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OfficialFlourish Journal of the Archdiocese of Glasgow December 2020 Let the light shine again mas in accordance with the Dear limitations of our situa- tion. Who knows? Perhaps Light shines in brothers a simpler Christmas may be a more prayerful, peaceful darkness… and sisters, and holy Christmas. Perhaps it will be a ue to the Covid-19 pan- Christmas with fewer op- demic, this is possibly portunities for distractions, Dthe strangest Christmas which will allow us to come message I have ever ad- closer to the real mystery of dressed to you. Christmas and the real rea- Even with a loosening of son for the joy and happi- restrictions, it seems un- ness of this season, namely likely that we will be able to that Christ the Saviour is enjoy a Christmas with any- born of Mary. thing like our normal family Perhaps at last we will we and social contacts. sense more acutely our real Ongoing restrictions on need for a Saviour, and we public worship will mean will find once again in Jesus, that many who would like to the Emmanuel, God-with- come to Mass in person at us, true friendship with God Christmas will not be able and with our fellow human to join with others in church beings. to celebrate the birth of Je- Whatever our circum- sus Christ. stances when Christmas There has been promising Day comes round, we are news too. A vaccine against called to open our hearts the Covid-19 virus has been rus and careful to observe of desperate need. Our cur- again to Jesus and to allow approved and manufac- the restrictions that will rent situation of the Covid- him to fill us with peace, tured. People are already most likely be with us for 19 pandemic with its at- with wonder and with joy. Bishops’ being vaccinated. The pre- some time yet. tendant restrictions on our Let me wish you all a diction is that it will take Over the centuries, Chris- personal freedoms may not blessed and joyful Christ- pastoral some months for everyone tians have sometimes had to in fact be unprecedented. mas. to receive the vaccine. We celebrate Christmas in con- Nonetheless, for all our Yours devotedly in Christ, letter may dare now to see beyond ditions that were not at all sakes and for the sake of the this pandemic, but we are optimal: in persecution, in children, I desperately hope +Philip Tartaglia told that we still need to be war, in epidemic, in poverty, and pray that we will find page 15 very cautious about the vi- in misery and in conditions ways to celebrate Christ- Archbishop of Glasgow New year, new start for Scots College Rome lans have been an- the existing Pontifical Scots the building on the Via Cas- from the Holy See, it is ex- nounced to relocate the College in Rome to the sia and relocation to a more pected that the existing PPontifical Scots College to standards required. central location is the best building will be put on the the centre of Rome. The Bishops have - ac option for the formation market early in 2021. This The Scottish Bishops cepted that the costs of this needs of the community will only be the fourth occa- have undertaken a detailed work are beyond the re- and for future provision. sion in its history that the review of Seminary Provi- sources of the Conference. Alternative suitable and community of the Pontifi- sion in recent months. A Considering the build- affordable premises are be- cal Scots College has relo- significant consideration ing’s distance from the ing considered as a matter cated, since it was founded
in the   review has been the  centre of Rome, they have of priority. more than 400 years ago. affordability of upgrading concluded that the sale of Subject to permission     Froscote Roofing 5x2 17/10/11 14:49 Page 1 2 news FLOURISH December 2020 University’s new Ogilvie art n 1967 Glasgow dock- by brian on his Feast worker John Fagan, a swanson Day which, by Iparishioner of Blessed coincidence, is John Ogilvie parish in East- very close to my erhouse, went into a coma birthday. And of course eve- after developing a large ry day I walk past the spot stomach tumour and the where he was martyred al- entire congregation prayed though it’s a bit disappoint- to their parish patron for a ing that there is no plaque for a miracle. to commemorate what hap- Doctors told his family to pened.” expect the worst. The one metre square But he recovered and af- painting, entitled, ‘The Con- ter years of investigation by templation of St John Ogil- the Vatican, a miracle was vie’ will be displayed in the formally recognised and Ogilvie Room in Glasgow John Ogilvie was canonised University’s St Andrew’s a saint on 17 October 1976 by building. It was the subject St Paul VI. of an online talk last month Now a striking new image as part of Catholic Educa- Standard Buildings, 94 Hope Street, Glasgow G� �PH of Ogilvie, depicting Scot- tion week in which Anne Telephone +44 (0) 141 248 8111 Fax +44 (0) 141 221 8420 land’s only post-Reforma- discussed the background tion saint as a teenager, has to her work. E-mail [email protected] gone on display in Glasgow She said: “This is a por- University. trait of the young John Ogil- Catholic population continues to grow And artist Anne Devine did vie, aged about 17 just before Train to Teach the Billings not have to look far for in- he converted to Catholicism sia and Africa con- pear rather disappointing spiration – her studio in the looking outward with a de- tinue to generate overall.” Ovulation Method Gallowgate is just yards from tached, serene emptiness Amore Catholic priests The number of young Glasgow Cross where the from a cosmic ferment of while Europe continues men attending ma- Do you have a love of Natural future saint was hanged on Light, Dark, Love, Bread to struggle with voca- jor seminaries rose to Family Planning? March 10, 1615 at the age of 36. and Blood, which are a sym- tions, according to the 115,880. Why not become a Billings Anne, a graduate of Glas- bolic synthesis of the times latest data released by Fides, the news service Ovulation Method® Teacher? gow School of Art, who was in which he lived and evo- the Vatican. managed by Pontifical We are now offering flexible, remote training commissioned by the St cations of the Holy Spirit at The number of priests Mission Societies, said courses. To find out more, contact Head Office Andrew’s Foundation for work both within him and worldwide fell to 414,065, the number of Catholics at [email protected] or phone Catholic Education to pro- in the post- Reformation so- with Europe registering worldwide rose by almost 0141 221 0858.. duce the work, said: “I was ciety, to which he belonged, the largest decline, fol- 16 million in a year to 1.33 Fertility Care Contact us to find out about our very familiar with the story in Europe and Scotland. lowed by the Americas, billion. As a result, there virtual clinics, on-line now! Scotland of John Ogilvie from school, “Celestial winds move according to figures re- are an average of 3,200 fertilitycare.org.uk I remember the Ogilvie in a circular fashion from leased by the Annuario Catholics per priest. walks that used to take place the heart of the paint- Pontificio 2020, the Vati- Across the globe the ing as though God’s hand can yearbook. number of Catholics grew File name: Fertility Care 6x2 was forming the outward Europe posted a seven by more than 15 million Client: Fertility Care Scotland events and shifting shapes percent slide in just one taking the overall number Size: 85mmx60mm and forms and substances, year in the number of of Catholics to over 1.3 bil- Publication: Flourish transforming the dark into priests. lion. This growth in the Artworker: RP light, blood into fire, wheat However, Africa record- number of baptised Cath- Time: November 10, 2020 10:42 AM into bread. ed a 14.3 percent increase olics was present across all Status: House proof 1 “In his stillness he emerg- and Asia an 11 percent rise continents, with a rise of es from the rhetoric, argu- during the previous five 94,000 in Europe, 9.2 mil- ment, strife and controver- years. The numbers in lion in Africa, 4.5 million sy of his time to stand alone North and South America in the Americas, 1.8 mil- with God to follow his spir- remain stationary, the lion in Asia and 177,000 in itual path of self-discovery yearbook data shows. Oceania. and knowledge of God’s will Though there was a As the global popula- in service of others – set 0.3 percent rise during tion is also on the rise, the apart from the world of in- the 2013–18 period in the percentage of Catholics trigue, circumstance, time number of priests world- in the world population, and history and human cru- wide, the Vatican report however, remained un- elty to contemplate the im- said the numbers “ap- changed at 17.73 percent. measurable.” New Chair for St Aloysius t Aloysius’ College has a Cullen said: “The board has Snew chair of governors– had a good female represen- The Mungo Foundation and for the first time in the tation in the last few years college’s 161-year history and I am very pleased to be it’s a woman. the first woman to chair the The college was the pre- board of governors. It is im- Christmas Sensation! serve of boys only until 1981 portant for young women to when girls were admitted see women in key positions, for the first time. especially since women have Dr Isabelle Cullen has always featured so strongly been a Glasgow GP in the in education.” west end for 30 years, tak- Already the chair of the ing over her parents’ prac- Bursary Committee, Dr Cul- tice when they retired. She len is keen to continue de- because of the pandemic. In is also Associate Director for veloping and promoting the a normal year we are able to Greater Glasgow and Clyde financial assistance to fami- offer assistance to between Out of Hours. lies who could benefit from 50 and 60 pupils and many Her appointment comes the full and partial bursaries of these are awarded full after several years as a board available. fee remission. In total this member. “Applications this year comes to around £550,000 Speaking to Flourish Dr have been particularly high in total.” December 2020 FLOURISH news 3 Adoption society’s crib goes virtual t Andrew’s Cathedral by ronnie c h a l l e n g i n g nity to its Christmas ‘Crib Choir and St Margaret’s convery year to those Collection’ boxes placed in SChildren and Family Care in the Catho- churches throughout Ad- Society have got together lic community vent. This year with congre- to create a ‘Virtual Crib’ who aren’t able to attend gation sizes limited, due to this Advent, as the char- their local Church as often Coronavirus restrictions, ity fears it could lose up as they would like during the charity is finding new to £100,000 in donations Advent. ways to raise vital funds. made to its annual Crib Visit the St Margaret’s Head of Services at St Appeal collection boxes in Virtual Crib to make do- Margaret’s Children and churches. nations online at www. Family Care Society, Paula The Virtual Crib hosted stmargaretsadoption.org. Harkins, said: “We’re grate- on the St Margaret’s web- uk ful to all the schools who site will be in place until the Meanwhile, schoolchil- have already signed up take Feast of the Epiphany on dren at Notre Dame Pri- part in our Walk 1,000 Steps 6 January. It is a peaceful, mary School in Glasgow, with St Margaret’s chal- animated crib scene accom- Notre Dame High School lenge. panied by a full Christmas in Greenock, Trinity High “To fund our services, we Carol concert from the St School in Renfrew as well as have relied on the kindness Andrew’s Cathedral Choir. pupils from St Aloysius Col- of parishioners making Viewers will also hear a lege were among the first to generous donations to our specially recorded version step up to take part in the Christmas Crib Collection. of ‘Oh Holy Night’ sung by St ‘Walk 1,000 Steps With St This year as congregation Notre Dame Primary 3 pupils from left to right: A-J, Madison, Philip, Lara and Nathan Andrew’s Cathedral Choir Margaret’s’ challenge last numbers are down due to Director and St Marga- month. COVID restrictions – our ret’s Origins Worker, Maria St Margaret’s Children main source of funding will continue to be there for our to adopted children who within playgrounds across Madden. Visitors to the St and Family Care Society be hugely affected. So we’re adopted children and fami- have experienced trauma the country. Margaret’s Virtual Crib can in Glasgow launched the calling on as many schools lies. Luckily we were able to and neglect and adoptive Any school interested also read quotes from some challenge on the Feast of St as possible to take up our adapt quickly and move all families from anywhere in in taking part in the Walk of the families who have Margaret, as the adoption challenge and also asking our support online, and the Scotland from all faiths. 1,000 Steps with St Marga- been supported by the char- society is set to miss out on anyone who might have changes we’ve made have al- Standard post adop- ret’s challenge can call 0141 ity this year and can donate up to £100,000 in donations donated to our Christmas lowed us to offer more sup- tion support lasts one year, 332 8371 or email info@st- via their website. due to the ongoing restric- Crib Collection to consider port and reach further than whereas St Margaret’s of- margaretsadoption.org.uk Head of Services at St tions on congregations due donating to us online this ever before.” fers its EPASS services for for more information. Margaret’s Children and to Covid19. year. All donations made to St life to those who need it. Individual donations Family Care Society Paula For the past 65 years, St “The pandemic has forced Margaret’s Children and The Walk 1,000 Steps With can be made at stmarga- Harkins said: “Our hope is Margaret’s, which serves some of our fellow adoption Family Care Society fund St Margaret’s challenge runs retsadoption.org.uk and that our Virtual Crib will the whole of Scotland, has agencies and charities to its Extended Post Adoption until the end of the school cheques can be posted to bring a little joy and festive relied on donations made pause their services, so we’re Support Services (EPASS). term and schoolchildren St Margaret’s, 26 Newton spirit especially after this by the Catholic commu- even more determined to These services are available will complete the challenge Place, Glasgow G3 7PY. Stella Maris: to Glasgow from Lima with love he captain of a cruise by euan was Deacon Joe St Mungo’s and plans for ship, stranded with mcarthur O’Donnell the Christmas Masses on the n The teenage daugh- This vessel on the Clyde by chaplain for Azamara Journey, with strict ter of a Filipino crew- global Covid restrictions Stella Maris social distancing in place, man stranded on the for the past six months, and we have are underway. Azamara Journey had has finally made it home become very good friends Meanwhile Captain San- a life saving heart op- to Peru for Christmas – and – we will be friends for life guineti says he will have eration paid for by he is eternally grateful to I think. nothing but happy memo- Stella Maris after an the devoted care of seafar- “He was an inspiration by ries of Stella Maris, founded intervention by Stella ers’ charity Stella Maris for faithfully coming to visit the in Glasgow in 1920 and now Maris chaplain Dea- their care during his Scot- ship. He has helped other a global charity looking af- con Joe. tish exile. crew members as well which ter the needs of seafarers He got in touch with Speaking from his home has been very nice. in more than 300 ports in 50 his colleagues in the in Lima, Captain Gianmario “Even when Joe wasn’t countries. Philippines after hear- Sanguineti said: “I’ve seen permitted to come on the He said: “I’ll always be ing that the crewman, what Stella Maris does at ship more recently due to grateful for the help Joe known as Jolly, had New Chair for St Aloysius different ports all over the restrictions, he was always gave to us. He took us to a been saving for more world. But it’s not until you in touch – just asking if we local park one day and my than two years to raise receive their help that you were OK and if we were in wife and I were able to enjoy money for his daugh- fully appreciate how much need of anything.” some quality time togeth- ter’s operation. practical and spiritual help During his enforced exile er. It was the little things Deacon Joe said: they give to seafarers.” the Peruvian captain was that which made all the dif- “He was very worried Captain Sanguineti’s ship, joined by his wife Marianna, board to keep the ship tick- ference. about her and espe- Azamara Journey and its sis- a normal privilege for senior ing over and we will be look- “I would say Glasgow is cially the cost so I ter vessels Azamara Pursuit officers during long periods ing after them as long as the friendliest city I’ve ever got in touch with my and Azamara Quest, owned away from home, but tighter they need us. been to. I come from a small counterparts in the by a subsidiary of Royal Car- Covid restrictions both here “They are all very devoted town in Italy called Chiavari Philippines and it was ibbean Cruises, have been and in Peru meant she could to their faith and have been – near Genoa – where there decided that Stella berthed at the King George neither return home nor re- so good to us when it comes is a real sense of community. Maris should pay for V Dock at Shieldhall since main on the ship. to organising Masses – as I would say Glasgow and the the operation. July. But a novel solution for na first met when they both you can imagine there’ s a Stella Maris team in this city “Between us we also The cruise ships, which the couple’s dilemma was worked on another cruise very high level of precau- are exactly the same – God arranged for Jolly to carry 700 passengers and soon found. ship so the solution was ob- tions taken on board both bless them all.” return home on com- 400 crew, are likely to re- Deacon Joe, Senior Area vious – sign Marianna up as at Mass and of course at all passionate grounds main in Glasgow until at Port Chaplain for Scotland a crew member so she could other times.” ■■ Euan McArthur is and he is with her now least March of next year. and Northern Ireland, who is stay on board! Regular Masses on board development officer and everything is go- Captain Sanguineti, who based at St Mungo’s, Town- “There’s a skeleton crew of have been celebrated by Fa- for Stella Maris. For ing well.” is in his early fifties, said: head said: “Before they mar- around 70, almost all Filipi- ther Antony Connelly, Dea- more details visit www. “One of the first people I met ried Gianmario and Marian- nos, who have to remain on con Joe’s colleague from stellamaris.org.uk 4 news FLOURISH December 2020 Ninian icon new icon of St Nin- by brian asking if she my life. Walking the same ian, believed to be the swanson would get in path the saint most certainly Aonly one of the saint in the touch.” walked, seeing his cave and world, has been installed Dr Bradley, saying my prayers there was in the oratory of St Ninian’s who is based in Bucking- very special. High School, Giffnock. hamshire, said: “Last year I “What was extraordinary Head teacher John Do- was commissioned to paint is that I felt some incred- cherty said: “We have want- a statue of Our Lady of Wal- ible stillness standing by the ed to honour our saint in a singham and I went on a pil- cave despite the roaring sea. practical way for some time grimage there before com- From that moment St Ninian and now with this mag- mencing my work. I also has become my companion. nificent icon we feel that we picked up some holy water He helped me to get through have done that.” with the intention to mix my the depressing period of the Created by Ukrainian-born pigments with it. Just as I lockdown. As I was working Dr Irina Bradley, one of the was about to leave the place, on the icon I would put the country’s leading iconog- I checked my email and there liturgy on my iPad, so the raphers (who counts Prince was a message asking me to prayers permeated the air. Charles among her clients), contact St Ninian’s school in “An icon is ‘created by it was unveiled at a Mass of Glasgow with a view of com- prayer for prayer’.” thanksgiving at the school on missioning an icon of Saint The icon was to have been the saint’s Feast Day. Ninian – I cannot believe dedicated at a school Mass The search to find an ico- that was just a coincidence.” in Whithorn in June but that nographer willing to take on After travelling to St Nin- had to be cancelled because the commission began al- ian’s she agreed to accept of Covid restrictions. most two years when Allison the commission following The commission was paid Angelini, Senior Business discussions with the head for by donations by parents Support Assistant at the teacher and senior staff. and others who specifically school, was given the task of Then in February she took asked that their gifts be used tracking one down. an 800-mile round trip from for the oratory. She said: “I soon found out her home in England to St Mr Docherty said: “We that it was not as straight- Ninian’s Cave in Whithorn, hope to make images of our forward as I thought and for Newton Stewart as a pilgrim- icon as gifts to pupils as they a while I kept hitting dead age and to be inspired by Scot- leave school or to present to ends. Eventually I found a land’s first Christian saint. visitors. There are many oth- nun in England who her- Dr Bradley said: “It was an er ideas to explore but above self created icons, who sug- amazing and deeply spir- all above all we want St Nin- gested Dr Bradley and she itual experience, something ian to be an inspiration for emailed her on my behalf I will treasure for the rest of generations to come.” Canon Rowan’s bequest Picture by Paul McSherry

Teaching in Catholic Schools Would you like to be a Catholic teacher in the Catholic sector? At the School of Education at the University of Glasgow you can take the Catholic Teacher’s Certificate as part of our teacher education degrees, Masters in Education (MEduc) or Post t Brigid’s church in Toryglen has been by brian Parish priest Fr Gerry Byrne Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Your school placements given a Christmas surprise from beyond swanson said “He was a lovely man – and will focus on the Catholic sector and you will benefit from the Sthe grave in the will of a much-loved priest I had no idea that he had left expertise of our professional and academic colleagues. You can who served the parish for decades. money to have the organ moved enjoy being part of the wider University community, particularly its Canon Nicholas Rowan, who died at St to the choir loft. It was quite a lively Catholic chaplaincy. Joseph’s Robroyston last year aged 97, and surprise. who had been assistant priest at St Brigid’s “In his homily at the funeral Mass here in Check out our website at: www.glasgow.ac.uk/education for 24 years, left funds to pay for a long- St Brigid’s Archbishop Tartaglia said that planned project in the church. Canon Rowan’s name was golden in this part His gift allowed work to begin to move the of the world and that was just how it was.” church’s pipe organ, which was donated to Over the last few days Fr Byrne, helped by the parish some years ago, from the ground volunteers, has built a platform for the organ level to the choir loft, where it was always in- in the choir loft awaiting the arrival of pro- tended to be situated. fessionals to provide the final installation. December 2020 FLOURISH news 5

ister Julia McLoughlin Lebanon saint will have shrine in Scotland SND has died. Her funer- Sal took place at the Immacu- lasgow’s Arab Chris- by brian set foot there, Feriale and her saint late Conception Church in tian community, whose swanson I was stunned Picture: Paul McSherry Maryhill on Wednesday 2nd GMasses are hosted by St by the serenity December, which would have Patrick’s, Anderston, have and beauty of been her 90th birthday! given prayerful thanks the place. It reminded of my She was in religious life for after a statue of their re- home in Lebanon, with the 73 years (one of the longest vered Lebanese saint was holy mountains and shrines. serving in the whole coun- installed at Scotland’s Na- I was deeply fascinated try). tional Shrine at Carfin. and overwhelmed with joy. After Charlotte St she entered the Franciscan Sis- Although little known in Heading into the reliquary, ters of the Immaculate Conception and trained as a this country, Saint Charbel I was delighted to see all the teacher with the Notre Dame Sisters at Dowanhill. Makhlouf, who lived most of relics of the saints. However, She left for the mission to Nigeria where she re- his life as a humble hermit, I immediately knew that mained for 20 years teaching and working in par- has a devoted following in I had to get our Lebanese ishes. She discerned a call to transfer her Vows to the Lebanon where several mir- Saint into the reliquary as Sisters of Notre Dame and completed further study acles have been attributed to well!” in business and administration. This led to service him and over the years mil- She added: “I spoke to the at the Generalate of the Order in Rome and also in lions of pilgrims have visited then-guardian of the shrine, administration at St Buenos in N. Wales. She was his shrine. Father Francis McGachey, also on the administrative staff at Scotus College in Fittingly, the Carfin Mass who, as it turns out, was Bearsden. held to mark the statue’s extremely interested in wel- After teaching in various schools in Dumbarton and installation, and to remem- coming a statue of the Leba- Glasgow, Sister Julia pioneered Industrial chaplaincy ber the many victims of the nese saint into the reliquary. as one the first women appointed in a post created by Beirut harbour explosion in I was elated. My journey the Church of England. She worked as chaplain to a August, was held just weeks had started that evening as I power station in England and also with the early con- before the 122nd anniver- made it my mission to bring struction workers on the Channel Tunnel. sary of the saint’s death on a statue of Charbel all the Two years in Berkeley, California gave her a chance Christmas Eve, 1898. way from Lebanon to Scot- to study spirituality and she was also involved in And for one Lebanese land.” forming and leading women’s groups. woman taking part in the At the time Feriale was She was a well-known figure around the Archdio- Mass, celebrated in limited taking a jewellery-making cese – she attended countless talks, lectures and sem- numbers and with strict course and began first to inars and had a deeply enquiring mind and spirit. In social distancing, the event donate and then sell crys- later life she became a well known and much loved was the culmination of a tal rosary beads at Catholic parishioner at the Immaculate Conception and con- personal three-year cam- churches in the Archdio- tinued to minister in the discreet ways as she reached paign to share her beloved cese. out to parishioners. Her last illness was short and un- St Charbel with the faithful She said: “I would always til it struck she remained alert and active. of her adopted country. offer 20 percent of however May Julia rejoice now forever with St Julie in the In an exclusive interview much money I made sell- presence of the Good God! with Flourish, Glasgow- ing rosaries to the church Requiescat in pace. based jewellery designer Fe- which I had been selling in, riale Nasr Zaarour revealed but most parishes refused that when she first visited to take the money; this re- the National Shrine she felt ally helped me out in terms how we were going to put inspired to have a statue of paying for the travel it in Carfin. But after the of Saint Charbel included expenses for the statue – Beirut explosion on the 4th among the many other saints which were not cheap by any of August, I knew that the commemorated there. means. statue needed to be in Car- She said: “I am related to St “Although I was work- fin, now more than ever. Charbel by blood and I lived ing hard to meet my goals, “I contacted our Lebanese in his village Bekaakafra for what really kept me going priest and was relieved when 1 IN 10 PEOPLE WORLDWIDE a long time. I have personal- was the help that I got from I got his consent to add the ly witnessed numerous mi- our blessed priests and their great St Charbel Zaarour DO NOT HAVE CLEAN WATER raculous healings. I feel that generous parishioners who Makhlouf’s statue in Carfin, I have a special bond with St overwhelmed me with their in memory of all the victims Give the gift of clean water this Christmas Charbel because he is my in- generosity and prayers. of the horrible blast. tercessor and the patron of “When the statue finally “May he keep on healing so many in Lebanon. arrived at Glasgow, I was through the power of God, “In October 2017, I had the fortunate enough to keep it and may anyone who reach- chance to visit Carfin Grotto in my home until we were es out to him find peace and for the first time. When I first able to decide on when and blessings.” St Joseph year proclaimed by Pope ope Francis has made a The Holy Father has also saint. That same year he de- surprise announcement granted special indulgences creed that St Joseph’s name Pproclaiming the next year to mark the year. be inserted into Eucharistic as a special Jubilee Year of In addition the Pope has Prayers II, III, and IV. St Joseph. written a special letter to In 2015 he told journalists: The Holy Father made the whole Church entitled “I would also like to tell you his announcement to mark Patris Corde (“With a fa- something very personal. I the 150th anniversary of ther’s heart”) on the saint. have great love for St Joseph, the saint’s proclamation “St Joseph reminds us that because he is a man of si- as patron of the Universal those who appear hidden lence and strength.” Church. or in the shadows can play “On my table I have an im- The year begins Dec 8, an incomparable role in the age of St Joseph sleeping. êü‚ö‚æ™ÚĈ½æ™Ú£ËÚʋǿȃ‚Ä•×ÚËõ¬•™‚£‚ì½ü 2020, and concludes on Dec history of salvation.” Even when he is asleep, he 8, 2021. Pope Francis has pro- is taking care of the Church! ¬Äꙕö¬æ©½™‚Äö‚æ™Ú£ËÚü™‚ÚÞæˏËÙ The decree announcing the moted devotion to St Joseph Yes! We know that he can new Jubilee said that Francis throughout his pontificate. do that. So when I have a Donate today at www.sciaf.org.uk or call 0141 354 5555 had established a Year of St problem, a difficulty, I write Joseph so that “every mem- Personal a little note and I put it un- Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund ber of the faithful, following He was installed as Bishop derneath St Joseph, so that ].%¬Þ橙ËƏ¬‚½Ëõ™Úޙ‚Þ‚¬•‚Ä••™õ™½Ë×ÙÄ揩‚Ú¬æüË£橙‚æ©Ë½¬©êڏ©¬Ä]Ë潂ĕ‚Ä•‚×ÚËê• his example, may strengthen of Rome March 19, 2013, the he can dream about it! In ÙΙÚË£橙‚Ú¬æ‚Þ£‚ì½üɌs™öËÚºæËޙÚõ™橙×ËËڙÞæ‚Ä•ÃËÞæõê½Ä™Ú‚Ž½™יË×½™¬Ä橙öËÚ½•ɇ their life of faith daily in the Solemnity of St Joseph, and other words I tell him: pray ¬ÚڙÞיæ¬õ™Ë£橙¬Úڂ™ɇڙ½¬¤¬ËÄ‚Ä•Ž‚º¤ÚËêĕɌȃs™ÞæD¬½™]æڙ™æɇ&½‚Þ¤Ëö&ǽǾVYɌc™½ɆǼǽȀǽǿȁȀȁȁȁȁɌ complete fulfilment of God’s dedicated the homily at his for this problem!” ]Ëææ¬Þ©©‚Ú¬æüDËɆ]ǼǽǾǿǼǾɌËÃׂÄüDËɆ]ǽȅȃǿǾȃɌV©ËæËɆ‚ÚÎü]º¬ÄęÚɌ will.” inauguration Mass to the 6 news FLOURISH December 2020 Winning lecture on St Thérèse

iving a quiet and hid- This year’s Cardinal Winning lecture will be Thérèse felt called, with a den life in the Lisieux missionary heart, to suffer LCarmel, dying from tuber- remembered as the first to be delivered virtually. the drama of her age, so as culosis at the young age of Given by Dr Rebekah Lamb (below) from the to bring the light of Christ 24, and leaving behind no University of St Andrews, the title of the lecture to those who suffered. systematic body of theo- was: Thérèse of Lisieux: A Doctor of the Church She personally bore many logical writings, it may ini- for Our Times. A summary of the memorable of the wounds so character- tially seem surprising that istic of our times – including St. Thérèse of the Child Je- lecture has been provided for Flourish readers bouts of burdensome anxi- sus and the Holy Face was here – it makes fascinating and inspiring ety; the loss of her mother declared a Doctor of the reading to cancer; panic attacks and Church by Pope Saint John neuroses; profound social Paul II on October 19, 1997. misunderstanding (even This surprise becomes teacher for our times: “The from members of her own even greater when we re- declaration that a saint is religious community); tu- member that she is the only a Doctor of the Universal berculosis, and a dark night saint John Paul II declared a Church implies the recogni- of the soul which plunged Doctor of the Church dur- tion of a charism of wisdom her into a depressive abyss ing his lengthy pontificate. bestowed by the Holy Spirit which, she believed, helped It is incumbent upon us for the good of the Church.” her empathise with the ex- to know why she is the doc- What is the particular istential plight of those who tor of our times. charism of Thérèse? Surely do not believe in God. Thérèse wrote no theo- it is her ability to manifest, However, unlike Nietzsche, logical treatises and her to teach divine mercy in our Feuerbach, Marx, and the embracing her everyday following her death. As just spiritual writings, collected difficult times. other, leading atheist hu- crosses; in her “lowliness one example, many of us letters and poetry reveal a Born in 1873, Thérèse manists of the late 19th and love and anguish” we had the privilege to venerate style deeply personal and lived on the brink of emerg- age has caused many of our century, Thérèse found the find her “blind” with “the her relics when they were poetic… distinct from most ing modernity – which John contemporary wounds. presence of God not only in beauty of a stark Gethse- brought to Scotland in late of the other Church doctors Paul II, in his 1979 visit to In Thérèse, Providence her sufferings but through mane.” August and September of (although echoes of Augus- Auschwitz-Birkenau, called has shown us that the par- them. As many of us know, her last year. The stories of hope tine and her special pa- our “difficult century.” ticular strains of our time It is the witness of her inspiration does not end and healing that emerged troness, St Teresa of Avila, Characterised by a grow- require a different kind of life which John Paul II (no with her written insights from that visit alone show occasionally crop up in her ing sense of alienation, Doctor: someone who has stranger to the horrors of and the witness of her short that she continues to in- autobiography, Story of a anxiety, power politics, and endured the difficulties of modernity) offers to us as a life. tercede on behalf of those Soul). However, what Pope a burgeoning secularisation our age and knows how to model of hope and friend- It is remarkable how whom God has especially Emeritus Benedict has said (which, as Cardinal Henri call the higher science of ship with God in our times. many stories, gathered from given to her. about the Doctors of the DeLubac put it, was fuelled divine love, of divine mercy As Alfred Barrett SJ, com- around the world, testify to Church helps us understand by “the drama of atheist into our present conditions. ments, in his sonnet on Thérèse’s spiritual friend- why Thérèse is the saint and humanism”), our modern From her childhood, Thérèse, she witnesses by ship, which only increased Ozanam Centre Canon Gerry’s cookbook is a perfect gift ■■ The Ozanam Centre in the Briggait have Covid collaboration Canon Gerry in on December 20 as it would asked us to point out that between an inspira- the kitchen have done under normal due to the pandemic no Ational charity and a cooking circumstances but we will hot meals are currently Canon is proving a recipe miss out on door funds so being served and that for success. we hope the cookery book it remains closed apart In Feasting with FireCloud help will provide some rev- from Thursday evening and the Cooking Canon, Can- enue.” when male clothing and on Gerry Tartaglia, parish ■■ Book is available from: toiletries are distributed priest of St Margaret’s and St Margaret’s and Our Holy under strict Covid Our Holy Redeemer’s, Clyde- RedeemerDaly Garage parishesDoors 10x2.qxd and guidelines.29/6/10 09:18 Page 1 bank and seven FireCloud www.fire-cloud.org volunteers share some of their favourite recipes. For added flavour the Canon has included some of his top tips INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS and wine suggestions with & MAINTENANCE OF volunteers providing their musical inspirations while ALL GARAGE DOORS preparing their dishes. The project began early in lockdown following the in- DALY GARAGE DOORS terest in Canon Tartaglia’s Tartaglia points out that by mary Rome many of and joy, inspiring others to Family Business With Over 30 Years Experience cooking videos on the parish while growing up ‘pasta’ was mcginty the restaurants use their God-given talents Facebook page. Proceeds will a word that was never used. are reflective to animate the world with Extensive range of doors including: be split between FireCloud “Among Italian immi- of the regions hope. Henderson, Hormann, Garador, and the two parishes. grants of a certain genera- the owners come from. This Suzanne Bunniss, founder Gliderol, Caradale, Novoferm etc. Canon Tartaglia told Flour- tion macaroni would be the dish made in a proper Ro- and director said: “Volunteers ish: “To begin with I was un- term used. My dad had stom- man kitchen is really some- have been asking us for years •Electric operators installed sure how to live-stream Mass ach problems and couldn’t thing.” to produce a cookery book to new & existing doors 24 Hour and not convinced we would eat rich or spicy food so we Sales of the cookery book to raise funds and it’s never •Roller doors & spares Call-Out have great numbers but once would have it with a simple will provide funds for Fire- been the right time until now. •Free estimates & advice I started I was amazed at the tomato sauce flavoured with Cloud which “operates on Apart from occasional grants numbers tuning in. Then it rump steak or meatballs. a shoestring budget with a such as from the St Nicholas was about thinking of ways “That’s not to say we didn’t swashbuckling attitude and Care Fund we are entirely self- TELEPHONE: 01355 261601 to keep people involved and have Scottish staples like a song in our hearts.” funding which we do through it took off when a someone mince and potatoes, and on The organisation which raffles, quiz nights and our MOBILE: 07821 679606 suggested doing a cookery a Friday night it was always started in 2007 was granted Christmas Crafts. www.dalygaragedoors.co.uk video which then grew into toasted cheese. My own fa- charity status three years “Because of Covid our a cookery book.” vourite from the book is ago. Its mission is to employ Nativity has to be a virtual Email: [email protected] Although most of his reci- Bucatini all’Amatriciana every imaginable means to event which is a huge loss 1 Kendal Road, East Kilbride G75 8QT pes feature pasta Canon which is Cucina Romana. In live lives of faith, purpose of revenue. It will take place December 2020 FLOURISH news 7 Charities’ Christmas challenge

hristmas comes but by mary first time in Picture by Paul McSherry once a year – and it mcginty the many Cbrings prime fundraising years I have opportunities for chari- been here ties to raise much-needed there will funds. But not this year as be no Christmas morning Covid restrictions prevent Mass, said Sister Rita. most events from going “It will be a challenging ahead. time for patients and their The good news is that families. The usual Christ- charities and organisations mas dinner which families throughout the archdiocese attend cannot take place having been coming up with but, as always, we will make inventive ways to main- it as pleasant as we can for Reliable & quality decorating tain their services and keep the patients.” services for your home. funds flowing in, despite the The homeless will be cared severe curtailment of activi- for at the Wayside Club as Local family run business ties. Digital technology has they have been throughout proved vital in their efforts. the pandemic with soup and since 1988. In Clydebank, at St Mar- sandwiches being given out garet of Scotland Hospice, at the door. The combination [email protected] Christmas is a hectic fun- of regulations and the lack of Call Ian on 07876 593186 draising season. From the volunteers will prevent any Bernard Corriganwww.PaintMyHome.co.uk6x2.qxd 2019-11-19 11:24 Page 1 Light up a Light service the usual Christmas events which takes place on the from taking place. first Sunday of Advent to Pat Kearns, a member of the Christmas Bus doing its the Legion of Mary Praesid- File name: Paint My Home 10x2 rounds in Glasgow and Dun- ium, said: “We would nor- Client: Paint My Home bartonshire, and Christmas mally be open on Christmas Size: 85mmx100mm Day itself, it is a month of Day and then on the 27th we Publication: Flourish fundraising which is essen- would have a big Christmas charity engagement at on the St Margaret’s Hos- Artworker: RP tial to the provision of care. Dinner for around 120 peo- Notre Dame High School, pice Christmas Bus and Time: October 22, 2020 4:37 PM This year the bus had to ple. On Hogmanay we would Dowanhill, the girls have that’s not been possible but Status: Client proof 3 be cancelled and the LUAL have a party with musicians ploughed on with admira- we still have plenty going Bernard Corrigan Ltd service, which still took and see the bells in. We sim- ble spirit, adapting as nec- on. We’re keeping going W H O L E S A L E F I S H M O N G E R • P O U LT E R E R & G A M E D E A L E R place, had to be streamed ply don’t have the resources essary to comply with Covid with the Hats and Scarves via Facebook and YouTube. to meet the standards re- regulations. Appeal for the homeless and 184–200 HOWARD STREET “This Christmas will be quired of us.” Head Teacher, Rosie Mar- collecting toiletries for the GLASGOW G1 4HW like no other because we Meanwhile Catholic tin, said: “It’s a case of being SVDP. We just have to be have to be compliant with all schools are proving them- creative and resourceful. mindful of how we do it and Telephone: 0141 552 4368 • Fax: 0141-552 4731 the regulations. We had to selves adroit in their fun- The 6th years would- nor quarantining the items for pre-record LUAL and for the draising efforts. In their mally go out for an evening 72 hours.”

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File name: PIMS 265x160 Client: PIMS Size: 265mm x 160mm Publication: Flourish Artworker: RP Time: November 3, 2020 7:31 PM Status: Final Flourish Calendar Ad 2020.qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2020 11:53 Page 1 St Margarets Hospice 7.5x5 25/11/13 16:04 Page 1 Advent Wayside Club 75x50.qxd 06/11/2017 16:38 P MSC 7.5x5.qxd 3/12/20 15:32 Page 1

1 SPRED 2 3 4 5 mscpublishing&design 6 Special Religious Development Blessing of the Crib Faith development and parish inclusion for Thank you to all who have supported children & adults who have a learning disability. George Square Glasgow Feeding the 32 Midland Street Can you support our work? Wednesday 2nd December 2020, 6.30pm St Margaret of Scotland Hospice mind, the body Glasgow G1 4PR Become a friend of SPRED (£10 individual, throughout the year. We wish you a very and the soul Email: [email protected] £15 family p.a.) happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas and Open every evening from 7.30pm Join our 200 club. JOIN US ONLINE FOR THIS MOST JOYOUS OF OCCASIONS. blessings in the New Year. Missio Scotland, 4 Laird St, Coatbridge, ML5 3LJ and Saturdays 1–4pm 1 Ellangowan Court, Glasgow G62 8PH Contact us on [email protected]. Call: 01236 449774 www.thewaysideclubcentre.co.uk GLASGOWCHURCHES.ORG.UK Sister Rita, Board of Directors and www.missioscotland.com telephone 0141 956 2051 SPRED – because no one should feel like a stranger in their all at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice Registered Charity No. SC014858 own house. Helping the Homeless email [email protected]

Artwork for School of Education.qxd 28/11/2017 12:27 Page 1 Artwork for Friendship Blessing Flourish NewspaperCaring Peace Flourish NewspaperHope Promising File name: SPRED Advent ad Client: Spred Size: 75mm x 50 mm Publication: Flourish Kidney Kids Society of 3T!NDREWlS(OSPICE 7 Artworker: RP 8 9 St. Vincent de Paul 10 Henderson Street, 11 CAROLS 12 Time: November 19,Scotland 2020 10:48 AM s We would like to wish everyone a very Airdrie, Lanarkshire e e Scotland Status: Client proof 1 r p vin ho FOR g in Happy and Peaceful Christmas ML6 6DJ and Joy in the New Year tel no. 01236 766951 19 Park Circus Give the gift of www.glasgow.ac.uk/education PEACE Glasgow G3 6BE happiness this 7EPROVIDESPECIALISTPALLIATIVECARE www.sciaf.org.uk Glasgow Archdiocesan Council Streamed on Sunday 13th December [email protected] Christmas Wish all our members, benefactors FORPEOPLEIN,ANARKSHIRELIVINGWITH Registered in Scotland with messages from Church Leaders www.kidneykids.org.uk Charity Number SCO12302 and all whom we serve LIFELIMITINGILLNESSES SC030284 offi[email protected] Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund WWWST ANDREWS HOSPICECOM and the Lord Provost. SCIAF is the official overseas aid and development charity of the Catholic A Holy & Joyous Christmas Scottish Charity no. SC010159 01324 555843 Church in Scotland and a proud member of Caritas Internationalis. glasgowchurches.org.uk

Charity File name: Advent GivingSCIAF ad 75x50 new Compassion Wisdom Advent St NiniansComforting 75x50.qxd 23/11/20 09:38 Page Praising File name: Advent KidneyKids 75x50 Client: SCIAF Client: Client Size: 75mmx50mm Size: 75mmx50mm Publication: Flourish Publication: Flourish Artworker:Thank you RPto everyone Time: November 28, 2017 11:06 AM Catholic Charismatic Renewal Artworker: RP who has helped us to St Ninian’s High School 13 Time: November 19, 2019 2:25 PM 14 Status: 15 Knights of St Columba 16 17 18 support over 1,000 Archdiocese of Glasgow Status: Client proof 2 The pupils and staff of vulnerable people across 1 Thess 5:16–18. Be joyful always; The Knights of St Columba St Ninian's High School pray continually; give thanks in all Scotland in 2020. Beatson Santa Dash circumstances, for this is God’s will A charity of the Archdiocese of Glasgow wish everyone a Happy Take part between for you in Christ Jesus. Life |Justice |Community wish you and your family and Holy Christmas. Caring Sunday, 13 December December 12–13. Run, walk or cycle 5k close to a Holy and Happy Christmas Prayer Groups meet throughout Glasgow. Giving thanks to all who have donated to us Helping those in our care home. Receive a Santa Bellfield Road For more info call 0744 8786569 throughout 2020, helping us to reach many to live the life they hat, pin badge and Knights of St Columba Head Office Kirkintilloch G66 1DT Email [email protected] projects supporting those in greatest need. choose. Donate at: certificate. 75 Hillington Road South · Glasgow Telephone: 0141 955 2386 Wishing you all a happy G52 2AE · Scotland [email protected] · 0141 226 5898 · Scottish Charity SC029832 www.st-ninians.e-dunbarton.sch.uk and holy Christmas. www.themungofoundation.org.uk Scottish Charity No: SC035078 www.beatsoncancercharity.org T: +44 (0) 141 883 5700

File name: AdventRejoicing SNCF 75x50 St Margarets AdoptionEmpathy 75x50.qxd 25/11/20 11:23 P File name: Advent_Beatson_75x50Support Unity Education Faith Client: St Nicholas Care Fund Client: Beatson Size: 75mmx50mm Size: 75mm x 50 mm Publication: Flourish Publication: Flourish Artworker: RP Artworker: RP Time: November 24, 2020 3:07 PM Time: November 20, 2020 11:46 AM :8I=@E>IFKKF 19 Status: House proof 1 20 MayStatus: Clientthe proof 2 Baby Jesus watch over 21 9\k_c\_\dJ_i`e\ 22 We urgently need your help. At St Margaret's we could lose up £100k in 7ISHINGYOUANDYOURFAMILY donations to our Crib Collection boxes this you and fill your hearts with Christmas as congregation sizes remain restricted. AVERY(APPY#HRISTMAS Donations fund our Extended Post Adoption Support Services (EPASS) – available to any The Notre Dame Centre, adopted child and adoptive families anywhere in peace, hope and love Parkhouse Business Park, Kelvin House Scotland. Visit our “Virtual Crib” to donate this Christmas at 419 Balmore Road, Glasgow, G22 6NT Jk=iXeZ`jOXm`\iËj:_liZ_#:XiÔeDC(,8A stmargaretsadoptionsociety.org.uk T: 0141 339 2366 · E: [email protected] K\c\g_fe\1'(-0/)-**'/ ScottishCharityRegSC028551 Charity No. SC. 002851

Fertility Care 75x50.qxd 10/11/20 15:43 Page 1 Prayer Belonging File name: NotreNurturing Dame Centre 75x50 Believing Client: Notre Dame Centre File name: Advent Carfi n Grotto Size: 75mmx50mm Client: Carfi n Grotto Every child deserves a magical Christmas. Publication: Flourish Size: 75mmx50mm Artworker: RP Publication: Flourish 23 SPUC Scotland Time: November 2, 2017 11:15 AM Artworker: RP 24 is working hard to ensure Status: House proof 1 Time: November 26, 2018 3:33 PM Status: Client proof 1 every child has a future! Plan Your Family Naturally – Please consider supporting The Healthy Alternative our mission this Christmas time. To successfully achieve or avoid pregnancy SPUC Scotland wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Fertility Care Scotland 0141 221 0858 [email protected] www.fertilitycare.org.uk Wishing you a peaceful Advent Support by donation or legacy welcome Fertility Care Scotland charity no. SC022875 Light and a very happy Christmas Life December 2020 FLOURISH appeal 9 St Nicholas Care Fund: your help is needed ‘more than ever before’ he late Cardinal Win- by brian organisations Archbishop’s appeal 2020 Grants awarded in 2020 ning was a man of his swanson so that they Ttime and a man of action. could prepare Beatroute Arts £2345 In 1992, the 500th anni- and deliver hot Lourdes Theatre Group £3000 versary of the Archdiocese meals, food and fuel vouch- of Glasgow, and moved by ers, and offer friendship and 1st Auchinairn Rainbows £338 seeing the poverty affect- support to all those around St. Vincent’s Primary School £1000 ing so many families, he es- them and in need. Twechar Senior Citizens Social Club £ 800 tablished the Pastoral Care “Communities have Trust – now the St Nicholas shown their resilience by The Children’s Wood £3100 Care Fund – to make their working together to address Maryhill Activity Directory £2000 lives easier through the gen- need where is apparent – erosity of the faithful. people without homes or St. Vincent’s Hospice Ltd. £10,000 seeking refuge and asylum St. Lucy’s Youth Zone £2500 Quickly have not been forgotten.” St. Margaret’s and Our “Times may have changed” Last year parishioners said fund co-ordinator raised the magnificent total Holy Redeemer’s Youth Project £3000 Sheena Kenny, “but the need of just over £57,000 mostly Whiteinch Transformations £4650 has not. We had to very through the annual Caring quickly find ways of making Sunday collection in De- Cumbernauld Together £5000 sure that those who depend cember. St. Andrew’s Parish Soup Run £5000 on us do not miss out.” Resilience St. Mary’s Primary School, Duntocher £500 “Like many other organi- sations, when lockdown And although the method Springburn Churches Foodbank £5000 happened back in March of raising money will be dif- St. Brigid’s Parish Church £3000 we were unprepared for the ferent this year, Sheena and impact this would have on her colleagues are confident St. Gregory’s Parish Church £5000 our communities but we re- that parishioners will re- My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, St Paul’s Primary School £1000 sponded very quickly. spond with their customary Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Cares £1500 “We dropped our quarter- generosity. Every year I write to you at this time to ask you to remember ly deadlines for applications Sheena said: “We ask that those less fortunate and to give what you can to the St Ni- Heart of Scotstoun £1800 and respond now to each one-off donations or regu- cholas Care Fund on Caring Sunday. This year my appeal to Lourdes Secondary School £2760 grant application as soon as lar direct debits be made you is particularly urgent. it is received – our Trustees on-line by going to www. Never in the Fund’s history has it been as necessary as it St. Mungo’s Primary School £400 carry out assessments by rcag.org.uk and clicking on is now. The Halliday Foundation £1864 telephone and we use bank the donate page or via the The St Nicholas Care Fund was set up by the then-Arch- Silver Birch Ltd. £5000 transfers so projects can secure Donate facility on bishop Winning in 1992 to provide grant support to disad- have access to their grant as our Facebook page. vantaged people in Glasgow and it relies upon you, the good Alive and Kicking £1092 soon as possible.” “Your generous donations people of the parishes of the Archdiocese to contribute what Diaspora African Women’s Network £4880 Since March we have will make it possible for us you can so that we can offer this assistance to people facing distributed £108,423 to 32 to continue to offer grants hardship. St. Rose of Lima Primary School £2000 projects that have offered where they are most needed The Fund offers small grants to parishes, schools and St. Blanes Primary School £700 support to people in the and to support people and community groups who work to improve the lives of people The Louise Project, Govanhill £2625 greatest need in our com- communities recover and who find themselves in need. munities. rebuild as restrictions are 2020 has been an extraordinary year with Covid 19 having Friends for All £4600 “We gave grants to schools, lifted and we adjust to a life a significant impact on all our lives and livelihoods. Govan Comm Project £4970 churches and community in a post Covid 19 world.” Those in greatest need in Glasgow have turned to the St Nicholas Care Fund for assistance; parishes and schools have organised foodbanks and provided hot meals to fami- lies who had none; local communities have come together to support and offer companionship to the lonely and the isolated; and voluntary organisations have gone out on the streets to support and offer practical help to people without a permanent home. The St Nicholas Care Fund, like many others, has had to adapt to the new normal and no offers support on-line, providing a safe and swift response to anyone requesting a grant. So this year once again I ask you to dig deep and give what you can either through your parish or through our website –donations can be made here www.rcag.org.uk Your generosity will make a significant difference to peo- ple’s lives and help communities to survive, recover and re- build as Covid 19 recedes and we adjust to a life in a post- Covid world. On behalf of all whose lives are touched, and brightened, and eased by your kindness … I say simply, “thank you”. Yours devotedly + Philip

Young people enjoying summer camp part funded by the Trust 10 feature FLOURISH December 2020 December 2020 FLOURISH feature 11 Christmas tales for young and old alike from the Archbishop of Milan

Banishing our fears ... the lessons of Bethlehem ing to be able to get his kite woman. They had come like too annoyed, even if some- very anxious indeed. Joshua’s story while the man was distract- so many for the census and times she let out a sigh or The reality was, though, he solitary man lived ed. But as soon as he put a the woman was expecting a two. that every evening dad did in the old house at the foot inside the garden the baby. They were looking for Maddalena, though, come back after a hard day Tedge of the village. He al- old man spotted him. Joshua a roof over their heads, for used to worry and fret: at work; and her mum did ways dressed in black, he froze, paralysed with fear. some form of shelter. “Has something happened come home after going a didn’t speak with anyone But to his great surprise Giovanna’s Dad thought to dad?” she would won- message or stopping to and no one spoke to him. the man spoke to him just for a moment then said: “If der. chat with her friends. People said he was a bad like any other human be- you want there’s an old sta- She sought reassur- The trouble was that man. For that reason Josh- ing. “Come in and get it. Oh ble behind the house, you ance from her mum but Maddalena would get so ua tried never to go down your kite’s torn. Let’s see if can have that…” The couple her mother’s words were anxious; she was always the street where he lived. we can fix it”. settled down there as best always vague: “He prob- afraid that something ter- Instead he took the long And so it was, that work- they could and silence was ably met some friends. rible might happen, that way round, to avoid getting ing together to repair the restored to the house. He probably went to the there were dangers lying close to the house where the kite, the two almost became In the middle of the night blacksmiths to get a tool in wait for her loved ones, man lived. His parents used friends. Giovanna wakened up again. repaired. Maybe he had to that some terrible thing to say to him: “Remember Before heading home with This time there was a light, talk to the boss about the might happen to her fam- don’t go near the house of his kite now as good as new there was singing and the harvest next week. Don’t ily, that someone might do the bad man People say Joshua couldn’t help but ask: sound of celebrations. She worry, he’ll be back soon.” them harm… terrible things about him. “Aren’t you supposed to be a looked out and saw there But sometimes dad ar- One night after more Even his wife left him he’s bad person?” were angels singing: “Peace rived really late and those long hours of waiting and so bad!” The man replied: “Once I on earth to men of good- hours of waiting were, for worrying, dad came home But Joshua, when he was made a mistake and for that will.” Maddalena, a real torture. looking all flustered but out with his friends, liked I was condemned. But one Giovanna, looking out She never mentioned it very excited. to go exploring. Although night I received a visit from the window, saw mum and to her mum because she “Come on Sara, come on they never got too close, some angels who told me a dad, listening to that song. wanted to seem grown- Maddalena – a baby has they sometimes spied on “Saviour is born for us” and They drew close to each up, but every step that she been born in the old sta- the man. Looking at him so it was that I changed my other and gave each other a heard on the street out- ble!” he didn’t seem very bad. He life and I learnt the prayer hug, as if to express some side, promising relief to All three went down to brought out food for his- which says ‘forgive us our kind of mutual forgiveness her anxiety, often brought see, feeling both curious dog; he cut wood and sat on trespasses as we forgive or pardon. disappointment. Why and a little afraid, but the the bench outside his front those who trespass against The little girl went back to wasn’t Dad back yet? night was suddenly filled door. He never said a word us.’ We can pray it together sleep and from that night Maddalena loved play- with light, and when they (not that he had anyone to if you want.” on was never afraid again ing with her friends in got close they found a baby speak to); he never sang and From that day onwards (largely because mum and the village. They played in the manger. he was always dressed in when Joshua broke some- dad tried not to argue). together for hours with- Mary the mother and black. He seemed more sad thing he always asked the What a night that was! out noticing time passing, Joseph her spouse wel- This Advent once more Flourish offers readers than bad. But who knows help of the man dressed in The night that the angels of running around, arguing comed them with a re- a series of three delightful festive stories for what went on inside the black to repair it, and he peace visited the earth. sometimes, challenging spectful silence and a house, it was always dark… was no longer afraid, be- each other. blessed smile, which children – even adult children! – from the pen of Once however, while the cause he knew the man was Afterwards she would seemed to say, “here is the Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan. Archbishop group of friends were play- not so bad after all. And he come home feeling hot child who has come to do Delpini is a friend of Scotland, having holidayed ing with their kites it so also learned … to pray. Maddalena’s and tired but happy. Nor- the Father’s will.” here often, and is much-loved for the gentle happened that the string mally her mum welcomed All of a sudden Madd- wisdom of his tales. This year he tells the stories of Joshua’s kite broke and story her with a smile and a jug alena understood … if God the kite landed close to the of fresh water with mint himself had chosen a dark of the children of a village called Bethlehem … home of the man. It was the ad worked all day. and lemon. night among poor people Joshua, Giovanna and Maddalena. nicest kite that Joshua had Giovanna’s story Usually he would go But one day Maddalena to give joy to humanity Translations by Ronnie Convery ever had. “What will I do iovanna’s house was Dout in the morning when came home and mum with the birth of his son now?” he asked himself. He the nicest house in the Maddalena was still wasn’t there. as a baby, then surely her tried to persuade among his Gvillage. Giovanna lacked asleep. Normally when She called out to her fears of “what might hap- friends: “Will we all go to- nothing, but she was al- the sun goes down, work but there was no reply, pen” could be conquered. gether to get my kite?” ways afraid, often sad in the fields stops, but she went looking for her She began to under- “Are you mad? Don’t you and sometimes a little bit Maddalena’s dad never and couldn’t find her; she stand that every new situ- realise that that is the house angry. stopped working. Very wasn’t in the kitchen or in ation should not be seen of the bad man? She was afraid when her banging of doors. bad spirit which had en- ter slamming the door on cried under the covers and One night, someone often evening fell and the garden. as a threat, but as an op- “Yes of course I know mum and dad argued. The Her mum and dad loved tered their lives. Gathered his way out, dad would nev- prayed: “Please Lord let banged at the door. It was he still hadn’t returned “Where can she be?” portunity to welcome the that!” replied Joshua. fact is, that they were always Giovanna very much. May- round the dinner table there er come back. them love each other, please really late and it wakened home. Maddalena started to feel visit of God. However, after much un- arguing. One word out of be they didn’t realise how was never a happy atmos- When Giovanna went to Lord don’t let them split Giovanna up. Dad went Mum would set the ta- scared… could something She also began to pray: certainty he decided to risk place was enough to set off much their fights caused phere… bed after the traditional up.” down to open the door. ble, prepare the dinner have happened? “Thy kingdom come, thy it. He approached the house a tempest of harsh words, her to be afraid, or maybe Giovanna was afraid. She evening argument, unbe- Often she would fall asleep There at the entrance were but dad wouldn’t be back. She imagined the most will be done…” without being noticed, hop- agonising silences and the they couldn’t eliminate that was afraid that one day, af- known to her parents, she crying and praying. two travellers – a man and a Mum didn’t seem to get terrible things and became 12 feature FLOURISH December 2020 Voices from Bethlehem Advent is a time for waiting and reflecting; a time for preparing for the coming of Jesus at Christmas; a time for looking back and looking forward. This yearFlourish asked four students from Glasgow’s twin city of Bethlehem to offer their “voices” of what Advent and Christmas means to them this year. Here they are …Voices from Bethlehem – voices of hope, love, unity and family. The voice of the family n the hillside city of of Jerusalem with scout The voice of hope Bethlehem lies the groups marching to the IChurch of Nativity, mark- tunes of traditional hristmas is the time groups from all over Pales- ing the birthplace of Je- Christmas songs. Every of hope to people all tine march around the city sus. It is the focus of mil- Christmas, my family Cover the world. adding to the Christmas lions of Christians around and relatives meet up I, Natalia Ghattas, a cit- joy. the world who flock to for prayer and celebra- izen of Bethlehem from We wait for Christmas celebrate in the city. tion, in an atmosphere the Holy Land, would love Day, when everyone gath- For me, it has a special of peace, love and joy to share with you how we ers with their family to meaning all year but es- far from the stresses of celebrate Christmas. We exchange gifts, and to pecially around Christ- school and work. now begin our prepara- eat lunch and reminisce. mas time. Having lived Christmas is a sea- tions through Advent and To me, Christmas always in Canada for a few years son of giving; it is about wait for the coming of Je- gives me hope because it is with my parents, away sharing and being there for Jocelyne-Marie Lama sus. It is a time of prepa- the time where we all come from the extended family, others; it’s about spending ration… and waiting… and together as the big family celebrating Christmas was quality time with fam- hoping… Natalia Ghattas that we are. not the same. Christmas ily, friends and loved ones the cosy decorated living In Bethlehem, hope is at This Christmas, we may celebrations in Bethlehem while talking, laughing room with warm drinks, the centre of our Christ- not gather as is the case always means family gath- and singing Christmas food, sweets and chat as mas. As the holiday ap- every year but we will con- erings. Together we put up carols. we reflect upon the special proaches, people intensify tinue to be hopeful while the Christmas tree, deco- On Christmas day, af- day we had. their prayers for peace, rated Christmas tree takes virtually together. I am re- rate the house and prepare ter attending church, the This Christmas won’t not only for our lands, but centre stage in Nativity ally hoping for everyone to special Christmas sweets tradition in Bethlehem is be the same as usual, but also for all people around Square where a Christmas be safe from the virus and made from semolina flour to visit elderly relatives, I hope that the year 2021 the world especially dur- market full of Christmas from any other misfortune and filled with dates. grandparents, aunts and will be free of COVID-19 ing these hard times of the decorations, embroidery, that may happen. We are a On December 24, fami- uncles, to exchange gifts and Christians from all pandemic. clothing, and traditional family and one is not alone lies gather to watch the and homemade sweets. As over the world will come When December ap- and exotic food are sold. even when physically sepa- traditional entry proces- the day comes to an end, back to celebrate Christ- proaches, the city is trans- On that day, there are also rated! sion of the Latin Patriarch my family cramps up in mas with us. formed. The streets are bands, and soloists per- Hope keeps us alive to- decorated with coloured forming Christmas songs gether, so keep on hoping!! lights that shine through to add to the joyful spirit! After Advent, have a very the night as hope that The most eagerly-await- nice day and Merry Christ- The voice of unity shines through the dark- ed day is December 24 mas! est times. The huge deco- when at least 10 scout et me take you on of the time when someone a small ride in my mentions anything about Lhometown. Well, around Bethlehem, it gets auto- a month before Christ- matically associated with mas, all the streets are the occupation and the decorated with beauti- conflict. However, there is The voice of love ful lights and each of more to us than this con- the districts in Palestine flict. ethlehem is a city of other’s lives than is begin preparing a Christ- If people look beyond love and kindness. commonly understood. mas tree decorated with their differences, they BEveryone knows that It is a small town and bright wondrous orna- would realise that they are Bethlehem is the city where the culture is of close ments. rather more similar than Jesus was born – and it is families and especially Each week a tree from a different. As Palestinians, considered a privilege for among the Christian district will be lit. Chris- Taleen Rahil we try as much as possible us who were born here, community. tians and Muslims unite to situate ourselves, men- and now live here, to speak Yet, when people think as one, as well as all pil- tally and spiritually, as far to you at this special time. of Bethlehem, they usu- grims from different above the most impor- as possible from the whole At Christmas, everyone in ally think of war; people’s backgrounds. All are there tant part: the birth of Je- notion of the conflict. Our Bethlehem comes together perception of Bethlehem united watching the tree sus Christ. I have come daily lives are mostly fo- and leaves all hardships is contradictory as the light up the whole area; to highly value the notion cused on taking what we and sadness behind fo- media often portrays it they watch it light up as a of spiritually preparing have left and turning it cusing on being one and as a battleground. They promise of abundant joy for Christ’s birth in my into valuable treasures. showing kindness to one think of it as a place of fear Tuleen Asmari and of a bright future. We heart. This level of pure We value life even with another making Christ- when in reality it is the city unite as one in celebra- and intense spiritual feel- the smallest hope left. We mas heart-warming and of peace and love. tions, in happiness, in love, ings is not merely reached give even if we have noth- full of love. The people of Bethlehem in respect, and in equality. through other prepara- ing. We focus on how we The period of prepara- celebrate Christmas with This whole month is tions such as celebra- will move on, progress, tion, of Advent, is coming the utmost joy and hap- meaning of Christmas. just full of uplifting cel- tions and decorations, and grow. As a student, to an end. Our hearts are piness; decorating trees, People assume that ex- ebrations, from attend- but through meditation, my main concern is how opening and our thoughts singing Christmas carols changing gifts and putting ing Masses to parades, to contemplation, confession I can use my education to are turning to how we can and going to church to Christmas trees up is what tree lightings, to family and repentance. The theme bring the change I want help others. honour the birth of Jesus Christmas is all about, but gatherings, to cosy winter of unity cannot be but and to defeat obstacles in The love people share for Christ. To give up one’s the truth is, Christmas is nights beside the fireplace brought up once again. order to achieve success in each other in Bethlehem is very self, to think only of about giving and loving while your parents tell you How can it possibly be all areas of life. We repay different from other plac- others, how to bring the one another and that is stories and jokes, to play- that Jesus’ birthplace, the hate with love. We do not es; people here are more greatest happiness to oth- certainly seen among the ing games, singing hymns most sacred most holy seek revenge; instead, we attached to each other ers and to share love with people of Bethlehem, the and dancing till you can’t place on earth, at least for forgive. and more involved in each others, that is the true city of love. feel the smile on your face us Christians, is the centre This is what my faith any longer. of an ongoing conflict? taught me. We leave eve- I have not mentioned I understand that most rything to God… 14 focus FLOURISH December 2020 Views from the pews Lay Catholics reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living the faith today

with individual expression can resem- ble a totalitarianism that the previous Carlyn century has taught us to be wary of. It is perhaps most noticeable in the Hill world of social media where those who express views different from the currently accepted “norms” can be quickly and brutally supressed by oth- ers. There is even a term for it: “cancel culture”. But the major problem with an ob- session with individualism is that it s Advent progresses and our narrows our potential and blinds us to thoughts turn to Christmas, it other ways of viewing the world, views Ais no surprise that this year we will which can be beneficial. all be searching for ways to make One such view is the Christian one the season relevant and meaning- where each of us, although separate ful while perhaps still struggling to beings, together form the Body of the actually enter a Church. Church and where we are joined in the Those of us who are lucky enough sacrament of Baptism and Holy Com- to have access to computers, tablets munion. etc can of course follow our parishes The ideas of forming a community, and other religious sites for ways giving yourself up to God and even of to help prepare for the coming of loving one another become impossi- Christ. ble when the selfish needs of the in- And, by using social media wisely, dividual come first. How can there be we can easily spread the four themes community, love, and the myriad joys of Advent – Hope, Peace, Love and which they bring when the number Joy – to others far beyond our imme- one priority is our own needs? diate circle of friends and family. It is in this culture that we must con- Each year many of us search such tinue our mission of evangelisation. sites as Vatican News which posts Evangelism must be done in humil- Advent reflections helping us reflect The Church and its people, has a Gavin ity and with the recognition that it on the reading of Mass for each Sun- wonderful opportunity this year to does not have a monopoly on truth or day during Advent and this year such make sure that the Christian mes- Carr goodness. If the Church believes, as sites will be all the more important sage of love and hope is spread in it does, that Christ constituted it as a for us. our local communities ensuring that storehouse of those truths, to guard The internet is a treasure chest no-one is left alone, feeling lost or in them and hand them on, it also rec- of information and a quick Google despair. ognises that it has not yet come to the check of the word ‘Advent’ not only Many of our Churches have been a s Christians we are, or at least fullness of understanding the richness gives a definition of what the word great source of peace and constancy should be, intimately familiar that Christ entrusted to it. means and the dates of the season, throughout this current situation. Awith Our Saviour’s commands to love That is why we are adopting anap- but also handy hints on Advent ac- It has been uplifting to see our par- the Lord, love our enemies and to do proach of dialogue and story as central tivities for children, although it does ishes slowly coming to life again with unto others.... These commands are to the work of proclaiming the faith. seem that the secular notion of Ad- many joining their communities vir- usually within easy reach if asked to Each of us has our own story, our own vent has more to do with chocolate tually as well as in person. summarise Christ’s teachings. journey of faith, but towards a single than the coming of Christ! A quick trawl through the inter- But one which isn’t always at the destination. Apparently if you ask Alexa how net gives the reader access to parish forefront of our mind is the command By sharing these stories, and with to celebrate Advent it will help you newsletters, virtual celebrations and to “go into all the world and proclaim God’s grace to guide us, we can togeth- count down the days until Christmas other experiences we would not have the gospel to the whole creation” – in er grow in understanding of the rich- with an Advent calendar! Each day, even considered this time last year other words, to evangelise. es that have been entrusted to us and starting on December 1, Alexa will and the Church has quickly learned Yet, ever since Christ sent the Apos- share these blessings with others. open a box on the advent calendar to to adapt to this new digital age. tles out to proclaim the Good News, the With this in mind we have estab- allow you hear a cheery surprise! I However it is also important to re- Church has understood evangelisation lished a New Evangelisation ‘Faith can’t wait! member that the heart of the Church to be at the heart of its existence. Living’ initiative in the Archdiocese of This Advent and Christmas will be is its people and so it is even more im- While the message – that Jesus is Glasgow, under the spiritual direction naturally different for everyone how- portant for Church groups to be cre- Christ, Son of God, and the fulfilment of Fr Gerard Canon Conroy. ever the true meaning of Christmas ative and flexible in trying to keep in of God’s promise of salvation – nev- Please get in touch if you would remains the same. We may not be touch with parishioners, particularly er changes, what does change is the like to get involved with this initia- able to be physically with our friends those who cannot yet visit the build- culture in which the message is pro- tive. We can be contacted via Face- and family this year and our turkeys ing and may not be digitally adept. claimed. book or Twitter: https://www.face- undoubtedly will be smaller in size Despite the challenges we face dur- Today we find ourselves in a society book.com/groups/825044751633479 / but we still have the opportunity to ing this pandemic, let us remain op- that prizes individual expression above @FaithLiving1 rejoice in the birth of Christ and to timistic, cheerful and celebrate God’s everything else. Individualism is so in- make sure Christmas remains joyful love for the world through the birth grained in our culture that it is taken and special. of the Christ child: Jesus. for granted that it is a force for good, If Covid has taught us anything, an objective truth, the pursuit of which Gavin Carr is a parishioner of St Patrick’s will somehow set us free. Dumbarton who is involved in the New Evan- it surely is that the most important gelisation Project of the Archdiocese. If you things in life are not material but in Carlyn Hill is a retired primary head teach- So, what is the problem with indi- vidualism? Well, on the surface noth- have ideas for future Views from the Pews the relationships we have with those er. Glasgow teacher with a special interest let us know. Drop a line to Ronnie.Convery@ around us and, of course, as Chris- in religious education. ing at all; however, a growing number tians, with Christ. are becoming aware that an obsession rcag.org.uk December 2020 FLOURISH pastoral letter 15 ‘Light shines

in darkness’( John 1:5 )

s Christmas approaches, we, the Bish- workers, shop assistants, delivery drivers ops of Scotland, wish to share with and others were hailed as key workers. This Ayou some reflections on our present situa- should not be forgotten and we trust that tion and offer reasons for hope, as we live society will reassess what is a just remuner- through these difficult times. ation for these key jobs. Firstly, we affirm the centrality of our Lord We are saddened that many have lost Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father who be- their jobs, or face financial uncertainty, with came incarnate of the Holy Spirit and was many businesses struggling to exist. We born of the Virgin Mary. He is our Hope. our hope that, as the Pandemic subsides, those Salvation. our Guide.. positive developments acknowledged above On 27th March 2020, Pope Francis led an will continue to underpin decision-making, emotional Extraordinary Urbi et Orbi in a especially for the poor, the unemployed and wet and empty St Peter’s Square, as Covid- the marginalised… 19 swept the world… Likening the world’s The Pandemic has challenged this way of experience of the Pandemic to the apostles’ living. It has allowed space for cherishing fear of being drowned in their storm-tossed Picture: Imago Mundi family time and the environment of friend- boat, he said the virus has “exposed our vul- ships and nature. The post-Pandemic re- nerability”. We were “feeling powerful and covery offers hope for a flourishing of more able to do everything”. Comforting ourselves Scotland’s bishops have addressed a pastoral letter to the whole nation on natural and humane lifestyles. with “false certainties” meant we had forgot- the impact of the Covid emergency and society’s reaction to it. The letter – We gladly welcome the news of the ap- ten our endemic fragility. Now a great fear proval of the first vaccines for the UK and we was washing over us, like the waves over the which is filled with hope – praises people’s reactions to the pandemic and hope this will allow an early immunisation apostles. While their fear like ours is natu- looks to the future with hope. An abridged version of the text follows programme to protect our population and ral, we are not alone. Jesus is with us in our offer the prospect of some return to normal boat. life. The Pope reminded us that God turns all We reassure our Catholic population that, things to good. As disciples living through in accordance with longstanding guidance this Pandemic, even though we are naturally from the Pontifical Academy for Life, it is anxious and unsure, we know that God is ethical to take any of the C19 vaccines pur- with us… every human person and, on this rediscov- and long-lasting. There is more hardship to chased by the UK at the present time, either We have well-founded reasons for hoping ered principle, our society can be rebuilt. come. For example, we have yet to see the because foetal cell lines have not been used that the Pandemic has led society to a redis- Scotland’s response to the Pandemic has worst ravages of unemployment or the dam- in their development or because their sourc- covery of the dignity of every human person, seen a willingness to sacrifice even for the age done to the mental health of many… ing is sufficiently remote. especially the most vulnerable, along with a stranger. Self-sacrifice is at the root of the The Church has always adopted a holistic While we affirm the ethical acceptability new appreciation of the goodness manifest- Gospel and is integral to Catholic Social approach to care of the sick, providing med- of taking these vaccines, we do not support ed by so many… In Scotland we were asked to Teaching… ical as well as pastoral and spiritual care to bio-technological processes that develop stay at home to save the lives of the elderly Cannot the love and compassion we have the weak. Today, it is the State who provides products from abortion or research using and those with underlying health conditions shown amid so much suffering and death excellent medical care while the Church and these cell-lines. We hope that those with while countless fellow citizens served on the in recent months now become a way of life, other faiths provide spiritual and pastoral objections to such vaccines can be respected frontline and in key services, putting their rather than an exception? Cannot the Chris- care. Chaplains ministering to the seriously and offered alternatives … lives at risk, all for the sake of vulnerable tian message of love of neighbour now be- sick and dying in hospitals ensure that the We urge governments to work to ensure strangers. come the vital principle of our culture? spiritual and pastoral needs of patients, C19 vaccines are made available equitably That genuine concern for the vulnerable The Church assisted local communities their families and staff are met. Therefore, across the world, according to human need was obvious and beautiful. Society willingly across Scotland in supporting the weak and chaplains ought always to have access to and not economic status. came to a consensus about protecting the the poor, the lonely and the anxious, and ac- those seeking their care. The Pandemic has brought home to us the vulnerable, at great personal cost to many, companying the dying and bereaved. With The public outcry at reports that sug- personal responsibility we all have to bear revealing how sacrificial love can shine out the resumption of public worship our people gested our Care Sector, especially our care and lighten the burdens of our brothers and from human hearts. were again able to feel part of active commu- homes, was at risk, manifested a new sense sisters. We hope that the Pandemic will have The Covid-19 crisis now offers us a unique nities, while prayer in common helped oth- of appreciation of our elderly brothers and made us all more attentive to the suffering opportunity to rebuild society by fostering ers to cope with their mental anguish. sisters and a determination to ensure ad- that routinely exists in our midst. these values… Faith inspired and mobilised people to do equate support for the elderly at home or in As Christians we are preparing to celebrate Previously, contemporary attitudes had good and comforted many. There has been a residential care. This bore welcome witness Christmas. This feast points us to the “great begun to regard the more vulnerable in so- growing awareness of the social harm caused to a keen social conscience that valued our hope” which delivers us from the compulsion ciety as less meriting of life as if some parts when public worship and pastoral ministry senior citizens. We hope that parity of es- to be self-sufficient and the anguish that can of our human family (could) be readily sac- are not available. The importance of bring- teem for the Care Sector and the NHS would follow when we fail. This hope is a person, rificed for the sake of others ... We became ing much needed love, hope and comfort be a lasting positive legacy of this crisis. whose hand is always stretched out towards used to a culture in which persons are no and the social capital delivered by a vibrant Similarly, we need to have satisfactory us. It is Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with longer seen as a paramount value to be cared faith commitment is now more widely rec- protocols for treating or withholding treat- us… for and respected, especially when they are ognised. ment from patients, especially where re- Let us not be afraid. The Lord is with us poor and disabled; ‘not yet useful’, like the With the arrival of a vaccine and other de- sources are strained… and can calm every storm and bring light to unborn, or ‘no longer needed’, like the eld- velopments, it is now possible to see beyond The lockdown forced a revaluation of some the darkness. erly. This crisis has retaught us the dignity of the pandemic. Yet its effects will be deep low paid and undervalued jobs, where care

+ B ish o p H u gh G ilbe r t + B ish o p S t ephen R o bs o n +Archbishop Philip Tartaglia +Bishop John Keenan + A r chbish o p L e o C u shle y + B ish o p W illiam N o lan +Bishop Joseph Toal +Bishop Brian McGee 16 scripture FLOURISH December 2020 Fr Tom Promises promises! Advent readings are Kilbride full of God’s promises and good news

fter a long and dif- ficult year, we find Aourselves, at long last, in Fr Tom will be our new the final month of 2020. I’m sure many of us will guide to the scriptures say “Good riddance!” when Hogmanay finally comes! Fr Tom Kilbride, Rector of the Royal Scots It has been a year when College, will be Flourish’s newest writer with a many words and phrases monthly column on the scriptures. Fr Tom is a we hardly knew before have native of St Matthew’s, Bishopbriggs, where he become commonplace: was ordained in 1996, after seminary formation “Covid”, “lockdown”, “so- cial distancing”, “working at Chesters College and Glasgow University and remotely”, “streaming” and then the Pontifical Scots College in Rome. After “Zooming” among others! a year at St Roch’s in Royston, he returned to Most of us will no doubt be Rome to complete his studies in Scripture at hoping that 2021 will prove the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He was then better than 2020! In the Church’s liturgy, an assistant priest in St Andrew’s Cathedral of course, we have already and Our Lady of Lourdes in Cardonald, before moved on to new things: becoming Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good as we journey through the Counsel in Dennistoun in 2008. Having served Advent season, we have al- also as Director of the Archdiocese’s Religious ready begun a new year, a new cycle in our readings Education Department, he has been Rector of for Mass. the Royal Scots College in Salamanca since 2014, We have begun “Year B” running the “propaedeutic course” or first stage in the Lectionary – guided of formation for priesthood. each Sunday for the next 12 months by the Gospel of Mark. Lorenzo Lotto, Madonna and Child why we always begin Advent of Isaiah, for example, come for himself! In other words, St Mark’s Gospel will fo- with Saint Catherine and Saint James, looking beyond the event of from a time when the He- until Christmas, our focus is cus our attention on what c. 1527 the first Christmas to the brew people were suffering, on the promises God makes it means to be disciples of final coming of Jesus at the either in exile in Babylon, to us; after Christmas, our Jesus and on how the Cross end of time: our faith is also far from home, or afraid focus is on the promises casts its long shadow over first two Sundays of Advent: cle this year. John the Bap- a hope that God has us in his of it happening. They were God has kept – especially his ministry. It will show us the very end of Jesus’s min- tist comes (2nd Sunday of care into the future. afraid of loss or suffering the Greatest Promise, of the that even if the Son of Man istry before the Last Sup- Advent) promising the one The prophet Isaiah con- the grief it had caused. They Saviour, “God-With-Us”. had to journey to the Cross, per, and then from the very who would come after him, stantly reminds his people were in the thick of diffi- Our Advent hope becomes it was to be his path to glory beginning of the his Gospel “one more powerful than of the great things God has cult times. Into those hard our Christmas faith, and and life – and that it is the with the preaching of John me” and, at the end of the done for them in their histo- times, Isaiah comes with a we celebrate both. In other same for those who follow the Baptist. But for the rest season, we will hear those ry – the freedom from slav- word of hope and a promise words, our readings tell us, him … us! of Advent – and in fact right words over again, and then ery in Egypt prime among that God will see his people keep faith and hold firm, That’s not such a bad through Christmas– we hear them fulfilled when Je- them – and, from that con- through them to better days because better days are thing to remember as we hear much more from the sus comes and is baptized soling memory, holds out a to come. coming: we have his word look ahead, beyond Covid- three other Gospels, getting (Feast of the Baptism). In word of hope that God has Then, when we reach the for it! 19 and the restrictions and back to Mark again only at between those “bookends” good things yet in store for Christmas season, we hear Perhaps this message of hardships of 2020: if we are the very end of the Christ- are stories of promises them. God has saved them each day from the First Let- the Advent and Christmas faithful to Christ, if we take mas season, on the Feast of made – to the people as a before: he can do it again! ter of St John: “Something… readings is one we need up the cross, he will bring us the Baptism of the Lord. whole (Advent), to Mary In a sense, our season of that we have heard, and that to hear again, especially to a share in glory. His way On Christmas Day itself, (4th Sunday), to shepherds hope and promise is like- we have seen with our own among the stresses, anxie- will lead to better things. we hear from Matthew (Midnight Mass) and Sime- wise built on the certain eyes” . We hear each day ties and isolations of 2020! The irony, however, is that (Vigil Mass), Luke (Night on (Holy Family) – and of knowledge of the love God fromAlex someoneBlack 10x2.qxd who saw 21/5/10 it 12:18 Page 1 for the next month or so we and Dawn Masses) and John those promises kept (on has shown in the past. It is will hardly hear anything (Day Mass). Nothing from Christmas Day and the Sun- not just a time of vague op- from the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s Gospel. Presumably, days thereafter). So, rather timism or a time for wear- We have passages on the this is because it doesn’t tell than two separate seasons, ing rose-tinted spectacles. us any of the stories about Advent and Christmas Rather, God made promises, Jesus’s birth or early life. form one cycle reflecting and he kept them. Sure, it tells us his mother’s on promise and fulfilment, Our celebration of Christ- McFarlane name was Mary and his fa- on trust in promises made mas, therefore, isn’t just ther a carpenter and that and celebration of promises a reminder that God did Alex Black he grew up in Nazareth but kept. something wonderful 2000 F U N E R A L C A R E very little else. We have to That’s probably what Ad- years ago. Rather, it speaks look elsewhere for the fa- vent is all about in fact. to us of what God has done miliar stories of Bethlehem, When we hear the readings for us in Jesus: he came to of a census, of angels and from the prophets, especial- be with us and is with us shepherds (Luke) or a star, ly those First Readings from still, leading us ever for- Wise Men, and Herod (Mat- Isaiah which make up the ward in grace and love. It is thew). majority of the daily read- a reminder that when God � 24 hour caring & professional service Instead, Mark dives ings and some of the Sun- makes promises, he always straight into the action days in the season, we are keeps them … � Funeral planning, advice and information 4th anniversary with ministry of John, the hearing a constant message That will happen in a � Service room available with private restrooms Remembering with love always Baptism of Jesus and then of hope, a promise of better number of ways over the Rachel McFarlane Jesus’ public ministry. That days to come. next few weeks. (Quigley) a beloved wife of means that for the next few The season of Advent is Firstly, if we look at our 7 Peelglen Road 288 – 290 Dyke Road 1927 Maryhill Road Hugh, loving mother to Gail, Sundays and feasts, since not just a pointer towards Advent readings (especially Drumchapel Knightswood Maryhill mother in law to John and proud Gran to Kieran and Rachel. Died it doesn’t have the birth Christmas but a time for the weekday ones), we hear g15 7xn g13 4qu g20 0bx on the 8th of December 2016 or childhood stories of Je- reminding ourselves of the a lot from the Old Testament telephone telephone telephone aged 82. Our lady of Lourdes sus, Mark’s Gospel acts as hope we have for the future, prophets. Theirs is a word of pray for her. She will live in our a kind of “bookend” for the based on the promises of promise to a suffering peo- 949 1234 959 1234 946 1234 hearts forever. Advent and Christmas cy- God. That’s also one reason ple. Many of the prophecies December 2020 FLOURISH art of the month 17

Robert Campin, The Nativity, about 1430. Image credit: Wikimedia poem of the month Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

This is an excerpt, with some adaptation, from “Lord, I have time” by l’Abbé Michel Quoist published in 1954 in his book Prayers of Life which he wrote as young priest. It brought him huge success and 2,500,000 copies of the book have been sold throughout the world.

Men were walking and running. Everything was rushing, cars, lorries, the street, the whole town. Men were rushing not to waste time. They were rushing after time. To catch up with time, to gain time. The student… hasn’t time The young married man… hasn’t time. The grandparents… haven’t time. The ill… haven’t time So all men run after time, Lord. They pass through life running – hurried, jostled, overburdened, frantic and they never get there. Art of the month They haven’t time. Lord, I have time, Take the time to be still I have plenty of time, e are blessed if we manage to by mgr tom It is now housed holding a lighted candle. The God-child get to the beginning of October monaghan in the Musée des has come into the world. All the time that you give me. Wwithout the television and the com- Beaux-Arts in Di- Mary, in virginal-white also kneels mercials getting us in a frenzy about jon, France. before her child, adoring her Son and Christmas. There is a lot Lord. Woe, betide you if you have not going on in the The baby lies on the earth of God’s posted your cards by the middle of No- work. Apart from the Holy Family, creation radiant with beams of gold vember… or earlier, if they have to go to there are five others plus four angels but not yet wrapped in his swaddling prayer of the month Italy or America. and four message-carrying ribbons. clothes. If you have not bought in food and The animals seem to have caused some The woman showing her healed hand Let us Pray: wine by the beginning of December and damage to the walls of the poor and which had been burned and withered have not all your Christmas presents humble stable, while in the background is thought to be Salome, the midwife’s Come, Lord Jesus, come soon. In this time bought and wrapped, then Christmas we can see the wealth and riches of the friend. The ribbon reads, “Tangue puer- is going to be a disaster. You have run city and the lake. um et sanabaris” (touch the child and of your coming, support and console us out of time. All is ruined. Mary seems to be scarcely more you shall be healed). The animals are who trust in your love. We ask this through At least it is if you live your life from than a girl and the little scrawny baby facing away still to provide a manger too human a point of view. looks newly born, gasping for his first and thus fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives The truth is that there is always breaths. Having been a scrawny baby “The ox knows its owner, and the ass its and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy enough time to do what God wants you myself, I love this Child… my twin, born master’s crib.” to do as long as you put yourself com- first, got all the good stuff! For a moment, time stands still. God Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. pletely into each moment that he offers The shepherds peer through the top took flesh and became man. Mary and you. half of the split door with wonder and Joseph know. The angels know. Even The Netherlandish painter Robert awe just as we do when we see a mum the animals know. Campin, completed “The Nativity” with her new-born baby. Do I? about 1430 when he was 55 years old. Joseph genuflects before the Child, Rosary kids’ Christmas card outreach to Nazareth House aring pupils from Our by brian 6B were pro- of several Christmas charity about how SCIAF is working Movie Night Treat Bags and and creative ways our young CLady of the Rosary, Car- swanson vided with a list projects being carried out at to support people during the Santa’s Hot Chocolate to people are reaching out to donald, are making Christ- of first names the school in the run up to pandemic and are sending raise money for the St Ni- those in need at such a chal- mas that bit brighter for and encouraged to send let- the holidays. the money they raise from cholas Care Fund. lenging time Our schools are their neighbours at nearby ters and handmade Christ- Primary 6A have been the sale of the clocks to the Father David Wallace, doing such an incredible job Nazareth House by sending mas cards to ‘their’ resident them personalised cards many of whom are unable to making Countdown Clocks charity. parish priest of Our Lady of to make the best of an awful and letters. receive visitors due to Covid to help everyone count down Primary 4B are making Lourdes and chaplain to the situation and we should all Each child from Primary restrictions. the days until Christmas. Rudolph Baubles, Snow- school said: “It’s so heart- be very proud of the great 5A, Primary 6A and Primary The initiative is just one They have been learning man Marshmallows, Festive warming to see the different efforts they’re making.” Bobby Main 8x2.qxd 8/7/20 11:06 Page 1 18 news FLOURISH December 2020

6 OPEN DA YS Reeta’s generosity is

We have 100 different styles of headstone to choose from at our showyard recognised near and far 2'6" POLISHED GRANITE FREE HEADSTONES FROM A ne of Glasgow’s oldest by all new and be- a parishioner a few years “It’s also brilliant to know PHONE brian FOR Oand best known busi- swanson cause of Reeta ago asking if we would like that the dresses will be used BROCHURE £ nesses has been revealed as Fashions’ gen- to donate dresses and we in other parishes as well and 450 the modest donors behind erosity we have were delighted to help. We a great feeling to know that 0141 641 0088 regular donations of com- been able to get new stock all the time so a communion dress donated WHY PAY MORE THAN YOU HAVE TO! munion dresses to families help children all over Scot- rather than give it to charity from Glasgow will be worn throughout the Archdio- land and as far afield as Af- shopsFranciscan we thoughtMinoress it was6x2.qxd a by a 19/7/10little girl in13:41 Africa onPage her 1 282 Main Street, Cambuslang, cese... and as far away as rica. great idea. special day.” Glasgow (at Railway Station) Africa. “Complimentary teddy T McGowan 8x2.qxd 13/7/10 11:03 Page 1 For the past five years bears were also given with www.mainheadstones.co.uk Reeta Fashions in the Gal- the dresses to ensure no lit- lowgate have quietly gifted tle girl feels left out because www.franciscanvocations.org.uk around 250 First Commun- when a parent buys a dress ion dresses and accessories from Reeta Fashions their T. McGowan & Sons to parishes, many of whom child is always given a com- then pass them on to deserv- plimentary teddy. FOR WOMEN Monumental Sculptors ing parishes not only in the “We are so very grateful to family firm established 1947 Archdiocese but throughout Reeta Fashions for their con- St. Kentigern’s Cemetery Scotland and Africa. tinued generosity and would EXPLORING 109 Tresta Road, Glasgow g23 5aa First Communions like to thank Stewart Lang Telephone: 0141 946 2429 throughout Scotland were and all the staff at for their Linn Cemetery paused because churches continued support. There 602 Lainshaw Drive, Glasgow g45 9sp were closed due to Covid kindness is overwhelming FRANCISCAN Telephone: 0141 634 8515 restrictions but in autumn and I can speak for every Dalbeth Cemetery they started to take place parent/child when I say a 1920 London Road, Glasgow g32 VOCATION Telephone: 0141 778 4916 again although in much huge thanks to Stewart and Philipshill Cemetery smaller groups and spread his team. They are in our Westerfield Road, East Kilbride g76 over a number of weeks. thoughts and prayers.” Telephone: 0141 644 4535 Details of the company’s Stewart, whose grand- generosity became public mother Reeta, founded the New Memorials · Additional Lettering · Cleaning after a parishioner posted business 70 years ago in News and views for FLOURISH: All work completed in any cemetery. Brochure available on request details on social media. Maryhill and now co-owns The Facebook post reads: it with his wife Sharan said: [email protected] www.tmcgowan.co.uk “The dresses donated are “We were approached by Santa dash for Beatson

ith a small donation you can buy and dedi- Wcate a Beatson Bauble and share positive thoughts this December. 
 Whether it’s to remem- ber a loved one, celebrate 
 a life or the end of treat- ment, you can help us to say thanks and give hope.

 Beatson Cancer Charity is  

asking everyone who has  
  been touched in some way  

 

 

 






 
 
by the care and support pro- 

 





 
vided by the Beatson West  

  
 of Scotland Cancer Centre to get involved.
 



 

A Beatson Bauble is avail-        able with a donation or by attending one of the char- ity’s events from www. beatsoncancercharity.org/ bauble A spokesperson for the Beatson said: “This  

 

 year has been very difficult for many, but Christmas is a time when people rally together. It’s a lovely way to support such a fantastic charity which means a lot to local people.” Meanwhile the Beatson Santa Dash is still able to be held. You can take part between December 12–13. Run, walk or cycle 5k close   to home. Receive a Santa  
   hat, pin badge and certifi-  
 
 
 cate. Full info from: www. beatsoncancercharity.org

File name: Beatson quarter Client: Beatson Size: 130mm x160 mm Publication: Flourish Artworker: RP Time: November 20, 2020 12:11 PM Status: Client proof 1 December 2020 FLOURISH Jericho 7x2.qxd 10/3/11 12:02news Page 1 19

’m sure many people will know that popular chil- Idren’s song – accompanied Reeta’s generosity is by actions – head shoulders Advent lesson: don’t delay JERICHO knees and toes (knees and toes), eyes, and ears, and The Compassion of Jesus mouth, and nose, head, putting things right in life shoulders, knees and toes Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Refuge for Victims of Domestic recognised near and far (knees and toes). Violence, Supported Accommodation for the Destitute, I was thinking that Father wards I contracted an infec- the Distressed, and all being ‘passed by on the other side.’ Frank’s Log has been a bit tion that required remedial like that at times. I’ve writ- Fr Frank’s log treatment and antibiotics, ten about my feet, my back, Fr Frank Keevins cp is Parish with the pain for a time even A COMMUNITY OF MEN OF PRAYER my eyes, my ears, and even Priest of St Mungo’s Townhead worse than the toothache. my prostate. Old age, as So, as you can imagine, I am FOR OUR TIMES (founded 1970) they say, doesn’t come on its a little bit anxious. However, Vocation info. from Bro. Patrick Mullen, own! I have great trust in my den- The Jericho Society, Mater Salvatoris, This time it’s my teeth that tist, and I’m sure all will be are the topic. On one of the well. I will just need to learn Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire. PA10 2PY very first days of lockdown, I’m sure there is a moral offers from Father Gareth, to chew on the other side of Scottish Charity SC016909 Tel: 01505 614669 way back in March, I was lesson in there about decay, Father Antony and others, my mouth. Project2:LayoutEmail: theJ2eri27/07/2017chosociety@13:55gmaiPagel.com1 heading out to the car to and postponing for too long to get the pliers out and do Last month I received del- come into the church when, those things in our lives a homer but, wisely I think, egation from the Archbish- suddenly and unexpectedly, that should have been put I have declined all such of- op to confer the Sacrament I could feel in my mouth, right much sooner but, in fers. of Confirmation on the that a big chunk of filling this instance, Covid-19 and The last time I remem- children from St Mungo’s had come out of one of my lockdown had made that ber getting a tooth out was and St Stephen’s who were Is God calling you? molars. impossible. when I was still working in scheduled to receive the to a life of silence and solitude within a Normally, I would have Root canal treatment Olivetti in the early 1970s. Sacrament last March, and called my dentist right away was ruled out; there wasn’t The tooth had an abscess, who have now moved on to community of fellow seekers? to have it seen to, but, with enough tooth left to rebuild; very painful, so I phoned various secondary schools. The Cistercian monks at Nunraw Abbey lockdown underway, that leaving it and doing nothing my dentist. However, no For the same length of time wasn’t an option. So, for would be too big a risk, and appointment was available that I had to wait to get my offer such an opportunity. the past seven months I so, reluctantly, my dentist for a couple of weeks and tooth examined, they have have been trying to nurse recommended extraction, I was advised to make my had to wait for their Confir- With them you can praise God through this tooth along, conscious and that’s what will happen way to the Dental Hospital mation. the psalms and liturgy at set times during of the big gaping hole that in a couple of weeks from and School in Sauchiehall Despite the Coronavirus the day. You will have time to study the I could excavate with my now. Street. restrictions again making tongue, very conscious of As Oor Wullie or the My boss at the time told the celebration very differ- ways of God and to meet God in your occasional pain and tender- Broons would have me to get going, and I ent from what would have lectio divina. And, you will find work ness, and wondering what said, “Help ma boab!”. It’s a vaguely remember filling expected and hoped for, at damage was being done. long time since I had a tooth in forms and waiting in a the end of the day, these that will keep body and soul together. Then, just last Thursday, I out and I’m not looking for- queue until I was eventually young people will have re- If you have good reason to believe had a text from my dentist, ward to it. Memories of the taken. Once again, extrac- ceived the fullness of the informing me that dental Broons extracting aching tion was the only option. I’m Holy Spirit for the living of God may be calling you to be a monk, examinations were resum- teeth by tying one end of a not too sure who actually their Christian lives, and it write to: ing this week, and so I took piece of string around the carried out the surgery, but will be a privilege for me to the earliest appointment tooth, and the other end to I do remember a number of confer that upon them. Vocation Director, Nunraw Abbey available. Unfortunately, a door handle, then slam- students gathered around As always, protect your- HADDINGTON, EH41 4LW, Scotland the damage was done, and ming the door shut, crossed and observing. selves, protect your loved Or email: [email protected] the tooth was beyond re- my mind as an option. It was a great relief to get ones, protect others, and Scottish Charity No SCO22611 demption. Needless to say, I have had that tooth out, but after- protect Christ in your lives. Government’s cut in aid to the poorest is a scandal

he world continues to Chancellor’s claim that we be ravaged by the coro- can’t justify the aid budget. Tnavirus, climate change, Alistair Dutton We can. But we’re choosing hunger and extreme pov- Chief Executive, sciaf not to. erty and all of this prompts As the host of COP26 and us to think deeply on who is the G7 next year, the UK our neighbour. And while I should have presented it- believe charity begins at self as a strong global lead- home, it doesn’t stop at er, committed to tackling our shores. climate change, poverty Last month, the UK gov- tries. ple experiencing unimagi- eradication, disease and ernment announced a The government made nable levels of poverty. conflict. Instead, it’s made U-turn on a Conservative its decision before a much- Their lives have been the decision to abandon its manifesto pledge to protect awaited Integrated Review made much worse by the aid commitment despite UK Aid spending, reneging is complete which was un- onset of one of the biggest knowing that no one is safe on its legal obligation to duly hasty, and lacked due pandemics in history and from climate change, fu- spend 0.7% of the UK gross process, or proper consid- we know the decision to cut ture pandemics and global national income (GNI) on eration of our duty to poor- yet more aid will push peo- instability unless we are all poorer countries. er nations. ple already living on a knife safe. This is short-sighted The news comes soon af- This abdication of our re- edge further into hardship. and hugely damaging. ter a recent warning from sponsibilities undermines Every crisis hits the I urge the UK government the World Bank that ex- our reputation as a country world’s poorest people The Chancellor, Rishi lion savings by abandoning to rethink its decision to let treme poverty will rise in that has been at the fore- hardest. Sunak, wants us to believe 0.7 per cent of UK’s GNI down some of the most vul- 2020 for the first time since front of international aid This is not the time to that slashing aid is neces- commitment to interna- nerable people at this criti- 1998, with the coronavirus and foreign affairs. turn our backs on extremely sary due to the cost of the tional aid. cal time. We have the tools expected to push a further UK aid has been a lifeline vulnerable nations. We can pandemic. This is simply Were the defence budget to see past our shores and 115 million people into that for communities we work and must work as part of a not true. This week the UK only increased by £12.5 bil- work for the common good category, undoing decades with who are blighted by global world community to government has already an- lion – an eye-watering sum and to face the global crises of progress to reduce pov- war, hunger and climate tackle the hugely damaging nounced plans to increase in any year – this latest cut we are seeing as one human erty and hunger in some of change, and has been a effects of the major crises the defence budget by £16.5 could have been avoided. family. the world’s poorest coun- source of stability for peo- we are facing. billion, dwarfing the £4 bil- So don’t be taken in by the 20 FLOURISH December 2020

We believe in giving back to our local communities. This means charities, sports teams and great causes across the UK.

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