Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 93 No. 6 June 24, 2015 Summer schedule God’s creation is ‘crying out with pain’ The Prairie Messenger pub - lishes every By Cindy Wooden Situating mate right” to private property, second week ecology but that right is never “absolute or in July and VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The firmly with - inviolable,” since the goods of the takes a three- earth, which was created to sup - in Catholic earth were created to benefit all. week sum - port life and give praise to God, is social teach - Regarding pollution and envi - crying out with pain because ing, Pope ronmental destruction in general, mer vacation in August. human activity is destroying it, Francis not he says it is important to acknowl - Summer issues will be dated Pope Francis says in his long- only insists edge “the human origins of the July 1, July 15, July 29 and awaited encyclical, Laudato Si’ , that wealthi - ecological crisis,” and while ecol - August 26. on Care for Our Common Home.” er nations ogy is not only a religious con - All who believe in God and all — who con - cern, those who believe in God Bred in the bone people of goodwill have an obli - tributed should be especially passionate on gation to take steps to mitigate cli - more to the subject because they profess Grace must be bred in the mate change, clean the land and despoiling the divine origin of all creation. bone, says the seas, and start treating all of the earth — Pope Francis singles out for spe - Gordon creation — including poor people must bear cial praise Orthodox Ecumenical Smith, pres - — with respect and concern, he more of the Patriarch Bartholomew of Constan - ident of says in the document released at costs of ti nople, who has made environ - Ambrose the Vatican June 18. remedying mental theology a key topic of his University A lack of respect for creation is the damage, research and teaching since the in Calgary; a lack of respect for God who cre - he also calls early 1990s. Before the encyclical’s ated all that exists, the pope says. for their sol - release, the pope told a group of physicality in our worship is In fact, he continues, a person idarity with priests that he had asked the patri - central to true worship. cannot claim to respect nature the poorest arch to join him for the public pres - — page 3 while supporting abortion, nor can of the earth. entation of the encyclical, but the one claim to be pro-life without a He urges patriarch had a scheduling conflict Sisters leave commitment to reversing damage generosity and so sent one of his top theolo - to the environment. in transfer - gians, Metropolitan John of Perga - They came in 1923 to With unusually blunt language ring clean mon. Stockholm and have served for a papal document, the pope technology, People are fooling themselves, in various capacities in the decries centuries of exploiting the protecting Pope Francis says in the docu - Regina archdiocese since, earth, exploiting other people and small farms, ment, if they think “things do not but with the death of Sister acting as if the point of human life opening look that serious, and the planet Anastasia Young, the is to buy and consume as much as access to could continue as it is for some Saskatchewan presence of possible. CNS/courtesy U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops markets and time.” Such people in all honesty the Sisters of Social Service “The earth, our home, is begin - LONG-ANTICIPATED ENCYCLICAL — This is the protecting are giving themselves permission ning to look more and more like people’s to carry on with their current is now over. cover of the English edition of Pope Francis’ encyclical an immense pile of filth,” the pope jobs. lifestyles and habits; their attitude — page 6 on the environment, Laudato Si’ , on Care for Our writes in the document. Common Home.” The long-anticipated encyclical was Quoting is “self-destructive,” he says. Spanish parish While acknowledging science released at the Vatican June 18. St. John In large sections of the encycli - is not the Catholic Church’s area Paul II and cal, Pope Francis’ language is of expertise, Pope Francis says “a cates “human activity” has seri - a constant theme of the church’s poetic, echoing the tone of St. The only Spanish-speaking very solid scientific consensus” ously contributed to it, threatening social doctrine, Pope Francis says parish in Manitoba, Nuestra points to global warming and indi - the planet and all life on it. the church recognizes the “legiti - — HYmN , page 19 Senora de la Asunción , offers numerous opportunities for the faithful of all ages. Laudato Si’ : reaction from Saskatoon bishop — page 7 By Kiply Lukan Yaworski emphasizes the profound and mov - scientists, philosophers, theolo - Christian-Jewish ing reality that earth is “our com - gians and civic groups that has dialogue SASKATOON — Pope Francis’ mon home,” the bishop added. taken place on these issues, and encyclical on the environment, Bolen expressed his delight in calls for a “conversation which Laudato Si’ , is a beautifully written the sense of wonder and awe includes everyone, since the envi - The third instalment of the and accessible document for the which characterizes this docu - ronmental challenge we are What Dialogue Looks Like whole world, says Bishop Donald ment, so grounded in a healthy undergoing, and its human roots, series focuses on Bolen of the Roman Cath olic relationship with God and with concern and affect us all.” Dr. Edward Kessler and Diocese of Saskatoon. God’s creation. Pope Francis identifies that the Sister Rose Thering, OP. “It speaks a word that the He observed that the docu - same spiritual crisis is harming — page 14 world needs to hear at this ment’s title — Laudato Si’ , or both the environment and human moment in time,” said Bolen after Praised Be — is appropriately beings, said Bolen. Engaging with the pontiff released the encyclical taken from Saint Francis of “Pope Francis makes an appeal problems June 18 as part of the church’s Assisi’s glorious hymn to creation: on both fronts. The earth is suffer - social teaching. “Praised be to you, my Lord, ing . . . and the greatest impact of “It is a word that many in our through brother sun, who gives us climate change falls on the poor - “By merely asserting exist - society, including our scientific light. For sister moon and the est,” Bolen said. “We are faced ing doctrines, by clamping community, are longing to hear, stars; praised be to you, my Lord, not with one but two separate PM File down on those who ask dif - have been waiting to hear. It is an through brother wind, sister water, crises, one environmental and the Bishop Donald Bolen ficult questions and exclud - invitation to come to our senses through all the creatures.” other social, but rather with one ing them from the conversa - and start to cultivate the larger “The encyclical calls into ques - complex crisis which is both nology must be accompanied by a tion, by indulging in group - vision needed if we are to live tion how we are to live on this social and environmental (139),” moral sense to protect both the think or simply avoiding the meaningfully as a human race on planet, how we are to live in rela - states the document. earth and human beings, stresses issue, we (the church) shut this earth which God has given tion to the earth, how we are to Environmental devastation and Pope Francis: “Never has humani - ourselves off from the many us.” deal with the suffering of others, the human scourges of poverty, ty had such power over itself, yet He noted that Pope Francis’ how we are to form societies, cul - inequality, injustice, wars, abor - nothing ensures that it will be used important challenges of the broad intention resonates in the tures,” said Bolen, noting it is a tion, and human trafficking are all wisely,” he writes in Laudato Si’ . world we are supposed to opening lines of the encyclical: call to conversion and change for connected to our “throwaway cul - “Our immense technological de - engage with,” writes “Now, faced as we are with global each one of us in how we live and ture,” that treats other human velopment has not been accompa - Anthony Egan, SJ. environmental deterioration, I wish in the decisions we make. beings and nature as objects for nied by a development in human — page 15 to address every person living on He noted that Laudato Si’ iden - exploitation and domination. this planet (3).” The Holy Father tifies the ongoing dialogue with The market economy and tech - — CONCERN , page 9 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS June 24, 2015 Our loved ones do not ‘disappear into nothingness’

By Carol Glatz It is “heart-rending” when a particularly distressing — “like a “absurd normality.” The Lord will reunite every - mother and father lose a child: black hole that opens in the life of a “May the Lord free us from one once again, and it is this VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “It’s as if time has stopped. An family and for which we don’t getting used to this” kind of loss Christian hope and faith that will Christian hope and faith in the abyss opens that swallows up the know how to give any explanation.” of life, he said. “protect us from a nihilistic view afterlife mean the sting of losing a past and the future,” he said. Sometimes family members For the people of God, death of death as well as false worldly loved one does not have to leave Losing a child seems to go will blame God. “I understand. never has the last word, the pope consolation,” myths or supersti - behind a poisonous venom in our against everything life is supposed They get mad at God, they curse said. However, it still takes an tion, he said. lives, Pope Francis said. to be about, he said. “It’s a slap in him,” or begin to question or enormous amount of love to face The pope reminded people that “Our loved ones have not disap - the face to all the promises, gifts, doubt his existence, the pope said. “the darkness of death.” June 20 marked World Refugee peared into dark nothingness: Hope and sacrifices of love joyously “This anger is a bit of what He asked that today’s priests Day, and he asked people pray for assures us that they are in God’s given to the life we have given comes from the heart of huge and all Christians find ways to all those forced to flee as they good and strong hands. Love is birth to,” he said. heartache” of losing a family better express what the faith search for a new home “where stronger than death,” he said at his Just as traumatic is when a member, he said. means when facing the death of a they can live without fear.” general audience June 17. child loses one or both parents, he Unfortunately, death has a loved one. He asked that the dignity of As part of a series of talks said. number of evil “accomplices, who People need to mourn, “you refugees always be respected and about the family and problems They ask, “Where is daddy? are even worse” and their names must never deny people the right encouraged the international com - they face, the pope looked at Where is mommy?’ ’’ or “ ‘When are hatred, envy, pride, greed, to cry,” he said. munity to co-operate and work death, particularly the loss of a will mommy come back home?’ indifference — basically “the sin Christians must become “ac- effectively to “prevent the causes close family member. Oh, what do you say? The child of the world that works for death complices” of love, armed with of forced migrations.” When a loved one dies, espe - suffers” and he or she lacks the and makes it even more painful the faith and able to help families “I invite everyone to ask for - cially a child or a parent of young experience or understanding “to and unjust.” navigate the “very difficult path of giveness for the people and insti - children, “death is never able to give a name to what has hap - Death’s “auxiliary forces” ren - death as well as the sure path of tutions that close the doors to appear as something natural,” he pened,” the pope said. der so many families helpless and, the Lord, crucified and risen, with these people who are seeking a said. These experiences of death are so often, such horror in some parts his irreversible promise of resur - family, who want to be cared for,” Pray for justice, terrorists of the world starts to seem like an rection.” he said to applause. who kill in name of God

By Carol Glatz name of religion,” and it called for renewed efforts, especially in edu - VATICAN CITY (CNS) — cation and law enforcement, to fos - Christians and Muslims should ter respect for human life and pro - pray for those who have “deviated tect people’s rights. from the true path of life” and kill Unfortunately, many ethnic and in the name of religion, said religious communities around the Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. world, he said, have had to face “Our prayer is much needed: killings, rapes, enslavement, forced for justice, for peace and security emigration and trafficking, even of in the world,” as well as for those human organs and cadavers. who “commit violence in the “We are all aware of the gravi - name of religion, so as to return to ty of these crimes in themselves,” God and change (their) life,” said he said. But what “makes them the cardinal, president of the even more heinous” is the attempt Pontifical Council for Inter-reli - to justify such barbarity in the gious Dialogue. name of religion. “It is a clear Tauran’s annual message to manifestation of instrumentalizing Muslims for Eid al-Fitr, the feast religion for gaining power and marking the end of the month-long richness,” he said. Ramadan fast, was published by Nations and communities have the Vatican June 19. Ramadan will a duty to protect their residents CNS/Brian Snyder, Reuters end on or around July 17 this year. and their property “from the blind PEOPLE EXPRESS HEARTACHE AS THEY mOURN SHOOTING VICTImS — Sister mary Thecla of The message was titled, “Chris- violence of terrorists,” he said. the Daughters of St. Paul prays outside the Emanuel African methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, tians and Muslims: Together to But leaders, schools, families S.C. June 19. Two days prior, nine people were murdered during a Bible study session at the church. counter violence perpetrated in the and the media also have a respon - sibility in educa - tion, because “vio - Pope, Syriac patriarch pray for unity lence and terrorism are first conceived in the mind of the By Laura Ieraci fixed Sunday in April” in common life of Christians and others in the deviated persons.” with other Christian churches. ongoing conflict in the Middle East, “All those (who) VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The celebration of Easter “on as well as the high number of refu - are involved in the Pope Francis and the patriarch of two different dates is a source of gees and the destruction of numer - education of the the Syriac Orthodox Church of great discomfort and weakens the ous religious buildings and monu - youth and in the Antioch expressed their desire to common witness of the church in ments. He thanked Pope Francis for various educational work toward full communion of the world,” he said, thanking Pope his prayers for the suffering spaces should teach the two churches. Francis for recently “considering Christians but urged the Vatican to the sacred character The pope met with Patriarch to take the initiative to lead the engage in more diplomatic activity of life and the Ignatius Aphrem II at the Vatican efforts on this matter.” toward peace in the region. derived dignity of June 19. This was Aphrem’s first Meeting a group of priests in In his speech, Pope Francis every person, re - official visit with Pope Francis. Rome June 12, Pope Francis said urged the two churches to “further gardless of his or The two church leaders spoke pri - the Catholic Church “is willing to strengthen the bonds of friendship her ethnicity, reli - vately, after which each gave a establish a fixed date for Easter so and fraternity” during this time of gion, culture, social public discourse. that it can be celebrated on the “difficult trial and suffering” for position and politi - “We express our desire and same day by all Christians, whether Christians and to “hasten our steps cal choice,” the car - readiness to look for new ways Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox.” on the common journey, holding dinal wrote. that will bring our churches even In the current situation, he said, the gaze fixed on the day when we “There is no life closer to each other, paving the be ing ironic, “A Catholic and an can celebrate our belonging to the that is more pre - way for Antioch and Rome, the Or thodox meet. One says, ‘Your one Church of Christ around the cious than another only two apostolic sees where St. Christ has risen? Mine rises next same altar of sacrifice and praise.” one because it Peter preached, to establish full Sunday.’ ’’ The two churches should belongs to a specif - communion,” Aphrem said. The patriarch also thanked “exchange the treasures of our tra - ic race or religion,” The patriarch also expressed Francis for “courageously” speak - ditions as spiritual gifts because CNS/Catholic Church in Jerusalem he wrote. “There - his church’s readiness to come to ing of the Armenian genocide and that which unites us is far greater FIRE DAmAGED BENEDICTINE CHURCH fore, no one can an agreement to celebrate Easter “opening the way for others to do than that which divides us,” he said. — Fire damaged the Benedictine Church of the kill. No one can kill on a common date. He said the the same.” The patriarch said The Syriac Orthodox Church, multiplication at Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee in in the name of God; Holy Synod of Antioch, motivated about 500,000 Syriac Orthodox he said, has been “a church of Israel following a June 18 blaze. The Council of this would be a by the Second Vatican Council, died in the 1915 genocide, for martyrs” since its founding and is Religious Institutions of the Holy Land issued a double crime: adopted a resolution in 1981, which the community continues to “still today in the Middle East” strong condemnation against the early morning against God and the expressing “the eagerness of our seek healing and reconciliation. along with other Christian church - arson attack. very person.” church” to celebrate Easter “on a In addition, he noted the loss of es there. June 24, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Pope’s encyclical takes fresh approach to dialogue

By Deborah Gyapong world, but the way he has done it the dialogue interesting. “He is peer-reviewed science on climate is new, he said. really pointing at very serious change, he said. OTTAWA (CCN) — Pope He speaks of wanting to enter problems,” yet even in front of “He really wants action,” Gunn Francis’ encyclical on the environ - into a dialogue with “all people those problems he is speaking to said. The encyclical should chal - ment Laudato Si’ seeks a dialogue about our common home,” but this “people of goodwill who have lenge us as church communities. with the whole world and gives dialogue “is present even in the tried to find solutions.” “If our parking lot outside mass new insight into the relationship of way he wrote it,” said Mathieu. The tone Pope Francis uses is looks the same as Wal-Mart’s two human beings to creation, say “This is not a man locked up in not condemning, even as he states hours after mass,” with trash, “the informed Canadian readers. the Vatican reflecting on his own,” things very clearly, Mathieu said. kind of cars we drive, the way we While the message about hu- he said. “He is humble enough to He shows the problem, invites do our shopping, the amount of manity’s place in creation is wel - consult and be informed by oth - dialogue and proposes some fossil fuels we use,” he is challeng - comed, however, some are critical ers, so the encyclical is the fruit of guidelines to help. ing us that our personal lifestyle of Pope Francis’ attitude toward dialogue, and he is clearly want - While some people are going has to change, our life as an institu - markets, technology and even fos - ing to promote dialogue. So that, to be enthusiastic or not so enthu - tional church has to change and sil fuels. clearly, is really something new.” siastic with the encyclical, he’s government policy has to change.” Pope Francis’ apostolic exhor - While Francis quotes extensive - “taking a very clear position in Gunn said the encyclical will tation Evangelii Gaudium (The ly from his predecessors, he also favour of ecology” and showing also bring about new reflections in Joy of the Gospel) was primarily quotes the Ecumenical Patriarch the consequences of “wild capital - theology. He noted that in a search directed at Christians, but now he Bartholomew. “I don’t think I’ve ism” and consumerism. for the word “stewardship,” he wants to dialogue with the whole seen that very often in an encyclical Joe Gunn, executive director of PM finds it only once in the docu - world in Laudato Si’ , said Marist that the pope is quoting an the social justice think-tank Citi- Joe Gunn ment, in a quote from a bishops’ Father Yvan Mathieu, a biblical Orthodox patriarch.” A representa - zens for Public Justice, notes that conference. The idea of steward - scholar and dean of faculty of the - tive of Bartholomew’s was present environmentalists have moved good, and of sharing and caring ship, that humanity is “put in con - ology at Saint Paul University. at the news conference at the Vati - away from the position held in the for others. trol,” is an idea that CPJ has Mathieu described Laudato Si’ can for the release of the encyclical. 1970s and ’80s that population “I think environmental leaders moved away from, toward a view as both “in the tradition and new.” Dialogue to find solutions control is the solution to the envi - will feel they have a friend in the that encourages “the flourishing It is not the first time a pope has ronmental crisis. In the encyclical leadership in the Vatican,” Gunn of all creation.” tried to have a dialogue with the Mathieu also finds the tone of Pope Francis firmly comes out said. “When he talks about the CPJ has been moving away against both popula - spiritual roots of environmental from the idea that the human be - tion control and abor - problems, I think quite a few of us ing is above all nature rather than tion. are getting to the point where we a part of nature, he said. That’s “I’ve seen a real appreciate that; it crosses ideolog - part of the criticism Christian the - change, where the ical boundaries.” ology has received, the command environmental move - Encyclical a ‘tipping point’ to dominate nature. The fact that ment is now wanting Pope Francis stayed away from to work with church - He thinks the encyclical may the word “stewardship” will “en - es,” Gunn said. bring about a tipping point in the sure the encyclical will be studied “They’ve seen it’s not debate on climate change and the and commented upon” in theolog - just about protecting ecology. ical schools. wetlands, or using The pope has issued a chal - New theological insights alternative technolo - lenge to community networks, gies, but what we’re including the Catholic community, Mathieu said he usually teach - really talking about to work with politicians on shap - es Genesis I, which includes the are pretty massive ing a policy response on issues Creation narrative. The Christian changes in how we such as replacing fossil fuels, view of dominion over creation operate on the plan - developing renewable energy and has often been condemned as “the et.” helping poor countries, Gunn said. source of all evil, as if you can Faith communities “It’s remarkable how weak inter - pollute as much as you can.” have much to con - national responses have been.” What God means when God tribute to the environ - “The fact that he uses the word gives human beings dominion is Art Babych mental movement sin when he talks about attacks on that they are meant to “protect and ENVIRONmENTAL ENCYCLICAL — A yellow warbler takes a bath near the through their stress on nature allows us to move the care for the order God has creat- Ottawa River. Pope Francis’ long-anticipated encyclical on the environment was the benefit of thinking debate” into asking people what released at the Vatican June 18. about the common they are doing when they deny the — INDIGENOUS , page 10 Grace needs to be bred in the bone; it needs to be embodied

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski gelical Christian and the president of these matters, but they are not the thing for which we need to repent, everything happens in my mind, of Ambrose University in Calgary, fundamental point of divide. Rather and then from this penitential pos - and there is the sentimental SASKATOON — As an Evan - Smith said that he has grown in the most pressing issue is very sim - ture, begin to read and listen to thread, that the only thing that gelical Christian, Dr. Gordon faith and understanding through the ply: what does it mean to be the Catholic theologians, and to local worship is, is good feelings. But if Smith has been enriched by his Catholic emphasis on sacramentali - church? And in this regard, I sug - clergy, and to Catholic sisters and our faith is not embodied, it is a encounters with Catholics. He ty, as well as receiving new insights gest to both parties that we need to brothers, on what does it mean to be fair question to ask if it takes. described some of “what Evan - into the Gospel, spiritual formation listen twice as much as we speak.” the church as a liturgical, catecheti - Grace by its very nature needs to gelicals can learn from Catholic and liturgical renewal from his cal and missional community.” be bred in the bone. It needs to be Christians” during a recent pres - Catholic sisters and brothers. Smith noted that one of the embodied if it’s going to have its entation at the Cathedral of the Smith added that he has also goals of ecumenism is not simply transformative effect.” Holy Family in Saskatoon. been blessed by ancient Catholic to map out agreement and disagree - Smith concluded with a quote Smith told the gathering that he sources of Christian wisdom — ment, but to determine “where and from a letter that John Wesley, one was speaking as an Evangelical including John of the Cross, in what ways can we learn from of the Evangelical founders of “who is deeply indebted to the Theresa of Avila, Ignatius Loyola one another, and where and in what Methodism, wrote in 1789 to a perspectives and wisdom from the and many others — and has been ways can we learn together.” Roman Catholic friend: “Let us . . . Catholic tradition that have en- enriched by the Catholic emphasis For instance, he said, “Catholic endeavour to help each other on in riched my Christian journey, and on the importance of the intellec - voices and perspectives that have whatever we are agreed leads to my ministry.” tual life for faith. helped me and many other evan - the Kingdom. So far as we can, let The presentation at the cathedral However, it is the meaning of gelicals come to a greater appreci - us always rejoice to strengthen was organized by the local Evan - church (ecclesiology) which is the ation of the place of the sacraments each other’s hands in God. Above gelical-Catholic dialogue group most critical issue for conversa - in worship — that embodiment all, let us each take heed to himself that has been meeting for the past tion, learning and dialogue be - matters, that materiality is inherent (since each must give an account three-and-a-half years in Saska - tween Catholics and Evangelicals, to our way of being, that physical - of himself to God) that he fall not toon. Dialogue co-chairs Nicholas asserted Smith. ity in our worship is central to true short of the religion of love.” Jesson, ecumenical officer for the “The fundamental matters sep - worship. The sense that if it only Smith added: “If Wesley was Roman Catholic Diocese of Saska - arating Catholics and Evangeli- happens in our heads, and only so inclined in 1749, how much toon, and Rev. Harry Strauss of cals is not, in my estimation, tradi - Yaworski happens in our hearts, and does not more generous should we be of Forest Grove Community Church, tion and Scripture, it is not faith Dr. Gordon Smith happen in our bodies, perhaps it our assessment of each other to- welcomed the diverse crowd to the versus works, it is not even Mary doesn’t happen, perhaps it doesn’t day, being eager to learn together, April 30 event. A similar session on or celibacy or sacraments and Evangelicals need to do some take deeply and thoroughly.” serve together, worship together what Catholics can learn from their meaning, or even the central - homework and some due diligence, He emphasized the importance in mutual respect and love. Yes Evangelical Christians is planned ity of Christ for worship and Smith suggested. “Our radical indi - of an embodied faith. “There are with discernment — but I would for the fall. piety,” Smith said. vidualism, our propensity for divi - two threads within my tradition: suggest with the discernment not A committed lifelong Evan - “We might differ on some or all siveness and sectarianism, is some - there is the rational thread, that of critics, but of fellow learners.” 4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS June 24, 2015 Ottawa resident recalls work with Archbishop Romero

By Deborah Gyapong Despite the turmoil, Romero OK if you have to run from the was honest, polite, friendly, Es - persecution, if you have a chance OTTAWA (CCN) — A former cobar said. He and others thought to save your life do it, because you member of El Salvador’s national he acted like a saint. He never got have the right to do the best that police force, Jose Escobar used to angry, even when people insulted you can not only for you, but also catechize people who were pre par - him. He would give away his cloth - for your families. I don’t want ing for sacraments in his parish. ing to the needy right on the spot. innocent saints out of any of you.” Archbishop Oscar Romero, He had enemies on both sides, and I know that for me it is impos - who was assassinated while saying he began to wonder where he sible to run, because as pastor that mass on March 24, 1980, and beat - would die, and who would kill him, I am, I will never abandon my ified by Pope Francis on May 23, Escobar said. The parish had many sheep,” he said. visited the parish several times to problems and every time Escobar Then Romero warned Escobar observe what Escobar was doing. approached the archbishop for he would be threatened for the “He saw I was doing well, so help, “He never said, ‘I’m sorry humanitarian work he was doing. he said to the priest, ‘We can trust Jose, I can’t do anything.’ He He advised him that if he receives him,’ ” Escobar said in an inter - always gave us hope.” a threat not to wait for the second view at his home in Ottawa. “I Escobar became aware mem - but to get out of El Salvador im - like the way he teaches the peo - bers of the national police force mediately and go to Mexico. He ple. We can work together with and the army were complicit in gave him the name of two bishops him and he can help us to protect murders that included massacres there, and said to go see them if he the people.” of small communities. He told his needed help. Romero faced opposition and wife Josephine, “This is not right.” “Even if I am dead they will re - threats to his life from all sides, “When I became a policeman, I ceive you in my name,” the arch - Escobar said. Though he stressed wanted to protect people not kill bishop told him. “Take your fami - the preferential option for the poor people,” he said. ly with you and don’t worry about from the beginning of his episco - His wife Josephine encouraged the rest, because I will bless you pate, the communists thought he Robert Du Broy him to quit. “I don’t think we will and your family always every - was with the government. Govern - FRIENDS OF ROmERO — Family and friends gathered at St. die if you no longer work for the where you go.” ment paramilitary groups were Elizabeth’s Parish in Ottawa on may 23, the day of Archbishop Oscar police,” she said. The couple had Escobar believes the archbish - killing poor people, farmers, la - Romero’s beatification. From left, starting from back row: Jose four small children at the time. op prophesied his family’s exit bourers, student leaders, priests Escobar, his son Norman Escobar, his friend Sarah Du Broy, front row: Leaving the police force, how - from El Salvador. and catechists. They would give Rev. Daryold Winkler, Jose Escobar’s wife Josephine and their daugh - ever, would make him a target. It took nearly a year for 5,000 pesos (about $500) for the ter Virginia. He went to work for a local fam - Escobar to flee El Salvador, leav - killing of a priest, Escobar said. ily that owned a funeral home. As ing Josephine and the children Many of the people in his ask new seminarians to come so full considering they had no the civil war picked up, many more behind. He managed to cross the parish sympathized with the Com - since they had told him they were priest. Many from the community killings took place. Esco bar’s job border into Mexico, even though munists, but Escobar tried to stick afraid they and their families were being manipulated by the was to pick up the bodies. He said he didn’t have any money and with the Gospel and the church’s would be killed. So he asked guerrillas trying to recruit them, he arrived at some massacres while immigration officials would have teaching, steering a middle course Escobar to lead the parish. but Escobar steered a pastoral the perpetrators were still there, deported him had they found out. which he said the archbishop “We have to work together,” course. On one of his visits he told cleaning off their knives. Escobar In one instance he fled officials appreciated. When police or mili - Escobar said the archbishop told Escobar: “Congratu la tions, you stopped staying overnight at his into the lobby of a hotel where he tary would come to search for him. “You don’t go for any ideolo - are doing a great job.” home, for fear of paramilitary found a group of nuns. He snuck weapons, they would recognize gy. That’s good.” Romero told him He came about once a month to groups. After seeing so many dead under the skirt of one especially tall Escobar as a police officer and he did not want any member of the run retreats at the parish. Mean - bodies, he could no longer eat meat. sister, pleading with her to keep take his word that no weapons community dying for an ideology. while persecution against Catho - “I was getting very skinny,” he said. quiet. He spent two weeks in were present. He gave him the task of being the lics was increasing, as anyone who “The only one that cared for Chiapas, Mexico, without food, The government, however, had spiritual guide for the parish. identified as a member of the the people was the archbishop,” until a kind police officer with the his parish priest arrested three Spies from the paramilitary church was considered “dangerous Escobar said. But the division that same last name lent him money to times, then exiled him from the were infiltrating his community. to the government,” Escobar said. wracked the country also went travel to Mexico City. There, sure country. Romero told Escobar he “I had to take care not to say any - People had to avoid carrying a through the church as well. “Some enough, the name of Archbishop was afraid if he appointed another thing against the government,” Bible, a book, a camera, even a in the church opposed him; some Oscar Romero opened doors for priest government militia would Escobar said. Romero visited and piece of paper or risk being killed wanted him to be more extreme.” him and he was able to obtain a job. kill him right away. He could not was surprised to find the church on the spot, he said. He was not merely a simple Now, the Escobars live in bishop or pastor, he was “almost Ottawa. Two of their five children like a father attending the people,” are religious sisters; two sons are Canadian delegates named for fall synod inspiring their “trust and confi - engineers. Their youngest daugh - dence,” said Escobar. “He was my ter is still at home. Jose Escobar By Deborah Gyapong or synodal journey to examine the “having a very deep knowledge of spiritual guide.” believes the intercession of Arch - pastoral challenges to the family in the challenges faced by families Escobar recalled the last retreat bishop Romero helped him and OTTAWA (CCN) — The Holy light of the new evangelization. as well as their strengths.” Romero gave his parish. During a his family every step of their See released on June 16 the names “I look forward to being part of “They are also very conscious question and answer session after - sometimes gruelling journey from of the Canadian delegates to the the discussions relating to the of the necessity to make families ward, the archbishop told them: El Salvador, to Mexico and even - upcoming synod on the family synod on the family this fall,” said aware of their great responsibly “Listen brothers and sisters, it is tually to Canada. taking place in Rome Oct. 4 - 25. Collins. “It is an important mo - for the new evangelization in a The delegates are: Archbishop ment of dialogue for the church as society that has become, at least in Paul André Durocher, president of we reflect on how we can support Canada, post-Christian,” she said. the Canadian Conference of Cath - and strengthen families and jour - “A lot of work needs to be done to olic Bishops; Valleyfield (Que bec) ney together in faith.” make families conscious of their Bishop Noël Simard; Toronto The delegates are selected by role as protagonists of the new Cardinal Thomas Collins; and Ed - both the French and the English- evangelization.” monton Archbishop Richard Smith. language sectors of the CCCB. “At this time in the history of the Alternates, should one of the dele - They were chosen over a lengthy church, the laity has a primary role gates not be able to attend, are voting process that began earlier to play in announcing God’s love Saint-Jean–Longueuil (Que bec) in the year. Bishops in each sector and Christ’s Gospel to a society that Bishop Lionel Gendron, who is also put forward names; those named resembles very much the Roman CCCB vice-president, and Vancou - most frequently became the slate world in which the first Christians ver Archbishop Michael Miller. of candidates for each sector, and lived,” she said. “We are the first Durocher is the only Canadian voting continued until two dele - Christians of the third millennium delegate who also attended last gates and one substitute for each and our responsibility is great.” October’s extraordinary synod on sector were chosen. Following The synod takes place Oct. 4 - the family. An ordinary synod is this, all the bishops of Canada 25, and will come on the heels of convened over regular intervals were asked to vote on each of the the World Meeting of Families and an extraordinary synod is spe - six names, and then these were Congress in Philadelphia Sept. 22 cially convened to deal with mat - submitted to the Holy See for con - - 25 and Pope Francis’ visit to the NEW APPOINTmENT — The International Civil Liberties ters on a more timely basis and is firmation by the pope. United States Sept. 26 - 27 that monitoring Group (ICLmG) has announced the appointment of Dr. smaller. Last October, the extraor - The list had to be approved by will include a visit to the U.S. monia mazigh as its new national co-ordinator. mazigh is a well-known dinary synod included only heads the pope and names released from Congress and the United Nations. academic, author and human rights advocate best known for her efforts of episcopal conferences, Curial the Holy See. The CCCB will hold its annual to free her husband maher Arar from a Syrian prison in 2003. The cardinals who head dicasteries in “It’s a very strong delegation,” plenary Sept. 14 - 18. Durocher’s ICLmG is a national coalition that brings together some 43 NGOs, Rome, and those specially invited said Catholic Organization for two-year term ends after the ple - unions, professional associations, faith groups, environmental organiza - by the Holy Father. Pope Francis Life and Family director Michele nary and a new president will be tions, human rights and civil liberties advocates, as well as groups rep - had decided on a two-stage pro cess Boulva. She described them as elected before the October synod. resenting im migrant and refugee communities in Canada. June 24, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 5 Institute observes major social change over 50 years

By Deborah Gyapong 19-year-old daughter, said the empowerment of women has led OTTAWA (CCN) — The to great changes in the family. In Vanier Institute of the Family the 1950s and ’60s, the man was marked its 50th anniversary June the breadwinner, and the woman 10 - 11 with a conference that had no choice to be able to leave, revealed how much society and he said. Previously there were few notions of family have changed in outside influences on the family five decades. other than religion, but now there Governor General Georges and are many more, especially through Pauline Vanier founded the insti - the role of screens, whether com - tute in 1965 as a non-religious puters or phones. While Facebook institute to help social scientists may be good to help connect fam - understand the family so as to bet - ilies across generations that are ter support it. The Catholic couple now living in different parts of the for whom a cause for sainthood is world, social media now have a underway might be astonished to great influence on developing a see how much the family and mar - CCN/Gyapong child’s values than their families, riage have been redefined both ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE — A panel on Love at the Vanier Institute of the Family 50th anniversary he said. “Parents have no control.” legally and societally since then. conference included University of Ottawa professor Jean-Christophe Demers and Queer lawyer barbara As executive director of The Mary Frances Coady, author of findlay. Also on the panel were moderator Ann Douglas, Ottawa mission executive director Peter Tilley, and Ottawa Mission, an outreach to Georges and Pauline Vanier: Por - Roots of Empathy founder mary Gordon. homeless people, Tilley said most trait of Couple and the soon-to-be- of the people they serve come published Mercy Within Mercy: “The family should be cherished become so prevalent in defining self-identity and affective bonds. from “broken” family units. Georges and Pauline Vanier and the and not blamed and shamed,” she the postmodern family, he said. But seeing the family in this “Most are no longer in touch with Search for God (Darton Longman said. The shift from more traditional plastic way, as always subject to their families,” he said. Many & Todd) said in an email it would University of Ottawa sociologi - notions of family was “extremely change, means that a few decades have mental health and addiction be difficult to speculate on what the cal and anthropological studies brutal,” he said. The quest for from now families might not be issues, he said. Vaniers’ reaction would be to the professor Jean-Christophe Demers self-realization and changes in defined in terms of love, because He sees bonds form among the current changes. told the approximately 300 dele - gender roles have created new they were not defined that way in homeless, who then look out for “That said, however, I know gates that family bonds are created forms of social ties and new forms the past, he said. each other. Tilley said when a that the Vaniers believed that a around love, but that he has found of work. Globalization and eco - Demers said the changes pro - homeless person goes into hospice strong and loving family unit was from his personal background that nomic pressures are also having posed by the Second Vatican care and the Mission contacts the essential for a healthy society,” “love is not enough to keep the an impact, he said. Council were “so light” the church families, “it’s amazing how fast she wrote. “They were under no family together.” Demers said he Families ties are activated “had a hard time distinguishing people want to reconnect.” illusion about the difficulties of experienced a breakdown in the according to preferences, he said, itself.” That did not mean the Sometimes they’ll take mats to marriage and family life, and they relationship with his child’s moth - but “that makes relationships sub - church did not offer alternatives to sleep on the floor of their family saw brokenness within their own er that has led to difficulties with ject to change.” The family has believers, he said, but the church member’s room, through a “desire family and in families that were access to his child. shifted from being an institution no longer had the same influence to understand and to get closure.” close to them. Such experiences “Love is not enough to guaran - geared to producing children and on their lives as societal pushes for These might be “families without deepened their compassion.” tee continuity,” he said. caring for them, to being one freedom and equality. “They were obviously people Yet love “as a feeling” has based on relationships that further Peter Tilley, a single father of a — RELATIONSHIPS , page 19 of their time, but their lives were also deeply rooted in the love and mercy of God,” she said. “Did Rallies protest against refugee health care cuts they wonder what paths the Vanier Institute might take after their By Deborah Gyapong to the court order. deaths? Not that I can recall from Showler rebutted the archived documents.” OTTAWA (CCN) — About 150 government arguments In a panel on love June 11 at people, including doctors, health for the policy. The gov - the Vanier Institute conference, a care professionals and lawyers gath - ernment has ar gued the range of experts representing a ered on Parliament Hill June 15 to policy is meant to dis - variety of family backgrounds and protest against 2012 federal govern - courage fraudulent present day combinations and ment cuts to refugee health care. refugee claimants, but working in various advocacy roles “Health care professionals, so- Showler pointed out it painted a complex picture of mul - cial workers, and other concerned applies to all refugees, tiple family types. citizens across the country warned not just the fraudulent Mary Gordon, founder of Roots the government at the time of the ones. of Empathy, a program designed potential harms of targeting such a The government to help young children learn how vulnerable group,” said Dr. Doug has described the ref - to empathize with others, said that Gruner, a family doctor who has ugee health care plan while society may change the worked with refugees for the past as “gold-plated,” but shape of the family, “children have 15 years. “Did the Harper govern - Showler said it was the same exact needs you had ment listen? No they did not.” “fundamental basic when you were children.” The protest organized by Ca - health care,” the same The first relationship, that of a nadian Doctors for Refugee Care as that received by mother with an infant, is the first was among 20 in cities across Can- “indigent” Cana dians. relational template that affects the ada as part of the fourth National Showler warned rest of the child’s life, she said. Day of Action against the cuts. that cutting back on “We screw up the family and we Gruner said the federal govern - preventive health care CCN/Gyapong have to create a whole host of or - ment refused to meet with frontline ends up costing the NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION — Dr. Doug Gruner speaks at a demonstration on ganizations to deal with the out - workers and with the more than 20 government more Parliament Hill June 15 organized by Doctors for Refugee Care. This was the come.” national health care organizations mon ey because of fourth national day of action to protest against federal government cuts to refugee Gordon said all children need that asked the immigration minis - greater use of emer - health care. to “have a sense of belonging,” ter to “reconsider the policy as it gency care. and to be surrounded by uncondi - was clearly not in formed by the Dr. Allison Eyre, founder of the up” when politicians come seeking cently treated. She had been raped tional love. experts nor by evidence.” New Canadians Clinic at the to be elected, he said. “Let’s but could not receive the care she Coming from “a very Catho - University of Ottawa law school Centretown Community Health remember this.” needed for her subsequent preg - lic” extended family in New - professor and member of the Ca - Centre, said refugees had their Dr. Hasan Sheik, a family med - nancy. “We are very ordinary peo - foundland, Gordon said her moth - nadian Association of Refu gee health care cut because some might icine resident, described his first ple who have lived some extraordi - er welcomed everyone, from the Lawyers Peter Showler ex pressed be bogus, that “some people might refugee patient as a 17-year-old nary adversity simply for being unwed mother to the drunk just outrage that the federal government not be following the rules.” child who had been tortured in his who we are,” she said. released from jail to the family is appealing last summer’s federal “I read the news,” she said, not - home country and suffered from Many refugees have been table. court decision in which Justice ing there are “some politicians who PTSD and thoughts of suicide. abused and tortured simply for Gordon said she experienced a Anne McTavish described the cuts are not following the rules and I With the cuts to refugee health being members of religious mi- lot of love in her home, and was as unconstitutional on grounds of haven’t seen any call for anyone to care, the medication to help him norities, or the wrong tribe, she taught that everyone was a step cruel and unusual punishment. The suspend their health care coverage.” with the PTSD was no longer cov - said. They arrive in Canada with away from having a hard time. appeal will be heard in October. Canadian Pharmacists’ Asso cia - ered, he said. the “baggage of physical and emo - Consequently, she was taught that Showler demanded the government tion government relations director Dr. Pairsa Rezaiefar, a family tional loss” as well as “shame” and people experiencing hard times “uphold the McTavish order” and Jeff Morrison urged those present doctor and former Iranian refugee, “fear of authority.” should not be treated as if it is fully re instate the programs, beyond to make refugee health care an said she could have been the 18- “Do we just let them suffer?” their fault. the partial re sponse they have made election issue. “Bring this issue year-old refugee claimant she re - she asked. 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS June 24, 2015 St. Boniface launches marriage preparation

ST. BONIFACE — In 2014, Indeed, For Better and Forever tions. That allows us to discuss, lowed the program with Tim and Louise Scatliff are the only sponsor the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface is a marriage preparation program and thus strengthens our bond,” Louise. “They had a lot of stories couple in their parish, but they hope launched a new mentorship-based that is based simply on discus - says Louise. and ideas to share with us,” that another couple will soon be marriage preparation program, sions between two couples of the “It is a satisfying experience admits Krystal. “We talked about trained as mentors. So far, approxi - For Better and Forever. same parish. The engaged couple for us and an excellent way to so many things that no one else mately thirty couples have been Tim and Louise Scatliff, of Ste- meets the sponsor couple five enrich our own marriage,” adds would suggest you should discuss trained in the diocese. There is a Hyacinthe Parish in La Salle, who times before the wedding, and her husband. when you are about to get mar - continued need for more married have been married for 42 years, are once or twice afterward. Tim Married in December 2014, ried! It was really good for us.” couples who would be interested in a sponsor couple with the new mar - Scatliff explains that they aim to Krystal and Ben Mitchell fol - For the time being, Tim and taking part in the adventure. riage preparation program. They talk 30 per cent of the time and are currently accompanying two give the engaged couple the space couples who are preparing for mar - to talk 70 per cent of the time. riage, and will continue to meet “Our role is to listen to them and with them over a brief period of share our experience if it can be of time after their wedding, as well. any help to them. We don’t judge! “We help engaged couples talk At any rate, what is said between us about different subjects that could stays between us; we won’t even become issues between them,” share anything with the priest, explains Louise. “We let them read unless the couple agrees to it.” a chapter of the program, answer For Better and Forever puts the the questions individually and two couples on the same level. No share their answers between them, one has all the answers, and every - and then we get together and chat. one benefits from the program, The aim is that they foster good including the sponsor couple. communication skills and learn to “We, as sponsors, also read the understand each other better.” chapters and answer the ques -

Prince Albert clergy Flegel FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY — St. Joseph’s Church in Balgonie, Sask. was where Rev. Fred Hengen celebrated appointments released his fiftieth anniversary as a priest. Some 40 priests, family and friends were on hand to celebrate that vocation. Hengen celebrates 50 years of vocation PRINCE ALBERT — The fol - Sajonas is pastor of Notre Dame de lowing is a list of the new clergy la Nativité in Zenon Park, Canadian appointments for the 2015 - 2016 Martyrs in Carrot River and St. By Frank Flegel family. There were six boys and years as the first pastor of Regina’s year, effective Aug. 4, 2015: Lucy in Arborfield. two girls in the family. He and a Holy Family Church. St. Jerome Deanery 1: Rev. Jim Kaptein, Deanery 4: Rev. Tuan Doan is BALGONIE, Sask. — Gradua - younger brother, Francis, who is and St. Bernadette elementary pastor of St. Mark Parish in Prince pastor of St. Jean Baptiste in tion from Campion College was pastor at St. Gerard Parish, York - schools were part of his parish. Albert, continues as director of Debden, Our Lady of the Sacred coming up and a young Ed ton, gravitated to consecrated life. “The CBC had a program called Vocations, director of the Perma - Heart in Big River, Notre Dame Hengen decided it was time to do The family was friendly with Meeting Place and they televised nent Diaconate Program, and des Victoire in Victoire, and Sacred something about his feeling that their parish priests but it was a our mass from St. Bernadette’s gym chap lain of the Diocesan Service Heart in Whitefish. Rev. Tuyen Vu he wanted to be a priest. Dutch priest who served at Wind - on the second Sunday of Easter. Committee. Deacon Brad Taylor, is pastor of Ste. Solange in Hafford, “I made an appointment to see thorst that supported and encour - That was kind of a highlight.” full-time chaplain at the Prince Our Lady of Guadalupe in Muskeg, the bishop (Michael C. O’Neil) aged Hengen’s early thinking about He said if he hadn’t been a Albert Saskatchewan Penitentiary, St. Andrew in Blaine Lake, and All and told him I wanted to be a being a priest. “As a matter of fact priest he probably would have is permanent deacon at St. Mark Saints in Mayfair. Rev. Peter priest. They took it from there. when I celebrated my 50th anniver - gone into farming. “I loved farm - Parish in Prince Albert. Nnanga, MSP, is administrator of Encouraged me, and with the sup - sary, the chalice I used was the ing but I don’t know if I would Deanery 2: Rev. Dong Doan, Sacred Heart in Spiritwood, St. port of my family I entered the chalice he gave me before he went have kept up with that,” he said pastor of St. Dominic in Hudson Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus in seminary that fall.” back to Holland.” The red chasuble laughing. A grade 12 aptitude test Bay and St. Peter in Mistatim, stud - Leoville, St. Rita in Medstead, Our He was ordained June 5, 1965, he wore for the anniversary was pointed him in the direction of ies online and continues as director Lady of the Lake in Chitek Lake by Archbishop O’Neil in his home also a gift. His mother gave it to being an engineer but he never of Pastoral Care. Rev. Manh (summer only), and Our Lady of parish in Windthorst. Fifty years him when he was ordained. explored that. Nguyen is pastor of St. Eugene in Smiles in Shell Lake (summer later, June 5, 2015, in St Joseph’s He began his journey at St. Pius He estimates he has served in Nipawin and St. Mary in Choice - only). Church here, some 40 priests, X Seminary in Saskatoon which 52 archdiocesan communities, land. Rev. George Canto, pastor of Deanery 5: Rev. Roger Lavoie family and friends celebrated that had just opened, and from there to almost all of them rural parishes. St. Brieux in St. Brieux and Mary, is canonical pastor of Our Lady of vocation. St. Paul’s Seminary in Ottawa. His only urban church as pastor Mother of God in Kinistino contin - Perpetual Help in Cut Knife, St. Hengen said there was no sin - Hengen said he has had many was at Holy Family. ues as dean. Rev. Mariusz Zajac, Joseph/St. Charles in Marsden/ gle moment of revelation in which experiences during his vocation and “I always feel fortunate that I pastor of Immaculate Conception in Neilburg, with Rev. Greg Elder as he felt the call to the priesthood; it each gave him a greater un- can share in the joys that people Tisdale and Assumption of the administrator. Deacon Ghislain was something that grew within derstanding of the ministry. One of have and also to be with them in Blessed Virgin Mary in Porcupine Bellavance, permanent deacon at him because of his faith-filled his highlights came during his three times of struggle and sadness.” Plain continues as co-ordinator of St. Andre and Notre Dame in World Youth Day 2016. Rev. Millan North Battleford, is co-co-ordina - tor of Aboriginal Ministry for the Sisters of Social Service leave Saskatchewan Battlefords and area. Deanery 6: Rev. Sebastian By Frank Flegel Kelly who came Kunnath, pastor of Our Lady of from Ontario to Sorrows in Paradise Hill, St. James REGINA — They came in 1923 help out. “We’ve in Thunderchild, and canonical to Stockholm, Sask., and have sold almost every - pastor of Holy Rosary in Onion served in various capacities in the thing,” said Arse - Lake, continues as director of Regina archdiocese since, but with nault. “I’m lucky to Aboriginal ministry. the death of Sister Anastasia have a bed to sleep Miscellaneous: Rev. Michael Young, the Saskatche wan presence in.” Averyt is director of formation for of the Sisters of Social Service is All three Sisters the Permanent Diaconate Pro gram. over. They are in the process of were involved in the Rev. Alberto Dela Pena is on leave divesting their property in Regina, yard/garage sale eight - 12 months for studies, and a house and all its contents. along with dozens Flegel Rev. Andrew Szablewski is on leave “It’s a sadness yet a joy,” said of volunteers who Sisters Kathleen Kelly for two years for studies in Rome. director general Sister Jeanine came over the four- and Elaine Arsenault, SSS Tom Zerre, who is doing a sem - Scarfone, speaking with the PM day sale in June. inarian internship at Notre Dame during a June 19 yard sale. “It’s The sale was in two locations; the sold, said she will return to visit. Flegel in North Battleford, is co-co-ordi - sad because we are leaving but a yard and garage and the garage of “I have a lot of friends here now.” CORRECTION — In the June 10 nator of Aboriginal minis try for joy because we have made our St. Peter’s Church across the street The house is a 2,500 square foot issue of the Pm, page 6, health the Battlefords and area. presence felt.” Kelly will remain in Regina home with five bedrooms, a garage. care options detailed to CWL, the “Let us pray for our clergy, reli - She referred to the number of until the end of June which by that The community purchased the picture titled Dr. Heather gious, and lay ministers as they people who have come to help the time they expect the house to be house in 1985. It is directly across Hadjistavropoulos is actually serve the diocese in their new Sisters sell off everything. “The joy sold. Both Kelly and Arsenault the street from St. Peter’s Church, CWL national president Barbara roles as servant leaders,” wrote that I have is in the number of peo - said it was sad that the Sisters of St. Peter’s Elementary School and Dowding. Dr. Hadjistavropoulos Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. ple we have touched who have come Social Service will no longer have O’Neil Catholic High School. is depicted above. We apologize “May the Holy Spirit fill their to help us divest of our things here.” a presence here but Arsenault, “We’re not giving it away,” for any confusion this may have hearts and minds as they continue She was joined by Sisters who was the last director of the said Scarfone, “but we expect a caused. to fulfil the mission of the Lord!” Elaine Arsenault and Kathl een John Paul II Centre before it was fair price for it.” June 24, 2015 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Association celebrates Year of Consecrated Life

By Frank Flegel cluded both secular and those liv - July 13 at Holy Child Parish. Working in ing consecrated life. It included Sister Teresita Kambeitz, OSU, partnership REGINA — A full day of cele - talks by several who described came from Saskatoon and gave a with other bration, discussion, speakers and their vocations and how they came history of how sisters arrived in committed lay sharing of stories celebrated to it, and one presentation by Saskatchewan and the work they men and wom - “2015 the Year of Consecrated David and Faye Helmson describ - did establishing schools, hospitals en and other Life” announced by Pope Francis ing their experiences work ing with and other programs. Eric Hanna, consecrated November 2013. some consecrated life communi - on a journey to ordination in the persons is also ”It was a really positive experi - ties. Both are retired and volunteer Jesuit Order, gave a PowerPoint the new shape ence,” said Marian Grady, a mem - in hospitals and the Marian Centre presentation of Jesuit life. Carme- of consecrated ber of the secular institute, Oblate a downtown Regina soup kitchen lite Solitary Sister Benedicta of the men and wom - Missionaries of Mary Immaculate operated by members of the Cross described her life as a soli - en today. and one of the organizers of the Madonna Apostolate. tary; members of Madonna House “We’re not event. The Sisters Association of There are 17 Congregations of described their vocation operating going to be six the Regina Archdiocese (SARA) Women Religious working in the soup kitchens and prayer houses in to eight people organized the day. Regina archdiocese and almost all Canada and several other coun - running some - It was an open event that in - were represented at the event held tries; Myriam Family of the thing but Grady Prairies talked about their arrival in we’re working SARA — (From the left) Sister Bernadette Feist, Evangelization means Saskatchewan and their work with in partner - OSU, outgoing president of the Sisters Association of churches and children, and, ship.” Vocat - the Regina Archdiocese (SARA); Sister Theresa Frey, between the various presentations, ions are in- IBVm, incoming president of SARA; and Sister April getting hands dirty there were table discussions and creasing in the mireau, Pm. sharing of stories. developing By Paul Paproski, OSB observed them. Jesus told him to Sister Yvette Plessis, SCSL, countries, said Plessis. versaries. She and Sister Bernadette go further and sell his possessions chair of the event, said in an inter - “The day went really well. We Feist, OSU, celebrated 50 years and MUENSTER, Sask. — North and give the money to the poor view with the PM that vocations have different forms of consecrat - Sister Agnes Fillion, RNDM, cele - Americans are generous in giving and then come and follow him. in the western world are declining ed life and each person spoke to brated 75 years of vocation. to charities and supporting pro - The rich man was very sad be - and the huge numbers of the past their form of life. We had time for The event also saw a change in grams that help the poor, but they cause he had many possessions. is longer the reality. “Smaller prayer, to sing. We had really SARA executive, with Sister have become disconnected with In another parable a lawyer individualized not institutional - good feedback,” said Plessis. Theresa Frey, IBVM, as the new people, Rev. Gregory Hrynkiw of asked Jesus about inheriting eter - ized personal ministries I think are Plessis was also one of three president and Sister Bernadette Saskatoon said at the annual nal life. Jesus told him to love God going to be the new normal.” Sisters celebrating significant anni - Feist ending her term. Ukrain ian Catholic clergy retreat with all his heart and his neigh - of the Eparchy of Saskatoon. bour as himself (Lk 10:25). The Spanish parish attracting many lawyer inquired about who is neighbour was and Jesus answered with the parable of the Good ST. BONIFACE — The only group Nueva Jerusalen was born,” personal parish (not geographical). Samaritan which identifies a Spanish parish in Manitoba, explains Laura Garcia, co-ordina - As the only Spanish-language neighbour as someone who shows Nuestra Senora de la Asunción , tor of the charismatic group. parish in Winnipeg, it welcomes mercy (Luke10:29). offers more than 30 opportunities “The need and growth contin - the faithful of 21 countries from The parable of the Good of various types for the faithful of ued, and we joined the Arch dio - all over the city, who find here a Samari tan speaks of a traveller all ages. cese of St. Boniface in October sense of community and family. who had been beaten and robbed. Nuestra Senora de la Asunción 2006, where a Spanish mission “Our parish is a family for The victim’s life was saved when a in Winnipeg encompasses no less was being opened, and then in many immigrants,” states Rev. Sa maritan took him to an inn and than 33 different groups, including October 2010, we became an actu - Jorge Mario, who is originally paid the innkeeper to take care of the Knights of Columbus, catechet - al parish,” she continued. “As a from Colombia. him. The suffering traveller was ics, the Nueva Jerusalem Charis - parish, we could then have a full- Nowadays, however, along with ignored by a priest and Levite who, ma tic Prayer Group, the liturgical time Spanish-speaking pastor,” the important sense of community when seeing him, passed by on the committee, Equipos de Nuestra states Laura Garcia, who is origi - and the use of the Spanish lan - other side of the road. Jesus told Senora (Our Lady teams) for cou - nally from El Salvador. guage, first and foremost, the parish the lawyer to be like the Good ples, F.A.C.E Youth Ministry, an The Charismatic Prayer Group in answer to Archbishop LeGatt Samar itan. Arise group, and the Neocatechu - meets every Friday at 7 p.m. in calling to be witness in a secular - The Good Samaritan made the menal Way, among others. the church, and every year organ - ized society, wishes to open itself Paproski decision to cross the road to be Pastoral co-ordinator Melvin izes a New Life in the Spirit sem - up to the Manitoban milieu domi - Rev. Gregory Hrynkiw with the victim, Hrynkiw com - De Paz, who is one of those re- inar. Over time more than 800 nated by the English language. mented. The Samaritan could have sponsible for youth evangeliza - people have participated in the “This year, a group of young It is good to be concerned justified his refusal to help tion, explains, “This all started seminar and many of them now people have asked to work in Eng- about the less fortunate, he said through the law, but he knew that with the charismatic prayer group. are leaders or active members in lish and have an English mass, so June 11 at St. Peter’s Abbey. How - his faith was based on loving one’s We now have five catechetical other groups of the church. This we bought English Bibles and ever, Christians must become in - neighbour. groups for children three years seminar is the basic Christian have started reading them. It was volved with their community and “The one who shows mercy is and older, as well as for adults, a Initiation and a game changer for like falling in love with Jesus all build solidarity with others. the neighbour. We decide to be the liturgical committee, six different anyone seeking a “new start” a over again!” confided Melvin “We like to do our charity at a neighbour. . . . We have to pray for choirs, and many other groups! In “new life” or simply to have a DePaz, who is originally from distance, but that is not what evan - the disposition to be merciful so addition, we have one of only five personal experience and relation - Guatemala. gelization is about. Evangelization that God can move us to be merci - Spanish Knights of Columbus ship with God. Since May 2015, the parish is a messy word because we are ful,” Hrynkiw commented. Councils in Canada. One of the reasons for this suc - offers two bilingual English- dealing with people. Evangeliza- Compassion is a gift, a way of “Here, everyone, from the age cess is that it is an immigrant’s Spanish masses twice a month. tion requires of us to get our hands suffering. God moved the Good of three to the elderly has the dirty. It requires that we invest our Samaritan’s passivity into action. opportunity to participate in par ish Regina clergy moves listed own resources for others,” he Compassion is not the same as life,” he emphasizes. “Our parish commented. having pity on others because pity priest, Father Jorge Mario Lon- The theme of the retreat June 9 - does not move us to come to know dono, is extremely open to new By Frank Flegel Hodgeville and St. Charles in 12 was lectio divina (spiritual or others and become directly ideas; he is not afraid to take risks!” Coderre, but only for one more divine reading) which is a practice involved with them. Compassion But how do these groups func - REGINA — This year’s list of year. He is listed as retired in the of finding identity in God’s word means “to suffer with” others, tion in harmony? “The key is clergy moves in the Regina arch- archdiocesan directory. through reading, meditation and Hrynkiw said. communication,” states De Paz. diocese is the shortest in years, Rev. Rene Mangahas continues contemplation. These facets of di - The priest and Levite may have The group leaders meet every two with only four priests affected. his service as administrator for the vine reading help steer a person to - had pity on the dying traveller, but months to share their activities and Rev. Hope Klutsey, SMA, and parishes of St. Joseph in White - ward discernment, involvement and they did not have any tenderness of challenges. That is how they are Rev. Joseph Strohhofer change wood, Holy Name of Mary in mature decision-making, he said. heart. They did not have the moral active and dynamic, having so places, with Strohhofer taking over Broadview and St. Elizabeth in Speaking on the theme of courage of the Good Samar itan much to offer!” as pastor at St. Albert at Mankota, Stockholm, but only for one more involvement, Hrynkiw said it is who crossed the road and used his A relatively new parish, St. Jean Baptist in Ferland, St. year. important to know and understand own oil and wine to cleanse the Nuestra Senora de la Asunción , Joseph in Glentworth, Ste. Therese The appointments are effective our faith, but that is not enough. It wounds of the beaten traveller. The with its 220 families, remains very in Wood Mountain and Nativity of Aug. 1, 2015, and are supposed to is essential to turn faith into action. Good Samaritan put the in jured active, while nonetheless welcom - the Blessed Virgin, Val Marie, for be for six years, but that applies Citing the example of the para - man on his own animal and went ing many recent immigrants. two years. Klutsey becomes pastor only to Rev. Klutsey. The other ble of the rich official (Lk 18:18), out of his way to take him to an inn. “In 1986, a group of people at Our Lady of Assumption co- three have specific terms on their Hrynkiw explained that Jesus was The Good Samaritan came per - requested a Sunday mass in Span- cathedral in Gravel bourg and Ste. appointments. asked by a rich man how to inher - sonally into the life of another per - ish in the Diocese of Winnipeg’s Radegonde in La Fleche. Director of Personnel and it eternal life. Jesus explained the son. He interrupted his business St. Ignatius Parish, but soon real - Rev. Maurice Minne continues Human Resources, Rev. Danilo importance of following the com - and his work schedule to help the ized something more was needed, to provide sacramental ministry to Rafael, said more moves would be mandments, and the man said he distressed traveller, he commented. and in 1992 the charismatic prayer the parishes of St. Joseph in announced before the end of July. 8 Prairie Messenger ARTS & CULTURE June 24, 2015 Two great docs and the drama of the month

Screenings & Meanings

Gerald Schmitz

I’ve highlighted documentaries ing in which monetary exchanges in recent months because so many occur electronically in nanosec - offer a richer viewing experience onds leads to a modest proposal for more deserving of attention than a small financial transactions tax most titles on the theatrical mar - (akin to that advocated by Nobel quee. Exposing our flawed tax economist James Tobin; some - systems may not seem like a fun times referred to as a “Robin time at the movies but you owe it Hood” tax). to yourself to see Harold Crooks’ The highly informative approach brilliant take on who pays, who taken by Crooks is very persuasive, doesn’t, and why. making a compelling case that doesn’t depend on emotional or ide - The Price We Pay ological rage against the financial system as one finds in documen - (Canada) taries on the Occupy movement (and Michael Winterbottom’s The Gerald Schmitz The Price We Pay Emperor’s New Clothes featuring (http://www.thepricewepay.ca/) Russell Brand). At the same time mERU — Daring failed attempts and the eventual extreme conquest of the mountain are the subject of argues that many large multina - the evidence is so convincing that meru, co-directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, one of the climbers and cinematogra - tional corporations and wealthy phers. At the podium: Jimmy Chin. Standing: co-director Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, team leader Conrad individuals engage in tax avoid - — mERU , page 17 Anker and wife Jenni, and Renan Ozturk. ance to the tune of trillions of dol - lars annually through a sophisti - cated and secretive network of tax This wedding song playlist won’t include Seger havens that have developed in recent decades. It started with the By Caitlin Ward my still-injured back cracking proposed that we could give any DJ before I beat a hasty re treat to the “Eurodollar” market of the post- every time I move, she talked me a list of songs not to play. That said, door. To be completely honest, war period that turned the City of We approach zero hour, my into going to the chiropractor. I she reminded me that lists are made part of me is horrified I have London into the leading global friends. Now, I know I’ve been tend to be a bit skeptical of chiro - by human be ings, and as such, can allowed the lyrics to be re printed financial centre attracting big writing about riots and misogyny, practors, so it’s only in desperate be flawed, or problematic, or at the somewhere. It’s a little painful. money from all over in search of losing our civil rights and warfare times that I can be compelled to very least, in com plete. There was You might say it’s just a song. shelter from governments and tax abroad, lately. But it is a whole see one. It’s not that I have an no guarantee we wouldn’t forget to But here’s the thing planning a authorities. The city still runs other kind of madness of which I aversion to alternative therapies in put something on the list, and every - wedding has taught me: you’re much like a private club that speak today. general, but this is my spine we’re thing would be fine, and then sud - right. It is just a song. But some - makes its own rules. You see, in three days, my sis - talking about. Spines are serious denly, out of no where, Robin times the song is the important A number of offshore havens ter gets married. business. Thicke’s Blurred Lines or Rick part. The dress, she made. The have also emerged in the British Luckily, I have a very nice chi - Spring field’s Jessie’s Girl or, worst centrepieces are sanctuary candles Channel Islands, Caribbean is - Old Time Rock and Roll ropractor who also likes to mock of all, Old Time Rock and Roll by from a market down the street lands such as the Caymans (where Bob Seger me mercilessly. Chatting during Bob Seger would come on. from my house. We’re picking Canadian banks have a strong the appointment, he stopped in the And more than anything, it flowers from the garden for bou - presence), and elsewhere. These middle, listed off all the things I would just be so infuriating. That quets and we’re drinking wine out very low-tax or no-tax jurisdic - Now, it’s not that it’s a big had to do this week and next, and stupid Bob Seger song comes on at of jam jars instead of glasses — tions become the nominal “head - wedding, or anyone’s being par - finally said, “Caitlin, do you think every wedding and quarters” for hundreds of corpora - ticularly unreasonable about any - your back problems maybe have a eve ry dance and Just take those old records off the shelf tions to declare income even thing. There haven’t been loads of little bit to do with stress?” I took every bad bar at some I’ll sit and listen to ’em by myself though their activities are located massive blow-ups or organiza - this under advisement, and I might point during the Today’s music ain’t got the same soul in others places. In effect, it’s a tional nightmares. It’s just that have gone so far as to believe him. night. This would be I like that old time rock ’n’ roll legal fiction for the sole purpose there’s something about weddings In the next minute, though, he was the one time when she Don’t try to take me to a disco of escaping taxes. I like the that brings out a sense of total folding me into a pretzel and sit - could have guaran - You’ll never even get me out on the floor French term paradis fiscaux — imbalance: the frenetic energy of ting on me, so I’m not sure how teed that song would - In ten minutes I’ll be late for the door fiscal paradises. Great for big knowing there’s far too much to seriously I should take his advice. n’t come on, and yet I like that old time rock ’n’ roll business and the one per cent, but do in too few days. There are Throughout all of this, there’s a somehow, because of Ooh with the result that the state is lovely offers of help from all sorts sense of, “if only . . . if only — ” in her oversight with the deprived of needed revenues of people, but there’s also the feel - my mind, at any rate. If only there DJ, there it would be. CHORUS while shifting more and more of ing that no one’s got enough of a were a list exhaustive enough, a Playing. At her wed - Still like that old time rock ’n’ roll the tax burden to the 99 per cent. handle on what’s going on to del - schedule detailed enough, a plan ding. That kind of music just soothes the soul ooh Among the film’s many merits egate responsibilities. comprehensive enough, everything It was more than I reminisce about the days of old is the in-depth and coolly analyti - Of course, I haven’t helped would be fine. I am my mother’s she could bear. And With that old time rock ’n’ roll cal way in which Crooks (The matters for myself. Two days after daughter. In our family, we believe thus, we are building Corporation) examines the various the wedding, I leave at 4 a.m. for in lists with the same intensity of our own list — a list Won’t go to hear them play a tango schemes and strategies em ployed a mountain community in the feeling we believe in the blessed of songs that will I’d rather hear some blues or funky old soul for avoiding or minimizing tax. He Dominican Republic. I’m going sacrament. On busy days, a little play in the back - There’s only one sure way to get me to go interviews a wide range of finan - there for work, and it’s the sort of more so. ground at the wed - Start playing old time rock ’n’ roll cial experts and scholars, including thing that sounds relaxing until I You laugh, but the list is a thing ding. Songs that she Call me a relic, call me what you will Brigitte Alepin and star economist explain I’m travelling via donkey of beauty. It is a comfort in times and her fiancé like. Say I’m old-fashioned, say I’m over the hill Thomas Piketty. Some of the most because it’s the only way into cer - of trouble and a practical tool The irony, of Today’s music ain’t got the same soul telling dramatic moments are tain communities. Not all the way when reality feels impossible to course, is that Old I like that old time rock ’n’ roll drawn from hearings in the British to the DR, obviously — there’s a navigate. I would be nowhere Time Rock and Roll Parliament and U.S. Congress in plane for that — but once we get without lists, either in shopping or is about having very CHORUS x2 which the actions of high-tech cor - outside of Bonao, roads are rustic, in life. particular taste in porate giants (Apple, Amazon, at best and treacherous, at worst. It is this list business that pre - music. And based on Google) have come under wither - So a’donkeying I go. vented my sister and her fiancé what Seger says in the song, I’m not because it’s kitschy or cute, but ing scrutiny — not for being illegal Upon hearing this, my physio - from hiring anyone to help with not sure he and I would disagree because it’s inexpensive and I’ll but on the grounds of questionable therapist got a bit stressed. With music for their reception, actually. overly much about what sort of use them for canning afterward. ethics. (Would that the Canadian She is a woman of particular taste, music we like. I’m trying to get the In the end, it’s about the sacra - Parliament were as aggressive.) my sister is, and there was the gen - entire Chess Records back cata - ment, not the stress, but it’s also Indeed the rise of the digital econ - Ward is a Saskatoon-based free - eral sense that we likely wouldn’t be logue on the wedding playlist, for about the song. There is no list com - omy has increased the opportuni - lance writer who spends her days able to find anyone who would example. But every time that track prehensive enough, no plan detailed ties for vast sums to be shifted (and most nights) working at a meet her standards. Or, more specif - comes on, all I can think is, “Bob. enough, no person organized around in cyberspace in ways that small Catholic college. Her less ically, we couldn’t find anyone who If you like that old time rock ’n’ enough, so you just have to choose lower taxes for the wealthy few. A eloquent thoughts can be found at would be guaranteed not to play a roll so much, why have you writ - the things that matter the most. Or discussion of high-frequency trad - www.twitter.com/newsetofstrings song that she or her fiancé hates. I ten such a crap song about it?” the things that annoy you the least. June 24, 2015 LAUDATO SI’ (PRAISED BE) Prairie Messenger 9 Pope has practical tips for helping environment

By Carol Glatz population growth. The real threat — Moms and dads: teach kids things: get-togethers, helping oth - St. Thérèse. (230) is excessive consumerism and to use things properly; to respect, ers, honing a talent, enjoying art — Go to Sunday mass; receive VATICAN CITY (CNS) — waste. (50) take care of others; to ask permis - and music, praying. (223-224, 226) the sacraments; encounter God in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato — For genuine change, put the sion politely; to say, “Thank you”; — Say grace before meals. everything; rest on Sundays. (233- Si’ , on Care for Our Common common good first. Special inter - to control temper; to ask forgive - (227) 237) Home, is a call for global action as ests manipulate information, offer ness; share. (213) — Love your enemies. (228) — Sing as you go. (244) well as an appeal for deep inner “superficial rhetoric, sporadic acts — Find happiness in simple — Practice “the little way” of — Pray. (246) conversion. of philanthropy and perfunctory He points to numerous ways expressions of concern.” (54) world organizations, nations and — Sweat it out. Increasing use communities must move forward and power of air-conditioning and the way individuals — believ - seems “self-destructive.” (55) ers and people of goodwill — — Even if it doesn’t fix the should see, think, feel and act. world, beautification and goodwill Here are some of the pope’s gestures inspire and remind people suggestions, with references in that “we were made for love.” (58, parentheses to their paragraphs in 113, 212) the encyclical: — Get back to nature — “the — Do not give in to denial, in- caress of God” — to recharge. Be difference, resignation, blind con - more attentive to its beauty and fidence in technical solutions. (14, wonder and revisit places that left 59) you with happy memories. (84, 97, — Have forthright and honest 215, 233) debates and policies; issues cannot — Be consistent. Pro-life, envi - be dealt with once and for all, but ronmental and social justice move - will need to be “reframed and ments are all connected. Protecting enriched again and again” by vulnerable species must include everyone with plenty of different the unborn, endangered animals proposals because there is no one and the exploited. (91, 120) way to solve problems. (16, 60, — Use technology to solve real 185) problems and serve people, help - — Reduce, reuse, recycle. ing them have more dignity, less Preserve resources, use them more suffering and healthier lives. (112) efficiently, moderate consumption — Believe in a happy future, a and limit use of non-renewable better tomorrow. Slow down, Paul Paproski, OSB resources. (22, 192) recover values and the meaning of ALL CREATION — Hundreds of snow geese take flight on the prairies in autumn. Pope Francis in his — Slash pollutants and green - life. Putting the brakes on “unre - encyclical on Care for Our Common Home, released June 18, said all creation is singing God’s house gas emissions. Transition to strained delusions of grandeur” is Laudato Si’ praise but people are silencing it. cleaner and renewable energies not a call to go back to the Stone and replace fossil fuels “without Age. (113-114, 225) delay.” (26, 165) — “Business is a noble voca - — Promote green construction tion.” Create jobs that allow for Concern for environment not optional with energy efficient homes and personal growth, stability, living buildings. (26, 180) out one’s values. (124-128) Continued from page 1 ety of settings (including schools, economics to others and say that — Protect clean, safe drinking — Listen to, protect lands of media and parishes), fostering a is off territory for God and faith. water and don’t privatize it with and involve indigenous peoples. responsibility, values and con - culture of care and implementing Much to the contrary.” market-based fees for the poor. The disappearance of cultures is science (105).” needed changes as a community, The papal encyclical reflects (27-29, 164) even more serious than los - It is clear that the relationship such as increasing regulations to profoundly on the common good — — Keep oceans and ing a species. (145) with nature will not be renewed protect the environment and not only for humanity today, but waterways clean and — Create neigh - without a renewal of humanity thinking about the global implica - extending to future generations. safe from pollutants; bourhood networks itself, Pope Francis adds. “The tions of our actions and policies,” “We hear ‘the environment is on use biodegradable and improvement same mindset which stands in the said Bolen. loan to each generation, which must detergents at home programs. Create way of making radical decisions Pope Francis also states in the hand it on to the next,’ and a very and business. (30, welcoming spaces to reverse the trend of global document that fossil fuels must be simple question and a common 174) that help people warming also stands in the way of “progressively replaced without sense summons: ‘What kind of — Be aware that connect and trust achieving the goal of eliminating delay.” The pope adds: “Reducing world do we want to leave to those synthetic pesticides each other. Do some - poverty.” (175) greenhouse gases requires hon - who come after us, to children who and herbicides will hurt thing nice for your com - “Pope Francis invites us to listen esty, courage and responsibility, are now growing up?’ ” said Bolen. birds and insects that are munity. (148-150, 152, 219, to the suffering, and to an ‘ecologi - above all on the part of those “Do we love our children, our helpful for agriculture. (34) 232) cal conversion,’ to use an expres - countries which are more power - grandchildren? Enough that we — Leave room for wandering — Make public transportation a sion of Pope John Paul II. We are ful and pollute the most. (169)” might want to give them a chance and migrating species by creating priority and a more pleasant expe - invited to change direction by tak - The encyclical invites a deep to love their grandchildren? Then “biological corridors”; don’t let rience. (153) ing on the beauty and responsibility discernment also on the level of let’s start shifting our priorities as dams, highways and construction — Provide essential services to of the task of caring for our com - nations, in terms of economic and a society, as a nation let’s start lead to their extinction. (35) rural areas. (154) mon home,” said Bolen. political priorities, said Bolen. Pope being a leader on environmental — Protect biodiversity, especial - — Accept and care for the body “This document is saying with Francis addresses political and issues, let’s start taking responsi - ly wild forests, wetlands, coastal God gave you. Value sexual differ - new force that concern for the business leaders boldly in asking, bility for our part in wounding a areas, mangrove swamps. (39) ences and your own gender. (155) environment is no longer optional “What would induce anyone, at this suffering world and working — Promote smart growth. Create — Join, implement and police for a believer. Caring for the envi - stage, to hold on to power only to toward its healing,” Bolen urged. livable communities with beautiful global agreements on sustainable ronment is now even more clearly be remembered for their inability to The document is ultimately design and plentiful green spaces for development, caring for the eco- and surely part of Church teach - take action when it was urgent and grounded in hope, Bolen said. everyone, especially the poor. Tac - system, limiting greenhouse gases, ing,” he stressed. “Pope Francis necessary to do so? (57)” “It’s not too late. Hope flows kle noise and “visual pollution,” and handling hazardous wastes, ozone quotes Saint John Paul II: As for questions about whether through the entire encyclical. And save cities’ cultural treasures. protection. Nix the “ploy” of trad - ‘Christians in their turn “realize the church has a role in this dis - the ultimate ground of hope for Design spaces that help people con - ing carbon credits. (164, 167-171) that their responsibility within cre - cussion, Bolen insisted that poli - the Christian is our hope in God.” nect and trust each other. (44-45, — Politicians: don’t be afraid of ation, and their duty toward nature tics and economics are not off lim - In section 245, before offering 113, 143, 147) long-term goals and upsetting peo - and the Crea tor, are an essential its to people of faith, but engaging a prayer for the earth, the encycli - — Put an end to “mental pollu - ple with measures that affect levels part of their faith” ’ (64).” in these areas is an integral part of cal concludes: “In the heart of this tion.” Think deeply, live wisely, of consumption, financial risks. Bolen identified several calls working for the common good. world, the Lord of life, who loves love generously. (47) Citizens: put pressure on your rep - to conversion emerging from the “I think of the old Jewish us so much, is always present. He — End the tyranny of the resentatives. (177-180) document. “On a personal level Midrash: when God gets up in the does not abandon us, he does not screen, information overload and — Less is more. Stop needless this includes a need to decrease morning, he gathers the angels leave us alone, for he unites him - distractions. Watch out for media- consumption. (193, 203, 222, 211) consumption and rethink con - around him and asks, ‘where does self definitely to our earth, and his induced melancholy and isolation. — Harness purchasing power. sumerism, to examine our own the world need healing today,’ ” love constantly impels us to find Cultivate real relationships with Examine what you buy and know lifestyle and acknowledge harm to said Bolen. “The Church needs to new ways forward.” others. (47) that boycotts make a difference. God’s creation through our be involved in this issue, because “That great love and mercy of — Get down from the ivory (206) actions or failure to act, to foster it is of concern to God, because God is our hope and our joy,” said tower and stop the rhetoric. Get to — Plant a tree. Take mass and celebrate beauty, and to keep God loves the earth and loves Bolen. “It is what will help us as know the poor and suffering; it will transit. Car pool. Turn off the the Sabbath,” he listed. human beings.” we reorient our lives, to find new wake up a numbed conscience and lights when you leave the room. “It also means a communal He added: “Neither the Jewish ways of living and responding to inspire real action. (49) Chilly? Wear a sweater. Little conversion: ensuring that ecologi - nor the Christian tradition has these challenges so clearly articu - — Stop blaming problems on things add up. (211) cal education takes place in a vari - ever seen fit to leave politics and lated for us by Pope Francis.” 10 Prairie Messenger LAUDATO SI’ (PRAISED BE) June 24, 2015 Defining moment: glossary of terms in Laudato Si’

By Cindy Wooden those who hide their faith. and pollution have an unfairly and their daily behaviour to in- advantage of their weak environ - While the new phrases he uses heavy impact on the poor and that clude standard environmental ecol - mental protection laws and cheap VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In in his ecology encyclical are not as a real commitment to ecology will ogy, but also: protection of all labour. his brief pontificate, Pope Francis punchy, they succinctly help illus - entail individual conversion and human life; concrete acts of soli - — “Superficial ecology”: Pope has coined some colourful terms to trate his points that care for the changed political and economic darity with the poor; ethical con - Francis says that in times of “deep get his points across, for example, environment is a human and moral priorities. duct in economic affairs; greater crisis” many people try to convince using “bat Christians” to describe obligation, that global warming The following is a list defining attention to urban planning to facil - themselves that what is happening some key phrases Pope itate social relationships and give around them is not really all that Francis uses in the all people some contact with obvious or clear. “Superficially, encyclical, Laudato nature; and protection of people’s apart from a few obvious signs of Si’ , on Care for Our cultural heritage in an era when pollution and deterioration, things Common Home.” media saturation tends to erase dis - do not look that serious, and the — “Integral ecolo - tinctions. planet could continue as it is for gy”: The heart of Pope — “Ecological debt”: The some time,” he says they tell them - Francis’ teaching in world’s richest countries, the pope selves. the encyclical is his says, have an outstanding “ecolog - While the attitude sounds pas - affirmation that the ical debt” to the world’s poorer sive, it actually takes effort. But, environmental crisis is countries and they have a social what is worse in the pope’s eyes is not only about pollut - and moral obligation to repay it. that “such evasiveness serves as a ed land, water and air, Particularly between the global licence to carrying on with our pres - but includes danger - North and South, he says, there is a ent lifestyles and models of produc - ous attitudes toward debt “connected to commercial tion and consumption.” The atti - other human beings as imbalances with effects on the en- tude, he says, is “self-destructive.” well as economic vironment, and the disproportion - — “Gospel of creation”: In the practices that harm ate use of natural resources by cer - encyclical, Pope Francis acknowl - people and the envi - tain countries over long periods of edges that many of the people most ronment. time.” The wealth of the world’s concerned about the environment His solution is an most industrialized countries, the are not religious or, in fact, are Paul Paproski, OSB “integral ecology,” pope says, comes in large part from anti-religious. While calling on NATURE’S mESSAGES — Laudato Si’ : Because of us, thousands of species will no one that challenges all excessive profits drawn from prac - those people to engage in dialogue longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We people to broaden tices like mining or logging in have no such right. (n. 33) their focus of concern developing countries and taking — CONVERSION , page 11 Indigenous peoples suffer the most from ecological crises

Continued from page 3 ments and to recognizing the seri - would need the full participation of tors for many years, said that dung and wood — terrible for ousness of dealing urgently with markets and the full application of while the “call, especially for the human health and the worst pollut - ed,” he said. “We are called upon some of the environmental chal - technology to deal with the threat.” developed world to whom so ing energy in the world.” to be God’s partner in protecting lenges, quite clearly the encyclical “Markets are the most power - much has been given, to reduce “Corruption and lack of educa - creation against chaos.” takes this issue as an important ful tool for meeting human needs, waste and use our resources care - tion keep people in the vicious This is exactly what Pope moral and spiritual responsibility.” at least at the material needs,” he fully and live more simply is pos - cycle of poverty, and the infra - Francis is saying in Laudato Si’ , “For those who want to focus said. “The wisdom of market itive and necessary,” the potential - structure necessary to provide Mathieu said. exclusively on climate change as solutions has been proven over ly good role of fossil fuels has energy is never realized,” he said. “The creation narrative presents if that can be dealt with without and over again. If there’s a prob - been ignored. He gave some examples from order and disorder,” he said. “The some of the moral considerations, lem with markets not adequately “Fossil fuels are a gift of God First Nations communities in human being is called to protect that the encyclical highlights how your dealing with environmental prob - — and our human ingenuity to Can ada where so many live in order and to see to it that disorder view of family and your view of lems, then the solution is to have make them cleaner and better is a poverty. “The dominant energy is doesn’t come back. This encyclical life are tied integrally into your them priced within the market gift of God too — and a funda - electricity from diesel. Or, if they is really putting us in front of our view of creation,” he said. system.” mental project of justice is to work are lucky, connection to the elec - common responsibility.” Pennings said that even though Carbon credits, which the pope to reduce waste, improve tech - tricity grid. Their homes are Mathieu said he was touched the pope is talking about the sci - criticizes, are one method; carbon nologies for fossil fuels and pro - incredibly expensive to heat.” by the way the pope is not only entific consensus on climate taxes are another, he said. “These vide the poor with access to clean - “If one of these communities is taking a position in favour of ecol - change, he also talks about how are methods of trying to put a er fossil fuels which we take for able to connect to natural gas, ogy per se but is “always spelling the church is not an authority in price on carbon emissions and granted in the developed world,” costs are reduced sometimes up to out the consequences of the eco - every area. The church speaks to seek the lowest cost responses.” he said. 75 per cent and air pollution is logical crisis on the poor people at the foundational principles and “It’s been proven with things “Access to affordable, safe and reduced,” he said. “This is all international level and the nation - the framework, but leaves the like dealing with sulphur dioxide clean energy is critical to the world good. And the move to hybrid al level.” The section on the city expertise to develop scientific and emissions and acid rain in the and lifting people out of poverty,” electricity/power and other tech - and city life has “a lot to say to us political solution to those best Great Lakes,” he said. he said. “Two in five people in the nologies have great promise to as Canadian citizens” regarding qualified to carry them out, he As for technology there’s a world still use organic material for increase efficiency, reduce waste, lack of housing and our treatment said. “It’s ironic those who are sense in the encyclical we should heating and cooking — primarily and reduce costs.” of indigenous peoples, he said. usually most likely to criticize the go back to a simpler “They are the ones who suffer mixing of church and state are the lifestyle, Cameron said. the most from the ecological crisis first to take the pope’s words (on “At a collective level, we are going through,” he said. He climate change) and apply them as when dealing with two recalled working as a priest on the a political solution.” billion people still border between Texas and Mexico Critique of markets and cooking on wood where the asphalt was made with technology stoves, clearly we need toxic chemicals. Chil dren would dramatic increases of run across it with bare feet, he said. Mark Cameron, an Ottawa lob - technology and energy Discomfiting for all sides byist on energy and a former poli - to bring the world to cy and research director to Prime even a modest standard Co-founder and executive vice- Minister Stephen Harper, does not of living.” president of Cardus Ray Pennings dispute the pope’s stand on cli - He also questioned said the encyclical brings “2,000 mate change, though he acknowl - the pope’s singling out years of Christian thought to a edged that many conservative of air conditioning. contemporary issue that is very Catholics, especially in the United “It’s essential in some political.” States, have responded negatively parts of the world and “I think it’s telling that the because either they do not believe without air condition - pope talks about the harmony of the science is settled on the mat - ing you can have mass God, creation and mankind and ter, or because they think this is a fatalities.” He noted the disharmony, the creation that’s policy area outside of the pope’s that during a 2003 heat - broken,” Pennings said. expertise. Cameron’s criticism wave in France, nearly He finds reaction to the debate lies in other aspects of the encycli - 15,000 people died. even more interesting. “People cal. Fossil fuels have want to pigeonhole it into their side “I detect a lot of hostility to- role of the debate, I think actually the ward both free markets and tech- document is discomfiting to all par - nology in general, and thought that Tim Kennedy, a J. Weber ties in that regard,” Pennings said. was shortsighted,” Cameron said. Catholic who has FOSSIL FUELS — From Laudato Si’ : We know that technology based on the use “On the one hand those who have “Even if one accepts that climate worked in the energy of highly polluting fossil fuels — especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, been resistant to international agree - change is a genuine threat, you and en vironmental sec - gas — needs to be progressively replaced without delay. (n. 165) June 24, 2015 LAUDATO SI’ (PRAISED BE) Prairie Messenger 11 Pope’s encyclical even more radical than it appears

By Jay michaelson centrally defined by the human- that exploitative readings of ©2015 Religion News Service earth relationship. How you relate Genesis have “incorrectly inter - to the earth is as important as how preted” it. Nature is not purely an The most significant feature of you relate to God. instrumental good; rather, humans Pope Francis’ encyclical on envi - When liberal religious environ - are in a “relationship of mutual ronmentalism, Laudato Si’ , is not mentalists make such claims, they responsibility” with it. about climate change. It is that the are accused of being “pagan.” But What this means is spelled out document represents a sea change Francis is just getting started. In in the following chapters. in Catholic — indeed, western Chapter 3, he reads Genesis’ con - Francis devotes almost half religious — thinking on the rela - troversial injunction that humans the encyclical to a radical cri - tionship between human beings should have “dominion” over the tique of the “dominant techno - and the earth. earth in precisely the terms of lib - cratic paradigm” and to propos - Naturally, mainstream media eral religious environmentalism: ing an “integral ecology” that has focused on the political rami - “Our ‘dominion’ over the universe brings together human, social, fications of the encyclical. And should be understood more prop - cultural, environmental, and eco - indeed, the document is signifi - erly in the sense of responsible nomic concerns. Once again, cant for its unambiguous state - stewardship.” such language would not be sur - ment that “a very solid scientific The language of stewardship is prising coming from a student at consensus indicates that we are familiar to liberal theologians — a progressive Protestant seminary presently witnessing a disturbing but coming in a papal encyclical, — but from the bishop of Rome warming of the climatic system” it is stunning. it is indeed surprising. mostly due to human activity. Indeed, it may be read as a Finally, Pope Francis’ overall The pope also writes that response to a half-century-old spiritual attitude toward nature is “technology based on the use of argument, most famously made perhaps the most radical part of highly polluting fossil fuels — by the historian Lynn White, that the whole encyclical. He begins especially coal, but also oil and, to the biblical relationship of with his namesake, St. Francis of a lesser degree, gas — needs to be “dominion” is partly to blame for Assisi, who found spiritual com - progressively replaced without the environmental crisis. Francis munion not only in cathedrals but delay.” is giving a direct refutation of the also in forests. But Francis’ analysis of envi - anthropocentric view that the And in the end, he comes back ronmental problems takes up only earth exists only as resources for to mysticism again, writing: 28 out of the encyclical’s 184 humans to use. “The universe unfolds in God, pages. The overwhelming majori - “The Bible has no place for a who fills it completely. Hence, ty of Laudato Si’ is, perhaps tyrannical anthropocentrism un- there is a mystical meaning to be unsurprisingly, about theology. concerned for other creatures,” he found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, And while this material has been says. in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s glossed over by the mainstream Now, it should be noted that face. The ideal is not only to pass press, it is nothing less than a seis - the qualifier “tyrannical” still from the exterior to the interior to mic shift in mainstream Christian leaves the door open, and similar discover the action of God in the thought about the human-nature qualifiers occur elsewhere: “mod - soul, but also to discover God in Design Pics relationship. ern anthropocentrism,” “excessive all things.” OUR HOmE — Laudato Si ’: The earth, our home, is beginning to look First, Francis reads scriptural anthropocentrism” and “misguid - Mystical nature panentheism in more and more like an immense pile of filth. (n. 21) passages in ways that, while not ed anthropocentrism” are men - a papal encyclical! And with a nod new, have thus far been confined tioned. Laudato Si’ thus does not to liberation theology! And with a to liberal theology. squarely overturn one thousand footnote to the Sufi mystic Ali al- mysticism, a highly adumbrated what even mainline Protestant In Chapter 2, he writes: “The years of natural law, which places Khawas, no less. anthropocentrism, and a radical denominations have affirmed creation accounts in the book of the human being on a higher Whatever impact Laudato Si’ “integral ecology” places the heretofore. Genesis contain, in their own moral level than the rest of the has in the political world remains encyclical alongside the best of Laudato Si’ may turn out to be symbolic and narrative lan - natural world. to be seen. But that the pope is radical, progressive religious envi - politically influential. It is already guage, profound teachings about Nonetheless, whatever anthro - here embracing a nature-based ronmentalism — and far outside theologically revolutionary. human existence and its histori - pocentrism Laudato Si’ leaves in cal reality. They suggest that place is so heavily restricted as to human life is grounded in three barely qualify. One passage is ‘Ecological conversion’ is called for fundamental and closely inter - worth quoting at length: twined relationships: with God, “Although it is true that we with our neighbour and with the Christians have at times incorrect - Continued from page 10 starting with the most basic forms whole “ecological culture,” which earth itself.” ly interpreted the Scriptures, of sharing and solidarity. involves “a distinctive way of Note the radically anti-funda - nowadays we must forcefully with people of faith, he addresses “Since God created the world for look ing at things, a way of think - mentalist biblical hermeneutic reject the notion that our being an entire chapter to Christians on everyone,” he says, “every ecologi - ing, policies, an educational pro - (“symbolic and narrative lan - created in God’s image and given “the Gospel of creation.” Faith cal approach needs to incorporate a gram, a lifestyle and a spirituality guage”) and the equation of the dominion over the earth justifies teaches Christians that “human life social perspective which takes into which together generate resistance relationship between humans and absolute domination over other is grounded in three fundamental account the fundamental rights of to the assault of the technocratic the earth with the relationships creatures. The biblical texts are to and closely intertwined relation - the poor and the underprivileged.” paradigm.” between humans and one another be read in their context, with an ships: with God, with our neigh - For Christians, he says, the in- — “Compulsive consumer ism”: and between humans and God. appropriate hermeneutic, recog - bour and with the earth itself.” carnation of Jesus adds further At the heart of the ecological disas - This is not merely a statement nizing that they tell us to ‘till and The Bible, he says, assigns a proof of the created world being ter, Pope Francis says, is a wide - that environmental issues are keep’ the garden of the world (cf. special place to human beings in part of God’s loving plan of salva - spread idea that “leads people to important. This is a radical theo - Gen 2:15). ‘Tilling’ refers to culti - the order of creation, but their role tion. “In the Christian understand - believe that they are free as long as logical claim, that human life is vating, ploughing or working, is as stewards and not lords. “We ing of the world, the destiny of all they have the supposed freedom to while ‘keeping’ means caring, are not God,” he says. creation is bound up with the mys - consume.” Instead of being free to protecting, overseeing and pre - “The Gospel of creation” also tery of Christ, present from the find beauty in nature and praise Michaelson is a columnist for serving. This implies a relation - calls believers to care for and safe - beginning: ‘All things have been God for the gifts he has given, peo - The Daily Beast who has taught ship of mutual responsibility guard their brothers and sisters, created though him and for him,’ ” ple actually have handed their free - environmental ethics at Boston between human beings and especially the poor and those unable Pope Francis writes. dom over to the world’s biggest University Law School and other nature.” to defend themselves. It calls them Being a Christian means one companies and wealthiest individ - institutions. Here, Francis explicitly states to work for justice and for peace, recognizes “the teachings of the uals who successfully convince Gospel have direct consequences them that the best things in life can for our way of thinking, feeling be bought. and living,” he says. The pope calls Over-consumption is at the root for an “ecological conversion” in of excessive waste, he says, but it which Catholics make sure “the also freezes the human heart and effects of their encounter with makes it unable to recognize the Jesus Christ become evident in needs of others. their relationship with the world However, he says, a consumer- around them.” driven culture does offer some — “Ecological culture”: In the advantages in the field of ecology: encyclical, Pope Francis says it is Buying only certain products and not enough to make a commitment boycotting others has been “suc - to certain important actions like cessful in changing the way busi - recycling or even forging interna - nesses operate, forcing them to con - tional agreements on carbon emis - sider their environmental footprint sions. What is needed, he says, is a and their patterns of production.”

12 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH June 24, 2015 Servant leaders call forth gifts and empower others

Breaking Open the Ordinary

Sandy Prather

In the first Upper Room, they permeates our documents, Pope are gathered for a meal. Jesus Francis has found it necessary to removes his outer garment, ties a point out the gap between “mere towel around his waist and, taking talk” and action as he devotes a a jug and a basin of water, he pro - portion of Evangelium Gaudium ceeds to wash, one by one, the feet to the dangers of “spiritual world - of the uncomprehending disciples. liness.” Such worldliness, he In the second Upper Room, they points out, takes shape in leaders are huddled together in fear. The who hide behind the appearance winged Holy Spirit swoops over - of piety and even love for the head and bright flickering flames church, but are more interested in descend on each startled head. In seeking not the Lord’s glory but the first Upper Room, they are human glory and personal well- shown what power looks like; in being (EG 93). He chastises those the second, they receive that who are so convinced of their own power. In the first Upper Room, soundness of doctrine or disci - Paul Paproski, OSB they are told, “Go and do what I pline that it leads them to a, “nar - DOORS OF GRACE — Pope Francis points out that spiritual worldliness takes shape in leaders who hide have shown you.” In the second, cissistic and authoritarian elit - behind the appearance of piety and even love for the church, but are more interested in seeking not the they are sent out to do so. ism,” whereby instead of evangel - Lord’s glory but human glory and personal well-being (EG 93). As Sandy Prather writes, he “chastises those The link is clear. Christ prom - izing, they analyze and classify who are so convinced of their own soundness of doctrine or discipline that it leads them to a, ‘narcissistic ises power from on high and, at others, and end up closing rather and authoritarian elitism,’ whereby instead of evangelizing, they analyze and classify others, and end up Pentecost, that power, through the than opening the doors of grace closing rather than opening the doors of grace (EG 94).” Spirit, descends on them. But the (EG 94). power they receive is Christ’s It is, indeed, a favourite theme It depends on how it is used. serve them. Begin with what they munity recognizing that different power, meant to be interpreted by of Pope Francis: the need for the Power can also be empowerment. have; build on what they know. contributions of all are necessary. Christ’s gesture of service. “Wash shepherds to “smell like their Leaders, in this understanding, are But of the best leaders when their Leonardo Boff, in his book each other’s feet,” is their com - sheep.” He is constantly calling those who tap into power in order task is accomplished, their work is Francis of Rome, Francis of mandment and servant leadership the hierarchy, priests, bishops and to enhance and bring life to oth - done, the people all remark, ‘We Assisi, warns that the gospel can thus becomes our watchword. cardinals to service, not self-serv - ers. have done it ourselves.’ ” be obscured when authority Leadership within the Christian ice, and he warns about the dan - We see it with Jesus. God’s A life-giving, servant leader understood as service is trans - community, the use of power gers of clericalism and careerism. power flows through Jesus and it calls forth the gifts of individuals formed to authority understood as within the ekklesia , is a leadership In late October 2013, ordaining is a power that heals illness, for - within the community and power. It is only when we remem - and a power that reaches out, not two archbishops, Pope Francis gives sins, arouses hope and empowers them to use them. A ber that we are people of the in domination, but in humble care told them: “Keep in mind that you builds communion. It is, in a generative leader welcomes col - Upper Room — both Upper for the other. were selected to serve, not to word, generative power. Jesus in laboration, knowing that power is Rooms — and so are our leaders It is an idea that seems too fre - dominate.” turn passes that power on to his not the possession of one but the that we will hold onto the right quently to be honoured more in Service, not domination: it is disciples. Gifted with his Spirit, gift of many. A servant leader use of power and the Spirit-led the breach than in the observance. about how Christian leaders are to they tap into his power in order to walks with and among the com - way of leadership. While the phrase “servant leader - understand and use power. In bring life as he does. Power in the ship” fills our church rhetoric and itself a neutral word, power is Christian community is a move - often seen as something negative, ment of “salfivic energy” and especially when it is a power used meant to be released into the Prather, BEd, MTh, is a teacher to dominate others or to impose world. True Christian leaders will and facilitator in the areas of faith one’s will on another. We are all be those who can tap into the and spirituality. She was executive familiar with the misuse of power, power already present in the com - Small packages director at Star of the North even in the church. munity so that it might accom - Small Packages welcomes prepaid ads re parish events. Retreat Centre in St. Albert, Alta., plish the purpose for which it is Yet power is to be valued — Rates: $16.75 for the first 60 words, $4 for an additional 25 for 21 years and resides in being powerless is not a virtue. intended. Sherwood Park with her husband, Insofar as power is the ability to An ancient verse states: “Go in words. Second and subsequent insertions half-price. Please Bob. They are blessed with four effect change, it can be as much a search of your people: love them, include cheque with ad and mail to: Small Packages, Prairie children and 10 grandchildren. force for the good as the opposite. learn from them, plan with them, Messenger, Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 PRAIRIE MESSENGER PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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inspire me to nap instead of clean when I’m in a bad mood look to Marc and I for both mercy and justice. and remove my ability to keep score. So far, no luck. In the When Jesus returns to his hometown, the people are not Liturgy silence that follows the argument, I feel the heat in my face prepared for his message. They know him as the kid that and my heartbeat slow to normal and I look straight into the skinned his knees playing, the son of a carpenter, a guy eye of my own weakness. Pause. who has always seemed to have answers to questions they and Life The first reading is from Ezekiel, and it is God’s instruc - did not ask. They cannot see who he has become. His tion that he is to speak the words given to him whether or power is weakened by their disbelief and doubting. It is not not the people listen to him. The result, God promises, is the first or the only time that people are not expecting his Leah Perrault that, “Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a weakness. In the manger and on the cross, people choose rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a not to follow this vulnerable King of Kings. They refuse Prophet among them.” the power in his weakness. And he is amazed by their unbe - One of St. Paul’s most frustrating assertions is contained My brother has a dog, a big, playful puppy who is still lief. Perhaps he is the only person in human history who is in this week’s second reading: “My grace is sufficient for learning how to belong in their family. Otto knows what the amazed by it. My unbelief is overwhelming when I need to you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul strug - rules are but he still needs to test them. When he takes off trust that weakness is my strength. gled with this too, begging God to take his weakness and before the leash gets on or barks at our kids, he knows he’s The Psalmist writes that, “Our eyes look to the Lord, struggles away from him. done something wrong. When my brother gets after him, until he has mercy on us.” Un-pause. In the silence after an I find it humbling, and often physically repulsive, to be Otto turns his face away and then, in time, he turns back and argument with Marc, I have learned the only powerful solu - the first to apologize after an argument. I am getting better looks up at my brother from below, with big, sad, puppy dog tion that actually restores peace is to accept my weakness at admitting my own failings, but I still wrestle inside eyes. He may not listen next time, but he knows that he’s and look on him until he accepts it too. God’s power is myself with blame and arrogance. Surely someone else been caught. And it is impossible not to love those eyes. made perfect in my weakness. I do not win the fight. I do started it and they should apologize first! not get to continue on in self-righteousness. I do not get to This happens most frequently with my husband, because Ezekiel 2:3-5 lay claim to perfection while I cast blame on my partner Fourteenth Sunday I love him the most and spend the most time with him. I get Psalm 123 and greatest human love. But, in my weakness, I get the in Ordinary Time in a bad mood about something, start cleaning to cope, and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 power of being loved as I am. July 5, 2015 then start keeping score of who has done what around the mark 6:1-6 When we face our weakness, our eyes unleash the house. He walks in totally oblivious to my mood and my mercy and compassion of God. They are a window into our score keeping, sets his stuff on a counter I just cleaned and My kids, like Otto and the rebellious house of Israel, need for each other, a glimpse into our capacity to bless I start an argument about something totally unrelated. How have those same eyes in weakness. They peer up at me most profoundly from small and insignificant places. God’s often I have begged God to take away my grouchiness, from behind their tears or anger and beg to be loved. When power is not like the power of the world, thundering and they have intentionally used my favourite lipstick as face forceful and demanding. God’s power is in the irresistible paint crushing it into an unusable mess or spoken searing eyes of someone who has asked for forgiveness, and in the Perrault is the director of Pastoral Services for the words of hurt, the moments after the timeout are some of softened eyes of the one who grants it. I am the most pow - Diocese of Saskatoon. She is co-author of How Far Can We the most powerful in our home. They feel themselves erful agent of God’s grace not when I get it all right, but Go? A Catholic Guide to Sex and Dating. She and her hus - small, having hurt instead of loved, responsible for pain but when I realize I have gotten it all wrong and I look to him, band, Marc, are the parents of three young children. not knowing how to fix it. And in their vulnerability, they and to Marc, to be loved. Sometimes all we can give is our best effort under the circumstances

best I could do ideally, though it If am over-extended, it’s a fault in This, of course, can easily was the best I could do given the my life, pure and simple, which I become a rationalization for not In circumstances. have a moral responsibility to cor - setting proper priorities and for Given that confession, it’s fair rect. letting ourselves be non-reflec - to ask: Didn’t those retreatants But is it really that simple? Are tively buffeted by circumstance. Exile have a right to have me arrive for we really meant to have this much But the opposite can also be a this retreat more rested, more pre - control over our lives? Don’t cir - rationalization used to over-pro - pared, and more ready to give cumstance and need perennially tect our own comfort and rest. Ron Rolheiser, OMI them my full, undivided atten - trump that? Aren’t the generative That’s the tension, and it’s meant tion? Fair enough. They did have years of our lives about much to be a tension. Sometimes we that right, except that this was more than ensuring our own over-extend ourselves and some - Recently I led a weeklong getic, and able to give this group mitigated by the fact that all the health and rest? Even if the pur - time we under-extend ourselves. retreat for some 60 people at a my total undivided attention for people who are daily affected by pose of our own self-care is not Most of the people I admire most renewal centre. Overall, it went seven days. my regular duties also had that selfish but intended for the better in the world suffer from the for - very well, though ideally it could Of course, that wasn’t the case. same right. They too had a right to service of others, isn’t that service mer — overextension, and, para - have gone better. It could have The days leading up to the retreat my time, my unfatigued self, my itself the final culprit? There are doxically, it seems to give them gone better if, previous to the were consumed by many pres - full energies, and my undivided needs all over and our resources more energy. Jesus, while caution - retreat, I would have had more sures in my regular ministry. attention. During that week of are finite, isn’t that always a for - ing proper self-care (“Let us go time to prepare and more time to These were long days that kept me retreat, my office also got second mula for tension? away by ourselves for a while and rest so that I would have arrived at preoccupied and tired. Indeed, in best: I was not giving it my ideal Circumstance conscripts us rest” Mk 6, 31) also tells us that the retreat well-rested, fully ener - the days leading up to the retreat, best, but only what I could do, and, in the words of Jesus, puts a we should pour ourselves out I had to do many extra hours of given the circumstances. rope around us and takes where completely for others without work simply to free myself up to I suspect most time-manage - we would rather not go, namely, worrying too much about whether Rolheiser, theologian, teacher lead this retreat. So I arrived for ment experts, and not a few coun - beyond our comfort, beyond this will kill us or not. and award-winning author, is this retreat partly exhausted and sellors and spiritual directors, always being adequately rested, I had all of this in mind as I president of the Oblate School of carrying with me still a lot of pres - would tell me the reason this ten - and beyond always being in con - struggled while giving a recent Theology in San Antonio, Texas. sures from my regular duties. sion exists in my life is because of trol of our own timetable and retreat, knowing that neither the He can be contacted through his In spite of this, the retreat still my failure to set clear priorities energies. Admittedly it’s danger - retreatants nor my office were get - website: www.ronrolheiser.com. went pretty well. I had enough and be faithful to them and that ous to over-extend yourself, ting my best energies . . . though Follow Father Ron on Facebook: energy and focus to make things this sloppy indecisiveness is except that it’s equally, perhaps both got the best I could give, www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser essentially work. But it wasn’t the unfair to everyone on every side. more dangerous, to under-extend given the circumstance. yourself so as to always have full And isn’t this a good image for control of your own energy and the whole of our lives? We have commitments and be always well- finite energies, finite time, finite rested and not over-taxed. We can attention, and we are constantly Rise Again burn out, but we can also rust out. swamped by circumstance, need, the beautiful and moving new CD from and pressure. There’s always something! And so we are often arc caught in a major tension as To advertise in the regards our time, energy, and oderre attention. In any given season Prairie within our lives, if we are honest, created in tribute to his late wife Marina we might have to say: This wasn’t Nine original songs Messenger the best I might have done ideally, plus six liturgical favourites including but it’s the best I could do, given “Here I Am Lord”, “Holy is His Name”, call the circumstance! and “You Raise Me Up” 306-682-1772 or Ultimately this is true for our whole lives. It’s never ideal, but To order a CD, send $21 cheque (includes shipping) to fax 306-682-5285 it’s the best we can do, given the Marc Coderre, 75 Ramsgate Private, Oawa, ON, K1V 8M4 For more information, visit email: circumstance. And that should be www.circlenine.org [email protected] more than enough when we stand before our Maker in judgment. 14 Prairie Messenger FEATURE June 24, 2015 What dialogue looks like: Christian-Jewish relations

ion pieces have appeared in a of the Servite Order and ethicist, ship, from one marked by classi - Leading up to the October anniversary of the historic document number of Jewish, Christian and be commissioned to write a book cal stereotypes to one focused on Nostra Aetate, the Prairie Messenger is featuring “capsule biogra - secular newspapers and maga - on her dissertation and that of her the bonding of Christians and phies,” which are also posted on the “Catholic-Jewish Relations” sec - zines, and in 2006, he was award - colleagues Linus Gleason of the Jews within the one covenanted tion of the Scarboro Interfaith website (http://www.scarboromissions.ca/ ed the Sternberg Interfaith Award Sisters of Charity of Providence family. Not all problems have JC_Relations/dialogue_partners.php). By October there will have been on behalf of philanthropist Sir and Rita Mudd of the Sisters of St. been resolved, but the progress featured material on numerous individuals — Jews and Christians, men Sigmund Sternberg, “in recogni - Joseph, whose dissertations had has been remarkable.” and women — who have played key roles in drafting the conciliar dec - tion of outstanding services in fur - analyzed literature and social Sister Rose went on to become laration, or who have led local, national or international efforts to put thering relations between faiths.” studies textbooks. Pawlikowski a beloved professor on the facul - Nostra Aetate’s vision into practice, through various forms of dialogue, In 2011, Kessler was honoured by agreed; his Catechetics and ty of Seton Hall University in action and scholarship. This is the third of the series. Queen Elizabeth II, who inducted Prejudice: How Catholic Teaching South Orange, N.J., where she Dr. Edward Kessler him as a Member of the Order of Materials View Jews, Protestants taught for more than 40 years, ential centres for interfaith study the British Empire (MBE), in and Racial Minorities appeared in working as a tireless leader in the (1963- ) in the United Kingdom, hosting recognition of his energetic work 1973. development of Jewish-Christian conferences and lecture series, to promote better understanding Thering had not anticipated the dialogue. As one of her longtime Described as “probably the publishing cutting-edge research, and improved relations between larger impact her most prolific interfaith figure in and offering various public educa - re ligious groups, nationally and study would make British academia,” Edward Kessler tion programs which creatively internationally. Dr. Kessler and when Judith has been a pioneering figure in present contemporary interfaith his wife Trisha have three chil - Banki, now work - Jewish-Christian (and Jewish- dialogue to non-specialist audi - dren. ing in the Inter- Christian-Muslim) relations in ences. The Institute has made par - Sister Rose Thering, OP religious Affairs Great Britain for much of the last ticularly good use of the modern (1920-2006) office of the two decades. Dr. Kessler was born electronic media, offering a num - American Jewish in 1963, and after a bachelor’s ber of its graduate courses online, A native of rural Wisconsin, Committee, drew degree in Hebrew and religious to students around the world. Rose Elizabeth Thering was born upon Thering’s studies from the University of Kessler has spoken, written on August 9, 1920, and was one of dissertation and Leeds (1985), he pursued a master and published widely in the field 11 children in her large German- the work of Claire of theological studies at the of inter-religious dialogue, includ - American family. From an early Huchet Bishop, ing almost a dozen books to date age, she felt a calling to Catholic who had initiated on various aspects of that subject: religious life and, after being similar studies in 1989: An English Jew: The taught by the Dominican Sisters Europe. Banki Life and Writings of Claude of Racine (Wisconsin), she decid - drafted a memo - Montefiore, London: Vallentine ed to join that congregation, mak - randum that the Mitchell, (second edition, 2002) ing her perpetual vows in 1946. American Jewish 2002: Jews and Christians in An educator throughout her Committee sub - Conversation: Crossing Cultures long religious life, Sister Rose mitted on July 13, and Generations, eds. E. Kessler, earned a bachelor’s degree from 1961, to Augustin J.T. Pawlikowski & J. Banki, Dominican College in Racine, Cardinal Bea, a Cambridge: Orchard Academic before going on to graduate stud - biblical scholar 2004: A Reader of Liberal ies — a masters degree from the and head of the Judaism: Israel Abrahams, Claude College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Secretariat for the Montefiore, Israel Mattuck and Minn., and a PhD from St. Louis Promotion of Lily Montagu, London: Vallentine University in 1961. Her doctoral Christian Unity. Mitchell study focused on the presentation Titled The 2004: Aspects of Liberal Ju - of Jews and Judaism in the Image of the Jew daism: Essays in Honour of John Catholic textbooks that were used in Catholic Teach - DOCUmENTARY — Sister Rose’s Passion is the D. Rayner on the Occasion of His to teach religion at that time, and ing,” the 32-page 2006 documentary that celebrates Sister Rose 80th Birthday, eds. E. Kessler and uncovered a range of inaccurate, memorandum Thering and her dedication to the cause of eradi - Dr. Edward Kessler D.J.Goldberg, London: Vallentine exaggerated or stereotyped imag- detailed the cari - cating anti-Semitism. Mitchell es that negatively affected the way catures and distor - Harvard Divinity School, and a 2004: Bound by the Bible: in which many parochial school tions of Judaism that the Thering friends and colleagues remem - master of business studies from the Jews, Christians and the Sacrifice students thought and felt about and Bishop studies had uncovered. bers: University of Stirling. Following of Isaac, Cambridge: Cambridge Judaism. It was one of three text - While no single factor suffices to “Rose also played a role in the these studies, he opted to work in a University Press book studies undertaken at the account for the promulgation of movement to free Soviet Jewry family-owned business for several 2004: Themes in Jewish- time under the sponsorship of the Nostra Aetate on Oct. 28, 1965, the and in establishing man datory years, returning to the University Christian Relations, eds. E. Kessler American Jewish Committee textbook studies seem to have exer - Holocaust education in public of Cambridge for doctoral studies, & M.J. Wright, Cambridge: (AJC), looking at how various cised a major influence on Cardinal schools. She trained Christian and receiving his PhD there in Orchard Academic religious and ethnic groups were Bea, the driving force behind teachers to teach Juda ism and led 1998. 2005: A Dic tionary of Jewish- portrayed in Jewish, Catholic and Vatican II’s declaration. (Mary C. 33 missions to Israel. She went In 1998, Kessler collaborated Christian Relations, eds. E, Protestant educational materials. Boys, Women’s Contributions to head to head with (Austrian with Rev. Dr. Martin Forward to Kessler & N. Wenborn, Cam - Aware that her study illumined Jewish-Christian Relations, in Chancellor and former Nazi sol - establish the Centre for the Study bridge: Cambridge Encyclopedia of Women and dier) Kurt Waldheim, with the of Jewish-Christian Relations University Press Religion in North America, edited nuns at Auschwitz, with anyone (CJCR) at Cambridge. Eight years 2006: Chal leng - by Rosemary Skinner Keller, who spoke against Israel or Jews, later, two other centres were es in Jewish- Rosemary Radford Ruether, and and even with Jews who tried to founded at Cambridge — the Christian Re lations, Marie Cantlon. Bloomington: hide their identity. Rose related to Centre for the Study of Muslim- eds. J. Aitken & E. Indiana University Press, 2006, Israel not only as the Holy Land Jewish Relations (CMJR) and the Kessler, New York: 1277.) but as the living, modern Jewish Centre for Policy Public Paulist Press Sister Rose’s textbook study homeland. She understood . . . in Education (CPPE) — which were 2006: What do would, therefore, turn out to be fact, whenever a Christian would eventually brought under a single Jews Believe? Lon - an important contributing factor use the term ‘Holy Land,’ she umbrella structure which today is don and New York: that led to the development of would recite her mantra, ‘Say known as the Woolf Institute; Granta Publica - Nostra Aetate , with its efforts to Israel.’ ” (Blue Green berg, My Kessler currently serves as its tions uproot traditional Catholic mis - Interfaith Friendships: Blessings executive director. 2010: Intro duc - representations of Judaism. Her and Challenges, in Chapters of As its website states, “the tion to Jewish- textbook studies were subse - the Heart: Jewish Women Sharing Institute studies how relations Christian Relations, quently repeated and updated, by the Torah of Our Lives, edited by between Jews, Christians and Cambridge: Dr. Eugene Fisher (published as Sue Elwell and Nancy Fuchs Muslims can enhance our under - Cambridge Faith Without Prejudice: Re - Kreimer. Eugene, Ore.: Wipf & standing of key concepts of public University Press building Christian Attitudes Stock, 2013, 121). life: community and identity, 2013: Jews, Toward Juda ism, 1977; rev. Sister Rose Thering, a pio - mutual respect, personal responsi - Christians and Mus - 1993) and by Dr. Philip Cun- neering figure in contemporary bility, and social solidarity. l ims, London: SCM ning ham (published as Educa - Jewish-Christian dialogue, died Combining theology with the Much of Kess - tion for Shalom: Religion Text - on May 6, 2006, at the age of social sciences and the humani - ler’s work (includ - books and the Enhancement of 85, not long after the premiere ties, the Woolf Institute seeks to ing his doctorate) has centred on areas of prejudice in a church the Catholic and Jewish Rela - of the documentary Sister strengthen the ethical framework the intersections between Jewish unaccustomed to public self-criti - tionship, 1995). Rose’s Passion, which high - that is needed for our political, and Christian biblical interpreta - cism, Thering felt that the As the late Chicago Cardinal lighted her life’s work and her economic and social life.” In the tion, and he is currently working Catholic populace would regard Joseph Bernardin said, “(these many accomplishments, which years of its existence, the Woolf on completing a new book about her findings as credible only if a studies) have shown a steady continue to be honoured and Institute has become one of the Jesus, which is to be published priest published them. She sug - development in the presentation perpetuated at Seton Hall Uni - most fertile, respected and influ - late in 2015. His articles and opin - gested John Pawlikowski, a priest of the Catholic-Jewish relation - versity. June 24, 2015 FEATURE Prairie Messenger 15 How will the church respond to Ireland’s challenge?

The following is published with the permission of America Media. Why did it fail? In South Africa, it’s quite simple: no referendum, By Anthony Egan, SJ It reinforces the wounding notion therefore no way that churches that they are to be treated as bio - could mobilize voters, many of It may seem strange for a logical oddities, as failed or lapsed them already hostile to the idea of “Dispatch from Johannesburg” to human beings who do not fit into same-sex unions. Ireland’s vote, we examine Ireland’s recent gay mar - normal society, and, as such, do may assume, was partly a result of riage referendum for a United not qualify for the full moral con - public irritation at a long history of States-based Catholic magazine. cern and respect that our Con sti - the Catholic hierarchy’s often But the country’s 62 per cent sup - tution seeks to secure for every - heavy-handed intervention in pub - port for constitutionally redefining one. It signifies that their capacity lic life, further compounded by the civil marriage resonates with all for love, commitment and accept - child abuse scandals that have three of our nations and challenges ing responsibility is by definition shaken even committed Catholics’ the way we see ourselves as church. less worthy of regard than that of trust in the bishops and clergy. The Irish decision is remark - heterosexual couples.” The claim of “poor catechesis” able. First, Ireland is the first coun - The Constitution with its Bill of or insufficient evangelization is try to introduce same sex marriage Rights is the supreme law of the another popular reason given for by referendum rather than by par - land, and the Constitutional Court the support among Catholics for liamentary legislation or by judi - is the final arbiter of all laws. Had same-sex policies throughout the cial intervention. Second, the vote there been a referendum in South church — one that is also frequent - was convincing: the “Yes” vote Africa, same-sex marriage would ly used as we read of the divergent carried all but one county — win - have lost. Large segments of South views being expressed by Catho- ning from liberal areas like Dublin African society are deeply against lics in the run-up to October’s to more conservative rural areas — it. (Homphobia is evident within synod on the family. and was supported across political parts of South African society — But I am unconvinced by this. It Design Pics and demographic lines. Third, this though there are suggestions that, presumes that “if we tell them what REmARKABLE DECISION — The Irish decision on gay marriage is happened in what is still consid - particularly among younger peo - the truth is, they’ll believe and fol - remarkable, writes Anthony Egan, SJ. “First, Ireland is the first coun - ered a Catholic country. ple, this is changing.) low.” This assumes a kind of non- try to introduce same sex marriage by referendum rather than by par - For South Africans, same-sex To accommodate this opposi - thinking approach to catechesis, liamentary legislation or by judicial intervention. Second, the vote was unions are nothing new. On Dec. 1, tion, South Africa allows religious based on a memorize-and-believe convincing: the “yes” vote carried all but one county — winning from 2005, South Africa’s Constitutional ministers to function as civil mar - model of education that presumes liberal areas like Dublin to more conservative rural areas — and was Court, ruling in the case Minister of riage officers under a kind of omniscience of the sender and ac - supported across political and demographic lines. Third, this happened Home Affairs vs. Fourie, concluded compromise: clergy are not ceptance of the receiver. It assumes, in what is still considered a Catholic country.” that the existing law that defined obliged to perform marriage cere - too, a church that is the sole pro vider civil marriage as between a man monies that go against their con - of information and the source of all develop counter-theories that sions would fly with superiors and and a woman violated our 1996 science or religious doctrine. This knowledge: in most parts of the appear like pseudo-science. authorities in the church and how Constitution and Bill of Rights that privilege does not extend to civil world this situation no longer exists. Earlier I quoted Judge Albie this would have an impact on my insists on, inter alia, non-discrimi - service officials, however. Science, the observation of Sachs’ argument in the South ministry as priest and scholar. nation on the grounds of sexual ori - Part of the reason for this, and nature, has advanced in so many African Fourie judgment. Having The problem is that assuming entation. This made South Africa for South African homophobia, is areas about human and animal read the judgment a number of this approach, we, the church, lose the first (and only) African country, that South Africa is a religious biology, particularly about the times, I am struck that no one, so authority. By merely asserting the first state in the Southern Hemi - country, influenced by a literalist existence of same-sex oriented far as I know, ever used this elo - existing doctrines, by clamping sphere and the fifth in the world to reading of the Bible (though, as in minorities in about 2,000 higher quent statement to reflect theologi - down on those who ask difficult legalize same-sex marriage. Ireland and the United States, there species. Genetic and neurological cally on what we might learn from questions and excluding them from In summing up the Court’s judg - is a marked shift toward seculariza - research strongly suggest natural it. Such reflection should not have the conversation, by indulging in ment, Judge Albie Sachs wrote: tion). There is also a strongly homo - in-built tendencies toward one’s been alien to us as Catholics — we groupthink or simply avoiding the “The exclusion of same-sex phobic strand in traditional African own gender in such minorities, not do it all the time in Catholic social issue, we shut ourselves off from couples from the benefits and culture — though many anthropolo - as disorders but as differences that ethics. Catholic social teaching is a the many important challenges of responsibilities of marriage . . . gists argue that this is a product of can be seen as having the same classic example where the idea of the world we are supposed to represents a harsh if oblique state - 19th-century colonial influences. ultimate significance as being left- doctrinal change and development engage with. Most Catholics can - ment by the law that same-sex Though we now both belong to handed or ambidextrous. If we no is not only common, but integral. not withdraw from the world, many Catholic social teaching would find themselves in a permanent couples are outsiders, and that a small but growing group of longer hold to the prejudice against be meaningless and useless with - state of cognitive dissonance: pro - their need for affirmation and pro - nations that have enacted these left-handedness, why discriminate out constant engagement with fessing one thing, living another. tection of their intimate relations new laws, South Africa and on this matter, one might well ask. contemporary socio-political real - Such a split-level life adds as human beings is somehow less Ireland are different in how this For the church the answer is ities, with sciences like economics ammunition to the new atheists, than that of heterosexual couples. happened. What we have in com - obvious: doctrine is unchanging mon however, together with all and unchangeable. A corollary to and politics, and with the best of who quite happily exploit our ten - other members of the club, is this (made often in the debate secular political philosophy. Why dency to teach our Catholics to Anthony Egan, SJ, is America strong official religious opposi - around the family synod) is: if we did we not engage with Judge lump together tradition into un- Magazine’s Johannesburg corre - tion to these changes — and the change this, then everything is up Sachs’ reasoning? Speaking per - changing and unchangeable doc - spondent. fact that that opposition failed. for grabs and our authority col - sonally, it was fear: fear of where trine. This makes our deepest fear lapses. (We’ve heard this before.) an honest engagement with it in of collapse a self-fulfilling prophe - Better to deny everything, even if the light of our teachings on mar - cy, particularly since living in cog - we reject evidence and common riage and sexuality would lead. nitive dissonance is unhealthy and sense in the process, even if we Fear, too, of how such conclu - ultimately unsustainable. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin rightly commented that Ireland’s referendum was a “reality NOW AVAILABLE check” for the church. But poor e-Edition subscriptions catechesis and bad evangelization visit: www.pmonline.ca are not sufficient explanation for for more information Receive 45 issues per year the church’s “loss” in Ireland. We need a new, more open approach to theology, a return to the disam - Mail coupon to: Prairie Messenger, Circulation Dept. biguation of levels of doctrinal Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 truth and how we understand faith. Phone: (306) 682-1772 Fax: (306) 682-5285 email: [email protected] It has been heartening to see a greater openness to internal dia - J J One Year $37.00 Two Years $67.00 logue under Pope Francis, sadden - J J U.S. $126.00 Foreign $152.00 ing to see so much resistance too. Applicable tax included An event like the Irish referendum J New J Renewal will test our resolve to be more open, more critical in our under - Name: ______standing of tradition. Or it may be read as a call to draw the wagons Serving with compassion, Trusting in Providence Address: ______into a tight circle to fight off the We walk in hope forces of secularism. Since 1861 City/Town: ______Prov: ______None of this should surprise us. Postal Code: ______Tel: ______More than when it happened in www.providence.ca providencesisterstv.com South Africa, Ireland has thrown Visa/MC: ______Expiry: ______down a challenge to all. How will the Catholic Church respond? 16 Prairie Messenger FEATURE June 24, 2015 Suffering and loss have many lessons to teach

By Paul Paproski, OSB from high school. We were stunned to learn in her final two My sister Gwen was diagnosed weeks of life that she had lost her with cancer five years ago. The battle. Gwen’s optimism through - diagnosis was a shock — she was out her ordeal led us to believe she in very good health and lived a had many years left. She often healthy lifestyle. A model cancer expressed her readiness to return patient, Gwen, 45, faced her life- to work and prepare for her threatening illness with a positive daughter’s high school gradua - attitude. She was determined to be tion. She looked forward to con - strong and optimistic. She had a tinuing with her hobbies, volun - zeal for life and loved her husband teer work and doing some travel - and two children dearly. They, in ling. turn, gave her tremendous love Some things come to mind and support. when I think about my visits with Our family rejoiced when we Gwen in Pasqua Hospital in learned, after months of Regina and at her home: chemotherapy and radiation, that I cannot imagine the pain felt Gwen was diagnosed cancer free. by cancer patients, whether physi - We were sure this dark stage of cally or emotionally. her life was over. Our hopes were Cancer affects everyone. The dashed three years later when we cancer patient does not suffer learned the cancer returned and it alone. Family and friends feel was aggressive. The treatments pain too. I cannot imagine what resumed again, only this time they other family and friends went were much stronger. through during this long ordeal. I Gwen didn’t make it. She died know it was not easy for me. May 19, five years following her Words are powerful and can be first diagnosis. She was 50 years very helpful. It meant a lot to hear old. Her death came only weeks people say they are so sorry for Paul Paproski, OSB before her daughter graduated Gwen and what our family was THE WORLD CHANGES — When a loved one dies too soon, the world changes. Nothing remains the same. going through, and that they can’t The reflection of a cross in a water fountain symbolizes the mystery of life and death. It speaks to the ten - image how we feel. It meant a lot sion felt through knowing a loved one is at peace, while missing her terribly. Paproski is a priest and to hear people say they are pray - Benedictine monk of St. Peter’s ing for us. those who live healthy lifestyles. together and challenges them to God brings acceptance and peace. Abbey. His sister Gwen is survived Life is fragile. Cancer attacks And when cancer is defeated, it discern what really matters. Holding onto things creates ten - by her parents, three siblings, her people of all ages and back - comes back. The loss of a loved one to cancer sion, resentment and anger. husband and two children. grounds, even the healthy and Cancer brings families closer increases empathy for those who The suffering and death of a have undergone similar ordeals. loved one tests our trust in a The impersonal and institution - benevolent, loving God. Geothermal and solar as heat sources al nature of city hospitals makes The death of a loved one, par - them difficult settings for patients, ticularly a loved one who died too The high cost of food, particu - especially for persons who are pri - soon, changes everything. The larly nutritious food such as meat vate and sensitive. world is not the same. The con - and milk, is a serious financial and The donations of friends and nection to prayer, the cross and health issue in “fly-in” communi - service clubs were a tremendous the eucharist is different. Scrip- FARMLAND ties such as Garden Hill First boost to morale. ture speaks differently. Nation. AKI staff is supporting the Life is a process of letting go. There is “tension” between the LEGACIES development of local produce We are always letting go of feeling of joy in knowing that a supply sources with the assistance things: our youth, our dreams, our loved one is with our Lord, and of agriculture faculty members at friendships, our health, our loved the sadness felt through missing Don Sutherland the University of Manitoba. Work ones. The ability to let go and let her terribly. done in Germany shows consider - able promise for communities For thousands of years First Recently I had the opportunity with shrubs and trees but little Nations and Inuit people have to accompany three Winnipeg- soil. The technique is called been innovative learners and com - based creative leaders, Shaun hugelkultur — composting with passionate teachers. These gifts Loney, Darcy Wood, and Kate shrubs and long and short logs were prerequisites to prosperity Taylor of Aki Energy, on one of used as a base with soil added. and survival on Turtle Island. In their periodic northern trips The wood gradually decays, gives Retreats & Workshops 1812 the half-starved and often ill designed to stay in personal off heat, and supplies plant nutri - Selkirk settlers, former high - touch with geothermal, solar, and ents. Chickens and bees are on the Silent Directed Eight-Day Retreat landers, would have been deci - other projects now rapidly “l et’s investigate” list. Dianne Mantyka and Bishop Gerry Wiesner, OMI. mated by the extreme cold and emerging with First Nation initia - I asked if I could interview Sunday June 28, 4 p.m. - Sunday July 5, 3 p.m.. Cost: $850 live-in only. lack of food if not for the leader - tives. someone currently working on Spirituality and Art ship, generosity site in geother - Gisele Bauche. Friday, July 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Saturday July 11, 9 a.m. until and teaching mal installa - 3:30 p.m. Cost: $125 live-in; $65 commute (includes Saturday lunch). skills of Chief tions. Tyrone Spirituality and the Seasons of Our Lives Peguis and his Choken of the Ron Rolheiser, OMI. Monday July 13, 5 p.m. w/supper to Thursday July 16, people who re - Fisher River 1 p.m. w/lunch. Cost: $400 live-in; $200 commute. sided at that time First Nation Eucharist: Taken, Blessed, Broken and Shared near the Forks in stepped for - what is now ward. Tyrone is Marie-Louise Ternier-Gommers. Friday July 17, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. to Saturday July 18, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Cost: $125 live-in; $95 commute Winnipeg. a father of five (includes Saturday breakfast & lunch). Peguis, the children. After larg est First Nation community in Manitoba Hydro provides the high school graduation he LIMITED BURSARIES FOR RETREATS AND WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Manitoba, now located 145 km upfront financing, but each worked at seasonal jobs such as north of Winnipeg, is once again householder gradually retires trucking and snow removal. He NEED A SUMMER GETAWAY TO A QUIET PLACE emerging with members who are the loan by paying monthly at a was proud to point out that he for rest, prayer and reflection? leaders and teachers equipping was on welfare for only nine rate less than the bill savings Treat yourself to a day or two or more home after home with geothermal resulting from the retrofit. The months. He is now a certified in our sacred space of peace and quiet. heat. Another important develop - Fisher River Cree Nation, situ - geothermal installer. He says he Spiritual Guidance available upon request. ment is the installation of solar ated close to Peguis, is also up and his family like the reliabili - water heating panels on houses, and running with geothermal ty of a regular paycheque and For program details visit www.queenshouse.org often crowded for living space, installations. Both First Nations he says he looks forward to To register please call 306-242-1916 with resulting heavy demand for have developed a cadre of opportunities to go to other or email: [email protected] hot water to shower. skilled and certified leaders First Nations to teach and lead. ready to undertake a training Geothermal, solar, composting, 601 Taylor Street West, Saskatoon, SK S7M 0C9 tel: (306) 242-1916 fax: (306) 653-5941 and leadership role with other and local supply all fit well Sutherland, MBA, is a personal First Nations who want to dra - with First Nation philosophy DO YOU NEED A FACILITY FOR: coach and relationship builder in matically reduce their house - centred on reverence for the Inservices, seminars, workshops, retreats, or any occasion? BOOK QUEEN’S HOUSE TODAY! Winnipeg. hold heating costs. earth. (306) 242-1925 or [email protected] June 24, 2015 CHURCH AT HOME Prairie Messenger 17 Treating others with respect is always in fashion

shipment just arrived from Spain .” about her I remained dispassionate. She tried physical again, with increased volume: appearance. Around the THEY ARE FROM SPAIN. Per - For those of us haps she looked at my grey hair who knew and and thought I was deaf as well as loved her, she Kitchen Table obtuse. was beautiful, This new age of exclusivity but she mostly Maureen Weber features stores that issue invita - did not feel tions to announce the acquisition that way and I of new brands. The merchandise understand An obsession with shoes is beautiful as she was. is indeed in stock, but only those how she wor - often regarded as frivolous and In those days, craftsmanship who attend a special soiree are ried about the indulgent, a la Carrie Bradshaw was impeccable, the materials of allowed to buy. New styles are scrutiny of (of Sex and the City fame), so my good quality (no synthetic knock - presented on silver platters and strangers. So it obsession is something I generally offs) and the service one could elite patrons not only feast on was gratifying keep in the closet, in pairs. I’m expect not only in shoe stores but wares, they have the satisfaction for me to exaggerating, but I do like shoes, most other stores was welcoming of knowing they have indulged remember the maybe because the feel of a sub - and gracious. Whether you ap- before we plebeians have even city shopping stantial sole makes me feel peared sophisticated or undistin - gotten the chance to look. trips she went grounded. guished, beautiful or plain, you There’s a reason I’m thinking on with my Then again, it could be inherit - were accorded the same treat - about this now. It’s the end of June mom (I got to ed — both my parents loved ment. That is not always the case and in days gone by the end of tag along) and Saretsky shoes. Dad was a schoolteacher these days. June signified two important how well IN HER SHOES — The only time maureen was ever and later high school principal Some businesses cultivate an events: the last day of school, and Marg was seen wearing heels was when she was barely two years who walked miles in the hallways elite clientele that becomes almost my Auntie Marg’s June 30 birth - treated wher - old, in her mother’s shoes. over the years. I loved the heft of like a private club. I’ve walked day, which was always a joyous ever she went. his leather-soled wingtips and the into such stores and had the feel - celebration. She died in 2004 and Marg loved shoes as much as we of a general societal shift in atti - way stones would crunch to pow - ing I was crashing an invite-only I think of her more at this time of did, and her feet were slender and tude: it’s not so much about feel - der underfoot. party when stopping in to browse. year. delicate. The shoe store was ing better about yourself as get - My mother loved shoes as A couple of tittering insiders and Auntie Marg was beloved by always the last stop, and the most ting pumped up with the feeling of well. She wore a creamy white the shopkeeper turn to give their all, but the kids especially adored fun. The staff waited on Marg being better than everyone else. suit for her 1957 wedding with a appraisal ( she’s probably in the her. A single woman who looked with respect and gentleness, tak - The store we shopped at with robin’s egg blue camisole and wrong place ), and go back to their after children for much of her life ing delight in her love of shoes Auntie Marg has been in existence matching blue kid leather pumps. conversation. One such day, — a nanny by today’s standards and making her feel beautiful, at for 76 years and though the origi - They were gorgeous. though, after I picked up a shoe — her patience for reading books least for a little while. nal family of owners is long gone, My favourite pastime when I the brand of which I knew well, or playing was matched only by I was trying to imagine my their approach is still one that was a little girl was to go into the young clerk marched over, as her endless supply of cookies and aunt feeling comfortable in some shows wisdom in how they treat Mom’s closet and clomp around if on a mission. love. of the stores I’ve visited recently, others. Respect and kindness the kitchen in her shoes — brown “Those are made in Spain,” she Marg was a tiny woman who but I couldn’t. And you might be never go out of fashion. If new suede with bows, shrimp- exclaimed triumphantly. I nodded had a spinal deformity that result - thinking, what difference does it entrepreneurs want to be around coloured snakeskin, butter yellow and smiled. As if dissatisfied with ed in a prominent hump on her make? It’s only shopping. Maybe very long, they would do well to leather — pretending I was as my response, she said again, “This back. She was self-conscious so, but I think it is also indicative pay attention. Emotional depth of Meru makes it more than extreme sports story

Continued from page 9 another young American, Renan coming storms and mishaps in a and take a pass. But director movies. (These are delightful Ozturk, to make an audacious 2008 sequence of death-defying feats, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s second wacky home-video creations, and you may well be aroused to protest attempt that came agonizingly this attempt finally reached the feature, with a brilliant screenplay indeed movie references pop up the fundamental unfairness of it all. close but had to be aborted due to top in a burst of exhilaration. adapted by Jesse Andrews from everywhere.) But then Greg’s impossible conditions. Just 180 What is as astonishing is how his eponymous novel, is fully mom learns that a classmate, Meru metres from the summit, it was a Chin and Ozturk managed to shoot deserving of its double honours at Rachel (Olivia Cooke), has been heartbreaking decision. Chin’s and spectacular footage while them - Sundance where it took both the diagnosed with leukemia and guilt (U.S./India) Ozturk’s cameras capture the selves engaged in such a demand - top jury and audience awards. It’s pressures Greg into spending time drama in intimate detail. The film ing and dangerous physical effort. also the subject of an admiring with her. What feels forced if This spring’s devastating earth - also delves into the personal moti - Meru has some of the most amaz - cover feature essay in the spring painfully honest at first develops quakes in Nepal took a toll on the vations of the climbers, especially ing cinematography you will ever issue of Filmmaker Magazine. into a truly beautiful friendship. camps of elite mountain climbers Anker with his adopted family and see. A last image of the mountain The “me” in the picture is Greg and their sherpas. While reaching narrator Chin, the son of Chinese on a starry night as the three make Gaines (a superb Thomas Mann), Me and Earl and the the summit of Everest has become refugees. their descent is cosmically breath - a geeky, acutely self-conscious Dying Girl big business, the ultimate Himala - The intrepid trio refused to taking. This is more than an and awkward high-school senior yan climbing challenge belongs to give up the dream, even after two extreme-sports movie. Its emotion - who hangs out with his more con - (U.S.) Meru in northern India near the of them almost died — Ozturk in al depth and intensity moved me to fident only pal Earl (first-time headwaters of the Ganges. Until a ski crash, Chin in an avalanche see it twice at Sundance. Watch for actor RJ Cyler, equally excellent). recently the sheer wall leading to four days later. Incredibly, only an August theatrical release and a Greg covers his shyness with self- The story delivers no romances Meru’s peak, known as the Shark’s five months later in 2011 the team television broadcast on the Show - deprecation and an avoidance of or miracles. There’s pathos, gentle Fin, had never been successfully was back preparing another time network later this year. social interactions. Instead the humour, moments of joy and sor - scaled. John Krakauer, author of assault on the Shark’s Fin from A title like this might lead one pair amuse themselves making row, with never a false note or lapse Into Thin Air, calls it the “anti- the 14,500-foot base camp. Over - to expect a weepy teen melodrama bizarre mock versions of classic into maudlin sentiment. Seldom Everest” because climbers are en - have adolescent anxieties and emo - tirely on their own, doing all the tions been conveyed with such com - work and assuming all risks. plexity and depth by actors equal to Daring failed attempts and the the task. The movie also gains eventual extreme conquest of the authenticity by being shot in writer mountain are the subject of meru Andrews’ hometown of Pittsburgh (http://www.merufilm.com/), co- in familiar locations including the directed by Elizabeth Chai house where he grew up. Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, one of Greg is a changed person as he the climbers and cinematographers. narrates what he insists “isn’t a It’s an extraordinary story that won sappy love story.” Key to his mat - the Sundance audience award after uration is looking beyond himself playing to standing ovations. through Rachel and applying his The driving force of the three - amateur filmmaking talents to some tackling Meru is Montana- give her a lasting tribute. As based enthusiast Conrad Anker Gomez-Rejon says: “It’s a very who made a first unsuccessful important part of Greg’s coming- attempt in 2003. Despite pleas of-age story that he learns to make from wife Jenni (the widow of his a film for someone else .” late celebrated climbing partner Chung Hoon Chung Now in theatres, me and Earl Alex Lowe), Anker could not let it COmING OF AGE — RJ Cyler (left) and Thomas mann star in me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Now in and the Dying Girl is one of the go at that and brought in Chin and theatres, the film took both the jury and the audience awards at the Sundance Film Festival in January. best movies of the year. 18 Prairie Messenger EDITORIALS June 24, 2015

Can the earth be saved? Prairies? Will storms become more violent? Will we the industrial revolution. We are heightening the turn into a desert in a few decades, as some people degree of change that does occur naturally. And I have met Asians in airports who wear masks to predict? those who argue that we can control climate protect themselves against air pollution. I have seen As we ponder the reality of climate change change or weather patterns through technology pictures, and read stories, of smog so heavy in the today, Pope Francis has given all of humanity a stand helpless in the face of severe droughts or rag - industrialized cities of China that people need to new focus. He has his critics as well as his enthu - ing hurricanes. wear masks regularly, and they rarely are able to siastic supporters. This week’s PM coverage of Pope Francis reminds us that the Christian tradi - breathe fresh air. his encyclical, Laudato Si’ , On Care for our tion says that the earth is given for the good of all Where I live on the Prairies, we are blessed to Common Home, gives a good overview to his humanity. Humans are called to care for the earth, have fresh air and sunshine every day. It’s a gift long-anticipated teaching. and he calls us to reflect on what resources we will that not everyone on this earth enjoys. We also are Climate change is nothing new. It is part of our leave for future generations. He reminds us that not threatened by rising sea water or melting gla - history and will be part of our future. However, the those who are poor and powerless do not share the ciers. cycle of climate change extends over long periods earth’s resources to the same degree as the rich and Of more concern to many Prairie citizens is the of time. For most people the cycle extends beyond powerful. amount of chemicals in our food and water. Our our lifetime, and we don’t notice it to any full He is not the first to call our attention to the cri - weather patterns are changing, too, and we are extent. sis we are facing. Perhaps his stature will get the uncertain what the future will hold. Will tornadoes However, most serious scientists agree that the serious attention of more people, both Catholics and and hurricanes soon become common on the speed of change has increased measurably since otherwise. — PWN Papal pull-out quotes from his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’

By Carol Glatz — This situation has led to a — Many things have to flood of new consumer goods can more and live better each moment constant schizophrenia, wherein a change course, but it is we human baffle the heart and prevent us are those who have given up VATICAN CITY (CNS) — technocracy which sees no intrin - beings above all who need to from cherishing each thing and (grazing) here and there, always The following are selected quotes sic value in lesser beings coexists change. (n. 202) each moment. (n. 222) on the lookout for what they do from Pope Francis’ encyclical let - with the other extreme, which — “Less is more.” A constant — In reality, those who enjoy not have. (n. 223) ter, Laudato Si’ , on Care for Our sees no special value in human Common Home: beings. (n. 118) — The earth, our home, is be - — Since everything is interre - Pope Francis encourages aid agencies ginning to look more and more like lated, concern for the protection an immense pile of filth. (n. 21) of nature is also incompatible with By Carl Hétu, Ottawa On June 15, after meeting with please, but — Because of us, thousands of the justification of abortion. (n. the Russian Orthodox Church’s rather, to species will no longer give glory 120) It’s not every day you are rallied foreign affairs representative, he challenge all to God by their very existence, — The acceptance of our bod - by Pope Francis. From June 15 to joined the 60 of us before we of us and to nor convey their message to us. ies as God’s gift is vital for wel - 17, I attended the annual meeting of started our meeting. It was the get us out of We have no such right. (n. 33) coming and accepting the entire the Reunion of Aid Agencies for fourth time I’ve had the privilege our comfort — This is the way human world as a gift from the Father and the Oriental Churches (ROACO) at to meet Pope Francis, but this zone. beings contrive to feed their self- our common home, whereas the Vatican. About 24 Catholic aid time, something was different. We can’t destructive vices: trying not to see thinking that we enjoy absolute agencies came together to share Despite his packed schedule, he separate them, trying not to acknowledge power over our own bodies turns, analysis, current action plans and certainly didn’t show any signs of nature from them, delaying the important deci - often subtly, into thinking that we develop common solutions to the being tired as he delivered a God and peo - sions and pretending that nothing enjoy absolute power over cre - many violent conflicts affecting strong, direct and decisive mes - ple. The cur - Carl Hétu will happen. (n. 59) ation. (n. 155) millions in the Middle East — in sage. “I encourage you while you rent state of — We are not God. (n. 67) — Leaving an inhabitable plan - particular, Christian minorities. carry forward the service of the planet, its conflicts, the increas - — The entire material universe et to future generations is, first and I stayed in the Domus Sanctae Christian charity to denounce all ing poverty, climate change and speaks of God’s love, his bound - foremost, up to us. (n. 160) Marthae , the same residence that crushes the dignity of men how we consume are all connected less affection for us. Soil, water, — Doomsday predictions can where the pope lives. Almost every and women.” and, thus, become the re - mountains: everything is, as it no longer be met with irony or day I crossed paths with him in the We were a bit surprised but cer - sponsibility of individuals, but also were, a caress of God. (n. 84) disdain. We may well be leaving hall, the elevator, the dining room tainly energized by these words. that of decision makers, our politi - — It is clearly inconsistent to to coming generations debris, des - and, with a quick smile, he’d greet He dared us to do more than just cians, business and financial lead - combat trafficking in endangered olation and filth. (n. 161) me with a “ buona sera .” The inter - aid the poor, the refugees and the ers and civil society as whole. species while remaining com - — We know that technology actions were brief. Even though I displaced but to be compassionate The time for empty speeches pletely indifferent to human traf - based on the use of highly pollut - work for his papal agency where and truly find ways to stop the and empty promises is over. We ficking, unconcerned about the ing fossil fuels — especially coal, we carry out pastoral and humani - metaphorical and literal bleed - need to open a dialogue that goes poor, or undertaking to destroy but also oil and, to a lesser degree, tarian work on his behalf, it was no ing. “Every good work, in order beyond religious and ideological another human being deemed gas — needs to be progressively time to talk business as he needs not to fall into efficient-ism, or differences. It won’t be easy and unwanted. (n. 91) replaced without delay. (n. 165) his rest, too. into an assistance-ism, which does many bumps are sure to be felt not help persons and peoples, must along the way, but the alternative ever be reborn from this benedic - is simply not an option. tion of the Lord, which comes to Talk to the Filipinos who en - us when we have the courage to dured the worst typhoon to ever look at reality and the brothers in touch down, those experiencing front of us. . . . May their cry drought in the horn of Africa over become our own and together may the last seven years or to the mil - we break down the barriers of lions of families in the Middle indifference.” East that are on the run — they’re The pope added that he wants all a testament to this. Tragically, us to be actors of change to find the list goes on. real solutions in order to build last - No, contrary to some media ing peace in the Middle East, in reports, this pope isn’t tired. He is Ukraine and with creation inspiring, defiant and, above all, itself. As the 21st century unfolds, wants all of us to debate and enter new challenges emerge and build into dialogue in order to find new on the old ones that need political and lasting solutions. He is show - will and ingenuity in order to be ing us the path to save ourselves resolved — and Catholic agencies and all of God’s creation. It is now like ours are part of the solu - up to us to push for the political tion. will to make the necessary trans - Following my ROACO meet - formation to build a world where ing, I attended the Holy See press all can live in dignity and in peace. conference on the pope’s highly anticipated encyclical on the envi - Some may call this Utopia, but ronment that was made public on it is all about redemption and June 18. Even if he wasn’t present, comes down to Jesus’ message of here again, his words showed us a forgiveness, reconciliation, com - CNS/Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA determined pope who isn’t here to passion and love that is ours to PHILIPPINE mUSLIm REBELS LAY DOWN ARmS — moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Al-Haj grasp. Let’s not miss this opportu - murad Ebrahim holds a surrendered rocket propelled grenade launcher during the first phase of the decom - nity to get back on track. In one missioning of rebel weapons in maguindanao, Philippines, June 16. During a ceremony attended by Hétu is the Canadian national sense, Pope Francis can relax a lit - Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, the moro Islamic Liberation Front handed over weapons under a director of the Catholic Near East tle now that he passed this respon - year-old peace agreement. Welfare Association. sibility onto us. June 24, 2015 LETTERS Prairie Messenger 19

Pope Francis brings everyone on-board with his encyclical

The Editor: Do you remember included a Sufi poet (not a Chris - toward ecological questions. This is about a year ago when Pope tian) plus many scientists and social new in papal pronouncements. Francis pulled two little boys up thinkers. Has this ever been done in There is a new and welcome into his pope mobile? The boys an official papal document? wind blowing in our world. It will rode around St. Peter’s square He has pulled on-board people only be the old stuffy security with the pope. His security people of faith and no faith who are con - guards who will shake their fingers most probably chewed him out for cerned about our earth, our com - and say, “You can’t do it like that.” such an action. mon home. He did it and the entire world Last week, Pope Francis’ He has extended his hand to all (Christian, religious people and encyclical on the environment the poor of this world (the majori - people with no religious faith) are pulled many people on-board. He ty of humanity). taking notice. has made many friends worldwide. And, he includes his fellow Well done, Pope Francis. — He included some of the teach - bishops worldwide who have delib - Rev. Nestor Gregoire, OmI, ing of the Orthodox world. He erately taught on our responsibility Saskatoon St. Francis’ hymn of praise quoted A. Wicks Continued from page 1 on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven on a sweater instead of raising the together by the love God has for heat in the winter. Surrender Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the each of his creatures and which And he urges Catholics to return Creatures, which is the source of also unites us in fond affection to the practice of saying grace My brooding over, the Laudato Si’ (praised be you) in with brother sun, sister moon, before meals, a habit that reminds I leave the nest the encyclical’s title. He quotes a brother river and mother earth.” them regularly that the food they of expectations large section of the hymn of praise In the document, Pope Francis are about to eat is a gift that comes that all I’ve given birth in a section on the place of each calls on national governments and from the earth and from God. might fly into its own — creature in the harmony of cre - the leaders of international institu - At the end of the document, wings of thought, ation. The canticle is most famous tions to be serious and courageous in Pope Francis offers two prayers body of song, for its references to “Brother Sun,” adopting strict measures to slow and he composed himself: A Prayer a feathered comfort reverse global warming, protect the “Sister Moon” and “our sister, for Our Earth and A Christian in changing wind. Mother Earth.” rain forests and ensure the availabil - Prayer in Union with Creation. But, the pope says, “sister ity of clean water for all. Courage The first prayer includes ask - By Nancy Compton Williams earth” is crying out, “pleading that will be needed, he says, to adopt ing God to “bring healing to our we take another course” marked policies that initially may slow the lives that we may protect the by healing and protecting the pace of economic growth, but which world and not prey on it, that we earth and all its inhabitants. will be farsighted in ensuring a may sow beauty, not pollution and Website: While Christians cannot “put all future for their voters, their voters’ destruction.” living beings on the same level nor grandchildren and all humanity. The second prayer includes the http://www.prairiemessenger.ca . . . deprive human beings of their “We know that technology petition, “O Lord, seize us with unique worth and the tre mendous based on the use of highly pollut - your power and light, help us to responsibility it entails,” St. ing fossil fuels — especially coal, protect all life, to prepare for a Francis’ hymn expresses the truth but also oil and, to a lesser degree, better future, for the coming of ‘It is our relationships that God is creator of all things, gas — needs to be progressively your kingdom of justice, peace, that every part of creation speaks replaced without delay,” he says. love and beauty.” of God’s love and power and that But he also calls on every In the encyclical, Pope Francis that make us human’ every created being is part of inter - Catholic and all people of good - urges Catholics to cultivate sim - dependent whole, the pope writes. will to do their part by, for exam - plicity; it is good for the soul and Continued from page 5 equal does violence to those rela - “Everything is related,” the ple, using only non-polluting de - for the planet, he says. “A constant tionships. pope says, “and we human beings tergents, recycling paper, using flood of new consumer goods can love, trying to figure out what The state should support loving are united as brothers and sisters public transportation and putting baffle the heart and prevent us went wrong and how to bring it and caring relationships among from cherishing each thing and together,” Tilley said. people whether or not they are in a each moment,” the pope writes. Queer activist and lawyer bar - family, she said, noting that in her The encyclical presents the bara findlay spoke of growing up home province of British Colum - Respond to Canada’s need for immigrants. vision of an “integral ecology” that the eldest of five children in a bia five legal parents can be recog - highlights not only the interconnect - working class family that “survived nized on a birth certificate, from edness of all created life, but recog - on abuse and secrets and conven - biological parents, to surrogates, nizes how political, economic, tion.” to sperm or egg donors. social and religious values and deci - When she first revealed as a Determining at birth that a Become a Regulated sions are interrelated and impact the young woman that she was les - child is male or female is a form of way people live with one another on bian, she was sent to a mental state-certified discrimination that Immigration Consultant the planet and use its resources. institution and no one in her fami - will follow a child for the rest of “A sense of deep communion ly visited, she said. “Homo- its life, she said. with the rest of nature cannot be real phobia” has continued to cause “a Keynote speaker June 10 for the if our hearts lack tenderness, com - rift” between her and her siblings, 50th anniversary conference was Full-time | Part-time | Online passion and concern for our fellow she said. award-winning author Andrew human beings,” Pope Francis insists. Discovering the lesbian com - Solomon, who wrote Far from the For example, he says, “it is munity was a great joy that Tree, about the raising of children, Contact a program adviser clearly inconsistent to combat traf - helped her to experience love and such as those with disabilities, or at 1.877.799.3622 or apply ficking in endangered species to “know who I was,” she said. great genius, who are very differ - while remaining completely indif - However, when she began to ent from their parents. The philan - online today. ferent to human trafficking, un- advocate for transgender rights, thropist and gay rights activist has concerned about the poor, or her “chosen family” began to fathered a child for a lesbian cou - under taking to destroy another reject her. For findlay, “love and ple, and one of the women then we build careers human being deemed unwanted.” support and connection is fami - acted as a surrogate mother for the “Everything is connected,” the ly.” child he is raising with his hus - www.ashtoncollege.ca pope writes. “Concern for the en - “It is our relationships that band. vironment thus needs to be joined make us human,” she said. She Conference speakers represent - to a sincere love for our fellow said hiding certain types of rela - ed an array of academic disci - human beings and an unwavering tionships such as transgendered plines, human rights experts, commitment to resolving the prob - parents and polyandrous relation - think-tanks and social service lems of society.” ships and not treating them as agencies.

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By Laura Ieraci Revered by many as the burial is housed, but he cloth of Jesus, the shroud was the described it later as VATICAN CITY (CNS) — It second stop on the pope’s packed an icon of Christ’s took place in silence and lasted itinerary for his two-day visit to great love for only a few minutes, but Pope the northern Italian town of humankind. Francis’ time of prayer and con - Turin. “At the end of templation before the Shroud of The pope did not give a speech our celebration, Turin was marked with gestures June 21 in the Cathedral of St. our thoughts go to of reverence and tenderness. John the Baptist, where the shroud the Virgin Mary, loving mother and attentive to all her children, whom Jesus entrusted to her from the cross, while he offered himself in the greatest act of love. The icon of this love is the shroud,” Pope CNS/Paul Haring Francis said before SHROUD OF TURIN — Pope Francis touches the case holding the Shroud of Turin reciting the mid - after praying before the cloth in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, day Angelus June 21. prayer. “The shroud draws (us) to the of the tomb of a native of Turin, opens up to the forgiveness and face and martyred body of Jesus Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, love of Jesus, the pope said. and, at the same time, impels us who died at age 24 after a short “The spirit of the world is toward the face of every suffering life dedicated to helping the poor. always searching for newness, but and unjustly persecuted person. It The pope then celebrated an only the faithfulness of Jesus is impels us in the same direction as outdoor mass in one of Turin’s capable of true newness, of mak - Jesus’ gift of love,” he said, mak - central squares, Piazza Vittorio. ing us new people, of recreating ing reference to the words of St. Officials estimated the crowd at us,” he said. Paul. 100,000 people. The day’s Gospel reading After his first meeting in Turin, During his homily, the pope about Jesus calming the storm on a gathering in a public square with reflected on three aspects of the the Sea of Galilee demonstrates thousands of people from the love of God. God’s love is faith - the third aspect: the stability and world of work, Pope Francis ful, recreates all things anew, and sureness of God’s love, said the walked to the cathedral nearby. is stable and sure, he said. pope. He entered the church at 9:15 a.m. On the first aspect, the pope When people feel they are and walked directly toward the said God’s love does not disap - unable to go on, he said, Jesus shroud, which had been on public point and never fails and is incar - offers them “the rock of his love, exhibit since April 19. nate in Jesus. onto which each person can grasp, The pope stood before the “For love, he became man; for certain they will not fall.” shroud for about 20 seconds, then love, he died and resurrected; for “How many times have we felt crossed himself before settling love, he is always at our side, in that we cannot go on,” the pope into a wooden armchair, set sever - beautiful moments and in difficult said. “But (Jesus) is always beside al feet from the shroud. He sat in ones. Jesus loves us always, until us, with an extended hand and an dim lighting and in silence, with the end, without limits and with - open heart.” CNS/Paul Haring his head bowed for several mo - out measure. And he loves all of The pope then urged the faith - POPE mEETS YOUNG PEOPLE IN TURIN — Pope Francis greets a ments. He crossed himself again us to the point that we each can ful to reflect on whether they are child during a gathering with young people in Piazza Vittorio in Turin, before approaching the shroud, say, ‘He gave his life for me.’ For living on the “rock” of God’s Italy, June 21. stopping only a few feet away. He me,” he said. love. People, including even stood there, contemplating it for “The faithfulness of Jesus does Christians, run the risk of forget - If you let greed into your another 20 seconds or so, before not give up even in the face of our ting God’s love and of feeling walking right up to its case, touch - own unfaithfulness,” he added. “paralyzed by fears of the future ing it gently and crossing himself A person experiences the abili - and seeking security in passing heart, all other vices follow again. ty of God’s love to recreate when things or in models of closed soci - He then prayed before a side one realizes his or her own mis - eties that tend to exclude more By Carol Glatz that person will become a slave of altar in the cathedral, the location takes, sins and weakness and than to include,” he said. wealth, accumulating it only for VATICAN CITY (CNS) — If oneself and not in order to serve you give the key to your heart to others. Lack of Scripture weakens church: pope greed, it will leave the door wide Soon, any sense of security open to vanity, arrogance and all gives way to vice and division, of the other vices, squeezing God even in the family, he said, accord - By Laura Ieraci ary fervour of young churches,” comed as the Word of salva - out of the way, Pope Francis said ing to Vatican Radio. the pope wrote. tion,” or where it has been at his morning mass. “Also the root of war lies in this VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Therefore, he said, there “emptied of its authority,” Pope Wealth isn’t “a statue” that ambition that destroys, corrupts,” lack of enthusiasm for Scripture must be a pastoral commitment Francis wrote. stands inert and has no impact on as so many wars are being fought weakens well-established church - to make Scripture central to “Ignorance of Scripture is a person, the pope said June 19 because of “greed for power, for es and stunts the missionary verve church life, and an “encounter ignorance of Christ,” he said, cit - during the mass in the chapel of riches,” he said. of newfound Christian communi - with Jesus” through Scripture ing St. Jerome. In order to pro - the Domus Sanctae Marthae . It’s a war that can be raging in ties, said Pope Francis in a written must be part of the habitual claim the Word, people must “Wealth has the tendency to one’s own heart, he said, “because message shared with members of activities of all religious com - have experienced it first: “lis - grow, to move around, to take a greed keeps going, keeps moving the Catholic Biblical Federation. munities, par ishes and move - tened to it, contemplated it, al - place in one’s life and heart,” and forward,” stringing the person along Meeting federation members ments, he added. most touched it with their hands,” once it moves in, fanning the a path of vice one step at a time. — including representatives of “Servants of the Word,” in - he said. desire to always accumulate more, Greed “opens the door, then bishops’ conferences and some cluding bishops, priests, religious Christians, he added, must the heart becomes “corrupted,” he comes in vanity — to think you’re 200 Catholic biblical institutions or laypeople, he said, must pro - “venerate, read, listen, proclaim, said. important, to believe you’re pow - — Pope Francis spoke sponta - mote this encounter with Christ, preach, study and diffuse the The pope focused his homily erful — and, in the end, pride, and neously, but gave them a copy of which inspires faith and trans - Word of God.” on the day’s reading from the from there all the vices, all of his prepared text in which he forms lives. The assembly was chaired by Gospel of Mark (6:19 - 23), in them,” he said. noted the importance of Scrip - Places exist where the Gospel the federation’s new president, which Jesus tells his disciples to What is important is that ture. has not yet been proclaimed, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of “not store up for yourselves treas - Christians see the goods God has The audience June 19 came where it has not been “wel - Manila. ures on earth,” but rather “store up given them as being at the service during the federation’s plenary treasures in heaven,” because “for of others and the common good, assembly June 18 - 23 in Nemi, where your treasure is, there also he said. outside of Rome. Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, will your heart be.” “It’s not easy to become an “The lack of support and choosing gratitude until we are grateful, praising Pope Francis said that deep honest administrator (of God’s vigour for the Word leads to the down, people’s search for more is gifts) because there is always the weakening of Christian communi - God until we ourselves are a constant act of praise. rooted in a desire for a sense of temptation of greed, of becoming ties of ancient tradition and halts — Rev. Richard Rohr, OFM security, but there is a high risk important,” he said. the spiritual growth and mission -