunked is dehydrating. Scientific evidence rhosis by 71 per cent in subjects Look at both angular and But the truth is that your regular cup shows that a cup of coffee will drinking three or more cups of cof- rounded frames to see which of coffee can count as part of your Is coffee is an addictive drug? contribute to your daily fluid intake. fee each day. Similarly, an increase complements your face best. The daily fluid intake and can help pro- Three out of four coffee drinkers have of two cups of coffee per day has main rule is to avoid styles that tect you against an array of diseases. tried to reduce the number of cups of Can coffee increases the risk of been associated with a 43 per cent are wider at the top than at the There are many misconceptions coffee consumed each day because heart disease? reduced risk of liver cancer. bottom. about coffee. For example, 61 per they think coffee is addictive. Studies have shown that moderate Dr Sarah Schenker, dietitian and cent of us do not even realise that it However, there is no scientific coffee intake is not associated with member of the British Dietetic Asso- Oblong faces: can count toward our daily fluid in- evidence to support this claim when any increase in the risk of heart ciation, says: “Almost 70 per cent of Wide frames look great on take. Its health benefits are also un- coffee is consumed in moderation. disease. us in the UK drink coffee to provide oblong faces because they add known, as 84 per cent of us do not A study published in June 2008 a break in our day. Coffee has be- structure and distract the eye know that coffee consumption has Does coffee dehydrate you? showed that women who drank come a major part of the nation’s from the vertical length of the been shown to protect against cog- Over 50 per cent of coffee drinkers three cups of coffee a day were 25 per daily routine and we need to under- face. Steer clear of narrow and nitive decline and certain other neu- have tried to reduce their number of cent less likely to die from heart stand that coffee, in moderation, is round styles, as these exaggerate rological disorders such as daily cups because they think coffee disease. perfectly safe for most people.” the length of your face. www.thecatholicuniverse.com – the news site you’ll have faith in Give someone you love the Gift of Hope

 

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uuniverse Improve your balance and stability with dynamic pilates If you’re looking for a fitness activity that can give you fast results, then dynamic pilates could be for you.

system of pilates to a new level with traditional pilates class, don’t worry a more intense style of workout that as TenPilates has beginner, FITnEss offers all the benefits of pilates but intermediate and advanced Think traditional pilates with some with a high-energy cardiovascular sessions. All you have to do is sign fat-burning cardio moves thrown in, element. up for a suitable beginner’s class and you won’t be far off describing online. the popular dynamic pilates pro- More intensity Also, this exercise programme isn’t Leg strengthening exercises gramme offered by TenPilates. Ardent fans of just for women. It’s also great for Here we walk you through what traditional men, especially those who would makes the TenPilates routine special pilates won’t like to improve their flexibility. that can be done at home and why it’s a favourite with many be The dynamic pilates sessions at Hollywood stars. disappointed TenPilates are particularly great for Incorporate these targeted leg- Traditional pilates is famous for as Ten Pilates rehabilitation after injury or illness. its power to sculpt the body and incorporates This is how traditional pilates was strengthening exercises to give you boost core strength, which is essen- original pilates moves with created as founder, Joseph Pilates, tial for a flat tummy and to help pre- techniques from circuit and weight originally developed the system of an extra turbo boost on your next run vent back and neck problems. training to work on specific muscle exercise while interned during The dynamic pilates routines of- groups with extra intensity. World War I, and later used it to with one set of six to 10 reps, then fered at TenPilates were developed The result is a programme that rehabilitate injured soldiers. HEALTH add one rep per workout until you by sports scientist, David Higgins, burns fat, strengthens core muscle Today, dynamic pilates instructors reach 20. After three weeks, add who established the programme groups and slims the body. The at TenPilates, with their in-depth You would think that running itself another set, beginning at six again with Joanne Matthews, a former ath- dynamic pilates routines on offer at understanding of anatomy and would provide all the necessary and working your way up. lete who had consulted with him for TenPilates can burn up to 650 physiology, can help tailor a regime muscular strength to improve rehabilitation after she had a car ac- calories an hour. specifically for a client’s your running. However, incorpo- Side-kicks cident. If you’re thinking you’d like to give rehabilitation, helping to engage, rating strengthening exercises can These strengthen quads and Dynamic pilates takes the original it a go but have never even been to a retrain and re-programme muscles. give you an extra turbo boost. hamstrings. To avoid a calf or Bad postural habits can be banished Brian Clarke, a veteran running Achilles injury, concentrate on in the same way. coach and author of K and 10K using a smooth, relaxed motion. In fact, dynamic pilates can be Training (Human Kinetics), has Standing with your feet a few used as a solution for everything designed this quick power work- inches apart, swing your right leg from aches and pains to flattening a out to build leg strength. Carrying out to the side as you jump up on post-pregnancy tummy or to add out these exercises in addition to the ball of your left foot. Then, variety to your training routine. One your athletic training can help you swing your right leg back in, of the advantages of a dynamic achieve personal bests, whether landing on the ball of your right pilates session is that they are you are racing, walking or just out foot. When your foot touches constantly evolving, and no two for a long jog in the park on Satur- down, swing your left leg out to classes are the same, unlike other day morning. These strengthening the side and back to complete the fitness regimes which can be highly exercises can also help reduce the rep. Start with one set of six to 10 repetitive. This means you are more chance of sustaining injuries reps, then add one rep per likely to stay motivated and not get while running. workout until you reach 20. After bored. At TenPilates, instead of the three weeks, add another set, usual preset routines, your workout Workout before you run beginning at six again and programme is designed to be For best results, start slowly then working your way up. adaptable and flexible, so you end increase intensity as you get up with a tailor-made workout to stronger. Do these moves three Rockers match your specific abilities and times a week, with a day of rest These strengthen the core, calves, needs, helping you see and feel the between sessions, increasing the and Achilles tendons. Stand with benefits faster. reps as you get stronger. Allow at your feet a few inches apart. least six to eight weeks of training Swing your right leg forward as Add flexibility and core strength before any race. Begin with five to you jump up on the ball of your If you decide to try this form of seven minutes of slow jogging and left foot. Then, swing your right pilates, you will be in good company 10 jumping jacks to warm up. leg back in, landing on the ball of as the exercise programme has After the workout below, head out your right foot. When your foot become extremely popular with for your regular walk or run. touches down, swing your left leg professional footballers, cricketers back (your upper body will rock and rugby players, who are turning Twists back and forth for balance). This to dynamic pilates to add flexibility These strengthen core stability, is one rep. Repeat, using a quick, and core strengthening to their feet, calves, and Achilles tendons. smooth motion. After your right existing fitness regimes. It’s even With your feet shoulder-width leg swings forward three times, reported to be a favourite workout apart, jump slightly, landing repeat with your left leg. Start choice for Hollywood A-listers. So, if gently with both feet pointing to with one set of six to 10 reps you’ve ever wanted the body of a the right; repeat, ending with both (three to five per side), then add celebrity and the fitness of an feet pointed to the left. This is one one rep per side per workout until athlete, dynamic pilates could be rep. Allow your arms, torso, and you reach a total of 20. the choice for you. For more shoulders to balance the After three weeks, add another information, go to movement of your legs by twisting set, beginning at six again and https://www.ten.co.uk/ in the opposite direction. Start working your way up. The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 45 Obituary A shepherd who knew the smell of the sheep The Church lost another of its favourite sons last week with the sad news of the passing of the Emeritus Bishop of Lancaster, Padraig (Patrick) O’Donoghue. Here his former private secretary, Fr Robert Billing, offers his own tribute Padraig O’Donoghue was born in cese, and to find his voice, but once He also oversaw a comprehensive Mourne Abbey, Co Cork, on 4th May he had done so he mandated many review of both finance and property 1934, the middle of five children to new and bold initiatives to strengthen services and education. Throughout farmers Daniel and Sheila. He was the life and mission of the Diocese. his time in Lancaster he sought to ad- educated at the Patrician Academy in He was a shepherd who was often dress(through his Fit for Mission? Mallow, Co Cork and came to Britain ‘out and about’ in the diocese; who programme of reviews) the contem- in 1959 for seminary training, first at knew well ‘the smell of the sheep’. His porary challenges facing Catholic ed- Campion House and then, from personality of closeness and warmth ucation, and won many accolades 1961-67, at Allen Hall seminary when allowed him to be a bridge across the from the Holy See, from other dioce- it was based at St Edmund’s, Ware, aisle for very different kinds of peo- san bishops and from Catholic priests Hertfordshire. ple; different kinds of Catholic, ie, tra- and people from all over the world. On 25th May 1967 Padraig was or- ditional and more liberal. Above all he will be remembered dained priest for the Archdiocese of While bishop he set about a num- for the personal interest, care and Westminster in St Michael’s church, ber of wide ranging reforms to the pastoral kindness he showed all his Analeentha in the Parish of Mourne benefit of the diocese, including sell- flock, but paricularly his seminarians Abbey by the Westminster Auxiliary ing off the 16-room Victorian Man- and priests. Bishop Patrick Casey. sion of Bishop’s House in Lancaster Bishop O’Donoghue retired, aged Fr O’Donoghue worked initially in and settling in more modest accom- 75, on 1st May 2009 and left the UK to the parish of Our Lady of Willesden as modation. He also increased the pro- return to his native County Cork, Ire- a curate from 1967-70 and served as file of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to land. There he continued his min- local hospital chaplain. He was soon Lourdes, which increased four-fold in istry, working as an assistant priest of noticed by Cardinal John Heenan and his time as bishop, as well as estab- the parish of Bantry in West Cork, tak- was assigned to work on the Diocesan lishing a new Diocesan House of For- ing on duties in the hospital chap- Pastoral Mission Team from 1970-73, mation at Cleator, Cumbria to serve laincy, too. In April 2013, with some where he gained experience in a total as a preparatory House for pre-semi- health challenges, Bishop Padraig of 27 parishes across the entire arch- nary students. moved to be resident in the care of diocese. From 1973-77 Fr O’- In 2004 he established the strong Nazareth House, Dromahane near Donoghue was appointed Pastoral links that still exist with Syro-Malabar Mallow so as to much nearer to his Director at Allen Hall Seminary in Catholics (from Kerala, India) in the family and relatives for whom he has Chelsea. Then, from 1977-78 he was tor Cardinal Basil Hume on 29th June learn and to garner the ministry of his UK. This work laid the foundations, to always expressed his great affection, part of the team ministry at the 1993, and soon after was appointed predecessors and the community of be taken up by his successor in Lan- pride and loyalty. parish of St Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop to the West London Pastoral faithful priests and people who caster, Bishop Michael Campbell OSA It was in his beloved County Cork Fulham. His varied pastoral experi- Area of the Archdiocese. awaited him in Lancaster. to directly and practically assist in the that he died on 24th January, sorely ence led to his belief that renewal at This eight-year appointment It took about two years for Bishop erection, by the Vatican, of a Syro- missed by all who knew and loved every level in the Church, called for meant that he would make many Patrick to survey the ‘lie of the land’, Malabar Eparchy (diocese) for Great him. by the Second Vatican Council, was pastoral visitations and confirmation through a deanery-wide visitation Britain with its cathedral set in Pre- Bishop Padraig O’Donoghue RIP urgently called for, combined with his celebrations to all 41 the culturally- programme throughout his new dio- ston. (4th May 1934 – 24th January 2021) conviction in the need to grapple mixed parishes of West London. with the major issues facing both so- Across the archdiocese Bishop ciety and the Church. Padraig was well-known by priests He was appointed by Cardinal Basil and people alike, going by his nick- Hume OSB as Sub-Administrator of name from Cardinal Hume: ‘Pod’. He Westminster Cathedral from 1978-85, served as Chairman of the Westmin- an appointment that marked the be- ster Diocesan Pastoral Board from ginning of a great respect and close 1996 and even before that, on the na- friendship between himself and the tional scene, as Chairman of the Bish- Benedictine Cardinal who was a cher- ops’ Conference of England and ished mentor for Fr Padraig over the Wales Committee for Migrants from years. After this he was made Rector 1993. He was constantly to the fore, of Allen Hall Seminary from 1985-90 not least in the national media and before the by-now Monsignor O’- most regularly in The Catholic Uni- Donoghue was sent back to Westmin- verse, advancing the cause of this ster Cathedral again – this time as most vulnerable section of our com- Administrator, from 1990-93. munity. He championed aloud the The 20 years spent between the refugee, migrant and the asylum Seminary and the Cathedral further seeker. It was widely recognised that, heightened his desire for play his part the Office for Migrant and Refugee in the reform and renewal of the Policy, overseen by Bishop Patrick, Church. But there were other chal- was the most high-profile of the bish- lenges too, especially for those ops’ conference offices, thanks mainly thrown to the peripheries of life in the to Bishop Patrick’s unstinting work. inner city. Here Fr Padraig showed his In May 2001, just a few months be- desire to help combat the poverty of fore his move from Westminster to London, working in projects to aid Lancaster, he launched a strongly- the lot of the homeless, addict and worded document Any Room at the the dispossessed. For Monsignor O’- Inn? – Reflections on Asylum Seekers Donoghue it was necessary for the to mark the 50th anniversary of the Church to be right at the centre of UN Refugee Convention. work that championed the plight and He was appointed a diocesan rights of the poor, and to this end he bishop in his own right on 5th June was a key player in the practical 2001 – as Fifth Bishop of Lancaster, establishment of The Cardinal Hume arole he fulfilled until 1st May 2009. and Passage Centres, which continue He took up as his episcopal motto: to flourish to this day in London. ‘Blessed are the Poor’. Such was his work that few were As Bishop he quickly exuded great surprised that he was named bishop energy and stamina in getting to by Pope John Paul II on 18th May know his new diocese, which covered 1993. He was duly ordained as Auxil- Lancashire north of the River Ribble iary Bishop for the Archdiocese of and all of Cumbria. He arrived as a Westminster (and titular bishop of Pilgrim to a traditionally very Tulana) by his great friend and men- Catholic part of the country; eager to 46 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Classified/Crossword/Sudoku

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The Catholic Universe Crossword No. 682 Experts in Worldwide Repatriation 24 Hour Service Across 1. Silence (9) 8. Hoot (3) 020 7237 6366 or020 7313 6920 9. Harmful (11) 11. Stray (7) 12. By ear (5) www.albins.co.uk 13. Brightness (6) 15. Impede (6) 17. Splendid (5) The Catholic Universe Sudoku No. 282 18. Jute cloth (7) 20. Indifferent (11) 22. Dog (3) 23. Ruffian (9) Down 2. Bind (3) 3. Supple (5) 4. Way out (6) 5. Packing away (7) 6. Remark (11) 7. Seed leaf (9) Every 10. Parliament (11) Sudoku has a unique 11. Assiduity (9) solution that can be 14. Made smaller (7) reached logically. 16. Gratitude (6) Enter numbers into 19. Sift (5) the blank spaces so 21. Conclude (3) that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. SOLUTION - Stuck? see page 47 see page 47 The Catholic Universe | Friday 29th January 2021 47 Classified/Crossword/Liturgical Calendars

CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION MEMORIAM CARDS PRIESTS & BROTHERS Crossword Solution (from p46) Special Offer! An opportunity too good to be Across: 1 Stillness; missed. We are not offering a job, career or even 8 Boo; 9 Deleterious; a way of life. 11 Digress; 12 Aural; We offer an invitation to explore if you have 13 Lustre; 15 Retard; been invited by the Lord, to follow him in a 17 Grand; 18 Hessian; 20 Unconcerned; special way as a priest or religious as an 22 Cur; 23 Desperado. Augustinian Recollect friar. Down: 2 Tie; 3 Lithe; We offer you the fellowship of our 4 Egress; 5 Stowage; communities… the opportunity to share prayer 6 Observation; 7 Cotyledon; MASS TIMES and spiritual growth… the challenge to know yourself and your purpose in life… an 10 Legislature; RECRUITMENT 11 Diligence; opportunity to serve God as a missionary in 14 Reduced; 16 Thanks; Jesuit Church, Farm Street remote parts of the world, or in an inner-city 19 Sieve; 21 End. Lockdown Mass times: Do you want to parish in London or New York. Sudoko The need is always there and so is the invitation. Solution SUNDAY: 18:00 (Saturday Vigil)11:00 (Latin), 18:00. reach out to a Our ‘ Special Offer’ is a lifetime opportunity to (from p46) MON-SAT: 10:00, 18:00. forgotten follow the call of God to serve him as an Due to severity of Covid-19 in London, the church Augustinian Recollect friar. will be closed during celebrations of the Mass. community? All Masses are livestreamed on our website. For more information: Fr Gerald Wilson O.A.R., OPENING HOURS: We are looking for like-minded ordained St Rita’ s Centre, Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton, SUNDAY: 12.30-15.30. MON-SAT: 11:00-17:30. and non-ordained people to serve Devon, EX14 1AP. 01404 42601 ex 1 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament SUNDAY: 12:30-16:00. MON-SAT: 11:00-16:00 the Traveller Communities in England [email protected] Confessions are available by appointment only. and Wales through our Sessional www.augustinian-recollects.org.uk Chaplaincy and Family Support work. www.farmstreet.org.uk Visit us on Facebook or Linkedin. THANKSGIVING PRAYER Full details on application. If you are interested, please contact OBITUARY our CEO Clive Dudbridge at [email protected] FR CLIVE BIRCH SM, former Director of the R.C. National Shrine of Our THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER or to have an informal discussion, Lady, Walsingham, (whose Chapel of Reconciliation he helped design) from 1979- Dear Heart of please contact Clive on 07808650604. 1985, and Superior of Notre Dame de France, Leicester Place, London, 1992-1996, Jesus in the past died aged 82 in Hull. I have asked for VOCATIONS Born in Accrington, Lancashire, Clive studied Theology in the Marist Seminary many favours, in Lyon, France, and was a graduate of St Mary’s Twickenham and the London this time I ask Guildhall School of Music. He taught RE and music, and helped with musicals production, in schools in Exeter, Sidcup, Middlesbrough and Hull. He suffered a you for this very OUR LADY OF FIDELITY debilitating stroke in 2003. special one The Church needs religious sisters URGENTLY Fr John Hannan SM, writes: ‘May the Lord reward his patient endurance during (mention favour). (ministers of religion) to bring Christ to others by many years of disability and suffering. I spent two glorious years in Lyon with a life of prayer and service lived in the community Take it dear Heart of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre Clive, marvellous company with a creative approach for things ‘outside the box’. of Jesus and of community life. By wearing the religious habit Another tribute: in Notre Dame de France in the 1990’s: ‘I witnessed Clive’s place it within we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. inspiring level of commitment, energy and creativity put into relaunching the your own broken If you are willing to risk a little love and would mission there. May all whose lives touched him through care and concern be like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette. blest’. heart where your Mature vocations considered. Father sees it. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady’s Close, Off Hermitage Road, LITURGICAL CALENDARS Then in his merciful eyes it will become your Upper Norwood, London. SE19 3FA. favour not mine. Amen. Tel: 0044 (0) 7760 297001 Email: [email protected] COLUMBARIUM SERVICES Ordinary Form Liturgical Calendar Sunday Year B, weekday cycle 1

January: Month of the Wednesday, 3rd February: St Patrick’s Columbarium Holy Name of Jesus Heb 12:4-7,11-15; Ps 102; Mk 6:1-6 February: Month of the Holy Family Redfield, Bristol Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Thursday, 4th February: Sunday, 31st January: Dt 18:15-20; Heb 12:18-19,21-24; Ps 47; Mk 6:7-13 Ps 94; 1Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28 Friday, 5th February: Heb 13:1-8; Ps 26; St Patrick’s Catholic Church in central Monday, 1st February: Heb 11:32-40; Ps Mk 6:14-29 Bristol is pleased to offer leases in our 30; Mk 5:1-20 Saturday, 6th February: newly constructed Columbarium. Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Heb 13:15-17,20-21; Ps 22; Mk 6:30-34 Tuesday, 2nd February: Mal 3:1-4 or Located within The Chapel of the Heb 2:14-18; Ps 23; Lk 2:22-40 Resurrection, each vault can contain Extraordinary Form Calendar according to the the cremated remains of two loved Roman Missal of 1962 (Tridentine Rite) ones in an elegant and dignified setting. Sunday, 31st January: Septuagesima Thursday, 4th February: St Andrew Sunday 1 Cor 9:24-27, 10:1-5; Corsini bishop & confessor Contact Tracy McNama at the Parish Mt 20:1-16 Ecclus 44:16-45:20; Mt 25:14-235 Office on 0117 955 7662 or for an Monday, 1st February: St Ignatius Friday, 5th February: St Agatha virgin & information pack or visit bishop & martyr Rom 8:35-39; martyr 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 19:3-12 Jn 12:24-26 www.saintpatricks.co.uk Saturday, 6th February: St Titus bishop Tuesday, 2nd February: Purification of & confessor Ecclus 44:16-45:20; Our Lady, Mal 3:1-4; Lk 2:22-32 Luke 10:1-9 One of four stained-glass windows St Patrick’s Church, Dillon Court, by a renowned 20th century Netham Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9PF Wednesday, 3rd February: Feria Compiled by Gordon Dimon, Senior MC sculptor, Arthur Fleischmann. 1 Cor 9:24-27, 10:1-5; Mt 20:1-16 of the Latin Mass Society 48 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Sport (SWIFT) Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper A proposed European Super League shows a lack of sporting integrity

Dr Colm Hickey

The European Super League. It is a subject that will not go away. I wrote about it a few weeks ago and here we are again. The primary motiva- tion behind it is, of course money and the plans represent a grave threat to lower league football and the very fabric of our game. It is elit- ist, divisive and will damage foot- ball. Let us explore the issues. The European Super League (ESL) initia- tive is led by Juventus chairman An- drea Agnelli and the European Club Association (ECA). It has the backing like to reiterate and strongly empha- of some UEFA executives (but not sise that such a competition would necessarily the FAs who make up not be recognised by either FIFA or UEFA’s structure). Founder mem- the respective confederation. Any bers would receive £310 million club or player involved in such a each to join the competition. The competition would as a conse- league would have 20 teams 15 quence is not allowed to participate founder members and five qualify- in any competition organised by ing each year, each team playing be- FIFA or their respective confedera- tween 18 and 23 games per season. tion.’ FIFA also stated that its Club The main features of the proposal World Cup, both in its current and are: future guise, and the confederations’ The current champions of the EFL Trophy are Portsmouth, who beat Sunderland 5-4 on penalties in the • Founder clubs receive £310 respective tournaments were the 2019 final to win the competition for the first and only time. The impact of a European Super League may destroy the domestic game says Football Supporters’ Association’s Kevin Miles . million; only club competitions recognised. (pictured below) • Annual prize fund of £3.5 billion The governing body plans to expand guaranteeing clubs a minimum of its Club World Cup to include 24 sponse to the latest developments. ised around the following six princi- rope.” £130 million and a maximum of teams from the six confederations. The European Commission vice ples: In many ways it should not matter £213 million; The forthcoming event in Qatar, president Margaritis Schinas be- • Promotion and relegation based if you support a ‘top six’ club or not. • Two groups of ten with the top postponed from 2020, will feature lieves that the proposals incompati- on sporting performance – from Life should be about justice not self- four going into knock out quarter six teams. ble with the ‘European way of life’ the bottom of the pyramid to interest. Sport should reflect life, so finals; Elsewhere, the Football Support- arguing: “There is no scope for the qualification for Europe; football should be fair. The fact that • Midweek matches; ers Europe (FSE), the umbrella or- few to distort the universal and di- • No to closed leagues or franchise it is not; that the gap between the • Clubs able to show four games on ganisation for local and national fan verse nature of European football. football – qualify on results, not ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is almost their own digital platforms. groups across the continent, of The European way of life is not com- through history or heritage; impossibly wide and getting wider, which the Football Supporters Asso- patible with European football being • Weekends are for domestic leagues is neither here nor there. Yes, the Is this a good thing? Not accord- ciation (FSA) is a member, said: ‘The reserved for the rich and the power- – protect fan culture, home and distribution of finance in football is ing to Lar-Christer Olsson, President European sports model is based on ful.” away. No live broadcasts on unfair, but that should not mean of the European Leagues who argues sporting merit, qualification for Eu- In England the FSA has long op- Saturdays at 3:00pm; that we allow proposals to make it that: “This is a significant threat to rope via domestic success, and fair posed the concept of a European • We want competitive leagues – no even worse. This initiative is not European football and would lead to revenue distribution. It should be Super League, arguing that such a to even more concentration of what most of the football commu- a closed European Super League for strengthened by all stakeholders, league would have a disastrous im- wealth and on-going domination nity want. Although some self-inter- a limited number of clubs similar to not undermined.’ FSE will hold an pact on the domestic game. The FSA by a fixed few top clubs; ested individuals who only care the franchise models operating in emergency board meeting in the believes European competition and • Domestic football comes first – about their top six club may support the NFL.” Meanwhile, UEFA and coming days to decide upon a re- domestic leagues should be organ- protect the pyramid and cup it, they are not true fans. True fans FIFA and the five other continental competitions; are people who love football and see federations have issued a joint state- • Share the wealth – the money from it as it really is: a wonderful sport ment warning that any player play- elite football should be shared that brings joy to so many, who un- ing in such a competition would be across the whole game; derstand the role that it plays in banned from playing in the Euro- • These principles were backed by communities across Britain and pean Championships or World Cup. fans across the continent at the who cherish the history and heritage FIFA said in a statement: ‘In light of European Football Fans Congress of the game. They are people who, in recent media speculation about the in 2019. the deepest recesses of their hearts, creation of a closed European ‘Super have the dream that one day, maybe, League’ by some European clubs, FSA chief executive Kevin Miles their club will climb the football lad- FIFA and the six confederations said: “This is the most advanced der and win the league or cup. They (AFC, CAF, Concacaf, Conmebol, proposal we’ve yet seen for a know that the proposed ESL OFC and UEFA) once again would potential European Super stinks. League and it’s something If it goes through an- that should be of grave other piece of the ro- concern to supporters up mance of football will and down the game.” He vanish. Do you really continued: “Decisive ac- want this creeping corpo- tion is now needed to pro- ratisation and globalisation tect the game we love. Foot- of football? Do you really ball in all its forms in the UK, want football to be in the hands FIFA and UEFA have threatened from grassroots to the top tier, occu- of rich businessmen who see our clubs and players who participate pies far too important a place in our wonderful game as merely as a cash in any European Super League society to be jeopardised by an even cow for their self-interests? Well, I with a ban from their The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United could be immune to greater concentration of wealth in for one do not, and I hope you do competitions. relegation. the hands of 15 big clubs across Eu- not too.

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