Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 95 No. 32 January 31, 2018 Elder prays God’s grace at work in other churches Elder Lorna Standingready asked for By Cindy Wooden the archbishop of Canterbury’s the “wisdom personal representative to the to deal ROME (CNS) — When differ - Holy See. with our ent Christian churches recognize The theme of the 2018 week of challenges” the validity of one another’s bap - prayer was “Your right hand, O as she tisms, they are recognizing that Lord, glorious in power,” which is offered the God’s grace is at work in them, taken from the song of Moses and opening prayer for this Pope Francis said. Miriam in the Book of Exodus. It year’s World Day of Prayer “Even when differences sepa - is a song of praise to God for hav - for Christian Unity, held at rate us, we recognize that we are ing saved the Israelites as they Regina’s First Presbyterian part of the redeemed people, the crossed the Red Sea. Church Jan. 21. same family of brothers and sis - In his homily, Pope Francis — page 3 ters loved by the one Father,” the said the early church theologians Young voices pope said Jan. 25 at an ecumeni - saw the parting of the Red Sea, cal evening prayer service closing the drowning of the Pharaoh’s As Canada’s bishop delegates the Week of Prayer for Christian forces and the safe passage of the prepare for this fall’s synod Unity. Israelites as an image of baptism. on young people in Rome, The week ended on the feast of “Our sins are what was one objective is immediately the Conversion of St. Paul, and drowned by God in the living the papal vespers were celebrated waters of baptism,” he said. “Sin CNS/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters clear — the voices of the at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul threatened to make us slaves for - young must take centre stage. CHRISTIAN UNITY PRAYER SERVICE — Pope Francis presides Outside the Walls, the church ever, but the force of divine love — page 5 over an ecumenical prayer service Jan. 25 with Orthodox Metropolitan where, according to tradition, the overpowered it.” Gennadios of Italy and Malta and Anglican Archbishop Bernard Share Lent apostle is buried. Precisely because Christians Ntahoturi, the archbishop of Canterbury’s personal representative to At the beginning of the prayer have experienced God’s “power - the Holy See, at Rome’s Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The ser - “Together for Peace” is the service, Pope Francis stood be - ful mercy in saving us,” they can vice marked the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. theme of the 2018 Share fore what is believed to be St. pray together and sing God’s Lent campaign. Materials Paul’s tomb, accompanied by Or - praises, he said. als being saved by God, it also verted, he said, “the grace of God presented to parish represen - thodox Metropolitan Gennadios Another lesson from the cross - involved a community. pushed him to seek communion tatives at workshops held of Italy and Malta and Anglican ing of the Red Sea, the pope said, And after St. Paul was recently in the Roman Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, is that while it involved individu - knocked off his horse and con - — GRACE , page 15 Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon demonstrated the Diocese responds to job application requirement clear connection between peace and development. — page 6 By Kiply Lukan Yaworski and conscience, as guaranteed in organization hoped to hire, how community or the organization if Section 2 (a) (b) of the Canadian particular projects might con - funding is denied. Miscommunication SASKATOON — The Roman Charter of Rights and Freedoms. tribute to the common good, and Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon is “We are called to uphold the the anticipated impact on the — TIME , page 7 Winnipeg MP MaryAnn among those across the country dignity and the life of each human Mihychuk blames miscom - expressing opposition to a govern - person, made in the image and Ombudsperson greeted munication from the federal ment program requiring groups to likeness of God, including the Liberals for causing confu - attest that their core mandate sup - lives of unborn children,” wrote sion among pro-life organi - ports “reproductive rights” in order Hagemoen. “We disagree with the with guarded optimism zations and others who to receive funding. (See related government’s interpretation of the depend on summer student story, page 4.) Charter and the coercion it is using By Michael Swan including allegations of human help, and says she will never on those applying for funding.” The Catholic Register rights abuses by Canadian corpora - agree to new rules blocking The bishop’s letter quoted a tions. There will also be an option Catholic employers’ access recent statement by the Canadian TORONTO (CCN) — Church to submit complaints by mail. to federal grants. Conference of Catholic Bishops: agencies in Latin America and the The Jesuits in Honduras said — page 7 “Faith communities consider abor - Philippines are cautiously welcom - they were giving Canada a second tion, sexual orientation, and gender ing Ottawa’s move to set up a chance after the previous Office Bitter divisions identity as major questions with eth - Canadian Ombudsperson for of the Corporate Social Responsi - ical, moral, social and personal Responsible Enterprise who will bility Counsellor “proved ineffec - “We are becoming hate-filled bearing which determine our under - have power to investigate human tive and insufficient.” people who both fuel and standing of human dignity and thus rights abuses and environmental The Office of the CSR Coun - justify our hatred on reli - appreciation for the meaning and damage associated with Canadian- sellor was set up in 2009 by the gious and moral grounds,” significance of each and every owned or operated mines abroad. previous Conservative government, writes Ron Rolheiser. OMI. human life. This new policy con - The key to success for the new but it wasn’t able to complete a sin - “What’s needed is nothing flicts directly with the right to free - office will be whether the Cana - gle investigation. Com panies could short of religious conversion, dom of religion and conscience.” dian ombudsperson will accept shut down investigations simply by a religious change of heart, In the letter, Hagemoen sug - complaints directly from individ - refusing to participate. and that’s contingent on the gested a plan of action for Cath - uals and communities living next Rather than the voluntary co- individual. The collective olic organizations in the diocese, to the mines, said Rev. Dario operation of companies, an effec - heart will change only when encouraging those seeking Cana- Bossi, director of the ecumenical tive office must start with “the individual hearts first do.” PM file dian Summer Jobs funding to Latin American Churches and state obligation to defend and pro - — page 11 Bishop Mark Hagemoen submit a printed application by Mining Network. tect human rights, given their uni - Blind spot mail and leave the “I attest” sec - “We are most hopeful that an versal nature,” said Pedro Landa The federal government’s Ca - tion blank. (It is not possible to ombudsperson in Canada will be of the Jesuit-sponsored Reflec - Pope Francis “may be on nadian Summer Jobs application complete the online electronic sufficiently empowered to bring tion, Investigation and Com- the side of refugees, describes these rights as including application without making the changes to Canadian companies munication Team of the Jesuits in migrants, the sick, the poor, “the right to access safe and legal attestation.) Catholic groups were starting from effective state over - Honduras. the indigenous and other abortions.” also encouraged to add a letter sight,” Bossi told the Canadian The accusations against Cana- marginalized peoples, but he In a letter issued this week, explaining their reasons for not Catholic Organization for Devel - dian companies in Latin Ameri - just doesn’t get it when it Bishop Mark Hagemoen encour - making the attestation. op ment and Peace in a Spanish- can have included unsafe working comes to victims of abuse,” aged concerned Catholics to con - The bishop also asked Catholic language email. conditions, forcing local people tact their elected officials to ex - The writes Thomas Reese, SJ. groups applying for CSJ funding Global Affairs Canada told from their land and violence press opposition to the require - to contact diocesan Justice and Catholic Register a web portal will against mining protesters. — page 12 ment, which conflicts directly with Peace co-ordinator Myron Rogal be set up to enable complaint sub - the right to freedom of religion to share how many students each missions from affected parties, — BISHOPS , page 5 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS January 31, 2018 Sharing ‘fake news’ can be evil

By Cindy Wooden late. the Garden of Eden did. The first to employ the fake- The snake’s power grows as VATICAN CITY (CNS) — news tactic was the serpent in the people limit their sources of People have a responsibility to Garden of Eden who convinced information to one outlet, espe - check the source of what they Eve she would not die by eating cially if that outlet is a social share on social media to ensure it the fruit of the forbidden tree, he media platform whose algorithms is not “fake news” designed to said. The Bible story shows that are based on providing users with further prejudices or increase fear, “there is no such thing as harm - more information like they have Pope Francis said. less disinformation; on the con - just read, the pope said. Fake news grabs people’s trary, trusting in falsehood can “Disinformation thus thrives attention “by appealing to stereo - have dire consequences.” on the absence of healthy con - types and common social preju - Pope Francis praised educators frontation with other sources of dices, and exploiting instanta - who teach young people how to information that could effectively neous emotions like anxiety, con - read and question the news and the challenge prejudices and generate tempt, anger and frustration,” information they see presented on constructive dialogue,” he wrote. Pope Francis wrote in his mes - social media. He encouraged People who repost or retweet sage for World Communications efforts to develop regulations to such false information, the pope Day 2018. counter fake news and he praised said, become “unwilling accom - The message is a reflection on tech and media companies for try - plices in spreading biased and the theme, “ ‘The truth will set ing to improve ways to verify “the baseless ideas.” you free.’ Fake news and journal - personal identities concealed One way to know if something ism for peace.” World Com mu - behind millions of digital profiles.” should be checked and not be nications Day will be celebrated But, he insisted, individuals shared, he said, is if it “discredits May 13 at the Vatican and in most always will have the final respon - others, presenting them as ene - dioceses. The papal message was sibility for discerning what is real mies, to the point of demonizing released at the Vatican Jan. 24, news and what is helpful to share them and fomenting conflict.” the feast of St. Francis de Sales, on social media. In the modern world, with the patron saint of journalists. “We need to unmask what rapid and viral spread of news Fake news is so effective, he could be called the ‘snake tactics’ and information — both real and said, because it mimics real news used by those who disguise them - fake — lives and souls are at CNS/Joanna Korhorst but uses “non-existent or distort - selves in order to strike at any stake, he said, because the “father POPE’S PRAYER ON FAKE NEWS — At the end of his message for ed data” to deceive and manipu - time and place” like the serpent in of lies” is the devil. World Communications Day 2018, Pope Francis included a prayer he wrote adapted from the “Prayer of St. Francis.” The message was released at the Vatican Jan. 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron Pope explains in-flight nuptials saint of journalists.

By Cindy Wooden Rome. “Both of them had pre - ceremony, and they have two Pope is firm on protecting pared before God — with the daughters. They told the pope VATICAN CITY (CNS) — sacrament of penance — and I they planned to reschedule the minors from sexual abuse Pope Francis’ decision to convali - married them.” church ceremony but just kept date the marriage of two flight The blessing of the marriage putting it off. attendants in the air sent waves of of LATAM flight attendants “I questioned them a bit and By Carol Glatz former mentor. turbulence through the Catholic Carlos Ciuffardi Elorriaga and their answers were clear, it was During his general audience at blogosphere, where respected Paula Podest Ruiz took place dur - for life, and they told me they had VATICAN CITY (CNS) — the Vatican, the pope said he canon lawyers and pastors raised ing the pope’s flight Jan. 18 from done the pre-marriage course,” Pope Francis said he told the bish - emphasized to his brother bishops serious questions about the pope San tia go, Chile, to Iquique. the pope told reporters. Also, he ops and priests of Chile to be and priests that they must “reject sending a message that marriage When the couple went to the said, “they were aware that they uncompromising when it comes every compromise with the sexual wasn’t so serious. back of the plane and told re - were in an irregular situation.” to protecting minors from sexual abuse of minors and, at the same But three days later, the pope porters about it, the whole thing In a story Dec. 19 about the abuse and to trust that God will time, trust in God, who through gave reporters more of the back - had sounded very spontaneous. crew chosen to work the papal purify and renew his church dur - this difficult trial, purifies and ground, demonstrating that he did But Pope Francis told reporters flights, El Mercurio , a Chilean ing this time of trial. renews his ministers.” not make the decision on the fly later that Ciuffardi also worked on newspaper, had interviewed the Problems and conflicts must After detailing other highlights and neither did the couple. the papal flight to Temuco the day couple. Already then, they raised never be swept under the rug, he of the trip, he emphasized the “I judged they were prepared, before; Podest, whom he had mar - the hope of Pope Francis blessing also said, because they can be importance of never ignoring or they knew what they were ried civilly in 2010, was not work - their union in flight. “We would resolved only through openness hiding problems or conflicts be - doing,” the pope told reporters ing the Jan. 17 flight. love it, it’s our place, it’s our sec - and dialogue. cause handling them that way Jan. 21 on his flight back to So the groom had a chance to ond home,” Podest was quoted as At his weekly general audience only makes things worse. speak to the saying. Jan. 24 in St. Peter’s Square, the “Conflicts that come to light pope alone. “One of you said I was crazy pope told an estimated 15,000 pil - are talked about, are resolved “Later, I real - to do this,” the pope told re port- grims and visitors about his Jan. through dialogue. Think about the ized he was ers. But “they were prepared, and 15 - 21 visit to Chile and Peru. small conflicts that you certainly checking me if the priest says they are pre - Thanking leaders, organizers have at home. Don’t hide them,” out,” the pope pared and I decided that they and volunteers for all their hard he said, instead, find the right told reporters. were prepared . . . the sacraments work and generosity in contribut - moment to talk things through. They spoke are for the people.” ing to a trip where “everything When he talked about visiting a about life, mar - “All the conditions were there, went well,” the pope also recog - women’s prison in Santiago, he riage and the that is clear,” he said. So, “why nized the presence of protesters. urged all nations to make sure family. “It was not do it today,” otherwise they The protests made the theme of their incarceration practices al - a nice conver - could have put it off for another his visit to Chile, “I Give You My ways included programs for the sation.” 10 years. Peace,” even more relevant and rehabilitation and social reintegra - The next “The pope saw an opportunity timely, he said, as these words tion of prisoners. Without that day, both and he worked it,” said Cardinal Jesus spoke to his disciples glimmer of hope of someday be- attendants Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the explain how he is the one and ing welcomed back into society, were on duty. Dicastery for Laity, the Family only source of peace for those “prison is a torture without end.” They told the and Life. who trust in him. He also mentioned how he told pope they had “What he is saying to the Some of the more “intense” leaders in Peru to do all they planned to priests and to the church is that moments of the trip, he said, were could to address the social and marry in the God’s time to bestow his bless - meetings with Chile’s priests, reli - environmental challenges there as church, but ings upon anybody does not nec - gious and bishops. well as the problem of corruption. early in the essarily depend on a rule or a reg - Those encounters were made Looking up from his text at morning the ulation,” the cardinal told “even more fruitful by the shared those in St. Peter’s Square, the day of the Catholic News Service Jan. 23. suffering over some of the pope said, “I don’t know if you wedding, Feb. Farrell said that as bishop of wounds that afflict the church” here have ever heard talk about 27, 2010, a Dallas, he would not allow cou - there, he said. The pope had ear - corruption?” As people applaud - massive earth - ples to get married on a ranch or in lier asked forgiveness from those ed, he acknowledged how corrup - CNS/Kenny Katombe, Reuters quake struck a park. But the pope was not cele - who were sexually abused by tion exists “here, too,” not just in CONGO PROTESTS ELECTIONS — Riot police fire Chile and the brating a wedding on the plane, he priests, but stood firm with his other countries. tear gas to disperse a priest and demonstrators during church col - was convalidating a marriage, and decision in 2015 to give a dio - Corruption, he said, “is more a protest organized by Catholic activists in Kinshasa, lapsed. Farrell, like most priests, has done cese to Bishop Juan Barros, who dangerous than the flu.” It lodges Congo. At least six people were killed during demon - The couple that in a variety of settings, includ - was accused of turning a blind itself in the heart, destroying it, he strations across the country against delayed elections ended up mar - ing hospital rooms. “He did what eye to the abuse perpetrated by said, as he urged everyone to fight and Congolese President Joseph Kabila. rying in a civil any good pastor will do.” Father Fernando Karadima, his this problem. January 31, 2018 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Chaldean bishop plots fresh spiritual path in Canada

By Michael Swan “The challenge is because we thers,’ ” Soro explained. “The oth - The Catholic Register don’t have these associations and ers would say, ‘Hey, look, the mass these agencies,” Thoma said. and the liturgy were created for the TORONTO (CCN) — Chal - “The church hierarchy cannot do sake of man. It’s not that man was dean Bishop Biwai Soro had been everything, especially because we created to sing the liturgy.’ ” a priest and pastor for more than are so very occupied with the sce - Many of the conservatives are a decade when he stumbled on a nario of persecution and dealing to be found right here in Canada simpler, more basic understand - with the day-to-day issues for in the established immigrant ing of priesthood. newcomers who have just arrived church. The innovators are either “The church is not about seek - in Canada.” in Iraq or among the new arrivals ing my future, my ideas, my Not to be flip about the suffer - — people who have witnessed career, my episcopacy, my priest - ing and martyrdom of thousands not just war but enormous cultur - hood,” Soro told The Catholic of Chaldeans, Thoma counts per - al upheaval. They demand a litur - Register. “Really, the church is secution as a blessing. gy and a Christianity that re- about connecting people to God. “The positive dimension of sponds to their reality. Priesthood is a conduit.” persecution is to make everybody That’s not so easy for older As the new bishop to a Cana- realize we’re in the same boat,” immigrants who have sacrificed dian church which has grown in he said. “Persecution is bringing so much to start over in Canada, recent years because of the all of us together.” said Soro. refugee Christians fleeing ISIS in Unity is not something that “They begin growing in a new Iraq and Syria, the connections can be taken for granted. Just as environment, totally alien to them. Soro hopes to make are complex in the western, Roman church, What’s the only thing, however, — spiritually, culturally and po- the Chaldeans are sometimes that they continue to hold? It’s their litically. divided over liturgy. Conserva - liturgy. They cling to it,” he said. It’s a task the 63-year-old tives cling to every word and ges - Soro is not going to take sides. Iraqi-born priest is ready to tackle ture which has accumulated over Bishops are there to care for the as he takes charge of the the years, freezing it somewhere people whose passions and prob - Chaldean Eparchy of Mar Addai Michael Swan around 1830 when the Catholic lems, whose families and tradi - of Toronto. Established in 2011, it patriarchate reunited in Mosul, tions, are engaged in the liturgy. FRESH SPIRITUAL PATH — Bishop Biwai Soro is the new leader for Iraq, after two centuries of divi - He’s there to foster and encourage is the only Chaldean diocese in Canada’s Chaldean Catholic community. Canada, serving an estimated sion and rivalry. a genuine, organic spirituality. 40,000 Chaldean Catholics. “We grew up in a culture that new arrivals and established “The traditionalists would say, At 15, in his hometown of Soro helms an oriental church says you are guilty until proven Chaldean-Canadians, between the ‘Hey, this is what gives us charac - Kirkuk, in Kurdish-dominated whose traditions stretch back to innocent, while in the West it’s families that have adjusted well ter. This is how we connect our - the Apostles. The Chaldeans have totally the reverse,” he said. “Be - and those that still struggle. selves to our sources, our forefa - — UNIFY , page 4 survived the Ottoman, Seljuk, cause of the Judaeo-Christian Mongol and Sassanid Empires background and the synthesis of and now must root themselves these values into the Enlight en - Elder offers opening prayer for unity within a western, democratic and ment, with the production of the mostly secular society. current law and the culture, man By Frank Flegel “Who should fear the Hand of The cemetery was rediscov - “It’s a phenomenon that we’re has a dignity and everyone is in- God?” He questioned, then ered a few years ago near the site seeing for the first time in history,” nocent until proven guilty.” REGINA — Participants pray - opined: “The powerful and those of the original school just west of said Soro, who was appointed to For the refugee church, that ing for Christian unity formed a who abuse power should fear the the city. The site is marked with a Toronto by Pope Francis in might sound like good news. But circle around the perimeter of the Hand of God.” white board fence and contains a October. “So, all these answers are it’s difficult to trust and hard to nave of the church. They prayed He really the subject of the next 50 to adjust, “to switch the voltage, if for peace, they prayed for justice, talked 100 years of our lives. We will dis - you will, from 220 to 120,” said they prayed for reconciliation, about slav - cover those answers there.” the bishop. and then they linked arms to con - ery in the On the run from misguided St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic nect their circle and prayed to - Caribbean attempts by ISIS to return to the church pastor Rev. Niaz Thoma in gether the Lord’s Prayer to con - and referred age of empires, the Chaldeans Oakville appreciates the challenge clude the annual service of prayer to the mil - must now embrace a whole new his new boss faces bridging the for Christian unity. lions who perspective on life, Soro said. gaps between generations, between First Presbyterian Pastor Rev. died under Amanda Currie wel - colonial comed everyone on rule on the behalf of the Regina island of Council of Churches Hispaniola and the Downtown (Haiti), and Regina Churches. how colo - She was followed by nial rule Elder Lorna Stand- suppressed ing ready who offered the indige - Frank Flegel the opening prayer, in nous people ELDER’S PRAYER — Rev. Amanda Currie, pastor of English, asking for in this Regina’s First Presbyterian Church, listens as Elder the “wisdom to deal country. He Lorna Standingready offers the opening prayer for this with our challenges.” referred to year’s World Day of Prayer for Christian Unity. First Presbyterian what he Standingready asked for the “wisdom to deal with our Church hosted this called the challenges.” First Presbyterian hosted this years’ service years’ service Jan. 21 “deep Jan. 21, which attracted representatives from several and attracted repre - wound of Christian faiths, the Aboriginal community, a Christian sentatives from sev - the residen - outreach program, and at least two soup kitchens. eral Christian faiths tial school as well as representa - system”: “We have to recognize number of unmarked graves. The tives from Regina’s how deep that wound is. We have only graves with markers are Aboriginal communi - to recognize the size of that wound those of two sons of a former Kiply Yaworski ty, a Chris tian out - to prepare for what comes next. It director of the school who died DE MARGERIE LECTURE — The 2018 De Margerie Series for Christian reach program, and at took seven generations to get here while their father worked there. Reconciliation and Unity was held during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in least two soup and it’s going to take seven gener - There have been indications that Saskatoon, featuring special guest Rev. Susan Durber, moderator of the Faith and kitchens. This year’s ations to heal. there are other graves outside the Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, theology co-ordinator for program was put to - “We need to unlearn our apa - currently marked boundaries of Christian Aid in the United Kingdom, and a minister of the United Reformed gether by the church - thy,” said Cappella. “There is no the cemetery. Church. Leaders gathered for her presentation of the De Margerie Lecture Jan. 25 at es of the Caribbean. healing without justice.” The World Week of Prayer for St. Thomas More College included (from left): STM president Dr. Terrence Downey, Dr. Michael Cap - The Regina Indian Industrial Christian Unity began in 1908, and St. Andrew’s College professor of church history and ecumenics Rev. Sandra pella, chair of the School cemetery was mentioned the movement grew following the Beardsall, STM director of mission Gertrude Rompré, Rev. Bernard de Margerie, University of Regina’s in several prayers during the ser - organization of the World Council Rev. Susan Durber, Prairie Centre for Ecumenism director Darren Dahl, and Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen. During the evening, local undergraduate core vice, and the collection taken at of Churches in 1966. Each year, ecumenical leaders, de Margerie, for whom the series is named, and Rev. Colin Clay program in the Fa - the gathering is to go to the Christian organizations in a coun - were recognized for 60 years of ministry: the two men were ordained in their respec - culty of Education Regina Industrial School Ceme - try, or a group of countries, pro - tive churches (Roman Catholic and Anglican) on the same day in 1958. As part of the focused his message tery Committee, which is working duce an Order of Service which is annual De Margerie Series, Durber also led morning workshops Jan. 26 and 27 at the on “Truth, Recon - to restore and preserve the site. then sent around the world for Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon and gave the homily at the Jan. 28 closing ciliation, and the right There is also a move to have it groups to use in their local ser - celebration for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Hand of God.” designated a heritage site. vices. 4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS January 31, 2018 Leaders request gov’t drop summer jobs attestation

By Michael Swan disputes a woman’s right to abor - zations, including the The Catholic Register tion as part of the organization’s Cana dian Conference core mandate. of Catholic Bishops, TORONTO (CNS) — Eighty- The issue arose last summer and added a supple - seven religious leaders, including when pro-abortion groups pro - mentary guide to Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, tested that some grants from the define what is meant have united to call on the Cana - $220-million Canada Summer by “core mandate.” dian government to strike down a Jobs program were going to pro- As long as an organi - new policy that requires organiza - life organizations, whose activi - zation’s “primary tions seeking summer jobs grants ties included distributing graphic activities” do not to confirm support for the pro- anti-abortion pamphlets. In re- include pro-life advo - abortion and gender policies of the sponse, the government changed cacy or discrimination Liberal party. the rules this year. Applicants against minorities, an “The promise of a free and must now sign an attestation that application will be democratic society is that there be many interpret as being nothing accepted, she said. no religious or ideological test or more than a blanket approval of However, the appli - conditions to receiving govern - the government’s abortion and cant still must check a ment benefit or protection,” said a gender identity policies. box to attest general Jan. 25 statement signed by Chris - Hajdu said the purpose of the support of the govern - tian, Jewish and Muslim leaders. change is not to deny religious and ment’s abortion and The Catholic Register/Michael Swan Collins, speaking on behalf of charitable organizations ac cess to gender policies. COLLINS ADDRESSES MEDIA — Toronto Cardinal Thomas Collins, flanked by Canada’s Catholic bishops, said funding, but to ensure that funding Canada’s bishops students who have staffed a summer day camp at St. Benedict Church, addresses religious groups want to continue “should never go to pay for work remain “seriously media in Toronto Jan. 26. working with the government on that seeks to remove Canadian concerned.” a program that provides funding rights — like a wom an’s right to “The attestation and examples ues,” Strauchler said. Evan gelical projects have received to hire students to work at a wide choose, or LGBTQ2 rights.” still amount to the government’s St. Benedict Parish is home to government funding in the past. range of small business, church Canadian law permits abortion at coercion on matters of conscience a summer day camp in a neigh - “The government has placed us and charitable organizations dur - any time during a pregnancy. and religious belief,” said a state - bourhood with many low-income in an untenable position,” he said. ing the summer. Collins said he is convinced ment from Rene Laprise, CCCB families. Natalia Opara, now in “We’re worried about the “Nobody here is trying to start the government did not intend to communications director. “They Grade 10, has been a camp coun - future, not just now,” said Imam any conflict,” Collins said at a upset such a wide swath of reli - foreclose the possibility of wide- sellor there for two years, follow - Refaat Mohamed of the Canadian joint news conference with other gious Canadians. ranging views and even healthy ing eight years as a camper. Council of Imams. faith leaders at St. Benedict “If the government has a prob - disagreement. The attestation “It feels like a family when I Ideological tests, if allowed, Catholic Church in Toronto. “We lem with a particular group doing remains unacceptable.” walk through the door. I only get could be used in other ways if it follow the law, the Charter of something they disagree with, they Rabbi Chaim Strauchler em- to see some of these people one is permitted for this issue, said Rights and the human rights should talk to those groups,” the phasized how troubling it is for month every year,” said Opara. Mohamed. codes. What more do you want?” cardinal said. “The handing out of Jews to see the government im - Opara said she worries about the “We love the differences we Employment Minister Patty graphic anti-abortion material is pose an ideological or values test families who might be denied an have in Canada. We are very Hajdu told an Ottawa news con - very troubling, I know. on any minority. affordable summer camp this July. proud of who we are. We are real - ference later the same day her “To have a wide-open ideolog - “We have been a minority “It feels pretty good to help ly proud of who we are. And we government has no intention of ical test for everybody, which we throughout history. We are very some of the families,” Opara said. should always respect those with re moving the attestation or chang - cannot in conscience sign, that’s sensitive to the possibility of the Bruce Clemenger, president of different beliefs,” Mohamed said. ing the wording to address the just not fair.” majority trying to impose values, the Evangelical Fellowship of Contributing to this story was concerns of the religious leaders. In an attempt to quell the grow - even if we agree with those val - Can ada, said more than 1,500 Deborah Gyapong in Ottawa. She continued to stress the gov - ing criticism of the funding policy, ues . . . (forcing people) to ernment would refuse to fund any Hajdu made personal phone calls believe or to act in a certain way Unify the community organization that, in her opinion, Jan. 22 - 23 to a number of organi - not in accord with their basic val - with faith, heritage

Abortion not a Charter right: CCCB Continued from page 3 the old man and rebuild a new man,” he said. By Deborah Gyapong some as the guarantor of women’s with our international counter - northern Iraq, Soro decided he By 2002, Soro had earned a freedom, the truth is that abortion parts when it comes to protecting wanted to be a priest. At that time doctorate in ecumenical theology OTTAWA, CCN — There is does nothing at all to address the pre-born human rights,” said he belonged to the Assyrian church from the Pontifical University of no “right” to abortion, say very real challenges which con - Nienhuis. “As much as the prime of the East, a church not in com - Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Canada’s Catholic bishops on the front a woman when she finds her- minister would like to think that munion with Rome, but comprising In 2013 the Synod of Chaldean 30th an ni versary of the Supreme self facing an unintended pregnan - abortion is a Charter right, that people who share the language and Bishops received him as one of Court’s Morgentaler decision that cy,” said CCCB president Bishop simply is not the case.” ethnic traditions of Chaldeans. their own and he began to serve struck down Canada’s abortion Lionel Gendron of Saint-Jean- Nienhuis pointed out the ma- “I had a parish priest who was California’s growing Chaldean law. Longueuil in the statement. “Nor jority of Canadians support some a good preacher and a very funny community from San Diego. The bishops joined a number does it address any of the other limits on abortion. guy. I thought that by becoming a Today he sees Chaldean Ca- of pro-life organizations that have conditions in a society that unjust - WeNeedaLaw’s proposed bill priest I would be like him,” Soro tholicism in a global context, as publicly objected to the federal ly limit a woman’s freedom.” also includes mandatory reporting said. “I was really mistaken.” “one ship in the fleet of churches Liberal government claims that Instead abortion “makes is eas - on abortions. It is modelled after As his family moved first to that journey from a shore where abortion is a right. ier for society to avoid its moral similar laws in Germany, Spain Lebanon and then to the United there are a lot of wars, a lot of dis - The Catholic bishops also obligations to ensure protection and France. States in the 1970s, Soro began to comfort, into a place where the sun pointed out that the 1988 Mor - and shelter for the most vulnera - Campaign Life Coalition presi - equate priesthood with a defence shines eternally and God is present gen taler decision recognized Par- ble,” the bishops said. dent Jim Hughes had recently re- of culture and ethnic identity. perpetually,” Soro said. “That real - liament’s interest in protecting Science and reason both place sent an open letter to Prime Min - Though he no longer conceives of ly is the journey of the church unborn human life. “the humanity of the unborn child ister Trudeau, quoting his father, his ministry in those terms, he is toward the kingdom of God.” One pro-life group, WeNeed - beyond question,” the bishops former prime minister Pierre not so quick to discard his sense “We have started to have sec - aLaw.ca, marked the Morgentaler said, making defence of unborn Trudeau in a 1981 letter to the then of religious-ethnic pride. ond and third-generation Chal - anniversary with a proposed law human life not merely a “theolog - president of the CCCB, Arch - “It’s a love that you have for deans in Canada, where they are making abortion illegal after 13 ical opinion.” bishop MacNeil of Ed mon ton. your people. It’s a bond that you Chaldean but they seem to be weeks of gestation, with a num - “As Canadians, we take pride Trudeau wrote: “The arguments have to your family. You want to very different from the Chaldeans ber of safeguards such as a 48- in our record of upholding interna - advanced to show that the Charter serve them in any way you can who are just arriving in Canada,” hour waiting period, coercion tional human rights — while at the will create an entitlement to abor - and you realize that they need a said Thoma. protection and required coun - same time failing to provide the tion on demand have been clearly priest like you,” he said. While Soro may seek a Chal - selling on the possible health and most basic protection for the child refuted in the opinion given by the That’s the kind of priest he was dean spirituality that transcends psychological effects of abortion. in the womb and so contradicting Department of Jus tice. In my view, when he first came to Toronto in ethnicity and culture, he will find In a Jan. 27 statement, the and eroding our own humanity.” the need of an amendment has not 1982 as pastor of Saint Mary’s people’s attachment to their roots Canadian Conference of Catholic WeNeedaLaw.ca spokesperson been clearly demonstrated.” Assyrian Church of The East in is his ally in his ministry of unity, Bishops said at the time of the Anna Nienhuis pointed out in a Hughes’ letter reminded the Mississauga. according to Thoma. Morgentaler decision: “none of release the justices who ruled in prime minister his father also said Elected a bishop in 1995, Soro “Two main bases for the bishop the seven judges held that there the Morgentaler expected Parlia - in June 1981: “Because the public stumbled into an opportunity to to unify the community will be was a constitutional right to abor - ment to craft a new law “that pro - is evenly divided on the subject deepen his theological education at faith and heritage at the same tion on demand.” In fact, “all of tected pre-born children at some of abortion it was the govern - Catholic University of America in time,” he said. “For us Eastern the judges acknowledged (that) stage of pregnancy.” ment’s ‘considered view’ that a Washington, D.C., in his middle Christians, they go hand in hand. the state has a legitimate interest “They certainly did not think position favouring one side 40s. There he began to question his It’s not only the faith we’re so in protecting the unborn.” that 30 years later the status quo should not be enshrined in the understanding of church, priest - proud of, but the heritage. We con - “While unrestricted access to would remain,” she said. Charter. The government feels the hood and communion with God. sider ourselves descendants of the abortion continues to be touted by “Canada is way of out line issue is not one which should be “In my case, I had to demolish ancient civilizations on Earth.” January 31, 2018 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 5 Canadian bishops looking to youth for synod guidance

By Jean Ko Din Cyr, in an email translated from Catholic Church must continue to to put their faith into action and The church must also be more The Catholic Register French. “The objective is to be a part of these conversations. the church must take advantage attentive to the needs of the Abo - know how, with the church, we “It’s not only an issue for of that spirit. riginal youth in the community. TORONTO (CCN) — As can respond to these thirsts of young people in the context of the “I know that when I celebrate Thunder Bay has the highest Canada’s bishop delegates pre - our times.” synod,” he said. “This whole gen - a mass at a high school, I’m bet - proportion of Aboriginal people pare for this fall’s synod on The four bishop delegates der ideology that the pope has ter able to gear my talk to the among major Canadian cities. A young people in Rome, one received copies of the consulta - decried as ‘ideological coloniza - young people and to their life little more than 12 per cent of the objective is immediately clear — tion reports Canadian dioceses tion,’ those are all the challenges needs and see how the Gospel re - city’s population identify as First the voices of the young must take submitted last year in response to that our culture is sending to ward lates in that way and they appre - Nations, Métis and Inuit. centre stage. a Vatican-issued questionnaire. everybody and not just our young ciate that,” said Colli. “But it There will be a pre-synod “I hope there will be lots of Their first task will be to study people.” doesn’t always happen on Sunday meeting March 19 - 24 in Rome, representatives (of young people), the diocesan summaries and take In his 22 years as bishop, Colli morning.” where youth delegates around the so we can get together and reflect the questionnaire responses to said he has always found that The synod, Colli said, has to world are invited to discuss their on the experience of being Chris- heart. young people respond best when be an opportunity for the church concerns. Canada is selecting tian and young in the world to- “A lot of (the responses) are the Gospel speaks to their experi - to be more attentive to their spiri - two youth delegates for that day,” said Bishop Stephen Jensen what you would expect. It talks ence. He said young people want tual needs. meeting. from the Diocese of Prince about the situation of young peo - George, B.C. ple in western society and what “We want them to help us dis - are the challenges of living in a cern the sign of the times and secular world,” said Jensen. “It how the church can support kind of confirms what our own young disciples in their life and in experience is in this diocese.” their mission.” In the Prince George diocese, Jensen and Bishop Fred Colli Jensen said he has witnessed from Thunder Bay, Ont., have first-hand the importance of com - been chosen as synod delegates munity support for young people. for the English sector of the He has found that youth tend to Canadian Conference of Catholic thrive in community because they Bishops. The president of the feel free to share and grow in CCCB, Bishop Lionel Gendron their Catholic life. of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, will be “Through that experience, I’ve joined by Sherbrooke Archbishop seen many times, young people Luc Cyr to represent the French discovering their sense of voca - sector at the Oct. 3 - 23 synod. tion,” said Jensen. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Now more than ever, young Dowd from Montreal and Quebec people need support, he said, Auxiliary Bishop Louis Corriveau because they are exposed to many were elected as substitute dele - ideologies in secular society gates for the English and French which pose a threat to Catholic sector respectively. morality. “I see in young people a Questions about love, court - thirst for developing projects, a ship and sexuality were recurring thirst for dreams and a thirst to topics in the questionnaire re - find a meaning in life,” said sponses, said Jensen, and the Bishops hope appointment will be a step forward

Chris Berthelot Continued from page 1 son, International Trade Minister François-Philippe Cham pagne said HISTORIC RESOURCE — Edmonton’s oldest Catholic church, St. Joachim, has been designated as a At the Ottawa press conference the days of voluntary co-operation municipal historic resource. announcing the new om buds per- were over. “It is essential that all Cana - dian companies understand that Edmonton church named a heritage resource co-operation in good faith with the (ombudsperson) is not option - By Chris Berthelot astical architecture and an impor - off-white marble altar that con - al,” Champagne said. So far Grandin Media tant part of Catholic history in trasts with the dark wooden ceil - there’s no deadline for hiring an Edmonton.” ing and archways. ombudsperson, but Champagne EDMONTON (CCN) — St. Joachim’s, located in cen - Rev. Philippe Insoni, the cur - promised the job would be filled Edmonton’s oldest Catholic tral Edmonton, is one of two fran - rent pastor, said St. Joachim’s re - soon. church has been designated as a cophone parishes in the city and minds him of churches in Europe. Canada’s Catholic bishops municipal historic resource, and in recent years has become a And parishioners say they wel - said they “hope and pray that the parish council has received home for immigrants from Africa. come the renovation to the church the appointment of an Om - more than $400,000 for renova - “We were left with a wonder - that’s been a big part of their budsperson for Responsible En- tions to the 119-year-old building. ful heritage and I think it should lives. terprise will be an important “We are delighted that the city be known,” said Sister Dolores “Within these walls dwells our step forward.” council has approved our applica - Dèry, the former parish adminis - personal history, our memories,” The bishops, along with De - tion,” said Pauline Lambert, pres - trator. added Elise Dèry, who married velopment and Peace, have been ident of St. Joachim’s Parish Designed by local architect her husband Amiè in the church calling for closer monitoring and council. “It is also a great relief to Francis Deggendorfer, the church in 1961. The couple has attended regulation of Canadian mining for know that we will be able to was built in 1899 in the Gothic St. Joachim’s for more than 60 years. receive financial help for the style, with traditional round-arch years. The Catholic development much needed restorations.” windows and a round oeil-de- St. Joachim’s Church is the International Trade Minister agency welcomed the prospect of City council made the designa - boeuf (bull’s-eye) window above 146th building to be designated as François-Philippe Champagne an ombudsperson with indepen - tion official on Jan. 23. The the entrance. a municipal historic resource. It dent investigatory powers. $411,176.60 grant, from the city’s Four pinnacles surround the was designated a provincial his - “When we heard Minister heritage resources reserve fund, belfry, which houses the original toric resource in 1978. Are you Champagne saying all of the key will be used to repair the win - church bell. Etched with the coat The original St. Joachim’s words we had been asking for, we dows, two surrounding porches of arms of Alberta’s first bishop mission, housed in a modest Moving? just really, really felt like it was a and other building fixtures. St. — Vital Grandin — the bell was house-chapel in Fort Edmonton, Please let us know a victory,” said Development and Joachim can apply for additional originally used for timekeeping. was established in the 1850s by month in advance. Peace advocacy officer Elana maintenance grants of $50,000 in St. Joachim Parish has also the members of the Missionary Write to: Wright. the future. had its share of historic pastors, Oblates of Mary Immaculate. By Circulation Dept. Oil and gas projects and the “It’s that tangible connection including the Oblate missionaries the late 1890s, the congregation Prairie Messenger garment industry will come under to the past,” said David Johnston, Rev. Albert Lacombe and Rev. had grown to a size that necessi - Box 190 its purview in the first year, but Muenster, Sask. S0K 2Y0 principal heritage planner for the Hippolyte Leduc. tated the building of the church. the government expects the om - [email protected] City of Edmonton. “This beauti - Inside the church, painted The Oblate Provincial House Undeliverable papers cost twice budsperson to expand its over - ful red brick church is an excel - glass windows depicting the life beside St. Joachim’s church was as much to return. sight of Canadian international lent representation of late 19th- of St. Joachim and the saints sur - designated as a municipal historic business. century French-Canadian ecclesi - round the interior and there is an resource in 2004. 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS January 31, 2018 Share Lent 2018 workshops held in Saskatoon

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Roman Catholic Diocese of opment and Peace Caritas Canada She highlighted one of four others, and understand it. I must Saskatoon. partners in promoting peace in partner organizations featured in integrate the other into my reli - SASKATOON — “Together Materials presented Jan. 21 in countries around the world. A this year’s Share Lent materials, gious thoughts and into the way I for Peace” is the theme of the Humboldt and Jan. 23 in Saska - third workshop was offered as an focusing in particular on the work explain my faith,” explains Nayla 2018 Share Lent campaign, toon demonstrated the clear con - online webinar Jan. 30. of Adyan, an organization in Tabbara, one of the founders of parish representatives heard at nection between peace and devel - At the Jan. 23 meeting held at Lebanon striving to build toler - Adyan. workshops recently held in the opment, and the work of Devel - Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in ance and understanding, particu - Other partner organizations Saskatoon, Development and larly among youth and students of working on peace initiatives with Peace Caritas Canada provincial different religious backgrounds. support from Development and animator Armella Sonntag pro - With support from Develop - Peace are the Lagos Marginalized vided an overview of the Share ment and Peace, Adyan runs pro - Communities Forum in Nigeria, Lent campaign, describing the grams that include conferences, the Bartolomé de Las Casas In - importance of peace-building and training for educators, building stitute in Peru, and the Indigenous dialogue. networks of interfaith leaders, Community Support organization Development and Peace has and offering workshops on peace, in Cambodia. historically supported and contin - reconciliation, and coexistence. Ideas for sharing the resources ues to support local initiatives “At Adyan, we promote spiri - in local parishes and highlighting that promote dialogue, openness, tual solidarity, which is not only the peace-building side of the and understanding of “the other,” being in political or social soli - Development and Peace mandate she described, as well as empow - darity with another, but also were also presented during the ering grassroots partners to ac- means integrating the other into workshop. complish their goals for peace- my thoughts and my prayers. I For more information, see building initiatives. must integrate the suffering of www.devp.org Youth ministers gather in Regina

By Frank Flegel He described how, “If you want to see God, you have to love him REGINA — God is present in in all of those moments.” Love every moment of our lives: that was speaking from personal expe - was one of the messages heard by rience, having spent four months Tim Yaworski some 45 people working in youth in hospital recovering from a RELIC MASS — Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at mass with the ministry across Western Canada vehicle accident, relying on his relic of St. Francis Xavier Jan. 19 at St. Francis Xavier Parish, mark - gathered in Regina Jan. 11 - 13. faith to get him through the ing the end of the relic’s visit to Saskatoon. Michelle Braden, Regina arch dio - ordeal. He now relies on a wheel - cese youth co-ordinator, identified chair to get around. Relic pilgrimage concludes the occasion as their annual gather - The keynote speaker for the ing to hear inspirational speakers, afternoon session was Deacon Joe discuss the business side of their Lang, a permanent deacon in the with mass at St. Francis organization, elect a new executive, archdiocese and a consultant to and socialize. the Regina Catholic School By Kiply Lukan Yaworski Further, the method of evange - Parker Love was the keynote Board. His ministry includes lization must derive from the speaker for the morning session. working with youth. SASKATOON — Bishop Mark message from the one who is pro - He is in his fifth year as a semi - He told the youth ministers Hagemoen of the Roman Catholic claimed: Jesus Christ, Saviour of narian and expects to be ordained that mentorship is tied up in many PM file Diocese of Saskatoon reflected on the world. to the transitional diaconate in things: our sense of leadership, Michelle Braden themes of evangelization and mis - “Like all the other popes, for June and to the priesthood in who we are, who we are called to sion during a celebration of the Pope Benedict the Incarnation — 2019. He is serving his internship be. “We have God, we have Lang wondered why we don’t eucharist at St. Francis Xavier God coming in the flesh — is a at Regina’s Resurrection Parish, Jesus, and we have people in our trust anyone anymore, and asked, Parish Jan.19. The mass concluded very important point. God reveals where he is involved in all community who seem to be lead - “How do we take this message of the Saskatoon portion of a national himself to us in how God is mani - aspects of ministry. ers all the time. We have ques - Christ that is burning within our pilgrimage with a relic of St. fest in Jesus Christ, the God made His message was of recogniz - tions now,” he said, “in this time hearts with the passion of the Francis Xavier, the saint’s uncor - man, the Saviour of the world — ing God’s presence in our lives, of fake news. What does it all Holy Spirit and try to make it rupted hand and forearm. and so the Incarnation is a key way especially in times of suffering. mean?” something that people see within The bishop reflected on how in which we are evangelized.” themselves?” the famous missionary is an inspi - Pope Benedict said the content He went on to say that what ration for evangelization, includ - of evangelization must include people are looking for is not in ing the “New Evangelization,” a four crucial elements: conversion, Scripture or the catechism; it’s concept introduced by Pope John the proclamation of the kingdom something they want to experi - Paul II to describe the need to re- of God made manifest here and ence in the present. He encour - evangelize those who are baptized now, developing a relationship aged the ministers to be out in the but who live a life far removed with Jesus Christ, and awareness community to meet people where from Christ and the Gospel. of the goal of eternal life. they are. Hagemoen shared insights into Hagemoen pointed to St. The group ended their gather - evangelization from recent popes, Francis Xavier as a young person ing on Saturday evening by attend - including Benedict XVI, who who looked at the world and ing a mass at Resurrection Church, reflected on several features of longed for something more. “He where Archbishop Donald Bolen evangelization several years was also living at a time of con - was the celebrant, followed by a before he was chosen pope. flict and war, and he was one who banquet. “First, he said evangelization is was blessed with much influence a journey that teaches the art of and social prestige. And yet these living the path toward true happi - circumstances of time and person - ness,” Hagemoen said. “Second, al circumstance did not overshad - To advertise he said that everything the church ow the yearning of his heart for in the does is always about evangeliz - something deeper.” ing. Third, he said the New Francis Xavier was “someone Evangelization will build upon who would simply bring the good the church’s constant effort of un - news of Jesus Christ and affect Prairie interrupted evangelization be - conversion — conversion that was cause everybody in the world, in not changing people into some - Messenger every time and every place, needs thing they weren’t, but calling them call Jesus Christ.” into the dignity of their lives.” Paul Swart Pope Benedict noted that evan - The need for evangelization 306-682-1772 HOCKEY FAN — Msgr. Maurice Comeault of the Archdiocese of gelization is always an exercise in does not end, Hagemoen stressed. Winnipeg celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the or fax patience, Hagemoen added. “He “The mission of Jesus Christ is priesthood Dec. 23. Comeault was born and raised in rural talked about the planting of the always at work, evangelizing the Manitoba, and for a time lived a monastic life with the Trappist 306-682-5285 seed, that we must allow the bone and the marrow of our lives. community. He has served for many years in the archdiocese and is Spirit to help people — and not In many ways the work of the currently pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in just those whom we evangelize, missionary is not only as alive Charleswood. An ardent hockey fan, Comeault was presented with email: [email protected] but also the evangelizers — to and needed as ever, but it is call - the gift of a new stick by (from left) Max Comeault, Guy Comeault, grow in love of God.” ing us even deeper.” and Matthew Labossière. January 31, 2018 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Winnipeg MP opposes Canada Summer Jobs rules

By James Buchok sion among pro-life organizations cerns with the Minister of Em ploy - individual human rights in Canada.” and even panic for those who ment, Workforce Develop ment and These include reproductive rights, WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg depend on summer student help. Labour and the office of the Prime specifically the right to access abor - member of Parliament says she Mihychuk is calling on the feder - Minister.” tions. According to the de partment, will never agree to new rules al government to extend the dead - Mihychuk’s comments are in this is intended to “prevent youth blocking Catholic employers’ line to apply for the Canada response to Employment and Social (as young as 15 years of age) from access to federal grants to help pay Summer Jobs program. Development Canada announcing a being exposed to employment with - for summer students, and in fact, In a letter to Winnipeg Arch - major change to its requirements in organizations that may promote she says, Catholic groups are still bishop Richard Gagnon, Mihychuk regarding applications for federal positions that are contrary to the eligible to apply for such funds. states, “I would never support an funding under its Canada Summer values en shrined in the Charter of MaryAnn Mihychuk, Liberal initiative that required any individ - Jobs program for youth employ - Rights and Freedoms and associat - MP for Kildonan-St. Paul, blames ual or organization to compromise ment. Attesta tion must now be ed case law.” miscommunication from the fed - their values and beliefs. Please be included that “both the job and the In Mihychuk’s view, the re - eral Liberals for causing confu - assured that I have raised our con - organization’s core mandate respect quirement that both the job and the organization’s core mandate Relic draws large crowds in Regina respect individual human rights in Canada, “are the same as last year and years before.” By Frank Flegel vigil there. Campion was an obvi - life of St. Francis, followed by “For many religious groups,” ous first choice, as St. Francis Angele Regnier, co-founder of writes Mihychuk,” their mandate MaryAnn Mihychuk REGINA — The relic St. Xavier was a co-founder of the Catholic Christian Outreach. may be similar to the description Francis Xavier attracted more Society of Jesus. CCO is transporting the relic on of ‘ongoing programs’ that they all eligible employers, to apply than 3,000 people to the two loca - The relic at Campion remained its tour of Canada. provide to the Canada Revenue (to CSJ), to grow the local econo - tions where it was displayed dur - exposed from 7 p.m. Jan. 19, till 9 Regnier explained the contents Agency at tax time, which focuses my this summer and help young ing its two-day stop in Regina. a.m. Jan. 20, when it was moved of the package everyone received on what the organization does in a Canadians gain the experience An estimated 450 people visit - to Resurrection Church for a 10 when they arrived. “Listen to given year. For example, in the they need to succeed in the job ed the Campion College chapel at a.m. mass celebrated by Arch - your heart and soul when you case of religious groups, the core market. Your concerns over the the University of Regina over the bishop Donald Bolen. come to venerate the relic, gently mandate of the group or church is CSJ attestation are understand - course of a 12-hour vigil, and The format was the same at touch the reliquary with the card often to promote their religion and able. I hope I have been able to some 2,400 attended at Resur- each location: Rev. John O’Brien, that has the image of St. Francis. includes activities such as summer provide clarification on the sub - rection Church during a 10-hour SJ, talked about the relic and the It then becomes a holy card.” She camps, Bible study, and hosting ject and you take it into account invited people to leave the white activities for seniors. None of when making the decision to par - prayer card in the basket beside these activities or the mandate ticipate in the program.” the reliquary. The cards will be goes against the Charter of Rights Catholic and other religious collected and intentions written and Freedoms, making the organi - groups across the country have on the card will be prayed for by zation or religious group eligible been rocked by the CSJ changes. members of Catholic Christian to apply to the CSJ program. In a report in the Winnipeg Free Outreach. According to Mihychuk, “Faith- Press , the president of Lorette- Bolen thanked CCO for includ - based groups are required to meet based Eastman Youth for Life ing Regina on the relic’s Canadian the same eligibility criteria as any called the new rules “absolutely tour. Rev. Sami Helewa, SJ, supe - applicant to CSJ 2018, and I must bogus.” Justin Jeanson said he is rior of the local Jesuit community, stress that it is not a new require - left wondering “how (Prime gave the homily at the mass at ment for applicants to outline their Minister Trudeau) could decide Resurrection Church. organization’s mandate and the key that only the people who believe “Francis was a member of a activities of the proposed job. what he believes can receive this proud family who lived in what is “Contrary to what has been kind of money.” now the Basque region of Spain,” implied,” she writes, “applicants Kevin Prada, director of the Helewa explained. “When he went are not asked to provide their Catholic School of Evange liza tion to school in Paris, it was something views, beliefs or values nor are in St. Malo, Man., which runs he was expected to do to keep up these taken into consideration Catholic camps year round, said the name of the family. One of his during application for the pro - his organization relies on CSJ Frank Flegel roommates was Ignatius Loyola gram, including pro-life beliefs. funding to provide the camping BLESSING — Regina Archbishop Donald Bolen blesses the congrega - who, in conversations with Francis, Due to the misinformation that experience to children and youth. tion during a mass at Resurrection Church Jan. 20, celebrating the ex - changed Francis’ direction by en - has been spread, I have requested “It’s going to hurt us,” he told position of a relic of St. Francis Xavier, co-founder of the Society of Jesus. couraging him to be a missionary.” that the CSJ application deadline the Winnipeg Free Press . “The Together, they founded the be extended past the Feb. 2 dead - government’s actions transcend Jesuit order. line to both the prime minister the abortion debate and should Time too short for changes The Regina visit was organized and to Minister Hadju.” bother pro-choice Canadians, too. by Pierre and Laura O’Reilly. In her letter, Mihychuk tells For me, this is a serious affront Continued from page 1 Rogal said, but stressed that those Pierre is Director of Development Archbishop Gagnon, “Faith- on my liberty and the liberty of rights include freedom of con - at Campion College. “It was be- based groups such as yours pro - Canadians: their liberty of con - “We see this as something science and religious belief. “In a yond what was expected,” he told vide tremendous value to our science, their freedom of expres - highly problematic: that the gov - diverse, pluralistic country, where the PM about the Regina visit. community. I encourage you, and sion and freedom of religion.” ernment is imposing a particular religious freedom is something morality that is part of this partic - we all enjoy, and where we are a ular government’s stance on this richer country because of it, we issue,” said Rogal. “We see it as a would hope that matters of con - direct violation of the right to science would be respected.” freedom of conscience guaranteed Rogal quoted the Jan. 25 inter- in the Charter.” faith statement signed by some 80 Local groups are being forced leaders of various religious to make difficult and painful groups in the country, protesting choices because of this applica - the Canada Summer Jobs guide - tion requirement, he said. He lines and application process: noted that a Catholic summer “The promise of a free and demo - camp and a cherry festival are cratic society is that there be no among the programs in the dio - religious or ideological tests or cese seeking to employ students conditions to receiving govern - through the summer job program ment benefits or protection.” — but which are unable to make He added that it is vital that citi - an attestation that denies core zens concerned about the issue Catholic beliefs. contact elected officials to express “Even if a particular group’s their opposition, including ad - specific project is to run a sum - dressing their concerns directly to mer camp or work on climate Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. change, they may not be able to “We would prefer that an sign on to this, because their core amendment be made, or that a mandate runs much deeper than dialogue could be had about this.” that single program. Our belief is However, Rogal noted that with a MOTHER TERESA SCHOOL VISIT — Students at Mother Teresa School in Saskatoon met with Bishop part of our identity,” Rogal said. Feb. 2 application deadline, time Mark Hagemoen Jan. 22, hearing a bit about his life and ministry, asking questions, and offering advice on “We support the Canadian is short for government to make a a variety of issues. The bishop thanked students who had sent him a gift of a cupcake, and he met with Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” change to the process this year. school principal Guy Werbicki and faith formation facilitator Shelley Twa. 8 Prairie Messenger CHURCH AT HOME January 31, 2018 Living up to the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King

to understand that this president has become a contributor to civil unrest in the U.S. and to world peace in general? Dr. King literal - Soul ly gave his life for the causes of racial equality and freedom. Their Searching president’s latest vile, hate-filled exhortation expressed that the U.S. should not be accepting peo - Tom Saretsky ple from “shithole” countries such as Haiti and certain African A couple of weeks ago the for Peace in 1964, and sadly was nations. “I look to a day when United States commemorated Dr. assassinated on April 4, 1968. people will not be judged by the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It is It was tragic that one so passion - colour of their skin, but by the celebrated on the third Monday of ately against violence had to die so content of their character.” January, usually the closest day to violently. His assassination initiated Members of Trump’s own party Dr. King’s actual birthday, Jan. 15. a flurry of racial riots, known as the and other leaders in the world have Martin Luther King Jr. was Amer - Holy Week Up risings, throughout decried his ignorant and dangerous CNS/Tyler Orsburn ica’s prophet of non-violence and the nation. It was the greatest wave diatribe. It is disappointing that our own prime minister did not call DREAM OF PEACE — The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in the chief spokesperson for the civil of civil unrest to hit the nation since Washington. “ . . . we continue to struggle to live up to your dream for rights movement in the United the Civil War. “Violence is immoral him out and take a stand. Mr. a peaceful tomorrow; your dream for equality among all; your dream States during the 1960s. It was his because it thrives on hatred rather Trudeau simply said he “would not for mercy and justice,” writes Tom Saretsky. aim to end racial segregation than love.” opine on what the president may or through non-violent activism. I could only imagine that Dr. may not have said.” It is reprehen - equality, fairness and freedom. I unite, and I will need to take your Out of all the African Ameri can King would be turning in his sible of our leader not to respond am sorry that “Trumpocracy” is words more to heart. civil rights leaders during the grave to see what has become of to this misogynistic bully for the replacing democracy, and that dia - Maybe we all do in our own 1960s, Dr. King was the most influ - the United States today. How divisiveness he sows regularly. logue has been replaced with self- ways. “Violence in word and ential. He helped establish the Civil would you even begin to explain “Our lives begin to end the day we aggrandizing “tweets,” autocratic action is immoral because it seeks Rights Act of 1964, outlawing dis - to him that his country is being become silent about things that orders and terminations. “Violence to humiliate rather than to seek crimination in public accommoda - run by the most polarizing, open - matter.” leaves society in monologue rather understanding; it seeks to annihi - tions, facilities and employment. ly racist, egotistical, mercurial, Though I am not an Ameri can, than dialogue.” late rather than to convert.” He was awarded the Nobel Prize and bombastic president in the I feel it necessary to issue an apol - Rest in peace, Dr. King, while history of the United States? How ogy to Dr. King for what has taken * * * * * we continue to struggle to live up does one explain that Donald place in his own home country, to your dream for a peaceful Saretsky is a teacher and chap - Trump, a man of profound narcis - even though our country is not the A second look at what I have tomorrow; your dream for equali - lain at Holy Cross High School in sism and ignominy, was given a Promised Land either. Dr. King, I just expressed tells me I may need ty among all; your dream for Saskatoon. He and his wife, mandate to rule the most power - am sorry for the state to which to rethink the tone of my own mercy and justice. Through your Norma, have two children, Nathan ful nation on Earth? your country has descended, caustic language. “Never succumb unwavering faith, may we “be and Jenna How would one get Dr. King despite your passion for justice, to the temptation of bitterness.” It able to hew out of the mountain of seems I, too, am sowing the seeds despair a stone of hope. Through of violence. “. . . non-violence your faith, may we be able to cuts without wounding and enno - transform the jangling discords of bles the man who wields it.” our nations into a beautiful sym - Through my words it appears I phony of brotherhood. Through haven’t done justice to Dr. King your faith, may we be able to either, nor have I contributed to work together, to pray together, to the heart to which you hoped for struggle together . . . to stand up humankind. My heavy-handed for freedom together, knowing attack seeks to divide rather than that we will be free one day.”

BOSCO FOUNDATION John Bosco Child & Family Services Foundation

The John Bosco Child and Family Services Foundation (Bosco Foundation) is a public foundation dedicated to the provision of buildings and facilities used for the treatment, education and housing of children, adolescents and adults who are in need of support. Bosco Foundation believes in assisting non-profit and charitable organizations who provide vital services which aid vulnerable people in our society. We do this by providing our facilities to Art Babych various non-profit and charitable agencies at below market level WINTER BLUES — This well-fed jay doesn’t mind January, but some of us are happy this “blue” month rental rates. is over. Our facilities are used for social services group care, foster care, adult mental health care, the St. Francis Food Bank, two Execuve Director AA groups and a NE Edmonton cadet core among others. BISHOP BUDKA EPARCHIAL STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY INC. (BBESSI) In addition, we provide volunteer services to assist two small non- profit organizations working with low income seniors and victims The Board of Directors of the Bishop Budka Eparchial Stewardship Society Inc., invites of stroke with fundraising and volunteer recruitment assistance. applicaons for an Execu ve Director. The Bosco Foundation is currently working with a large service We are seeking a highly motivated and ethical professional who will lead our organization on a joint project with the aim of providing organization in generating funds to achieve stewardship and fundraising goals of affordable housing for low-income seniors. the Eparchy of Saskatoon. 100% of donations go toward charitable purposes. Please visit our website at www.bbessi.org to view the detailed job profile and more Administrative expenses are covered by other sources. informaon about how to apply for this posion. Please forward your donation to: Bosco Foundation Bishop Budka Eparchial Stewardship Society Inc., is an organizaon under the auspices 315-6770 129 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon whose primary objecve is to develop, N organize and implement fundraising initiatives and programs for the purposes of Tel: (780) 809-8585 Fax: (780) 809-8586 www.boscofoundation.com enhancing Eparchial programs. *Charitable Tax Number: 85985 8664 RT0001* January 31, 2018 ARTS & CULTURE Prairie Messenger 9 Great performances seen in Oscar-nominated films

Increasingly dismayed by how senior administration officials con - tinued to mislead the American Screenings people, sending more young men to die in vain, Ellsberg took the & Meanings courageous step of surreptitiously removing volumes and photocopy - ing them over several months. Gerald Schmitz These pages would find their way to The New York Times’ ace re - The timing could not be better came to be known by as “The porter on the war, Neil Sheehan, for veteran director Steven Pentagon Papers,” a 47-volume igniting renewed anti-war protests Spielberg’s The Post , which detailed study of U.S. involvement and a political firestorm when The David Erhlich of Indiewire aptly in Vietnam which revealed that Times began publishing excerpts calls a “spectacularly entertaining successive American governments on June 13, 1971. journalism thriller (that) is a ral - had systematically lied to Congress The venerable Washington Post lying cry for the resistance.” ( The and the public over decades. It was (founded 1877) had long been Post has received an Academy the work of the Vietnam Study owned by the Graham family Award nomination for best pic - Task Force created in 1967 by U.S. company. Katharine “Kay” ture.) It taps into the zeitgeist of Secretary of defence Robert Graham (Meryl Streep, nominated Fox the necessary fight against the McNamara (well played by Cana - for best actress) had taken over as THE POST — Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks (left) star in The Post , corrosive effects of “post-truth” dian Bruce Greenwood). Classified publisher following the tragedy of which has been nominated for an Academy Award in the best film cat - and “alternative facts,” against “Top Secret — Sensitive” on every her husband’s suicide in 1963. A egory. Streep has also earned an acting nomination. the constant attacks on the news page, the candid findings were sup - prominent Washington so cialite, media by autocrats and Trumpers. posedly intended “for posterity.” she also considered McNamara to the first time on screen, do great what’s happening right now with The Post The movie actually opens in be an old friend. Indeed he was a work. The whole ensemble is this administration and (Trump’s) 1966 in the steamy jungles of guest at a gathering she held in her strong, working from a sharp desire to control the press and Phantom Thread Vietnam as an armed military ana - home in the midst of the turmoil. screenplay by Liz Hannah and Josh freedom of speech.” lyst, Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew She was surrounded by powerful Singer (co-writer of the 2015 Oscar The threat is to American de - Rhys), experiences the frontline men, notably The Post’s hard-dri - best picture Spotlight which also mocracy itself as explained by The “Post” of the title is The first-hand, then briefs McNamara ving executive editor, Ben Bradlee highlighted the vital role of inves - Yale University professor Washington Post , the U.S. capital’s with a pessimistic assessment of (Tom Hanks), and her chief ad - tigative journalism). Spielberg’s Timothy Snyder in On Tyranny: newspaper of record although it the war’s prospects. After return - viser, Fritz Beebe (Tracy Letts), as assured direction, more methodical Twenty Lessons from the held a less prominent position than ing from two years in South well as being the only woman in than flashy, proves effective in con - Twentieth Cen tury . Pertinently New York Times the august , also Vietnam Ellsberg contributed to rooms full of assertive male veying the high stakes involved. he writes: “In 1971, contemplat - hated by the Nixon White House the Pentagon Papers and went bankers and lawyers. The Pentagon Papers revelations ing the lies told in the United when a famous 1971 showdown back to work for the Rand Cor po- The timing was critical to The were deeply disturbing to both States about the Vietnam War, took place over publication of what ration, which held several copies. Post’s fortunes in another respect Graham and Bradlee as they had the political theorist Hannah as it was being listed through a been on friendly terms with the Arendt took comfort in the in- public offering on the American administrations of “Jack” Kennedy herent power of facts to over - Stock Exchange in order to raise and LBJ. They had to accept the come falsehoods in a free soci - funds, hence vulnerable to nervous evidence that, to cite the title of a ety. . . . We need print journalists investors as well as potential crimi - 2016 documentary about gadfly so that stories can develop on the nal prosecution for leaking govern - journalistic icon I.F. Stone, “all gov - page and in our minds. . . . The ment secrets. While Kay hesitated ernments lie.” Still, some govern - better print journalists allow us (meeting privately with McNamara ments lie more often, blatantly and to consider the meaning, for our - Retreats & Workshops at one point) she did not flinch and vindictively than others. The Post selves and our country, of what KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TWILIGHT RETREAT made clear she had the last word. actually ends with the discovery of might otherwise seem to be iso - Mass, presentation and fellowship! Thursday, Feb. 8 beginning with mass In the lead-up to these dramatic the burglary of the offices of the lated bits of information. But at 7 p.m. in our Chapel. events, there was a kerfuffle over a Democratic National Committee a while anyone can repost an arti - Post reporter being barred from year later in June 1972, which led to cle, research and writing is hard TRANSITIONS: Your Journey of Transformation covering the wedding of one of the “Water gate” scandal that work that requires time and Through Grief and Loss — Sarah Donnelly President Nixon’s daughters. But brought down Nixon. And as Chris money. Before you deride the Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. until Sunday, Feb. 18 after lunch. Cost: $475. Knight ob serves in his National ‘mainstream media,’ note that it Please call 306-717-3707 to register. sensing something much more important, Bradlee suspected Post review: “When we hear Nixon is no longer the mainstream. It is WHO AM I? Finding My Purpose Through Inner Reflection (for Women) Sheehan might be about to break a (the film used his actual recordings) derision that is mainstream and Lynn Gow. Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. and continuing Saturday, big story at the rival Times headed railing against The Post and telling easy, actual journalism that is Feb. 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost $160. by Abe Rosenthal (Michael an aide their reporters are to be edgy and difficult . . . the work Stuhlbarg). His competitive in - banned from the White House, it’s of people who adhere to journal - BECOMING YOUR OWN LOVING PARENT: stincts were aroused. Al though impossible not to imagine a presi - istic ethics is of a different quali - The Solution for Adult Children of Addiction / Dysfunction: Bradlee was unable to discover the dent flailing about over ‘fake news’ ty than the work of those who do A Retreat for Women — Shamarika Kane, CLSC content, he put a trusted reporter, and de manding that reporters be not.” In short, the public’s right Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. - Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. fired for disagreeing with him.” to know the truth still matters for Cost: Live-in $325; Commuter: $205. Ben Bagdikian (Bob Odenkirk), on the case. After the initial story Parallels to the dangers posed a democracy to be worthy of the TOGETHER THROUGH LENT: An Ecumenical Journey broke, the Nixon White House by Trump’s war on a free press name. Four Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Come to one or all sessions! quickly got a federal judge to issue that is less than “loyal” to him are Cost: $20 per program, option lunch $13. a temporary injunction blocking clearly intended. That’s also re - — DAY-LEWIS , page 11 February 24: Songs of the Cross with Rev. Ann Salmon further ex cerpts from appearing in flected in the March 4: The In-Breaking of the Kingdom of God with Peter Oliver The Times . That created an oppor - look of the pic - March 10: Fasting and Feasting with Rev. Marie-Louise Ternier tunity for The Post to publish, and ture as shot by March 24: Meditation: Light in a Time of Darkness with Sister Rita Stang, SMS a crucial moment of decision after Spielberg’s reg - March 24 will also include the optional additional afternoon session for $20. Bagdikian was able to track down ular cinematog - Ellsberg as the source and obtain rapher Janusz For program details visit www.queenshouse.org To register please call 306-242-1916 4,000 pages of the Pentagon Kaminski. As or email: [email protected] Papers from him. the director told The problem, for the Post’s The Holly wood lawyers, was that if this was the Reporter : “I Ongoing programs include: same source as that used by The wanted this Journey with Scripture: Fr. Paul Fachet. $25 w/lunch. 1st Wed./month at 10 a.m. New York Times movie to feel Women in Ministry Luncheons: One Friday/month, 12 - 1:30 p.m. , the injunction K of C BROTHERS KEEPER BREAKFAST: 2nd Tuesday/month, 7 a.m. could subject the paper to prosecu - very contempo - Quiet Day of Prayer: 2nd Wed./month. $25 w/lunch, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. tion under the Espionage Act. rary, just like 24-Hour Eucharistic Adoration: 4th Monday of the month, 12 p.m. - Tuesday, 12 p.m. Graham and Bradlee could have the story. I Personal Day(s) of Private Prayer: Book anytime. faced jail time for contempt of wanted people court. The Post’s very survival to feel there is a could have been on the line. In the (direct parallel) www.facebook.com/Queens-House-Retreat-and-Renewal-Centre circumstances the late night call to between what 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9 “roll the presses!” was a courageous was happening tel: (306) 242-1916 fax: (306) 653-5941 act for the rights of a free press, one in 1971 — and Focus Features that was vindicated within days by a the Nixon ad - PHANTOM THREAD — Daniel Day-Lewis and DO YOU NEED A FACILITY FOR: 6-3 Supreme Court decision ministration Vicky Krieps star in Phantom Thread . Both actors Inservices, seminars, workshops, retreats, or any occasion? BOOK QUEEN’S HOUSE TODAY! upholding the right to publish. and Washington and the film have received Academy Award nomi - (306) 242-1925 or [email protected] Streep and Hanks, together for Post — and nations. 10 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH January 31, 2018 ‘Both lungs’ spirit brings students together

happy coincidence has brought about a unique collaboration, as Rev. Mihajlo Planchak, pastor of Protection, explains. “We have had new co-operation between the Both Lungs school and the parish. They asked if they could use our church for a mass for Epiphany, which was Brent Kostyniuk agreed. Later it was decided that we should concelebrate it and include a Blessing of the Water.” Today the darkness of the world vanishes with the appearance of our Thus it was that Father Mihajlo, God. along with Rev. Julian Bilyj, chap - Today the celestials celebrate with the terrestrials, and the terrestri - lain for Edmonton Catholic als commune with the celestials. Schools, and Rev. Andrew Leung, — The Great Service for the Sanctification of the Water CSB, pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish, concelebrated the Blessing Christians both East and West In the West, Jan. 6 is known as of Water, with each priest taking an are united in their celebration of Epiphany and recalls the visit of the equal part. Throughout, Father feast days, or holy days, which magi to Bethlehem. The word Julian explained the significance of commemorate significant events Epiphany is from the Greek epiph - prayers and actions such as when in our salvation history. Christ mas a neia , meaning manifestation or the priest makes the sign of the and Easter are universally recog - appearance. In classical Greek it cross three times over the water nized as momentous events in re- was used to describe the appear - Brent Kostyniuk with a three-branched candle, say - establishing our relationship with ance of dawn, and also the manifes - BLESSING OF WATER — Rev. Mihajlo Planchak, Rev. Andrew ing, “Great art You, O Lord, and God. Perhaps equally significant is tation of a deity to a worshipper. Leung, CSB, and Rev. Julian Bilyj celebrate the Ukrainian Catholic wondrous are your deeds, no single the feast celebrated Jan. 6. Al- Thus Epiphany is particularly apt in service for the Sanctification of Water for students of St. Nicholas word will suffice to sing of your though the moment chosen to cel - reminding us that the magi brought Catholic School in Edmonton. wonders.” After, the three concele - ebrate differs between East and about what might be termed the brated a Latin-rite mass. West as does the theology behind first “public recognition” of Jesus but God is revealed as the Triune pleased.” The feast is thus also Later, Kathryn Herzog, the the feast, the essence is the same as the Son of God. In many Latin God — Father, Son and Holy known as the Manifestation of school’s chaplain, reflected on the — God Incarnate is made manifest American countries the festival is Spirit. Also derived from an God, or more popularly as the event. “We at St. Nicholas School to the world. celebrated as Three Kings, giving ancient Greek word, Theophany Feast of Jordan, or simply Jordan. are so happy to have created a prominence to those who sought means appearance of a god. As we Recently, students from St. connection with Father Mihajlo out the Christ Child on their own. read in Mark, “And immediately Nicholas Catholic School in Planchak at Protection of the Kostyniuk, who lives in In the East, Theophany draws on coming up from the water, he Edmonton took part in a truly Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. For Edmonton, has a bachelor of the - our attention to the very centre of saw the heavens opened, and the Both Lungs event. Protection of many years it was just known as ology from Newman and is a free - our faith — revelation of the Holy Spirit, as a dove, descending and the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrain - ‘the church down the lane,’ as staff lance writer. He and his wife Bev Trinity when Jesus was baptized remaining on him. And there came ian Catholic Church is the only and students instead attended St. have been married for 39 years by John the Forerunner in the a voice from the heavens: You are Catholic parish within easy walk - Clare Parish much further down and have eight grandchildren. Jordan. Not only does God appear, my beloved Son; in you I am well ing distance of the school. The the road. This year, however, a connection was finally made and we are so happy that one was.” Listening is a rare skill that requires practice This connection is bringing sur - prising knowledge of the East to emotions and thoughts to emerge. ing language and lots of emotion. St. Nicholas students, as Kathryn You are listening not to respond, As the flow of words slowed, I Herzog explains. “Already Father but in order to appreciate; inter - asked a few questions for clarifica - Planchak has come in to talk with Breaking Open ruptions, refuting, contradicting tion and invited her to elaborate on students and has given church and arguing have no place in the her feelings. As she did so, the tours, wonderfully explaining conversation. heightened emotions lessened and some of the Ukrainian rite to stu - the Ordinary Listening at this level is an act some perspective began to emerge dents. I reflect fondly to the quiet of love. “Listen with the ear of for her. She started to make con - gasps when the students found out Sandy Prather your heart,” St. Benedict instructs nections with other events and even Father Planchak was married and us, because the heart has a differ - began thinking of some strategies had daughters. Father Planchak ent faculty for knowing. It is to move forward. As the conversa - smiled and kindly explained that “I don’t think I listened to you common mode of human dis - more direct, intuitive, and con - tion wound down, her comment particular difference between the very well the other day. I’m sorry; course, experts point out, is dis - templative. With the heart, one was, “Thank you for listening.” Latin and Ukrainian rite. let’s try again. What’s up?” I am tracted or superficial listening. listens compassionately, refrains “Thank you for listening.” The “To be able to expose students out walking with a friend on a Studies show that in most con - from judging, and offers insights episode leads me to wonder: how to the Ukrainian rite has shown beautiful winter day. Our conver - versations participants are busy but not advice. The other is freed well do I really listen to others? that our Catholic Church is truly sation begins with my apology. planning what they are going to to speak their truth, knowing they Whose heart do I hear? Are there universal. It also shows the differ - A few days prior my husband say while the other is still speak - will be heard with empathy. It is people in my life who would love ent traditions between the rites like and I had been out for dinner with ing. People talk past each other, through such listening that we for me to listen to them but I tune the water blessing. For the majori - this friend and her husband. Over abhor silence and rush to fill in come to know the other and rela - them out for various reasons? ty of staff and students, this was the salad course she began telling any gaps. Listening to another’s tionships are established and How can I be a better listener to the first time they had seen this me about something that was problems, they are quick to offer deepened. those around me? water blessing. The explanations of bothering her. I was quick to offer advice and move on. Furthermore, when someone I think also about the people the symbols were appreciated and a word of advice and the conver - A favourite cartoon of mine listens to us at that level, we know who listen to me in a heartfelt gave us all a greater understanding sation moved on. It was only shows a husband and wife sitting we have received a gift. Our hearts manner. With whom am I free to of these Ukrainian traditions. later, in reflecting on the evening, in chairs across from one another are lighter, our thoughts clarified, express my deepest feelings, “Now, when students see vials that I realized that while I had in a living room. The husband has and our paths often clearer. We knowing I will be understood? Do of the holy water in our class - heard my friend, I had not lis - a newspaper held up in front of can work though emotions and I express my appreciation for rooms, they’ll reflect back on the tened to her. him and the caption is the wife come to understand what is hap - them for the gift of their listening? initial blessing. We look forward Hearing, like seeing, is more speaking to him: “You can quit pening to us. Counsellors have Finally, I am led to look at my to strengthening our connection than a biological process. Just as saying yes, I stopped talking an commented that such listening is prayer time, my conversations with Father Planchak and his we can look and not see, we can hour ago.” Inevitably we leave much of what they do in their with God. Distracted, inattentive, parish. He is even coming this hear and not listen. How often in these types of conversations work. We are blessed when we superficial: I can be all of these week to bless our classrooms, as Scripture does Jesus say, “They unsatisfied and empty. have such friends and relation - things in prayer. I have ears to in the Ukrainian rite, this is when have ears but do not hear!” The Active listening, or deep lis - ships in our lives. hear but, too often, the receptors he would be going into his parish - tening, is different. It’s not about So here we were, my friend and are off. What might happen if, ioners’ homes and blessing them. simply hearing the sounds; it’s I. We do have such a relationship “Speak Lord, I’m listening,” was It is always a beautiful thing when Prather, BEd, MTh, is a about apprehending and under - and mostly we are very good at my prayer and deep listening my our staff and students can be wit - teacher and facilitator in the standing. It involves setting aside listening to one another. Our walk practice? nesses to our universal faith.” areas of faith and spirituality. She one’s own agenda in order to real - afforded me the opportunity to “True beauty is a warm heart, Sometimes things just seem to was executive director at Star of ly hear the other. Such listening remedy my lapse. Acknowledging a kind soul, and an attentive ear,” go right. The unique connection the North Retreat Centre in St. requires time, patience and atten - my poor listening on the previous writes Ken Poirot. Wouldn’t it be between St. Nicholas school and Albert, Alta., for 21 years and tion. One has to listen for both occasion, I invited her to tell me wonderful if we all listened more Pro tection parish brings heart - resides in Sherwood Park with content and feeling, and one again what was bothering her. As with the ears of our hearts? Then warming knowledge that the Both her husband, Bob. They are allows silence to have its time. we walked through the neighbour - “Thank you for listening” would Lungs spirit can, and does, exist. blessed with four children and 10 Deep listening knows that time is hood, she began speaking, this not be such a rare comment, and It is, perhaps, a marriage made in grandchildren. required in order for the deepest time with more detail, some halt - we’d all be the happier for it. heaven. January 31, 2018 DEEPENING OUR FAITH Prairie Messenger 11 Concealing our ‘leprous’ spots keeps us from healing

taught that those with a leprosy should be segregated from Similarly, the #MeToo campaign is working to expose the the community, shouting “Unclean, unclean” to warn any - ugly underbelly of sexual coercion within our institutions. one who might come near. So, for the leprous man to This is important work, the necessary precursor to societal Liturgy approach Jesus is already an act of courage. He is pushing healing and transformation. back against the social constraints that would have him As we continue the gospel story, we also see how and Life hide is disease, and rebelling against those messages that Jesus responds. Jesus, too, transcends the social bound - tell him he is unworthy of healing. Instead, he acknowl - aries. He goes beyond the taboos that would maintain a edges his need for Jesus’ touch and comes forward in healthy distance from others’ messy brokenness. Jesus Gertrude Rompré humility and trust. “If you choose,” he says, “you can allows the man to approach, he is moved with pity, he make me clean.” stretches out his hand, and, get this, touches him! Jesus is We have much to learn from this courageous and willing to get his hands dirty, to touch the man’s shame Do you ever wonder why there is so much talk about humble man. When it comes to our own leprous spots, we and tenderly embrace his brokenness. In this “touching” leprosy in the Bible? Certainly, leprosy was a dreaded dis - are often tempted to keep them hidden, segregated from moment, healing happens. ease in Jesus’ time, a disease that led to profound physical human company, preferring to live behind a mask of Both Jesus and the man with leprosy step outside of suffering, social exclusion, and spiritual angst. Leprosy in superficial success rather than exposing our truer, mottled the norm. The man reaches out and admits his shame, the gospels, however, is more than a historical phenome - selves. But these masks keep us away from Jesus and, while Jesus reaches back and embraces it. Therein lies non. It serves as a key symbol of our human brokenness more importantly, from Jesus’ healing touch. The man liv - the lesson. We are called to ignore all those messages, and need. ing with leprosy teaches us the importance of openly be they internal or social, that would have us keep hid - To be leprous is to be frail and broken, excluded and admitting our need, of revealing our broken selves to our den our broken selves. We are called to acknowledge ashamed, needy and repulsive. To be leprous is to have all loving God. our pain and seek healing, even if that means going out - those aspects of the human condition we would rather side of our normal and familiar patterns of existence. We deny exposed. To be leprous is to have our hidden and Leviticus 13:1-2, 45-46 can do this because we trust, we trust in a God who is Sixth Sunday shameful selves revealed. Leprosy, in this wider sense, is Psalm 32 willing to touch our inner “yucky-ness” and embrace it in Ordinary Time something we all experience. What Scripture teaches us, 1 Corinthians 10:31 — 11:1 with healing love. God reaches into our hidden and February 11, 2018 however, is how to best deal with our broken, hidden Mark 1:40-45 shameful spaces and transforms us. We can be made selves. This week’s readings do so in a particularly power - clean. ful way. What is true for us as individuals is also true for our “I do choose. Be made clean!” Jesus’ words respond The man with leprosy approaches Jesus. We can learn communities and institutions. What leprous spots remain to our deepest human desires. Jesus always chooses our from his approach. We know from the first reading that hidden within our social interactions, blemishes of injus - liberation and seeks to make us whole again. When we are this was a bold, even unlawful, act. The law of Moses tice and abuse, misused power and oppression? This bro - ready to reveal our leprous spots, Jesus is ready to touch kenness, too, needs to be revealed and brought forward to our hidden selves. Christ’s healing touch. Then, with the psalmist and the leprous man, we can Rompré is the director of Mission and Ministry at St. This revelatory work has been the task of the Truth sing: “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice . . . shout for joy, all Thomas More College in Saskatoon. and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, for example. you upright in heart!” Divisions will remain until we can transform rather than enflame hatred

the even most-well intended dia - ciousness. He took in curses, held within itself the toxins and the logue quickly degenerates into an them, transformed them, and gave poisons and gives back only pure In attempt by each side to score its back blessing. He took in para - water, we must hold within our - own ideological points rather than noia, held it, transformed it, and selves the toxins that poison com - in genuinely trying to understand gave back big-heartedness. He munity and give back only gra - Exile each other. Where does that leave took in murder, held it, trans - ciousness and openness to every - us? formed it, and gave back forgive - one. That’s the only key to over - The real answer, I believe, lies ness. And he took in enmity, bit - come division. Ron Rolheiser, OMI in an understanding of how the ter division, held it, transformed We live in bitterly divisive cross and death of Jesus brings it, and through that revealed to us times, paralyzed in terms of meet - about reconciliation. The author the deep secret for forming com - ing amicably on virtually every We live in a world of deep within our own ideological cir - of the Letter to the Ephesians tells munity, namely, we need to take sensitive issue of politics, eco - divisions. Everywhere we see cles; and there, rather than chal - us that Jesus broke down the bar - away the hatred that divides us by nomics, morality, and religion. polarization, people bitterly lenging each other, we mostly end rier of hostility that existed absorbing and holding it within That stalemate will remain until, divided from each other by ideol - up feeding each other in our bias - between communities by creating ourselves and thereby transform - one by one, we each transform ogy, politics, economic theory, es and indignations thus becom - one person where formerly there ing it. rather than enflame and retrans - moral beliefs, and theology. We ing even more intolerant, bitter, had been two — and he did this Like a water purifier that holds mit the hatred that divides us. tend to use overly simplistic cate - and judgmental. “by reconciling both (sides) in gories within which to understand Scripture calls this enmity, one body through his cross, Day-Lewis gives another these divisions: the left and the hatred, and indeed that’s its prop - which put that enmity to death” right opposing each other, liberals er name. We are becoming hate- (Eph 2:16). and conservatives at odds, pro- filled people who both fuel and How does the cross of Christ idiosyncratic performance life vying with pro-choice. justify our hatred on religious and put enmity to death? Not through Virtually every social and moral grounds. We need only to some kind of magic. Jesus didn’t Continued from page 9 ress and decides to make her his moral issue is a war zone: the sta - watch the news on any night to break down the divisions between model and inspiration. A complex tus of women, climate change, see this. How’s this to be over - us by mystically paying off some * * * relationship develops that is some - gender roles, sexuality, marriage come? debt for our sins through his suf - thing to behold. Amid the some - and family as institutions, the role At the more macro level in fering, as if God needed to be Phantom Thread , the new film times stormy moments there is a of government, how the LGBTQ politics and religion, it’s hard to appeased by blood to forgive us from writer-director-cinematogra- suggestion they have become community is to be understood, see how these bitter divides will and open the gates of heaven. pher Paul Thomas Anderson, is lovers. As we follow the threads of among other issues. And our ever be bridged, especially when That image is simply the getting admiration as well as the story the intricate hand-stitched churches aren’t exempt; too often so much of our public discourse metaphor behind our icons and attention for being reputedly the creations (from designer Mark we cannot agree on anything. is feeding and widening the divi - language about being washed final performance of 61-year-old Bridges) that are the fruit of this Civility has disappeared from sion. What’s needed is nothing clean of sin and saved by the British acting legend Daniel Day- collaboration share centre stage public discourse even within our short of religious conversion, a blood of Christ. What happened Lewis who already owns three (the film has received a nomination churches where there is now as religious change of heart, and in the cross and death of Jesus is best actor Oscars (and is nominat - for costume design). much division and hostility with - that’s contingent on the individ - something that asks for our imita - ed in that category for this role). As a rule, the fashion world in each denomination as there is ual. The collective heart will tion, not simply our admiration. The film is also nominated for doesn’t much interest me (or what between them. More and more, change only when individual What happened in the cross and best picture. lies behind those perennial red-car - we cannot discuss openly any hearts first do. We help save the death of Jesus is an example for Day-Lewis portrays a mid-20th pet questions “what and who is she sensitive matter, even within our sanity of the world by first safe - us to imitate. What are we to imi - century British dressmaker, wearing?”). But this evocative own families. Instead we discuss guarding our own sanity, but tate? Reynolds Jeremiah Woodcock, an character study, which also bene - politics, religion, and values only that’s no easy task. What Jesus did in his passion obsessive perfectionist who runs fits from a fine original score by It’s not as simple as everyone and death was to transform bitter - the celebrated haute couture Jonny Greenwood, ruffles a lot simply agreeing to think nicer ness and division rather than to Woodcock House with his trusted more than beautiful clothes. Day- Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, thoughts. Nor, it seems, will we retransmit them and give them sister Cyril (Lesley Manville, nom - Lewis gives us the satisfaction of and award-winning author, is find much common ground in our back in kind. In the love he inated for best supporting actress). another memorably idiosyncratic president of the Oblate School of public dialogues. The dialogue showed in his passion and death, As always, Day-Lewis completely performance. Krieps excels too. Theology in San Antonio, Texas. that’s needed isn’t easily come Jesus did this: He took in hatred, inhabits the role, the solitary nature (Watch for her as Jenny Marx in He can be contacted through his by; certainly we haven’t come by held it inside himself, trans - of which is challenged when the Raoul Peck’s new movie The website: www.ronrolheiser.com. it yet. Many groups are trying for formed it, and gave back love. He fastidious bachelor discovers a Young Karl Marx .) It’s enough to Now on Facebook: www.face - it, but without much success. took in bitterness, held it, trans - young German immigrant, Alma enjoy the flourishes in this strange book.com/ronrolheiser Generally what happens is that formed it, and gave back gra - (Vicky Krieps), working as a wait - fashion-struck tale. 12 Prairie Messenger FEATURE January 31, 2018 Pope Francis has a blind spot on sexual abuse

By Thomas Reese abusing minors in his upscale inal violations of their human dima’s abuse (and, in the case of accusers are lying. His job is to ©2018 Religion News Service Santiago parish. dignity and relegate survivors to Barros, that he ever received a see to it that there is a transparent In a leaked letter to the Chil- discredited exile. letter detailing that abuse while and legitimate process in place to The overwhelming consensus ean bishops, Francis defended his Francis accepted O’Malley’s serving as secretary to Cardinal handle such accusations and then in the media is that Pope Francis January 2015 appointment of criticism and apologized for say - Juan Francisco Fresno of get out of the way. To appoint a has a blind spot when it comes to Barros to Osorno. Francis ac - ing the victims need to show Santiago), and despite no verified bishop to a new diocese before sexual abuse. knowledged that the Vatican was “proof” to be believed. But he evidence in any civil or canonical his name was cleared was a seri - He may be on the side of refu- so concerned about the crisis in continued to say that anyone who case so far that the bishops are ous mistake. Francis’ advisers gees, migrants, the sick, the poor, Chile that it planned to ask made accusations against the lying, the charges against them were correct; the bishop should the indigenous and other margin - Barros, who was the bishop for bishop without providing evi - have stuck in the media.” have taken a sabbatical. alized peoples, but he just doesn’t the military, and two other bish - dence was guilty of slander. He notes that the victims are The fundamental problem is get it when it comes to victims of ops to resign and take a sabbati - “I can’t condemn him because so far unsuccessfully suing the that the church has no process for abuse. cal. Despite these concerns, I don’t have evidence,” Francis Archdiocese of Santiago for judging bishops that is transpar - The evidence for this assertion Francis appointed Barros anyway. said. “But I’m also convinced that $450,000. The case “depends on ent and has legitimacy with the is the pope’s unwavering support Francis’ defence of Barros has he’s innocent.” demonstrating that those in au - public. for Rev. Juan Barros, whom he been excessive, accusing his de - But O’Malley is right. It is thority knew and failed to act on The bishop may or may not be appointed bishop of Osorno, tractors of calumny and being often impossible to produce evi - the abuse they suffered.” innocent, but no one will trust a Chile, despite accusations from leftist agitators. He said he would dence of crimes that are commit - “There are plenty of other secret process that involves cler - victims that he witnessed and not believe the accusations until ted in secrecy. It can often come questions to be asked about the ics investigating clerics, clerics cov ered up abuse by Rev. he was given proof. down to whether you believe the victims’ case,” he concludes, “but judging clerics. Fernando Karadima, the charis - Cardinal Sean O’Malley pub - victims. few dare to do so for fear of being The past decades have shown matic priest who in 2011 was licly corrected the pope’s words: One of the few journalists to accused of ‘revictimizing’ them.” that no profession is good at judg - found guilty by the Vatican of It is understandable that Pope come to Francis’ defence is I would argue that both Barros ing its own, whether police, doc - Francis’ statements yesterday in Austen Ivereigh, contributing edi - and the victims deserve their day tors, lawyers, teachers, politi - San tiago, Chile, were a source of tor at Crux and author of one of in court, both in civil court and in cians, government workers, ath - Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a Jesuit great pain for survivors of sexual the best biographies of Francis. ecclesiastical court. letes, coaches, entertainers, spies, priest, is a senior analyst at RNS. abuse by clergy or any other per - “Victimhood doesn’t just elicit Francis is not helping by the military or clergy. Too often Previously he was a columnist at the petrator. Words that convey the sympathy,” he writes, “it lends throwing around accusations of colleagues look the other way and National Catholic Reporter (2015 - message “if you cannot prove credibility, and confers moral slander and calumny. It is wrong don’t want to believe that their 17) and an associate editor (1978 - your claims then you will not be authority. So, despite the fact that to declare, before the process is friend is guilty. When guilt be - 85) and editor-in-chief (1998 - believed” abandon those who the bishops consistently and firm - completed, that he is convinced comes apparent, there is the 2005) at America magazine. have suffered reprehensible crim - ly deny that they witnessed Kara- the bishop is innocent and his temp tation to deal with it inter - nally and keep it secret lest the profession suffer. Spiritual ecumenism and quest for Christian unity It took too long, but the church now has procedures in place for place in unity efforts because it is tions in New York, there were dealing with abusive priests that prayer that most changes our 9,000 participants an nually in our involve lay review boards, sus - hearts, and it is our hearts that programs and retreats. It met a pension while an investigation most need to be changed. need. takes place, collecting evidence, Challenge That said, as we noted, spiritual The approach we took there was hearing from victims and zero ecumenism encompasses more one of spiritual ecumenism. The tolerance for abusers. It is not a of Ecumenism than simply prayer for unity. It is time spent in faith sharing and perfect system, and sometimes it also an exchange of spiritual gifts prayer together, the spiritual gifts is ignored, but at least it exists. Thomas Ryan, CSP — contemplative and charismatic exchanged, transformed peoples’ There is no similar process for ways of praying, lectio divina , perceptions of one another and handling accusations against devotional practices, the theology enriched their lives in concrete and bishops for failing to report and In late January the annual directed for several years the of icons, the tradition of spiritual lasting ways. Here was a way of deal with bad priests. Week of Prayer for Christian work of the Vatican Secretariat direction, effective approaches to engaging in the work for Christian The Pontifical Commission for Unity was observed around the for the Promotion of Christian youth and young adults, the prac - unity that moved on the level of the Protection of Minors recom - world. Hopefully, there was at Unity, said, “The first place in tice of annual retreats and monthly church members and had a direct, mended that Francis set up a sep - least one event in your town or spiritual ecumenism belongs to desert days, methods of singing, positive impact on their lives and arate office in the Vatican to deal city that brought Christians to- prayer, which joins Jesus’ own preaching, and sharing the faith. their subsequent witness and prayer. with bishops who fail to do their gether to join their hearts and prayer on the eve of his death, After working for 14 years at Spiritual ecumenism must seek job protecting children. At first, voices in prayer. ‘that all may be one’ (Jn 17:21).” the Canadian Centre for Ecu me - out and serve life. It must be con - he agreed, but then he left the job This Week of Prayer was origi - But Cardinal Kasper then iden - nism, I saw the need for more cerned with everyday human with the Congregation for Bish - nally initiated by Rev. Paul tified various other expressions of places where Christians from dif - experiences as well as with the ops and existing Vatican offices. Wattson in 1908 as a Church spiritual ecumenism as well: the ferent traditions of practice could great questions of justice and That was a mistake. The office Unity Octave. Father Paul founded shared reading and meditation of come together for days at a time to peace and the preservation of cre - that creates bishops will never be the Society of the Atonement at Sacred Scripture; exchanges be - share faith and life with one anoth - ation. Through the prayer, shar - eager to uncover evidence that Graymoor, Garrison, N.Y., with tween monasteries, communities er and engage in the ex change of ing, and ministerial engagement the man it helped become a bish - the mission of promoting Christian and spirituality movements; visits spiritual gifts. So I became in - our hearts are turned more fully op is a failure. unity. He believed that an annual to pilgrim sites and centres of volved in the work of founding toward Christ, and the closer we The Catholic Church could time set aside for prayer and semi - spirituality. Unitas, an ecumenical centre for come to him, the more we discov - learn from secular governments nars would advance the cause and He also saw as one of the most spirituality co-sponsored by eight er ourselves in unity. And in the on how to structure itself to deal deepen people’s understanding of encouraging signs the creation of different denominations in Mon - exchange of gifts, what is lacking with crimes and coverups, espe - the ecumenical movement. ecumenical monasteries like Taizé treal. By the time I left there five in each of our traditions finds its cially those that do not come A huge advance in deepening (France), Grandchamp (Switzer - years later in re sponse to the needed complement. under the jurisdiction of secular that understanding within the land), and Bose (Italy); internation - Paulist community’s call to devel - In what form of spiritual ecu - authorities. Catholic Church was the 1962 - al lay movements and institutes of op a national Paulist Office for menism might it be possible for 65 Second Vatican Council. One consecrated life like Focolare, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Rela - you to engage in the year ahead? — NO ONE , page 13 of the two reasons offered by Community of Sant’Egidio, and Pope John XXIII in convoking it the l’Arche Federation. was the promotion of Christian When John Paul II told the unity. In the Council’s landmark College of Cardinals in a state-of- The Catholic Independent Schools, Diocese of Victoria Decree on Ecumenism, the world the-church address, “I pray every (With schools throughout Vancouver Island) assembly of bishops gave priority day for Christian unity,” I of place to prayer: “Spiritual ecu - couldn’t help but wonder how Invites applications for the following: menism should be regarded as the many Christians could say as soul of the whole ecumenical much. Imagine what a different Two Principals movement.” They defined it as church it would be if many mem - “change of heart and holiness of bers in all the churches that make St. Andrew’s Regional High School life” as well as “public and pri - up the one church of Christ could and St. Joseph’s School vate prayer for the unity of Chris - say the same. both in Victoria, B.C. tians” (Decree on Ecumenism, 8). It would make a difference be - Cardinal Walter Kasper, who cause prayer’s first effect is in us. Application deadline: Feb. 9, 2018. Our own hearts and minds would be shaped by our own prayer and Also accepting applications for Grades K - 12 Ryan directs the Paulist North become more sensitive to the teaching positions for the 2018/19 school year. American Office for Ecumenical opportunities we have to translate and Interfaith Relations, now that prayer into practice. Prayer is View application details on www.cisdv.bc.ca located in Boston. and will always hold the first

January 31, 2018 FEATURE Prairie Messenger 13 An oblate is a carrier of Benedictine spirituality

Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister delivered a keynote address at the but starting over again in another world that provides its CEOs 100 of young and old, all sharing the Fourth International Oblate Congress, which took place Nov. 4 - 10 in — charism is like every living times the salaries of the workers same meal, all called to the same Rome. The following is Chittister’s address, “Let the call be heard.” It thing. It takes the shape of seed, who make their money for them. cup. And all participants in the the - was published on National Catholic Reporter (https://www.ncronline.org) branch, tree, flower and fruit of They are being mercy in a world ological development of the early Jan. 9, 2018, and is reprinted with permission. This is the second of the spiritual life. It grows through that kills killers to show every - Christian community. three parts. one stage of life after another and body that killing is wrong. They remind us of the array of then, through you and me, grows They are demanding equality people Jesus drew around him but By Joan Chittister hospitality and call us yet to see again. Here. Now. Always. for the women kept invisible even which, over the centuries, became Christ in everyone who comes Charism is the fig tree that in churches who say their model a pious pyramid designed to keep Question 3: Who are you? is a through the doors of our homes, blooms in every season. is Jesus. And at the same time, most people on the fringe of it. question of identity and the an - and the arches of our monasteries. Separately and alone and to - they are ignored by secular sexist swer is clear: to be an Oblate is to They were made visible in the gether, we together must make it systems that suck up their lives by be a carrier of Benedictine spiri - prophetic works of Benedictines visible again in new ways. And to - putting on their backs twice the tuality. It is to be exactly who we for peace when nations sinned in gether we must make it vocal again burdens and half the pay. are — who your monastery is — the name of God and called it in the new language of a new time. Oblates themselves must be- but in a different form. Christianization, and the church And therein lies the glory of the come a new kind of people in the You and we — we and you, itself strayed from the Gospel and Oblate programs that are springing midst of the mess of violence and are all meant to be gifts of Bene- called it orthodoxy. up in Benedictinism again from greed and oppression and power: a dictine peace, prayer, justice hu - And those charisms are meant coast to coast, from continent to people whose weap on is truth and mility, human community and to be shared, to be spent, to be continent, everywhere. whose strength is fearlessness. And life-giving work. Indeed, together strewed recklessly through the Oblate programs are often now whose witness, in concert with their we are meant to be messengers, Body of Christ, not held captive twice as large as the monasteries monasteries, is the power of the models and makers of a whole to some kind of semi-clericalized that sponsor them. But clearly — Oblate community itself. In them new world wherever we are. corps of ecclesiastical aristocracy. if the Gospel is any proof of the indeed, the best of the Benedictine Indeed, the charisms of Jesus More than that, they are the power of holy companionship — charism is meant to live on. that the Spirit gives to each of us essence, the mark, the message of then Oblates are not meant to be Oblate programs must also are not for sequestering by pro - the life of Jesus. The charisms of simply consumers of the tradition. model a whole church — a fessional religious types. The the Spirit are alive, in other You are also meant to be com - church that is wholly ministering, charisms of Jesus the preacher, words. They go on going on — as panions to the monastery to wholly open, wholly renewed — the healer, the wonder-worker, Jesus goes on going on. which you are attached. You are in the very heart of a church that and gatherer of nations, are pre - They are not then ever com - meant to be the carriers of the tra - has become, over time, too male, served to this day by the work - plete. They are not frozen in time. dition, as well. As individuals, too clerical, too distant from the ings of the Holy Spirit in the They are not fixed and static, stag - yes, but in concert, in community, People of God. hearts of seekers everywhere. nant and stock-still. They leap with the Oblate community that is Question 4: What must we They were made visible in the with life. They never die. They are in concert, in community, with do? is the question of mission and the electricity that powers every the monastery community itself. healing work of Benedictine hos - meaning. Paul Paproski, OSB pices when sickness was consid - good in us. They are that surge in It is the growing Oblate pro - It requires a new answer of both BENEDICTINE CHARISMS — A ered a punishment for sin, and so you, that surety in me that we ride grams of small monasteries that Benedictine monasteries and of statue of St. Benedict is seen at St. on a river of grace that is still and are becoming tentacles of the call to us today to join hearts and Oblates themselves if charism is Peter’s Abbey. Benedictine hands and insights to be healing deep, raging and new. spirit of the Rule, the outreach of really what we’re all about. Oblate “charisms (peace, prayer, justice figures everywhere. They are not the gifts of spirit of the monastery to which programs have a purpose and a humility, human community and They were made visible when vowed monastics alone but the they are attached. place in the contemporary church life-giving work) are meant to be oppression and slavery were common gift of professed monas - You are to be Benedictinism in that is gift to the entire church: shared, to be spent, to be strewed thought to be God’s will but tics and committed Oblates to the nucleus of the world, a veritable First, Oblate programs must recklessly through the Body of equality and justice was the hall - pursue together, ancient but critical mass of new life and new also model a whole church — a Christ, not held captive to some mark of Benedictine monasteries, immediate, they are dynamic, hope and new expressions of the church that is wholly ministering, kind of semi-clericalized corps of and so call us to join hearts and unfolding and as necessarily new spirit of The Rule of Bene dict, of wholly open, wholly renewed — ecclesiastical aristocracy,” says hands and insights to make equal - today as they were in the soul of Jesus alive in us and of the voice of in the very heart of a church that Joan Chittister, OSB. ity a sign of our own communi - Benedict of Nursia. God among us. has become, over time, too male, ties today. Charism, then, must be con - There are Oblates everywhere too clerical, too distant from the Oblate programs are meant to They were made visible in holy stantly rediscovered, and con - being the charism of their order: People of God. dispel the image of exclusivity that stantly re-expressed. They are preaching peace in my When professed members of a makes spirituality the purview of a Charism is always ripe but country that spends more money on Benedictine community merge private club of cognoscenti — of Chittister is a Benedictine sis - always in bloom again, always destruction than on development. their lives and their work, their special people — people specifi - ter of Erie, Pennsylvania. finished for one age and people They are doing justice in a spiritual wisdom and their public cally privileged, specifically gen - witness, their decision-making dered, supposedly more knowl - PRAIRIE MESSENGER PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY and the deepest part of their con - edgeable, specially recognized, cerns with the Oblates who sur - specifically asexual — who define round them, then the church itself its limits and confine its rewards MCKERCHER LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS becomes new — becomes whole to themselves. KAPOOR, SELNES, & — again. KLIMM SASKATOON: John Schachtel In the spirit of the Jesus who Barristers & Solicitors (306) 653-2000 No one L.J.(Dick) Batten, QC 1201 - 8th St. East walked with women, talked with W. Selnes, B.A., LL.B.; Samaritans, and contested with G. Klimm, B.A., LL.B.; Michel G. Thibault Saskatoon, Sask. above the law David M.A. Stack,QC (306) 978-5200 the keepers of the synagogue, Phone (306) 752-5777, P.O. Box 2200 Curtis J. Onishenko Melfort, Saskatchewan S0E 1A0 Oblate programs lift up the gates Galen R. Richardson   
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‘Joy’ pervades all of life Gospel Pope Francis explained its purpose in the ment of joy; it was the joyful good news. It is a mistake opening paragraph: “The joy of the gospel fills the to think of Christianity, as did many thinkers and poets What is it about Pope Francis that he is so insis - hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those of the past, as something solemn and sad. No! tent on linking the Christian lifestyle with “joy”? who accept his offer of salvation are set free from Christianity is joy. Joy in right order, in peace with For example, on Jan. 29 the pope issued revised sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With God, with oneself, and with one’s neighbour.” norms for what are known as “ecclesiastical universi - Christ joy is constantly born anew. In this exhorta - Pope Francis tries to see everything coloured by ties and faculties” — those that grant Vatican-recog - tion I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to joy. It provides a model for us to emulate. — PWN nized degrees. The document is labelled Veritatis embark upon a new chapter of evangelization Gaudium (The Joy of Truth). It replaces the 1979 marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for A message of our subscribers constitution published by Pope John Paul II called the church’s journey in years to come.” Sapientia Christiana (Christian Wisdom). The Joy of Later in this document he writes, “Christians have As most readers of the Prairie Messenger are Truth gives a different connotation than Christian the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding aware, we will cease publication of our paper in May Wisdom. Both are correct. But they have a different anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, 2018. emphasis. they should appear as people who wish to share their For those subscribers who would normally In a speech the same day to members of the joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite receive a renewal notice during the months of Tribunal of the Roman Rota, which mainly deals others to a delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing February, March and April, we wish to assure you with appeals filed in marriage annulment cases, the that the church grows, but ‘by attraction’ ” (15). that you will continue to receive your copy of the pope examined the central role conscience plays in “Sharing one’s joy” has a different feel than Prairie Messenger . Renewal notices will not be sent the process of discerning the nullity or validity of the “imposing new obligations.” Both are correct. But out. Your previous support on our subscription list bond of marriage. He said it is critical to help young they have a different emphasis. guarantees your copy until we cease publication. people recognize “with a sure and clear conscience Pope Francis is not the first to stress joy as a For any readers who are interested in a new sub - that the conjugal union, open to the gift of children, hallmark of a Christian lifestyle. St. Teresa of Avila scription until May 9, 2018 (our closure), we will is a great joy for God, the church and humanity.” is often quoted as saying, “From sour-faced saints, charge a fee of $15 to help offset administration and Again, the emphasis on joy. good Lord, deliver us.” mailing costs. In his Jan. 20 speech to priests, seminarians and Cardinal John Henry Newman said, “The chief We are humbled by the outpouring of support for men and women in consecrated life from various grace of primitive Christianity was joy.” Despite the Prairie Messenger . Although this support cannot parts of Peru, the pope said religious men and being persecuted, the early Christians attracted others change the decision made by the Benedictine com - women must be marked by joy and gratitude, “which by their joy. munity to cease publication, it encourages our efforts enlarges the heart and inspires us to service.” Pope John XXIII made a similar observation: “The to continue in our mission to deliver the Good News. In his apostolic exhortation The Joy of the message of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was an announce - — PWN Too Many ‘Catholic’ bloggers try to discredit Pope Francis

By Phyllis Zagano marriage ceremony — technically the Internet into a “cesspool of One interesting fact that does in whose territory he publishes. a convalidation — right then and hatred.” There were about 2,500 not seem to be on the radars With blogs, the territories are un - I am all for folks voicing their there. A cardinal hand-wrote a “Catholic” blogs then — blogs by of bishops conferences around the limited. So, one might argue that opinions, but when did free wedding certificate and all signed clergy and religious — no one world: Clerics need permission to when a blogging cleric disre - speech turn into a free-for-all? it. Everybody on the plane was knows for sure how many are out publish in their own dioceses or spects the Holy Father, he is do - I am not speaking about the very happy. there now. Granted they are not all in others. Bloggers cross diocesan ing so on behalf of his own bish - so-called “fake news” phenome - Of course, once word got out, nasty or founded in fantasy. But territories. In theory at least, the op and with the permission of the non reflecting the political bent of the blogosphere exploded and the some of them are. And they repeat - cleric speaks for the bishop, and rest of the bishops. an individual news outlet. I usual suspects began waiving edly attack the Holy Father. with the permission of the bishop Something to think about. am speaking about the nasty tenor their Canon Law books, pointing of public discourse, especially the to one or another jot or tittle. unedited blogs — especially the Hello? Break silence about end-of-life decisions “Catholic” blogs — that spew all The point well made by the sorts of nonsense around the Holy Father at 36,000 feet is that By Sharon Kaasalainen of stress and burden. They must life. This has largely been driven globe. Catholics — especially Catholics and Tamara Sussman navigate the social and health by advancements in life-pro - Let me explain. As CNN tele - in civil marriages — should be care systems while coping with longing technology and treat - vision commentator Chris married in Catholic ceremonies. Many people must make criti - their impending loss and grief. ments. Cuomo said not long ago: “The The negative bloggers, bent on cal decisions for family and A large proportion of these sit - So when should we forgo situation out there is so ugly. . . . finding something wrong in friends who are at the end of their uations occur in long-term care these treatments and transition to People are out to get you whether everything the pope does or says, lives. This can create a great deal homes, where almost a third of “comfort care” only? When whatever is being said is true or objected strongly. These included residents die every year. should medical staff focus on not.” self-appointed marriage experts, In addition, people must often quality end-of-life care instead of I’m sure the same sentiment few (if any) of whom hold dioce - Kaasalainen and Sussman are make decisions for loved ones trying to make the patient live appears somewhere in the Bible. san judicial appointments. Canadian Frailty Network (CFN) who have lost cognitive capacity. ever-longer? How can we allevi - The fact is, bloggers increas - These naysaying electronic investigators and expert advisers Families and friends struggle with ate stress and guilt? ingly disrespect their targets, equivalents of the town gossip with EvidenceNetwork.ca. stress and guilt while trying to do We all need to start the conver - from Pope Francis to the town spread distrust and hatred over a Kaasalainen is an associate pro - what they feel is best. sations about end-of life wishes councillor to the girl next door. perfectly simple fact: A priest met fessor with the School of Nursing Our society doesn’t want to earlier. Everyone is fair game for self- a couple who wanted their mar - at McMaster University. Sussman talk about aging and death In our ongoing research, we appointed experts. riage (eight years, two children) is an associate professor with the because we have an entrenched interviewed residents of long- Further, understandings of blessed. School of Social Work at McGill belief that quantity of years is libel and slander float in an amne - Why are these so-called University. www.troymedia.com always preferred over quality of — LONG-TERM , page 15 siac fog. No one remembers what “Catholic” bloggers so negative? they are anymore. More, why is anyone listening to For the record, slander is a them? spoken lie; libel is a published lie. Is it because their nasty opin - Short of libel, there are too ions are in print? Once was, many negative commentators, words were hard to get published. even clerics, who dislike anything In fact, it still is hard to be pub - Pope Francis does. lished by reputable outlets. Witness the wedding on the Therein lies the rub. Reputable airplane in Peru. A civilly married outlets are being pushed off both couple, both airline stewards, stage and screen by self-publish - asked for the pope’s blessing. He ing (and often self-aggrandizing) asked if they were married. Yes, individuals with more time than they answered. But on their wed - training. ding day in 2010, the church Today, upwards of 30 million building collapsed and they ended bloggers spew unedited musings up with a civil marriage. without benefit of fact checkers After asking a few questions or editors or publishers who actu - and rounding up the requisite wit - ally attended journalism school. nesses, the pope performed a They create fact from their own opinion and gain followers through their negativity. Zagano is senior research Nearly two years ago, Basilian Westminster Abbey associate-in-residence at Hofstra Father Thomas Rosica, CEO of the BISHOPS’ RETREAT — The bishops of Western Canada and the North took part in a retreat for bishops University in Hempstead, N.Y. Her Canadian Salt & Light Cath olic at Westminster Abbey, Mission, B.C. Jan. 8 - 11. Bishop-emeritus Gerald Wiesner was a last-minute sub - books include Sacred Silence: Media Foundation, said “Catholic” stitute as retreat master and some bishops cancelled at the last minute because of a health alert at the Daily Meditations for Lent . bloggers had turned their corner of abbey. January 31, 2018 LETTERS Prairie Messenger 15

Life with dignity is criterion for any development, popes say

The Editor: Michael Swan’s of our faith. to move in the direction of re - story outlining the concern of the Each pope since affirmed the specting life with dignity for its Jesuits for the life of Padre Melo church’s position life with dignity people and land, they have been and the increasing Honduran for all, human and land, is to be the overthrown by military coups chaos since the November 2017 heart of any development mode. facilitated by the U.S. election fraud ( PM , Jan. 17) does In both his 1987 On Social This happened again in 2009 not do the reality justice. Concerns and his 1991 Centesi - and was followed by a period of For decades the people of mus Annus , St. John Paul II states “extrajudicial” killings of all who Honduras have struggled to rid the criteria for evaluating any try to peacefully organize and their country of colonialism. development mode are to be the demonstrate to protect life with A “colony” is an area where actual lived realities generated by dignity. the land and people are “devel - it . . . not ideology. These make Honduras, on a oped” to accommodate the inter - He made it clear it didn’t mat - per capita basis, the most danger - ests and profit of a foreign elite in ter if it was governments, corpo - ous place on earth to be a human an “imperial” power. rations, “free markets” or “cul - rights advocate or defender of The latest form is neo-colo - tures” generating the desecration water/land. nialism where the land and people of God’s creation. It is this already bad situation are “developed” to accommodate If “life with dignity” did not that is deteriorating. the interests and profit for global flow, particularly for all God’s A friend, part of accompani - Paul Paproski, OSB corporations — agricultural, human children, it was “structur - ment teams for over six years, is extractive and financial. al/social sin” and needed to be there now. Garden Sentinels This has been condemned in rectified. In the spirit of Blessed Oscar our Official Church Teachings This is what the Honduran Romero, these murdered people We have a garden called Eden, nestled in our hills. since the Second Vatican Council people have repeatedly struggled are martyrs for their faith. — Our garden of nearly an acre is a quiet reflective place. when life with dignity for the full to do through democratic means. Yvonne Zarowny, Qualicum Our sanctuary. continuum was put at the centre Whenever such governments tried Beach, B.C. A pond in the heart of our garden captures blue summer skies, and invites the dragonflies to dance. Grace is working in other Christians Winding paths lead to flowers of every shape and hue to a stand of pines. The guardians of our garden. Gentle giants: the connection between heaven and earth. Continued from page 1 But, he said, like the Israelites his Gospel, to face every challenge who wandered through the desert with courage and hope.” Our sanctuary keepers are dying. with other Christians, immediate - after passing through the Red Earlier in the day, meeting Tiny black invaders came boring deep within, ly, first in Damascus and then in Sea, Christians today face diffi - with a delegation from the Evan - leaving their telltale signs of death. Jerusalem.” culties in their journey together. gelical Lutheran Church of Fin - Life sap oozing from pine bark, “That is our experience as be - Some even face the danger of land, Pope Francis said the great - Sawdust falling red as blood. lievers,” the pope said. “Bit by bit martyrdom simply because they est ecumenical challenge is to as we grow in the spiritual life, are Christians. proclaim together faith in God We grieve for our guardians, which we love. we understand better that grace And, like people of many and Jesus Christ to an increasing - For who will warn of sudden summer storms, reaches us together with others religious traditions, there are ly secularized world. or sing to us in soft whispering lullabies? and that it is meant to be shared millions of Christians in the And acting together on that Who will call the autumn mist to and from our garden? with others.” world fleeing from conflict and faith, he said, Christians must ask “When we say we recognize poverty or who are victims of for God’s grace to become instru - Who will show us the beauty of the first winter snow the baptism of Christians from human trafficking or are starving ments of his peace. nestled on their branches, or the crystal sheen other traditions, we are confess - “in a world increasingly rich in “May he help us always, amid of the hoarfrost on their limbs? ing that they, too, have received means and poor in love,” the divisions between peoples, to Who will provide food and refuge for our squirrels, the forgiveness of the Lord and pope said. work together as witnesses and and our feathered friends? his grace is working in them,” But united in baptism and servants of his healing and recon - Pope Francis said. “And we strengthened by God’s grace, he ciling love, and in this way to We have a garden called Eden, nestled in our hills, accept their worship as an authen - said, Christians are called to sup - sanctify and glorify his name,” where a grove of gentle giants once stood. tic expression of praise for what port one another and, “armed only the pope told the Finnish delega - By Diane Bauer God has accomplished.” with Jesus and the sweet power of tion. Letters Long-term care home residents have lost their voice to the editor

Continued from page 14 sions with the patient. Yet health Families likewise tell us, “I In fact, most families report and social-care providers, we want to know everything but I’m relief at having had these discus - We welcome your term care facilities, their family found, are frequently unsure what not sure my parent wants to talk sions and learning what’s impor - response to articles pub - and facility staff members, conversations they’re allowed to about this.” Our work indicates tant to their loved ones in life lished in the Prairie including personal support work - engage in with patients and fami - we need to engage long-term care and death. Topics include every - Messenger. Two-way com - ers, nurses, social workers, ly members. In long-term care residents and their substitute deci - thing from the type of music munication assures every - dietary aides, recreational thera - specifically, this uncertainty sion-makers early, preferably they enjoy to financial planning one of a better exposure to pists and other support staff. about who and what health care even before they enter a long- and a preferred location of the truth. We found that even Canadians providers can talk about often term care home. If we had more death. We cannot publish any in advanced age with the most precludes timely and open con - discussions about our care wishes A common reaction is “Now I letters to the editor unless fragile health, living in long-term versations about preferences for and preferences earlier, when don’t have to guess.” Most also you give us your full name, care homes, have significant diffi - care down the road. there is time, opportunity and less suggest they wished they’d had your address and your tele - culty talking with their families Our research also found that pressure, we could save our loved these conversations earlier. phone number. (It is espe - about their end-of-life wishes and long-term care residents often ones, who are often tasked with We also found that such con - cially important to remem - preferences for end-of-life care. fear having end-of-life conversa - difficult decisions, a whole lot of versations are extremely benefi - ber this if you are sending Long-term care residents often tions because they don’t want to anxiety and heartache. cial for care staff. It provides your comments by email) . feel they’ve lost their voice and burden or depress family mem - So we worked with families to them with reassurance and direc - Due to limited space we the autonomy to make decisions bers — or because they don’t create strategies for them to have tion for supporting a good life ask you to keep your letters for themselves. They expect their know exactly what to talk about. these conversations earlier. And and a good death for the residents short — 300 to 350 words families to make important deci - “I would like to have this conver - we created workbooks and pam - and families they come to know maximum. The Prairie Messenger reserves the right sions on their behalf. sation but I don’t think my family phlets to help them discuss end- very well. to edit letters to conform to Interestingly, families expect would,” or “I don’t even know of-life care together. It’s time to break the awkward space requirements and these decisions will be made by what I should be talking about,” The result has been anything silences. Let’s get everyone talk - newspaper style . doctors based on previous discus - are common sentiments. but depressing. ing.

Editor: Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB 306-682-1772 GST#10780 2928 RT0001 Copy and advertising should arrive 12 days before publication date. Associate editors: Maureen Weber , Change of address: Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing and send Don Ward both old and new addresses. Layout artist: Lucille Stewart Advertising: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 Website: http://www.prairiemessenger.ca Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Circulation: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 Circulation Department Regina diocesan editor: Frank Flegel 306-586-7316, 306-352-1651 100 College Drive, Box 190, Muenster, Sask., S0K 2Y0 Saskatoon diocesan editor: Kiply Lukan Yaworski 306-242-1500, 306-651-3935 Prince Albert: Chancery Office 306-922-4747 Fax: (306) 682-5285 [email protected] Member of Winnipeg diocesan editor: James Buchok 204-452-2227 Published by the Benedictine monks of St. Peter’s Abbey. Canadian Church Press Saint-Boniface Chancery Office 204-237-9851 and the CCNA CN ISSN 0032-664X Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 Printed by St. Peter’s Press, Muenster, Sask. 16 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS January 31, 2018 Pope praises Ukrainian women of faith in Rome

By Cindy Wooden need to see that “the church is the sufferings he endured and alive, that the church gives life offered to the Lord, he contributed ROME (CNS) — Pope and that God is Jesus Christ, the to building another temple, even Francis’ visit to the Ukrainian living Christ, in the midst of the grander and more beautiful, the Catholic Basilica of Santa Sophia church.” edifice of living stones which is in Rome combined elements of But Pope Francis also spoke you,” the pope told the faithful. his parish visits with elements of about the loneliness of being a Archbishop Sviatoslav Shev - his visits to centres for migrants migrant, the hard work and low chuk, major archbishop of Kiev- and refugees. pay many Ukrainian women re- Halych and head of the Ukrainian While the basilica is a fully ceive in caring for children or the Catholic Church, welcomed Pope functioning parish, most of its elderly in Italy and, particularly, Francis to the basilica. He said members are migrant women the worry and concern over the that while officially there are working in Rome and sending ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine. about 200,000 Ukrainians living money home to their families in The pope also used the visit as in Italy, the number is probably Ukraine. a way to underline the importance double that. About 17,000 people In his speech to the community of remembering the past and hon - attend the Divine Liturgy each gathered at Santa Sophia Jan. 28, ouring those who dedicated their week in one of 145 Ukrainian Pope Francis offered his own reflec - lives to preserving and sharing Catholic communities in Italy; tion on The Vibrant Parish: a Place the faith, including under the they are served by 65 priests, the to Encounter the Living Christ, harshest conditions, when the archbishop said. which is the theme of a multiyear Ukrainian Catholic Church was The archbishop also said he renewal effort in Ukrain ian Catholic outlawed by the Soviet Union and hoped Pope Francis’ visit to the parishes around the world. its bishops and many of its priests basilica would be just the first step CNS/Remo Casilli, Reuters “A vibrant parish is a place to were imprisoned. toward a papal visit to Ukraine. POPE VISITS UKRAINIAN BASILICA — Pope Francis delivers his encounter the living Christ,” he The first person he honoured Pope Francis urged the com - speech as he attends a meeting with the Ukrainian Catholic community said. “I hope that you always will was the late Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, munity members to remember all at the Basilica of Santa Sophia in Rome Jan. 28. Seated near the pope is come here for the bread for your who was exiled to Rome after 18 those who suffered in Ukraine to Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, head of the Ukrainian daily journey, the consolation of years in Soviet jails and gulags. preserve the faith and to hand it Catholic Church. Most of its parishioners are migrant women working your hearts, the healing of your The cardinal built the basilica as a on, including mothers and grand - in Rome and sending money home to their families in Ukraine. wounds.” cathedral for the Ukrainian Cath- mothers who baptized their chil - A vibrant parish, he said, also olic Church, which was banned in dren or grandchildren at great risk That same commitment to Ukrainian women who work for is the place to pass on the faith to its homeland. when Ukraine was under Soviet faith and desire to share it, he Italian families and become wit - the younger generations. Pope Francis said the cardinal domination. said, is seen today in the nesses of faith to them. “Young people need to per - wanted it “to shine like a prophet - ceive this: that the church is not a ic sign of freedom in the years museum, that the church is not a when access to many houses of Isolated parishes may need married clergy tomb,” the pope added. They worship was forbidden. But with By Cindy Wooden priests present are not able to munities, he said. “Con tinu ing to Support families, human accommodate.” maintain their family and jobs VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The discussion Pope Francis and receiving a formation contex - dignity, Davos leaders told The idea of exceptionally ordain - wants the church to have, he said, tualized for their environment, ing older married men of proven is to look seriously at all the op- they could offer part-time service virtue to celebrate the eucharist in tions for responding to people’s to the community they come from By Carol Glatz isolated Catholic communities is real hunger for the eucharist and in order to guarantee the sacra - something that should be dis - honouring its central place in the ments, especially by presiding at VATICAN CITY (CNS) — cussed, said Cardinal Beniamino life of the church. the eucharistic celebration.” Global leaders must implement Stella, prefect of the Congre ga - While the Catholic Church But an “attentive study and a policies that support the family tion for Clergy. throughout the world, especially widespread ecclesial discern - and offer real opportunities for the “It is not about being in favour in the more secularized West, ment” are necessary before mov - growth and development of all of or against something, but about must improve its vocations work, ing in that direction, he said, add - people, Pope Francis told people attentively evaluating various Stella said, it also should study ing that the ordination of elders in attending the World Economic possibilities without being closed the possibilities and see if “the those cases would never mean Forum in Davos, Switzerland. or rigid,” the cardinal said in a Spirit suggests something.” changing the usual requirements “If we want a more secure new book in Italian, “ Tutti gli One possibility to explore is for and ministry of priests in the future, one that encourages the Uomini di Francesco ” (“All the exceptional ordination of old - Latin Rite and “in no way would prosperity of all, then it is neces - Francis’ Men”) released Jan. 22 er married men in remote com - lead to optional celibacy.” sary to keep the compass continu - by Edizioni San Paolo. ally oriented toward ‘true North,’ The book, by Italian journalist Pope revises norms for represented by authentic values,” Fabio Marchese Ragona, includes he wrote. interviews with churchmen named theology, philosophy studies “Now is the time to take coura - to the College of Cardinals by geous and bold steps for our Pope Francis. beloved planet. This is the right Pope Francis was asked by the By Cindy Wooden and relaunching of the contribu - moment to put into action our German newspaper Die Zeit last tion of ecclesiastical studies to a responsibility to contribute to the year about whether, in the Latin- VATICAN CITY (CNS) — missionary church that ‘goes development of humanity,” he told rite church, he could see allowing Catholic university programs in forth.’ ’’ corporate and political leaders. married viri probati — men of philosophy, theology and canon The constitution replaces The pope’s message was read CNS/Denis Balibouse, Reuters proven virtue — to become priests. law — especially those designed Sapientia Christiana (Chris tian at the meeting Jan. 22 by Cardinal Cardinal Peter Turkson “We have to study whether viri for future priests — must be Wisdom), an apostolic constitution Peter Turkson, prefect of the probati are a possibility. We then marked by fidelity to church tradi - issued by St. John Paul II in 1979; Dicastery for Promoting Integral mentation between states and also need to determine which tion, academic rigour and an the new document in cludes the Human Development. institutions.” tasks they could take on, such as awareness of the challenges to amendments made to the norms in The annual meeting in Davos The pope told world leaders in remote communities, for exam - belief in the modern world, Pope Sapientia Christiana by St. John brought together people represent - and global executives that they ple,” Pope Francis said. Francis said. Paul in 2002, by Pope Benedict ing business, government, acade - must confront both new and lin - The issue is expected to come In the apostolic constitution XVI in 2011 and by Pope Francis mia and media to discuss the gering problems and challenges, up in the 2019 special gathering of Veritatis Gaudium (The Joy of in 2015, the cardinal said. theme, Creating a Shared Future such as unemployment, poverty, the Synod of Bishops to study Truth), the pope issued revised Pope Francis wrote in the new in a Fractured World. They were economic and social inequality, questions related to the church’s norms for what are known as constitution that it was time “to to address topics such as sustain - and new forms of slavery. pastoral work in the Amazon. “ecclesiastical universities and fa- promote with thoughtful and pro - able development and inclusive “It is vital to safeguard the dig - Already at synods in 1990 on the culties” — those that grant Vati - phetic determination the renewal economies as well as challenges nity of the human person, in par - priesthood and 2005 on the can-recognized degrees, which of ecclesiastical studies at every posed by cyberattacks and divi - ticular by offering to all people eucharist some bishops — especial - are necessary for teaching most level, as part of the new phase of sive “narratives.” real opportunities for integral ly from Brazil’s Amazon region — philosophy, theology and canon the church’s mission, marked by In his written message, the human development and by suggested ordaining married men law courses in seminaries and witness to the joy born of encoun - pope said, “we are increasingly implementing economic policies as the only way to ensure Catholics pontifical universities. tering Jesus and proclaiming his aware that there is a growing frag - that favour the family,” he said. in isolated villages could receive Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, Gospel.” the eucharist regularly. prefect of the Congregation for A key motivation, he said, was Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t Stella said that in the Amazon Catholic Education, presented the to find ways to respond positively or in some remote Pacific islands, document to the press Jan. 29 at to the call of the Second Vatican see the whole staircase. “but not only, there is acute suf - the Vatican, saying it “indicates Council “to overcome this divorce fering because of a real ‘sacra - — Martin Luther King Jr. the meaning and, more specifical - between theology and pastoral mental emergency,’ which the few ly, the basic criteria for a renewal care, between faith and life.”