Pope praises Archbishop Scotland at Fisichella: New meeting with media is key to Kirk Moderator. evangelisation. Page 3 50 YEARS OF SCIAF, SEE PAGES 6-7, 10 Pages 4-5

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Pope Francis calls on new cardinals Following in St Ninian’s footsteps to serve with love I Bishop William Nolan of Galloway aims to bring the Good News to the diocese By Ian Dunn By Gerard Gough ON Valentine’s Day Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals and told NEWLY elevated Bishop William Nolan of them their first responsibility was Galloway has vowed to follow in the footsteps to serve the Church with love. of St Ninian and bring the Good News to the “The greater our responsibility in people of the diocese. serving the Church, the more our At his installation Mass at the Grand Hall in hearts must expand according to the Kilmarnock last Saturday, the new bishop (right) measure of the heart of Christ,” he spoke of having a purpose, rather than a definite plan told 19 of the new cardinals during for the diocese, and that purpose was to share the the consistory. Good News with everyone in the same way as his The 20th new cardinal, 95-year- fourth century predecessor had done. old Colombian Cardinal Jose Pimiento Rodriguez, retired bishop Sharing the Good News of Manizales, was unable to attend “I am very conscious that I follow in the footsteps of the ceremony and was to receive St Ninian, who came to Galloway in 397AD,” his red biretta and cardinal’s ring in Bishop Nolan said. “He came with something to give his homeland. to the people—he came with Good News. That Good Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI News is something I hope to bring to the diocese and attended the ceremony, sitting in the it is something that we as priests, people and bishops front row of St Peter’s Basilica should all try to bring to other people, to give them alongside the already existing that gift. If we don’t bring them the gift of the Good members of the College of Cardinals. News there’s no purpose. Pope Francis’ meditation at the “Just last year Pope Francis published a document ceremony focused on the famous called The Joy of the Gospel—Evangelii Gaudium. It passage about love from St Paul’s challenged all of us to embrace the joy of that Good First Letter to the Corinthians (13:4- News and to spread it and share it with others. It’s 7), which begins: “Love is patient, not a plan, it is a purpose. That is what I hope to do love is kind.” in my role as your bishop.” ‘All of us, myself first,’ should be The Mass was principally consecrated byArchbishop guided by St Paul’s words, he said, Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh. He was because every Christian ministry joined by the Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain, ‘flows from charity, must be Archbishop Antonio Mennini and Bishop Emeritus exercised in charity and is ordered Maurice Taylor of Galloway—who himself had toward charity.’ followed the same path from Our Lady of Lourdes The patience Christian love calls parish in East Kilbride to become Bishop of Galloway. for, he said, is a call to Catholicity. Members of the Scottish hierarchy, along with bishops “It means being able to love without from Ireland, England and Wales joined the packed limits, but also to be faithful in congregation in celebrating Bishop Nolan’s ordination particular situations and with practical to the Episcopate. gestures. It means loving what is great without neglecting what is small.” Leadership The new cardinals and all Archbishop Cushley—a former student of Bishop Christians, he said, can find a synopsis Nolan’s during his time as vice rector of the Scots of their calling in St Paul’s College in Rome—spoke during his homily of how affirmation that love ‘bears all the founder of Galloway Diocese, St Ninian, ‘puts us things, believes all things, hopes all and our Church in touch with the rest of Europe, with things, endures all things.’ the Scots finding themselves influenced by Christianity Christians, the Pope said, should through the example set by the saint and those who be ‘persons always ready to forgive; followed him.’Conscious of that historical leadership, always ready to trust, because we are the archbishop spoke of the leadership qualities that full of faith in God; always ready to Bishop Nolan will look to take on in his new role. inspire hope, because we ourselves “Our culture is used to seeing bishops unquestionably are full of hope in God; persons ready as leaders, as powerful men at the top of a powerful to bear patiently every situation and hierarchy,” Archbishop Cushley said. “But I would each of our brothers and sisters, in like you to step back from that assumption and to union with Christ, who bore with look at the reality. If what we do today means anything, love the burden of our sins.’ and if we pay attention to it, the words and signs we The 20 new cardinals come from will use in this ancient and beautiful ceremony will PIC: PAUL McSHERRY 18 nations, including three—Cape tell us of a man who is being set aside to serve you Verde, Myanmar and Tonga—that from now on, day and night, in holiness, in obedience, Christ, wise and obedient, and we pray that God will Cushley’s sentiments during his personal address. had never had a cardinal before. in humility, in gentleness and in purity. And he is to look with loving compassion upon him. We pray that “The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has said that the do so in perfect imitation of Christ our high priest, the spirit of governance poured out on Christ will be Church needs pastors who are close to their people,” I Continued on page 8 who came, not to be served, but to serve in obedience in turn poured out on him in abundance, in imitation Archbishop Mennini said. “Bishop Nolan, today is a to the will of His Father. So Fr Nolan is about to of the apostles and of his own predecessor St Ninian. great day because of your ordination, because of the become your spiritual leader, but not in a way that is And we pray fervently that, today and throughout joy felt by the Church at receiving a new pastor. All of that of a political autocrat or a strongman, but that of your ministry, he will be gentle and pure in heart as us gathered here today will continue to pray for you, a servant instead. he leads his people to salvation.” to love you and to love the Church. May God bless you.” “We all pray earnestly that Bishop Nolan will be a Archbishop Mennini—who passed on the thanks humble leader, a servant leader after the heart of and prayers of Pope Francis—echoed Archbishop I Continued on page 2

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Bishop Nolan wears his father’s ring

I Continued from page 1 aunts and uncles all who took bishop’s ring. Emeritus Taylor spoke of his the Faith very seriously and all “As an ecumenical gesture, I delight at the appointment and Family values who considered the Church an took the ring to jewellers in wished him ‘health, happiness During his speech to the active part of their lives.” Larkhall. The jeweller said that and—a special wish—the joyful congregation, Bishop Nolan Bishop Nolan explained that he’d never been asked to do a duty of having many ordinations stressed the importance of the the bishop’s ring he now wears bishop’s ring before. to celebrate.’ Bishop Emeritus role his family had played in his also had a special familial link “A wedding ring is a sign of John Cunningham added that he spiritual development and paid and, he joked, ‘ecumenical’ commitment and I’d like it to assured the new bishop of his tribute to the loving example significance. symbolise my commitment to ‘prayerful support for his they had shown him. My father had a gold wedding the people here in Galloway in ministry,’ while also asking for “I would like to pay tribute to ring,” he said. “It was a ring that the same way my parents were ‘God’s abundant blessing on and thank my family, my parents he never wore because as committed to each other and him.’ and all my family,” the bishop a mechanic it wasn’t really their family.” said. “I was very fortunate to suitable to wear jewellery. I’ve Prior to the Mass, Bishop I [email protected] have parents, cousins, godparents, had that ring reformed into a Nolan’s predecessor Bishop PICS: PAUL McSHERRY White Mass for health workers

HEALTHCARE workers West Africa. necessary part of the Church’s came to StAndrew’s Cathedral Speaking about Jesus the ministry’ that ‘needs to be in Glasgow last Sunday for healer, Bishop Toal said that upheld and protected both by the annual White Mass. ‘perhaps Jesus was a one man the Church and by those who Bishop Joseph Toal of NHS in his day.’ manage our hospitals.’ Motherwell was principal “Certainly it is suggested he “Our provision of the celebrant as Scotland paid tribute is almost overwhelmed by the Sacraments is a necessary part to its doctors, nurses and other number of people coming to of the Church’s ministry in healthcare workers. seek healing from him,” he hospitals and it is important The bishop spoke during his said. that this distinctive aspect of homily in defence of the NHS, “While he tries to attend to the Catholic Church’s ministry and said that we have a fine them he also has to withdraw to the sick continues to be service in this country despite on occasions and he indeed respected and provided for,” he the occasional problems. seems to struggle with the said. The Ebola crisis, for example, attention given to him and the Also in attendance where the he said, shows there is still a speculation surrounding him.” Knights of St Columba, who this real struggle in regard to serious The bishop added that the month are encouraging Catholics contagious diseases and how ‘spiritual care offered to those to pray for the sick as part of their we treat and nurse those suffering in hospital is very important’ Spiritual Bouquet campaign, for from them, and he paid tribute and that those carrying out this which the SCO is a media partner to the courage of those of have ministry in hospitals and other (see page 23). gone to help those suffering in institutions are ‘a vital and PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

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POPE Francis is to send a special envoy to Glasgow to mark the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie in March. Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor (right), the retired Archbishop of Westminster, has been asked by the Holy Father to be his special envoy at the celebrations which will involve Solemn Vespers at St Aloysius Church on March 9 and a Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Glasgow at 7.30pm on March 10, St John Ogilvie’s feast day. Commenting on his nomination, Cardinal Murphy O’Connor said he was ‘greatly honoured to be appointed by Pope Francis as a special envoy for the solemn celebration of the 400th centenary of the martyrdom Pope, Moderator see Scotland shine of St John Ogilvie in Glasgow.’ “I am particularly happy because I was in Rome for the By Ian Dunn appearing to show the beheading of 21 was able to make a pastoral visit. saint’s Canonisation in 1976 and Christians who were kidnapped a few “It was immediately apparent I was in the took part in the great celebration POPE Francis has praised Scotland as weeks ago. presence of a man of prayer and a humble for the Church in Scotland and an ‘outstanding’ example of religious “Their only words were: ‘Jesus, help me!’” human being,” he said. “I expressed a hope indeed, the universal Church,” ‘understanding and co-operation’in stark The Pope said. “They were killed simply that a pastoral visit by His Holiness to he said. “I look forward to the contrast with the beheading of 21 for the fact that they were Christians. You, Scotland would be appreciated by all faiths.” events taking place in Glasgow Christians by Islamic terrorists in Libya. my brother, in your words referred to what Mr Chalmers told Pope Francis that recent on March 9-10 and to presenting The Holy Father was speaking after is happening in the land of Jesus. The events, such as the joint service marking the the Holy Father’s message to the personal note I have known meeting with the Moderator of the General blood of our Christian brothers and sisters 450th anniversary of the Reformation, would Church in Scotland and to all Cardinal Murphy O’Connor Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the is a testimony which cries out to be heard. have been unthinkable when he was younger, those present at the celebrations.” since I was a seminarian and Right Reverend John Chalmers at the It makes no difference whether they be but both churches had travelled a long and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia young priest in Rome in the 1970s Vatican, on Monday and praised his Catholics, Orthodox, Copts or Protestants. significant ecumenical journey. of Glasgow (bottom right), who and it will give me great pleasure guest’s homeland saying ‘Scotland’s rich They are Christians! Their blood is one The Moderator also said that he and the will preside at the anniversary to welcome him to Glasgow.” cultural and historical traditions have been and the same. Their blood confesses Pope had spoken about climate change, events, said he was delighted to John Ogilvie, a convert to the shaped by outstanding saintly witnesses to Christ. As we recall these brothers and sis- describing it as the ‘most pressing issue in be joined by the cardinal. Catholic Faith from Banffshire, Christ from various confessions.’ ters who died only because they confessed human history’ which are ‘most keenly “The Bishops of Scotland was educated on mainland Europe “The present state of ecumenical relations Christ, I ask that we encourage each another experienced by the poorest of the world’s intend to celebrate this anniversary before being ordained a Jesuit in Scotland clearly shows that what we, as to go forward with this ecumenism, which poor.’ He said he looked forward to Pope both as an event of great joy for priest. He returned to his native Christians, hold in common is greater than is giving us strength, the ecumenism of Francis’ Encyclical Letter on Ecology and the Catholic community in country to serve for a short time. all that divides us,” the Pope said. “On this blood. The martyrs belong to all Christians.” hoped that it would unite religious leaders Scotland and as a moment of new He was hanged at Glasgow Cross basis the Lord is calling us to seek ever more Speaking after his audience with the across world in common purpose. hope for all Christians, for all on March 10, 1615 after having effective ways to overcome old prejudices Pope, Mr Chalmers said he shared the Pope’s He was accompanied by his wife, Liz, believers and for all people of been arrested for saying Mass and to find new forms of understanding concerns that the two men spoke about and the Rev Alison McDonald Convener good will. Cardinal Murphy and celebrating the Sacraments and cooperation.” The Pope went on to say ‘our joint belief in the power of cooperation of the Church of Scotland Committee on O’Connor’s presence and with persecuted Catholics in and he was heartened to see the Church of against a background of challenge and Ecumenical Relations. Mr Chalmers presented participation as the Papal envoy around the Glasgow area. He Scotland and the Catholic Church can in increasing radicalisation in the world.’ His Holiness with a Dove of Peace made will add even greater significance was Canonised by Blessed Pope ‘many cases speak with one voice on issues “We agreed to work for peace through by a Palestinian Christian Group in and will bring the Successor of Paul VI in 1976 following the which deeply affect the lives of all Christians.’ our common faith,” he added. Bethlehem. These glass doves are made out Peter closer to us and to the people miraculous cure of Glasgow He contrasted this with his feelings of The Moderator also extended an invitation of fragments of broken bottles thrown away of Scotland,” he said. “On a more man John Fagan from cancer. profound sorrow ‘about the execution of those to the Pontiff during the private audience, or glass found in the rubble of bombsites. 21 or 22 Coptic Christians.’Islamist militants saying that people of faith in Scotland claiming loyalty to ISIS released a video would welcome him with open arms if he I [email protected] Mancunia Tangney Tours Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh Lourdes Flights 2015 Lourdes Pilgrimage 10th - 17th July We are pleased to operate direct fl ights to Lourdes on the following dates from Edinburgh Led by Archbishop Leo Cushley 3rd - 10th of July & 17th - 24th July, NEWS from Manchester 31st of July, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th August, 5th September from Liverpool 24th July for 7 nights Easter in Lourdes Flights from Edinburgh direct to Lourdes th th with B&B from £632 full board from £706 pp. By Air from Stansted: 6 - 10 April, from £525 per person 2015 theme - the Joy of Mission By Coach from London: 3rd - 6th April, from £199 per person We are pleased to operate direct fl ights to Lourdes on the Shrines of Europe Pilgrimage following dates from Edinburgh Fatima, Santiago & Lourdes 10th - 18th September - £819pp FatimaFatima Pilgrimages 3rd - 10th of July & 17th - 24th July. 11th - 17th May, 10th - 15th June, 11th - 16th September Easter in Lourdes & 11th - 16th October From £565 pp Spend some time with Our By Air from Stansted: 3rd - 10th April, from £640 per person Lady of Fatima on the 12th & 13th of the month By Coach from London: 3rd - 6th April, from £199 per person www.mancunia.com www.tangney-tours.com ABTA No.Y5280 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 0141 155 1344 FREE BROCHURE LINE: 0131 564 0644 5126 5126 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015

Triple celebration for St Bride’s Primary School

By Daniel Harkins 17, 1975, by Frank McElhone, American and, of course, Scottish. MP for Glasgow Queens Park, Ms Russell, who has been at A MULTICULTURAL Glasgow in the presence of Cardinal the school for eight years, said school held a triple celebration Thomas Winning. such diversity was great. as it marked Catholic Education Headteacher Maureen Russell In the lead up to the celebration week, the Feast Day of its said the Mass was fabulous and the anniversary was marked by patron saint, ands its 40th year that the pupils had enjoyed the a number of events including serving the community. First Minister’s visit. “They were fun days and a pantomime. Children from St Bride’s, absolutely over the moon, The school also used their Govanhill, where joined by practising all week on how to anniversary Mass to celebrate Scotland’s First Minister Nicola address her,” she said. “They the Feast Day of St Bride—or Sturgeon in Holy Cross Church presented her with flowers and St Brigid—which took place on for a Mass concelebrated by were so excited.” February 1. Each year the parish priest—and school St Bride’s has always been a school marks the day by chaplain—Fr Neil Donnachie, part of a multicultural community, giving the children a special and former school chaplain Fr originally serving Irish immigrants treat to celebrate. John Sweeney (above). Quadruple —with a school roll of 500— Nicola Sturgeon (below) took Spread the Faith to celebrations were in order for when it first opened, and it now to social media after the Mass, P6 pupil Jennifer Doherty who has 335 pupils of more than 19 writing: “Thanks… to all at St turned ten on the same day. different nationalities including Brides Primary in Govanhill for By Daniel Harkins world views clashing with one another in the form The St Bride’s building dates Polish, Indian, Iranian, Italian, inviting me to celebrate your of fundamentalism and violence. back to 1894 when it was Turkish, Pilipino, Latvian, 40th anniversary with you.” A PROMINENT Italian archbishop has “Individual lives are losing a sense of relatedness to Strathbungo Secondary (Public) Afghan, Pakistani, Romanian, called for the Faith in Scotland to be spread to others and tend to close themselves off in a cage of School. St Bride’s was officially Slovakian, Somalian, I [email protected] the new online culture. individualism, living merely according to one’s opened on the location on January Malaysian, Libyan, Bulgarian PICS: PAUL McSHERRY Delivering the annual Cardinal Winning Lecture desires and rights,” he said. “Christianity will be at Glasgow University last Saturday, Archbishop significant only to the extent that it is able to make Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council others understand the radical newness it presents.” for Promoting New Evangelisation, gave a wide- “Who will be the protagonist of this age?” the ranging speech on the need to spread the Good archbishop asked. “Man? Science? Technology? News in the modern world and the need for Nature? God? It is difficult to say.” individuals to meet with Jesus. Speaking about young people, the archbishop “I apologise for my accent but it is the only one said that ‘not only do they not understand our I have,” the Lombardi native began in the lecture language… they also cannot find a way of directly to close Catholic Education Week. conversing with us.’ Over the next hour and a half, he spoke to a “I specifically have in mind the digital age, large audience made up of representatives of a something we have not reflected on sufficiently number of schools—including St Andrew’s High and assessed properly,” he said. “We still have the School in Coatbridge, St Mungo’s Academy, idea that the internet is an instrument, when in Glasgow, and St Ninian’s High School in reality I think it has become a culture. It is no Renfrewshire—and Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, longer enough simply to make use of [digital who had been taught theology by the archbishop in devices]; we must rather find a way to evangelise the Scots College in Rome. a culture formed by these devices. “The present crisis in the West is down to the “The language proper to them has already fact that it has forgotten its Christian identity,” changed the very structure of language. Language is Archbishop Fisichella said. The ‘momentous more concise, immediate, and in some cases it cultural changes’ we are experiencing today, he cannot exceed 140 characters. Consequently, added, pose a number of challenges, with contrasting behaviours change with the language. The hours St Blane’s pupils make tracks in helping to tackle sectarianism

Medjugorje 2015 CHILDREN from St Blane’s Times Scotswoman of the Year 21 - 28 June 2015 Primary in Blantyre took to award last week. the tracks of the Sir Chris Hoy The St Blane’s pupils have 13 - 20 September Velodrome to raise awareness taken part in a number of anti- Departing from Edinburgh of sectarianism. sectarianism initiatives including The school were joined by Nil a buddy scheme—which saw the £544 by Mouth founder Cara Henderson children themselves deal with Book before Feb 15th for a £30 discount as they helped promote the their peers who used bigoted charity’s Champions for Change language—and an examination contact Roger Foster 01475 793 987 education programme. of global inequality in the lead-up The Blantyre school recently to the Commonwealth Games. won a Gold Award from Nil by Anne O’Donnelly, principal EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Mouth after years of work teacher at St Blane’s, said the Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. promoting equality amongst the pupils (right) had a fantastic day 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. town community. and enjoyed the opportunity to Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. Ms Henderson, who set up the use the cycling track, adding that Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] charity as a teenager after her the school was ‘very grateful to for free monthly posted programme guide and friend Mark Scott was murdered Dave Scott from Nil by Mouth visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. on the way home from a Celtic and also Scottish Women in match, received the Evening Business for sponsoring the event.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Church support at Mass for new teachers

PROBATIONARY teachers from St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese received support from the Church as they gathered for Mass in St Margaret’s Chapel at the Gillis Centre. A group of 24 teachers (right) currently undertaking their first year in education attended Mass celebrated at the start of Catholic Education Week by the Archbishop Leo Cushley and Mgr Philip Kerr, vicar general of the archdiocese. Claire Munro and Roishann McGuire, both teachers at St Bernadette’s in Stenhousemuir, attended the Mass. Miss Munro said she enjoyed being able to hear from other teachers in the The General Teaching Council teaching is a vocation and same position as her, and praised for Scotland requires newly something precious. the archbishop for his help. graduated teachers to complete “It is something, you could “He is very approachable and a probationary period and almost say, ‘sacred,’ because makes things easier,” she said. guarantees a one-year training you are helping young people “I’ve got a P4 class and he is post to every graduating student to grow up into the persons that preparing the Sacraments with with a teaching certificate. God is calling them to be,” he the children rather than the “It’s been hard work, but we said. “Teaching is something priest. He is quite hands on.” are enjoying it,” Miss Munro that others like to gently rib Archbishop Rino Fisichella joins Bishop John Miss Munro and Miss said. “The ethos of the school from time to time: ‘those who Keenan of Paisley, and pupils and headteacher McGuire both graduated from is really good. It is a kind of can do, and those who can’t John Docherty of St Ninian’s High School in Glasgow University in the family and very welcoming. teach,’ they say. Well that’s Giffnock (above), after this year’s Cardinal summer and received a Catholic Even when we first came in unfair. Don’t listen to them. Winning lecture (left) PICS: ROBERT WILSON Teacher’s Certificate, with both everyone was treated the same Fight back. You are aspiring to saying their Catholic background and everyone knows each other.” do something that is very made them want to teach in a Speaking at the Mass, important indeed. I think it is Catholic school. Archbishop Cushley said that essential. It is practically sacred.” new online culture St Gregory’s parish begins golden jubilee celebrations we spend in front of a computer, the possibility of said that Scotland faces unique challenges as a PARISHIONERS of St being tracked, communicating by SMS… In short, country where Catholicism is in the minority, and Gregory’s in Kelvindale it’s not only the devices that are changing, but the stressed the need to take different approaches to came together last week to very lives of the human beings using them. spreading the Good News in different cultures. kick-start celebrations for “This inevitably raises a question: How can we “We cannot do new evangelisation in Europe as their parish’s golden jubilee. evangelise the digital generation and transmit the in the States or in Latin American and even in St Gregory’s began life in faith to them? How can we transmit a culture rich Europe we cannot do the same in Scotland as in Italy.” February 1965 when Fr Brendan in humanism to a culture where technology reigns The archbishop said that we are living in a big Murphy was asked to create a supreme? We know we are called to meet men and crisis of faith, but that New Evangelisation is simple: new parish to serve Wyndford women wherever we find them. So what is the “It is very easy; it is to announce Jesus Christ and and the surrounding area. meaning of faith to the digital person? Christianity what is easier than to announce Jesus Christ? The church building was opened has always been the communication of an event “The culture today, it seems, doesn’t need God, in 1971 by Archbishop James and an experience; how can we render faith but without God there is not happiness or Scanlan of Glasgow with guests intelligible to one who lives in the web?” meaning or a goal to reach and for this reason I see including the Apostolic nuncio The Cardinal Winning Lecture, organised by the western society as without orientation. The New to Great Britain Domenico Enrici. St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Evangelisation must be addressed to our St Gregory’s celebrations Education at the university, takes place each year communities. We have to go out from bureaucracy began (above) with the launch of and has been delivered in the past by Archbishop to our communities and learn once against the joy a new logo. The motif mirrors Gerhard Muller, the Prefect of the Congregation of announcing Jesus Christ to the world.” the church’s three levels, and has lined-up a number of key next 12 months as the parish for the Doctrine of the Faith, and former First incorporates the stunning stained events to take place over the celebrates its 50th year. Minister Alex Salmond. I Strong in Faith debate, see page 15 glass that adorns the church. Speaking to the SCO, Archbishop Fisichella I [email protected] Parish priest FrAllan Cameron JOEJOE WALSHWWAALSH TTOURSOURS PILGRIMAGEPILGRIMAGE SSPECIALISTSPECIALISTS

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WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 SCIAF FEATURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015

HELPING THE HELPLESS BACK FROM THE BRINK In the second of a series of special reports throughout Lent, IAN DUNN reports back from DR Congo and Rwanda where SCIAF is working with victims of harrowing sexual violence. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund

HUKURU Nacinyungu is 12 years old. She doesn’t talk Despite the trauma she endured, Chukuru has returned to school. bush. She was raped by the rebel commander who then gave her to much. She lives in a small village in the Eastern DR “My purpose is to study,” she said. “The school teaches me to read his men who pumped litres of water into her stomach. Though she Congo. The land here is rich, the plant and crops are a and to write, the reading is most important, that is my favourite.” survived, a month later Congolese soldiers captured her and also luscious green and beneath the soil there is vast mineral raped her. When we met her she had just been released from hospital wealth. The hills roll down to the beautiful Lake Kivu, Weapon of war but was determined to tell her story. and, in another world, this would have been idyllic spot to spend a The full horror of Chukuru’s story is heightened by the knowledge Lying on the ground in a small hut, she told us that when the pain childhood. that what happened to her is not rare. was bad it was as ‘if there is a plastic bag full of dirty water in my belly.’ CIn this area 20 years of ethnic conflict, spurred by grasping hunger In the mid-1990s Rwandan troops entered South Kivu, in pursuit “We need peace here,” she told me. “War has brought so much for the region’s resources, has left a country and a people with scars of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. Since then the region has suffering.” that cannot be hidden. been racked with conflict, with a dizzying number of different armed Two years ago Chukuru was out collecting firewood. groups fighting and allying with each other at different points. All Support “A man found me and took me by force,” she said. “When they sides used rape as a weapon of war and one report suggested that Azama is part of a group of women supported by SCIAF’s partner found me I couldn’t say anything.” 400,000 people were raped in a single year. The worst of the fighting the Bukavu Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission. Alongside The rape was so brutal that two years later she still has health problems. has ceased in the past couple of years, but this remains a place were SCIAF’s work in the Congo helping women farmers, which is The culprit—who was well known in the local community—was thousands upon thousands of women were routinely raped. supported by this year’s Wee Box campaign, such projects are allowing arrested after Chukuru was taken to hospital. However, the justice There are countless men here, themselves often brutalised through people come back from the brink. system here is so broken down that he was let go after paying the being press ganged into armed groups as children, who have “We could sit with one other after all that had happened,” Azama local police a small fine, seen as more of a bribe. In a rage over being committed countless acts of rape. How do you rebuild a society that said. “After everything that happened, we learned that we are human. arrested at all, he then went to Chukuru’s house and viciously beat has been traumatised by such horror? The group helps us to manage our money and that we’re not alone. up her father before fleeing into the jungle. For some women the trauma goes on long after the attack. We don’t need much help, just a little and to be able to live peacefully.” “I am still frightened,” she told me. “He could come back. Even Azama Wasangwa is 43 and has four children, and ten years ago A key part of SCIAF’s work in the Eastern Congo is helping victims doing normal activities, I sometimes remember the violence.” a rebel group came into her village and dragged her away into the of sexual violence rebuild their lives. They receive counselling, medical WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCIAF FEATURE 7 SCIAF is working with partner organisation Association d’Appui Juridique aux Victimes de Viol et des Violences (AJV) and dedicated lawyers such as Juvenal Bizimana (right) to help women in DR Congo who have suffered harrowing acts of sexual violence—such as Azama Wasangwa (far left) and Chukuru Nacinyungu (left)—to rebuild their lives ALL PICS: SIMON MURPHY

SCIAF WEE BOX, BIG CHANGE APPEAL

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A better future Security code Issue No. help, and financial advice to help them carry on. SCIAF is, however, Valid from Expiry Date (last 3 digits on back of card) (Maestro Only) also helping Congolese people who are trying to change their country Agonisingly slowly, things are improving the Eastern DR Congo. fundamentally, to stop it being a nation were rapists can freely walk After years of conflict there is now a fragile peace. Where once there the streets. was no consequences for rapists, now AJV and other groups have Title Full name SCIAF’s specialist partner AJV (Association d’Appui Juridique hundreds men facing charges of sexual violence. Not everyone is aux Victimes de Viol et des Violences) is working to bring some of convicted but, slowly, the culture is changing. Address the thousands of rapists in the Eastern Congo to justice. Halfway way across the world, Scottish aid through SCIAF is Postcode Lawyer Juvenal Bizimana looks out of place in the bush with his helping rebuild a country that had been all but destroyed by rape and sharp suit and pocket square, yet he and lawyers like him are heroes violence. >SOHDVH WLFN@ , ZDQW DOO WKH GRQDWLRQV ,őYH PDGH VLQFH  $SULO  DQG DOO GRQDWLRQV LQ WKH IXWXUH WR TXDOLI\ IRU *LIW $LG XQWLO , QRWLI\ \RX RWKHUZLVH7R TXDOLI\ of their profession. Every day he goes to work to help the victims of There is unbelievable evil in the Congo, men who have done Godless, IRU *LIW $LG ZKDW \RX SD\ LQ LQFRPH WD[ RU FDSLWDO JDLQV WD[ PXVW DW OHDVW HTXDO WKH sexual violence. shameful things, but there are also shining lights—men and women DPRXQW RI WD[ WKDW 6&,$)DQG DOO RWKHU FKDULWLHV RU &RPPXQLW\ $PDWHXU 6SRUWV &OXEV \RX GRQDWH WR ZLOO FODLP LQ WKH WD[ \HDU 6&,$) ZLOO FODLP S RI WD[ IRU HYHU\ “In the villages the percentage of women affected is higher than with endless compassion and great courage who are taking their e \RX GRQDWH7D[HV VXFK DV 9$7 DQG FRXQFLO WD[ GR QRW TXDOLI\ the towns,” he said. “I can’t say for certain but it might be around 80 country back. Thank you! per cent. The worst case I heard of involved a seven-year-old girl Nothing can ever erase what happened to Chukuru Nacinyungu— Please return this form in the FREEPOST envelope provided to: who was raped by seven men from a rebel group.” who is 12 years old, who doesn’t say much—and those like her. But FREEPOST RTHL-HABY-CSLB SCIAF, 19 Park Circus,Glasgow G3 6BE. He himself has faced violence many times following threats for she can have the chance to live the rest of her life. And the man who To donate online please visit www.theweebox.org or call 0141 354 5555 attempting to bring charges against violent dangerous men. Other raped her may now face the consequences of what he has done. to donate over the phone. members of AJV have had to go into hiding or flee the region due to That is the work of the Lord. ,WőV FUXFLDO WR RXU ZRUN ŵJKWLQJ SRYHUW\ WKDW ZH NHHS LQ WRXFK ZLWK RXU VXSSRUWHUV the severity of the threats against them. ,I DW DQ\ WLPH \RX SUHIHU QRW WR KHDU IURP XVSOHDVH ZULWH WR XV DW WKH DERYH Juvenal himself has though about leaving many times. I [email protected] DGGUHVV RU HPDLO [email protected] “But if I left, how do things get better?” he said. “I am humanitarian. That is what pushes me. I believe things can improve.” I www.sciaf.org.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 Be guided by St Paul’s words, Pope tells cardinals

I Continued from page 1

For the first time, there are more non- European than European cardinals in the electoral body. Only one of the cardinals works in the Roman Curia: French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, head of the Apostolic Signature, the Vatican’s highest court. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar said that he sees the selection as a call from Francis for Christians to have a special interest in interreligious harmony, Choosing not to have children is respecting other races and religions, ‘wherever we are.’ a selfish choice, Holy Father says Cardinal Bo (right) also said that he sees the distinction as a responsibility rather COUPLES who choose not “I remember my mum would than an honour or a title, and he hopes it to have children are making say: ‘I have five children. Who’s will allow him to be a voice for the voiceless ‘a selfish choice,’ Pope my favourite? I have five children in Myanmar working for human rights, Francis has said. like I have five fingers. If you justice, and permanent peace among all “If a family that has been slam this one, it hurts. If you peoples, ‘giving more attention to the generous in having children is slam that one, it hurts. All five marginalised, the internally displaced looked upon as a burden, would hurt. All are mine, but refugees, and the migrants.’ something’s wrong,” he said they are all different like the With the creation of the 20 new cardinals, during his weekly general fingers on my hand.’ the College of Cardinals expanded to 227 them part of the Roman clergy. the Holy Rosary of Jerusalem, the first audience last week. “A child is loved not because members, 125 of whom are under the age In their first official act as cardinals, the Palestinian religious order, and the Blessed “The generation of children he or she is beautiful or has this of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a new members of the college along with their Mariam Baouardy, a Melkite Catholic must be responsible, as Blessed quality or that one,” he said, conclave to elect a new Pope. confreres attested to their support for Pope member of the Discalced Carmelites. Paul VI wrote in his encyclical “No, parents love their children After the new cardinals professed their Francis to proceed with the canonisation The Pope announced the Canonisation Humanae Vitae. But having because they are their children.” faith by reciting the Creed and formally of three women: the Blessed Jeanne ceremony will be held on May 17 and will more children cannot be looked Being a son or daughter is an swore fidelity and obedience to the Pope Emilie De Villeneuve, the French founder also include the Canonisation of Italian upon automatically as an experience of unconditional love, and his successors, they approached Pope of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Maria Cristina Brando, founder of irresponsible choice. What is he said, because ‘children are Francis one by one to receive their biretta, Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Mary the Oblation Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. more, not having children is a loved even before they are their cardinal’s ring and the assignment of Alphonsine Danil Ghattas, the Jerusalem- selfish choice.” born.’ Pope Francis said he is a ‘titular’ church in Rome, which makes born founder of the Dominican Sisters of I [email protected] Continuing a series of talks always moved when a pregnant about the family, Pope Francis woman ‘shows me her belly said birthrates are a clear and asks for my blessing. These indication of the optimism and babies are loved even before hope of a couple and of the they come into the world. This SPOTLIGHT ON society in which they live. is love.’ A society that pressures people People love their sons and not to have children, ‘that daughters ‘before they have considers them a concern, a done anything to deserve it, burden, a risk, is a society that before they can speak or think, is depressed,’ he said, pointing even before they are born,’ the particularly to European countries Pope (above) said. ‘Being sons with declining populations and daughters is a fundamental because of their low birthrates. condition for knowing the love “Life is rejuvenated and of God, who is the ultimate energies are increased when source of this authentic miracle’ life multiplies,” he said. “It is that is new life. enriched, not impoverished!” Children, who rightly hope to He continued: “Think about make the world a better place, this, children are the joy of the must do so without ‘arrogance’ family and of society. They and always with respect for aren’t a problem of reproductive their parents, he said. biology or another way of self- The fourth commandment realisation. Even less are they a asks children to ‘honour thy possession of their parents. No! father and mother,’ he said. ‘A Children are a gift. Understand?” society of children who do not “Children are a gift,” he honour their parents is a society added. “Each one is unique and without honour.’ unrepeatable.” Pope Francis ended his talk Departing from his prepared asking parents to pause in text, Pope Francis told the silence to think about their estimated 11,000 people in St children and asking everyone to New Cardinal Soane Mafi of Tonga poses with pilgrims from his country during a reception for new cardinals in Paul VI hall after a consistory at the Peter’s Square that he was one think about their parents ‘to Vatican February 14. of five children. thank God for the gift of life.’

Archbishop McMahon celebrates first In his homily the archbishop A report issued on the internet the Moscow Patriarchate, has NEWS ROUNDUP spoke of Iraqi Christians: “Day by the Islamic State said that called for fasting and prayer as civic Mass as Archbishop of Liverpool and night, all they experience is the Coptic Christians were killed a cease-fire begins in Ukraine Iraqi Bishop given emptiness. Each of them can be in ‘revenge for the Muslim on February 15. ARCHBISHOP Malcolm Archdiocesan boundaries. warm UK welcome forgiven if at times they feel women persecuted by Coptic Metropolitan Onufra decried McMahon celebrated the It was Archbishop Malcolm CARDINAL Vincent Nichols that theirs is a life without the crusaders in Egypt.’ the violence that has shaken annual civic Mass for the City McMahon’s first Civic Mass in welcomed Archbishop Bashar breath of God, the love of The reference was evidently Ukraine, and appealed for ‘all of Liverpool last Sunday. the city and he said ‘my prayer Warda of Erbil, Iraq, last week. God… Theirs is a situation of to an incident in which two those who call themselves The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, today is that in the diversity Archbishop Bashar has been captivity in which some people Egyptian women married to Christians to immediately stop Councillor Erica Kemp CBE, read which is the City of Liverpool visiting the UK to ask for feel hopeless and feel that God Copts were allegedly pressured killing each other.’ the second lesson from the First we will discover true community: additional humanitarian help has abandoned his people.” to repudiate Islam. He said that pre-Lenten Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians. community which comprises all and protection for Iraqi The archbishop was brought The Egyptian Government festivities should be replaced In keeping with the wishes of and serves all where everyone is Christians fleeing the Islamic to the UK by Aid to the Church has not confirmed the deaths of by prayers for peace. the Lord Mayor, themes which treated with dignity and respect.’ State (IS). in Need. the 21 kidnapping victims, but The Ukrainian Orthodox ran through the Mass focused Prayers were said for all in Archbishop Warda fears that the internet report is Church’s Moscow Patriarchate on volunteering, with different public office and the judiciary: concelebrated Mass at a packed Islamic State kills 21 accurate. has avoided taking a partisan religions working together. for volunteers; for those who work Westminster Cathedral, as Egyptian Christians stand during the months of Also in attendance were in industry, commerce, education many in the Iraqi Christian THE Islamic State has Kiev Metropolitan conflict in Ukraine, while the councillors and officers of the and culture and for those who community in London and announced the killing of 21 calls for prayers Russian Orthodox Church has City of Liverpool and Mayors are deprived or disadvantaged; other supporters turned out to Egyptian Christians who were METROPOLITAN Onufra of supported Moscow and blamed and representatives of the other the sick, the unemployed, the show their solidarity with abducted from Libya early in Kiev, the leader of the Ukrainian the crisis on the Byzantine-rite local authorities within the homeless and the poor. Christians in Iraq. January. Orthodox Church aligned with Ukrainian Catholic Church. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER POLITICS AND FAITH 9 Labour and the SNP, a story starting to unfold In a new six-part series, DR JOSEPH BRADLEY explores the relevance POLITICS AND FAITH IN SCOTLAND of faith to political life in the context of an ever-changing Scotland

EW observers would deny how important much lesser extent Irish ones amongst the Irish British symbols together and where a majority of the recent independence referendum has diaspora in Scotland—changing perceptions of the people claimed they were both Scottish and British. been to Scotland’s ongoing cultural and Labour Party has been the SNP’s greatest political With regards to monopolising Scottish symbolism, political life. A temporary or long term boon. Although historically few Catholics voted one can reflect upon recent party electioneering re-drawing of numerous identities that SNP, led by Alex Salmond, party strategists and using an image of potential SNP held seats in have religious, ethnic, national, class, geographical, aids have made a seemingly successful effort to Westminster, tartan in design and colour, to community, ideological, cultural and political target Labour heartlands in the west-central belt, specifically promote a Scottish message for the dimensionsF appears to have taken place with the also the area where most of Scotland’s Catholics forthcoming General Election. The reality being vote of September 2014. The referendum was an live, as well as arguably the region with some of that there are already 59 seats held by MPs from exercise in western democracy—with all its the greatest cause for social, cultural, economic Scotland and which are theoretically, always covered undemocratic constraints and limitations—as and political disaffection. in tartan. However, such psychology also reminds currently modelled and widely accepted. It didn’t Recent Scottish Labour leader candidate Neil us that the SNP’s raison d’être is separation from spark any major internal conflicts, though it was Findlay stated that SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s England, it’s why the party exists and is the anything but peaceful. Within communities numerous goal was to destroy Labour in Scotland prior to essence of what drives it. fractures took place, often of a bitter personal- pressing for another referendum. That is unsurprising Partly reflecting how skillful the SNP has intimidatory nature: including Catholic on Catholic as Labour has long presented the SNP with a major become in terms of media management, was in parts of Glasgow and Lanarkshire. What these stumbling block in the often impoverished, mainly demonstrated spectacularly when the First Minister fractures mean or how long they will endure is as working and lower middle class central belt: an and his party displaced headlines proclaiming a yet unanswered. area usually more concerned with the solidarity, ‘Scotland says NO’ vote on the morning after the From a Catholic perspective—cultural as well radicalism, loyalty and patriotism of what is usually Referendum with one saying ‘Salmond to step- as religious—in terms of recent elections and the termed class politics, and less with the patriotism down’ instead. Apart from knocking the No vote referendum in particular, there is no single answer of Scottish Nationalism. referendum result from many front pages, this also to the various conundrums that pertain to Over the past decade or so Alex Salmond has allowed Alex Salmond to shelter incoming leader contemporary Catholic feelings, identities, voting been an exceptional performer with the Catholic Nicola Sturgeon from negative fallout from his behaviours and what these may or may not mean vote in mind. He denounced the anti-Catholic leading a failed campaign for independence— for the future. The most notable movement for British Act of Settlement and offered support—at though it would be difficult to recognise any such Catholics has been a shift in long established and Catholics in Scotland have much to consider before that point on paper more support than any other failure-collateral damage since the SNP has gone some would argue latterly ‘taken for granted’ deciding upon who to vote for in the upcoming UK high profile politician in Scotland—for Catholic from strength to strength since September 2014. General Election Catholic-Labour—although the same might also schools: this in a society that either does not favour Alex Salmond and his advisors have also been be said for working-class-Labour links—allegiances. or is vehemently against them. In 2015, new Scottish exemplary in re-positioning the SNP in terms of The party that for decades best represented the Despite its lack of MPs, Labour’s traditional Labour leader Jim Murphy also came out in support its once significant anti-Catholic culture. Founder poor and marginalised—Catholics in Britain arch enemy the Conservative Party remains a of Catholic schools saying that for him it is an member of the SNP Andrew Dewar Gibb, Regius substantially and disproportionately have filled significant force in Scotland as evidenced in the issue that is not up for debate, his support for them Professor of Law and Dean at Glasgow University’s those ranks—that argued for social and economic number that continue to vote for it rather than for is ‘permanent.’Nonetheless, widespread antagonism Law Faculty before retiring in 1958, was reported equality, fairness and justice, that created the NHS, the seats it gains: 17 per cent as compared to the towards Catholic schools is not surprising in terms as being remarkable for his anti-Catholicism and that looked less deferentially to the British SNPs 20 per cent and Labour’s 42 per cent in the of Scotland’s anti-Catholic history, partly reflected anti-Irishness in Scotland. At a time when such establishment, is on borrowed time unless it can last British General Election. The Liberal Democrats in the decades’ long ongoing propaganda against sentiments were popular and relatively unchallenged retain or regain the support of individuals, families have little support amongst Catholics as also has a Catholic schools pursued through and by the Scottish in Scotland it might actually have been quite a feat and communities that beforehand might have Green Party which for some is seen as seriously mainstream media. to stand out and be considered as ‘remarkable’ for fought, never mind voted, for its cause. In Catholic morally compromised, as reflected in a range of its In this light, indicative ofAlex Salmond’smanaging such prejudice. More recently, former SNP leader circles Labour was the reference, the representative, fundamental beliefs, policies and campaigns. of the party’s public face and political cohesion, and President William’s Wolfe’s views acquired the ideological standpoint in politics. Now some For many conviction Catholics, the Greens and but in another sense mirroring much of the rest of prominence in the 1980s. He denigrated the Vatican, are asking, ‘has Labour has lost its cause.’ a number of its allies in other parties, and sympathetic society in Scotland, there is evidence to suggest said the Catholic Church was trying to achieve organisations, intend to destroy what they see as that not many others within Scottish nationalism world domination and opposed the 1982 Papal Labour’s decline traditional marriage and the potential stability and hold positive views with regards these schools. Visit to Scotland. At the time Wolfe’s views The reasons for Labour’s recent decline amongst progressiveness of a mother-father-children family Indeed, there appears much active as well as passive confirmed to Catholics what was discerned and Catholics, as well as amongst other groups and unit and relationship. Further, a party that seems hostility within SNP ranks towards Catholic schools experienced at a local level and for them his public communities, are plentiful. Generally, it is seen by to support every secular manoeuvre to diminish in Scotland: depressing for supporters of Catholic expression reflected a perception of the SNP as many to have become directionless, to have become any influence Christianity retains in social, cultural, schools, but in reality a hostility that reflects anti-Catholic. centre right with little to distinguish it from others. educational and political life in Scotland. majority opinion in Scotland. In a society where prejudice and discrimination Widely perceived major self-detractors are seen as Labour and the Conservatives have a varied, One manifestation—as well as a reflection of the against Catholics of Irish descent was popular and Tony Blair and his ‘New Labour’ ilk. Blair of mixed to poor record on a number of these fronts success of SNP strategy—with regards to Catholics often institutionalised, political parties like the course made a major contribution towards the also, but the party that it might be reasoned as in Scotland has been the perceived pro-independence Conservatives were also long considered by peace process in the North of Ireland. However, standing side by side with the Greens in the recent pronouncements of retired Cardinal Keith O’Brien Catholics as anti-Catholic—as well as anti-working from a religious perspective for some Catholics he referendum, and frequently concurs with the Green —effectively just the Church working with the class. However, regardless of any charges that can should not have been accepted into the Catholic line in terms of a number of socio-cultural-moral incumbent government, even though Professor be laid towards the SNP or any other body with Church when he converted, a man who has questions, has been the SNP. Tom Gallagher has described the cardinal as acting respect to historical or contemporary anti- become a multi-millionaire while having critically ‘more as a cheerleader for the SNP than as a Catholicism, anti-Catholic identities, ideologies contributed to decisions that resulted, and are The SNP challenge dedicated pastor keen to strengthen his Church in and attitudes, although widespread and popular are resulting, in the deaths of many thousands of people Of course, there has been much political talk in an increasingly irreligious age.’ undoubtedly different in early 21st century Scotland. in several countries, in the perpetuation of war in this recent years regarding the challenge faced by But in an age of deceit, spin, promise, counter Contemporary anti-Catholicism has largely been world, whilst simultaneously failing in parliament Labour on the part of the SNP. Labelled ‘Tartan promise and career politicians, the SNP has been re-cycled and is much less obvious than it once to defend the right to life of the unborn in the Tories’ until not so very long ago, and a party that no different to Labour, Conservatives or the others was—much of it now illegal. Importantly, whatever womb: although this of course is a similar position continues to draw significant support from previously —it has simply been more efficient and effective. the conclusions about its decline, prevalence or its to that held by all of Scotland/Britain’s party leaders well established Tory heartlands—or traditionally manifestations, for many people it has lost its and most elected politicians. non-Labour—in parts of Scotland, the SNP has A re-imagining of nationalism? everyday significance—particularly in the workplace With hollow rhetoric and an abundance of career clearly made inroads into the Catholic section of In this vein the Nationalist party has been astute in —and a considerable amount of its power to shape politicians, all the mainstream parties—as well as the Scottish population in the west-central belt that helping construct an image in the public mind Catholic lives in modern Scotland. In addition, and the media in conjunction with capitalism—have customarily saw that party as hostile to many of its whereby many Scottish representations like the St affecting perceptions and experiences of anti- been culpable in creating widespread disillusion ethnic and religious attributes and beliefs. Andrews flag and the song Flower of Scotland are Catholic prejudice in Scotland, Catholics are less with politics in Britain. As a consequence, without In this light, a significant question can be raised often popularly perceived as belonging to and Catholic now than previously. the burden of a certain kind of previous ‘in-office’ as to whether these attributes, beliefs, as well as symbolising in the main Scottish nationalism: thus Overall, these days’ most large political parties history, the SNP and Greens have gained most. In morals and cultural identities remain important for symbolising the SNP for many people has become are savvy enough to control views expressed at grass terms of wider changes, Labour’s decline has also many Catholics in Scotland? Within that question the equivalent to symbolising Scotland. This has roots or by noted representatives that might disrupt coincided with the diminishing of working class we might therefore ask how Catholics are Catholics been particularly so—and most obvious during the their positive, all-embracing, civic, democratic, and community identities—including a decline in in Scotland today? The answers might also be central referendum—in terms of constructing and seeing human rights identities and public personas. Catholic community identity—an arguable widespread to understanding some of the recent change that these not simply as preferred, but as oppositional Media management regarding what we hear and concomitant rise in self-centredness, aspirations has occurred in Catholic voting. symbols to the Union, particularly the Union Flag. don’t hear, how issues are framed, and spin, are for excessive material comforts and wealth, and a lack Distinct from the significant and decisive rise of This is a fairly new development in a Scotland critical to how politics is promoted and conducted of critical social and political education, awareness Scottish national identities at the expense of that for much of the 20th century proudly flew the today: check Noam Chomsky, John Pilger and and aptitude. British-Scottish ones in particular—and also to a St Andrews and Union flags and other Scottish- George Orwell for relevant examples. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LETTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015

LETTER OF THE WEEK Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh was only to happy to PICTURE OF THE WEEK have his photograph taken holding this year’s Wee Box ahead of SCIAF’s Doctrine must inform official Lenten campaign launch this week. conscience He was unable to join a host of Scottish celebrities—including (below, clockwise from top left) singer Susan Boyle, broadcaster Kaye Adams, actor IF CONSCIENCE once made cowards of Libby McArthur and X Factor finalist Nicholas McDonald—for the launch on us all, then it does not any more. Ash Wednesday as he was in Malawi with the charity. The age of innocence may be well and The Wee Box appeal raises vital funds for SCIAF’s life-changing work, truly dead, but it has been replaced by the helping some of the poorest people in the world affected by hunger, age of arrogance. Freedom of liberty for poverty, war and natural disasters. This year’s appeal, in the charity’s the individual conscience is now 50th anniversray year, focuses on the charity’s work with women farmers accompanied by each one's absolute in Africa and all donations received before the May 17 will be doubled–— assurance that his or her conscience is pound-for-pound—by the UK Government. right. At the launch, each of the stars shared why they support SCIAF and what Acting on conscience, a Catholic can they will be doing in Lent to support the Wee Box appeal.The celebrities also justify ignoring the teaching of the Church. took part in a Q&A session with young people from schools across Scotland Then by acting this out, the perception is fostered among the Faithful, that doctrine has changed, when in fact it has not. That is why the practice born out of the doctrine must not be separated from it and must reflect faithfully the Church's teaching. Otherwise there is a betrayal of the truth. Today we are up to speed on political, social and technological ares of expertise. Is the conscience similarly informed by catechesis? Do we know why the Catholic Church holds the deposit of Faith so dear? Why it asks us to hold onto what it believes to be the truth, often through hardship? How many beliefs like the right to life from conception to natural death, or marriage between a man and a woman... among others... how many of these are we prepared to cross off as being ‘against our conscience?’ And given the doctrine that has been nurtured through the ages, by Popes and clergy and the faithful, enhanced and explained by encyclicals and letters, by teachers and parents down the generations, Murphy and conscience JIM Murphy is right to support issues does it not behove us to carefully inform IN LIGHT of clear statements by other according to his conscience because come our consciences? Catholic bishops such as Archbishop Eamon judgement day he won't be judged on him These issues of our Faith are supremely Martin will the Scottish Catholic Bishops being a Catholic but on his support on ESTABLISHED IN 1885 important, so when we veer towards the make a clear statement about MP Jim issues like abortion, trident and the Iraq popular choice, or since we are human, go Murphy’s support for abortion legislation in war. What I don’t understand is his excuse for the easy option, maybe we should think the UK? Has Jim Murphy barred himself for his support of abortion is that ‘neither again. from Holy Communion or will he be turned Labour, nor any other political party, Maybe we should ask, if my conscience, away when he next approaches the should force ones point of view or another or yours, could be misguided? Wrong Sacrament? Did your editor fail to ask the on its members of the electorate’ yet when even? tough questions such as the obvious one it comes to assisted suicides he surely is Working together for the good about receiving Holy Communion. forcing his point of view on the electorate! Nancy Clusker Leo Lanahan Mark Nicholas BATHGATE COATBRIDGE GLASGOW of our Church and society

T IS NOT often that Pope Francis’ comments on Scotland Thou shalt not kill is God’s many deaths going unrecorded). In praise, and criticism of would have such competition for the SCO’s front page. Yet this law on life The Commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ Kevin McKenna week the Pope’s own words of wisdom on love to his newly makes Almighty God the arbiter on elevated cardinals, coupled with Scotland’s newest bishop’s IT IS a matter of regret that so many deliberate abortion, killing a baby in it’s I JUST want to congratulate you on insight into bringing the Good News of Christ, were also in the prominent Catholics in politics, the mothers womb is a gross violation of this publishing articles on the Scottish running. medical profession, judiciary, etc. either sit commandment. midwives by Kevin McKenna (I do hope Galloway’s, and Scotland’s, welcome to Bishop William Nolan on the fence when the question of the For a Christian this is not a matter of our prelates take note) and the article by wasI warm and genuine on Saturday at his Episcopal Ordination in legality of killing unborn babies is under conscience it is a command. the Bishop of Paisley on politicians and Kilmarnock. Although ill health prevented his predecessor Bishop discussion, or they give succour to How many more millions of innocent abortion. Excellent! John Cunningham from handing over the mitre and crosier in person, organisations like the BPAS by supporting babies are going to perish? How many No doubt, Jim Murphy and family troop Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh and Galloway the 1967 Abortion Act. more mothers are going to be ‘treated’ by down the aisle every Sunday and receive Bishop Emeritus Maurice Taylor were there to warmly welcome the This barbaric piece of legislation has an abortionist, before we come off the Holy Communion... Just like their newly-ordained bishop in the presence ofArchbishopAntonio Mennini, resulted in approximately eight million fence and take positive action to rid our American counterparts. Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain. unborn babies being deliberately aborted in society of a ‘Law’ which deprives our An Episcopal Ordination is always a time of great joy and the Britain since 1967, (precise figures are unborn brothers and sisters of their right to Rita Cunningham parishioners of Galloway have indeed been rewarded for their difficult to get as there has been a relentless life. ABERDEEN patience with the ordination of Bishop Nolan, who aims to follow in movement within medical research for ever Robert Graham the footsteps of St Ninian. more ‘efficient’ methods of killing, with LINWOOD KEVIN McKenna, whilst commending Nonetheless, Pope Francis’comments during his meeting this week Jim Murphy as ‘a fine politician’ with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (FREEDOMS, SCO, Jan 16), could easily on our country on being a shining example to the world of different Catholicism is not an both the murderer and the unborn child. and briefly have described a way in which denominations and faiths working in harmony was praise indeed. a-la-carte menu No-one can possibly have any rights at all if he and Mr Murphy differed ‘on what the Looking beyond the secularisation of our society, and the historic [LABOUR Leader] James Murphy thinks the fundamental right from which all others Labour Party should look like.’ issue of sectarianism, to see the good of ecumenical and interfaith many Catholics agree with him on spring is negated by abortion. Catholicism is He could also have drawn attention to co-operation is a compliment indeed from the Holy Father, but a abortion. I think many more Catholics not an a-la-carte menu from which [we] can Mr Murph’s stance on abortion. In compliment we must live up to in Scotland. would agree with the reintroduction of pick and choose. Although we are all sinners particular, given that he had excoriated the And while many of us drowned in the store-bought sentiment of capital punishment for murderers. Many we do not all attempt to justify our Supreme Court ruling earlier in the article, romantic love on February 14, Pope Francis told the 20 new cardinals Catholics are wrong on both counts as no weaknesses and try to shut out the messenger Kevin could have mentioned the Catholic he created on St Valentine’s Day that their first responsibility was to individual has the right to take the life of who tells us when we are wrong. midwives. serve the Church with love. another individual, and a simple DNA Michael Creechan Lawrence Logue The patience Christian love calls for, he said ‘means being able to sample will confirm the total uniqueness of GLASGOW GLASGOW love without limits.’ “It means loving what is great without neglecting what is small,” the Holy Father added. G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements And, according to SCO columnist Kevin McKenna and Peter Kearney this week, the love and protection of life from conception from the G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO dangers of scientific and medical ‘advances’—such as three-parent G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address embryos and assisted suicide—is needed now more than ever. There G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or your letter will not be used are real moral, ethical and legal dangers in crossing these lines which our politicians must be made aware of by our Christian leaders, and those of other religions. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11 Committing an act of folly Time for us to stand up and with three-parent embryos By Peter Kearney the human gene pool. Shamefully, some scientists, THE recent ‘debate’ over clearly well aware of this subtly speak out in defence of life three person embryos sadly, altered their language to claim showed once again how poorly that with these procedures, ‘the informed most people are disease is cured,’ such shameless about modern science and its semantics worked as far as most techniques. media reports were concerned That might be unfortunate, but and ‘miracle cure’ became the it shouldn’t be catastrophic. The headline of the week. vote in the House of Commons, Yet, no other country in the however, that showed just how world has licensed these completely ignorant most MPs procedures. A majority of were about science in general responses to the Department of and genetics in particular, was Health consultation opposed the catastrophic. proposal. Experts are divided on Reacting to the vote, Bishop the advisability of the techniques John Keenan said: “The proposed and the Human Fertilisation and techniques fail on a number of Embryology Authority (HFEA) ethical grounds, which should have suggested only that the concern us all—they destroy procedures are ‘not unsafe.’ BY KEVIN McKENNA human life, since in order to Since the horrors of the Nazis construct a disease-free embryo, were revealed at the end of the N MY worst nightmares I am taken two healthy ones will have to Second World War, there has to a time in the future when only the be destroyed. been an international consensus most physically and mentally “The technique is not a treatment, that genetic engineering technology unimpaired of us will be accorded it does not cure anyone or anything, shouldn’t be used to manipulate full human rights. rather it seeks to remove anyone the characteristics of future children. HG Wells glimpsed something of this in affected by certain conditions Any practice aimed at ‘improving’ 1895 in his great work The Time Machine from the human gene pool. the genetic quality of the human whenI he imagined that in the distant future Destroying those who have a population, was rightly deemed the world would belong to a race of particular disease and presenting utterly unacceptable and physically perfect, but intellectually and it as a cure or as progress is extremely dangerous. emotionally inert race of humans. Each disingenuous and unethical.” Mitochondrial replacement week they would sacrifice one amongst Yet supporters of the technique isn’t a treatment for mitochondrial them to appease a wretched and savage continued to claim that the decision disease and doesn’t do anything sub human species called Morlocks. was ‘good news for progressive to help those already living with In my dystopian world of the future medicine.’ the disease. What it does do is those among us born with physical or then the climate has just got a bit chillier. that human life is diminished again. I There’s no doubt that MPs and offer a small number of women mental difficulties or who go on to The huge majority at Westminster in debated aspects of this with the MSP journalists are easily seduced by the chance to have children who develop such will be quietly dispatched or favour of permitting the combining of the Patrick Harvie on BBC’s Scotland 2015 the glamour and shiny promise of probably won’t have a genetic put into exile in ‘special’ colonies where a DNA of three people into one IVF embryo programme and I cannot doubt Mr ‘progressive medicine’—everyone disorder. It upholds the notion that form of human existence can be lived but was, of course, hailed by leading medical Harvie’s sincerity in seeking to end the wants to be seen to be backing a perfect baby is every woman’s without anything that might constitute a experts as a mighty scientific ‘breakthrough,’ suffering of some people who feel that their ‘the future’ and the novelty value right, no matter what must be done drain on the NHS. The First Minister of which immediately put the UK at the life is no longer worth living. But who of new techniques is sure to to achieve one. It is the ultimate Scotland of the day will declare these ‘forefront’ of genetics and generally made does the government decide is a sufficiently generate column inches. Yet, just example of commodification of colonies to be ‘enlightened facilities, which it great to be alive. fit and proper person to decide which because we can do something, humanity, where some—the underline Scotland’s commitment to We were asked to accept that the leading person’s suffering should be permitted to doesn’t mean we should. donor embryos—become the ensuring that we care about those we can’t scientists asked for comment were all end in suicide and which is not? Will it The development of the apparent means to another’s end. afford to keep.’ completely neutral about the ethics of the take account of the psychological pressure wonder drug Thalidomide, over As Bishop Keenan put it: All but the most basic of policing would process because somehow, if you’re a experienced by some who are afflicted to 40 years ago is a salutary and “Mitochondrial Donation operate in these colonies and families would scientist, then you must only ever be end it all and put everyone else out of their painful example of what can completely destroys and distorts be encouraged by the state to give up any motivated by concern for humankind. misery? happen when we rush ahead the natural process of fertility. It children afflicted by long-term disease or There are other scientists too though, Does it similarly take account of the fact without caution. Widely prescribed is surprising that a society, which conditions that the state deemed to be who are similarly concerned not just about that many facing long-term and debilitating in the 1960s to counter morning increasingly favours and supports ‘abnormal.’ This would be our ‘duty’ to humankind, but by what society deems to illness are prone to depression and that, sickness in pregnant women. It natural and ‘environmentally preserve the purity and economic integrity be ‘viable’ humankind. Curiously though, in such a state, they require love and resulted in tens of thousands of friendly’ products and services of the state. very few of these types of scientists are affirmation of their continuing value? infants being born with should countenance the genetic These latter-day leper colonies will be given room to make their case. Presumably Meanwhile, in Scotland, the basic human malformations of their limbs. modification of human beings. justified by the government because of too, they won’t be at the front of the queue rights of medical professionals whose Less than half survived, many How can we object when continuing cuts to the NHS and the austerity when large research grants are being faith does not permit them to participate suffered, blindness, deafness and scientists genetically modify measures of the Lab/Con coalition handed out. in the killing of unborn babies have been heart defects. The drug was plants but not when they do the Government. But the foundations of their Bishop John Sherrington, of the Bishops’ trampled underfoot. eventually withdrawn but the same with people?” existence really began when the political, Conference of England and Wales, The Supreme Court, in ruling against the damage was done. Some 70 years ago, on judicial and academic elite in Scotland and eloquently stated the Church’s concerns, two Scottish midwives who sought leave Some 40 years later in the February 13, 1945, British and the UK decided to erode significantly the declaring that it was ‘opposed in principle not to assist at any stage of an abortion, three-parent embryo debate, US planes unleashed a massive dignity of human life. to these procedures where the destruction basically said that Christians need not exaggeration of the benefits and 37-hour bombing campaign on They did this by smashing all opposition of human embryos (above) is part of the apply for some posts in the NHS. Anti- advantages of the proposed the German city of Dresden to the infanticide of mass abortion; by process.’ Meanwhile, Christian Medical Christian discrimination has now been techniques also featured. sparking a huge inferno that permitting euthanasia and by allowing the Comment highlighted the questions that ratified by the highest court in the land. There is no question that a small engulfed the city’s old town and process by which embryos from three ought to have been discussed in parliament, But what are we prepared to do about number of families each year have left the mediaeval masterpiece a different parents could be used to make but which weren’t: Is it necessary? Is it it? When was the last time you heard a children who suffer from pile of ash. Last Friday, speaking children. This, of course, led to a thriving safe? Will it work? Is it ethical? Is the Christian leader speak about this from the mitochondrial disease. This can at the city’s Church of Our Lady, free market economy where only the richest debate being handled responsibly? pulpit and state, unequivocally, that these lead to a wide range of respiratory German President Joachim were eventually able to afford the process. That so many MPs and scientists are grave injustices and undermine the law and neurological problems and Gauck said the attack had ‘burned All flaws and abnormalities, of course, experienced no qualms about the deliberate of God, which is also the law of nature? disorders. But according to the itself into the memory’of survivors, were screened out. Meanwhile all manner destruction of viable human embryos to During my life I have marched to show New England Journal of Medicine, 25,000 people died and all those of elderly and infirm people were being assist in the process signals that another my support for Britain’s coal-miners only 152 women would be ‘at risk’ who spoke at the commemoration ‘assisted’ to choose death as a means of shift downwards is occurring in society in whose human rights were under attack each year. Of these, perhaps 10 or stressed the importance of learning alleviating the burden on their poor families, what we consider to be the concept of by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative 20 might take advantage of the lessons from the past. you understand. human dignity. Government. I have demonstrated against technique. So in reality the number Incredibly by embarking on If human life at the outset can be used to weapons of mass human destruction on our of children ‘saved’ would be the road of genetically modifying vents of the last few months in maintain a spare parts industry then it won’t soil. I’d be prepared to march again to show incredibly small. Crucially, however, human beings, the UK is following Scotland and in the UK have made be long before we view more developed my opposition to this sinister programme no one would actually be saved. the path first taken by Nazi me think that we are already living forms of human life in such a cavalier and of dehumanisation that is occurring in our Since—as Bishop Keenan Germany with their policies of in the early stages of this new super-society. cynical fashion. midst. How many would be prepared to rightly pointed out—no one is racial and genetic purity and E actually treated or cured, I’m not saying that we will all soon be march with me? Would our Christian eugenics. In 70 years time will a compelled to go for the Big Sleep at the he Assisted Suicide Bill currently leaders? instead if, a human being, at its future generation gather to age of 30 or anything like that; just that if going through the Scottish Parliament most vulnerable, as an embryo, is commemorate our folly? you have a condition or ailment that causes is another proposal where, if it I Kevin McKenna is a columnist for the discovered to have the damaged the state some economic inconvenience passes on to our statute books, will mean London-based Sunday Observer. gene, it is destroyed thus I Peter Kearney is director of the T removing it permanently from Scottish Catholic Media Office WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

A PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED gives us an insight into the situations of extreme prejudice that Christians in Pakistan regularly face

Pakistan’s struggle against persecution Christian mother is still on death-row Say a prayer for Pakistan By John Pontifex attempt to save her life (see article right). Heavenly Father, you know all of those who suffer in The climate of hatred is deepening amid growing By John Newton who died on the cross for the of the appeal and hope that the your name. We ask that you be with the WHEN Shahzad Masih and his wife, Shama, a ‘Talibanisation’—extremism—sweeping in from sins of mankind. What did proceedings will be over in Christians in Pakistan and encourage them to young Christian couple from Pakistan, were Afghanistan right across Pakistan. FIVE years after she was your Prophet Mohammed ever one year,” he said. thrown on top of a brick kiln and burnt to a cinder, The Taliban were blamed for the 2013 attack on sentenced to death for do to save mankind?” Shortly after the High Court remain strong in faith and trust despite physical it put the media spotlight on a community over- All Saints Church, Peshawar, in which 87 people blasphemy, Christian Asia Bibi denies saying appeal failed Asia Bibi’s and psychological abuse. We remember those who shadowed by persecution. died and 170 were injured. woman Asia Bibi remains that, but on the strength of husband relayed a message are imprisoned for their faith. The couple, in their 20s, were dragged from their As a charity for persecuted and other suffering in prison, facing the these words she was from her. rural home in Punjab province, south of Lahore, Christians, Aid to the Church in Need is working ultimate penalty for sentenced to death in She said: “My prison cell beaten and killed. Their children, four-year-old Sonia with bishops and other religious leaders to protect allegedly insulting the Sheikhupura Court. has no windows and day and We especially remember Asia Bibi who still remains and her 18-month-old sister Ponam, were reportedly people at risk of persecution. ACN is providing: Islamic Faith. In October 2014, the High night are the same to me, but forced to watch. The mother-of-five was Court in Lahore upheld the if I am still holding on today it in jail with a death sentence hanging over her head Shahzad and Shama stood accused desecrating a G Vocational training for Christian victims of condemned to die in death sentence passed on Asia is thanks to everyone who is as a result of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws. copy of the Qur’an, a crime punishable by life persecution—notably women; November 2010 after she was Bibi, dashing hopes that it trying to help me. imprisonment according to Article 295B of G Support for Sisters working with the young, the convicted of defaming would have overturned or Responding to the solidarity Pakistan’s notorious Blasphemy Laws. sick and the disadvantaged; Mohammed during a heated commuted her conviction. of Christians throughout the Please comfort all those who have lost loved ones The 1500-strong mob who chanted as the couple G Mass stipends for priests bringing Christ to conversation with Muslim co- Her defence attorney Saiful world with her—and in and who live in fear. Strengthen the Church leaders were sent to their deaths were not prepared to let justice persecuted people; workers over drinking water. Malook has filed a further particular the news that Paris in Pakistan with wisdom and courage to bring about take its course, nor did it matter to them that Shama G Catechesis and Christian education for impoverished Working as a farmhand in appeal, this time to the has offered to give the family was reportedly four months pregnant. children; fields with other women, she Supreme Court, highlighting asylum if she is released— true justice and peace to their nation. G Large numbers of people—including many Muslims Raised boundary walls and surveillance cameras was asked to fetch drinking problems with the evidence. she said: “I send my deepest (Above left) Pakistani members of —suffer because of false blasphemy accusations. for persecuted churches. water, but some Muslim Mr Malook added that the thanks to you Madam Mayor, We also pray most merciful and loving father the Christian minority and civil But Christians are particularly at risk, especially as women refused to drink it, blasphemy allegation was con- and to all the kind people of society activists light candles to they are a minority of three million in a population Speaking after the Taliban’s December 2014 saying the water was ‘unclean’ cocted by Bibi’s enemies for Paris and across the world. that our brothers and sisters in Christ are blessed protest the killing of a Christian of 170 million and most of the faithful have little or massacre at the Army Public School, Peshawar, as it had been touched by a personal reasons and “You are my only hope of with the spirit of forgiveness for those who couple accused of blasphemy. Catholic leaders in Pakistan no literacy and hold very menial jobs—sweepers, Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi told ACN: “It Christian. had no basis in fact—the staying alive in this dungeon, persecute them. Amen. protested the beating to death labourers and factory workers. is the duty of every Christian to be a promoter Allegedly when they blasphemy laws are often so please don’t abandon me. I and burning of Shahzad Masih, Shahzad and Shama’s death in November 2014 of peace, reconciliation, harmony and unity… insulted her Christian Faith invoked as a pretext to settle did not commit blasphemy.” 28, and his pregnant wife, Shama came a month after mother-of-five Asia Bibi, work[ing] together with fellow citizens [so] that she replied: “I believe in my personal disputes. I For more information about Aid to the Church in Need and its work Bibi, 24, (remembered above) another Christian accused of blasphemy, took her Pakistan may be free from the scourge of violence religion and in Jesus Christ, “We expect an early hearing I www.acn.org.uk please visit www.acnuk.org/uk or contact ACN Head of Operations in who were accused of desecrating five-year-long case to Pakistan’s High Court in an and terrorism.” Scotland Lorraine McMahon on 01698 337470. the Qur’an WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

A PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED gives us an insight into the situations of extreme prejudice that Christians in Pakistan regularly face

Pakistan’s struggle against persecution Christian mother is still on death-row Say a prayer for Pakistan By John Pontifex attempt to save her life (see article right). Heavenly Father, you know all of those who suffer in The climate of hatred is deepening amid growing By John Newton who died on the cross for the of the appeal and hope that the your name. We ask that you be with the WHEN Shahzad Masih and his wife, Shama, a ‘Talibanisation’—extremism—sweeping in from sins of mankind. What did proceedings will be over in Christians in Pakistan and encourage them to young Christian couple from Pakistan, were Afghanistan right across Pakistan. FIVE years after she was your Prophet Mohammed ever one year,” he said. thrown on top of a brick kiln and burnt to a cinder, The Taliban were blamed for the 2013 attack on sentenced to death for do to save mankind?” Shortly after the High Court remain strong in faith and trust despite physical it put the media spotlight on a community over- All Saints Church, Peshawar, in which 87 people blasphemy, Christian Asia Bibi denies saying appeal failed Asia Bibi’s and psychological abuse. We remember those who shadowed by persecution. died and 170 were injured. woman Asia Bibi remains that, but on the strength of husband relayed a message are imprisoned for their faith. The couple, in their 20s, were dragged from their As a charity for persecuted and other suffering in prison, facing the these words she was from her. rural home in Punjab province, south of Lahore, Christians, Aid to the Church in Need is working ultimate penalty for sentenced to death in She said: “My prison cell beaten and killed. Their children, four-year-old Sonia with bishops and other religious leaders to protect allegedly insulting the Sheikhupura Court. has no windows and day and We especially remember Asia Bibi who still remains and her 18-month-old sister Ponam, were reportedly people at risk of persecution. ACN is providing: Islamic Faith. In October 2014, the High night are the same to me, but forced to watch. The mother-of-five was Court in Lahore upheld the if I am still holding on today it in jail with a death sentence hanging over her head Shahzad and Shama stood accused desecrating a G Vocational training for Christian victims of condemned to die in death sentence passed on Asia is thanks to everyone who is as a result of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws. copy of the Qur’an, a crime punishable by life persecution—notably women; November 2010 after she was Bibi, dashing hopes that it trying to help me. imprisonment according to Article 295B of G Support for Sisters working with the young, the convicted of defaming would have overturned or Responding to the solidarity Pakistan’s notorious Blasphemy Laws. sick and the disadvantaged; Mohammed during a heated commuted her conviction. of Christians throughout the Please comfort all those who have lost loved ones The 1500-strong mob who chanted as the couple G Mass stipends for priests bringing Christ to conversation with Muslim co- Her defence attorney Saiful world with her—and in and who live in fear. Strengthen the Church leaders were sent to their deaths were not prepared to let justice persecuted people; workers over drinking water. Malook has filed a further particular the news that Paris in Pakistan with wisdom and courage to bring about take its course, nor did it matter to them that Shama G Catechesis and Christian education for impoverished Working as a farmhand in appeal, this time to the has offered to give the family was reportedly four months pregnant. children; fields with other women, she Supreme Court, highlighting asylum if she is released— true justice and peace to their nation. G Large numbers of people—including many Muslims Raised boundary walls and surveillance cameras was asked to fetch drinking problems with the evidence. she said: “I send my deepest (Above left) Pakistani members of —suffer because of false blasphemy accusations. for persecuted churches. water, but some Muslim Mr Malook added that the thanks to you Madam Mayor, We also pray most merciful and loving father the Christian minority and civil But Christians are particularly at risk, especially as women refused to drink it, blasphemy allegation was con- and to all the kind people of society activists light candles to they are a minority of three million in a population Speaking after the Taliban’s December 2014 saying the water was ‘unclean’ cocted by Bibi’s enemies for Paris and across the world. that our brothers and sisters in Christ are blessed protest the killing of a Christian of 170 million and most of the faithful have little or massacre at the Army Public School, Peshawar, as it had been touched by a personal reasons and “You are my only hope of with the spirit of forgiveness for those who couple accused of blasphemy. Catholic leaders in Pakistan no literacy and hold very menial jobs—sweepers, Archbishop Joseph Coutts of Karachi told ACN: “It Christian. had no basis in fact—the staying alive in this dungeon, persecute them. Amen. protested the beating to death labourers and factory workers. is the duty of every Christian to be a promoter Allegedly when they blasphemy laws are often so please don’t abandon me. I and burning of Shahzad Masih, Shahzad and Shama’s death in November 2014 of peace, reconciliation, harmony and unity… insulted her Christian Faith invoked as a pretext to settle did not commit blasphemy.” 28, and his pregnant wife, Shama came a month after mother-of-five Asia Bibi, work[ing] together with fellow citizens [so] that she replied: “I believe in my personal disputes. I For more information about Aid to the Church in Need and its work Bibi, 24, (remembered above) another Christian accused of blasphemy, took her Pakistan may be free from the scourge of violence religion and in Jesus Christ, “We expect an early hearing I www.acn.org.uk please visit www.acnuk.org/uk or contact ACN Head of Operations in who were accused of desecrating five-year-long case to Pakistan’s High Court in an and terrorism.” Scotland Lorraine McMahon on 01698 337470. the Qur’an WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 Saving the world was in Christ’s nature

our home and we need to ensure that, long-term, it can provide us with the sustenance and comfort of a home.

owever, true as this is, there’s still another, very important reason, why we need to treat mother-earthH with more caution and respect, namely, Christ, Himself, is vitally bound-up with nature and his reasons for coming to earth also include the intention of redeeming the physical universe. What’s implied here? Let me begin with an anecdote BY FR RONALD which captures, in essence, what’s at stake. The scientist-theologian, Pierre ROLHEISER Teilhard de Chardin, in conversation with a Vatican official who was confused by his writings and doctrinally UMEROUS groups and -suspicious of them, was once asked: individuals today are “What are you trying to do in your challenging us in regards writings?” Teilhard’s response: “I am to our relationship to trying to write a Christology that is mother-earth. From Green wide enough to incorporate the full Peace, from various environmental Christ because Christ is not just an groups, from various Christian and other anthropological event but he is also a religiousN groups, and from various cosmic phenomenon.” Simply translated, individual voices, comes the challenge he is saying that Christ didn’t just our physical universe, are ‘groaning’ Second, this means that nature has consummation within God’s Kingdom to be less-blind, less-unthinking, and come to save people, he came for that as they too wait for redemption by intrinsic rights, not just the rights we —our journey towards Heaven—is a less-reckless in terms of how we relate yes, but he also came to save the planet, Christ. Among other things, these texts find convenient to accord it. What this quest that calls us not just to a proper to the earth. of which people are only one part. affirm that the physical world is part means is that defacing or abusing nature relationship with God and with each Every day our newscasts point out In saying that, Teilhard has solid of God’s plan for eventual Heavenly life. is not just a legal and environmental other, but also to a proper relationship how—without much in the way of scriptural backing. Looking at the issue, it’s a moral issue. We are violating with physical creation. serious reflection—we are polluting scriptures we find that they affirm that hat’s contained in that, if we someone’s (something’s) intrinsic rights. We are humans with bodies living the planet, strip-mining its resources, Christ didn’t just come to save people, tease out its implications? A Thus when we, mindlessly, throw a on the earth, not disembodied angels creating mega-landfills, pouring He came to save the world. For example, number of clear principles. coke-can into a ditch we are not just living in Heaven, and Christ came to carbon dangerously into the atmosphere, the Epistle to the Colossians (1, 15-20) WFirst, nature, not just humanity, is breaking a law we are also, at some save our bodies along with our souls; causing the disappearance of thousands records an ancient Christian hymn, being redeemed by Christ. The world deep level, defacing Christ. We need and He came, as well, to save the of species, creating bad air and bad which affirms both that Christ was is not just a stage upon which human to respect nature, not, first of all, so physical ground upon which we walk water, and thinning the ozone layer.And already a vital force inside the original history plays out; it has intrinsic meaning that it doesn’t recoil on us and give us since He was the very pattern upon so the cry goes out: live more simply, creation—‘that all things were made and value beyond what it means for us back our own asphyxiating pollution, but which and through which the physical use fewer resources, lessen your carbon through Him’—and that Christ is also as humans. Physical nature is, in because it, akin to humanity, has its own world was created. footprint, and try to recycle whatever the end point of all history, human and effect, brother and sister with us in the rights. A teaching too rarely affirmed. you’ve used as much as you can. cosmic. The Epistle to the Ephesians, journey towards the divinely-intended Finally, not least, what is implied in I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and That challenge, of course, is very also recording an ancient Christian end of history. Christ (above) also understanding the cosmic dimension member of the Missionary Oblates of good and very important. The air we hymn, (1, 3-10) makes the same point; came to redeem the earth, not just those of Christ and what that means in terms Mary Immaculate. He is president of breathe out is the air we will eventually while the Epistle to the Romans (8,19- of us who are living on it. Physical of our relationship to mother-earth and the Oblate School of Theology in San inhale and so we need to be very careful 22) is even more explicit in affirming creation too will enter in the final the universe is the non-negotiable fact Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at about what we exhale. This planet is that physical creation, mother-earth and synthesis of history, that is, Heaven. that the quest for community and www.ronrolheiser.com

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

ON FEBRUARY 23, 1976 the road, crowds stood around wanting to approach God in the Jews and Christians have in English painter, LS Lowry, died. Him, and the small Zacchaeus right way, with the intention of common, is that many pray He painted scenes of mills could not see. He ran ahead being ‘clean’ within. several times throughout the and houses in the industrial and climbed a sycamore tree The prayer mat is spread day—even if it is just for a towns of Manchester and to make himself look bigger. towards Mecca in the east moment each time. People find Salford, painting in a simple, As Jesus moved along, he because that town has a special that this helps them realise that almost child-like way. not only looked at Zacchaeus, place of worship built by they live in God’s presence, He portrayed enormous but called Him by his name. Abraham—whom we read of and so their attitude is more factories and smoking Jesus arranged to eat in His in the Old Testament. likely to be positive and joyful chimneys that surrounded house that night, showing the Muslims consider Abraham and loving. people whom he showed as crowd that, whilst they had an as their ‘father in faith’ in the Let’s spend a moment in small, stick-like figures. attitude of rejecting Zacchaeus, same way as do Jews and silence—in common with many Lowry said of himself: “I’m he did not. Christians. Muslims and Jews and Christians a simple man, and I use simple Barefoot, the Muslim stands across the world and simply materials.” Lord Jesus, you called Zacchaeus on the mat and begins to pray call to mind that we are in A song was written about by his name and enabled him from their holy book, the God’s presence—in the Lowry and his paintings, to grow. Koran. Prayer starts with presence of God who cares for called Matchstalk Men and I ask you to enter my life in words in the Arabic language and loves each individual. Matchstalk Cats and Dogs. a new way this day that I may that are translated as: “In the We’ll use as our prayer some Thinking of the ‘little people’ grow in stature and wisdom name of God, the Merciful, the words written by the father-in- whom Lowry painted, we are and grace as the person you call Compassionate.” law of Mohammad. reminded that if others saw me to be. In humility before God, they anyone in the Gospels as Inspire me to follow you more then kneel and touch the I thank you, Lord, for knowing ‘small’ or ‘insignificant,’Jesus closely and help me to live in PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK ground with their foreheads, me better than I know myself. made them ‘walk tall.’ such a way that I encourage and say:“God is great.” Per- I thank you for letting me Zacchaeus lived in Jericho. othersand bring life to them. the religion of Islam—a word Before the start of prayer sonal prayers are added. know myself better than others He was a small man who No one is small in your eyes, that means ‘surrender’ or they prepare themselves and One of the five duties of know me. wanted others to look up to so let no one be small in mine. ‘submission to God.’ get into the right frame of Muslims is to pray five times Make me, I ask you then, him, and he hoped to gain Amen. Across the world, people of mind. Preparation for prayer each day—at dawn, midday, better than they suppose I am, importance as a tax-collector. the religion of Islam set out to includes washing head and afternoon, evening and night. and forgive me for what they As Jesus walked along the MUSLIMS are followers of pray five times during the day. hands and feet—it is a sign of One thing that Muslims and do not know. Amen.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15

Comment section and online discussion forum chaired EWTN PROGRAMMES by young Catholics strong in faith SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 5.30PM 9AM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH PRIESTS AND DEACONS: COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL MINISTERS OF MERCY 9PM 11AM THE CRUSADES ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS 10PM 1PM LENT AT EPHESUS LIVE SUNDAY MASS THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26 4PM 1PM CATHOLICISM LIVE DAILY MASS 8PM 8PM THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL EWTN LIVE 9PM 9PM SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME THE CRUSADES 10PM 9.30PM VATICANO GRANDPARENTS 11PM FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27 LIVE BENEDICTION 1PM MONDAY FEBRUARY 23 LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 8PM LIVE DAILY MASS LIVE THE WORLD OVER 9PM 9PM THE FAITHFUL TRAVELER IN THE CRUSADES THE HOLY LAND 10PM 9.30PM VOCATION BOOM LIFE ON THE ROCK TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28 1PM 1PM LIVE DAILY MASS LIVE DAILY MASS 5.30PM 5.30PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL 9PM 7PM PIC: ROBERT WILSON THE CRUSADES ONE THING-GOD ALONE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 25 9PM 1PM WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS Jesus Christ became man, LIVE DAILY MASS TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE not a code of zeroes, ones LAY READERS’ GUIDE

After listening to Archbishop Fisichella on digital culture, AIDAN SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 Genesis 9:8-15. Response: Your ways. Lord, MICHAEL COOK flags up that The Real Presence is found in the are faithfulness and love for those who keep Body and Blood, not in the pixels of a TV or computer screen your covenant. 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15.

ELIVERING the Cardinal by a pillar, in fact isolates the viewer from land. The task of digital evangelisation must MONDAY Winning lecture at Glasgow reality: what is intended to bring worshippers be not only to communicate the truth of the Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18. Response: Your University last weekend, closer to the events of the altar actually Gospel and the relevance of its message, but words are spirit, Lord, and they are truth. Archbishop Fisichella, president detaches them, taking them much further also to draw people out of the digital world Matthew 25:31-46. of the Pontifical Council for away. Even a microphone and speakers, for into a real encounter, and allow them to lift Promoting New Evangelisation (above), all their benefits, disembody the voice to their eyes, minds and hearts to higher things. suggested that we have not sufficiently some extent. In this way, true encounter is Archbishop Fisichella spoke of the Gospel TUESDAY Dreflected on the digital age and the opportunities too often hindered by the impersonality of needing to shake people out of their stupor Isaiah 55:10-11. Response: The Lord rescues and challenges it brings to evangelisation. the digital world. and indifference. This is even more true of One problem he noted was that ‘we still have AsArchbishop Fisichella put it ‘Christianity the digital world, which can so easily suck the just in all their distress. Matthew 6:7-15. the idea that the internet is an instrument, has always been the communication of an us in and ensnare us in the web. We need when in reality I think it has become a culture.’ event and an experience; how can we render only think of how often we check our phones WEDNESDAY “It is no longer enough simply to make faith intelligible to one who lives in the and social media instead of profiting from use of these devices; we must rather find a web?’He suggested that part of the answer at the company of those around us, or stay up Jonah 3:1-10. Response: A humbled, contrite way to evangelise a culture formed by these least must be ‘to help our brothers and sisters well into the night clicking one link after heart, Luke 11:29-32 devices,” he said. Ultimately, the problem understand that Jesus Christ is the key to another, or watching mindless videos on comes down to this: how can we use such deciphering life’—Christ is the decoder Who YouTube. remote means to transmit a faith so rooted in turns the scrambled signals of life into a Ironically, the ‘fear of missing out’ can so THURSDAY the flesh and blood reality of the Incarnation clear, meaningful message. easily cause us to miss out on what really Esther 4:17. Response: : On the day I called, to a digital culture that encourages detachment? But how do we enable even this decoded matters. you answered me, O Lord. Luke Matthew 7:7-12 I think the issue has even crept into our message to be understood? The answer, I The digital world has brought some Liturgy with the increasing use of microphones believe, lies beyond the digital. The archbishop wonderful opportunities, but we should and cameras to enhance the human experience. noted some of the fundamental concepts of always remember that Christ became man: FRIDAY It is well intentioned, but the problem is that Christian life that are incomprehensible to Flesh and blood, not zeroes and ones. Our Ezekiel 18:21-28. Response: If you, O Lord, watching or hearing something transmitted modern culture: ‘renunciation, virtue, interior evangelisation of digital culture must always should mark our guilt, Lord, who would sur- electronically is not the same as experiencing life, contemplation, adoration, the cross, point beyond, drawing people into an the actual event.Aclear example is Eucharistic resurrection, the imitation of Christ, silence, encounter—a real face-to-face encounter— vive? Matthew 5:20-26 adoration: what does it mean to watch Exposition spiritual direction, eternal life…’ with both God and neighbour. on a screen? The Real Presence is found in We need to bring these concepts to the the Body and Blood, not in the pixels of a digital world, or, rather, to bring the digital I What do you think about this article SATURDAY TV screen. world out of itself in order to meet these and subject? Have your say at Deuteronomy 26:16-19. Response: They are Watching the consecration at Mass on a foreign concepts. https://www.facebook.com/scostronginfaith, happy those who follow Godʼs law! Matthew where you can also suggest topics for TV screen while the real thing takes place The digital world is neither spiritual nor 5:43-48. just metres away, even if blocked from view material, but instead is caught in no man’s discussion WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 Shining a light on some beautiful songs FAITH IN CULTURE column explores the lives, careers and faith journeys of singers Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra

to the world. This Land Is Your Land remains his character, but the mood he captured on various back to Faith and it was after the death of his best known work and for many years it has recordings from the mid to late 50s helped him mother that he looked for inspiration and guidance been re-interpreted as Let The People Sing among regain his musical composure and set his life back in his Catholic background and continued in the Celtic supporters. on track. Where Are You? and Frank Sinatra Sings Faith until his death. When summoning to mind Frank Sinatra it’s For Only The Lonely released the following year Similarly Bob Dylan grew up in a traditional By Richard easy to think of the swaggering years that are emotional works of intense and melancholic Jewish family where his grandparents spoke Yiddish. produced the likes of My Way, a song now largely beauty, night-time torch songs full of memories Religion was an integral part of his development Purden associated with funerals. When Dylan was asked and waves of regret. These albums could never be and his bar mitzvah was a community event. Robert why he was ‘covering’ the material, he offered: “I described as commercial or easy listening, in many Zimmerman became Bob Dylan reinventing himself AST week Bob Dylan topped the UK don’t see myself as covering these songs in any ways they only make sense once you have suffered as a folk singer but he continued to draw on the album chart for the eighth time with his way—they’ve been covered enough. Buried, as a loss and we all inevitably do at some point in our Judeo-Christian lexicon as well African-American album of Frank Sinatra associated songs matter of fact. What me and my band are basically lives. On Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely spirituals and gospel music. Biblical themes were Shadows In The Night. Perhaps the best doing is uncovering them.” he is bereft, the experience is marked into the also a constant presence. Much like Sinatra, Dylan known numbers on the collection are Four of the songs selected for Shadows in The groves. It wasn’t just Sinatra who was suffering at appeared to turn to God during a difficult period That Lucky Old Sun and the Irving Berlin standard Night are taken from Sinatra’s 1957 album Where the time. Nelson Riddle who arranged the album in his life. After a 12-year marriage dissolved the What’ll I Do. Significantly Dylan has chosen to Are You? The album was recorded the same year in lost his mother and six-year-old daughter while singer became an evangelical Christian. While Lshine a light on songs that have shaped the musical which he spilt from his second wife Ava Gardner, recording. Of the experience and tragic circumstances many fans struggled with a fire and brimstone tone landscape, but are less well known. It’s an exercise famously it was a relationship that produced much he said: “If I can attach events like that to music... associated with the time, there were also beautiful he began in the 1960s with songs of Woody sorrow in the singer’s life, a dark chapter that led perhaps Only the Lonely was the result.” The songs of Christian Faith and devotion such as Guthrie when he presented his dustbowl anthems to two suicide attempts. Frank Sinatra was a complex record had a profound effect on the young Dylan, Every Grain of Sand, which had the power to appeal referring to Ebb Tide he wrote: “When Frank sang to those of all faiths and none. Dylan soon softened that song, I could hear everything in his voice— his approach, but the subject and importance of death, God and the universe, everything.” God remained as much as it ever did. Gordius No 182 What Dylan adds to these songs is a lighter More recently the songwriter has returned to the CROSSWORD touch, the arrangements are minimal but he delivers synagogue. Like Sinatra he has revisited the roots a knock-out vocal performance on I’m Fool To and branches of the culture and beliefs he was Want You, bringing the emotion and experience of raised in. In terms of archetypes Dylan is ultimate 123 4 5 6 7 an older man at 73 compared to the intensity 42 rough around the edges travelling folk singer to year old Sinatra in 1957. It’s a passionate and Sinatra’s smooth, sharp suited crooner—not the romantic delivery of a song that had a rare writing most obvious pairing. But they are just popular 89 credit for Sinatra and Dylan absorbs himself in the personas, what is clear is that both men came to mesmerising melody. Autumn Leaves delivers a know Christ in a way that transcended what people masculine longing for bygone days. might have expected of them or at least the most famous versions of themselves. There is much 10 11 12 First entry out the hat on FRI eyond being interpreters of song Sinatra and speculation and quotes that might contradict that 13 14 FEB 27 will be the winner Dylan both journeyed with Faith. Sinatra these were men of Faith. But I’m in no doubt, like was of course from a Catholic tradition but the rest of us, in the wee small hours of the morning his views on organised religion shifted throughout Frank and Bob were just men of prayer like the Send your completed B 15 16 his life. Undoubtedly circumstances led Sinatra rest of us. 17 crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 19 20 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 SUDOKU 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 2 5 7 4 3 24 25 The winner’s name will be printed below. 1 385 6 39 7 1 4 8 5 2 4 571 328 9 6 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 5 874 9 8 237 6 95 4 1 7 1 5 3 69 2 8 4 ACROSS FEBRUARY 13 3 478 512 96 1 Fish that expects to be paid on delivery? (3) 982 SOLUTION 9 6 2 4 7 8 531 3 As unremarkable as a cinema bill that consists only of trailers (11) ACROSS 48 54876 293 1 8 So maim a flower like this (6) 1 Sad 3 Grandfather 1 3 458 6 7 9 2 9&16a Unusual chef terminology is needed for this stage of 8 Victor 9 Tendency 2 7 9 1 4 5 63 8 the preparation for confirmation (8,2,5) 10 Nurse 11 Stung 5 4 9 10 A mixture of metals (5) 13 Gland 15 Reeking FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 11 Progression (5) 16 Pierced 20 Snout 5 1 6 7 4 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 13 Smudge; imputation (5) 21 Equip 24 Depended AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 15 The sail had been turned back, bearing flowers (7) 25 Editor THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 16 See 9 across 9 682 26 Warm-hearted WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 20 Decapitate Master Twist for one of his organs (5) 27 Amp 21 Greek island, centre of the Minoan civilization (5) 45721 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 23 Saltpetre in inert form (5) DOWN IS THE FEB 13 SIMPLE SOLUTION 24 Convenient fare - as found on an oriental vessel? (4,4) 1 Saving grace 25 Frightens (6) 2 Decorate 3 Globe MODERATE 26 Lunar soil-sample comprising coloured dairy produce 4 Natural 5 Andes (5,6) 6 Honour 7 Ray 762 8 27 Shell out (3) 12 Golden syrup 5 4 1 9 3 7 2 6 8 13 Gangs 14 Drift 5 3 4 7 3 2 6 8 4 1 5 9 DOWN 17 China tea 18 Bounder 1 CD, in full (7,4) 19 Bumper 22 Punch 9 86 1 52 3 7 4 2 Completely destroy his model reformation (8) 23 Jaded 24 Dow Jones 4 6 2 28 537 1 9 4 6 3 Overly-particular; hard to please (5) 476 3 9 28 5 1 4 Challenged sportingly (7) 2 4 5 1 9 7 4 526 8 3 5 Ron leaves part of an atom to vote (5) FEBRUARY 6’s crossword 6 Ran away to marry (6) competition winner was: 6 5 8 1 4 3 7 9 2 7 Bashful (3) Patricia Melly, Blantyre 6 7 1 2 1 9 7 6 8 435 12 In the sky, doves toy around with a Russian author (11) 3 7 4 2 95 6 8 1 13 Tiny (5) 3 1 2 14 Either way, give it a mention (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 17 Parcel up a present decoratively (4,4) Scotland’s only national 7 9 8 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 18 Behind schedule for arrival (7) Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 19 Spirited get together! (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 Pixie-like (5) Registered at the Post Office 4 8 7 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 The shelf is pleasant (hot inside) (5) 24 Pitcher (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 9 3 7 2 THE FEB 13 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

St. Athanasius’s. Carluke Web Directory www.jandmsewing.com Parish Mission Top quality, reasonably priced (1st - 7th March 2015) Church Robes (Bishops, Clergy, Deacons, Diocesan ‘I came that youmight have joyand joyto the full’ Vestments, Choirs, Servers) all made to order in the UK. Please come and join us at St. Athanasius in Carluke www.customartkids.co.uk for as manyservices as possible during this special Made to measure, designed week. for life, personalised for you. Wall art, Personalised Christmas Childrens gifts. Any Occassions gifts. www.pansionstephen.com Pansion Stephen offers “Welcome holiday accommodation, B&B, HB and FB facilities in Medju- gorje for groups of up to 30 Home” people. VOCATIONS

Early Morning Mission Mass 7:00am Early morning mass to start your day of work well JERICHO Morning Lenten Mass at our Primary School 8:30am Friday 6th March “The All Welcome. Compassion of Mid-morning Mass 10:00am Jesus.” Midday Sessions 12:00 Noon “Healing in the spirit: A spirtuality of Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., True Self-Esteem”. Refuge for Victims of Afternoon Mission Services 2pm Domestic Violence, Tuesday - Anointing of the Sick and housebound Supported Accommodation Thursday - Blessing for Mothers Babes in arms and toddlers for the Destitute, the Evening Mission Service 7:30pm Distressed, and all being Monday: “A Healing Service” - Experiencing the Healing Love of God. ‘passed by on the other side.’ Tuesday: “A Reconciliation Service” - Experiencing Godʼs Forgiveness. A COMMUNITY OF Wednesday: “The Family Eucharist” - All families, young and old alike, MEN OF PRAYER FOR are encouraged to participate as we celebrate our communion in Christ. OUR TIMES (founded 1970) Thursday: “Seeing ourselves as God sees us” - Reflecting on what Vocation info from Bro Patrick Mullen, God says to us about ourselves in the Bible. The Jericho Society, Friday: “Honouring Our Blessed Lady” - Reflecting on Jesusʼ last words Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY “She is your Mother”. Scottish Charity SC016909 Saturday: Morning Parish Gathering (After 10am Mass) - Discussion Tel: 01505 614669 on how to take forward the Mission experience in order to grow as an Email: [email protected] evangelising community.

Sung Vespers and Benediction Diocese of Motherwell for the 2nd Sunday of Lent PERMANENT DIACONATE

ʻCOME AND SEEʼ ENQUIRY NIGHTS Divine Mercy Monthly Mass St Margaretʼs Church, 49 Graham Street, Johnstone, PA5 8RA Do you feel called to the permanent diaconate? Celebrated by Fr Willie Brandon (SMA) Friday 27th February 2015, 7.00 p.m. Are you interested in finding out more about the permanent diaconate? Holy Mass, Adoration, Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet

This event normally takes place on the last Friday of each month. Then come along to the above ʻEnquiry Nightʼ without fear Sunday 1st March at 7.30pm of any commitment to take things further. This is simply an informal evening to share information about the permanent St Johnʼs Church, Barrhead diaconate and the present programme of formation leading Led by the Schola Benedicti to ordination as a permanent deacon. Start of 40 hours Adoration MONTHLY • Tuesday 24th February 7.00pm: St. Brideʼs Hall, Motherwell Cathedral All Welcome EDJUGORJE • Tuesday 2rd March 7.00pm: St. Josephʼs Hall, Blantyre M • Tuesday 10th March 7.00pm: St. Brideʼs Pastoral Centre, East Kilbride EVENING • Tuesday 24th March 7.00pm: St. Patrickʼs Hall, Coatbridge. ST JOHN THE BAPTISTʼS CHURCH To Advertise Lower Millgate [The permanent diaconate is open to all males over 25 yrs of age.] UDDINGSTON 0141 241 6105 on Monday 23rd February 2015 G Rosary at 7.00pm Mass at 7.30pm Opinions of advertisers are not necessarily [email protected] Light refreshments in the hall afterwards those held by The Scottish Catholic Observer ALL WELCOME 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

DEATH CAIN MacEACHEN MacINNES 29th Anniversary 13th Anniversary 17th Anniversary Please pray for the repose of In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of a much Jane Mary McDAID, the soul of my dear husband, son, Alick Iain, who died missed husband, dad and Suddenly at home on and our dear father, James peacefully in the Glasgow grandad, Hector, who died Tuesday, February 10, 2015, (Jimmy) Cain, who died Southern General Hospital, on February 20, 1998. Rest in Janette (née Flynn), beloved February 23, 1986, and my February 20, 2002, aged 24 wife of James, loved mum of dear son, and our brother, peace. years. Those we love don’t go away, Karen and Mark, devoted Jack, died December 30, We lived in hope, prayed in vain, But walk beside us every day, granny of Aidan and sister of 1992. R.I.P. That God would make you Unseen, unheard, but always Josephine Robertson. Our Lady, Queen of the Most well again, Holy Rosary, pray for them. Fortified by rites of Holy But He decided we must part, near, Inserted by his loving wife Church. R.I.P. He eased your pain, but broke Still loved, still missed, still Bridie and family. McAVOY MacLEOD Reception and Vigil at St Treasured memories of our heart. very dear. 12th Anniversary Brigid’s R.C. Church, Toryglen Agnes, dear mum, mother-in- Inserted by his loving parents, “The wind beneath our wings.” In loving memory of Seumas, on Friday, February 20 at 6.15 CHURCH Inserted by his loving sons, 13th Anniversary law, gran and great-gran, who Annabel (Mam), Lawrence a devoted husband and dad, p.m. Requiem Mass on died on February 24, 1993. “Lawrie,” Howmore, South Uist. daughters and families. who died on February 22, 2003. Saturday, February 21, at 10 a.m. In loving memory of Jim, who died on February 22, 2002, Never more than a thought The memories we have from Little Flower of Jesus, pray for thereafter to Linn Cemetery at beloved husband of May, dear away. MacEACHEN day to day, him, 11.15 a.m. dad of Margaret, Donal and Till we meet again. 13th Anniversary No length of time will take Clare, Theresa, Mairi, No flowers please. Con, father-in-law of Danny, Inserted by Anne, David and Fondest memories of our away. Michelle, Jamie and Lachie. Louise and Donna, and a family. nephew, Alick Iain, who died You cared for us Grandad, Also remembering Archie BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE much loved granda of Olivia, peacefully on February 20, when we were small, MacNeil, Leanish. Calum, Maria and Conor, 2002, aged 24 years. Watch over us as we grow tall. Niamh, Grace and Finn. It is not just today, but every day, McLEOD SWEENEY Love always. xx Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for In silence we remember. 12th Anniversary Remembering my dad, Pat, All the grandchildren. him. R.I.P. In loving memory of my whose birthday occurs on Remembering also with love, St Pio, pray for him. Inserted by Donald James, beloved son and our brother, February 24, and my mum, our dear mum and nan, Doris, Duncan, Angus John, 3 Howbeg. James, who died February 22, May, whose birthday was on CLARKE who died December 22, 2007 2003. November 1. In loving memory of my par- and our brother and uncle, Fois shiorruidh thoir dha a’ St Pio, watch over them. McELROY ents, Patrick and Mary. Also 27th Anniversary John, who died February 7, Thighearna, With love always. my beloved twin sister, Bridie In loving memory of our dear 2008. Agus solus nach dibir From Margaret and Alex, your and brother Hugh. father, Joe, who died February Those we love live in our dearrsadh air. grandchildren and All loved and never forgotten. 22, 1988, and our mother, hearts forever. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for great-grandchildren. St Patrick, pray for them. Mary, died July 28, 1947. him. Alice. McAVOY Precious memories of my May they rest in peace. MacINTYRE Inserted by his mother and the Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray family. CONNER mum and best friend, Agnes, 19th Anniversary for them. In loving memory of my father 24th Anniversary who died February 24, 1993. In loving memory of my Rena and Maureen. and grandfather, Angus John, MacMILLAN To all those who have a beloved husband, Alex, father who died February 22, 1996, 7th Anniversary and pappa, died February 22, mother, McGRANE and also my loving mum and In loving memory of Flora, our 1991. Cherish her with care, 32nd Anniversary grandmother, Peggy, who died dearly beloved mother and Deep in our hearts a memory Because you never know her In loving memory of a dear October 19, 2006. grandmother, who died on brother-in-law and father, February 28, 2008. is kept, value, Forever in our thoughts and Of one we loved and will Michael, who died February Also remembering our beloved Till you see her vacant chair. prayers. never forget. 15, 1983. father and grandfather, Neil, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Loved and missed more than Sacred Heart of Jesus, we Our Lady, Star of the Sea, who died October 22, 2010. him. words can say. place all our trust in Thee. pray for them. We hold you close within our TIERNEY Inserted by wife Margaret and Inserted by daughter, Patricia, Inserted by their loving Remembering today and Inserted by his sister-in-law hearts, family. daughter and family. always our darling daughter and grandson Paul. Betty and his loving son And there you shall remain, and very dear sister, Monica, Till we meet again. Michael. To walk with us throughout our GIBSON died November 7, 1999, and MacINTYRE lives, 7th Anniversary 11th Anniversary of my Until we meet again. whose 33rd birthday occurs MacDONALD McGRATH Please pray for the repose of Please pray for our dear beloved wife Jessie, who Eternal rest grant unto them, on February 17. the souls of Betty (nėe In loving memory of our dear parents, Catherine, who died sadly died on February 19, O Lord, A kiss blown up to the sky so Livingstone) who died parents, our mother, Mary February 22, 1989, and And let perpetual light shine blue, February 20, 2008, and her 2004. MacDonald, who died Daniel, who died October 29, upon them, Catch it, Monica, it’s just for beloved husband, Joe, who Midnight stars are shining, February 20, 1968, and our 1972. you. died February 24, 2008. On a grave not far away, May they rest in peace. Mum, Dad and all the family. Sadly missed by their loving father, Donald Joseph, who Lord Jesus, grant them eternal Where I laid my loving wife Inserted by their loving family. Jesus, we trust in You. family. died February 17, 1987. R.I.P. rest. Jessie, Requiescant in Pace. Parting comes and hearts are Eleven years ago today. MacPHEE In loving memory of my dear broken, McHUGH It broke my heart to lose you, In loving memory of my dear wife, mother and grandmother, MEMORIAM HOLMES But you did not go alone, Loved ones gone with words mother, Isa, grandmother and Mary Agnes, who died 53rd Anniversary For part of me went with you, BOYD In loving memory of our most unspoken, great-grandmother, died February 22, 2002. R.I.P. The day God called you 2nd Anniversary beloved mother, Elizabeth Flowers will wither and suns February 25, 2012, and my Always in our thoughts and Please remember in your Holmes, who died on will set, dear father, John, grandfather home. prayers. Your love is always with me, prayers, Jack, who died February 3, 1962, also our But the hearts that loved you and great-grandfather, died Sadly missed by all. Your place no-one can fill, February 20, 2013. Beloved father, Patrick, who died on will never forget. May 17, 1990. Remembered with love. February 27, 1978. In our hearts you are always In life I loved you dearly, Our Lady of the Isles, pray for husband of the late Catherine Inserted by loving sons John and a much loved father and Heart of Jesus, have mercy on there, In death I love you still. her. Angus and Neil Joseph. grandfather. them. Loved and remembered in St Pio, pray for her. Inserted by her devoted St Vincent de Paul, pray for Our Lady, intercede for them. every prayer. Inserted by your ever loving husband Angus and all the him. St Bernadette, pray for them. MacDONALD Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, husband John. family. Blessed Frederick Ozanam, St Martin de Porres, pray for In loving memory of our dear grant them eternal rest. them. pray for him. mother and grandmother, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for MacPHERSON Also our dear sister-in-law, MacLACHLAN Inserted by his daughters them. 21st Anniversary Nan, who died November 11, Jessie, who died on February 20th Anniversary Catherine, Rosemary, Anne Inserted by their son Thomas. In loving memory of our dear 2008. 23, 1955, also our father and Treasured memories of a Maria, Frances Louise and mother and gran, Chrissie, From the family. much loved dad and grandad, grandfather, Alexander, who who passed away on their families. MacINNES Iain, who died February 20, died August 16, 1977, also Cherished memories of February 22, 1994. R.I.P. LAVERY 1995, also a loving mum and their grandson, Alistair, who Michael, a loving husband, Quietly today your memory we 40th Anniversary granny, Mary Ann, who died To Place an died September 18, 2005, father, father-in-law and treasure, Please pray for the repose of January 8, 1998. R.I.P. Intimation contact aged 46 years. grandfather, who died Missing you always, forgetting the soul of our dear uncle, Now that you’ve both gone, Arthur, who died February 18, Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh a February 18, 2013. you never. Patricia Precious memories will live 1975, also his brother, James, Thighearna, In our hearts you will always Our Lady of the Isles, pray for stay, on, her. our dear father, whose birth- Agus solus nach dibir 0141 241 6106 day remembrance this is. Quietly remembered every day. We can hardly bear the pain, Inserted by Margaret, May he rest in peace. dearrsadh orra. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for But in our hearts you will Raymond and family and Inserted by the Lavery family, Inserted by the family, West him. remain. Archie, Mary Margaret and [email protected] home and abroad. Gerinish, Inverlochy and Skye. Loving wife Peterina and family. Christine, David and family. family. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

McRAE MURRAY WALKER POWERFUL NOVENA NOVENA TO THE SACRED DEAR HEART OF JESUS 19th Anniversary Precious memories of Annie Precious and happy memories Of Childlike Confidence HEART OF JESUS. Dear Heart of Jesus in the In loving memory of a dear Murray, loving mother, grand- of Joseph, who died on (This novena is to be said at O Jesus who said ‘ask and past I have asked you for mother and grandmother, Eliz- mother and great-grand- February 22, 2005. Loving the same time, every hour, for you shall receive, seek and many favours, this time I ask abeth, who died February 16, mother, who died on February husband of the late Mary, dear nine consecutive hours – just you shall find, knock and it you for this special one (men- 1996. 12, 2006. father and grandfather. one day). O Jesus, who hast shall be opened to you,’ tion favour), take it Dear Heart Immaculate Heart of Mary, No one knows the broken heart Each time we look at your said, ask and you shall through the intercession of of Jesus, and place it within picture, pray for her. That lies behind my smile, receive, seek and you shall Mary your most Holy Mother, I Your broken heart where your Inserted by her loving daugh- No one knows the heartache You seem to smile and say, find, knock and it shall be knock. I ask that my prayer Father sees it, then in his mer- ter Betty and grandson That’s with me all the while, Don’t be sad but courage will be granted (make opened to you, through the ciful eyes it will become Your Michael. take, Silent tears do gently fall, request). O Jesus who has favour, not mine. Amen. Say Which others do not see, And love each other for my intercession of Mary, Thy Most said whatsoever you ask the for three days, publication For the kind and loving mum, sake, Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I Father in my name, it shall be promised. Who meant the world to me. Dearer to us than words can ask that my prayer be granted granted to you through the Loved and missed every day. tell, (make your request). O Jesus, intercession of Mary, your PRAYER TO THE HOLY Eternal rest grant unto her O Was the father we loved so who hast said, all that you ask most Holy Mother. I ask the SPIRIT Lord, very well, of the Father in My name, He Father in your name that my Holy Spirit, you who solve all And let perpetual light shine We will not forget him, will grant you through the prayer be granted (make problems, light all roads, so upon her, We never intend, intercession of Mary, Thy Most request). O Jesus who said that I can attain my goal; You May she rest in peace. We think of him daily, Holy Mother, I humbly and ‘Heaven and Earth shall pass Your loving daughter Jane and And will to the end. urgently ask Thy Father, in away but my words will not who gave me the divine gift to son-in-law James. All our tomorrows will be as Thy name, that my prayer be pass away’ through the inter- forgive and forget all evil Love and miss you gran. today, granted (make your request). cession of Mary your most against me, and in all instances of my life you are Granddaughter Julie and Loving you, missing you, all O Jesus, who hast said, Holy Mother, I feel confident great-granddaughter Chloe Ann. the way. with me. I want in this short McSHERRY Heaven and Earth shall pass that my prayer be granted 18th Anniversary Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant prayer to thank you for all away but My word shall not (make request). Publication Remembering with love my O’NEILL him eternal rest. things as you confirm once pass, through the intercession promised. Say hourly for nine very dear husband, John, dad 18th Anniversary From your loving son, again that I never want to be of Mary, Thy Most Holy hours. One day only. – M.S. and papa, who died February In loving memory of our dear daughters and grandchildren. separated from you, even in Mother, I feel confident that 22, 1997 and also our son, mother, Mary (Mamie), who spite of all material illusion. I my prayer shall be granted GRATEFUL thanks to St John, who died April 22, 2008. died February 23, 1997. R.I.P. WALKER Joseph for answering our wish to be with you in eternal (make your request); Sadly missed and loved very May your love shine through In loving memory of our dear prayers. – E. glory. Thank you for your publication promised. – B.G. much by his wife and family. us always, Mum. father, Alexander Walker, who mercy towards me and mine. St Joseph, pray for him. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for died February 20, 1972, also MAY THE SACRED HEART (Say this prayer for three con- her. his wife, Catherine Walker, our GRATEFUL thanks to Our of Jesus be adored, glorified, secutive days). dear mother, who died March MADDEN Lord, Our Lady of Perpetual loved, throughout the world. Publication promised. - P.C. 13th Anniversary of our REILLY 29, 1978, and our dear Help and St Jude for prayers Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray mother, Catherine Mary In loving memory of Agnes brother, Donald Joseph Mac- answered. – J.A.C. for us. - F.D. in heaven, Madden, who died February Reilly (née Lindsay) who died Intyre, died March 10, 1980. DEAR FATHER please send all healing and 19, 2002; also remembering February 25, 2008. Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant GRATEFUL thanks to St GRATEFUL thanks to Sacred our dear father, Tony Madden, They say there is a reason, them eternal rest. love to your special child, Clare for favours received. – Heart, St Joseph and St Jude who died January 26, 1993. They say that time will heal, Inserted by the family. Through the Lord Jesus M.D. for prayers answered. - R.D. Time may pass and fade But neither time nor reason, Christ. Amen. away, Can change the way we feel, But silent thoughts and No one knows the heartache, memories stay, That lies behind our smiles, Eternal rest grant unto them, No one knows how many O Lord, times And let perpetual light shine We’ve broken down and cried, upon them, If our love could have saved May they rest in peace. Amen. you, Both loved into Eternity by all You never would have died. their sons. Time passes, memories stay, Loved and remembered every MORRISON day. 22nd Anniversary Most merciful Jesus, grant her WINN In loving memory of Margaret eternal rest. 3rd Anniversary (née Moir), who died February Inserted by all her loving In loving memory of our dear 21, 1993, beloved wife, family. mother Betty Winn (née Kelly) mother and grandmother. who died on February 22, SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Also remembering Neil REYNOLDS 2012. Beloved wife of Frank Morrison, who died March 20, 5th Anniversary who died on February 1, 1986. 2006. Remembering our dear May they rest in peace. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 Remembering both. mother and grandmother, Inserted by Veronica, Francis, Inserted by all the family. Theresa, who died on Febru- Elizabeth and grandchildren We want you to experience the benefits of having ary 26, 2000. Ellie, William, Alfie & Toby. The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and MORRISON May she rest in peace. 6th Anniversary Until we meet again. to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making Angus, a dear brother, uncle From your loving daughter THANKSGIVING you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers and grand-uncle, who died on Marianne, son Eugene and February 19, 2009. families. who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s Eternal rest grant unto him, O O ST. MARTHA, I resort to thee and to thy petition and na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. Lord. TOOLAN From the family. 27th Anniversary faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Treasured memories of my Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 loving and much loved hus- Comfort me in all my difficul- Return with cheque to:Scosh Catholic Observer, band and our devoted dad, ties through the great favour Michael, died February 20, thou didst enjoy when Our 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone 1988. Saviour lodged in thy 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card You were always there when house…I beseech thee to we needed you, have pity in regard to the Name: No task too great or small, favour I ask… I intercede for With willing hands and a heart my family that we may always Address: of gold, be provided for in our neces- For us you did them all, sities. I ask thee, St Martha, to overcome the dragon which Because you were so special, Thou didst cast at thy feet. No words can ever say, One Our Father, three Hail How much we love and miss Mary’s and a lighted candle Email Address: you, every Tuesday and the above Today and every day. prayer made known with the Telephone Number: Inserted by Margaret, Martin, intention of spreading This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once Michael and Paul. devotion to St Martha. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Thomas Marin MEMORIAM CARDS (Founded 1926) SUN FEB 15 - SUN 22 Field trip to Malawi, SCIAF’s 50th anniversary. Organist TUE 8PM Lenten Homily to Catenian Association, Woodside Hotel, Funeral Directors Aberdour. WED 7PM Station Mass, St John Cantius and Nicholas, Memorial Consultants Broxburn. 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SUN FEB 22 11.15AM Mass St Mary’s Cathedral. TUE 5.30PM Ogilvie Centre Management Meeting, Huntly Street. WED 7PM Liturgy meeting, Cathedral. THU Council of Priests meeting, Elgin. ADVERTISING TERMS AND FRI 7PM Station Mass, St Lawrence’s, Dingwall. Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, CONDITIONS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Advertisements submitted must contain complete and accurate information and comply with requirements of all relevant legislation, the British 53 Morrison Street Glasgow Code of Advertising Practice, and the Advertising Standards Authority. SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER 0141 429 4433 The publisher has the right, at its discretion, to refuse, omit, suspend, or change the position of MAIN SWITCHBOARD advertisements, or require artwork or copy to be Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 amended to comply with any moral or legal obligations. The publisher will not be liable for any EDITOR loss of revenue to the advertiser incurred as a Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 To Advertise in the consequence of non-publication or incorrect [email protected] reproduction of an advertisement. Advertisements DEPUTY EDITOR may be cancelled within 14 days of an order being Funeral Directory Contact: Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 received and not less than a minimum of 24 hours [email protected] before deadline for entry. REPORTER Francesca Moore Any cancellations outside this period will not affect the buyer’s liability for payment for the Daniel Harkins—Tel: 0141 241 6103 advertisement. Payment for advertisements must be [email protected] [email protected] received within 30 days. Any order, verbal or written, SUB-EDITOR which is placed for the insertion of an advertisement amounts to an acceptance of these conditions. Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 0141 241 6105 [email protected] FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

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

Jesus, as a friend and brother. Amen. and earth! CHILDREN’S First Reading (R) The Lord is kind and merciful. The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith. A reading Second Reading CROSSWORD 69 from the Book of Genesis 22:1-2,9A,10-13,15-18. Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. A God put Abraham to the test. He called to him: reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans 8:31, “Abraham!” 38-39. 1 2 3 4 5 “Here I am!” he replied. Brothers and sisters, what can we say about all Then God said: “Take your son Isaac, your this? If God is on our side, can anyone be only one, whom you love, and go to the land of against us? Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a I am sure that nothing can separate us from 6 7 holocaust on a height that I will point out to you.” God’s love—not life or death, not angels or Second Sunday of Lent When they came to the place of which God spirits, not the present or the future, and not the had told him, Abraham built an altar there and powers above or powers below. Reflection arranged the wood on it. Then he reached out Nothing in all creation can separate us from 8 9 10 LAST week we heard a piece of the story of and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! Noah. We didn’t talk much about the Lord’s messenger called to him from Heaven: The Word of the Lord 11 Covenant—promise/agreement—God made “Abraham, Abraham!” to Noah, his descendants and all living “Here I am!” he answered. Verse Before The Gospel 12 13 14 creatures. But, remember, Noah built the Ark “Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the See Matthew 17:5. and took on board the living creatures of the messenger. “Do not do the least thing to him. I (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. earth. After 40 days and nights of rain, the know now how devoted you are to God, since From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is 15 16 flooded earth gives way to new life. you did not withhold from me your own heard: “This is my beloved Son, hear Him.” We did talk about, from the Gospel, how beloved son.” (R) Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was put to the test. This Sunday, we As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram learn of another test: Abraham is tested to caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went Gospel 17 18 offer his only Son as a sacrifice. Sometimes and took the ram and offered it up as a holocaust This is my beloved Son. A reading from the Holy we get confused about why a loving God in place of his son. Gospel according to Mark 9:2-10. would ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Again the Lord’s messenger called to Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him and ACROSS Isaac. But we forget, that’s what all the tribes Abraham from Heaven and said: “I swear by went up on a high mountain, where they could 1 Famous movie actor (4,4) thought the gods wanted. By obeying what he myself, declares the Lord, that because you be alone. There in front of the disciples, Jesus 6 The mail comes in through this slot in understood to be what his God wanted, acted as you did in not withholding from me was completely changed. And his clothes the door (9) Abraham, hears God say clearly: “Do not lay your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly became much whiter than any bleach on earth 8 Sugary topping on a cake (5) your hand on the boy” and “Do not do the and make your descendants as countless as the could make them. Then Moses and Elijah were 10 Reward for winning a competition (5) least thing to him.” Abraham learns, that by stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; there talking with Jesus. 12 Nasty wound (4) Peter said to Jesus: “Teacher, it is good for us 13 In the neighbourhood (5) making the choice to do what God asked, your descendants shall take possession of the 15 Get (7) allowing himself to be tested, led to even gates of their enemies, and in your descendants to be here! Let us make three shelters, one for 16 Cook something in a pan (3) greater things. Because Abraham was willing all the nations of the earth shall find blessing— you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 17 Something that can't be explained (7) to do what God had asked, God promises all this because you obeyed my command.” But Peter and the others were terribly frightened 18 Short word for gymnasium (3) —makes a Covenant—to give Abraham a The Word of the Lord and he did not know what he was talking about. huge number of descendants and give them The shadow of a cloud passed over and DOWN huge blessings. This is good news. Responsorial Psalm covered them. From the cloud a voice said: 1 Tumbling (7) The Gospel is the story of Jesus taking 103:1-2, 8 and 11. “This is my Son, and I love Him. Listen to what 2 Set fire to (3) Peter, James and John up the mountain and (R) The Lord is kind and merciful. He says!” 3 Change the way something is facing (4) being completely changed—transfigured. With all my heart I praise the Lord and with all At once the disciples looked around, but they 4 This frame allows you to carry things on Then, it seems Moses and Elijah appear. that I am I praise his holy name! saw only Jesus. top of your car (4-4) Feeling ‘terrified,’ Peter wants to make the With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never As Jesus and His disciples were coming 5 The coldest season (6) event permanent. Suddenly, God speaks: forget how kind He has been. down the mountain, He told them not to say a 7 Moses was given have this many “This is my Beloved, Son. Listen to him. ”And (R) The Lord is kind and merciful. word about what they had seen, until the Son of Commandments (3) 9 Creepy-crawlies (6) then, Jesus is alone; they come down the The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient and Man had been raised from death. So they kept it 11 Brainy (6) mountain; Jesus tells them not to tell anyone His love never fails. to themselves. But they wondered what He 14 Truck (5) until He has risen from the dead. “What’s this How great is God’s love for all who worship meant by the words ‘raised from death.’ 15 Male sheep (3) all about?” Peter, James and John wonder to him? Greater than the distance between Heaven The Gospel of the Lord themselves. It is a mystery. LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Following Jesus is filled with mystery. In the mystery of Jesus’ life is the perfect ACROSS balance of rules and dreams. Moses represents 3 Sprint 6 Arrow 8 Skier 10 Sadness 11 Posed the Law and Elijah the Prophet, dreams for 15 Ant 17 Hurting 18 Rescue 19 Coo 20 Treasure the best of what believers have come to value. DOWN Activity 1 Pass 2 Bride 4 Passport 5 Tar 7 Wee 9 Instinct G In the Gospel, we hear of Jesus’ transfiguration. 12 Dog food 13 Parrot 14 Shouts 16 Taste His clothes become dazzling white. Provide each child with a full length picture of Jesus run on tan or manila paper. The Children’s Liturgy page is G Give each child a sheet of white paper. Have published one week in advance to them tear small pieces from this paper and glue mosaic-style onto the picture of Jesus to make allow RE teachers and those taking his clothing ‘as white as snow.’ the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Prayer Masses to use, if they wish, this Dear Jesus, we are trying to be extra good during page as an accompaniment to their this Lent. We know you are helping us. Thank you for being our God and giving us your Son, teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 RETREATS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015

Prepare yourself for Easter with a retreat DAN McGINTY explains how Pope Francis has stressed to all Catholics the importance of undergoing a retreat experience

S the Church enters it is for Catholics to undergo the when the retreat takes place later because, as a spokesman said, encounter God, we would like to know the Lord and follow him a period of reflection retreat experience. this month, highlighting the ‘as a good Jesuit, Pope Francis verify him immediately by an more closely. I was always and preparation The Holy Father will be joined importance of preparing fully knows it is best not to try to empirical method. struck by a saying that describes before the death by other members of the Roman for Easter. make a retreat where one lives “But you cannot meet God the vision of Ignatius: non and resurrection of Curia at a Pauline Fathers’retreat Last year he (above) broke and works’ this way. God is found in the coerceri a maximo, sed contineri Our Lord, Pope Francis has once and conference centre in Ariccia, with tradition by holding the gentle breeze perceived by a minimo divinum est—‘not to again underlined how important about 20 miles southeast of Rome, retreat outside of the Vatican, ith a variety of venues Elijah. The senses that find God be limited by the greatest and yet A in Scotland where are the ones St Ignatius called to be contained in the tiniest— retreats are offered, spiritual senses. Ignatius asks us this is the divine.’” and a range of residential and to open our spiritual sensitivity IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITYCENTRE W daily retreats available for to encounter God beyond a hough in his formative ‘A Welcoming Space in the Heart of the City’ different types of reflection and purely empirical approach. experiences as a priest and 2015 Programme prayer, Catholics in Scotland are “A contemplative attitude is as Jesuit Pope Francis SERIES EVENTS able to join with Pope Francis in necessary: it is the feeling that Tfocused on Ignatian Spirituality, his preparation for the holy you are moving along the good he has chosen for his Lenten Inter-Faith Dialogue: Pondering the Word. A series of six sessions on the Scriptures of six world faith traditions. season of Easter. path of understanding and retreat an Italian Carmelite. Wednesday, 25th March7 – 9pm – Sikhism: Guru Granth Sahib Among the Holy Father’s own affection toward things and The Papal retreat will be led Wednesday, 22nd April 7 – 9pm – Buddhism: The Heart Sutra and Lotus Sutra experiences as a Jesuit, are his situations. Profound peace, by Carmelite Father Bruno many interactions with Ignatian spiritual consolation, love of Secondin a professor emeritus’ ***** Spirituality, and the Spiritual God and love of all things in at Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian Lent Day: A Day of Prayer in Lent led by Magdalen Lawler SND. Saturday, 7th March, 10.30am-4.30pm Exercises of St Ignatius form a God—this is the sign that you University, who still teaches Using Scripture, images from art, poetry and music, this day will offer a quiet space in the middle of Lent to re- central part of his encounters are on this right path. in the university's Institute of flect on our journey towards Holy Week and Easter. Please book for this event. with God and discernment process. “Discernment is one of the Spirituality. ***** “Finding God in all things is things that worked inside St The author of dozens of Art & Spirituality Course: The Layers: Answering the Call. 4 Thursday evenings: 19th May, 26th May, not an ‘empirical eureka,’” the Ignatius. For him it is an books, including a multi-volume 2nd June, 9th June, 6.30pm – 9pm Pope said. “When we desire to instrument of struggle in order to series of guides for ‘lectio A course over 4 sessions for those who wish to creatively explore the Spiritual Exercised of St Ignatius. With divina,’ a prayerful reading of the use of art materials, reflections and your imagination this is an opportunity to creatively explore the second the books of the New Testament week of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. and selected readings from the ***** Old Testament, Fr Secondin will preach to the Curia on the theme, Servants and Prophets of DROP-IN EVENTS the Living God. Dancing in the Spirit: An opportunity to express through the body the rhythms of life, leading to a period of Fr Secondin will give 10 stillness and contemplation. Normally 1st & 2nd Mondays of each month 7pm check our website for dates. meditations during the course of Eat, Pray, Breathe: A quiet half hour each Tuesday lunchtime (1-1.30pm) to pause, reflect and pray. the week-long retreat, with a First & Fourth Friday Retreat Space: Peaceful mornings for reflection with some gentle input, quiet special focus each day, from space and use of the Centre’s facilities. 1st Friday of the month (10am-1pm), repeated on 4th Friday. undertaking journeys of Taizé Evenings: A quiet hour to pray with Taizé chants interspersed with silence. Usually 3rd Monday of authenticity, finding the courage to say no to ambiguity, walking each month, 7.30-8.30pm. paths of freedom, changing from Carers Afternoons: A gentle afternoon for carers to receive refreshment, a space to rest, reflect and be re- vain idols to true piety, allowing newed. Last Tuesday of each month, 1.30-4pm. yourself be surprised by God, Friday Film Club: Monthly gatherings, aimed at providing individuals with an opportunity, through film, to meeting God where you least access and nourish their spiritual lives and thus deepen their relationship with God. 1st Friday of each month. expect Him, being evangelised Afternoon viewing 2-5pm, evening viewing 6.30-9.30pm. by the poor, looking at witnesses Crafting for the World: Join us in creating crafts, knits, blankets, simple clothing etc, to be used by people of justice and solidarity, accepting Elijah’s cloak and in need such as the elderly, and third world groups. 1st Tuesday each month, 2-4pm. looking at how to become All Drop-In Events are September to June unless otherwise stated. prophets of fraternity. ***** After being renewed by his Please browse our website, www.iscglasgow.co.uk, which has more information on the events, courses retreat, the Pope and Curia will and retreats. For bookings or a copy of the programme contact: return to Rome where they will begin the Lenten and Easter The Administrative Secretary, Ignatian Spirituality Centre, services which are followed by 35 Scott Street, Glasgow, G3 6PE Catholics all over the world, and Tel 0141 354 0077 Fax 0141 331 4588 the Holy Father will hope that e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.iscglasgow.co.uk like him they have prepared Registered Charity SCO 40490 & 230165 sufficiently for the holy season. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23

Knights’ Spiritual Bouquet will keep the sick close to its heart

By Daniel Harkins care for a sick person, to welcome him or her, serve him LAST week, on February or her, is to serve Christ.” 11, Catholics across the The Church runs 115,352 world marked the World health care and social assistance Day of the Sick. In Scotland institutes in the world, including however, those suffering 5167 hospitals, 648 care homes from illnesses will remain in for people with Leprosy mainly the thoughts and prayers of in Asia and Africa, 15,699 the Faithful throughout the homes for the elderly, or the month thanks to the Knights chronically ill or people with a of St Columba’s Spiritual disability, mainly in Europe and Bouquet. America, and 10,124 orphanages, The order’s campaign was mainly in Asia and America. launched at the end of 2014 and In Scotland, numerous sisters encourages people to embark and brothers care for the sick St Vincent’s Primary School pupils are on a Faith mission on a journey of ‘prayers, and vulnerable as do Church devotional acts and good deeds,’ supported organisations like By Dan McGinty During the celebrations to mark that very memorable, once in a lifetime opportunity either as individuals or as part diocesan SPRED groups for the occasion the school welcomed Bishop Toal for the school, and expressed her thanks to Fr of a community or family. disabled. Lay organisations too, PUPILS at St Vincent’s Primary School to concelebrate Mass, where he spoke of St Ivan Boyle, parish priest, and the parishioners Each month of the campaign make their contribution. In in East Kilbride enjoyed the opportunity Vincent’s motto—Kindness is the key to of St Vincent’s parish for their generosity. has a different theme. Last Glasgow, the Legion of Mary to take part in a school mission when hearts—to a packed congregation, which As the children returned to their homes the month, parishioners across run the Wayside Club for the four members of the Sion Community included past and present staff as well as school received a strong response from the Scotland learned about, prayed homeless and across Scotland visited the school. pupils, parents and the wider St Vincent’s parents, pleased at the opportunity the for, and took action to help the Society of St Vincent de The Sion Community led workshops, school community. children had been given and their impact it those living in slavery. Paul run Ozanam clubs provide assemblies, prayer services and question and As with the 40th anniversary, the mission had made on them. Ryan Horn, a KSC member a community for the disabled of answer sessions in all the school’s classes concluded with a school Mass, which A message from one parent captured the from St Andrews and Edinburgh, all faiths and none. over four days, giving the pupils a valuable included a very prayerful reflection led by feelings of many on the special mission prayed for the plight of sweat- The Knights of St Columba insight into their Faith. children from Miss Gallacher’s Primary 6, week in St Vincent’s. shop workers enslaved to organise a number of initiatives The school mission was sponsored by St when all children were sent forth to be “My child said being in school this week corporations in the third world. to help the sick, and more are Vincent’s parish and was originally planned ‘special agents for Jesus and proclaim the was just ‘brilliant,’” they said. In Glasgow, Fr Ian Bathgate joining the cause throughout to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the joy of the Gospel.’ celebrated Mass in St Alphonsus the group’s February campaign. parish and school, which took place earlier Eileen Tompkins, headteacher of St I [email protected] dedicated to the campaign. In Motherwell Diocese, this session. Vincent’s, said that the school mission was a PIC: TOM EADIE Charlie McCluskey, Supreme Michael Roche attended Mass Knight of the order, said he was in the diocesan cathedral on the ‘delighted’ that so many people Feast Day of St Blaise, patron St Charles’ clean sweep helps to preserve the environment had engaged with the Spiritual saint of throat illnesses, and Bouquet in its first month. prayed for those suffering with “All over Britain prayers that condition, and KSC council By Hugh Dougherty have been offered in parishes, members across the UK have homes and within our own been praying for the sick and ill. PRIMARY four and five pupils Order,” he said. “As we are This February, join the Knights from St Charles’ Primary now in February we pray for of St Columba in helping the School, Maryhill, Glasgow, put the sick in our world. Our Lady sick, and becoming, in the words black bags, litter pickers, of Lourdes pray for all of us.” of Pope Francis (above) in his measuring tapes and scales to The spiritual bouquet will be message for the 2015 World Day good use as they helped launch held for the ten months through of the Sick, ‘a special means of the Cleaner Canal Science project till October and the feast of St support for the Church’s mission.’ on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Pope John Paul II on October 22. The scheme, backed by The month of February will I The Knights of St Columba £46,000 grant from the Scottish be devoted to considering the spiritual bouquet is a gift of Waterways Trust, the Glasgow sick, specifically focusing on prayer. The Catholic lay Science Festival and Zero ‘the rights for life from cradle organisation started a journey Waste Scotland, aims to tackle to grave, disabled rights and the of prayers, devotional acts or litter and waste by teaching fight against euthanasia.’ good deeds on December 28, pupils about the damage it does Last week, two days before 2014, the Feast of the Holy to the environment, including the World Day of the Sick— Family, and invites you to take wildlife, in and around the canal. which was initiated by St John part on this spiritual path over The youngsters (above right the Scottish Environmental Paul II in 1992—Pope Francis the next 10 months. Help to and right) got down to work Protection Agency, Zero Waste made a surprise visit to an build a garland between now with Dr Zara Gladman of the Scotland and the Glasgow immigrant settlement on the and the Feast of St John Paul II, Glasgow Science Festival, Science Festival, will become a outskirts of Rome. During on October 22 this year. Submit picking up all types of litter from national standard for effectively Mass at the nearby St Michael your prayers and devotions in on and around the towpath, tacking litter on canals. Local the Archangel parish, the Pope one of the following ways. measuring it and analysing it businesses and community told parishioners that Jesus’ Writing to: The Knights of St before bagging it for disposal. groups are supporting the public ministry was all about Columba, Head Office, 75 Pupils from two other canalside anti-litter drive with its unique preaching and healing. Earlier Hillington, Road South, Glasgow, -schools, St Mary’s and scientific approach to making a that day he had emphasised the G52 2AE or e-mail to bouquet Kilbowie Primary Schools, will canal clean sweep. theme. “It’s true,” he said, @ksc.org.uk. You can also also take part in the project, “This is a new way of tackling “Jesus saves, Jesus cures, Jesus contribute through the national with all involved learning more litter by using the same sort of heals. The healing ministry of website at www.ksc.org.uk on a floating classroom barge. methods that a biologist would Jesus continues in the Church, They will produce a joint use to study wildlife,” Tracey through the sacraments and I The SCO is media partner for report which, when presented Peedle, Scottish Waterways said. “The St Charles’ Pupils project and got down to work through the loving care that the Knights of St Columba’s to the Scottish Waterways Trust, Trust development director, are very enthusiastic about the with great enthusiasm.” Christians give to the sick. To spiritual bouquet E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] 24 COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 2015 Reforms in a period of change for the Church The next part of his series on Councils of the Church sees DR HARRY SCHNITKER begin to explore the impact of the Second Vatican Council COUNCILS OF THE CHURCH

FTER eight months we are finally there: we have reached the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Church. If I tell you that the 21st council is the latest one, you’ll know we are talking about the Second Vatican Council, better known as Vatican II. Eight months of weekly articles coveringA previous Church councils; 20 councils, these facts of themselves give some sort of context to the council. It tells us that, in fact, Vatican II was not the council, but a council of the Church, part of a long tradition. Let us recall some of the facts from the other 20 councils. They were always called during periods of prolonged change, both inside and outside the Church. They caused divisions, and often schisms, some of which are still with us today. They could degenerate into power struggles and were often subject to secular influences. Usually, it took very long periods to implement their decisions, and some were still-born. Little wonder, then, that the Church grew reluctant to call a council. Whereas—with very few exceptions—councils in the long-term managed to revitalise the Church, to rectify abuses and to adopt new forms and languages to convey the eternal Truth to a contemporary audience, they never came without significant fall out. The memory of the councils of the 13th century, which embroiled the Church in affairs of the world, and those of the 14th century, which caused the most grievous divisions, lingered on most powerfully. These bad memories were amplified by the fact that the First Vatican Council had also caused divisions—the birth of the Old Catholic Church— and that the Council of Trent had gained a mythical status as the litmus test of Catholicism. For any Pope to even contemplate a council was to ponder the potential for disaster. Yet, on the other side of the argument was the undeniable fact that councils could and did provide long-term solutions, that after the dust and pain had settled after a long period—sometimes as much as a century—peace and a new élan would revitalise the Church. We can but imagine what angsts Pope St John XXIII (right) went through as he launched the Church into the most extensive gathering of prelates seen since the days of Trent. However, like the post-Vatican II Popes were, and are, fundamental was on the cards well before the council. Officially, vernacular was, therefore, a deeply practical august predecessors such as Pope Innocent III or in reshaping the Church in the image of Vatican II. it began with the appointment by Pope Pius XII of undertaking, responsive to the needs of the Church Pope Paul III, Pope St John XXIII placed his trust It has been observed that the Papacy was the main the Commission for Liturgical Reform in 1948, and devoid of ideological impulses. The same was in the Holy Spirit. He must have realised what he authoritative source for Trent—the same is true for which culminated in the reintroduction of the true for the introduction of Sunday Masses after was about to unleash, though. For all the portrayal Vatican II. Easter Vigil in 1950. the morning. This had long been the tradition, but of John XXIII as a simple farmer’s son, he was a What we can do with some accuracy is discern This has retrospectively been seen as the the violence of the Second World War, and the fine scholar, with a particularly strong research the prehistory of the council, and it is that which I ‘beginning of the end’ or the ‘start of renewal,’ but destruction and displacement that followed in its record on the Catholic Reformation, St Charles propose to do in this first instalment on Vatican II. was neither. Instead, it was the conscious return to wake meant that many could not attend morning Borromeo and the impact of the Council of Trent Understanding the prehistory is important. A a pre-Tridentine ritual, developed and used in most Mass. Pragmatically, Mass was now being offered on the Milan Archdiocese. He knew the imperative narrative has arisen that somehow Pope St John of the Medieval Latin Church, intended to dramatise in the afternoon or later, a move that proved popular. for reform, but also the consequences of launching XXIII called the council on a whim, that there was the Resurrection within the confines of a church The whole reform of the Liturgy had roots much such a reform. no need for one, and that, therefore, all ills of the building. Just as in the Medieval West, the idea deeper than just the immediate post-war period, Church have flown from the council—as opposed was that the drama was a form of Catechesis. Five though. It stemmed from the growing body of his is not the place to rehash the issues of the to the other narrative, equally problematic, that years later it was the turn of Holy Week, and in knowledge, the fruit of the work by historians and council. To begin with, a proper analysis of there was a desert before the council and that this particular the Sacred Triduum, much of this driven textual specialists, stretching back to the 19th Vatican II would require a very long series, desert was made to flower because of it. by the same motivations as the reform of the century. Patristic studies, too, had created a greater Tand secondly, there is the fact that although some The proposition is not true. It is profoundly a- Easter Vigil. awareness of the pre-Tridentine Church and its of its decisions are now bedding down, there is still historical to suggest that any major event simply Some reforms were simply a reflection of multiple rites and uses. In some ways, the Novus a long way to go before we can properly understand appears out of nowhere. Any human event has changing times. Although Pope Pius made it very Ordo Missae was not the fruit of Vatican II, but the just what its results were. Anyone who claims that roots, precedents and causes. We can briefly exam- clear that Latin retained its primacy (Mediator culmination of a process that had begun in the later he/she can discern its results by observing the current ine three examples of changes confirmed and/or Dei) he also knew that the use of Latin could and Victorian age. scene needs reminding that history has the unsettling furthered by the council which were built upon did have serious implication in two areas of Of course, the above does not address whether habit of playing out over several human life-spans. previous initiatives. missionary activity: the poor in the western world or not the reforms have been successful, nor their This is not to say that we cannot make preliminary and the still largely illiterate in the developing consequences. In both cases one would suggest observations. This is made more possible by the et us have a look at Liturgical reform, as this world. The latter were a deep concern to Pope that it is a little early to judge. What we can say is fact that the Vatican II generation in the Church is is the most clear example of the proposition. Pius, for in the past five decades the Church had that although for some, perhaps for a considerable gradually fading into history. Pope Francis is the Now this has become one of the most grown very rapidly in both Africa and Asia. The number of people, the Liturgical reforms of first post-Council Pope not to have played a role at contestedL post-conciliar fields. Around the Liturgy poor in LatinAmerica increased Pope Pius’concern. the modern period, which culminated in the the council. In addition, there has been the massive have coalesced the political—and, therefore, secular More than most at the time, the Holy Father pronouncements of Vatican II, were either amazing impact of the extremely long Pontificate of Pope St —views of many. William Dinges was right to realised that a new demographic was creeping into or abhorrent, they are hardly the pre-eminent John Paul II, which added its own interpretative equate ritual conflict with social conflict in his the Church, that one day would mean that the old concern of most. In addition, the growing Church element to the council. Just as the post-Trent 1987 article in Sociology of Religion. It is intriguing European heartlands were to be dwarfed by the of Africa and Asia has little understanding of all of Popes, including Pope St Pius V, were fundamental to see where those who draw lines of rupture in the Church elsewhere. this: theirs is a tradition that stretches back no in translating the rulings of Trent into reality, so sand stand politically. In effect, Liturgical reform The cautious and limited introduction of further than the early 1900s. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK