Pope Francis Begins Cuba/US

Special report Archbishop Cushley The SCO meets on vocations joins Margaret Mary Jackson, in Scotland’s Sinclair pilgrimage woman on dioceses. at St Patrick’s. SCIAF Wee Box. Pages 9-11 Page 3 Pages 4-5

No 5639 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday September 25 2015 | £1

(Above) Pope Francis greets Cuban pilgrims ahead of Sunday’s Mass at Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución. (Left) The Holy Father was greeted by US President Obama upon his arrive in the US Pope Francis begins Cuba/US ‘revolution’ I Ten-day ‘service, tenderness’ visit began in Cuba with laity, politicians; US Papal visit underway By Daniel Harkins Speaking beneath massive portraits of very well that the Popes are great moral and “Our revolution comes about through revolutionary leaders Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and religious authorities, that they are pastors that can tenderness, through the joy which always becomes A REVOLUTION of tenderness, joy and Camilo Cienfuegos, the Pope said service is ‘never give a contribution to the nation of invaluable closeness and compassion, and leads us to get service to others is the message Pope Francis ideological, for we do not serve ideas, we serve importance,” Vatican spokesman Fr Federico involved in, and to serve, the life of others,” he brought to Cuba on his four-day visit people.’ Lombardi said. said. this week. “Let us not forget the Good News we have heard “Like Mary, Mother of Charity, we want to be a The visit, the Pope’s first to the island, began today: the importance of a people, a nation, and the Public Mass in Holguín Church which goes forth to build bridges, to break when he arrived on Saturday September 19 and importance of individuals, which is always based On Monday the Pope visited the city of Holguín down walls, to sow seeds of reconciliation.” covered a great deal of spiritual, geographical and on how they seek to serve their vulnerable where he celebrated Mass and called for us to follow The Pope’s final engagement in Cuba on Tues- ideological ground before departing for the US— brothers and sisters,” the Holy Father said. “Here Jesus’ invitation to overcome preconceptions and day was a meeting with families in the cathedral where he was greeted by US President Barack we encounter one of the fruits of a true humanity. work for peace. in Santiago where he heard a young mother and Obama and the First Family upon arrival—and the Whoever does not live to serve, does not ‘serve’ “Jesus goes before us, He precedes us; He opens father with three children speaking of their hopes. World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. to live.” the way and invites us to follow Him,” he said. “He Before leaving Cuba the Holy Father said: Later at Vespers in Havana’s Cathedral the Pope invites us slowly to overcome our preconceptions I Pope arrives in US; Papal press conference on “Without family, without the warmth of home, life urged people to avoid ‘division into cliques’ which and our reluctance to think that others, much less plane to US; Holy Father announces his hopes for grows empty, there is a weakening of the networks ‘lead to a kind of isolation and ennui, a sadness ourselves, can change. US-Cuban relations, page 6 which sustain us in adversity, nurture us in daily that slowly gives rise to resentment,’ and urged “He challenges us daily with the question: ‘Do living and motivate us to build a better future. The clergy to embrace poverty saying that ‘wealth you believe? Do you believe it is possible that a I [email protected] family saves us from two present-day phenomena: makes us poor.’ tax collector can become a servant? Do you Fragmentation (division) and uniformity.” The Pope, who was met by Cuban President believe it is possible that a traitor can become a The Pope’s trip to Cuba and the US is thought to Raúl Castro upon his arrival in the country, went friend?’ be encouraging a further thaw in relations between after Mass to the home of his brother Fidel, the “I know the efforts and the sacrifices being the Cold War foes. During his time in Cuba the former president and leading figure in the Cuban made by the Church in Cuba to bring Christ’s word Holy Father spread a message of mercy, service revolution that overthrew the authoritarian and presence to all, even in the most remote areas. and reconciliation. government of President Fulgencio Batista in the late 1950s. Revolution Havana The Pope has been credited with helping to thaw The Pope celebrated his last Mass in the country Hundreds of thousands of people greeted the Pope relations between the United States and Cuba in on Tuesday in the second largest city of Santiago on Sunday as he celebrated Mass in Havana’s recent months. at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity of Plaza de la Revolución. “I think the Castro brothers have understood El Cobre.

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church-related events, more online at www.sconews.co.uk

SATURDAY SEPT 26 elebrated at 11am in St I Vincentian Annual Pilgrim- Mary’s, Inverness as part of age to Carfin . Rosary Proces- parish Harvest Festival. sion at 1pm. Bishop John I Annual Red Mass for mem- Keenan will be the principal bers of the legal profession in celebrant of Holy Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edin- 2pm. The SSVP is providing a burgh at 12noon. coach which will leave Incle Street, Paisley at 11am and TUESDAY SEPT 29 return at 4.15pm. I An open evening will be I Choral Workshop given by held in St Augustine’s High Alan and Rebecca Tavener. School, Edinburgh, on Tues- Takes place from10.30am - day September 29, taking 4.30pm in St Mary’s Cathedral place between 4pm and 6pm. 20 Huntly Street, Aberdeen. It will start with a talk from Workshop IS aimed at people the head teacher, followed by who sing in choirs or music a guided tour of the school. groups, music group All are welcome to attand this The jubilees of several clergy within Glasgow Archdiocese were marked with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated in St Andrew’s Cathedral on the Feast of the leaders/directors, or for those event. Holy Cross.Archbishop Philip Tartaglia led the celebration of Mass as he celebrated the 40th anniversary of his own ordination, and was joined by Fr David who simply want to enjoy the Brown and Fr Joseph Boyle from his year group who were also celebrating reaching that milestone in their priestly ministries. Fr Noel Burke and Fr William experience of group singing THURSDAY OCT 1 Donnelly were marking their golden jubilees, while Fr Frank O’Rourke, Fr Charles Kane and Fr Ed Kelly were marking the 60th anniversaries of their ordinations. Also concelebrating at the special Mass were Mgr Chris McElroy, Mgr Paul Conroy and Fr Paul Gargaro PIC: PAUL McSHERRY and develop their skills, from I St Andrews and Edinburgh beginners upwards. Alan and Archdiocese annual Gillis Rebecca Tavener are founders Lecture will be given by Rev- of Cappella Nova, the award- erend James Crampsey SJ SPOTLIGHT ON winning Scottish professional (Superior of the Jesuit Com- vocal ensemble, and inspira- munity at Sacred Heart, Lau- Young Catholics from across Paisley tional workshop leaders. For riston) on Pope Francis and Diocese gathered in St Mirin’s Cathedral further details about the work- his Jesuit Legacy. 6.30 for 7 as Bishop John Keenan celebrated a shop and how to register see pm in the Gillis Centre, 100 special Vocation’s Mass last week. information on: Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, Bishop Keenan spoke to those http://www.stmaryscathedral- EH9 1BB assembled of the importance of aberdeen.org/ or vocations to the future of the Catholic http://www.dioceseofab- FRIDAY OCT 2 Church, and of the call each person receives from God.Among those taking erdeen.org/ I St Patrick’s, Coatbridge, I part in the liturgy were pupils from St Mary’s, Inverness, will Lourdes Fund High Tea Dance secondary schools across the diocese, host a Harvest Party at 7:00pm in the Mayo Suite. Meal while also assisting the bishop and in St Mary’s Hall. Tickets cost served at 7.30pm prompt. concelebrating priests during Mass was £10 from Parish Office. Live Tickets cost £6 and available Deacon Matthew Carlin, who will be music provided by the group after 10am and 12noon Mass ordained to the priesthood next year. ‘The Brothers’, along with tra- or in St Patrick’s Hall. The Vocations Mass is the lastest ditional Polish Harvest snacks. Raffle tickets are also avail- promotion of vocations within Paisley, BYOB. All welcome. able for purchase before the following the recent publication of a function. Vocations magazine aimed at SUNDAY SEPT 27 Contact Martha on 01236 encouraging Catholics in the diocese to I Harvest Thanksgiving Mass 604901 for more information. examine their own vocations to see if they are being called to the religious life E-mail [email protected] PICS: PAUL McSHERRY

Knights of St Columba at Carfin Grotto

MEMBERS of the Knights Carfin in time for the Mass. Knights Province 16 Mother- of St Columba from all He had arrived back in the well at the Mass. over Scotland gathered at country in the early hours of In his homily, Bishop Toal the National Shrine of our that morning, after a 12 hour spoke of the ongoing refugee Lady of Lourdes, Carfin for flight, the last stage of his jour- crisis and how words were not their 27th annual pilgrimage ney home from Australia, enough and that good words do this month. where he had been representing not go with us. Deeds were Inclement weather meant the order at the Conference of important and he praised the that the Rosary Procession the International Alliance of Knights of St Columba for their round the grounds of the beau- Catholic Knights (IACK). practical charity. He added that tiful Grotto had to be cancelled Joe Rodriguez, supreme we must remember God’s and the Rosary Procession, fol- director of communications, mercy in the work that we do lowed by Mass had to be held and John Doran, past supreme and that we must consider that in the Parish Church of St knight, and his wife Margaret in our daily lives. Francis Xavier. had travelled up from South of He also praised the help that However the brothers, who the Border to attend the pil- the Order provides for those in attended with their wives and grimage. training for religious life and families, enjoyed the day. Bishop Joseph Toal, of thanked the brothers of the Supreme Knight Charlie Motherwell was assisted by order for their attendance at McCluskey just made it to Deacon Joe Gallagher of Carfin.

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WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Drawn to Margaret Sinclair pilgrimage By Daniel Harkins

HUNDREDS of people from far and wide came to St Patrick’s Church in Edinburgh last Sunday to pray for the beatification of Venerable Margaret Sinclair. The church was packed for the pilgrimage day which consisted of a Holy Hour led by parish priest Mgr Philip Kerr and a screening of the documentary Margaret Sinclair: An Ordinary Girl followed by Mass. Margaret Sinclair was declared Venera- ble by Pope Paul VI in 1978—two steps away from sainthood. Last year Arch- bishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh relaunched a bid to make the Scottish Parliament hails Edinburgh-born nun a saint. “The crowds were quite incredible,” Mar- garet Falconer of the event’s organisation SCIAF’s 50th anniversary team said. “That’s the biggest number of pilgrims in years. It’s fantastic—we just pray it SCOTTISH MSPs from and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia all helps make Venerable Margaret a saint.” across the political spectrum of Glasgow. Archbishop Leo Cushley was main cel- put their differences aside as Pictured below are St Aloy- ebrant during the Mass and his delegate they celebrated SCIAF’s sius pupils Paul and for Venerable Margaret’s cause, Fr Joe 50th anniversary. Annemarie, niece and nephew McAuley, delivered the homily. Amongst those in attendance of founding volunteer member “We should ask God for a sign that Mar- at the Scottish Parliament event, of SCIAF John McKee, joined garet should be raised in glory to the hosted by presiding officer Tricia by Deputy First Minister John altars,” Fr McAuley, said. “She is a be a great blessing to Scotland, to our fami- given to her by her grandmother. Marwick MSP, were Deputy Swinney and Philippa Bonella, woman who can truly inspire us in every lies and to young people in particular.” “My grandmother had a great devotion First Minister John Swinney and Duncan McLaren and Jim Dun- state of life to grow in communion with Margaret Sinclair was born in 1900 into to Margaret Sinclair and, in fact, when I Archbishop Leo Cushley of St can of SCIAF Christ, to live our lives as a vocation and a large but poor Edinburgh family. Despite was child she would always refer to her as Andrews and Edinburgh (above) PICS: PAUL McSHERRY to make every sacrifice necessary in order hardship she earned a reputation as a ‘Saint’ Margaret Sinclair,” Ms Hastings to fulfil the will of the Bridegroom.” young woman of heroic virtue as both a said. “Venerable Margaret’s life gives a Preaching only yards from Venerable factory worker in her earlier years and lat- great example to all young people today— Margaret’s tomb, he not only urged those terly as a Poor Clare nun. Margaret died in hard work, dedication and a love of God. present to pray for the miracle that would 1925 of tuberculosis. She is a young person who is an example progress Margaret’s cause but also to learn The pilgrims gathered at St Patrick’s on to other young people.” more about her life and to spread devotion Sunday came from far and wide including to her. Maria Hastings from Corby in Northamp- I [email protected] “Truly I think that her beatification could tonshire. She carried with her a prayer card PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Inverness Catholics seek Canonisation of Canon Stone

FR JAMES Bell, parish He died in 2010. friends often claim to pray to said. priest of St Mary’s in Inver- Now, parishioners are seek- him. Several people from differ- ness is leading a group looking stories and memories about This canonisation process ent parts of Scotland submitted ing at introducing the cause the canon as they explore possi- would need to begin now, as accounts of their memories of for Canonisation of a late bly championing the cause for the number of those who knew Canon Stone for the booklet, ‘A canon. his Canonisation. him best is diminishing year by Priest Forever.’ CLARIFICATION: In the Sept 25 SCO page 3 lead we must point out that Canon Duncan Stone was Many of the older members year. Parishioners ask that anyone neither diocesan priest mentioned— Fr Tom Shields of Dunkeld nor Fr Frank born in Beauly, and spent his of Aberdeen Diocese benefited “We have the moving humor- with any other memories of the King of Motherwell—has been formerly ‘suspended’ in the canonical sense, final years as resident priest at from the pastoral care of Canon ous tales that filled our book of Canon to forward more details according to a Church spokesman. Fr Shields was removed from parish Stone. memories of him, but we now to Jane MacMaster at St Peter and St Boniface, ministry on August 28.The SCO apologises for any confusion caused. Fortrose, building up a lively His guidance was often need other information,” [email protected] or Catholic community. sought and revered, and his parishioner Jane MacMaster 01463 236275

I Fr Jude Okorie leaves St CLERGY CHANGES Mary’s, Paisley, to become assistant priest at St John’s, Bar- LEISURE TIME TRAVEL rhead Catholic Pilgrimages JOE WALSH TOURS THESE clergy changes by I Fr Gerry McNellis becomes Latest offers on facebook “Leisure Time Travel Pilgrimages” PILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1961 Bishop John Keenan of Paisley Parish Priest of St Mary’s, Pais- will take place on Friday Octo- ley and relinquishes his post in CHRISTMAS IN LOURDES ber 2. St Laurence’s, Greenock and A 6 day Pilgrimage by Executive Coach CEBU, PHILIPPINES I Mgr James Cunningham Greenock Prison. He will also be 51ST51ST INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTICEUCHARISTIC CONGRESSCONGRESS from Glasgow with overnight stops in Paris (area) £ retires and resigns as parish available for back up pastoral Departs 23 December. Full board in Lourdes. 21 JANUARY | 10 NIGHTS from priest of St Thomas’, Neilston and sacramental care at the new ONLY £399 (Twin/Double) From London Heathrow £1,8951,895pp and will go to live in retirement UWS Catholic Chaplaincy. ONLY £399 (Twin/Double) I » IEC2016 Registration package in St Charles’, Paisley. Fr Joe Fr Andrew Coleman becomes » 5HWXUQÀLJKWVIURP /RQGRQ WR &HEX YLD +RQJ .RQJ Balmer becomes parish priest of Parish Priest at St Laurence’s, LOURDES by AIR » $LUSRUWWUDQVIHUV ZLWK (QJOLVKVSHDNLQJJXLGH St Thomas’, Neilston. Greenock, relinquishing his post from Liverpool ONLY £399 » QLJKWV KRWHO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ EUHDNIDVW GLQQHU I Fr Maurice Callaghan returns at St Conval’s, Linwood. 5 - 8 December. F/B in Lourdes » 'DLO\VKXWWOHVHUYLFHWRFRQJUHVV YHQXHV from sabbatical leave and is I Fr Michael McMahon » +DOI GD\ H[FXUVLRQZLWKGLQQHUDWORFDOUHVWDXUDQW appointed as parish priest of St becomes Parish Priest at St Con- ROME, SAN GIOVANNI & ASSISI REGISTRATION PACKAGE 15 - 22 September 2016 JOIN John’s, Port Glasgow. val’s, Linwood, and chaplai n at 15 - 22 September 2016 » $FFHVVWRDOOVHVVLRQV ZRUNVKRSV H[KLELWV THE I DELEGA Canon Willie McDade retires St Benedict’s High, relinquish- Fly from Glasgow- Rome » $FFHVV WR DOO &RQJUHVV HYHQWV &KXUFK YLVLWV TION and resigns as parish priest at St ing his post at St John’s, Port Led by Rev. Fr. Peter Dowling FRQFHUWV VSHFLDO +HULWDJH QLJKW Colm’s, Kilmacolm, remaining Glasgow. ONLY £999 (Twin/Double) » 2I¿FLDO WUDQVSRUW WR IURP &RQJUHVV YHQXHV in his residence within St James’ “May I take the opportunity of » 6SHFLDO 3LOJULPSDFN parish, Paisley, but will stay on thanking all of these priests for GROUPS 2016 » /XQFK YRXFKHU IRU GD\V for a month or so to celebrate outstanding service in their LOURDES, ROME,FATIMA, Mass. parishes,” Bishop Keenan KNOCK, KRAKOW, PRAGUE, A Paisley priest has already said. | Glasgow Tel: MALTA, MEDJUGORJE, HOLYLAND Joe WaWalshlsh ToToursurs 0141 530 5060 accepted the full time “Particularly I wish a long, MALTA, MEDJUGORJE, HOLYLAND www.joewalshtours.co.uk | [email protected] appointment to St Colm’s, healthy and happy retirement to LEISURE TIME TRAVEL Follow us: Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages 0151 287 8000 Kilmacolm, and this will be Mgr Cunningham and Canon www.lourdes-pilgrim.com Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 announced soon. McDade.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 Mary’s visit highlights

By Daniel Harkins was happy [to be featured on the Wee Box] because I’ll be seen in various countries and… THE Malawian farmer featured on SCIAF’s through that wee box we will gain some funding to Wee Box visited Scotland last week to share her support other countries as well.” story with pupils, celebrities and politicians. SCIAF often refer to their work as giving ‘a Mary Jackson (right) was the face on the hand up, not a hand out,’ and it’s an attitude Mrs collection box the Scottish International Aid Fund Jackson supports. SCIAF don’t just give out relief (SCIAF) distributed to schools and parishes items, she said, and instead teach people to make throughout Scotland. £3.4 million was raised by more with what they are given. the campaign, thanks in part to matched funding by “To me knowledge is more powerful,” she said. the UK Department for International Development. “SCIAF and Malawi are doing something so we During her visit, Ms Jackson spoke to pupils at can be self-reliant.” schools including St Aloysius in Glasgow and That self-reliant position is something she hopes Taking to the streets to save St Mary’s Lochyside Primary School in Fort William, and met the rest of the world will pick up on. “Malawi is a number of politicians at the Scottish Parliament well known as a poor country but despite being a By Daniel Harkins super campus move, and have move from its present location including Deputy First Minister John Swinney. poor country we have natural resources which can criticised the financial efficacy to join up with Renton Primary Mrs Jackson is a farmer in Chipolomba village help us to improve,” she said. “We have good soils, PUPILS, parents and of the plans. A petition against School in a co-located campus in Malawi. Before being helped by SCIAF she a lot of resources… we have more knowledge to supporters of an Alexandria the closure has been signed by when this is neither necessary struggled to feed her children, but after being improve so through SCIAF we can do something primary school have taken to more than 150 people, including nor desirable,” he said, adding taught new farming techniques and introduced to good to improve ourselves.” the streets to protest against by Leonardo Franchi, the head that the proposal made no new seeds and crops she is now able to give her Mrs Jackson, a Christian herself, said the Christian a proposed relocation of their of the St Andrew’s Foundation economic sense. children a proper meal and has even set-up a churches, through ecumenical work, do a lot do school to a new super campus. for Catholic Teacher Education Mr Murray, who sits on the profitable business. She took some time out from help her country. Children of St Mary’s Primary at Glasgow University, who education committee, said that her time in Scotland to visit the SCO offices, and “The Catholic commission has assisted a lot in School gathered with their has visited the school a number he was now awaiting the spoke about the help she had received thanks to Malawi,” she said. parents outside their school last of times. consultation results and the fundraising from Scottish parishioners and pupils. The different religions work together despite Saturday as they chanted and “Plans for new ‘super schools,’ views of the Church. When a child, she said, her parents were unable their differences, she added, and they see each held banners calling for the whenever and wherever they St Mary’s currently has a to send her to school because of schools fees and other in the image of God. school to be saved (above). arise, need to be treated with school roll of 208, with a costs for school uniforms but now she is able to One major issue facing Mrs Jackson’s future is West Dunbartonshire Council great caution,” he said, giving a capacity of 330. The council give her children the education she couldn’t get. climate change. She recently lost her chickens after have opened a consultation personal view based on his said that there are a number of “Before joining SCIAF I was getting one meal a part of a building collapsed following heavy rains period on proposals to relocate knowledge of the school. “There issues with the current Category day,” she said, speaking through an interpreter. “I in Malawi, and crop growing has become more St Mary’s to a new-build with is value in having schools rooted B rated building, including a St Martin’s Primary School. in small local communities dining room that is in separate The new school would be built wherever possible with due care hutted accommodation. on the current St Martin’s site given to breadth of provision. St Martin’s has a roll of 58 and next to Vale of Leven Academy Catholic schools should, ideally, is the smallest primary school and would be a shared campus be very close to the site of the in West Dunbartonshire. The with Renton Primary School and local parish. St Mary’s Primary two schools share a headteacher. Language Unit and Riverside in Alexandria would seem to The new joint campus could Early Learning and Childcare me to be an ideal model for have a roll of more than 600 Centre. The so-called 3-18 others to copy, not one to be children, with 957 children campus would educate pupils erased from the map.” attending the next-door Vale of from the ages of three up till 18 Ahead of the launch of the Leven Academy. Plans are to and would have a total cost of consultation, Dumbarton SNP open the school in August 2018. £17.2 million. Councillor Ian Murray had said The council consultation will Parents have raised concerns St Mary’s was being dragged end on October 30 with responses about the size of the school and into a ‘marriage of convenience,’ being sought from parents, potential loss of educational by the council. school staff and Glasgow standards as a result of the “St Mary’s is being asked to Archdiocese amongst others. Bishops celebrate a golden day

PARISHIONERS of St of his life in the area and still Around 300 people were in Brendan’s in Motherwell spends time in the parish. the congregation for the celebrated 50 years of In his homily, Bishop Toal celebrations, including North their parish last week with spoke about the need for Lanarkshire Provost James two bishops. parishioners to stay strong in Robertson, Motherwell and Mass was celebrated by Bishop their faith and said that despite Wishaw MSP John Pentland, Joseph Toal of Motherwell and falling Mass attendance we and councillors Kaye Harmon, parish priest Fr Michael Brown, should support each other, Thomas Lunny and Gary with Bishop William Nolan of continue to give witness and O’Rourke. Also in attendance Galloway also concelebrating. encourage others to come back were former parish priest Canon Bishop Nolan lived for much into the Church. Denis Keane, 93, and Rev

SPOTLIGHT ON

St Bernadette’s flies the flag for care of creation

PRIMARY pupils in the Provost Tina Murphy (above). Switch Off Fortnight and Say Lowlands raised a green flag The flags are given out by Goodbye to Standby, and ran over their school as they took Eco-Schools, part of the Keep audits throughout the school. part in the World Day of Prayer Scotland Beautiful charity. The young environmentalists for the Care of Creation. St Bernadette’s achieved the kept their school grounds clean The youngsters from St flag in June 2015 after focussing and tidy with daily litter picks, Bernadette’s Primary School in on reducing their electricity, litter while primary 2/3 collected their Tullibody used the day earlier and food, as well as helping litter and made graphs of the litter this month to celebrate the the environment. they found in the playground. success of achieving its third Pupils were involved in The World Day of Prayer for Green Flag, and were joined reducing electricity and emissions the Care of Creation was on the occasion by their MP by switching all appliances off announced by Pope Francis in Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh, when they were not used. August and was celebrated on Councillor Ellen Forson and The children took part in September 1. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 the success of SCIAF Fr Flynn celebrates 50 years of service FRIENDS and family of Fr James Flynn attended a Mass at the Holy Ghost Fathers’ community house in Carfin to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Fr Flynn (right with his brother priests) is originally from Newarthill. He was ordained to the priesthood in England in 1973. He then joined an international team sent to Angola, where he served for 13 years in the war torn country. He later returned to the African Continent where he spent a further 13 years as a missionary. In January 2016, Fr Flynn will take up the post of Secretary of the Union of Spiritans Provinces and will be based in Brussels. PIC: JIM HOEY

PIC: ANTHONY MacMILLAN difficult. Following the publication of Pope Francis’ out of her first visit to the country to celebrate Laudato Si’ encyclical on the environment, SCIAF Scottish culture, dancing at ceilidhs and even, she has ramped up its work on climate change, and said, enjoying the delights of haggis. Mrs Jackson said such efforts are needed. While Alistair Dutton, SCIAF’s director, said Mrs in Malawi they are worried, she said, they are taking Jackson was an inspirational woman and that he action against the problem, replanting trees and was sure Scotland’s schools and parishes would be engaging in energy saving. “We are doing something excited to hear how their support has made a huge to mitigate the effects,” she said. difference to Mary’s life. Though she spent much of her time in Scotland talking about her work in Malawi, she took time I [email protected]

Scottish delegation at World Meeting of Families A DELEGATION from the being founded by St John Paul II John McGinley. Scottish Church has joined in 1994. The Scottish delegation Inset photograph shows the World Meeting of Families —pictured above—includes Bishop Keenan at the WMF in Philadelphia. Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, opening Mass. The US gathering—which will John Deighan of the Society for You can follow the delegation be addressed by Pope Francis— the Protection of Unborn Children, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ for St Brendan’s in Motherwell has met every three years since Fr Nicholas Monaghan and Fr scotmarriage

Gavin Black of St Margaret’s good turnout for the Mass and (Above left) Pupils from St Brendan’s Church, Muirhouse. Pupils Primary School join Bishops Toal Catholic schools and to discuss that it gave everybody a lift. and Nolan for the golden jubilee be supported by other parents from Sr Brendan’s Primary “We have 1600 on the roll celebrations of St Brendan’s NEWS ROUNDUP important issues. and obtain information that will School turned out in force for and 220 go,” he said. “It’s a Church. (Above) The bishops, clergy, “We know that parents who help parents understand what the Mass, dressed in their school small number but they are very altar servers, parishioners and VIPS Refugees stories at want to be more involved in their children are learning.” uniforms and accompanied by supportive. We have a good pictured after the jubilee Mass Glasgow University their school look for support The assembly takes place their headteacher Maura Oates. number of people within that PICS: TOM EADIE and information,” Tony from 10.30am-12.30pm at St Brendan’s was founded in group who help keep the parish FIRST hand accounts of the Coultas, chair of the Parental Carfin and is open to all parents 1965, with the church building afloat in terms of maintaining refugee crisis in Europe will be Involvement Working Group of of Catholic schoolchildren. built in 1968. the ground and cleaning the church hall. A smaller number, given at a public meeting in the Scottish Catholic Education Visit www.sces.uk.com or Fr Brown said there was a church and looking after the but very committed.” Glasgow University on Service (SCES) said. “The contact 0141 556 4727 for Tuesday, September 29. assembly… is a great chance to more information. The event—supported by Justice and Peace Scotland, the Scottish Commission of the Pontifical Council for Justice THE GLASGOW PHOENIX CHOIR and Peace—has been arranged Sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare to show solidarity with refugees and will feature eyewitness WELCOMES NEW SINGERS IN ALL SECTIONS reports from Athens and Lesvos. Come and Sing Along with the Glasgow Phoenix Choir as Refugees Are Welcome Here we rehearse - All in the April Evening; Scots Wha Hae; will be held on Tuesday Battle Hymn of the Republic; Do you Hear the People Sing. September 29 from 7pm to 9pm in the university’s Sir Singers of all types and skills are sought to join the choir, Charles Wilson Building. all welcome especially Sopranos, Tenors and Basses. Doors will open at 6pm for MAKE CONTACT refreshments before the event. BY EMAIL - [email protected] Assembly for Catholic TELEPHONE - 0141 892 6113 school parents ON LINE - www.phoenixchoir.org Teachers and headteachers from schools across Glasgow Archdiocese came to St Andrew’s Cathedral as the THE third Assembly for Catholic JOIN US AT OUR OPEN NIGHT & Church thanked them for their handwork and efforts. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, with school parents will take place Rehearsal on Monday 05 October 2015 at 7.30pm clergy associated with schools. A number of pupils from St Mungo’s Academy were also present. The Mass was in Carfin on Saturday October in Adelaide’s Church Centre 209 Bath St. G2 4HZ arranged to ‘draw the teachers of the archdiocese together’ and ‘show appreciation for their work’ 3, providing a chance for ALL WELCOME - REFRESHMENTS PICS: PAUL McSHERRY parents to come together to Scottish Charity: SC002904 learn about what is happening in WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 Holy Father announces his hopes for US-Cuban relations during visit THE Holy Father has called for the Church in Cuba to have ‘the freedom and the means’ to pursue its mission to allow the Cuban and US governments to push ahead on their newly forged path toward normal relations. The first Latin American Pope also hailed improving ties between the US and Cuba as ‘an example of reconciliation for the whole world.’ Pope Francis was greeted by President Raul Castro after landing in the capital, Havana. Upon arriving, the Pope said the Cold War foes should ‘develop all... possibilities’ Obama and Raul Castro and 1950s and took control of the during the current thaw in hosted their delegations at a country following the over- relations and detente. private meeting at the Vatican last throw of the authoritarian gov- Standing with Cuba’s President year to seal a deal after 18 months ernment of President Fulgencio by his side Saturday, the Pope of closed-door negotiations. Batista. (above right)—on his first visit President Castro on Saturday During the meeting, the Pope to the island—said that the thanked the Pope for his role in gave Castro several books, a CD President Obama and family developments in recent months fostering ‘the first step’ in a of his homilies and copies of between the two countries have process of normalising relations Lumen Fidei and Laudato Si’. given him hope. between Cuba and the US, but he The Pope, in return, was greet Holy Father personally “I urge political leaders to also called the US trade embargo presented with an interview persevere on this path and to on Cuba as ‘cruel, immoral and book titled Fidel and Religion, develop all its possibilities as a illegal’ and called for it to end. written in 1985 by Brazilian By Dominic Lynch House, and will visit the Basilicia of the National proof of the high service which During his stay, the Pope met priest Frei Betto. The dedication Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the they are called to carry out on with former Cuban President reads: “For Pope Francis, on POPE Francis was welcomed to Washing- canonisation of Spanish Franciscan friar behalf of the peace and well- Fidel Castro. The 30-40 minute occasion of his visit to Cuba, ton DC by US President Barack Obama Junipero Serra. A much anticipated address to being of their peoples, of all meeting took place in Fidel Cas- with the admiration and respect and his family at the start of his six day the US congress will follow a visit to St Patrick’s America, and as an example of tro’s home where they were of the Cuban people.” visit to the US around the World Meeting in the city. reconciliation for the entire joined by his wife, children and The Pope’s visit to the US, of Families in Philadelphia The Pope’s visit has caused much political world,” he said in Spanish. grandchildren. where he arrived on Tuesday, The president broke with protocol to greet intrigue in the country where his teachings The Pope wrote a personal Mr Castro played a key role in immediately followed his visit the Pope on arrival at Joint Base Andrews mil- clashed with the views of a number of prominent appeal to Presidents Barack the Cuban Revolution in the to Cuba. itary airport ahead of their official meeting at Catholics within the Republican Party, including the White House. Jeb Bush—brother of George W Bush—and To chants from the gathered crowd of ‘we love Marco Rubio, who are both running for the Pope Francis and Palestinian President fear that Francis, yes we do, we love Francis, how about Republican nomination for president. you,’ the Pope descended the plane and shook Today the Pope is scheduled to address the hands with President Obama before being intro- United Nations General Assembly in New York, political conflict could turn into a religious one duced to his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and attend a multi-religious service at the 9/11 and Sasha. Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Cen- POPE Francis has spoken adding that he is also against Vice President Joe Biden, a Catholic, and US tre. Mass will be celebrated in Madison Square with Palestinian President turning the situation into a bishops and priests were also present at the wel- Gardens in the evening after the Pope visits a Mahmoud Abbas and his religious conflict. coming event. school in East Harlem. Egyptian counterpart Abdel The president also updated The Pope left the airport in his modest Fiat 500, This weekend will see the culmination of the Fattah al-Sisi to discuss Pope Francis about the latest which he will use throughout his visit. Pope’s US visit with his attendance at the World tensions in Jerusalem and the developments in the Cremisan The US trip followed on the tails of his trip to Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. danger of the political Area of Beit Jala, Bethlehem, Cuba, flying straight from airport of Santiago de The global meeting—attended by Paisley’s conflict in the region turning where Israeli Occupation Forces Cuba to Joint Base Andrews. Bishop John Keenan—began on Tuesday and into a religious one. began to build the illegal The Holy Father will visit three cities during will be joined by the Pope on Saturday. The Pope spoke by telephone annexation Wall on land of his trip: Washington DC, New York and Philadel- The Pope will also join a Festival of Families to President Abbas on Thursday Palestinian Christian families. phia, with crowds in their tens of thousands musical event in Benjamin Franklin Parkway and night prior to the Holy Father’s The two leaders then spoke expected and city officials warning residents to celebrate Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts Peter departure for his 10 day-visit to about the upcoming session of avoid travel—both by car and public transport— and Paul. Cuba and the US. the United Nations General during the events. His final day during his first trip to the United President Abbas briefed His Assembly. On Wednesday (after the SCO went to press), States will include a meeting with prisoners at Holiness on ongoing ‘Israeli Pope Francis expressed his the Pope is scheduled to pray with the bishops of the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility and aggression’ in Occupied East determination to continue striv- the United States in St Mathew’s Cathedral fol- Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting Jerusalem—particularly against ing for peace. lowing his meeting with Obama in the White of Families in Benjamin Franklin Parkway. the Al Aqsa Mosque—and Pope Francis met Palestinian expressed the Palestinians’concern President Abbas in Rome in May that Israel is turning a political (above left), calling him ‘an Pope on plane doctrine of the Church. ple,” he said. “I consider that issue into a religious conflict. the current situation in Jerusalem, angel of peace,’ days after the to the US “I believe that I never said all people are children of God The Pope expressed the warning against the rising of Vatican said it was preparing to a thing that wasn’t the social and the law. And secondly, a concerns of the Holy See about intolerance and extremism, sign its first accord with Palestine. POPE Francis defended doctrine of the Church,” he relationship with another per- Church teaching and crit- added. son always enriches. Even icism of capitalism during “Things can be explained, though it was soothsaying, a press conference with possibly an explanation that’s my reply. I would like Vital leads unearthed in Indian nun’s murder journalists on the plane gave an impression of being to meet with everyone.” from Cuba to the US. a little ‘to the left,’ but it During the Q&A the Pope During the traditional would be an error of expla- also said that his conversation DAYS after a Kerala nun a meeting of the probe team, said question and answer session nation.” with Fidel Castro mainly was found lying in a pool of they have made a breakthrough in while the plane was in the air, Recounting a previous involved much discussion of blood in her room, Indian the case. No further details were an Italian journalist asked the conversation with a colleague Laudato Si’ and ecological police claimed to have released to prevent hampering Holy Father’s views on peo- who asked ‘is the Church issues, and he explained that unearthed vital leads about the ongoing investigation. ple who speak about a ‘com- going to follow you?’ he said his trip to Cuba was her murder. Police said nuns at the convent munist Pope… a Pope who he responded: “I’m the one unplanned, with the original A Catholic nun was found were unable to give a clear isn’t Catholic. following the Church.” intention being to fly to the murdered in her convent room explanation about the incident. The Pope joked that ‘if The Pope was also asked United States through Mex- in Pala, near Kottayam, last Some of the nuns work at a necessary, I’ll recite the about Cuban dissidents who ico, but that ‘going through Thursday. The deceased was hospital near the convent and creed… I am available to do were arrested during his visit Mexico without going to Our identified as Amala, 69 (right), movement at night is usual. that, eh?’and stressed that his and whether he would have Lady of Guadalupe would a member of the Carmelite Police have not ruled out the doctrine—the doctrine of liked to meet them. have been a slap [in Convent. possibility of robbery as a nun Laudato Si’—is the social “I like to meet with all peo- the face].’ Additional Director General of had discover money missing Police K Padmakumar, following the night before. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SYNOD 7 No ‘same-sex’ option in sacramental marriage The seventh part of AIDAN MICHAEL COOK’S series ahead of the synod SYNOD ON THE FAMILY looks at why marriage is more than a celebration of a romantic relationship

HE modern world tends to see marriage as little more than the public celebration of a romantic relationship. It was just a matter of time before this looser definition of marriage was extended beyond the original one man, one woman sense. After all, if marriage is simply the recogni- Ttion of two people’s romantic love for each other, then why should anyone be excluded? But that is not what marriage truly is. At the beginning of this series, we saw that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. The institu- tion of marriage is intrinsically linked with procreation and the sexual complementarity of man and woman. The procreative capacity of the male- female sexual act is an essential element of marriage: the union is by its very nature ordered towards procreation. Contraception and divorce may have removed much of the outward link between marriage and family, but they have not removed the underlying truth. Same sex unions, however, cannot be ordered toward procreation, and so necessarily lack an essential element of marriage. So marriage as it has been understood throughout history is impossible between people of the same sex, but what about other forms of union? Is a committed, stable partnership better from a single aspect of our person, no matter how signif- Catholic perspective than a series of short term icant it may be. relationships or encounters? As St Paul says, ‘as many of you as were Bap- While a committed same sex relationship can tised into Christ have put on Christ. There is nei- show a desire for something more significant, it is ther Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, also the entrenching of acts that the Catechism there is neither male nor female; for you are all one teaches can under no cir- in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians cumstances be approved 3:27–28). This is not to (CCC 2357). A committed The Catechism says that say that we are all the same sex union is therefore people with deep-seated same, but that we all have a commitment to a situa- the same calling: holiness, tion of public and perma- homosexual tendencies ‘must becoming like Christ. nent sin. be accepted with respect, The ways that we Some have argued that compassion, and sensitivity. achieve this depend on the because of state welfare, Every sign of unjust details of our person and people no longer need chil- our situation in life. As dren to care for them in discrimination in their regard Blessed John Henry New- their old age and so can should be avoided. These man says, ‘the ways by turn to other forms of rela- persons are called to fulfill which perfection is tionships and partnerships. reached vary very much; This fails to do justice to God’s will in their lives and, if the medicines necessary the role of marriage, but they are Christians, to unite to for our souls are very dif- “I put also severely misrepresents the sacrifice of the Lord's ferent from each other. the state of the elderly in Thus God leads us by my hope our society, who are so fre- Cross the difficulties they may strange ways; we know He quently abandoned in care encounter from their condition’ wills our happiness, but in you.” homes with overworked, (CCC 2358). Mercy is not we neither know what our underpaid staff. What we happiness is, nor the way.’ Psalms 39.7 see, in fact, is that the natu- the acceptance of sin but ral ties of the family bond rather compassionate he Catechism says are irreplaceable. forgiveness that people with deep-seated homo- he reason that mar- Tsexual tendencies ‘must be riage has been given a unique legal status is accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitiv- that it is a unique relationship. It is precisely ity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their becauseT of its intrinsic link with family and thus regard should be avoided. These persons are called with society that marriage is singled out. to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Of course, there are also other relationships that Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Bring hope. Change lives. are loving and caring, but what the drive for recog- Cross the difficulties they may encounter from nition of same sex unions fails to acknowledge is their condition’ (CCC 2358). Leave a gift in your will. that there are more kinds of relationship than sim- Mercy is not the acceptance of sin but rather ply the sexual. There is a lot to be said for a change compassionate forgiveness. As Jesus said to the in the law that would allow tax, inheritance, and woman caught in adultery, ‘Neither do I condemn Call us on 0141 354 5555 issues of next of kin to acknowledge all those who you; go, and do not sin again’ (John 8:11). He for- or see www.sciaf.org.uk/legacy www.willaid.org.uk play a truly meaningful part in someone’s life. But gives but He also preaches repentance, a necessary how frequently it is not a sexual relationship, and turning from sin. Encouraging sin of any kind is does not require the likening of any such relation- not a pastoral solution. Rather, we need to encour- Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund ship to marriage. age each other to grow ever more in holiness, sup- SCIAF, 19 Park Circus, Glasgow G3 6BE. Charity No: SC012302. Company No: SC197327. Photo: Sean Sprague. We must remember that everyone is created in porting each other in our efforts to do so. It is not SCIAF is the ofﬁcial overseas aid and development charity of the Catholic Church in Scotland. the image and likeness of God, and is due the same an easy task, but it is the only option worthy of our dignity, love and support. We are not defined by a human dignity. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 Time to shoot the ‘instant’ messenger? Our Church has never condoned abortion or ending marriage, as the media rush to report has suggested

N THE age of texting, tweeting and round-the-clock news reporting, accuracy takes second place to fast delivery and the desire of self-interested par- ties to ‘spin’ the message to their advantage. The Church, therefore, has anI especial duty to make all its public utterances clear, considered, and, so far as possible, immune to misrepre- sentation. In that context, the Pope’s casual remark about a notorious homosexual cleric whom he had just appointed to high office—“Who am I to judge?”— BY GERALD WARNER created the false impression that the Church had ‘changed’ its stance on homosexual sin. At a time when the abortion may have felt less deterred homosexual lobby worldwide is press- from committing this abominable ing home its attack on Christianity and atrocity. the family, it played into the hands of Obviously, the Pope intended to pink propagandists who could say to extend mercy to a certain category of young men: “See, even the Pope sinners and encourage their repen- agrees there is nothing wrong with tance. But in modern communication what we do.” it is impressions that count and the The same problem has now arisen clear impression created was that with the latest Vatican initiative on abortion is not as big a deal as it was a abortion. By declaring that, for the month ago, in the eyes of the Catholic doctrines and consider the impressions happiness depended languishing under be endangered if seeming divorce is duration of the Holy Year of Mercy, Church. that will be created by every action coffee cups in ecclesiastical offices. introduced. beginning on December 8, women Those who oppose the Church’s and utterance. But reforming the process is a differ- In fact it seems more like Catholic who have had abortions can be stance were not slow to capitalise on ent matter from radically altering it. A ‘quickie’ divorce: could one obtain a absolved by priests, instead of having this false impression, from feminist nother recent initiative has sig- leaked Vatican document reveals that civil divorce in as short a period as 45 to confess this ‘reserved sin’ to a groups to secular media. nificance beyond the external there is much concern among senior days? At a time when marriage and the bishop, the impression has been cre- When the Pope was interviewed in impression it creates, though clerics about this change, which they family is under ferocious attack, it is ated that the Church no longer regards advance of his visit to the United Athat too is negative. The new proce- see as amounting to Catholic regrettable that the Church should aban- abortion as particularly serious. States and praised a single mother dure for streamlining marriage annul- ‘divorce.’ don the primacy it always accorded to So widespread was this misappre- who was raising two daughters, Time ments is cause for serious misgivings. The bishops’ conferences, the rele- rescuing or validating a marriage in hension that, within an hour of the magazine edited out of his remarks on It provides for processing an annul- vant congregations and councils were favour of facilitating its dissolution. It Papal letter being published, the Vati- abortion the key phrases “You could ment in as short a time as 45 days, not consulted about this change, nor also places a heavy additional burden can had to issue a statement insisting have killed them inside your womb” removes the need for a second con- was the Church’s highest court, the on diocesan bishops. that this move did not mean the and “Hold your head high. ‘I didn’t firming judgement and, instead of Apostolic Signatura. Cardinal Some in the Church are currently Church no longer regarded abortion as kill my daughters. I brought them into referring the decision to canon Mueller, the Prefect of the Congrega- urging it to come to terms with ‘world deeply sinful or as incurring automatic the world.’ I congratulate you.” lawyers, leaves it in the hands of the tion for the Doctrine of the Faith, who realities.’ There is a real danger that excommunication. But by then the Time subsequently issued an apol- local bishop. also had no input into the decision, is this is a capitulation to secularism. damage was done. Pro-life groups ogy, but the Vatican needs to be aware Of course there were intolerable reported by the German newspaper The Apostles encountered harsh, were in flux and any women who were of the malevolent desire of the bureaucratic delays in the past, with Die Zeit to be concerned that unsympathetic world Realities: They on the cusp of a decision to have an Church’s enemies to undermine its documents on which much human the whole edifice of the Church could responded by evangelising the world.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of GERALD WARNER comments on MEDIA AND CHURCH? Send your points pages of the SCO are those of of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church What awaits the lucky few who successfully flee from oppression?

CERTAIN images from At least nine people have died their homeland. The answer is childhood continue to haunt trying to access the Channel that they are left more or less to us into later life. Two Tunnel since June. Scenes of starve on the streets of Britain. images in particular continue Ronnie people climbing over fences and I think most decent minded to fill me with dread as I scrambling on to the back of people would find it hard to recall them even at a dis- Convery lorries show just how desperate believe, let alone support, a pol- tance of 40 years. some people are to get to the icy which decrees that when a The first was the scene of Buit it’s all history. Isn’t it? UK. Last week a man walked man or woman seeking sanctu- desperate men and women Has humanity progressed so most of the tunnel before ary reaches the end of the sprinting across No Man’s Land very far? being caught. process, and their bid for asy- as they fled East Berlin, desper- The truly ghastly scenes of But what awaits the ‘lucky lum is unsuccessful, they ately lunging towards the desperate people on boats, cry- few’ who make it to the UK? should lose all support in terms ‘safety’ of the west. In some ing with anguish as they beg to There were more than 25,000 of housing and sustenance, and cases the race to freedom was be rescued off the coast of asylum applications in the UK in be expected either to return to a successful. In other harrowing Lampedusa are no less terrible the 12 months up to March. dangerous situation of persecu- footage people are seen falling than the historical flights to Most applications are typically tion, or survive on the freezing in a hail of bullets as their freedom in 1960s Berlin. rejected and in 2014, more than and inhospitable streets of Glas- escape is thwarted by East Ger- And the faces of desperate smuggling themselves across the poor souls, sprinting ter- 60 percent of initial decisions on gow or Liverpool or London, man border guards. people behind barbed wire in the Channel into the UK. Yet we rorised between East and West asylum applications were totally dependent on the com- The second scene which con- prison camps at the end of the denounce them. We employ Berlin? refusals. But in the same year, passion of others to live. tinues to haunt me is from the Second World War are not so extra guards and erect higher And for those who do make it only 6788 asylum seekers and I find it hard to comprehend liberation of prisoner of war different from the faces of those fences to keep them out. Yet across the Mediterranean on their dependents were removed that degree of harshness. camps, especially those images camped in Calais hoping for a their crime is only the desire to ramshackle boats, who manage or departed voluntarily from the It reminds me of something of poor, hopeless, helpless new life in the UK (though flee a harsh and despotic home- to evade the French blockade at UK. … human beings looking out at the obviously the circumstances are land in the hope of a better life the Italian frontier, who evade So what becomes of the oth- cameras from behind cages, lost hugely different). in western Europe. In what way capture at Calais and manage to ers—those in limbo, whose I Ronnie Convery is the director between hope and despair, con- Many of these Calais —apart from the colour of their cross the Channel Tunnel, what application has been refused but of communicaions for Glasgow fined like animals behind wire. refugees will risk their lives skin—are they different from happens? who have not been returned to Archcdiocese WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER VOCATIONS 9 PRAYING FOR PRIESTS: GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES As Vocations Awareness Week ends in the Year for Consecrated Life, the SCO looks at the efforts and hopes of Scotland’s dioceses for vocations to the priesthood and for the Church’s future. PETER DIAMOND, IAN DUNN and DANIEL HARKINS bring you this special report

T THIS time of the year many return to work, school and college to review and renew their busy lives. Some of us might read a book while on holiday in the sun by the pool and found a nugget of wisdom from within the pages to help us focus our lives. The AlchemistAby Paulo Coelho is a book which helped many focus on their ‘personal legend.’ The best-selling novel tells of a young Shep- herd called Santiago, who travels from southern Spain across the sea into Africa, across the Sahara desert in search of his hidden treasure. At the Pyramids in Egypt Santiago discovers that his hidden treasure was in the place where he had left his flock in Spain and that the real treasures of life come from within a person. When I began to speak to the various vocations directors for each diocese in Scotland I immediately thought of Santiago’s journey and what kind of process goes on within a young man considering priesthood. In Scotland there are fewer vocations to the priesthood than before but this is not exclusive to this country nor the Universal Catholic Church. The number of ‘ministers’ from all Christian churches in Scotland is predicted to drop from 3578 in 2010 to an estimated 3487 in 2015—a decrease of 3 percent. Reports also predicted that Christian church membership in Scotland would have decreased by 32 percent over a ten year period from 934,527 in 2005 to 632,764 in 2015. Diocesan vocations directors meet up four times a year to discuss vocations promotion, under the opuses of Priests For Scotland. Some youg Catholics, especially those who don’t attend Mass regularly, might see a vocation to the priesthood to be a fairly unusual concept. Certainly its not something that would be regularly discussed over a drink or going to the football. Young people need to be more aware Paisley Catholics gathered and awake to the options and advantages to in St Mirin’s Cathedral as vocations, it may not be the prevailing life but it Bishop John Keenan cele- has huge rewards. brated a vocation’s mass Indeed Bishop William Nolan of Galloway last week. PIC: PAUL and Bishop Stephen Robson of Dunkeld recently McSHERRY described Scotland as ‘missionary country,’ with both arranging for Indian priests and nuns to come over and work in Scotland. Galloway The three Indian priests will come over to Gal- loway Diocese in November of 2015 and will help improve the variety of Mass times and ease “God says, if you are going to be available to through you. land, now it’s maybe Poland, Africa and India. the load of priests in certain deanery. the parish in the way I want you to then this “In my opinion priests life privileged lives. Fr Hutson explained that he in fact, had a Fr Willie Boyd, vocations director for Gal- comes first. It’s not about saying yes God but When it comes to the big moments of people’s Nigerian seminarian staying with him when we loway Diocese, has been in the role for the last here are my demands,” he said. lives, you have an open door as a priest, it’s an contacted hime Emmanuel. He said his strategy five years. “It’s the only way God can achieve his pur- honour. In lives most precious moments, birth, is of opening people’s eyes to a vocation. Speaking about his diocese specifically Fr pose and I don’t think we are finished with death and marriage, all those raw emotions and “If someone thinks they want to priest gener- Boyd told me of the numbers of young men celibacy just yet. You can’t have a wife because you’re there, all because you’re a priest. It is so ally I will spend up to a year talking to them involved in the process of priesthood. she would come first, you can’t have children profound. You make those decisions of sacrifice before they go to seminary,” Fr Hutson added. “Galloway over the past six years has sent 60 because they would have to come first. God says but the fruits are so vast.” “They would be invited to stay in the parish men to seminary in Rome, that’s an average of will you do this and I think you have to have the house and see what priestly life is like. I like to 10 per annum,” Fr Boyd said. “That’s good for guts to say yes to that. Argyll and the Isles get them involved in as many community based a diocese of our size.” “In many ways it’s about denying yourself SPEAKING to Fr Michael Hutson, vocations projects as possible, for their benefit to see if Fr Boyd was very enthusiastic about his role because it is an uncertain life. You are a month director for Argyll and the Isles, revealed the they like it. as vocations director and spoke of the many away from moving to a different parish, ‘Leave unique requirements and challenges of vocations “This also gives the Laity a chance to engage demands and rewards of being a priest and that the place you dwell’ there is something quite raw on the islands. For a long time Scotland has and interact with the process of it all. ‘being a priest is a quite noble thing to do, about that. I would say yes, it’s not for everyone relied on priests from other countries and conti- there’s nothing shallow about it.’ but I think it’s a good thing, God says I can work nents to help the Church. For a while it was Ire- I Continued on next page

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 VOCATIONS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015

I Continued from previous page As a Church... we face challenges but we shouldn’t let “In our diocese it is hard for us to reach the young people, who most would think are the this shape and mould the way we talk about vocations. perfect age for vocations, we miss them because they go off to university and sometimes don’t return.” No one wants to join something that is in decline or With this in mind Fr Hutson said that he has told all Argyll and Isles priests that they are difficulty or in collapse. We have to paint a positive vocations directors for their own islands because it can be so difficult to access remote areas. “The Catholic Church in Scotland is doing picture of the priesthood. We have to continue to make okay on numbers, we might not be doing as well as we were 50 years ago but if you look back in it attractive. We have to communicate some of the joy history maybe 200 years ago in relation to that we are performing well,” he said. Argyll and Isles currently have two seminari- we experience in our ministry. We have to smile. ans in Rome, and had two seminarians ordained in the past five years—Fr Tony Wood and Fr David Connor—with another few men in the early stages of discernment. Fr Hutson added. “For a small diocese, we’re doing quite well really. We must encourage our parishes, schools, and families to promote a positive image of priesthood, love and value the hard working priests we have, and pray for the priests we need for the future. It’s God who is in charge of all this. He’ll send us the priests we need.” Glasgow In Glasgow Archdiocese, Fr Ross Campbell is planning a vocations programme which will be launched in the autumn, called Do This In Mem- ory Of Me, to raise awareness of the need for priestly vocations in the archdiocese. The campaign is set to include a short documentary, posters and prayer cards. Fr Campbell’s idea is to create a culture of vocation in the diocese’s parishes and school and hopes to give a positive perception of being a priest in Glasgow today. “We currently have a monthly meeting of discernment for men who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood,” he said. “These are evenings of prayer, catechesis and fraternity. It provides a less formal initial first step—with no commitment.” As university chaplain at Glasgow University, Fr Campbell has first-hand day-to-day experience with our young people and the everyday challenges they face. With that in mind, he has more insight than most as to why there is a need for more vocations. “Perhaps, a loss in our understanding of the vocation of the family is the reason,” he suggested. “If families are not practising, handing on the Faith to their children then it is difficult for us to get young people involved in the life of the Church. “Where we do have young people who are involved in the Church, I find that they take their faith seriously (spiritual life, catechesis, discernment) and from this all sorts of vocations emerge. It is perhaps unsurprising then that many vocations these days are coming from uni- Bishop Toal with nuns and seminarians afterthe recent the vocations Mass PIC: TOM EADIE versity chaplaincies and the new movements. “Obviously, the secular culture and the nega- tivity surrounding the priesthood doesn’t help facing vocations in modern Scotland. tions director who summarises his approach to language of crisis. the situation. Having said that, the men who do “Archbishop Cushley is pretty clear that the vocations using the words ask, discern and “As a Church, as a diocese we face challenges come forward in this climate are all the more only solution to the lack of priests is… more smile. but we shouldn’t let this shape and mould the courageous and impressive.” priests!” he said. “As he often says—no priest, “We have asked and encouraged all our priests way we talk about vocations,” he said. “My hope is that we can help young people to no Eucharist, no Church, no evangelisation. It’s to actively promote vocations in their own parish “No one wants to join something that is in feel they belong to the Church, they will dis- as stark and simple as that. communities by personally asking men to think decline or difficulty or in collapse. We have to cover the true dignity of their Baptismal voca- “How do get more priests? Well firstly we about the priesthood,” he said. “Statistics pro- paint a positive picture of the priesthood. We tion and from this more priestly vocations will have to pray. Secondly, the lesson from across duced in the last couple of years have shown that have to continue to make it attractive. We have emerge. For this to happen we need our parishes, the Western world is that when the Catholic faith 87 percent of seminarians originally considered to communicate some of the joy we experience schools and above all the family to help young is explained in its fullness many young men priesthood because their parish priest or chap- in our ministry. people come to the realisation that their faith is respond to the call of the priesthood. That lain asked them personally. “We have to smile. Our diocese is blessed an intrinsic part of who they are, rather than just approach has seen vocation numbers rise in “The same set of statistics, however, also with a bishop and many, many clergy who are something that they do.” many places, most notably the US, and there’s showed that the great majority of priests have genuinely joyful in their ministry. They are the Fr Ross said that, considering vocations in no reason why it can’t work here. never asked anyone to consider a vocation to the best adverts for priesthood. today’s world, the men who do come forward “The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edin- priesthood. We have, therefore, encouraged all “Through speaking to young Catholics I have are all the more courageous and that should be burgh has already launched an initiative to pro- our priests to actively seek out potential candi- been encouraged by their appreciation of the role accredited. This kind of struggle was again por- mote vocations entitled ‘Come and See.’ In the dates and ask them to consider priesthood. of the Priest in their lives and they also under- trayed in Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist: coming months we’ll be hosting regular events “If a young man shows an interest in the stand the very real challenges faced by a Church “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is and touring schools to encourage a prayerful dis- priesthood we attempt to offer him all the sup- with a declining number of clergy. worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart cernment of the priesthood among our young port we can through the process of discernment. “We find that they are always happy to sup- has ever suffered when it goes in search of its men and also among our not-so-young men who We have monthly meetings for men discerning port vocations activities and promotions. We do, dreams, because every second of the search is a also may be considering becoming a priest.” priesthood. These meetings usually consist of however, need to encourage them to continue to second's encounter with God and with eternity.” Deacons Tony Lappin and Jamie McMorrin some teaching, fellowship and prayer. The meet- take real ownership of the developing situation. are due to be ordained as priests for the archdio- ings help the candidates know more about the They are the priests, deacons and religious sis- St Andrews and Edinburgh cese next June. priesthood and it allows us to get to know them.” ters of the tomorrow. In St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese, Fr He added that Paisley Diocese has been keen Michael John Galbraith, vocations director, Paisley to stress to its priests that in talking about the spoke about the simple solution to the challenges Paisley Diocese has Fr John Morrison as voca- priesthood they should always avoid using the I Continued on next page

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER VOCATIONS 11

Those already CONTACTS called to priesthood I President Voca- Our Lady of tions Task Group Lourdes Right Rev Struan Road and religious life Stephen Robson Perth Bishop of PH1 2JP need to offer similar Dunkeld 01738 626979 Diocese of Dunkeld I Galloway encouragement to 24-28 Lawside Rev William Road Boyd young people Dundee St Mary’s DD3 6XY 15 West Rd today, both through Tel: 01382 IRVINE 225453 KA12 8RE 01294 279 130 our love for our I National wh.boyd@btinter director net.com own vocation and Rev Andrew McKenzie I Glasgow Priests for Scot- Rev Ross the words of land Campbell 14 Fullarton Turnbull Hall invitation we offer Avenue 15 Southpark Tollcross, Glas- Terrace to others to follow gow, G32 8NJ Glasgow Email: amcken- G12 8LG [email protected] 0141 339 4315 us. It would be Tel. 0141 763 rrcchaplaincy@gl good to hear also 1476 a.ac.uk I St Andrews and I Motherwell of the promotion of Edinburgh Rev Brian Lamb Young Catholic Rev Michael John St Joseph’s pilgrims with priest Galbraith Mayberry Place on the road to vocations being Our Lady & St Blantyre Nunraw with CYSS Bridget’s South Lanarkshire PIC: PAUL given a priority in 4 West End G72 9DA McSHERRY WEST CALDER 01698 823896 EH55 8EF info@sjblantyre. schools and T: 01506 871240 org Email: parishes, indeed in parish.priest@tho I Paisley madd.org.uk Rev John H Mor- rison homes... I Aberdeen St. Patrick’s Rev Keith Herrera 5 Orangefield Cathedral Clergy Place House GREENOCK, UK 20 Huntly Street PA15 1YX ABERDEEN 118 Brediland AB10 1SH Road I Continued from previous page The bishop said he felt heartened to hear of Aberdeen, also said Eucharistic devotion was 01224 640 160 PAISLEY the love many young people have for their faith. key to discovering vocations. administrator@cat PA2 0HE “We regularly ask young people what are the “The Lord invites us as we are and offers us the “The more time you spend with Jesus, the hedral-abdn.org 01505 813103 main barriers to them serving God in the priest- possibility of a journey with him, through which more you will come away feeling renewed and johnmorri- hood and the religious life. Interestingly, we discern with the help of the Church, what is healed. Miracles of conversion, peace, discov- I Argyll and [email protected] celibacy is rarely cited as the primarily obstacle his will for us,” he added. “It may be quite a long ery of vocations, answers to prayers, physical The Isles om to responding to God’s call. Respondents tend to journey, in fact life-long, but it is done in His healings, and many other wonderful things hap- Rev Michael say that they find the prospect of a life-long company and at his service… I say to the young pen where and when the Lord Jesus is adored in Hutson I Priests for commitment far more challenging the charism people of our diocese, consider this possibility the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “They are the St Andrew’s Scotland of celibacy. They also regularly mention a lack with all your hearts.” ‘gifts’ that point to the Almighty Giver and tes- Columshill Street St Joseph’s of familial and societal support as militating tify to His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacra- Rothesay 14 Fullarton against priesthood and the religious life.” Dunkeld ment.” ISLE OF BUTE Avenue Bishop Robson of Dunkeld will celebrate a spe- Since his installation, Bishop Gilbert has wel- PA20 0HX Tollcross, Glas- Motherwell cial Mass for Vocations at St Andrew’s Cathe- comed the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from 01700 502 047 gow, G32 8NJ Motherwell Diocese currently has nine seminar- dral, Dundee, on October 3 at 1pm. It will the US to the diocese. timeheld- Email: amcken- ians: five in St Mary’s College Oscott, Birming- include the ordination of Deacon Ron Wylie. megreenanddy- [email protected] ham, and four in the Pontifical Scots College in Bishop Robson, who oversees Priests for Scot- Conclusion [email protected] Tel. 0141 763 Rome. Its vocations director is Fr Brian Lamb. land, said that he came to Dunkeld with the firm There are many reasons and pleas as we need 1476 Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell recently gave intention of building up vocations. more young men to go to seminary in Scotland I Dunkeld http://priests- his views ahead of vocations awareness week. “I look forward to trying to build up the Peo- in 2015, whether it is too challenging, or our Rev Colin Golden forscotland.org.uk “When I was growing up in the village of Roy ple of God in the Faith and in the confidence of schools have not fulfilled us or our families have Bridge, the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles was being Catholic in a challenging world and look not sown the seeds within us to have faith filled Bishop Stephen McGill, and I remember him forward especially to helping the young and lives. visiting our parish on a number of occasions,” families to live the Gospel and to serve Christ in Then there is wider society. Whatever barrier he said. “He was a cheery man who spoke very the Church,” he said at his installation. “A big people want to put up to deflect their fears and passionately about his love of being a priest and priority must also be to encourage vocations to concerns, one thing will always take place, God of the joy with which the Lord had blessed him. the priesthood and religious life.” speaking to us, asking us to open our hearts to “In that spirit also I remember him speaking to Fr Colin Golden is vocations director for His Son Jesus Christ. me and other boys about the possibility of Dunkeld. Bishop Robson has recently welcomed As a Church going forward we face tremen- becoming priests and the encouragement he an order of Indian nuns to the diocese. dous challenges but we also have tremendous gave us to listen to the Lord and to offer our lives opportunities. With Pope Francis we have a Holy to him. Those already called to priesthood and Aberdeen Father who will and already has challenged the religious life need to offer similar encourage- Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen Diocese is global leaders to listen to the poor and challenge ment to young people today, both through our known for his work with young people, both as corruption, through Evangelli Gaudium and love for our own vocation and the words of invi- bishop and in his former role as Abbot of Plus- Laudato Si’. New Evangelisation will bring a tation we offer to others to follow us. It would be carden in which he encourages young Catholics new vibrancy and energy to the Church. good to hear also of the promotion of vocations to develop their faith and learn about religious Let’s just hope our young people in Scotland being given a priority in schools and parishes, life. As bishop, he hosts many events for young are brave enough to rise to those challenges, indeed in homes also where the Catholic Faith Catholics those opportunities, and to go out into the world is lived and the gift of a vocation deeply valued.” Fr Keith Herrera, vocations director for and find their personal legend.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 GÀIDHLIG SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

When students from the Oscar Romero School for the deaf in Liberia discovered Andy, Mary’s Meals communications officer, is set to become a grandfather in Octo- ber, they decided to knit some baby bonnets for the new Ann am Beurla arrival. Ms Majon (left) provides vocational training for the girls at the school, and their attractive table runners and fashionable bonnets are hot favourites locally. “I'm delighted by the generosity and the truly professional (In English) result,” Andy (right) said. “I can’t wait to see my little granddaughter wearing one!”

“‘CELTIC Christian- where a boar falls dead by ity,’ which begins with the mere word of the saint the retro-conversion of as a contra argument. Columba and other Maybe St Columba saints within the reach wasn’t always friendly to of Protestants without all animals, but there cer- the embarrassment of tainly must have been a Catholic rituals, is closeness between them essentially a disingenu- for the boar to obey in ous Protestant hi- such a way. jacking.” Another article by These are Professor Brian Lacey also deals Donald Meek’s words as with the myths surround- printed in a newly pub- ing the saint. He argues lished book entitled: In that many of the stories Search of Colmcille, by about St Columba aren’t the Islands Book Trust. historically correct, but He goes on to say that are true in a metaphorical those people’s message is sense. In any case the that they are not Calvins amount of information on come lately, but have him undoubtedly tells of been here before in his importance. The saint another guise—that of St himself is quoted: Columba. What is inter- “If poet’s verses be but esting is that Professor fables, Meek is himself a Presby- So be food and garment terian who preaches in the fables, In a special report from Church of Scotland. So is all the world a fable, The book is a compila- So is man of dust a MARY’S MEALS, we look at tion of talks given during fable.” two conferences on the saint. It contains articles Professor Máire Her- MAKING A DIFFERENCE the geographical spread of in English, Gaelic and bert from Ireland, who is Irish. Professor Meek a renowned scholar on the its work ahead of exciting says he went back to the legacy of St Columba, has sources and is doubtful also written an article in news on ‘Feed our Future’ about the concept of the book. It is in Irish IN 12 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE ‘Celtic Christianity.’ He though and my knowl- disputes that there was edge of the language isn’t less of a structure in the profound enough to give OST people who know about because food is provided.” include every school in urban and rural Blantyre, Church in Scotland and an accurate account of it. the work of Mary’s Meals will In India, there are several powerful obstacles Malawi’s capital. Ireland in those days, say- There are other articles in associate the charity with that prevent children from attending school. In Zambia, where Mary’s Meals began feeding the abbots were very the book including one on Malawi, where it has its largest Firstly, the traditional caste system excludes chil- ing just over 20,000 children in October 2014, powerful people who the St Columba Way, a school feeding programme. dren below a certain social status from govern- another 19,000 pupils have been added to the ruled like chief execu- project connecting sites However, the Scottish charity is currently work- ment-provided education, while poverty and programme this month, across 39 schools. tives. associated with the saint ing in 12 different countries, across Africa, Asia, widespread reliance on young family members Daniel Phiri, 12, is so grateful for the fortified Some have argued that from Donegal to Argyll MLatin America, and the Caribbean, supporting working means many children here have never porridge he is served in school as it helps keep St Columba and his fol- and up to the Isle of more than a million children every day they seen the inside of a classroom. him healthy and gives him the necessary energy lowers were closer to Lewis. attend school. Girls from poor back- to face the 5km walk to nature. But Professor The Mary’s Meals model of engaging local grounds are even further and from school. His I [email protected] Meek cites the example volunteers to cook and serve the daily meals is a disadvantaged in India, Keep an eye on the journey includes a steep very efficient one and the charity’s low cost owing to a long-estab- news section of The incline as well as walk- methods mean it costs just £12.20 to feed a child lished belief in many ing through a river bed, with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. communities that girl chil- Scottish Catholic which is heavily Its second largest programme is in Liberia, dren should remain uned- flooded during the rainy West Africa, where more than 130,000 children ucated. The provision of Observer in the season. —including many affected by the 14 year civil Mary’s Meals in non-for- coming weeks for After waking at 4am, Leabhar Ùr mu Cholm Chille war, and more recently, the outbreak of Ebola— mal education centres as Daniel collects water have the opportunity to attend school and build well as government an exciting and bathes before a better future for their country, thanks to Mary’s schools is allowing low preparing to walk to Meals. caste children and girls to announce-ment from school. In his Gaelic column this month, ANDREAS WOLFF In Haiti, thousands of children are living in receive an education that Mary’s Meals and He used to lack the GÀIDHLIG severely impoverished conditions, but Mary’s would otherwise be unat- energy to concentrate in Meals provides more than 30,000 school pupils tainable. information on how class after walking so finds inspiration in Professor Donald Meek’s and other there with hope and the chance to learn. Children With 25 percent of the far from his home, but like Mirlene, Wilmina and Franky, whose world’s under-nourished you can help Feed Our now he eats Mary’s authors views on St Columba and ‘Celtic Christianity’ mother Mrs Esaïe Philomena gives up her time people living in India and Meals every day, he has to cook at their school, Saint Michel de a glaring gap between the Future. the energy to work hard Saltadère. country’s rich and poor, in school and he says: s coltach gu bheil sgoilearan ann a tha a’ thid a rud ri Crìosdaidheachd Cheilteach ann. Bidh duine air leth cudromach a bh’ ann. Chì sibh gu h-ìosal “My three children are studying here and it’s interesting to note that Father Joson, who “this is important, because I come to school to feuchainn ri Pròstanach a dhèanamh dhen cuid a’ cumail a-mach nach robh structar cho làidir san na faclan aig an naomh fhèin ann am Beurla a’ cur Mary’s Meals gives them the energy they need to oversees the work of Mary’s Meals in the coun- learn.” Daniel’s favourite subject and he Naomh Cholm Chille ged a bha e beò cha mhòr Eaglais anns na dùthchanan Ceilteach. Ach a-rèir an teagamh anns an sgarradh eadar fìrinn agus ficsean. learn and focus during their five hours of les- try, says: “One of the most important impacts of hopes to work for the Zambian government mìle bliadhna ro àm an ath-leasachaidh. A-rèir Oll Meek cha robh sin idir fìor. Ged a tha e a’ gabhail Tha an t-Oll Máire Herbert à Èirinn cuideachd ga sons,” she said. Mary’s Meals here is that it levels the caste sys- one day. an Oll Dhòmhnall Meek à Tiriodh a bhios e ris gur iad na h-abaidean a bha a’ riaghladh seach eas- meas mar shàr-sgoilear a thaobh dìleab Cholm Chille. tem—we see high and low caste working There are many more children like Daniel, fhèin a’ searmonachadh ann an Eaglais na h-Alba tha buigean tha e ag ràdh gun robh iad cho cumhachdach Gu mì-fhòrtanach tha an t-artagail aice ann an Across Kenya and South Sudan, children face together to teach and feed the children, which is who cannot achieve their full potential without a Mary’s Meal: Symbol of progress sin neo-fhìreantach. Na bheachdsan tha na daoine sin ri àrd-oifigearan. Tha e cuideachd a’ cur teagamh sa Gàidhlig na h-Èireann agus chan eil mo chuid eòlais a myriad of difficulties, such as fleeing from war a beautiful thing.” full stomach and the chance to attend school. Ia’ feuchainn ri ràdh nach e Calvinich ùra a th’ annta, bheachd gun robh an Naomh Cholm Cille bàidheil ri dhen chànan math gu leòr air a shon. Tha earann eile and rebel soldiers, as well as drought and Mary’s Meals is committed to reaching the next ach gun robh iad ann bho chionn fhada an t-saoghail. nàdar is e ag ainmeachadh mar a bhàsaich torc ri facal a’ coimhead air mar a ghabhas Slìghe Chaluim Chille increased food insecurity. Feedback from the alawi was recently named the poorest child in need of a daily meal in school and— “MARY’S Meals isn’t learn and be independent. community in our blog: Is e seo na tha e a’ sgrìobhadh ann an leabhar le Urras an naoimh a-mhàin. Uill, dh’fhaodte nach robh e bàid- a leasachadh. Mar phàirt dhen t-slighe chaidh Mary’s Meals early years programme in northern country in the world and many families hand in hand with some of the world’s poorest just about food for the It shows there is life.” Leabhraichean nan Eilean mun Naomh Cholm Chille a heil dhan torc bhochd seo, ach gu cinnteach bha e gu àiteachan eadar Dùn nan Gall ann an Èirinn, Earra- Kenya, which supports more than 20,000 nurs- there struggle with extreme poverty communities—walking towards a future where children or even better Mrs Zolongati volunteers I Read Mrs Zolongati’s nochd bho chionn ghoirid. math faisg air na beathaichean agus an comas seo aige Ghàidheal agus Eilean Leòdhais a chomharrachadh. ery-aged children in the rural Turkana region, and daily hunger. At the moment, 27 percent of every child can receive a daily meal in their health. To us in this com- to cook the porridge for the blog at https://www.marys- M meals.org/who-we- Tha diofar artagailean anns an leabhar. Chaidh an tar- buaidh a thoirt air an torc anns an dòigh seo. Le sin tha iomadach sealladh eadar-dhealaichte san states: “Very few children are absent because of all primary school children in Malawi are receiv- place of education. munity it’s a symbol of children at Mlemeka School raing bho dhà cho-labhairt a chum an t-Urras mun Ann an artagail eile tha Brian Lacey a’ dèanamh leabhar ùr seo. sickness now and the teachers report active par- ing Mary’s Meals, and expansions happening Keep an eye on the news section of The Scot- progress. It’s knowing I in Malawi. You can read are/news-and-blogs/messag naomh. Is e leabhar trì-chànanach a th’ ann le pìosan argamaid gu bheil gu leòr na tha sgrìobhte mun Sin e bhuamsa à Loch Obha. Gus an ath-mhìos: ticipation in activities. now will mean more than 18,600 more children tish Catholic Observer in the coming weeks for can cook for the children more about how Mary’s es-from-malawi-an-entire- dheth ann an Gàidhlig, ann an Gaeilge agus ann am Naomh Cholm Chille nach eil fìor gu h-eachdraidheil, Beannachd Leibh. “The Mary’s Meals feeding programme has can enjoy these life-changing meals, as 35 new an exciting announcement from Mary’s Meals of my community each Meals has provided a turn- village-celebrates-marys- Beurla. Tha an t-Oll Meek ag ràdh gun deach e air ais ach mar mhetafor. Tha na h-uiread a dh’fhiosrachadh enabled children to stay in school and learn and schools are added to the programme. and information on how you can help morning so they can eat, ing point for everyone in her meals dha na tùsan agus e gu math teagmhach gun robh a lei- ann mun naomh ge-tà gu bheil e fìor ag ràdh gur e I [email protected] the children enjoy school from an early age Recently, the programme was expanded to ‘Feed Our Future.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 GÀIDHLIG SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

“‘CELTIC Christian- where a boar falls dead by ity,’ which begins with the mere word of the saint the retro-conversion of as a contra argument. Columba and other Maybe St Columba saints within the reach wasn’t always friendly to of Protestants without all animals, but there cer- the embarrassment of tainly must have been a Catholic rituals, is closeness between them essentially a disingenu- for the boar to obey in ous Protestant hi- such a way. jacking.” Another article by These are Professor Brian Lacey also deals Donald Meek’s words as with the myths surround- printed in a newly pub- ing the saint. He argues lished book entitled: In that many of the stories Search of Colmcille, by about St Columba aren’t the Islands Book Trust. historically correct, but He goes on to say that are true in a metaphorical those people’s message is sense. In any case the that they are not Calvins amount of information on come lately, but have him undoubtedly tells of been here before in his importance. The saint another guise—that of St himself is quoted: Columba. What is inter- “If poet’s verses be but esting is that Professor fables, Meek is himself a Presby- So be food and garment terian who preaches in the fables, In a special report from Church of Scotland. So is all the world a fable, The book is a compila- So is man of dust a MARY’S MEALS, we look at tion of talks given during fable.” two conferences on the saint. It contains articles Professor Máire Her- MAKING A DIFFERENCE the geographical spread of in English, Gaelic and bert from Ireland, who is Irish. Professor Meek a renowned scholar on the its work ahead of exciting says he went back to the legacy of St Columba, has sources and is doubtful also written an article in news on ‘Feed our Future’ about the concept of the book. It is in Irish IN 12 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE ‘Celtic Christianity.’ He though and my knowl- disputes that there was edge of the language isn’t less of a structure in the profound enough to give OST people who know about because food is provided.” include every school in urban and rural Blantyre, Church in Scotland and an accurate account of it. the work of Mary’s Meals will In India, there are several powerful obstacles Malawi’s capital. Ireland in those days, say- There are other articles in associate the charity with that prevent children from attending school. In Zambia, where Mary’s Meals began feeding the abbots were very the book including one on Malawi, where it has its largest Firstly, the traditional caste system excludes chil- ing just over 20,000 children in October 2014, powerful people who the St Columba Way, a school feeding programme. dren below a certain social status from govern- another 19,000 pupils have been added to the ruled like chief execu- project connecting sites However, the Scottish charity is currently work- ment-provided education, while poverty and programme this month, across 39 schools. tives. associated with the saint ing in 12 different countries, across Africa, Asia, widespread reliance on young family members Daniel Phiri, 12, is so grateful for the fortified Some have argued that from Donegal to Argyll MLatin America, and the Caribbean, supporting working means many children here have never porridge he is served in school as it helps keep St Columba and his fol- and up to the Isle of more than a million children every day they seen the inside of a classroom. him healthy and gives him the necessary energy lowers were closer to Lewis. attend school. Girls from poor back- to face the 5km walk to nature. But Professor The Mary’s Meals model of engaging local grounds are even further and from school. His I [email protected] Meek cites the example volunteers to cook and serve the daily meals is a disadvantaged in India, Keep an eye on the journey includes a steep very efficient one and the charity’s low cost owing to a long-estab- news section of The incline as well as walk- methods mean it costs just £12.20 to feed a child lished belief in many ing through a river bed, with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year. communities that girl chil- Scottish Catholic which is heavily Its second largest programme is in Liberia, dren should remain uned- flooded during the rainy West Africa, where more than 130,000 children ucated. The provision of Observer in the season. —including many affected by the 14 year civil Mary’s Meals in non-for- coming weeks for After waking at 4am, Leabhar Ùr mu Cholm Chille war, and more recently, the outbreak of Ebola— mal education centres as Daniel collects water have the opportunity to attend school and build well as government an exciting and bathes before a better future for their country, thanks to Mary’s schools is allowing low preparing to walk to Meals. caste children and girls to announce-ment from school. In his Gaelic column this month, ANDREAS WOLFF In Haiti, thousands of children are living in receive an education that Mary’s Meals and He used to lack the GÀIDHLIG severely impoverished conditions, but Mary’s would otherwise be unat- energy to concentrate in Meals provides more than 30,000 school pupils tainable. information on how class after walking so finds inspiration in Professor Donald Meek’s and other there with hope and the chance to learn. Children With 25 percent of the far from his home, but like Mirlene, Wilmina and Franky, whose world’s under-nourished you can help Feed Our now he eats Mary’s authors views on St Columba and ‘Celtic Christianity’ mother Mrs Esaïe Philomena gives up her time people living in India and Meals every day, he has to cook at their school, Saint Michel de a glaring gap between the Future. the energy to work hard Saltadère. country’s rich and poor, in school and he says: s coltach gu bheil sgoilearan ann a tha a’ thid a rud ri Crìosdaidheachd Cheilteach ann. Bidh duine air leth cudromach a bh’ ann. Chì sibh gu h-ìosal “My three children are studying here and it’s interesting to note that Father Joson, who “this is important, because I come to school to feuchainn ri Pròstanach a dhèanamh dhen cuid a’ cumail a-mach nach robh structar cho làidir san na faclan aig an naomh fhèin ann am Beurla a’ cur Mary’s Meals gives them the energy they need to oversees the work of Mary’s Meals in the coun- learn.” Daniel’s favourite subject and he Naomh Cholm Chille ged a bha e beò cha mhòr Eaglais anns na dùthchanan Ceilteach. Ach a-rèir an teagamh anns an sgarradh eadar fìrinn agus ficsean. learn and focus during their five hours of les- try, says: “One of the most important impacts of hopes to work for the Zambian government mìle bliadhna ro àm an ath-leasachaidh. A-rèir Oll Meek cha robh sin idir fìor. Ged a tha e a’ gabhail Tha an t-Oll Máire Herbert à Èirinn cuideachd ga sons,” she said. Mary’s Meals here is that it levels the caste sys- one day. an Oll Dhòmhnall Meek à Tiriodh a bhios e ris gur iad na h-abaidean a bha a’ riaghladh seach eas- meas mar shàr-sgoilear a thaobh dìleab Cholm Chille. tem—we see high and low caste working There are many more children like Daniel, fhèin a’ searmonachadh ann an Eaglais na h-Alba tha buigean tha e ag ràdh gun robh iad cho cumhachdach Gu mì-fhòrtanach tha an t-artagail aice ann an Across Kenya and South Sudan, children face together to teach and feed the children, which is who cannot achieve their full potential without a Mary’s Meal: Symbol of progress sin neo-fhìreantach. Na bheachdsan tha na daoine sin ri àrd-oifigearan. Tha e cuideachd a’ cur teagamh sa Gàidhlig na h-Èireann agus chan eil mo chuid eòlais a myriad of difficulties, such as fleeing from war a beautiful thing.” full stomach and the chance to attend school. Ia’ feuchainn ri ràdh nach e Calvinich ùra a th’ annta, bheachd gun robh an Naomh Cholm Cille bàidheil ri dhen chànan math gu leòr air a shon. Tha earann eile and rebel soldiers, as well as drought and Mary’s Meals is committed to reaching the next ach gun robh iad ann bho chionn fhada an t-saoghail. nàdar is e ag ainmeachadh mar a bhàsaich torc ri facal a’ coimhead air mar a ghabhas Slìghe Chaluim Chille increased food insecurity. Feedback from the alawi was recently named the poorest child in need of a daily meal in school and— “MARY’S Meals isn’t learn and be independent. community in our blog: Is e seo na tha e a’ sgrìobhadh ann an leabhar le Urras an naoimh a-mhàin. Uill, dh’fhaodte nach robh e bàid- a leasachadh. Mar phàirt dhen t-slighe chaidh Mary’s Meals early years programme in northern country in the world and many families hand in hand with some of the world’s poorest just about food for the It shows there is life.” Leabhraichean nan Eilean mun Naomh Cholm Chille a heil dhan torc bhochd seo, ach gu cinnteach bha e gu àiteachan eadar Dùn nan Gall ann an Èirinn, Earra- Kenya, which supports more than 20,000 nurs- there struggle with extreme poverty communities—walking towards a future where children or even better Mrs Zolongati volunteers I Read Mrs Zolongati’s nochd bho chionn ghoirid. math faisg air na beathaichean agus an comas seo aige Ghàidheal agus Eilean Leòdhais a chomharrachadh. ery-aged children in the rural Turkana region, and daily hunger. At the moment, 27 percent of every child can receive a daily meal in their health. To us in this com- to cook the porridge for the blog at https://www.marys- M meals.org/who-we- Tha diofar artagailean anns an leabhar. Chaidh an tar- buaidh a thoirt air an torc anns an dòigh seo. Le sin tha iomadach sealladh eadar-dhealaichte san states: “Very few children are absent because of all primary school children in Malawi are receiv- place of education. munity it’s a symbol of children at Mlemeka School raing bho dhà cho-labhairt a chum an t-Urras mun Ann an artagail eile tha Brian Lacey a’ dèanamh leabhar ùr seo. sickness now and the teachers report active par- ing Mary’s Meals, and expansions happening Keep an eye on the news section of The Scot- progress. It’s knowing I in Malawi. You can read are/news-and-blogs/messag naomh. Is e leabhar trì-chànanach a th’ ann le pìosan argamaid gu bheil gu leòr na tha sgrìobhte mun Sin e bhuamsa à Loch Obha. Gus an ath-mhìos: ticipation in activities. now will mean more than 18,600 more children tish Catholic Observer in the coming weeks for can cook for the children more about how Mary’s es-from-malawi-an-entire- dheth ann an Gàidhlig, ann an Gaeilge agus ann am Naomh Cholm Chille nach eil fìor gu h-eachdraidheil, Beannachd Leibh. “The Mary’s Meals feeding programme has can enjoy these life-changing meals, as 35 new an exciting announcement from Mary’s Meals of my community each Meals has provided a turn- village-celebrates-marys- Beurla. Tha an t-Oll Meek ag ràdh gun deach e air ais ach mar mhetafor. Tha na h-uiread a dh’fhiosrachadh enabled children to stay in school and learn and schools are added to the programme. and information on how you can help morning so they can eat, ing point for everyone in her meals dha na tùsan agus e gu math teagmhach gun robh a lei- ann mun naomh ge-tà gu bheil e fìor ag ràdh gur e I [email protected] the children enjoy school from an early age Recently, the programme was expanded to ‘Feed Our Future.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 There are things beyond our imagination

already been given life, and not give that same gift endlessly to others? By what logic, other than the limits of our own mind, might we posit an end to creation? We struggle with this because what God has already created—both in terms of the immensity of the universe and the number of people who have been born in history—is already too much for our imagination to grasp. There are billions and billions of planets, (right) with trillions of processes happening on each of these every BY FR RONALD second. Just on our planet, earth, there are now more than seven billion ROLHEISER people living, millions more have lived before us, and many more are ECENTLY, at an academic being born every second. And inside dinner, I was sitting of each of these persons there is a across the table from a unique heart and mind caught-up in an nuclear scientist. At one infinite and complex array of joys, point, I asked him this heartaches, and moral choices. question: “Do you believe that there’s Moreover, all of these trillions of human life on other planets?” His human and cosmic processes have Ranswer surprised me: “As a scientist, been going on for millions and billions no, I don’t believe there’s human life of years. How can we imagine a heart on another planet. Scientifically, the and a mind somewhere that knows and odds are strongly against it. But, as a loves and cares intimately about every Christian, I believe there’s human life individual person, every individual of people go to Heaven, so that all of cell of energy too tiny to measure or just as our physical universe will one on other planets. Why? My logic is joy, every individual heartache, every us end up in one body of love within imagine. This single cell exploded day come back together again into a this: Why would God chose to have individual moral choice, and every which we will be in intimate community with a force and an energy that is still single unity, so too will all people only one child?” individual planet, star, and grain of with each other? That’s beyond all going on today, still expanding outward come together again in a single Why would God choose to have sand, as if it were an only child? imagination, at least in terms of and creating billions and billions of community within which God’s only one child? Good logic.Why The answer is clear: It cannot be human capacity, but my hunch is that planets in its wake. And scientists intimate love for each of us will bring indeed would an infinite God, capable imagined. To try to imagine this is to Heaven cannot be imagined not because believe that all of this will come back us together and hold us together in a of creating and loving beyond all end up either in atheism or nursing a it is too complex, but because it is too together again, involute, sometime in a unity too simple to be imagined, imagination, want to do this only once? false concept of God. Any God worth simple, namely, simple in the way future which will take billions of more except that now that union with God Why would an infinite God, at a certain believing in has to be able to know and Scholastic philosophy affirms that years to unfold. and each other will not be unconscious, point, say: “That’s enough. That’s my love beyond human imagination, God is simple: God so embodies and So here’s my hunch: Maybe the but will be known and felt in a very limit. These are all the people I can otherwise the immensity of our encompasses all complexity so as to billions and billions of people, living heightened, self-conscious gratitude handle and love! Anything beyond this universe and the uniqueness of our constitute a reality too simple to and dead and still to be born, in both and ecstasy. is too much for me! Now is the time to lives are not being held inside the loving be imagined. their origins and in their eventual destiny, stop creating and enjoy what I’ve done.” care of anyone’s hand and heart. It seems too that the origins of our parallel what has happened and is I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and Put this way, my scientist friend’s universe are also too simple to be happening in the origin, expansion, member of the Missionary Oblates of hunch makes a lot of sense. Given that ut how can God know, love, and imagined: Our universe—in so far as and eventual involution of our universe, Mary Immaculate. He is president of God is infinite, why would God ever care for all of this immensity we know it—had a beginning and that is, just as God is creating billions the Oblate School of Theology in San stop doing what God is doing? Why and complexity? Moreover, scientists believe (The Big Bang Theory) and billions of planets, God is creating Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at would God favour just us, who have howB will all these billions and billions that everything originated from a single billions and billions of people. And, www.ronrolheiser.com The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on GOD’S CREATION? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church

Scottish Borders. A few years Canon John Urquhart. 1940-45. OBITUARY behind him at seminary was a “Joe was very keen on the I Campion House, Osterley, young Leo Glancy (right with Liturgy and for a long time 1951-53. FR JOSEPH McMAHON Fr McMahon), now parish would continue to say the Latin I Corpus Christi College, MARCH 19, 1929- priest of Christ the King and Mass,” Canon Glancy added. Bayswater (RE Diploma), SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 Sacred Heart in Grangemouth. Fr McMahon was also an 1973-74. “Joe was very much loved enthusiastic promoter of I Open University (BA 2:1), FR JOSEPH McMahon, a and admired by people, so priestly vocations both at home 1971-79. much loved priest of St much so that everybody I’ve and abroad. While at Sacred Andrews and Edinburgh mentioned his death to in the Heart Church in Grangemouth Parishes served by Archdiocese, recently passed past few days has said instantly, (1989-2000) he established a Fr McMahon away. He was 86 years old ‘he was a great priest,’” Canon fund under the auspices of the I St John Vianney’s, Edinburgh, and had been ill for some time. Glancy said. St Peter the Apostle Society to 1960-64. “On the few occasions I met Fr McMahon was ordained at help train seminarians in I Ss Mary & David, Hawick, Fr McMahon I gained the St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh Nigeria. The money raised has 1964-69. immediate impression of a fine on April 2, 1960. During his 55 already supported an estimated I Ss John Cantius & Nicholas, and dedicated priest who loved years of priesthood he served in five students for the priesthood. Broxburn, 1969-69. the Eucharist,” Archbishop Leo parishes in Edinburgh, Hawick, Fr McMahon died on I Our Lady of Consolation, Cushley said. “Despite being in Broxburn, Bonnyrigg, September 8, the Feast of the Bonnyrigg, 1972-73. a wheelchair and on oxygen, he Burntisland and Grangemouth. Nativity of Our Lady. His I St John the Evangelist, made the effort on several He also had spells as chaplain Requiem Mass took place on Portobello, 1974-75. occasions to attend our monthly to the Convent of the Good Friday September 18 at St I Chaplain, Convent of the Holy Hour for archdiocesan Shepherd in Edinburgh and Francis Xavier’s in Falkirk and Good Shepherd, Edinburgh, priests where he would was Heriot Watt University. Fr was followed by cremation at 1975-79. pleased just to pray with his McMahon retired in 2000 Falkirk Crematorium. I Chaplain, Heriot-Watt brother priests in the presence and resided in Falkirk. Please keep Fr McMahon in University, Edinburgh, 1977-79. of the Blessed Sacrament. It “Joe was also very interested your prayers in the days to I St Mary Magdalene’s, was a lovely witness.” in art, in fact he was a very come. May he rest in peace. Edinburgh, 1979-84. Born in Dundee on St good artist himself,” Canon I St Joseph’s, Burntisland, Joseph’s Day, 1929, Fr Glancy recalled. “His rooms and, I believe, there will be including the composition of a Fr McMahon’s education 1984-89. McMahon studied for the were always covered in his another one now that he has died.” Mass setting and the co-writing I St Andrew’s Primary School, I Sacred Heart, Grangemouth, priesthood at St Andrew’s works, he had a sale of his In later life, Fr McMahon of hymn to St Mungo in Dundee, 1933-40. 1989-2000. College at Drygrange in the work soon after his retirement also began to create music conjunction with his friend, I Lawside Academy, Dundee, DAVID KERR WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 MIDNIGHT 1PM LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: DAILY MASS PRAYER VIGIL AT THE FESTIVAL 5.30PM OF FAMILIES EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 1PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL SUNDAY MASS LIVE 9PM 2PM THE MONASTIC VOICE LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: THURSDAY OCTOBER 1 MEETING WITH BISHOPS 1PM 3.30PM DAILY MASS LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: 5.30PM VISIT TO THE CURRAN- EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH FROMHOLD CORRECTIONAL COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL FACILITY 8PM 8PM EWTN LIVE LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: 9PM MOTORCADE ST FRANCIS AND BROTHER 9.10PM BERNARD LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: FRIDAY OCTOBER 2 HOLY MASS CONCLUDING THE 1PM WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES DAILY MASS MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28 5.30PM MIDNIGHT LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH FAREWELL CEREMONY COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL 1PM 3PM DAILY MASS LIVE WORLDWIDE CHILDREN'S 9PM HOLY HOUR THE MONKS OF MOYROSS 9PM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29 LIVES OF THE SAINTS 1PM SATURDAY OCTOBER 3 Pilgrimage: A spiritual DAILY MASS 1PM 5.30PM LIVE EWTN MASS EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 7PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL ST FRANCIS AND BROTHER LEO 9PM 9PM and a physical journey THE MONASTIC VOICE ENCOUNTER WITH PADRE PIO SR IMELDA ANN DUPUIS of the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia says that pilgrimages remind us we do not journey to heaven alone LAY READERS’ GUIDE

FEW months before entering A SPIRITUAL will be rest and refreshment, there will SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 the Dominican Order, I was be peace and joy when we arrive at journey’s Numbers 11:25-29. Response: The precepts of the studying in Europe. During that REFLECTION end. Lord gladden the heart. James 5:1-6. time, I made several pilgrim- Despite the hardships of life, pilgrimages ages to places associated with also remind us that we do not journey to Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48. St Dominic—the most memorable being to heaven alone. Whether we set out with a the place of his birth: Caleruega, Spain. It group, or simply meet other pilgrims along MONDAY Awas a difficult place to find, and even harder the way, we share the road with many others Zechariah 8:1-8. Response: The Lord shall build to get to, but my friend and I finally arrived who hope to reach the same destination. The up Zion again and appear in all His glory. there. We found our way to the Dominican young bring their enthusiasm and sense of Luke 9:46-50. friary and were shown the tower that had adventure to the journey; more seasoned pil- once belonged to St Dominic’s family. But grims bring their experience and sense of when we asked whether there was a place in direction. TUESDAY the town where we could stay, we were told, As we journey together, we learn from and Feast of Ss Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Daniel “Oh, no, you cannot stay here. This is a place The place to which they journeyed as pil- help one another along the way. The hard- 7:9-10, 13-14 or Apocalypse 12:7-12ab. of pilgrimage.” grims was connected with their identity; it ships of the road are lightened as we face Response: In the presence of the angels I will Perhaps it was our limited Spanish that was there that they discovered the truth them with our companions. The same is true bless you, O Lord. John 1:47-51 caused the confusion, or maybe it was our about themselves and their relationship to in life. We do not choose our companions— youthful appearance. Why would two young God. The US author Nathanial Hawthorne, some of them will accompany us the whole women, not much past their teenage years, writing in 1860 commented: “When we have length of the journey, others for just part of WEDNESDAY come to such an obscure place? Trying to left Rome, we are astonished by the discov- it. Some we will enjoy, others will annoy. Feast of St Jerome. Nehemiah 2:1-8, Response: convince them that we were pilgrims was a ery, by-and-by, that our heart-strings have Whatever the case, each companion is essen- O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember difficult task. We had travelled to this small mysteriously attached themselves to the tial to our journey. Etymologically, ‘com- you not! Luke 9:57-62. village with the intention of praying at the Eternal City, and are drawing us thitherward panion’ means ‘those who break bread birthplace of St Dominic de Guzman. We again, as if it were more familiar, more inti- together.’ knew the goal of our journey and stuck to it. mately our home, than even the spot where Each companion has something to offer THURSDAY The tradition of pilgrimage is an ancient we were born!" the other; this ‘bread’ is given and received Feast of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Nehemiah one. Although the practice of going on pil- in the course of the journey. 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12, Response: The precepts of the grimage is not unique to Christianity, it does dimension of pilgrimage, which is Pilgrimages fittingly end with the break- Lord gladden the heart. Luke 10:1-12. have a particular purpose in the Judeo-Chris- easily lost in our age, is the journey ing of bread in the Eucharist. The Eucharist, tian heritage. “Pilgrimages evoke our earthly itself. Modern forms of transport which is the source and summit of the Chris- FRIDAY journey toward heaven and are traditionally makeA the journey relatively quick and easy. tian life and a foretaste of the heavenly ban- Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Exodus 23: very special occasions for renewal in prayer” Yet it is on the road that the pilgrimage is quet, often concludes a pilgrimage, yet it (CCC 2691). Life is a journey that leads most clearly symbolic of life. To travel on also gives us the strength to journey on 20-23. Response: The Lord has commanded His somewhere. We are not tourists, enjoying the foot, across rivers, over mountains, in the through life. “Participation in the Holy Sac- angels to keep you in all your ways. Or Baruch sights on our holiday away from home. No, blazing sun or freezing rain is not enjoyable. rifice… sustains our strength along the pil- 1:15-22. Response: Rescue us, O Lord, for the the pilgrim is heading home. For the ancient Hunger and thirst, blistered feet, aching mus- grimage of this life, makes us long for glory of your name. Matthew 18:1-5, 10. Jews making their yearly pilgrimages to the cles—who would sign up for such an out- eternal life, and unites us even now to the Temple in Jerusalem, or medieval Christians ing? Church in heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary, journeying to the Cathedral of their diocese, It is essential to keep our eyes fixed on the and all the saints” (CCC 1419). May we fol- SATURDAY to Rome, or to the Holy Land—the end of goal as we make our way through the trials low the road they have travelled before us Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29. Response: The Lord listens their journey was relevant to their entire life. and tribulations of the road or of life. There and so arrive Home. to the needy. Luke 10:17-24. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 It’s only words and words are all I have THAT’S LIFE looks at how learning new words and extending our vocabulary allows our language to develop

date, the birthday of one of the children. Try as she override it. If I tell you that he accuses me of might it would not come to mind and consoling simulating desert conditions you’ll appreciate that both of us she said she didn’t mind too much as some like it hot and some not so much. she knew I would remind her nearer the time. She thought for a moment and then she told me that she or all my technological deficit, the internet is By Mary was more upset by her increasing inability to articulate my domain and I can happily cruise McGinty her feelings. “The numbers never mattered so much the information superhighway for hours to me,” she explained. “It’s the words I miss.” Falthough I’m told that’s terminology that’s quite I am my mother’s daughter because I quite like passe these days. To be sure, a fair portion of that N THE three years since my mum died the the words myself. It doesn’t bother me that I am time is what they call displacement activity, but I memories of the relatively short time when quite useless with anything vaguely techie. If I learn a lot. Word blogs and dictionary stuff please her health—mostly her memory—rapidly need to do any more than change the TV channel me no end. declined have escaped to the deeper recesses or alter the sound I have to call for assistance with Age-old debates about whether it’s ‘a historic’or of my mind. I have all but forgotten the the remote control and I am a completely lost ‘an historic’ and discussions boards on the origins times when she and the rest of us were distressed cause with the DVD player. Our children had of words and expressions are interesting enough by her confusion and failing recall. Those painful mainly wooden toys because batteries and me are although it brings out the inner pedant in some memoriesI have been supplanted by the happier not a match made in Heaven. contributors. Sometimes they don’t make any ones, of which there were many more. I can’t even work the timer on the central heating attempt to hide it and no one likes a show-off. One memory that always saddens me is of the system. There might be more to that; I have a Much more to my taste are the new words that time she struggled in vain to remember a particular suspicion that Himself has got some trick to allow our language to develop, that do not mire it in the past in which archaic grammatical rules decreased hours can claim the ‘power’ prefix. It which, while they have their place, can hinder doesn’t apply to me; I play my part in bringing communication and stifle creativity. Really, it’s home the bacon but it’s not the finest cut of just an attempt to surprise my family with how on- Ayrshire Middle. CROSSWORD Gordius No 213 trend I can be. My hero of the moment is a very dear young It’s not been a wholly successful week unless I can friend who was successfully interviewed by two add something new and topical to my vocabulary. prestigious firms. In a discussion about attitude to 123 4 5 6 7 It’s a while ago now but when I first learned of the work she told her interviewers that she had a strong expression ‘powernap’ (above right) it made my work ethic and would work as late as required day. The sly wee catnap I was taking suddenly took when necessary. She was not, she confidently told 89 on a new significance. Instead of fearing being them, going to be the sort she has seen who stay outed as a lazy article I could position myself as a late to impress the bosses. go-getting, high-flying career women. A quick 40- We were given life that we might have it winks and I’m back with increased productivity and abundantly. New word trend: Give our children 10 11 12 First entry out the hat on FRI regained focus. life that they should live—quality of life. Brown- 13 14 OCTOBER 2 will be the winner In the lexicon of the work-life balance the new out is the baby sister of burn-out. Avoid the brown- expression is ‘power part-timers.’ Mind you, only out. That’s my word for next week. those earning above a certain income for their PIC: SHARON McKELLAR Send your completed 15 16 17 crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 19 20 SUDOKU CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 9 24 25 The winner’s name will be printed below. 4 7 7836 9 425 1 9 1 2 8 5 3 6 7 4 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 3 2 7 8 5 724 5 6 1 9 8 3 8 3 4 1 76 2 9 5 ACROSS 726 4 59 138 1 Fitness room in a rangy mansion (3) SEPTEMBER 18 5 1 2 6 3 Clark and Casement combine to provide such an SOLUTION 195 382 7 4 6 architectural feature (5,6) 8 6 53 7 2 18 5 394 6 7 8 A lump of precious metal (6) ACROSS 95 3 4 67 8 1 2 9 A rude box, perhaps, but it contains French wine (8) 1 Ink 3 Tiebreakers 4 716 2 8 3 59 10 Completely disregard the loud ruffian (5) 8 Flying buttress 439 5 11 She is slender and graceful (5) 10 Rotor 11 Dutch FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 13 Rapid (5) 13 Print 15 Teeming 1 2 369 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 15&16 Does this show the hierarchy has links with a certain 16 Sponsor 20 Duets order? (5,2,7) 21 Needs 23 Roman AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 20 False name (5) Catholic 25 Ampere 87 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 21 One of Disney's Magnificent Seven (5) 26 Sweet dreams 27 End WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Ancient burial site found by one, right inside a tin (5) DOWN 7 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 24 Is this insect a hen rather than a cock? (8) IS SEPT 18’s SIMPLE SOLUTION 25 Six strangely shun a Hindu deity (6) 1 Information 26 Log oil ended disastrously, creating a much-loved 2 Keystone 3 Toner 4 Babysit 5 Acted 6 record from the past (6,5) Elects 7 SOS MODERATE 27 No score (3) 12 Hairpin bend 6 352 13 Pined 14 Tapas DOWN 492 3 51 7 8 6 17 Stampede 18 Vehicle 2 7 1 Neglect feud in order to have shown a sign of 19 Beetle 22 Short 6 8 3 279 1 5 4 religious respect (11) 23 Remus 24 Cos 7 51 4 6 8 9 23 2 Flowering tree (8) 8 5 4 9 3 8 7 5 2 4 6 1 3 Welcome, or call by name (5) 4 Ahead of a European peninsula, a novice will 2316 9 4 5 7 8 nominate an African country (7) SEPTEMBER 11’s crossword 4 8 2 7 745 6 8 1 2 3 9 5 Major river in the Asian subcontinent (5) competition winner was: 3 9 7 8 2 4 6 1 5 6 Lethal (6) D Keane, Greenock 29 6 8 1 8 1 2 5 9 6 347 7 Substance used in making candles (3) 12 Frost-surviving plant found once a year with Laurel? (5,6) 5 4 6 1 73 8 9 2 13 Allocation (5) 5 7 1 3 14 The nautical speed of potassium, not sulphur (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 17 An unusual path into religious verse (8) Scotland’s only national 9 87 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 18 Fortress (in a certain dialect) (7) Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 19 Composer of The Messiah (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 A brief rendering of material (5) 6 5 Registered at the Post Office WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Set of bells (5) 24 Chunk of wood (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 5 287 3 SEPT 18’s MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

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Moodiesburn G69 0EN 24th - 31st August 2016 16 Blackwoods Crescent Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 1pm Contact Frances: 01698 813156 or 07931203021 Moodiesburn G69 0LB 63 Glenmanor Ave Mon Tue Thu Fri 9am - 6pm, W&S 9am - 1pm To advertise Half Board £599 (includes insurance) Special Offer if paid in full by 28th December £100 discount SimplySimply register regig ster in in sstoretore oorr online online aatt a church or public notice Mackiepharmacy.co.ukMackiepharmmacy.co.uk please contact = £499 Maire Élise Khoo TERRY SPECIALIST on NOVENA TO IN LUNDIE TOOTH 0141 241 6105 ST. JOHN PAUL II WHITENING The AND Denture COSMETIC Technician DENTURES Have your own natural teeth High quality Dentures made with whitened. Monitor your own shade good quality private teeth and change by this new safe method. quality denture base material. ONTHLY Home visits can be arranged. A beautiful natural appearance M SAVE YOURSELF £££’s made for the individual. TELEPHONE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION EDJUGORJE TUESDAYS AT 7PM 18 ASHBURTON ROAD, KELVINDALE, GLASGOW G12 M ST. PATRICK’S, SHIELDMUIR Telephone 0141-334 1883 02559 EVENING 71 SHIELDMUIR STREET,WISHAW ST JOHN THE BAPTISTʼS CHURCH 29th Sep – John Paul II Friend of the Youth (Fr M. Delaney) See your Lower Millgate 6th Oct – John Paul II Man of our Lady(Monsignor T.Millar) UDDINGSTON 13th Oct – John Paul II Son of Poland (Fr M. Łękawa) expert service 16th Oct at 7.30pm - Music Concert by Martin on Monday 28th September 2015 G Aelred in honor of St John Paul II HERE Rosary at 7.00pm Mass at 7.30pm 18th Oct at 3.00pm – Installation of Relic of Light refreshments in the hall afterwards email [email protected] John Paul II by Rt. Rev Bp. Joseph Toal for information on rates ALL WELCOME 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015

VOCATIONS FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

GOLDEN WEDDING BROWN GALLAGHER LYNCH McGARRITY In loving memory of Annie, 41st Anniversary 5th Anniversary of Stephen, 50th Anniversary JERICHO HART – LEE loving mother of Adrian and In loving memory of my who sadly passed away on In memory of our wonderful On September 25, 1965, at Margaret, who died dear husband, James, who September 28, 2010. dad, Tom, who died on “The St Patrick’s Church,Anderston, September 29, 2008. died September 30, 1974. Loving father and papa. September 29, 1965. A Compassion of by the late Rev Sean We only wish that we could May he rest in peace. They say there is a reason, loving and dearly loved O’Neill, Eddie to Rosaleen. say, Inserted by his wife Molly. They say that time will heal, husband, father and Jesus.” Congratulations from all the We’re going to see our But neither time nor reason, grandfather. Also our dear family. mum today, Can change the way we feel. mum, Kitty, who died Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Deo Gratias. To hear her voice, to see No one knows the October 30, 1987. her smile, heartache In our thoughts and prayers Refuge for Victims of DEATH To sit and talk with her That lies behind our every day. awhile, smiles, Inserted by their girls Dot, Domestic Violence, COYLE To be together in the same No one knows how many Nan and Kay. Peacefully at the Little old way, times Supported Accommodation Sisters of the Poor, Would be our dearest wish We’ve broken down and cried. McGUIRE Greenock, on Monday, today. If our love could have 19th Anniversary for the Destitute, the September 14, 2015, Sarah It maybe that we are saved you, Please pray for the repose (Sheila), last surviving blessed, You never would have died. of the soul of our dear Distressed, and all being member of the Coyle But it’s very sad to say, GALLAGHER Out of a world of sorrow father, Patrick McGuire, Family. Beloved daughter That the one we all loved 3rd Anniversary into a haven of rest. who died September 26, ‘passed by on the other side.’ of the late Joseph and best, Cherished and happy Eternal rest grant unto him, 1996; our dear mother, A COMMUNITY OF Catherine, much loved Was the one that was taken memories of our beautiful O Lord, Catherine, who died July sister of the late Victor, away. and loving mum and And let perpetual light 22, 1994; also our dear MEN OF PRAYER FOR Gertrude, Monsignor Our Lady of Lourdes and granny, Isa, who died on shine upon him, brother-in-law, Roy Moon, Francis, Philomena, Anna St Pio, pray for her. September 25, 2012. Also May he rest in peace. died September 28, 1998. OUR TIMES (founded 1970) and Father Joseph and a From all your loving family. remembering her much Inserted by your loving Our Lady of Lourdes, pray loving aunt and great-aunt loved husband, Charlie, family. for them. Vocation info from to her many nieces and BROWN and their beloved son, Inserted by their loving Bro Patrick Mullen, nephews. 11th Anniversary. Brian. McCONVILLE family. Fortified by the Rites of the In loving memory of my Lamb of God, grant them 17th Anniversary of our The Jericho Society, eternal rest. Holy Catholic Church. dear wife, Terry, who died beloved father, papa and MacNEIL Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, R.I.P. September 29, 2004. great-papa, John, died 6th Anniversary pray for them. Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY The Funeral took place on On her soul, sweet Jesus, September 30, 1998; also In loving memory of a dear So loved, so missed, Wednesday, September 23, have mercy. our beloved mother and father and grandfather, Scottish Charity SC016909 Inserted by their loving family. at Christ the King R.C. Sadly missed. gran, Cissie, died April 27, Jonathan MacNeil, Tel: 01505 614669 Church and Sheila was laid Inserted by her loving 1987, and our brother, Leanish, Isle of Barra, who Email: to rest in Linn Cemetery. husband Tom. KENNEDY Thomas, who died in died September 17, 2009. 24th Anniversary infancy. R.I.P. Fois shiorruidh thoir dha. [email protected] In loving memory of my DEASY Just a prayer from the Our Lady, Star of the Sea, RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM Of your charity, please pray dear husband, and our family who loved you, pray for him. for the souls of William and father, John, accidentally Just a memory fond and true, Inserted by his family at Mary Deasy. drowned on Friday, In our hearts you will live home and away. On whose souls, sweet September 27, 1991. forever, In the shelter of Jesus, have mercy. Because we thought the Thy Sacred Heart, Inserted by their family. world of you. Do you feelthat Dear Jesus, may he rest. Always in our thoughts. Inserted by his wife Peggy, St Martin, pray for them. Donald John, Donna Marie God is calling Inserted by the family. you to the and John Paul. KINNEAR Missionary 22nd Anniversary In loving memory of our Priesthood GALBRAITH dear dad, and brother, Then we Ninth Anniversary James, who died on MacPHEE In remembrance of the September 27, 1993. 6th Anniversary can help Very Reverend John Angus Always in our thoughts. Precious memories of my you Canon Galbraith, former Inserted by his loving son, beloved husband, dad and parish priest of Daliburgh DOCHERTY 41st Anniversary Iain, daughter Fiona and grandad, John Alick, who and Eriskay, Diocese of In loving memory of our sister Cathie. died on September 28, Contact: Argyll and the Isles, who dear father, William 2009. died September 27, 2006. MacCORMICK Docherty, who died on 28th Anniversary. To us you were someone Gum biodh fois aig anam September 30, 1974, In loving memory of our special, ann an sith Chriosda. beloved husband of the late dear father, father-in-law, Someone good and true, May his soul rest in the Elizabeth Docherty and grandfather, You will never be forgotten, peace of Christ. (McEwan), our dearest Neil MacCormick, who died For we thought the world of The Vocations Director Remembered always by his mother. on September 28, 1987; you. SMA FATHERS friends in South Uist, May their dear souls rest in also remembering our dear Our Lady of Lourdes and St Eriskay, Barra and Oban. St Theresaʼs the peace of Christ. mother, mother-in-law, and Martin, pray for him. Clarendon Place, Dunblane Monsignor Henry Docherty, grandmother,Kate Missed so much. his sisters Mary Margaret MacCormick, who died on His loving wife Annabella Perthshire FK15 9HB MEMORIAM and family xx Hall (U.S.A.) and Kathleen June 16, 1994. R.I.P. ARBUCKLE McKay. The happy hours we once In loving memory of our enjoyed, Place Your Intimation dear parents, grandparents DONNELLY How sweet their memory still, Announcing, Advertising Remembering, and great-grandparents, In loving memory of my But death has left a vacant Thanking Births, Marriages, George, who died September brother, James, who died place, Deaths,Anniversaries Telephone: 28, 1988, and Catherine September 26, 1996. This world can never fill. (Kate), died March 14, St John Bosco, pray for Our Lady of the Isles, pray 0141 1988. him. for them. May they rest in peace. His loving sister Margaret Iain Ruairidh, Katie and 241 6105 To place a Family Announcement Contact Inserted by the family. and family. Mairi. Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacPHEE SULLIVAN THANKSGIVING GRATEFUL thanks to St we ask during this novena, 6th Anniversary 42nd Anniversary Clare for prayers if they be beneficial to our In loving memory of our Of your charity, please pray answered. – A.F. immortal souls, and the TULLEY beloved brother, who died for the repose of the soul of souls for whom we pray The family of the late on September 28, 2009. Frank Sullivan, who died thanks to St (mention your petitions). Margaret Macdonald Tulley GRATEFUL Sweet are the memories September 29, 1973. Also Jude, the Sacred Heart and Obtain for us, Mary, a deep would like to thank friends silently kept, of John Alick our beloved mother, Ada, St Clare for prayers hatred of sin and the purity and neighbours for their whose fifth anniversary answered. – J.O.N. of heart which will attach us whom we loved and will kind expressions of occurs on October 5, 2015. to God alone, so that our never forget. sympathy, cards and Our Lady, Star of the Sea, every thought, word and Sacred Heart of Jesus, flowers. Thanks to the staff NOVENA TO ST CLARE pray for them. Say nine Hail Mary’s for deed may tend to His keep him in Your care. and Sisters of Nazareth ROONEY We have loved them in life, nine days with a lighted greater glory. Obtain for us Inserted by the family. House, Cardonald and Dr In loving memory of May let us not forget them in candle; publication also a spirit of prayer and Patrick Manson for all the Rooney, death. promised. – J.R. self denial so that we may McQUILLAN care and compassion that nee Murphy, recover, by penance, what In loving memory of our Inserted by their was given to died September 25, 2012 thanks to the we have lost by sin and at dear father, Joseph, who loving children. Margaret. Grateful thanks GRATEFUL aged 77, and also her Blessed Virgin Mary, Our length attain to that died September 25, 1964; to Father Kenneth O’Brien dearly loved Lady of Lourdes, all saints, Blessed abode where Thou also our dear mother, SWEENEY and Father Des Broderick granddaughter, especially St Anthony, art the Queen of Angels Bridie, who died In loving memory of Grace, for concelebrating the Nicola McIndoe, who died St Martin, St Teresa, St and of Men. Amen. O Mary, September 29, 1999. R.I.P. precious mum and gran, Funeral Mass, the on July 29, 2015, aged 32. Francis and St Clare. Still conceived without sin, pray Our Lady of Lourdes, who died September 29, cremation service and their In the shelter of praying. – A.M.M. for us who have recourse intercede for them. 2004. comforting words. Thanks Thy Sacred Heart, to Thee. (three times). Inserted by their loving Nothing can ever take to Lynch and McCarry for Dear Jesus may they rest, family. away, funeral arrangements. Also NOVENA PRAYER TO We miss them much, but The love our hearts hold the Garfield House Hotel OUR LADY OF THE DEAR HEART OF JESUS still we know, Dear Heart of Jesus in the MURRAY dear, for catering. The family MIRACULOUS MEDAL God’s Holy Will is best. O Immaculate Virgin Mary, past I have asked you for 3rd Anniversary Fond memories linger would like to thank In life we loved you dearly, mother of Our Lord Jesus many favours, this time I Precious memories of John every day, everyone who paid their in death we do the same. Christ, and our Mother, ask you for this special one Murray, loving dad, Remembrance keeps her respects at St Joseph’s Our Lady of Lourdes, penetrated with the most (mention favour), take it grandad and near. Church, Cardowan and pray for them. lively confidence in Thy all Dear Heart of Jesus, and great-grandad, who sadly Just a token of affection Daldowie Crematorium. passed away on From your ever loving And a heartache still for powerful and never failing place it within Your broken September 23, 2012. husband Jimmy, you, THANKSGIVING intercession, manifested so heart where your Father Thank you for the years we from your children Kevin Whatever else we fail to do, often through the sees it, then in his merciful shared, and Margaret, We never fail to think of BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Miraculous Medal, we, Thy eyes it will become Your The love you gave, the way Jim and Gail, Connie and you. please answer my prayer loving and trustful children, favour, not mine. Amen. you cared. Ali, Michael and Jeanette, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray and I will be forever grateful implore Thee to obtain for Say for three days, A silent prayer keeps us in Jacqueline and Donald, for her. to you. – M.M. us the graces and favours publication promised. touch, Mark and Gillian – St Pio, pray for her. With the one we loved and and your 29 grandchildren Your loving family. miss so much. and “I am very grateful to Charlotte (Missionary Donor) for the Too dearly loved to be great-grandchildren. THOMPSON forgotten. 39th Anniversary renewal of the SCO. It is very informative and of great interest to Your loving son and ROUSE Of your charity, please pray others to whom it is passed on.” Sister Angela daughter and families. Loving memories of a dear for the repose of the soul of They miss him most who dad, Vincent, died our dear father, Thomas Help other Missionaries like Sr Angela keep in touch with home loved him best. September 26, 1974, Thompson, who died on beloved husband of the September 30, 1976; also We have a waiting list of 7 O’BRIEN late Nan, a dear and our dear mother, Elizabeth, 11th Anniversary wonderful mother, who died on January 26, CAN YOU HELP REDUCE IT? In loving memory of died March 7, 2002. 1971, our beloved sister, Any amount sent will go towards a donated missionary Gerald, loving husband of Deep in our hearts you will Julia, who died January 1, the late Marie, dear father always be loved and 2004, and our much loved subscription to the of Gerry and Maria and remembered. brother, Tommy, who died adored grandad, From all the family. November 16, 2013. Also who died their dear granddaughter, September 26, 2004. SILK, Thomas Elizabeth, who died April 3, They say that hearts don’t Cherished memories of a 2014. Only £16.50 per Quarter, £60 per Year, break, beloved husband, father, On whose souls, sweet Dear God that isn’t true, grandfather, Jesus, have mercy. or any contribution towards a full subscription For the day that our dear great-grandfather, who died We loved them in life, let us Dad died, October 1, 2009. not forget them in death. Subscribe Online www.sconews.co.uk/subscribe It broke our hearts in two. St David and St Andrew, May they rest in peace. You can pay by cheque or postal order made out to A golden heart stopped pray for him. Inserted by their loving The Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT beating, If tears could build a families, Castlemilk. You can phone us on 0141 241 6112 to pay by card. Two willing hands are still, stairway, The one who did so much And memories a lane, TREVOR for us, We would walk up to Remembering a dear friend Is resting at God’s will. heaven, and sister, Louise Trevor, Name: Miss you forever Dad. And bring you back again. who died on September 26, Until we meet again. The Silk family, Plains, 2010. Not a day goes by Address: Grandad: Airdrie. when I don’t think of you. ours is such a simple Pray for me as I pray for prayer SKIBA you. May the angels keep Postcode: God bless and keep you in 2nd Anniversary you. Your sister Rose. his care. In loving memory of our You fell asleep without Your loving family at home dear mother, Isabel (née goodbye, but memories of Options and abroad. MacNeil), who died you will never die. We miss I’m enclosing a donation for: Grant unto him eternal rest September 30, 2013. you Aunty Lou from your O Lord and let perpetual Our Lady of the Isles, pray loving nieces. Weekly SCO • light shine upon him. for her. Eternal rest grant upon her Quarterly £16.50 6 Month £33 Annual £60 Contribution May he rest in peace. 31 Strowan Crescent, O Lord and may she rest in ______Amen. Sandyhills, Glasgow. G32. peace. Amen. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

SUN SEPT 27 12PM Red Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.TUE 2PM Meeting of the Archdiocesan Finance Council. porteousfunerals.com THU - SUN OCT 25 Rome, Synod on the Family. An Independent Catholic Family Funeral Directors ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY Raised within the Catholic faith, with extensive experience in arranging and conducting Catholic funeral services. A sign that we care Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh We specialise in creating funerals that reﬂect your speciﬁc www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com wishes and beliefs. SUN SEPT 27 2PM St Marie’s Parish 150th Anniversary Mass, We will guide and support you in personalising your Kirkcaldy. TUE 11.30AM Catholic Youth Service Scotland meeting, service, while still embracing the time-honoured traditions T&RF UNERAL O’BRIEN DIRECTORS Paisley. THU 11AM Clergy Recollection Day, Gillis Centre, of Roman Catholic funeral liturgy. E STABLISHED 1890 Edinburgh. SAT 12.30PM Conference on the Vocation and Mission Contact us at any of our branches of today’s family, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh.

Juniper Green Branch - 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 It is our business to care. Every member of staff is Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 dedicated to deliveringthe best service possible—with BISHOP TOAL Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity. Leith Branch - 72-72 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB - 0131 554 1113 Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk Dignity Caring Funeral Services Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors - We are members of the 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988 FRI SEPT 25 - FRI OCT 2 7 Day Retreat for Permanent Deacons, National Association of Funeral Directors Royal Scots College, Spain.

Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road BISHOP GILBERT Thomas Marin MEMORIAM Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 (Founded 1926) East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com CARDS Tel. 0141- 778 1470 Funeral Directors TUE SEPT 29 12.15PM Charles Gordon Trust meeting 2PM Memorial Consultants Balgowan No 2 Trust meeting, Burnett & Reid. THU 7PM Traditional service and values ‘Impressions of the Holy Land’ talk to the Newman Association, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year To advertise Bishop’s House. SAT 6PM French Mass, St Francis, Mannofield. Funerals carried out the way YOU want them in the

— We sell Dignity Pre-Paid Funeral Plans — BISHOP ROBSON a straightforward way to gain peace of Funeral Directory mind for you and your family. Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk We guarantee that the money you pay please phone for your Plan is held in a secure and independent trust fund . 0141 241 6105 TUE SEPT 29 - WED Council of Priests, Airth Castle Hotel. No one else has access to this money THU 11AM Mass and Meeting of Canons, St Andrew’s Cathedral. until it is needed. or email SAT 1PM Vocations Mass & Ordination to the Diaconate (R.Wylie), advertising St Andrew’s Cathedral. Thomas @sconews.co.uk BISHOP KEENAN arin FUNERAL DIRECTORSM & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk 62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192 Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd SAT SEPT 26 - 28 World Family Congress in Philadelphia. Magnificat Year of Mercy Companion FRI 7.30PM Knights of St Columba event in Barrhead.

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will help you accept the merciful embrace of a loving God, SAT SEPT 26 6PM Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan’s, Troon, Mass. SUN 9AM AND 11AM Our Lady of the Assumption & JAMES and prepare you to extend that mercy to your neighbour. St. Meddan’s, Troon, Mass. THU 11AM Meeting with Head of SHERRY Education, East Ayrshire Council, Diocesan Office. FUNERAL DIRECTORS our services are Day by Day readings by provided at any time in any district 30 different writers SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER private rooms of Poetry repose and service rooms available MAIN SWITCHBOARD 104-106 PARK ST Meditations Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 MOTHERWELL EDITOR 01698 264000 Profiles of saints Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 [email protected] AT ALL TIMES Catechesis and witness DEPUTY EDITOR Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 Scripture [email protected] REPORTER Organist Devotions and Prayers Daniel Harkins—Tel: 0141 241 6103 [email protected] & Singlepurchases SUB-EDITOR For bulk supply to parishes,etc: Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 Cantor £4 plus £1 p@p to subscribers £3.60 for orders over 50 [email protected] £4.50p plus £1 p&p Available for weddings £3.80 for orders over 10 (to 49) to non subscribers and funeral services £4 for 5 to 9. Listen online at: FIND AND LIKE THE www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk To order call 0141 241 6112 or send a cheque or postal order to: SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER The Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT T. 01698 325 493 PAGE ON FACEBOOK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith

4) How have you worked out what it means to children to glory, should make the leader to their CHILDREN’S be equal partners? salvation perfect through suffering. 5) What difference does your faith make in your He who consecrates and those who are being marriage? consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, He CROSSWORD 100 G Share the interview results with the class. is not ashamed to call them ‘brothers.’ Together compile a summary of what you have The Word of the Lord learned about a lasting marriage from these 1 2 3 4 interviews. Alleluia 1 John 4:12. Prayer (R) Alleluia, alleluia. Jesus, we know you are with us. We will call on If we love one another, God remains in us and 5 6 7 your name always. Jesus, you know all our His love is brought to perfection in us. needs. You are always ready to help us. Give (R) Alleluia, alleluia. us the courage to be your faithful followers each and every day. Amen. Gospel 8 9 Anyone who is not against us is for us. A reading from First Reading the Holy Gospel according to Mark 10:2-16. 10 They become one body. A reading from the book of The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked: “Is Genesis 2:18-24. it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” 11 12 13 14 15 The Lord God said: “It is not good for the man They were testing Him. to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.” He said to them in reply: “What did Moses So the Lord God formed out of the ground command you?” 16 17 various wild animals and various birds of the air They replied: “Moses permitted a husband to and he brought them to the man to see what he write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 18 would call them; whatever the man called each But Jesus told them: “Because of the of them would be its name. The man gave hardness of your hearts he wrote you this 19 20 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, commandment. But from the beginning of and all wild animals; but none proved to be the creation, God made them male and female. For suitable partner for the man. this reason a man shall leave his father and ACROSS Reflection So the Lord God cast a deep sleep on the man mother and be joined to his wife, and the two 1 You use it when casting your line and hook (7,3) SOME people are more interested in the and while he was asleep, he took out one of his shall become one flesh. So they are no longer 5 ‘Bonjour’ and ‘Oui’ are words in this letter of the law than the spirit of the law. The ribs and closed up its place with flesh. The Lord two but one flesh. Therefore what God has language (6) Pharisees tried to test Jesus by asking him if God then built up into a woman the rib that he joined together, no human being must separate.” 7 It may be part of what a bride wears on he agreed with the law of Moses regarding had taken from the man. In the house the disciples again questioned her head (4) 8 Having food (6) divorce. Jesus draws their attention to the When he brought her to the man, the man Jesus about this. 9 Boy’s name that means ‘Christmas’ (4) true meaning of marriage. He reminds the said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and He said to them: “Whoever divorces his wife 11 An acorn is a kind of ___ (3) Pharisees of the teaching from Genesis about flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called ‘woman,’ and marries another commits adultery against 13 In myths and legends, this creature had the man and the woman becoming one flesh. for out of ‘her man’ this one has been taken.” her; and if she divorces her husband and marries a single horn (7) 16 A chair, stool or bench (4) Jesus is focusing on God's loving plan for That is why a man leaves his father and another, she commits adultery.” 17 A wall that holds back lots of water (3) marriage partners. mother and clings to his wife and the two of And people were bringing children to Him 18 People are worried about the _____ In the second story, Jesus scolds His them become one flesh. that He might touch them, but the disciples Layer (5) disciples for trying to keep the little children The Word of the Lord rebuked them. When Jesus saw this He became 19 Animal which lives in and near a river (5) away from Him. He hugs, holds, and blesses indignant and said to them: “Let the children 20 Crimson (3) the children. Once again He teaches that all Responsorial Psalm come to me; do not prevent them, for the DOWN who follow Him must trust in God and openly 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6. Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 1 The number of players on a Hurling, accept the Good News. (R) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept Gaelic Football or Rugby Union team (7) 2 Sugary-tasting (5) Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 3 Large bird with black feathers (5) Discussion in his ways! Then He embraced them and blessed them, 4 Control a car (5) I Imagine that you are responding to a parish For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; placing His hands on them. 6 The person who tells an orchestra how survey of young people. The topic of the survey blessed shall you be, and favoured. The Gospel of the Lord. to play (9) 10 A circus tent is often called this (3,3) is ‘The Good Marriage.’How would you respond (R) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. 12 Make someone feel bad (5) to these survey questions: What are the most Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the 14 A person who was born before you were important qualities needed by both husband and recesses of your home; your children like olive is _____ than you (5) wife? What are some of the obstacles to a good plants around your table. 15 ‘I _____ my dog Rover’ (5) and lasting marriage? Why is it important for (R) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION partners to share their faith? Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the I The final question on the survey is: Name Lord. ACROSS three ways you can prepare now to be the kind The Lord bless you from Zion—may you see 1 Snooker 5 Cap 7 Electricity 8 Bus 10 Tornado of person who has the most important qualities the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your 13 Wrong 15 Notice 16 Bible 17 Ballet 18 Soft needed by both husbands and wives. How will life. DOWN you respond? (R) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. 1 Skeleton 2 Open 3 Kite 4 Rainbow 5 Chips 6 Pay May you see your children’s children. 9 Biggest 11 Rattle 12 Archer 14 Reins Activity Peace be upon Israel! G Choose a married couple to interview in your (R) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives. extended family or your parish. The purpose of The Children’s Liturgy page is the interview is to gather stories and advice Second Reading published one week in advance to about how to build a lasting marriage. The one who sacrifices and the ones who are sanctified G If possible, tape record or video tape the are they of the same stock. A reading from the letter to allow RE teachers and those taking interview. the Hebrews 2:9-11. the Children’s Liturgy at weekly G You may want to use these ‘starter’ questions: Brothers and sisters, He ‘for a little while’ was 1) How long have you been married? made ‘lower than the angels,’that by the grace of Masses to use, if they wish, this 2) What do you like best about your partner? God he might taste death for everyone. page as an accompaniment to their 3) What is one of your happiest memories that For it was fitting that He, for whom and you share with your partner? through whom all things exist, in bringing many teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015

SPOTLIGHT ON Sr Mary Carmel of the Holy Spirit celebrated her Diamond Jubilee with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal in St Bride's Church, Bothwell. Following the Homily—delivered by Fr Tom Magill—Sr Mary handed a scroll with her Renewal of Vows to Bishop Toal, who placed it on the altar to symbolise the total gift of herself to God. Parishioners of St Bride’s Church were joined by the family, relatives and friends of Sr Mary, some of whom had travelled from Ireland, England, Wales and even Japan PICS: TOM EADIE

Paisley bishops speaks to the young on vocations

HUNDREDS of school pupils from across Paisley Diocese gathered in St Mirin’s Cathe- dral in Paisley as Bishop John Keenan invited those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in one of two celebration of Mass for vocations last week. Drawing on the preparation taking place in the Catholic schools of the diocese, Bishop Keenan spoke to the Primary 7 pupils—numbering well over 1000—about how each of them is called by God and each has their own vocation in life. Speaking via his Facebook page after the Mass, Bishop people, according to the bishop. young people the Lord’s words Keenan told of his delight at Speaking last week during are in our hearts. The Lord’s PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY celebrating Mass (right) with the Paisley Diocese’s Vocations word is on your tongue—speak young Catholics of the area as Mass, the bishops asked pas- them! Speak them to us so that they prepare to take the next step sionately for the young people to we can hear the Lord speaking Dundee parish welcomes Missio Scotland in their Faith. speak the Lord’s words. to us through you the young “It was a wonderful Mass with “I need your idealism—the people and listen and learn and By Dan McGinty outlined the vital work undertaken caring for people in need and 1300 boys and girls from Church needs your idealism that be made new.” by Missio Scotland in supporting acting for justice and creation, Primary 7 in our diocesan says ‘it shouldn’t be like this,’” he During vocations awareness THE parish of Ss Peter and communities in mission around and Fr Sebastian sought the schools,” Bishop Keenan said. said. “The Church needs your week, Bishop Keenan celebrated Paul in Dundee welcomed the world. Through the Pontifi- support of those in the parish “We thought about our coming activism to say ‘let’s just do it.’ two masses including one for pri- Fr Sebastian from Missio cal Mission Societies Missio for the work of the organisation Sacrament of Confirmation and The Church needs your voice on mary school pupils in the diocese. Scotland as he made an operates in more than 160 across the world. After Mass he how God calls us by name and justice and peace. The Church The diocese also held a Voca- appeal on behalf of the countries and supports initia- posed for a picture with some gives each of us a vocation. It was needs your joy of friendship. The tions Conference for S6 pupils organisation. tives in 1100 dioceses across of the young parishioners of Ss an amazing sight seeing the cathe- Church needs your criticism.” with talks from Mgr Denis Car- Assisted by Deacon Charles five continents, and aims to Peter and Paul (above). dral full of young people.” “Don’t give us mediocrity, lin and St Andrews and Edin- Hendry, Fr Sebastian celebrated continue the mission of Jesus The Church needs the criticism, don’t give us hypocrisy; give is burgh Communication Director morning Mass in the parish and Christ by speaking the Word, I [email protected] idealism and activism of young authenticity,” he added. “Dear David Kerr.

GOLDEN JUBILEE ARCHIVE REPORT: JUNE 29, 1990 SCIAF launches Iran appeal

DURING 2015—the golden The Manjil–Rudbar earthquake in jubilee year of the Scottish Iran on June 21, 1990 measured 7.4 Catholic International Aid on the Richter Scale, caused Fund (SCIAF)—the SCO will £5million worth of damage, killed up bring you highlights of the to 50,000, injured up to 105,000 and last five decades of the caused the displacement of campaigns and work of the approximately 400,000 Catholic aid agency—an agency of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland—as money to help the thousands its reach developed and it affected by the disaster in the became a member of the north-east of the country. umbrella organisation Caritas The quake was expected to Internationalis. have a death toll of 70,000 with 100,000 people injured and SCIAF responded to the thousands more requiring help. earthquake in Iran the previous The money raised by SCIAF Thursday by launching an would buy blankets, tents, food emergency appeal. and medicines for people made The fund already pledged homeless and lost families to £10,000, but required more the disaster. E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER AFTER THE RESURRECTION 23 Church has suffered far worse in the past In our series looking at what happens AFTER THE RESURRECTION, the focus falls on St Peter, Jesus’ head of the Church

JOE McGRATH’S AFTER THE RESURRECTION PART SIX: ST PETER

O FAR in this series about the early Church we have heard about the Apos- tles and Saul. We learned about St Stephen and his martyrdom. But what about St Peter; Jesus made him the head of the Church. What was he up to and what can we learn from that? SApparently Peter was travelling round the country, from one place to the next, preaching the good news. He arrived in Lydda and found a man named Aeneas, paralysed and bedridden for eight years. Peter commanded him in the name of Jesus to get up, he was cured. Sure enough the man got up and everyone was amazed. They were all converted to Jesus. At that time there was a woman in Jaffa nearby. Tabitha, as she was called, was renowned for her good works. She became ill and died. There were disciples in Jaffa and when they heard Peter was close by they sent to Lydda for him. Peter went straight to Jaffa and went to the room where Tabitha lay. The room was full of mourners and Peter sent them away. He knelt and prayed and then spoke to Tabitha and told her to stand up. The woman opened her eyes and got up. Peter called the mourners in and showed them that Tabitha was alive. Many converts were made in Jaffa and Peter stayed there for some time. Why did Peter bring the woman back to life? If she had been a good woman then presumably she would have been received by God. This is something that has puzzled me for a while. The woman he raised from back to life must have died again at some later time; either that or she is still alive somewhere. If our aim is to enter this new life after death why bring the woman back? I can think of two reasons for this. They both involve signs. It is good to remember that people in those times did not think in what we would regard as rational ways. Rational thinking is something we associate with scientists like Isaac New- ton who made us associate cause and effect.

o what were the signs in raising someone you might say; it is certainly strange. Soon the men Passover week he had Peter arrested and imprisoned. for Saul and intervened to set Saul on the right from the dead? Well, firstly it was a sign that came to fetch Peter and the Spirit told Peter to go The plan was to have a trial after Passover. Squads road. He had set Peter as head of the Church and Jesus had power over life and death. It with them because it was the spirit who sent them. of guards were assigned to watch Peter in case of any was not about to see Peter executed; not until he showedS that this Gospel that Peter was preaching Peter listened to the men and agreed to go with attempt to escape. Meanwhile the small Christian had fulfilled his role at any rate. This is worth had unimaginable power. The second sign is a bit them. Next day they set off and reached Caesarea community prayed night and day. remembering when we hear people predicting the more subtle. It is a sign that becoming a true follower the following day. Peter talked with them and told You will recall the story about how an angel demise of the Church. We have survived far worse of Jesus involves us in taking on a new life. In bap- them that it was forbidden for Jews to associate appeared in Peter’s cell (above) and released him in the past. tism we die to our old life and rise to a new life, put- with people of another race. He told them God had from the chains that held him. He led Peter out Apart from the miracle there is something else ting matters of the world in the background and made it clear to him that he must not call anyone through locked gates which opened by themselves in this story. You notice that all the impossible putting Jesus in the foreground of our thinking. profane or unclean. That was why he had come to and into the city. After walking the length of one things were easily overcome. The chains were Teaching that it is important to discard old ways bring the gospel to them. street the angel left and Peter was left alone, realising released, the guards avoided and the doors were and adopt new ones can be seen as dangerous talk. The Holy Spirit must have enabled Peter to for the first time that this was not a dream. opened. God did those things. The simple thing, The authorities certainly thought this was danger- understand the meaning of his vision. Peter had This might seem unreal but what convinces me is opening the door to Peter when he knocked, was a ous talk as we shall see. Meanwhile a centurion realised for the first time the true nature of the what happened next. Peter went to a house where the problem. That was the human part. called Cornelius, a devout, god-fearing man who Church. It was intended for all of humanity, not Christians were gathered to pray for him. He knocked I think the message here for me is that God is prayed regularly, had a vision in which an angel just for the Jews. Now he really understood that on the door and the servant recognised his voice and making great efforts to reach me but I’m too eas- told him to send to Jaffa for Peter. Cornelius was this was not just an extension of the Jewish reli- ran inside to tell the others. She forgot to let Peter in. ily distracted to notice. Just like the servant girl I in Caesarea, some distance away from Jaffa so he gion, it was much bigger. Peter had to explain this No one believed her and while they were arguing hear Him knocking and go running off before I sent two servants in search of Peter. While they to the Apostles who were surprised and said that Peter was left outside, still knocking to get in. You open the door to Him. The question is, what am I were on their way Peter had a vision in which God God can grant ‘even the pagans’ repentance that couldn’t make that up, could you? going to do about it? I think the answer seems to be showed him every sort of animal and told him to leads to life. I suppose that means us. This story is a difficult one for people to believe found in how the Christians responded to Peter’s kill and eat them. Peter replied that he could not today. Believing in miracles is out of fashion. Why arrest. They prayed constantly. Maybe I need to do eat anything that was profane or unclean. God told ound about this time Herod started perse- would God intervene in human affairs? Why work more praying and more listening to what God is him that he had no right to call anything God had cuting the Christians. He had James, brother miracles for some and leave others alone? I think trying to tell me. made clean profane. of John beheaded and this made him popular. the lesson here is that God has a plan and it will Peter was puzzled by this vision. No wonder, HeR decided to do the same with Peter. During not be thwarted. As we saw earlier, God had a role I www.theviewfromjoemcgrath.com WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2015 Ottoman domination not a ‘clash of civilisations’ DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of Islam and Catholicism, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM looks at how the second of three key periods of encounter between faiths

HERE have been and social structures. Certainly, was seen as a confrontation Christian Spaniards allied to three significant peri- this was what Sir Steven Runci- between Slavic-Orthodoxy, local Arabic-speaking Muslim ods during the man argued in his monumental Latin America, the West, Islam, elites and Berbers, fighting the encounter between work on the Crusades, both with China and India, this historical half-Orthodox force of Hayred- Catholicism and regard to the wars between the hermeneutics has carried great din, supported by the troops Islam which were formative for Latin West and Islam, and with weight. Simply put, once the from the Ottoman Sultan, to the mutual perception. The first regard to the 1204 sack of Con- political ideological fractures of whom he had offered Algiers. Tof these was the Crusades, the stantinople. Many sources in the the Cold War were out of the The net result after much fight- second, the period of Ottoman West and in the Ottoman Empire way, the ancient cleavages ing was that all of North Africa, dominance in the Mediterranean also seem to agree that the cen- between the various major cul- with the exception of Morocco, and the third, the colonial era. turies-long confrontation bet- tural blocks would come to eventually fell to the Sultan. All three were marked to some ween both was, indeed, a clash dominate. During the battles, Hayred- extent by conflict, and all three of civilisations. At times, this appears to have din’s Ottoman fleet regularly have been interpreted as periods Ever since the publication in been a prophetic article. attacked Spain and the Italian marked by aggression from one 1993 by Samuel P Huntington of allies of the Habsburgs, but side towards the other. his article predicting the config- he work of Runciman and never the French coast. Instead, Some see these periods as uration of the post-Cold War others gave the theory in 1536, the French King and the times of a clash of civilisations, world, The Clash of Civilisa- apparent depth: these Ottoman Sultan signed an of conflict between two diamet- tions and the Remaking of the clashesT between civilisations are alliance against the Habsburgs. rically opposed value systems World Order, in which the future the norm in history. The ques- As Christine Isom-Verhaaren tion arises, is this true? It seems wrote in her study on the affair, a rather superfluous question at ‘religion was wilfully set first: conflict between Islamic aside,’on both sides, one may and Christian states have been add. Hayreddin’s navy was manifold. However, should we asked for help by the French, accept at face value that just and he interceded on behalf of because the rulers of two states the French monarch with the embrace different faiths, a con- Sultan in Constantinople. flict between their states is nec- Charles V, aware that his French essarily a clash of civilisations? enemy was ignoring religion, Let us examine a few case joined in and offered to recog- studies to see what the answer is. nise Hayreddin as the paramount First, we will turn to a truly odd ruler of Algiers: his ambassador + %!,-$,, +/ -) event from the winter of 1543-4. was decapitated for his efforts. 1).(")1-#.+# The place is Toulon, the great In a period when loyalty to $( -# && 1)!-# French naval base on the rulers was paramount, Charles V was as a diplomat that he trav- recalls that he is in the land of Mediterranean. Here was had underestimated the bond elled to Constantinople between the ‘barbarian,’ but his attempts #+$,-$(,1+$ located the ‘most Christian’ between the Ottoman Vice-Roy 1554-62, from where he to discredit the Turks are mostly $, )!! +$(" ' +" (1 King’s primary military weapon of Algiers and his suzerain in despatched his now well-known rather unsuccessful: Having # &*!)+&&-#), on his southern coast. Across the Constantinople. Turkish letters. These are an described the vicinity of Con- !& $("* +, .-$)( sea lay the lands of North Africa, Then, in the winter of 1543-4 important source of information stantinople as beautiful, fertile, which had been the scene of an astounding event took place. on the Ottoman Empire, but also abundant with crops, he goes on +),,-# $ & ferocious wars in the 1510s. The French King, François I, reveal much about the relative to claim that nature itself ‘groans ,-& , )(4- The conflict there was offered his naval base of Toulon similarities between the worlds under its barbarian master’! !)+" --# ' between the Habsburgs, who to Hayreddin’s navy, the very of Islam and Christendom. When referring to the respect had exported the Spanish fleet that is so often held up as The letters also make us with which the Turks treat the Reconquista across the Straits of an example of the Mediter- aware of tensions within the Qur’an, he calls it ‘supersti- Gibraltar, and the Ottomans. ranean clash of civilisations of Ottoman Empire, and the role of tious,’ but in the next breath dis- Again, this seems to be a classic the period. For a whole winter, the Sultan in dealing with them. misses this as trifling. clash of civilisations, except that some 30,000 Ottoman sailors, His elite armed forces, the Janis- Throughout, the impression is it was not. One of the greatest some Muslim others Christian, saries, are mentioned by De created that there are differ- Ottoman warriors of the era, were housed in the 637 houses Busbeq as ‘protecting Christians ences, but that these matter little. Hayreddin Pasha (right), also of Toulon. François I had offered and Jews against Muslim mob Revealing is also his remark that known in Europe as Barbarossa to evacuate the local population, violence.’ Armed troops also the Ottomans would be more (c1478-1546), had captured but Hayreddin had insisted that escorted De Busbeq from the dangerous if it was not for the Algiers from the Spanish in the heads of households and all border all the way to Constan- threat to their south-eastern bor- 1516. He had done so on his artisans should stay. There are tinople, and they were ‘most der posed by Islamic Persia. In own initiative, after a long no local reports of incidents, and attentive and polite, as befits a return, De Busbeq noted that the career of preying on Christian several remarks on how aston- man of my status;’ rank clearly Sultan was deeply aware of the 000(.%)+" ( (.%)+" shipping in the Mediterranean. ishing it was that Muslims weighed more heavily than dif- theological differences amongst He was also a redoubtable prayed alongside Christians. ferences in faith. Catholic and Protestant Chris- '# # #$ $$ enemy of the Knights of Malta. Of course, the Habsburgs did Throughout the letters we get tians, and that the two pre-emi- #$$ Again, all the signs of a clash of not like this at all. Providing the interesting vignettes: the Turks nent Christian rulers, the $% civilisations seem to be in place. Ottomans with a foothold on the are not supposed to drink alco- Emperor and the King of France, (&), 3 3 3 -# +3 On closer inspection, things northern Mediterranean brought hol, but it is tolerated amongst were more deeply divided by are less simple. Hayreddin’s the threat of attack close to Italy. the young. Indeed, the vineyards politics than united in their -)# &*-# $ & ,-4,,.!! +$("#+$,-$(, mother was a Greek Orthodox Paolo Govio, writing in Habs- were still being worked, for he Catholic faith. Christian, his father, a convert to burg Milan, claimed that the was frequently offered ‘excel- To sum up, there were pro- Islam. His career began when Ottoman sailors plundered lent white wine.’ They are sup- found differences, and there local Greek Christian traders Toulon. He was either mistaken posed to eschew ostentatious were periods of intense and bru- $"&% % %&# complained about the predation or deliberately trying to misin- housing, but the rich live in vil- tal conflict. However, cutting !$%* $%##) $%# on their trade by the Knights of form. las with baths and magnificent across the religious differences Malta. After he conquered Naturally, this was only one gardens. Striking is how both the were geopolitical considera- Algiers, he found himself event, but it was significant for ambassador, as a typical Renais- tions, local interests, shared cul- )!#*% # % opposed by an alliance of local all that. Another report of the sance man, and the Turks share tural aspirations and class %&#$%#! $% %$ Muslim magnates, partially ongoing mutual contact despite an interest in Roman remains. consciousness. These factors Islamised Berber tribes and the $$& $%# %&# the conflicts between the Chris- En route, De Busbeq was dis- mitigate substantially against the head of the House of Habsburg, tian and Muslim powers comes gusted by the inns, but delighted sweeping statement that merges Charles V, who came with an from the pen of Ogier de Bus- by the hotels, which took in peo- the conflict between the !!$ &2$ &.$& $(" army of Spanish soldiers. )---+ -)-# +0 && beq. He was a Flemish courtier ple regardless of creed, but not Ottomans and Habsburgs into These met in battle outside of the Habsburgs and one of of class! the category of ‘clash of civili- Tlemcen in 1517, which saw the Europe’s leading diplomats. It Occasionally, De Busbeq sations.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK