Thank you for subscribing to The Catholic Universe and Catholic Times

Friday 6th November, 2020 Friday 6th November 2020 • £1.90 • €2.10 Subscribers only pay £1.69 www.thecatholicuniverse.com

Church demands answers after public worship axed Cardinal Nichols leads criticism: ‘There is no evidence that banning services will play productive part in combatting virus’

Michael Winterbottom Places of worship will be closed, The Catholic Church in England and unless used for funerals, to broadcast Wales has launched its fiercest criti- acts of worship, individual prayer, for- cism yet on the Government’s decision mal childcare, or essential services to close churches for public services such as blood donation or food banks. from this weekend, saying the ban While the Church remained broadly ignored the enormous role faith had supportive of the closure of churches played in the nation’s wellbeing in the first lockdown, news of the sec- throughout the pandemic and de- ond provoked a wholly different re- manding to see the evidence on which sponse. As Cardinal Nichols and Arch- it was based. bisop MacMahon pointed out, “we The president and vice-president have not yet seen any evidence what- of the Bishops’ Conference – Cardinal soever that would make the banning Vincent Nichols and Archbishop Mal- of communal worship, with all its hu- colm McMahon – said churches had man costs, a productive part of com- acted responsibly in enacting Covid- batting the virus.” safe practices and deserved to know They asked the Government “to why their doors would have to remain produce this evidence that justifies closed. the cessation of acts of public wor- They said: ‘It is … a source of deep ship.” anguish now that the Government is They acknowledged that tough de- requiring, once again, the cessation cisions would have to be made in the of public communal worship,’ the country was to defeat the virus, but bishop said in a statement. in asking Catholics to give up church The Government has also said that, services they had to be told why. in addition to public acts of worship, “To counter the virus we will, as a weddings will not be allowed, and fu- society, need to make sustained sac- nerals can be attended by a maximum rifices for months to come. of 30 people. “In requiring this sacrifice, the Gov- Churches join pubs, bars, restau- ernment has a profound responsibility rants and non-essential retail busi- to show why it has taken particular nesses in being forced to close from decisions. 5th November until 2nd December. ‘Not doing so risks eroding the unity People have been told to stay at home we need as we enter a most difficult unless they have a specific reason to period for our country.’ leave – but schools, colleges and nurs- eries will remain open. Continued on page 2

‘Please help places of worship sustain hope A man prays at the locked gates of his church during in the hearts of a great many people...’ the first lockdown Bishop Marcus Stock’s plea to Prime Minister Boris Johnson - see pg 2 Photo: Pasquale Senatore

This week’s Companion £1.90 €2.10 Travis prove that togetherness is key in latest release: 10 Songs

The classic French wines Banish pet hair from to sip and savour this autumn the home for good 02 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

‘Loss of services is a huge blow Bishop’s ‘letter of hope’ calls to all Catholics’ Continued from page 1 The bishops said the new lockdown for U-turn on church closures would bring ‘hardship, distress and suffering to many’. Michael Winterbottom ‘Faith communities have played a Bishop Marcus Stock of Leeds has vital role in sustaining personal, spir- contacted the Prime Minister, adding itual and mental health and encour- his personal request to the statement aging vital charitable activities, which made on behalf of the Catholic bishops support hundreds of thousands of by the President and Vice-President people in all sections of the commu- of the CBCEW, Cardinal Nichols and nity, especially the most vulnerable,’ Archbishop McMahon, that churches Cardinal Nichols and Bishop McMa- be allowed to stay open for worship hon said. ‘That critical service towards and religious services throughout Eng- the common good of all is created land’s second national lockdown. and sustained by communal worship Bishop Stock wrote a ‘Letter of Hope’ and prayer. to Mr Johnson saying there is no evi- ‘Part of this selfless giving has been dence that churches have contributed a strong ethic of responsibility in the to the rise in Covid-19 cases and added way in which we have reopened our that places of worship help sustain churches so that essential worship hope for many people. A socially distanced has been enabled.’ ‘Since the beginning of July, our congregation pictured Sir Edward Leigh MP, President of churches have introduced measures in Westminster the Catholic Union described the clo- which have enabled the faithful to Cathedral during sures as “an extremely regrettable step. gather safely for acts of worship,’ Bish- summer. Catholic parishes and individual vol- op Stock wrote. Photo: Mazur unteers,” he said, “have gone to great ‘Indeed, many people who have Inset, Bishop Stock lengths and given up many hours to been able to return to their regular make churches safe. place of worship have commented “While it’s some comfort there is that the rigorous safety measures Thousands back petition calling for Mass return no return to the blanket church clo- which we have introduced have made sures we saw earlier in the year, these our churches some of the safest places A change.org petition urging Mass and weddings. Churches noting that ‘Catholic Bishops new measures are still a huge blow to for people to be.’ Prime Minister Boris Johnson to will only remain open for have said lockdown would bring Catholics across the country. People The bishop added that there is ‘no allow churches to remain open funerals, to broadcast acts of ‘hardship, distress and suffering had just got used to going to Mass evidence that our churches have in for public worship has gained worship, individual prayer, to many’.’ with face masks and social distancing. any way contributed to the recent rise support from thousands. formal childcare or where part It also points out that Churches We are now almost back to square in the rate of Covid-19 infections.’ The petition comes in of a school, essential voluntary have asked the government to one.” Boris Johnson said England would response to Mr Johnson’s and public services and support reveal evidence behind the Chair of the Church of England’s enter a second national ‘lockdown’ announcement that new groups. decision to ban public worship. Recovery Group, Dame Sarah Mullally, but did not mention places of worship tougher national restrictions in The change.org petition, titled To sign the petition see: said she will “study the detailed regu- in his announcement. However, later place across England from ‘Keep the churches open for https://www.change.org/p/uk- lations and ‘seek clarification on how his spokesman confirmed that public Thursday 5th November to Mass and public worship in this prime-minister-keep-the-church this may affect public worship”. acts of worship will be banned, but Wednesday 2nd December will winter’s lockdown measures’, es-open-for-mass-and-public- The Fellowship of Independent churches can stay open for private include the forced suspension of highlights the response of the worship-in-this-winter-s- Evangelical Churches national director prayer. public acts of worship, including Catholic Church to restrictions, lockdown-measures John Stevens said the new restrictions The handling of the announcement signal a ‘significant emotional blow’ has been criticised by faith leaders, Chairman, Clive W. Leach CBE, KSG have not only offered ‘much-needed ondary schools. for Christian couples who had planned who said they were not consulted on and Group Managing Director Joseph spiritual and moral support through- ‘To target all places of worship in their weddings for November. the changes, but in his letter, Bishop Kelly said that the proposal was “an out the pandemic’, but they have also such an unjustified and seemingly ar- He said: “In the context of Covid Stock goes further and calls for the affront” to all those in the Catholic ‘provided vital social support services bitrary way is a significant emotional where people are dying and really Government to amend its guidance community who had worked so hard to their communities.’ blow to the country. It will do little struggling with mental health, can- to “enable places of worship to remain to ensure that churches have been ‘As others, including our own car- for unity and co-operation at such a celling a wedding might seem small open for acts of public worship and ‘Covid-safe’. dinal and senior clergy have demand- critical time for the country.’ by comparison. religious services.” ‘It’s completely unacceptable that ed, we need to see some real evidence Bishop Stock’s letter can be read in “But the organisation that has gone “This truly will help to sustain the schools, supermarkets, newsagents, for this decision. full on the Leeds Diocesan Website into planning weddings and the fi- hope of many people,” he said. garden centres and public transport ‘Our churches have been exemplars www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk nancial cost… and it’s actually a really The Chairman and Group Managing remain unaffected, but churches – of how to handle coronavirus restric- The Universe statement can also be serious issue particularly for couples Director of the Catholic Universe have where access has been incredibly well tions safely and responsibly, so it’s read in full at who are Biblical believing Christians.” also condemned the Government’s monitored and is very low risk – will hugely wounding and unfair to make www.thecatholicuniverse.com He added: “For people in church plans to prevent Catholics from at- have to stop services,” said the state- them the subject of closure. The pro- and other religious communities it tending Mass during lockdown. ment. cedures in churches are far safer than Show us the data: seems a very unfair restriction.” In a joint statement the company’s They also stressed that churches those in other settings, such as sec- Caroline Farrow, page 10 The Catholic Universe | Friday 6th November 2020 03 News

Charities in funding November is call for Covid work Catholics have pressed Charities Min- had provided a £750 million package our month to ister Baroness Barran for extra support of support to help charities. for charities during the Covid-19 pan- Somerville-Meikle said: “Catholic demic. parishes and charities are finding new remember The call came during a virtual meet- and innovative ways of meeting the ing, arranged by the Catholic Union, needs of people in our communities with Baroness Barran during this difficult time. Lunch clubs Nigel Parker, director of Catholic have turned into hot meal deliveries, Bishop Oakley pauses to Union, and its head of public affairs, and kid’s clubs have moved online. reflect on those who’ve James Somerville-Meikle, were joined Our request is that the hard work and by representatives of the Caritas Social lost their lives to Covid-19 Action Network and Catholic Bishops’ More support is Conference of England and Wales for vital for hard- the meeting. pressed Catholic It followed a joint call from the three groups, says Catholic organisations earlier in the Nigel Parker year for the Government to introduce an enhanced Gift Aid scheme to sup- generosity of volunteers is matched port charities during coronavirus. by support from the Government. Many Catholic parishes and chari- “In many cases, it is faith groups Bishop David ties have reported a significant drop and charities who remain on the front- Oakley. in income since the pandemic began, line in helping some of the poorest Photo: Mazur/ while at the same time demand for and most vulnerable people in society cbcew.org.uk. their services has increased. – people who Government services The minister acknowledged the “hu- often struggle to reach. I’m pleased On a visit to Kingsthorpe Cemetery loved ones in particular”. feast day which reminds us “that man toll” of the pandemic and ex- the Minister recognised this work by in Northamptonshire, the Bishop This year, the bishop said “we we were created for Heaven”. pressed appreciation for the work of Catholic groups. of Northampton, David Oakley remember the faithful departed at “Our eternal destiny encourages Catholic groups in helping some of “The Catholic Union will continue asked his fellow Catholics to call to a particularly challenging time”. us to persevere as pilgrims of faith, the most vulnerable in society. to call for a fair deal for charities to mind all those who have died in the “We call to mind all those who hope and love here in this life,” he While the Minister said that changes help our voluntary sector get through Covid-19 pandemic throughout the have died in the Covid-19 said. to the current Gift Aid scheme were this difficult time. We need warm world. pandemic throughout the world. As He also encouraged others to “extremely unlikely” as it would require words from the Government to be He said that “memory is the Body of Christ, we intercede for visit their local cemetery this primarily legislation, she stressed that backed up by action.” fundamental to our human them and their loved ones.” month and “to pray with the the Government was continuing to The Catholic Union of Great Britain experience” and that “during the Bishop Oakley visited conviction of hope for those who look at ways of improving how it works was founded in 1870 and is the voice month of November, we remember Kingsthorpe Cemetery on the eve have died and rest there until with charities to deliver services and of lay Catholics in public life. those who have gone before us, our of All Saints Day, 1st November – a Christ returns in glory”. New thinking needed to avoid more tragedies, says McAleenan Nick Benson From left, Rasul The Bishop for Migration has called Iran Nezhad, for a “meeting of minds” after two Shiva adults and two children from the same Mohammad family drowned when a boat carrying Panahi and migrants sank in the English Chan- their children, nel. Anita and Bishop Paul McAleenan, Chair of Armin. Their the Office for Migration Policy at the third child, 15- Catholic Bishops’ Conference, stressed month-old that a “shifting of mindset on the part Artin (in of those who set the rules” is needed father’s arms) following the tragedy, as Calais aid remains charity Seeking Sanctuary reiterated missing. calls for safe and legal routes allowing people to seek asylum in the UK. Rasul Iran Nezhad and his wife, to make a mere political point because ever, under EU Dublin III regulations, Shiva Mohammad Panahi, both 35, of the incident. asylum seekers can be transferred and two of their children, Anita, nine, “What is truly needed is a meeting back to the first member state they and Armin, six, drowned during the of minds. That will require a shifting entered. incident. Their third child, 15-month- of mindset on the part of those who Phil Kerton, co-director of Calais old Artin, remains missing. set the rules, and the pursuit of heart- aid charity Seeking Sanctuary told The Their boat capsized en route from less profiteers to ensure that no-one Catholic Universe: “Our thoughts are Dunkirk to Dover. Seeking Sanctuary feels compelled or encouraged to risk with their families. Like everyone else, said around 18 people – Iraqis and their life or that of their children, in a each of the dead had hopes for leading Kurdish Iranians – were taken to hos- dangerous craft on the open sea.” a future life in peace and dignity.” pital following the incident. The growing number of migrants Mr Kerton reiterated calls for the Bishop McAleenan said that “all attempting to cross the Channel and Government to allow asylum seekers who value human life, whatever their reach the UK has become a major to apply for refuge in the UK from position on migrants and refugees, political issue for the UK Government, outside its borders. will be united in sorrow following the with more than 7,400 migrants reach- “We continue to urge that innovative tragedy.” ing the UK in small boats this year, solutions are found for the welfare of “Immediate thoughts should be up from 1,825 in 2019. the world’s exiles. We need safe access with the adults and children who died, Under international law, people where they may request asylum with- their families and their companions have the right to seek asylum in any out falling into the hands of unscrupu- who will remember forever what they country they arrive in. There is no lous traffickers,” he said. “We want to witnessed,” he said. rule stating they must seek asylum in see fresh solutions that do not just “It is hoped that no-one will want the first safe country reached. How- involve more security measures.” 04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper MP hails great way to mark a sad milestone Nick Benson Within five years of the act’s passage, Page from the Alliance of Pro-life Stu- Organisers of an event to mark the the figure had breached 150,000 deaths dents and Bishop John Keenan from 53rd anniversary of the passing of the a year for the first time. Now they Paisley in Scotland. Displayed on the Abortion Act have been praised by consistently are over 200,000 a year – banner was the number 9,560,403 – one of Parliament’s leading pro-life or one every three minutes. the total number of legal UK abortions campaigners. March for Life UK said that the idea since 1967. Pro-lifers across the country united was to give a face to the lives destroyed Bishop Keenan said: “We are in dan- One of St Vincent’s vans to create an impactful, live display in by abortion, while Fiona Bruce MP ger of coming full circle with the in- used to distribute furniture Parliament Square to commemorate said it was “a moving reminder of the troduction of DIY home abortions. around Sheffield the passing of the Abortion Act on continuing death toll which is now The Act was supposed to stop back- 27th October 1967. approaching 10 million”. street abortions and already, with self- The event was organised by March “It was a sad day in the history of prescribed abortions at home, two for Life UK and had people ranging our Parliament when this was passed women have died. Comic Relief has in age from one to 53, all dressed in and the anniversary should be used Surely women must have a better black, standing around the edge of as a moment to reflect that every choice than this!” the Square holding placards. Each single one of those lives mattered,” The event lasted an hour and was placard stated the exact number of Ms Bruce told The Catholic Universe. accompanied by a bagpiper playing St Vincent’s smiling abortions which occurred during the Ms Bruce, the Conservative MP for solemnly. The event was attended by year in which the holder was born. Congelton, has been at the forefront representatives from the Society of St Vincent’s in Sheffield has been across the country, St Vincent’s, of Westminster’s pro-life voices ever Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), awarded a £4,000 grant from the Com- Sheffield wouldn’t be able to provide since entering the House in 2010. She The Good Counsel Network, Rachel’s ic Relief Covid-19 Community Fund. our essential service without the tire- recently spearheading the successful Vineyard, Pregnancy Crisis Helpline, St Vincent’s, based at 280 Queens less efforts of our members and vol- campaign to defeat an amendment Alliance of Pro-life Students, Centre Road, is a community support centre unteers. that would have allowed abortion up for Bioethical Reform (CBRUK), operated by volunteering charity the “This grant demonstrates how im- to birth in certain circumstances. Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP). Pro- portant their work is to those who During the March for Life UK event, Right to Life, CitizenGo, Christian viding furniture to disadvantaged in- need it most in our communities.” a larger banner was held by Madeline Concern and 40 Days for Life. dividuals and families, St Vincent’s The Comic Relief Covid-19 Com- has been operating in the city since munity Fund (England) support local 1987. grassroots organisations to respond The team at St Vincent’s collect, to the needs of vulnerable individuals, then redistribute recycled furniture families and communities during the and household items free of charge Covid-19 crisis, and is administered to people who are disadvantaged due by the national community charity, to poverty, deprivation or circum- Groundwork UK. stance, regardless of faith, belief, gen- Graham Duxbury, National Chief der, age, physical or mental ability, Executive of Groundwork UK, adds: sexual orientation or marital status. “We are pleased that the Comic Relief St Vincent’s made 1,090 deliveries Covid-19 Community Fund (England) last year, helping 2,757 people and is making a difference to those in Pro-lifers display a banner delivering over 7,000 items of furniture need and helping to support vulner- showing the total number of and household items across the city. able communities at this uncertain legal UK abortions since 1967 – Ralph Dickins, fundraiser at St Vin- time.” 9,560,403. cent’s, said: “Comic Relief is a great The new fund has been made avail- Above, placards displayed the organisation to be connected with, able with funds raised by the British number of abortions each year and shows we are at the forefront of public through The Big Night In appeal of a pro-lifer’s birth. For this the fight against poverty in this city. and match funding from the Depart- baby, born in 2019, 223,102 “In common with all the SVP com- ment for Digital, Culture, Media & abortions took place that year. munity shops and support centres Sport (DCMS). Photos: March for Life UK. Cross-party strategy needed to Prayers after children tackle growing child poverty slain in civil war clash A group of faith leaders, including the pandemic, especially over school the leaders continue. ‘These have English bishops have joined with the commemorate the victims. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has written holidays,’ the faith leaders write. been a lifeline for millions of families Cameroonian diocese of Kumba in pray- In a joit statement the English bishops to the Prime Minister calling for the ‘Research by the Church of England, and children, who would otherwise ing for children who were killed when a said: ‘Today we are joining with the dio- urgent establishment of a cross- Child Poverty Action Group and oth- be in a much worse financial situa- Christian school in the region was at- cese of Kumba in prayer for all those party commission to tackle child ers has shown how much parents tion. tacked last month. children who were killed or wounded in poverty in England. needed and valued the offer of free ‘Looking ahead, the temporary The Bishop of Clifton, Declan Lang, the horrific attack on Mother Francisca Their letter highlights growing school meal vouchers during the increase in Universal Credit should chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference International Bilingual Academy. concern over poverty and hunger lockdown and this additional sup- be made permanent and extended of England and Wales’ department for “We echo Pope Francis’ call for all affecting children. While it acknowl- port will remain vital as many areas to cover those on legacy benefits, international affairs, and the Bishop of those involved in Cameroon’s conflict edges the efforts of the Government come under tighter restrictions and Governments should commit Portsmouth, Philip Egan, whose diocese to silence their weapons and urge the to support households on low in- again. to increasing working age benefits is twinned with the neighbouring diocese international community to redouble comes, as well as campaigns such ‘In the medium-term, we applaud at least in line with inflation (as is of Bamenda in Cameroon, prayed for its efforts towards justice and peace in as Manchester United and England the Government’s efforts to sustain already the case for pensioners), in the schoolchildren, who were killed when the country.” footballer Marcus Rashford’s to ex- employment and to bolster the social order to maintain an adequate safety separatist insurgents attacked the Mother Pope Francis spoke about the massacre tend free school meals, they stress security system to provide extra sup- net for those falling on hard times. Francisca International Bilingual Acad- during his weekly audience on Wednes- that more needs to be done, in the port for those on the lowest incomes,’ ‘In the long-term,’ they add, ‘we emy in Kumba, Cameroon, on Saturday day 28th October and prayed that “the short, medium and long-term, to need a coherent, cross-government 24th October. country may finally find peace”. tackle child poverty. Cardinal Nichols and cross-party strategy to tackle The Bishop of Kumba Agapitus Nfon, Cameroon has been wracked in recent has called for a ‘In the short-term, we believe that the underlying causes of child pover- whose people have suffered years of years by a conflict known locally as the long-term temporary measures are needed to ty, including low pay, educational conflict between government forces and Amazonia War – or the Anglohone War. strategy to end rebel groups, held a special Mass in his As many as 3,000 have lost their lives, ensure that children in low income child poverty disadvantage, and the shortage of families do not go hungry during affordable housing.’ cathedral on Friday 30th October to and over 500,000 displaced. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 05

www.thecatholicuniverse.com – the news site you’ll have faith in Give someone you love the Gift of Hope

Dear Catholic Universe reader,

We do hope you are keeping safe and well in these challenging times. We would like to extend a personal thank you for your invaluable support as a regular Catholic Universe reader. We hope you are enjoying the paper and are gaining a lot of interesting benefits from reading its content. As you are aware, Covid 19 has caused businesses in all walks of life great financial problems, and sadly many have had to close. We have suffered also, but we have stretched every part of the company to continue to ensure that you receive a high quality Catholic newspaper every week. Despite the current heavy pressures on our finances, we remain fully committed to our mission of spreading the interests of our Catholic faith, and sharing the good news with others across our Catholic community. We would like to seek your help in doing this. Whilst it is always most appreciated to receive a donation, what is more important, and something we would be extremely pleased to receive from you, is your help in introducing new subscribers to The Catholic Universe. Keeping our Catholic faith in the forefront of most Catholics’ thinking is our main mission, and this is best done by getting people to read a Catholic newspaper regularly. As you know, The Catholic Universe not only brings you the Catholic perspective What will be vital to sustain people in the weeks ahead is the gift of hope. Our human nature is on the main issues of the day, but it contains many uplifting and supportive articles comprised of body and spirit, and the spirit is to help keep our faith vibrant and relevant to our lives. sustained by hope. It is in the heart that hope is born If you could just encourage at least two people you know to subscribe, or even and builds within us the resilience we need to face consider gifting annual subscriptions yourself to your relatives and closest friends, the challenges in our lives. that would be of immense help in every way – to our mission and to many fellow The Right Reverend Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds, Catholics. from 1st November letter to Prime Minister Boris We hope you will consider this simple request to support our mission, and the Johnson on proposed closure of churches Catholic faith. You can gift a subscription to a friend simply by filling in the form on this page, or by contacting us directly with their details, and we will do the rest. Our thanks to you for your continuing help and support for our mission in bringing the Catholic message each week. We will keep you in our prayers. Clive W. Leach CBE KSG Joseph Kelly Chairman Group Editorial Director Universe Media Group Ltd Universe Media Group Ltd

TO ORDER ONLINE VISIT: BY PHONE: please call 0161 820 5722 ORDER BY POST: Complete the form below Support our Catholic www.thecatholicuniverse.com/subscribe and give your credit card details and send with cheque or PO (UK only) journalism with a Your name : ONLY ONLY contribution of any size

Address In these challenging times is has never been more £22 £80 important that we all have the support of our Catholic FOR 3 MONTHS FOR 12 MONTHS faith, and what it has to tell us about the world we are living in. Our journalists and writers work tirelessly to Choose from 12 months or keep you in touch with the Catholic perspective, and 3 months subscription to provide words of comfort and support. Your Tel contribution, however big or small, keeps Catholic email Please make cheque payable to Universe media Group Limited journalism alive and means that others can share the I would like to arrange a subscription of The Catholic Universe I enclose a cheque for £80 good news of our Catholic faith. to be supplied to the person below : I enclose a cheque for £22 To contribute online visit : Friend’s name Please charge my VISA /Mastercard/Maestro/Switch/Delta - www.thecatholicuniverse.com/donate Card Number Address To contribute by post send your donation to :

Last 3 digits on the Expiry date : Valid from The Universe Media Group, 2nd Floor, back of your card (if shown on card ) : Oakland House 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 OPQ.

Signiture : Issue Number To contribute over the phone : please call Tel . 0161 820 5722 and give your credit card details email

Post subscription to: The Universe Media Group, 2nd Floor, Oakland House 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 OPQ. Telephone : 0161 820 5722 06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment

The Universe – Comment – Covid-19 is increasing poverty – but We’re still here for you every week! also support for tax rises to tackle it

Karen Rowlingson

Poverty and inequality were already Dear Universe reader, high and rising in the UK before the We do hope you are keeping safe coronavirus hit. Now, the pandemic and well in these challenging and is creating an even greater gulf be- troubled times. We would like to tween those whose debts are in- extend a personal thank you for creasing and those whose savings your invaluable support as a regu- are growing. This is according to the lar Catholic Universe reader. new Financial Inclusion Monitor re- The announcement of a new ‘na- port for 2020, which I co-authored tional lockdown’ for England is a with Stephen McKay of the Universi- sad development in an already ty of Lincoln. painfully difficult and testing situa- The pandemic is leading to a huge tion. We can only hope that the rise in personal debt as people tough measures being taken will struggle to repay their loans, rent prove effective and help halt the and utility bills, with an extra £6 bil- spread of this dreadful virus. lion of borrowing accumulated from While we support the Govern- March to May this year. At the same ment’s efforts to control this pan- time, poverty is rising. According to demic, we cannot condone the the Trussell Trust, the number of attempts to once again shut down emergency food parcels going to our places of worship, at exactly the children in April 2020 was double time when they are needed most. what it was in April 2019. It’s completely unacceptable that Of course, the Government has in- schools, supermarkets, newsagents, troduced unprecedented levels of Foodbank lifeline: A volunteer at a garden centres and public trans- support during the crisis, including Trussell Trust food bank in Rotherham port remain unaffected, but the furlough scheme, support for wears gloves and face mask PPE in the churches – where access has been businesses, the temporary £20 week- coronovirus pandemic whilst packing a client parcel. (Pic. Shutterstock) incredibly well monitored and is ly uplift to universal credit, bans on extremely low risk – are considered evictions, the extension of vouchers to present unacceptable risks. for free school meals throughout the benefit cap would help about that some households may have ad- to personally pay more taxes rather Not only have our churches of- summer months, and so on. 100,000 working-age families by an ditional capacity to pay higher taxes than see cuts to public services. fered much-needed spiritual and But the eviction ban for private average of roughly £2,000 per year, as their finances have improved dur- When posed a hypothetical sce- moral support throughout the pan- renters ended in September, and the costing around £200 million per year. ing the pandemic. This improve- nario in which the Government demic, but they have also provided original furlough scheme finishes at As the IFS has suggested that the ment has come as a result of some needed to raise an extra £10 billion vital social support services to their the end of October. The Universal poorest UK households have seen people’s incomes remaining the per year through taxes, survey re- communities. Credit uplift is also due to end in their savings fall (or debts rise) by an same during lockdown while their spondents showed the highest level Our parish clergy and numerous April 2021, and isn’t even available to average of £170 a month during the opportunities to spend reduced. of support for introducing a new an- members of the laity have also those yet to transfer from older pandemic, these reforms would go One indication of this is the nual wealth tax. The public particu- worked tirelessly and effectively to forms of benefits. some way to helping prevent further household savings ratio, which is the larly supported introducing the tax ensure the safety of Massgoers. So what should be done now to increases in poverty right now. proportion of disposable income on financial investments and prop- We are hugely grateful that these ensure families can survive finan- However, they won’t be enough to that households save on average. erty wealth (excluding people’s main dedicated souls who have also cially during – and beyond – the cur- fill the huge gap in household fi- This spiked at 28 per cent in the sec- residence), with a tax threshold of made sure that your Catholic news- rent pandemic crisis? nances caused by Covid-19 on their ond quarter of 2020, a figure twice as £500,000 and a tax rate of one per paper has been available each Various reforms to Universal own. The current extra support high as the previous 20-year peak of cent on everything above that week, and have even delivered Credit and other means-tested ben- available for those in and out of 13 per cent in 2010. threshold. them direct to your homes. efits could help create a better basic work will continue to be necessary The Resolution Foundation has The cost of tackling poverty and We cannot know exactly what the safety net for all. These reforms to help people avoid catastrophic also estimated that over one-third of inequality may seem high, but the coming weeks and months will would include ending the minimum rent and mortgage arrears as well as the richest 20 per cent of the popu- cost of doing nothing is also consid- bring, but we will continue to be five-week wait for a first Universal other forms of debt and deprivation. lation saw their savings increase in erable: poverty impacts people’s there for you. Credit payment, scrapping the two- The cost of such support will be the first months of the crisis. The su- health, wellbeing and life chances. If you want to be assured of your child limit on child-related benefits, significant, on top of the £200 billion per-rich have also seen their wealth As well as the huge personal cost, Catholic Universe and have not al- removing the benefit cap, and en- already spent on Covid-related sup- rise very significantly during the poverty costs the UK an estimated ready subscribed, please use the suring the amounts provided are port up until August. The Govern- pandemic, with billionaires enjoying £78 billion a year in health and other form on page 5 today, or just call us enough for people to reach a mini- ment is currently finding the money a 27 per cent increase in their for- associated welfare costs. The evi- on 0161 820 5722. mum income standard that allows for this through borrowing and tunes. So there is clear scope to raise dence doesn’t just show that we can We will ensure that your for an acceptable standard of living ‘quantitative easing’, a process by taxes from those who can afford to afford to tackle poverty and inequal- favourite Catholic paper is deliv- in the UK. which the Bank of England buys contribute more. ity during these challenging times – ered safely and post-free direct to The Institute for Fiscal Studies Government bonds and increases But will the public support higher but really that we can’t afford not to. your home every week. (IFS) has estimated that reversing the amount of money circulating in taxes? Taxation is rarely popular, but the two-child limit would make the economy. More could be found a recent survey of public attitudes, Dr Karen Rowlingson is Professor about 700,000 households with chil- in this way in the short term. carried out by the University of of Social Policy at the University of dren better off by an average of At some point in the future, how- Birmingham and Ipsos MORI in Birmingham. £3,000 per year, at an annual cost of ever, taxes will need to rise. The Fi- July/August 2020, showed that 44 This article first appeared on about £2 billion. And abolishing the nancial Inclusion Monitor suggests per cent of the public were prepared www.theconversation.com

www.thecatholicuniverse.com Supporting Catholic journalism

Universe Media Group Limited, News and feature items: Subscription rates: Editor: Joseph Kelly 2nd Floor, Oakland House, All enquiries: (Annual) £80 UK; £105 Ireland/Europe. Email: joseph.kelly@ 76 Talbot Road, Email: pool@ Tel: 0161 820 5722 To subscribe, please use the order form thecatholicuniverse.com Manchester M16 0PQ thecatholicuniverse.com in this issue or call us on 0161 820 5722

08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Don’t forget those left in Let’s hope ERHC has ended despair in jail John the career of Jeremy Corbyn Battle

As we enter a new period of ‘lock- down’, please spare a thought for those really locked down; the 85,000 in British prisons. Leon This week an outbreak of Covid- Spence 19 hit 38 of the prison staff at Arm- ley Remand Prison in Leeds and has started to work through the This week I have been reading quite The former Labour leader prisoners. The immediate crisis is a remarkable book – Politically a staffing crisis which increases Homeless by stand-up comedian, sought to minimise the report, the pressure inside. Recently the and former Labour Party staff mem- ‘‘continuing to allege “the scale of national inspector of prisons, Pe- ber, Marr Forde. ter Clarke, reported that Covid-19 It’s not a remarkable book on any the problem was dramatically has led to prisoners living for 23 human scale or because it is particu- overstated for political reasons hours a day in their cells for over larly well written – although it is seven months. Moreover, release funny at times – but it is remarkable by our opponents... dates are affected by the huge for me at least because the first half court case backlog. could quite easily be my own auto- This compulsory solitary con- biography. finement for all was, as Peter Forde, who you may have seen on Clarke reported, leading to rising comedy panel shows like Have I Got cases of self harm and increasing News For You or Mock the Week, is a mental health problems. He high- few years my junior but apart from lighted the fact that prisons were that there are many similarities. The “losing all hope” and stressed that chances of both of us growing up in the real purpose of prison is to a working class family in the East turn offenders’ lives around, not to Midlands and going to Catholic sec- torture them or to result in them ondary schools aren’t particularly re- antisemitism in the Labour Party. cent improvements in how the Sir Keir Starmer did absolutely the coming out worse criminals. mote, but an early interest in Labour The EHRC’s investigation had Labour Party deals with anti- right thing last week in accepting the Pope Francis has said “If you Party politics and a dalliance with been instigated as a result of ‘grow- semitism complaints, our analysis verdict of the commission and close hope in a cell there is no fu- the Socialist Workers’ Party certainly ing public concern about anti- points to a culture within the party pledging to start putting things ture for society... making someone would have increased the chances of semitism... and followed official which, at best, did not do enough to right. pay for errors of your their past out paths crossing. complaints being received (by prevent antisemitism and, at worst, Sadly, the former Labour leader cannot mean cancelling their There’s every likelihood that we them)’, and was conducted under could be seen to accept it.’ did no such thing, seeking to min- hope of a future.” may have attended the same statutory powers given to the body I have written before about how imise the outcome of the report by It is hard to see in the present protests, certainly many of the peo- in the 2006 Equality Act. It’s only the Jeremy Corbyn had allowed the continuing to allege “the scale of the context of measures to contain a ple that he names as co-workers in second time that such an investiga- party that he led to be become a problem was also dramatically over- virulently contagious pandemic the book are people who I worked tion had been conducted against a cesspool of hatred and racism stated for political reasons by our what can be done, but at the very with during my time as a Labour political party, the first being against against Jews. We had all seen footage opponents inside and outside the least the pressures on prisoners councillor. the BNP. of Jewish Labour MPs being given a party, as well as by much of the me- and prison staff should not be ca- And then – for both of us – we be- Well over a year after launching police guard while at the Labour dia.” sually neglected. came disillusioned with the political their investigation the eventual pub- Party conference for fear of being at- Thankfully, Labour was quick to Recently Caritas in the diocese left and the people that inhabit it. lication was damning for the Labour tacked; we had heard about the vile distance itself from the comments of Leeds launched the findings of Forde writes about going to meet- Party. and vitriolic attacks on, predomi- and promptly suspended Corbyn as its thorough Criminal Justice In- ings and seeing the same characters The report itself states: ‘Our inves- nantly female, Jewish parliamentari- a member of the party. quiry led by Deacon Joe Cortis and over and over again. He too has en- tigation has identified serious failings ans by their very own members; and Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Leeds Citizens’ organiser Tom countered the embittered old men in leadership and an inadequate we watched in shame at the revela- Labour Party has been the lowest Chigbo. Voted a priority by a certain of their ideological purity process for handling antisemitism tions on BBC’s Panorama. episode in recent British political diocesan Caritas meeting, a strong and unwillingness to compromise; complaints across the Labour Party, And yet accompanying all of those history. He is a man that has enabled team of ‘commissioners’ worked he has encountered the endlessly and we have identified multiple fail- despicable events we had also wit- the worst among us to access main- up a report during the lockdown politically correct metropolitan lib- ures in the systems it uses to resolve nessed Corbyn’s acolytes blaming stream political debate. It is shock- months designed to inspire practi- erals out of touch with the views of them. We have concluded that there the media, disillusioned staff and, ing for anyone involved in politics to cal supportive action and cam- traditional working class voters. were unlawful acts of harassment again and again, anti-Jewish conspir- consider how close these awful peo- paigning by the Catholic Church He understood that Ed Miliband and discrimination for which the acy theories to excuse their actions. ple got to the levers of power – and it to promote positive changes in the wasn’t the type of leader who would Labour Party is responsible. Last week’s report was monumen- should never be allowed to happen criminal justice system. attract votes in old coalfield com- ‘While there have been some re- tal for all of those who had been at- again. The final report updated and munities and he shared my own dis- tacked because at long last the com- Of course, there are perfectly rea- rooted the work of criminal justice illusionment with Labour and their plainants were vindicated. sonable questions about why Sir of the Catholic Bishops Conference dreadful experiment with the far left Investigators found ‘ …evidence Keir Starmer, less than a year ago, and was launched with a pastoral student politics of the Jeremy Corbyn of political interference in the han- was trying to put Corbyn into Down- letter of endorsement to all years. dling of antisemitism complaints ing Street – perhaps we need to put parishes in the diocese from The big difference, of course, be- throughout the period of the investi- that down to some form of Westmin- Bishop Marcus of Leeds. tween Forde’s book and my own gation. We have concluded that this ster-based Stockholm syndrome? The final report is an informed story is that while he became ‘politi- practice of political interference was But what matters now is that the workbook containing a range of cally homeless’, and a successful TV unlawful. The evidence shows that Labour Party and politics in general proposals for engagement and ac- personality, my own path involved staff from the Leader of the Opposi- move on. tion that are now being sorted into crossing the floor, meeting many tion’s Office (LOTO) were able to in- During Corbyn’s years of leader- priorities and commitments. wonderful people in the Conserva- fluence decisions on complaints, es- ship many, many decent people be- It is a comprehensive and tive Party and finding my own politi- pecially decisions on whether to came ‘politically homeless’. Let’s fer- ground-breaking piece of work to cal forever home. For me it was al- suspend someone. Sometimes these vently hope that at long last, the help take our faith commitment ways as much about the people as decisions were made because of former Labour leader, whose reign into key areas of need, justice and much as the ideology. likely press interest rather than any enabled so much of the worst of hu- mercy. Reading Forde’s book this week clear formal criteria.’ man nature, is cast into the political More immediately, we should has also come at an opportune time From a legal point of view the case wilderness and his own political publicly insist that those in prison because it coincided with the release is now clear; evidence of antisemitic homelessness is permanent. are not forgotten in lockdown. of Equality and Human Rights Com- ‘Sir Keir Starmer was right practices went all the way as high as Leon is a writer, political commen- mission’s report into allegations of to suspend Corbyn’ Corbyn’s office. tator and charity trustee The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 09 News New study looks into how COP26 is chance to pandemic changed church show world our faith The Chair of UK’s Committee on Cli- cluded Dr Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ, Two academics have launched a major mate Change has urged Catholics to director of the Religious Life Institute research project into how British re- “be very visible” in the lead up to next at the University of Cambridge; Neil ligious communities of all faiths have year’s COP26 climate talks in Glas- Thorns, director at CAFOD; Sr Pat had to adapt during the pandemic. gow. Daly OP, former executive director of Acts of worship and religious rituals Tory peer Lord Deben has also urged Tri-State Coalition for Responsible In- are all being forced to change and of- Catholic organisations to be mindful vestment; and Shaun Cooper, head ten to a more virtual way of doing of their investments and the effects of finance at Franciscan Missionaries things. Dr Alana Vincent, Associate they may have on the environment. of the Divine Motherhood. Professor of Jewish Philosophy, Reli- His call came during a webinar se- The webinar series is sponsored by gion and Imagination at the University ries on Catholic investment for an in- Operation Noah; CAFOD; Global of Chester, and Dr Joshua Edelman, tegral ecology hosted by Catholic Im- Catholic Climate Movement; the senior lecturer at the Manchester pact Investing Collaborative, Operation Catholic Impact Investing Collabora- School of Theatre, Manchester Met- Noah and partner organisations. tive; the Conference of Religious; the ropolitan University, are investigating Lord Deben said that Catholic or- Association of Provincial Bursars; Tro- the experiences of both those leading ganisations need to “look at the effects caire; National Justice & Peace Net- acts of worship, as well as those par- of [their] investments and make de- work; and Justice & Peace Scotland. ticipating in them, in these changing cisions based upon those effects”. Dr Sr Gemma reminded attendees: times. He added that, in the lead up to “We need to think of ourselves as a Their 12-month research project, COP26 in Glasgow: “It is hugely im- single family dwelling in a common entitled British Ritual Innovation un- portant for the Catholic community home. Impact investing isn’t so much der Covid-19 (BRIC-19), aims to doc- to be very visible...it must be very de- as putting our money where our ument, analyse and understand the termined, and it must be clear that mouth is, but putting our money new ways that religious communities we all ought to be in this together”. where our heart is.” are coming together. He concluded: “The most urgent, Mr Thorns spoke about how ‘impact Dr Alana Vincent said: “Funerals, not being collected or studied in a ularly about rituals that people would most serious material threat to this investing’ is enabling development weddings, birth rituals, and holiday systematic or detailed way. The im- normally do together – we’re not look- world is a moral question…The de- outcomes in the global South. “Impact observances are vital to people’s psy- plications of this innovation is not ing at how people’s private prayer fence of creation is the most funda- investing models a different economic chological wellbeing and sense of being adequately considered or de- lives or meditation practices have mental fact of the Christian faith.” future – and that’s a fundamental community, especially given the sense veloped in ways that could be bene- changed. The second webinar in the series, thing we need to change”. He high- of unease created by the pandemic. ficial for the wellbeing of Britons of “The project will capture the pos- entitled Investment for a green recovery: lighted that “the green recovery is so But lockdown conditions changed the all faiths after the pandemic is over.” sibilities they facilitate by collaborating Innovation in impact investing, fo- important for poor communities be- way clergy administered these acts of Dr Joshua Edelman added: “This with a working group of clergy/ritual cused on impact investing, exploring cause they are being hit the hardest”. worship, forcing them to improvise project will fill that knowledge gap. leaders and as we gather data about how Catholic organisations can make James Buchanan at Operation Noah and move online, for instance. We’re interested in the views of people what seems to be working and what investments with positive environ- said the session had highlighted “the “Because these improvised inno- from all across the UK and from all doesn’t, we’ll be discussing that data mental and social impacts. interest in impact investing among vations were done quickly, they are religious traditions, but this is partic- with them.” As well as Lord Deben, speakers in- Catholic organisations.” Landlords big winners in emergency homes lottery A homelessness charity has expressed “It’s a false economy for taxpayers’ its anger after it was revealed private money to be used to pay private land- landlords pocketed 87 per cent of the lords for grotty emergency B&Bs, almost £1.2 billion local authorities which can be so terrible to live in that in England spent providing temporary families end up deeply traumatised.” accommodation for homeless house- Ms Neate warned that the failure holds in one year. to build social homes means too many Figures from the Ministry of Hous- people on lower incomes are stuck in ing, Communities and Local Govern- unstable private rentals – increasing ment (MHCLG) show that councils their chances of becoming homeless. spent £1,186,130,000 between April “This cycle of destitution persists 2019 and March 2020, an increase of when those who lose their homes nine per cent in the last year and 55 turn to the council for help, because per cent in the last five years. councils have so little social housing Of the total spent on temporary ac- left that they can’t alleviate their home- commodation by councils in England lessness for good. All they can do is last year, 87 per cent of it went to pri- pay over the odds for insecure tem- vate landlords, letting agents or com- porary accommodation,” she said. panies. Money paid to private accom- “If the Government fails to act on modation providers has increased by this crisis, the economic chaos of the 66 per cent in the last five years, from pandemic is only going to make what £621 million in 2014/15 to £1 billion is already an awful situation worse, in 2019/20. as even more people are forced into More than a third (38 per cent) of homelessness. It must commit to the money paid to private accommo- spending ‘smarter’, with a rescue pack- dation providers was spent on emer- age for social homes. gency B&Bs – £393 million – consid- “By investing £12 billion over the ered some of the least suitable places next two years, we could build an for families with children to extra 144,000 lower-cost homes, in- live. Spending on emergency B&Bs cluding 50,000 desperately needed has increased by a staggering 73 per social homes.” cent in five years. The figures relate to the period up Polly Neate, chief executive of Shel- to March 2020 so mostly cover the ter, said: “It is outrageous that almost pre-pandemic period. This means that £1.2 billion a year is spent on often much of the additional spending car- shoddy and expensive temporary ac- ried out due to the government’s commodation because of the lack of ‘Everyone In’ initiative would not be social homes. included in the total spend in 2019/20. 10 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

IN BRIEF Call for law Show us the data, Johnson, or change as two Down babies let churches open up again killed a week Life charity is calling for the abor- tribute to your local parish directly CATHOLIC via regular direct debit if you can). tion laws to be revised following COMMENT the revelation that 339 babies were The sign of peace is banned, for ob- aborted for having Down Syndrome vious reasons. The chalice is also out in the first six months of this year. of action, so Communion is only Health Minister Helen Whately Caroline distributed in one kind. revealed the statistics in answer to Farrow When it comes to distribution of a parliamentary question from communion, not only are people so- Fiona Bruce MP. cially distancing and walking up to Liz Parsons, Life’s director of ad- the altar in a staggered fashion, but vocacy, pointed out that 27th Oc- Last week I drafted a petition to the priests are using hand sanitiser and tober marked 53 years since the Irish Taoiseach, Michael Martin, ask- wearing masks to distribute. Instead Abortion Act was passed and in ing him to reconsider lifting Ireland’s of saying ‘the body of Christ’ to each that time “we have grown up as a current ban on public worship, person individually, the priest says society which embraces and advo- which was at that point, along with this prior to distribution, to which cates for equality and freedom Wales, the only country in Europe to the congregation responds ‘Amen’, from discrimination for all human impose such a draconian restriction. again to prevent the transmission of beings”. Little did I realise that within a the virus via airborne particles at “Yet the Abortion Act continues matter of days England would be close quarters, when the host is put to empower abortion providers facing the same situation. The frus- into the person’s hands. with the ability to terminate thou- trating thing about such a ban is that Those who want to receive com- sands of human beins up until those who had thought it necessary munion orally are asked to wait until birth if they have a disability,” she seem to have absolutely no handle last and the priest sanitises their said. “The act is inherently dis- either on the data or the responsible hands between each person, al- criminatory, outdated and incon- precautions which churches have though in many parishes, few if any, gruent with the principles of implemented in order to prevent communicants are choosing to re- equality and justice for all.” transmission of the virus. ceive this way. Ms Parsons branded the fact In Ireland the data suggests that In short then, attending a Catholic that every day two babies are not a single case of transmission of Mass is one of the most covid-secure aborted because they have Down the virus or death from the virus is environments there is, far more so Syndrome as “shocking and unac- attributable to attendance at a pub- than a local supermarket where so- ceptable in a just and equal society”. lic worship service. We haven’t been cial distancing seems to have gone “It is despicable that a woman given access to similar data from the by the wayside, few people wear with Down Syndrome feels she UK, which is why, as you’ll have read gloves and there is much more op- must seek protection for babies on this week’s front page, the Bishops’ portunity for contamination, not with Down Syndrome, through the Conference of England and Wales least by touching goods that poten- courts of law,” she said, referring has urged the Government to pub- tially countless other carriers may to Heidi Crowter, who has Down lish the evidence in support of the have handled first. and has campaigned on behalf of ban on public worship. This is no doubt why Edward her community. “Are we moving Judging by both the Government’s Leigh MP, president of the Catholic towards a Down Syndrome-free response and that of well-meaning Union, invited Prime Minister Boris Britain? Are MPs happy with this commentators concerned about the Johnson, to attend a Mass at West- sad state of affairs?” virus on social media, a lot of misin- minster Cathedral (where he re- Ms Parsons cited a recent BBC formation abounds, the presump- A woman pictured praying at cently had his son baptised), in or- report on a woman who was preg- tion being that public worship or the closed doors of Westminster der that he could experience the nant with a baby with Down Syn- Mass is exactly the same as it was Cathedral ahead of the Easter measures for himself and be reas- drome being offered an abortion pre-Covid, with hordes of elderly morning Mass, London during sured that it was still safe for Mass to on 15 occasions, despite saying it and vulnerable people being the first lockdown continue. wasn’t an option for her. The crowded into pews where they are Sadly, the PM managed to side- woman was also offered a late- speaking and singing in close con- Photo: Jonathan Brady step the invitation and also the call term surgical abortion at 38 weeks. tact with others. from the Catholic bishops to pro- Ms Parsons said “it is time we I was particularly infuriated after duce the relevant evidence, and in acted to correct the unjust and dis- hearing my local MP, Michael Gove, On entering the church, congre- churches are already well-ventilated, his usual charming yet bumbling criminatory 1967 Abortion Act.” say during an online constituency gants are required to sanitise their often being considered draughty in fashion, proceeded to utter plati- Q&A, that worship had to be banned hands using one of the many dis- normal circumstances thanks to tudes about why the lockdown was Councillor refuses because singing increases the risk of pensers available. They also have high ceilings and in efficient heating. necessary and how Christians must transmission of the virus. This is wear a mask, just as in any indoor Furthermore, no hymn books, hold on, that this is only a temporary to fund Pride event true, but if Mr Gove had stepped setting. So it’s hard to see how sitting prayer books or paper newsletters measure, there is a candle in the A Christian Conservative council- foot inside one of his constituency’s two metres apart, wearing a mask are being distributed. The collection darkness and that Christians will be lor has been disciplined after refus- churches over the past few months, and not singing is going to put any plate is not being handed out or allowed back into church for Christ- ing to back a gay Pride event grant. or joined into a live-stream, then he one at increased risk, especially taken up to the altar during the Mass mas. Mary Douglas, who has been a would have been aware that singing when one considers that most either. (Another good reason to con- We must hope and pray that he is Conservative councillor in Salis- is banned and not taking place, as correct. When the country is being bury for 15 years, was also re- per his Government guidance! asked to undertake enormous sacri- moved from her portfolio role for While it is true that many parish- fice for the sake of the common skills and social mobility as a result ioners do fall into the clinically vul- good, the Government is duty-bound of the stance she took against using nerable category, they are still being not to undermine public trust with public funds to support the Pride asked to shield and not attend Mass overly draconian measures and to event. if they do not believe it is safe for demonstrate that they understand Cllr Douglas is challenging the them. No church is crowded either, I was particularly infuriated after hearing Michael the religious needs of their citizens, council’s controversial decision to partly because of fear of the virus, for whom Zoom is a poor substitute. bring code of conduct proceedings but predominately because all Gove say that worship had to be banned because Going to church and attending against her on a charge that she churches are implementing social singing increases the risk of transmission of the Mass is not an optional social activ- contravened the public sector distancing, meaning that the capac- virus. This is true, but if Mr Gove had stepped ity; the Eucharist is the source and equality duty. ity is vastly reduced. Those attend- ‘‘ summit of the Christian life. Cllr Douglas was opposing the ing Mass are asked to book online in foot inside one of his constituency’s churches Caroline Farrow is a Catholic political message of the gay Pride order to reserve a space and also so journalist and UK campaign direc- event, she said, not the people in- that their details can be retained for over the past few months, then he would have tor and media commentator for volved. track and trace purposes. been aware that singing is already banned... Citizens Go

12 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper

Oldest ‘red No audience for pope as virus hat’ dies, surge forces return to digital aged 88 Malaysia’s first and only cardinal, Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernan- Leaked memo suggests Pope Francis bestows the pallium on Archbishop Pierbattista dez, has died at the age of 88. Christmas liturgies Pizzaballa during a private ceremony in the chapel of the Cardinal Fernandez became a Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican . Archbishop Pizzaballa priest in 1966 at the age of 34 and likely to be cancelled has been appointed as the 10th Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. focused on catechism and priestly The Holy Father did not wear a face covering. Rob Beswick formation while teaching at an in- terdiocesan seminary in Penang, Covid-19 has forced major changes Malaysia. to the way Pope Francis will meet the He was appointed Bishop of public and conduct services in the Penang in 1977 and served there run up to Christmas, the Vatican has until 1983 when he was appointed announced. archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, After someone attending Pope Fran- Malaysia’s capital, and retired 20 cis’ weekly general audience tested years later at the age of 71. positive for Covid-19, the Vatican said Pope Francis, in a message to future services would return to being the current archbishop, said, livestreamed without the presence of “With gratitude for Cardinal Fer- pilgrims and visitors. nandez’s faithful witness to the The announcement comes nearly Gospel, his generous service to the two months after the weekly audience church in Malaysia and his long- was reopened to the public; because standing commitment to the pro- of the pandemic and lockdowns meant motion of ecumenism and interre- to prevent its spread, the pope had ligious dialogue, I willingly join moved the audience to an online- you in praying for his eternal rest.” only event from the library. Cardinal Fernandez had been Once the audiences resumed, the one of the Asian pioneers in inter- pope did not wear a mask, even when religious dialogue in the 1970s and personally greeting visiting clerics, 1980s, helping deepen the church’s which drew concerns and criticism understanding of Islam. that he was not observing safety pro- Pope Francis elevated him to the tocols. College of Cardinals in 2016 when In addition, however, a letter to he was 84, making him the nation’s Rome’s diplomatic community leaked first cardinal. to the media has suggested that the At the time he was designated Holy Father is already planning for ever, though it is believed he will still The Vatican’s cardinal, he had still been busy, the suspension of public Mass to be perform the Christmas Day ‘Urbi et Nativity stamps serving as chaplain and feeding continued until 2021, with many pub- Orbi’ blessing. celebrate the homebound priests at the home lic Christmas events cancelled. However, the Vatican is not, it ap- birth of Christ as for the aged where he lived. According to the leaked memo, pears, planning to cancel Christmas a light of peace He also accompanied the Little Rome’s diplomats have been told there entirely: it has chosen this year’s festive in the world Sisters of the Poor during their will be no invitations to public cere- stamps and confirmed that a Nativity hospital visits. monies this Christmas, with liturgies scene and tree will stand in St Peter’s The cardinal had been suffering celebrated “in a private form without Square, as is tradition. from tongue cancer the past year. the presence of members of the diplo- The larger-than-life-sized ceramic His death leaves the College of matic Corps.” figures in the Nativity scene will come Cardinals with 218 members. The letter added that liturgies will from a high school in Castelli, a town be streamed online. Diplomats ac- in the ceramic-producing region of credited to the Holy See usually attend Teramo, north-east of Rome, the Vat- Cardinal ready to papal liturgies as special guests. ican announced. If proved correct, this would mean The F.A. Grue Institute, a high school face abuse findings that both major Christian festivals in focused on art, will send only a handful Cologne’s Cardinal Rainer Maria 2020 – Easter and Christmas – have of the 54 sculptures that students and Woelki has vowed to resign imme- been effectively cancelled as public teachers crafted for the scene between diately if the sexual abuse study he events. 1965 and 1975, the Vatican said. commissioned proved he was im- Italy has seen a dramatic increase In addition to the Holy Family, an plicated in any cover-ups. in positive coronavirus cases, as well angel and the three kings, there will Cardinal Woelki set up the study as increased hospitalisations and be a bagpipe player, a panpipe player, to identify by name those who deaths, in recent weeks, leading the a shepherdess and a little girl carrying were involved in sexual abuse. Government to issue new contain- a doll. The scene will be displayed “This does not exempt Cardinal ment measures, including the closure next to a towering spruce tree from Woelki, and he would face up to of gyms and theatres, and an evening ipating in Masses at St Peter’s. In past years he has also prayed Slovenia. The tree, which is almost 92 his responsibility and accept the curfew for bars and restaurants. It is At Christmas the pope usually says First Vespers on New Year’s Eve fol- feet tall, will come from an area outside consequences,” a spokesman for compulsory to wear face masks at all Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the lowed by a Mass on New Year’s Day the town of Kocevje, the Vatican said. the archdiocese said. times in public, including outside. Lord in St Peter’s Basilica on 24th De- for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of The design for the Vatican’s 2020 The archdiocese confirmed to During Advent and Easter, the pope’s cember, and on Christmas Day he God, both in St Peter’s Basilica. Christmas stamps celebrate the birth local newspaper KNA the content, schedule of public liturgies and Masses gives the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing from Neither of these events are listed in of Jesus as a light of peace for the but not the exact wording, of Car- is usually full, with thousands partic- the central loggia of the basilica. the pope’s diary for Christmas, how- world. dinal Woelki’s reported remarks, which were made in 2018. Between 2003 and 2011, Cardi- nal Woelki was auxiliary bishop of Pope vows ‘to do better’ on facemask wearing Cologne and in this function was a member of the personnel depart- Fr Augusto Zampini, adjunct wear a facemask in public. implemented across the country. measures they said would cause ment of the archdiocese. secretary of the Dicastery for Fr Zampini confirmed it was a The Italian Health Ministry further economic woes to the In the autumn of 2018, as arch- Promoting Integral Human concern for many in the Vatican, reported 24,991 new positive cases country’s struggling restaurant and bishop, he commissioned a Mu- Development and member of the adding that “people have been and 205 deaths on 31st October. tourism industry. nich law firm with the task of com- Covid-19 Vatican Commission, trying to convince him to wear one.” Police in riot gear dispersed Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe piling a report on how diocesan which makes recommendations to “He has promised to wear one demonstrators and sprayed them Conte has stated that restrictive officials handled abuse cases. the pope and others, has been more in future,” Zampini added. with a water cannon as they measures were designed to avoid a It has not yet reported on its challenged by journalists over the With cases surging in Italy, new gathered in Rome’s Piazza del second national lockdown, but that findings, but they are believed to pope’s seeming unwillingess to restrictions have been Popolo to protest new restrictive a full lockdown was likely. be due soon. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 13 News Church targets ‘ancient evil’ of corruption

Junno Arocho Esteves Pope those who should get their hands dirty Corruption is an “ancient evil” that Francis for others do not, because they do continues to plague the Catholic prays at not follow my line or things like that. Church in different ways, Pope Francis the tomb And this is a loneliness that one might said. of St Paul call ‘functional.’” In an interview with the Italian news VI in the Then, “there is a ‘substantial’ lone- agency Adnkronos, published 30th crypt of liness, which I do not feel because I Octover., the pope discussed his St Peter’s have found so many people who take Basilica at thoughts on several issues, including risks for me, who put their lives on the the line, who fight with conviction corruption, given recent allegations Vatican on of financial malfeasance involving the All Souls’ because they know that we are right Vatican. Day, 2nd and that the path taken” Despite past and present efforts to November. Obviously, he said, there have been root it out, the pope said, “unfortu- examples of mischief and of betrayal, nately, corruption is a cyclical story Photo: which hurt those who believe in the that repeats itself” until “someone Vatican Church. comes along to clean and tidy up.” Media While it is uncertain whether his “But then it starts again, waiting efforts to weed out corruption and for someone else to come along to lead the Church will bear fruit, Pope put an end to this degradation,” he Francis said that he knows he must said. Money, as the early fathers of do it and that “I have been called to the church and St Francis called it, is do it.” “the devil’s dung.” In the end, “the Lord will say The pope said that while “the whether I have done well or whether Church remains strong, the issue of I have done wrong,” he said. “Sincerely, corruption is a profound problem.” I am not very optimistic, but I trust Citing St Ambrose’s assertion that in God and in people faithful to God.” “the Church has always been a ‘casta the pope said. “Jesus said that it is with the 93-year-old Pope Benedict, man; he is holiness incarnate.” While criticism against him and his meretrix’ (‘chaste prostitute’),” the not possible to go after both,” the Pope Francis said he regards him as Pope Francis also said that contrary papacy can hurt, especially when “said pope said that although the vast ma- pope said. both “a father and a brother,” which to reports of an alleged rift between in bad faith and with malice,” Pope jority of people in the Church follow Pope Francis said when he met with is why he signs letters to him with him and his predecessor, “there are Francis said it is also constructive be- “the right path,” it is “undeniable that retired Pope Benedict XVI shortly after the words, “Filially and fraternally no problems between us.” cause “criticism leads me to examine personalities of various types and succeeding him, the retired pope “gave yours.” Asked if he feels alone, especially myself, to make an examination of depth, clerics and many fake lay me a big box” and said, “‘Everything “I often visit him up there” at the with many reports highlighting op- conscience, to ask myself if I was mis- friends of the Church, have helped to is in here; there are the documents Mater Ecclesiae monastery, the pope position to his teaching, he replied: taken, if I could do better.” squander the resources and property, with the most difficult situations. I said. “And if I see him a little less re- “I have thought about it, and I have “It’s true that even if I have to find not of the Vatican but of the faithful.” have come this far, I have intervened cently it is only because I do not want come to the conclusion that there are inspiration in criticism to do better, I “I am struck by the Gospel reading in this situation, I have removed these to tire him. The relationship is good, two levels of loneliness. One can say certainly can’t let myself get carried when the Lord asks us to choose: people and now, it’s your turn.’” very good. We agree on what things I feel alone because those who should away by everything that they write either follow God or follow money,” Asked about his current relationship need to be done. Benedict is a good collaborate do not collaborate, because about the pope that is not positive.” We’re clear on marriage says Vatican after pope’s comments cause storm The Vatican has moved to clarify the Coppolo added on social media: pope’s recent comments on civil “The Holy Father had expressed him- unions, which “do not pertain to self thus during an interview in 2014: Catholic doctrine regarding marriage ‘Marriage is between a man and a as a union between one man and one woman. The secular States want to woman, but to provisions of civil law.” justify civil unions to regulate various Archbishop Franco Coppolo, the situations of coexistence, moved by apostolic nuncio to Mexico, was the the demand to regulate economic as- first to make clear the position in an pects between people, such as ensur- interview with a local media outlet. ing health care. The 2019 interview which was the “It is necessary to see the various cause of the storm, the Vatican said, cases and evaluate them in their va- saw the pope commenting at different riety,” the post added. times on two distinct issues: that chil- “Therefore it is evident that Pope dren should not be ostracised from Francis has referred to certain state their families because of their sexual provisions, certainly not to the doc- orientation; and on civil unions, amid trine of the Church, reaffirmed nu- discussion of a 2010 same-sex mar- merous times over the years,” the riage bill in the Argentine legislature, statement said. which Pope Francis, who was then Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernan- Archbishop of Buenos Aires, opposed. dez, the current archbishopsof La Pla- The interview question that prompt- ta, Argentina, said that before he be- ed the remark on civil unions was came pope, then-Cardinal Bergoglio “inherent in a local law from ten years “always recognised that, without call- ago in Argentina on ‘equal marriages ing it ‘marriage,’ there are very close of same-sex couples’ and the opposi- unions between people of the same tion of the then Archbishop of Buenos sex, which do not in themselves imply Aires in this regard. sexual relations, but a very intense In this regard, Pope Francis has af- and stable alliance.” firmed that ‘it is an incongruity to “This can be contemplated in the speak of homosexual marriage,’ but law and is called ‘civil union’ [unión ‘what we have to do is a law of civil civil] or ‘law of civil coexistence’ [ley union; they have the right to be cov- de convivencia civil], not marriage. ered legally. I defend that.’” That is what is needed.” 14 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome/World Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Journalism: It’s Philippines’ most WHO urges a ‘whole society’ dangerous job

Fr Shay approach to beating Covid-19 Cullen The global death toll from Covid-19 A temporary memorial for victims is now running at three per cent of all of Covid-19 has been unveiled in confirmed cases, the World Health If you are a truthful, honest jour- Washington DC. Every day, the artist Organisation has said, as it urged Gov- nalist in the Philippines, one who adds new flags to the installation as ernments in Europe and the USA to writes and speaks the truth about the death toll rises. As of 2nd take the strongest possible action to injustice, political intrigues and November, some 237,000 Americans control the virus. wrong-doing, you could be killed had died from the disease. Europe in particular faces another any day and any time. Photo: Tyler Orsburn “critical moment for action”, Tedros On 14th September, Jobert Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director- Bercasio was riding home on his general of the World Health Organi- motorcycle when assailants am- sation said on Tuesday. People needed bushed him and shot him five to “step up and come together” to times, a hundred metres from the beat the virus, Ghebreyesus added, police station. He died on the spot. as protests grow against restrictive Jobert was a reporter at the pri- lockdowns, amid concern over their vately-run internet broadcaster impact on the economy. Balangibog, in Sorsogon City. He “We all have a role to play in sup- commented on local political, eco- pressing transmission and we have nomic and social issues. An hour seen that it is possible to stamp the before his murder he had posted a virus out,” he said. report on his Facebook page about His comments came as Australia illegal quarrying. recorded its first day since February The UN held its annual Interna- where no new cases were recorded. tional Day to End Impunity for However, the northern hemisphere Crimes Against Journalists on 2nd was at a moment of danger as it pre- November, and it can now add pared for winter. “In some countries, Jobert’s name to its list of victims. we’re seeing cases go up exponentially In the Philippines, impunity still and hospitals reach capacity, which “whole of government, whole of so- recording over 35,000 new cases a suggests it may be overtaken in terms reigns supreme, as few suspect are poses a risk to patients and care work- ciety approach was necessary to tackle day, as are Spain and Italy. of those affected in the coming weeks. caught and held accountable for ers alike,” the WHO chief pointed out. the outbreak. “Public health is more Nearly 50 million positive tests had India, however, has seen far fewer numerous murders of journalists “If we don’t control the virus now, we than just medicine and science; it is been recorded worldwide, resulting deaths, at 123,000. and human rights and land rights won’t control it over winter.” bigger than any individual.” in 1.3 million deaths. The USA remains The worst affected region continues advocates. Ghebreyesus, who is himself iso- The second wave that has struck the worst affected nation, with just to be South and Central America, Between 1991 and 2020, 85 jour- lating after a close contact tested pos- Europe has seen cases accelerate short of 10 million cases and 240,000 whose nations make up five of the nalists have been killed in the itive for Covid-19, stressed that a across the continent. France is now deaths, but a surge in cases in India top 10 of those worst affected. Philippines, according to the Com- mittee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). It is almost impossible to identify the masterminds and the god- fathers behind the death squads. Pope issues appeal for calm after pro-abortion The victims were mostly reporting on corruption, election-cheating and human rights violations. Some groups launch further attacks on Polish Church were killed in combat zones. The Philippines also suffered the The Pope has appealed for calm and come and take care of them, even caused unusually emotional reac- He went on to praise Catholics ac- world’s largest mass murder of the protection of innocent life after when it requires a heroic love.” tions,” Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki cross the country who had rushed to journalists. In 2009 32 journalists more protests across Poland against Poland’s Constitutional Court ruled of Poznan, conference president, crit- the defence of their churches, saying and 23 civilians were killed in what a near-total ban on abortions led to on 22nd October that a clause in icised “the vulgarities, abusive daub- “We thank pastors and all lay faithful became known as the Maguin- attacks on church properties. Poland’s 1993 abortion law allowing ings, service disruptions and profa- who are bravely standing in defence danao massacre. They were am- Addressing Polish pilgrims during pregnancy terminations in cases of nations seen in recent days are not a of their churches. bushed, rounded up and machine- his weekly general audience, the pope “severe and irreparable foetal damage” proper form of action in a democratic “No one can protect the Church gunned to death and buried in a invoked the memory of St John Paul was unconstitutional. state, however much they may help and sacred sites better than the com- mass grave. The Ampatuan crime II, who “always urged a privileged love The decision provoked outrage from certain people relieve their emotions.” munity of believers.” clan was found responsible. It took for the least and the defenseless and some women’s rights groups in the While appealing for dialogue “on Windows at the archbishop’s resi- until 2019 before the victims had for the protection of every human be- country against the governing Law how to protect the right to life and dence in Czestochowa were smashed, justice; those crime ganglords still ing, from conception to natural death.” and Justice party, as well as against women’s rights,” Archbishop Gadecki and Fr Michal Legan, spokesman for alive received life prison sentences. The pope prayed, through the in- the Catholic Church. said that the Church’s stance on abor- the Jasna Gora national sanctuary in Journalists today must be very tercession of Mary and of St. John Demonstrators entered churches tion is “unchanging.” the archdiocese, said that essential circumspect in their reporting. Paul, that God would “arouse in every- during Masses in Warsaw, Krakow, “We cannot stop defending life or steps had been taken “against violence While being truthful, they must one’s hearts respect for the life of our Poznan and other cities to protest the give up proclaiming the need to pro- and vandalism.” not offend, harshly criticise, brothers and sisters, especially of the court’s ruling, drawing criticism from tect every human from conception He urged those wishing to defend satirise or accuse anybody in most fragile and defenceless, and the Polish bishops’ conference. to natural death,” he said. “On this, the shrine to remain “prayerful and power of wrongdoing. Death would give strength to those who wel- Acknowledging that the ruling “has we can accept no compromise.” non-confrontational.” squads for hire are available and they will kill anybody for a few hundred dollars. The greatest caution is exer- Dutch look at offering children option of euthanasia cised by journalists since the grim Opponents of euthanasia have ex- Zealand, a prominent adviser to the fore the terminal phase. assisted dying was backed by 65 per warning given by President Ro- pressed their concern after two nations country’s bishops expressed dismay “In the 1990s it was extended to cent of voters. John Kleinsman, di- drigo Duterte in 2016: “Just be- at opposite sides of the Earth revealed that voters in a referendum approved psychiatric disorders and dementia, rector of the Nathaniel Centre for cause you’re a journalist, you are plans to change their laws on assisted euthanasia for terminally ill patients. then disabled newborns, now this. Bioethics, the New Zealand Catholic not exempted from assassination. dying. Allowing children to choose eu- “The history of the euthanasia de- bioethics centre, said this would put Freedom of expression cannot In the Netherlands, plans to amend thanasia “is an example of the slippery bate over the last 40 years shows that undue pressure on ill patients. help you if you have done some- Dutch law to allow the euthanasia of slope many have spoken about,” said the criteria for performing euthanasia He was particularly concerned there thing wrong.” children represent the latest descent Cardinal Eijk, a former hospital doctor. have been extended further and fur- was no ‘cooling off’ period and no A chilling warning indeed. down the “slippery slope” of the killing “In the 1980s, euthanasia in the ter- ther,” he added. way of ensuring that ill patients were Visit www.preda.org, and on of patients by doctors, Cardinal Willem minal phase of a physical illness was In New Zealand, a referendum on not put under undue pressure by rel- Facebook, Preda Foundation. Eijk of Utrecht said, while in New considered acceptable, later also be- the Life Choice Act which would allow atives to sign up for euthanasia.

16 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment/World

NJPN Comment A response to domestic abuse Wake up West, says cardinal after Islamists attack Europe Freda One of the Church’s leading figures Lambert has urged the West to ‘wake up’ over Armed police stand guard the threat of Islamist attacks after a outside the basilica. fortnight of savagery. Inset, one of the three Imagine being in an enclosed Cardinal Robert Sarah, the prefect victims, Vincent Loques space with a partner who aims to of the Congregation for Divine Worship establish control over you using and the Discipline of the Sacraments, various strategies, the most com- said last week’s attacks in France, mon being isolation. The lockdown combined with the murder of three in March provided the perfect people in Vienna on Monday night, conditions for establishing com- were further proof that Western values plete control and was terrifying for were under attack from “an aggressive many trapped in that situation. brand of Islamism that a monstrous Statistics show that on average, fanaticism.” two women a week are murdered The attacks in France included a by their partner or ex-partner, and lone Islamist’s assault on the Catholic a further 10 women commit suicide Basilica in Nice which left three people every week as a result of domestic dead. A Tunisian national named as abuse. Every six seconds somewhere Brahaim Aouissaoui stormed into the in the UK a woman is assaulted in cathedral as it was opening up last her home. During the first month Thursday screaming ‘Allahu Akbar’, of lockdown the number of mur- lashing out with a knife at church dered women and girls more than workers and parishioners. tripled. The National Society for French police are treating the killings the Prevention of Cruelty to Chil- as a terrorist incident. dren estimates that one in five The attack comes two weeks after children have been exposed to do- a Paris teacher was beheaded on 16th mestic abuse, and 130,000 chil- October by a Muslim migrant; the dren live in high-risk domestic- teacher had shown satirical cartoons abuse households. of the prophet Muhammad to school killings. May these three innocent as “the threat of militant Islam”. who has worked at the basilica for a The National Board of Catholic children in a lesson about free speech. people rest in peace. May all people The Guinean cleric wrote on Twitter decade... he was so appreciated by Women (NBCW) has launched a In addition, two people were reject utterly the pathway of senseless that attacks in France and on France the parishioners,” the church said. booklet Raising Awareness of Do- stabbed outside the offices of satirical violence. May God bless Nice.” were the result of an aggressive brand Simone Barreto Silva was a 44-year- mestic Abuse, for use in Catholic magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, and The Archbishop of Birmingham, of Islamism that is ‘a monstrous fa- old mother of three who was born in parishes. Its launch coincides with a Greek Orthodox priest was shot in Bernard Longley, Chair of the Bishops’ naticism which must be fought with Brazil but had lived in France for 30 the passage of the Domestic Abuse Lyon. While the latter incident is still Conference Department of Dialogue force and determination.’ years. Bill through Parliament and prob- being investigated French President and Unity said he too was appalled ‘It will not stop its war. Unfortu- Bishop André Marceau of Nice said lems linked to the pandemic. The Emmanuel Macron had said it was “by this senseless act of violence. nately, we Africans know this all too that all churches in Nice would be booklet highlights the many forms also terror related. “My thoughts and prayers are with well. The barbarians are always the closed out of precaution after what of domestic abuse and indicates On Monday night, five people were the victims and their families and for enemies of peace,’ the prefect of the he called a “heinous terrorist act” appropriate action. It recognises killed in Vienna after two men de- the French nation. Congregation for Divine Worship and At least two other incidents were that domestic abuse occurs in scribed by police as having links with “I also hold in my prayers the the Discipline of the Sacraments wrote. reported in France, in Lyon and near Catholic households, and parishes Islamic State went on a gun rampage. teacher Samuel Patty.” ‘The West, today France, tomorrow Avignon. A man waving a handgun, should be the ideal place of safety Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said it was The cathedral killing was the second others, must understand this. I pray who also made threats and shouted for those seeking escape from an clearly an attack driven by “hatred of major terrorist atrocity in Nice, after for martyred France. Let us pray.’ ‘Allahu Akbar’, was reportedly shot abusive situation. our way of life, our democracy”. the truck attack in 2016 which killed The assailant in Nice, Brahaim dead by police in Montfavet near Avi- It is a difficult issue for some Cardinal Nichols said the recent 87 and injured over 400. Aouissaoui, was a Tunisian migrant gnon. Another man armed with a long Catholics. The teaching of the spate of attacks had left him shocked. The Pope commented: “To see peo- who arrived in Europe only a month knife was arrested while trying to Church proclaims that marriage is He was particularly appalled by the ple assaulted on Holy ground is an ago after landing on the Italian island board a train in Lyon. based on love, trust, mutual respect attack on the cathedral in Nice: “People insult to all that is good and decent,” of Lampedusa. One of his victims was In the US, Reverend Johnnie Moore, and support. Promises for life are have been killed in a sacred place, adding that he “was praying for the an elderly parishioner who was nearly a commissioner at the US Commission made by the couple. However, all which they entered in order to pray. victims and mourning their loss.” decapitated in the attack. on International Religious Freedom, forms of abuse constitute a viola- “I know the Basilica well. It is much The latest attacks prompted Vatican His other victims were named as tweeted on Thursday that “No one tion of the essential nature of mar- loved by the people of Nice. Its viola- Cardinal Robert Sarah to call on the Vincent Loques and Simone Barreto should ever fear walking into a place riage. It is a sin as well as a crime. tion deepens the horror of three brutal West to wake up to what he described Silva. Loques was “a devout Catholic” of worship, anywhere of any faith!” A victim of abuse should never be encouraged to remain in the same He tweeted a video of Muslims house as the perpetrator in the A nun mourns at the around the world mourning the attack, scene of the killings hope of saving the marriage or for noting that “The 1st people I heard the sake of the family (Canon Law). from were Muslim friends who find it Parishes need to be equipped to painful & heretical when terrorists offer help and support to victims defame God by killing in His name.” and training should be given, be- The attacks in France have added cause victims of abuse are some- to a febrile atmosphere after anti- times given misguided ‘advice’. French demonstrations around the Good relations between the parish world linked to the infamous Charlie and specialist agencies to enable Hebdo cartoons, the publishing of signposting is encouraged. Victims which led to the massacre at the mag- who identify as religious benefit from azine’s offices in 2015. the support of their faith community. In the wake of the murder of teacher The resource booklet can be Samuel Paty, President Macron issued downloaded at www.nbcw.co.uk or a stout defence of France’s secularist a hard copy obtained free from tradition, saying that all religions had [email protected]. to be open to criticism and discussion. Hopefully, every parish will have However, his words provoked outrage one available. in the Muslim world, with thousands Freda Lambert and Celia Capstick taking to the streets in Turkey, convene the NBCW’s Committee Bangladesh, Pakistan and in Gulf States for Social Responsibility. NBCW is to denounce the French leader and part of the NJPN Network. burn copies of the national flag. theCatholic Cindy Fr Francis Fr Michael Wooden Marsden Collins Counting cardinals: The dedication of the The Synagogue 90 countries a first - p20 Lateran Basilica - p22 of Cordoba - p24 www.thecatholicuniverse.com TIMESA CATHOLIC UNIVERSE SUPPLEMENT Lebanese cardinal accuses country’s authorities of murdering its people

Maronite bishops from Lebanon and all around the world pose for a photo during their synod during the final week of October, at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, Lebanon. Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, centre, presided over the synod. (Catholic News Service photo/Mychel Akl, courtesy Maronite Patriarchate) port. Doreen Abi Raad The bishops, however, denounced Lebanon’s “political authority has “the absence of the state” and its ‘Our martyrs are the torches murdered its people,” Cardinal institutions from carrying out their Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, responsibilities related to the ex- said at the closing Mass of the synod plosion. of Maronite Catholic bishops from The bishops said they “cannot be of faith’, says Syriac patriarch around the world. silent about the failure of the “The authority has killed its people Lebanese state in its official insti- Commemorating the 10th ascended to the sky looking at us economically, financially, and in tutions – including ministries and anniversary of the massacre by from its perch with tenderness, terms of living and development. It departments concerned, and the Islamic militants at Our Lady of interceding with us,” Patriarch thrust them into a state of loss, Beirut municipality – to deal with Deliverance Church in Baghdad, Younan said. anger, despair, revolution, emigration the repercussions of the Beirut crim- Syriac Catholic Patriarch The patriarch, who visited and survival,” Cardinal Rai stated. inal port explosion,” still, three Ignace Joseph III Younan Baghdad from the patriarchate Lebanon’s economic and social months after the disaster. (pictured) reminded the faithful in Beirut, prayed that the cause deterioration, exacerbated by the The bishops called for the rapid that “our martyrs are the for canonisation for all 48 Covid-19 pandemic, has spiralled formation of a “rescue government.” torches of faith that illuminate martyrs would be “completed by further out of control since the ex- Lebanon has been left without a our paths of life and ignite in us the competent authorities in the plosion on 4th August at the Beirut fully functioning government since the fire of love towards Holy See, so that we can return port killed more than 190 people, 10th August, when caretaker Prime everyone.” and celebrate their rite of injured more than 6,500 and left Minister Hassan Diab submitted his Two priests were among the 48 beatification as soon as more than 300,000 people home- Cabinet’s resignation over the port people who were killed during possible.” less. explosion. the attack on 31st October, 2010. The massacre was considered More than half of the Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad The youngest victim was only “a wake-up call for Christians” people now live below the poverty Hariri is tasked with forming a Cab- three-years-old. More than 80 that led to the displacement of line, and the unemployment rate ex- inet with Lebanese President Michel people were wounded. the largest number of Christians ceeds 50 per cent. Aoun, a process that has hit snags. “Many of you knew the in modern times, not only from The Maronite bishops met during Under Lebanon’s sectarian-based martyrs closely: the two young priests, Father Baghdad, but from all parts of Mesopotamia, the final week of October at the pa- power-sharing system, the president Thaer Abdal and Father Wasim Al kass Petrous, Patriarch Younan said. triarchal seat in Bkerke, north of must be a Maronite Catholic, the the children, the young men and women, the “No matter what injustice and calamities Beirut. speaker of parliament a Shiite Mus- fathers and mothers” as they prayed and befall us, we will not become advocates of In their final statement, the bishops lim and the prime minister a Sunni participated in the sacrifice of the Mass on the violence or revenge, but messengers of peace, expressed their appreciation for the Muslim. eve of All Saints’ Day “when the cowardly brotherhood and tolerance,” the patriarch said. solidarity of the Lebanese people – The bishops also reaffirmed that criminals” went on a rampage, “killing “Our martyrs assure us, as well as their young people in particular – and Lebanon is a neutral country. relentlessly,” the patriarch said in his homily. cowardly killers, that the true final victory is for for the countries of the diaspora in “Lebanon’s neutrality is its strength The interior of the church, its bloodstained good, and that our true dwelling is in heaven the aftermath of the port explosion. and the guarantee of its role in the walls pock-marked with bullet holes, has since where there is neither crying, sadness, nor pain, They thanked the Maronite eparchies stability of the region, and it confirms been renovated. but true happiness with the Lord and the Virgin worldwide and all the international, Lebanon in its political, cultural and “The blood of our martyrs was mixed with the ‘Our Lady of Deliverance’ and all the saints,” ecclesiastical and civil institutions missionary role in the East and sacrifice of the lamb on the altar, and their souls Patriarch Younan assured the faithful. that provide assistance for their sup- West,” the bishops said. 18 CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

PROFILE Ellis Heasley Italian cardinal-designate PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE says he’s simply a pastor India: Court rejects bail for elderly Jesuit priest accused of terrorism

Last week Indian authorities and non-governmental rejected the bail plea of an 83- organisations (NGOs) in year-old Jesuit priest, Father India, saying: “I am Stan Swamy. Fr Stan has concerned that vaguely been imprisoned since 8th defined laws are increasingly October and has been being used to stifle these described by the BBC as “the voices.” oldest person to be accused of In another indicator of the terrorism in India.” concerning picture for civil Most concerning about the society in the country, last case of this elderly human month the human rights rights defender (HRD) is the organisation Amnesty fact that the charges against International was forced to him are completely false. Fr halt its operations in the Stan has been working on country due to “reprisals” tribal issues in India for over from the government, three decades, specifically accusing the government of helping members of the pursuing a “witch-hunt” Adivasi, or Scheduled Tribe, against human rights community. Even in his old organisations. age, and despite suffering The targeting of those who from numerous health issues, stand up for the vulnerable including Parkinson’s disease like Fr Stan and Amnesty and near deafness, Fr Stan International is perhaps has continued to advocate for unsurprising given the the group right up to the current trajectory of India’s present day. human rights situation in As a result of his work to general. Under the leadership promote the rights of this of Prime Minister Narendra vulnerable group, the priest Modi, India’s ruling has been repeatedly targeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Pope Francis greets Italian Father Enrico Feroci as he arrives at the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love in by the authorities in his home government has overseen a Rome in this May 2018, file photo. Fr Enrico, pastor of the parish at the shrine, was among 13 new cardinals state of Jharkhand. He was serious deterioration in named by the pope on 25th October. Looking on is then-Bishop Paolo Lojudice, who was also appointed a cardinal. (Catholic News Service photo/Vatican Media) interrogated on multiple fundamental rights, including occasions in July and August the right to freedom of Cindy Wooden convinced Pope Francis chose to was named director of Caritas, the 2020, including in one religion or belief. make him a cardinal because of his Caritas foundation and the instance in which he was As the BJP pursues a vision “I am a pastor,” Cardinal-designate service to the poor through diocesan anti-usury foundation. questioned for nearly 15 of a nation in which the only Enrico Feroci, 80, said after Pope Caritas, most of the cardinal- In choosing a new cardinal with hours over five days. way to be Indian is to be Francis announced he would make designate’s 55 years of priestly that background, he told Avvenire, On 8th October, he was Hindu, religious minorities him a cardinal. “I hope to continue ministry has been spent at “I think Pope Francis wanted to arrested by members of continue to face wide-ranging being a pastor.” seminaries and at Rome parishes. take another opportunity to India’s National Intelligence discrimination and human The former director of the Born on 27th August, 1940, in highlight the attention we must Agency (NIA) at the Jesuit- rights violations. Examples of Diocese of Rome’s massive Caritas Pizzoli, a town in the province of have for the poor, the least. They owned Bagaicha social centre violations include mob operation and former rector of its L’Aquila, he entered the minor are, as is often said, ‘the flesh of in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The attacks on private prayer popular Shrine of Divine Love, seminary of Rome at the age of 11. Christ,’ and with our mission we next day he was transported meetings, the destruction of Cardinal-designate Feroci for the After finishing high school there, priests are the first called to touch to Mumbai by plane, where places of worship and past year has been pastor of the he moved on to Rome’s major this flesh of Christ.” he was charged under the religious sites, and, in the parish of Divine Love, which is seminary and was ordained to the “Obviously, during my years draconian Unlawful Activities most extreme instances, the attached to the shrine. priesthood in 1965. leading Caritas I had a certain (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in killing of members of “I think that, through me, Pope From his ordination until 1976, visibility, but I think even in that the Sessions Court. Fr Stan religious minority Francis wanted to give a sign of he worked at the two seminaries case I represented many other was subsequently informed communities. esteem to all of his priests who where he had studied, serving priests working in the field,” he that he would be remanded in Please pray for Father Stan work in the church of Rome, his from 1968 to 1976 as vice rector said. “If the pope is expressing his custody in Taloja Jail near Swamy, asking God to keep diocese,” the newly nominated of the minor seminary. appreciation, it is not for me, but Mumbai until 23rd October, him safe and healthy, and to cardinal said. “That’s what I told After 11 years of priesthood, he for what we do as priests.” however, an NIA court ensure his immediate and the pope when he phoned” the moved to the Rome parish of St “For my part,” he said, “I’ve rejected his bail appeal on unconditional release. Pray evening of 25th October, hours Frumentius, where he was always done what my superiors that date. too for all those who stand up after announcing he would create 13 associate pastor and then pastor asked of me, without seeking out In light of the Covid-19 for human rights in India – new cardinals on 28th November. until 2004. particular forms of service or pandemic, combined with Fr ask God to protect them, and In an interview with Avvenire, the During that time, he also served occasions for making a ‘career’ Stan’s age and health to strengthen the work of Italian Catholic daily newspaper, multiple terms as prefect of the move.” conditions, his ongoing and their hands. Finally, please Cardinal-designate Feroci said he area’s parishes, as member of the After eight years at the helm of unjust detention presents pray that the efforts of those was so visibly shocked by the diocesan presbyteral council and Caritas, he was named rector of serious cause for concern. promoting an exclusive, announcement during the pope’s finance council and as member of the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Last week the UN High Hindu-nationalist India midday Sunday Angelus address the diocesan College of Love and rector of the attached Commissioner for Human would be thwarted, and that that another priest decided to Consultors, which organised the seminary, which trains members of Rights expressed her dismay the country would instead preside over the 12:30 Mass he was 1987-1992 Rome diocesan synod. the diocesan-related Oblates of at Fr Stan’s imprisonment, maintain its proud religious scheduled to celebrate. From 2004 to 2009, he served as Divine Love. He stepped down in and the treatment of HRDs diversity. Although most people were pastor of St Hippolytus and then 2019 to take over the parish. CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20 19 www.thecatholicuniverse.com FEATURE Speaker champions the life of Dorothy Day as an example for today’s similarly troubled times

Mark Pattison are part of a community. Day found her vocation in the Communities are not held together Catholic Worker movement. “Most Dorothy Day’s witness nearly 100 by my goodness or your goodness of us, including me, do not want to years ago sets an example for or that of another. They’re held get involved with the sacrifice of a today’s society, according to a together by something more sacred Dorothy Day,” Arnett University professor who is than you and me.” acknowledged. writing a book on the life of the In US society, individualism But in keeping with 20th- co-founder of the Catholic Worker reigns, Arnett said. “Individualism century German Lutheran movement. in my judgement is the banality of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Day is a wonderful exemplar of evil in this historical moment,” he delineation of “cheap grace” and someone who was both critical and added. “The individualism that “costly grace,” Arnett said, at the same time incredibly Dorothy Day attempted to counter “Vocations are not cheap. They supportive of the Church,” said is assumed often within the West cost us something. ... There’s a Ronald C. Arnett, chair of as the primary way to function.” cost when communities are communication and rhetorical He pointed to people and forgotten, but there’s a cost to us studies at Duquesne, a Catholic fictional characters regarded as when we are the ones involved in Dorothy Day, co-founder university in Pittsburgh, USA. heroes: “They’re dissociated from the forgetting.” of the Catholic Worker “If she were here and she was society,” Arnett argued. “Dorothy Day is the prime Movement, is pictured in asked: ‘Who should I vote for?’ I’d “What compelled Dorothy Day example of responding with an undated photo. love to hear her answer,” Arnett is that she felt lost and lonely. The incredible grace ... as she went (CNS photo/courtesy said. faith and reflective practices in her through her own search of Milwaukee Journal) But in Arnett’s recent talk, community began to nurture how existential loneliness,” Arnett said, Practices That Matter: The Faith she and her community could “her inspirational life that turned FURTHER READING and Politics of Dorothy Day, he frame a life together,” Arnett said. existential confusion into a faith- focused more of his attention on “The Catholic Worker movement filled performative understanding shortcomings in American society, was a community, a practical and of communal labour” with a A saint of the sidewalks made worse by the coronavirus faith-centred project.” “consistent commitment to and for pandemic. He added: “If I could wave a social justice within the Church.” The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Arnett, speaking as part of the magic wand about this moment, it Day “did not take a poll each Catholic Social, by Dorothy Day. 292 pages. Communication & Religion in the would be to say to people: ‘Wow, time she moved in the direction of Available to buy online from Amazon. 2020 Election conference hosted many of us are lost. What a hospitality houses, concern for The compelling autobiography of a remarkable Catholic by the Institute for Communication wonderful time to find our way, to issues of peace, intervention in woman, sainted by many, who championed the rights of the and Religion at Seton Hall rediscover the importance of places of poverty,” Arnett said. poor in America’s inner cities. University in New Jersey, said: family, to rediscover the “But clearly there was When Dorothy Day died in 1980, the New York Times “One cannot ignore the power of importance of connection to disagreement with many of her eulogised her as “a nonviolent social radical of luminous knowing why you are doing others, to rediscover our practical decisions, and if she’d taken a poll, personality . . . founder of the Catholic Worker Movement and something and having a practical necessity for being concerned she’d have clearly followed a leader for more than 50 impact.” about the poor, to be thankful for direction: Follow the herd. Today years in numerous battles of “Think of the exhaustion level what’s before us’ – and to begin to we wouldn’t be talking about her, social justice.” Here, in her you have with children, with recognise that, even in careers, one we’d be talking about someone own words, this remarkable relatives, with your jobs or with can have a vocation.” else.” woman tells of her early life your country,” he said. “The as a young journalist in the fatigue level seems high. The crucible of Greenwich practices are incredibly important, Village political and literary and the ‘why’ for those practices thought in the 1920s, and of essential.” her momentous conversion As it was with Day, “what to Catholicism that meant sustains us at times is not success, the end of a Bohemian but the recognition that this is the lifestyle and common-law right thing to do – and (that) I marriage. know why this is the right thing to The Long Loneliness do,” Arnett said. chronicles Dorothy Day’s “We can’t muscle our way lifelong association with through a pandemic,” he added. In Peter Maurin and the genesis troubled times, “someone you of the Catholic Worker never expected to stand up does. Movement. Unstinting in her They stand up, and they lead and commitment to peace, they heal,” Arnett said, with their nonviolence, racial justice, and the cuase of the poor and the sole motivation being “If not me, outcast, she became an inspiration to such activists as Thomas who?” Merton, Michael Harrinton, Daniel Berrigan, Ceasr Chavez, That served as Day’s “common and countless others. centre,” according to Arnett. “It This edition of The Long Loneliness begins with an eloquent has the spiritual dimension ... but introduction by Robert Coles, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author there’s a common centre that Dorothy Day is depicted in a stained-glass window. and longtime friend, admirer, and biographer of Dorothy Day. reminds people each day why they (Catholic News Service photo/Gregory Shemitz) 20 CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

Cindy Wooden VATICAN LETTER Counting cardinals: Congregations and continents represented increase

With Pope Francis’ new picks for over 90; it was only three years the College of Cardinals, the body ago – at the consistory to create will be more religious than ever – cardinals in June 2017 – that the in the sense that the number of number first topped 80 nations. cardinals coming from religious Eighty is a significant number orders will rise to 51. for the College of Cardinals. Since The Jesuit pope’s confreres do 1971, according to a law issued by not lead the tally; in first place are St Paul VI, when a cardinal members of the Salesian order, celebrates his 80th birthday, he is which has nine cardinals. The no longer eligible to enter a Jesuits come next with seven. conclave to elect a new pope. Thanks to Pope Francis’ Four of the churchmen chosen nominations on 25th October, the by the pope in October already cardinal-followers of St Francis of have turned 80, so their Assisi would be tied with the nominations are seen as a papal Salesians if it weren’t for the fact plaudit for a life of extraordinary that they live out their vows in ministry: Archbishop Silvano three different communities: the Tomasi, 80, is a dual Italian-US Friars Minor, the Capuchins and citizen long involved in ministry to the Conventual Franciscans. migrants; Mexican Bishop Felipe Two Capuchins, a Conventual Arizmendi Esquivel, the 80-year- Franciscan and a Scalabrinian are old retired bishop of San Cristobal among the 13 new cardinals Pope de las Casas, has long been Francis plans to create during a recognised for his care of consistory on 28th November. indigenous people; Italian Father Those who will receive their red Enrico Feroci, 80, is former hats come from eight countries, director of Rome’s Caritas; and including Brunei and Rwanda, Italian Capuchin Father Raniero which have never had cardinals Cantalamessa, 86, has been before. They will bring the total preacher of the papal household number of cardinals to 231 from for 40 years. 91 countries. On the younger side, after the The College of Cardinals will have 128 electors after the consistory on 28th November. (CNS graphic) For the first time, the number of November consistory, there will be 67 nations. countries represented by members 128 cardinals eligible to enter a With 53 electors, Europeans will of the College of Cardinals will go conclave, and they will come from continue to have the largest number, but the situation is unlikely ever to be a repeat of the 1922 conclave when only 53 cardinals – all Europeans – entered the Sistine Chapel to choose the successor to Pope Benedict XV. The two eligible US cardinals, one from Canada and one from Brazil did not arrive in time to participate. Since then, the amount of time between a papal death and the election of his successor has been expanded, but air travel also is a factor. When the new cardinals are created, the geographical distribution of the electors will be: just over 41 per cent from Europe; 14 per cent from Africa; 10 per cent from the United States and Canada; almost 19 per cent from Latin America; 12.5 per cent from Franciscan Father Mauro Gambetti, custos of the Sacred Convent of Asia; and three per cent from Assisi, was one of 13 and the youngest of the new cardinals named by Oceania. Pope Francis on 25th October. The pope is pictured with Fr Mauro at the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, Italy, on 3rd October. Italians, including Cardinal (Catholic Newss Service photo/Vatican Media) Mario Zenari, nuncio to Syria, will have the largest group of voters who turned 55 on 27th October. decrease the average age of the with 22. The United States will be Two other cardinals are younger electors by only five months; the next with nine electors, followed than he is: Portuguese Cardinal 120 cardinals under 80 and eligible by Spain with six, and Brazil, Jose Tolentino Calaca de to enter a conclave on 25th Canada and France with four each. Mendonca, Vatican archivist and October was 72 years and seven The youngest of the new librarian, is 54; and Cardinal months; after the consistory at the cardinals is Franciscan Father Dieudonne Nzapalainga of Bangui, end of the month, the average age Mauro Gambetti, custos of the Central African Republic, is 53. of the electors will be 72 years and Sacred Convent of Assisi, Italy, The newest cardinals will two months. CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20 21

Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Chris McDonnell JOURNEY IN FAITH Back end days

The clocks have been set back to in the fading light It is the month of Armistice, the GMT and the back end days of till the turning point is reached month when we remember those Autumn are well and truly with us. and the journey home begins. lost in the strife of war. It marks November has nudged its way into the conclusion of hostilities that our calendar yet again, easing Yet this year is different. We brought the slaughter of the First October aside. have lived through a deeply World War to a final end. The November in the northern troubled six months, a Spring and poppies that had coloured the hemisphere is often a dank month Summer like no other in living fields of Flanders were adopted by of mists and fogs, a time when we memory. It has been a time of great the British Legion to help them feel the chill oncoming of Winter. I stress and tragic loss, with family raise money for those injured in wrote these words a few seasons ago. patterns disrupted and many lives the conflict. They are made in the taken in the turmoil. Now with Poppy factory in Richmond to the This Fall these passing Autumn days, west of London. Leaf fall in Autumn hesitantly opening the door to It was founded in 1922 to offer yellowed, wind-blown rain Winter, there is a feeling of employment opportunities to from road side trees uncertainty and insecurity all about wounded soldiers returning from scattered across the ground us. In the long term, we hope and the War, creating remembrance soundless in the morning light. pray for a solution to the Covid products for the Royal Family Tossed tears of testament contagion. In the immediate weeks and the Royal British Legion’s blurring sight we search for a short term fix that annual poppy appeal. The factory the consequence of questions diminishes the consequences of a makes approximately 36 million asked again and asked again. world-wide virus that in a few poppies each year. Night steals through empty streets months has wreaked havoc on a In 2014, the Tower of London while sleepers lie close multitude of nations. marked the centenary of the in tossed and rumpled beds. outbreak of The First World War An owl slips a shadow Passage with the commemorative art across the sky Walk with care installation Blood Swept Lands silently beating its feathered wings place each foot down gently and Seas of Red, which saw the calling ‘why oh why?’ in the mulch of leaves moat filled with thousands of receiving no reply. watch the still water ceramic poppies. (pictured below) trenches, with the words of Shall shine the holy by the path’s edge. In 2018, the Tower once again Wilfred Owen remembered most glimmers of good-byes. The North American phrase for reflecting overhanging trees. became a site of commemoration, often. One of his poems, Anthem The pallor of girls’ Autumn, the Fall, describes Breathe gently with each step, marking 100 years since the end of for Doomed Youth, graphically brows shall be their pall; accurately what we experience, a walking through four years of fighting with Beyond tells their story. Their flowers the tenderness multitude of leaves drifting from the early afternoon the Deepening Shadow. The What passing-bells for of patient minds, trees to carpet the earth. After a towards the haze of evening. nightly candle lighting ceremony these who die as cattle? And each slow dusk a canal side walk some years ago, I in the moat was led by the Yeoman Only the monstrous drawing-down of blinds. wrote this short piece. It gives a Somehow we must find a way Warders and created a circle of anger of the guns. taste of the season that is now through these dark days and have a light radiating from the Tower as a Only the stuttering ‘The root of war is fear’, wrote upon us. confidence in the future. One symbol of remembrance. Both rifles’ rapid rattle Thomas Merton. In every age it hesitant step at a time. commemorative events at the Can patter out their hasty orisons. remains the same. Out of a basic, Walk November has been, for many Tower were part of the world- No mockeries now for them; and sometimes irrational fear, we When foggy late November years, the month of memory. It wide, First World War centenary no prayers nor bells; resort to armed conflict. Merton is wrapped in collared opens with the liturgical feast of commemorations that began on Nor any voice of mourning wrote. “There is one winner, only coat and scarf All Saints, marking those whose 28th July, 2014 and ended on 11th save the choirs, one winner, in war. The winner is and white hair is capped close names are known and those whose November, 2018. The shrill, demented war itself. Not truth, not justice, no against the chill of evening names are lost to history but who All the ceremonial we might choirs of wailing shells; liberty, not morality. They are the as setting sun is lost. nonetheless lived holy and create to remind us of that conflict And bugles calling for vanquished.” dedicated lives. It is followed by fail to touch the reality of the them from sad shires. So as we pass through these When feet press piles All Souls’ Day, when those whose trenches and the horror of close What candles may be November days there is much that of rain-soaked leaves earthly life is concluded are quartered fighting, often involving held to speed them all? demands our attention. This month littering the tow-path recalled and prayer offered for young men in their late teens. Not in the hands of boys, sees the gathering days of the by a cold canal their eternal rest. Poetry came from the mud of but in their eyes Liturgical Year, the days that lead water-layered in us to the mystery of the Advent brown and gold Season. Take time to walk this silence, broken only back-end month and taste the by a distant train unfolding story. hurrying, lamp-lit on a journey North. Shadows Walking When a passing walker with a dog a deserted country lane, smiles a greeting and passed a tall gathering offers a casual word of wind-blown trees from deep within her rooted between high wool-worn face hawthorn hedges and goes on to tread their straggled line broken where I have been by the occasional field gate, touching the night till out of sight. hung askew on rusted hinges, walking Then solitude returned through Autumn shadows as my feet alone into Winter. kicked the sponge of muddied leaves. Frost falls at Dawn watching the water in the colder days. 22 CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

Fr Francis Marsden CREDO The dedication of the Lateran Basilica

The basilica was the first to be built after Emperor Constantine’s edict, in 313, granted Christians freedom to practise their religion.

The pope’s cathedral is not St they saw the conquering army priests. He ordered that land Peter’s in Vatican City, but the bearing the symbols of the confiscated from the Church and Archbasilica of St John Lateran. despised Christian sect. from Christians, during This Monday, 9th November, we Constantine had grown up a Diocletian’s cruel, empire-wide mark the feast of its dedication by polytheist, believing in the various persecutions (303-305), should be Pope St Sylvester in 324 AD. It Roman gods. The battle of Pons restored. The Church was given carries the title “mother and head Milvius convinced him that the the right to inherit and own of all the churches of the city and God of the Christians was a bigger, property. the world.” stronger God, whose favour he The first Christian symbols In ancient Rome this church, the wished to solicit. appeared on the coinage in 315 oldest in the West, is where In February 313 by the Edict of AD. The last pagan representations everyone was baptised. The feast is Milan he legalised all religions. disappeared in 323. From 317 a sign of love for and union with This made life much easier for the Constantine’s armies had to carry the Roman Church, which, as St Church. the Chi Rho imperial standard. Ignatius of Antioch says, “presides The Laterani palace had been The State began to recognise in charity” over the whole Catholic the site of the barracks of judgements made by bishop’s communion (Romans 1:1). Maxentius’ bodyguard. tribunals. For over a thousand years the Constantine confiscated the site The Christianisation of pagan Next to the formal entrance is the archbasilica’s declaration to be the Lateran was the popes’ centre of and demolished the buildings. He society began. Places of worship head, or Mother Church, of the entire world. Note the laurel wreath and the papal tiara. operations. Five Church Councils awarded the area to the local multiplied. Soon Rome had 40 were held there. The Vatican was bishop, Miltiades, the first pope Christian basilicas, on the slaveowners’ rights to punish their them to hand over their churches. but an out-of-town second home, not to be martyred: all his 28 rectangular ground plan, usually slaves, and protected slaves’ home This resulted in pitched battles and beside Peter’s tomb. Only after the predecessors, bar perhaps one, had with colonnaded aisles and eastern life, forbidding the separation of bloodshed. Eventually in 321, the pope’s return from Avignon was been put to death for Christ. Here apses. Especially notable were families. authorities issued an edict of the Vatican rebuilt, refurbished, began the building of the Basilica those over the graves of St Peter He made unilateral divorce more tolerance. and made their primary residence. of St John the Baptist. Pope and St Paul. difficult, and prohibited married Although tolerant towards “the Amidst urban unrest, it was Miltiades, an African, died in 314, In 318, he prohibited private men from keeping concubines. erring” old pagans, Constantine deemed safer from attacks by so it was Pope Sylvester I who sacrifices, magic and the reading Prison conditions were improved. issued an edict against heretics Roman mobs. The Rome diocese was most to benefit from the of entrails in private houses. In There was state aid for from Christianity: Valentinians, still has its Curia in the Lateran Emperor’s goodwill towards 321, Sunday became a weekly day impoverished parents and for Marcionites, Paulicians and Palace. Christians. of rest: “All judges and city people indebted farmers. Activities of Kataphrygians had their churches The Lateran takes us back to a Now some extreme Protestants, and the craftsmen shall rest.” debt collectors were limited. The confiscated and handed over to the crucial epoch in Church history: Restorationist groups and the although country farmers might death sentence came in for those Catholics. The Catholic episcopate the victory of Constantine and the Jehovah’s Witnesses peddle a false still work. who abducted and raped virgins, or would assume some of the power legalisation of Christianity. The version of history. They allege that He prohibited the killing of tutors who seduced their young of the old pagan aristocracy. night before the crucial battle of the Catholic Church is a semi- human beings by wild animals or pupils. Further disturbance came from the Milvian Bridge, 28th October pagan sect founded by gladiators in the arenas. Christians could now rise to Alexandria. The preaching of the 312, Constantine had his vision or Constantine, who then began Crucifixion as a method of capital high posts in the administration, as priest Arius was disturbing the dream of the Cross or the Chi Rho persecuting true Christianity – punishment was forbidden. Consuls, Prefects and heading the peace. He taught that Jesus was in the sky, with the message: “In which they fortuitously Condemned criminals must not be Praetorian Guard. Significantly, only a super-being created in time, this sign shall ye conquer.” rediscovered 16 centuries later. It branded on the face, “for the face Constantine had his children not co-equal but inferior to the He ordered his soldiers to mark is nonsense, but millions believe it. of man is made in the image of the educated as Christians. His Father, even if poetically speaking this sign upon their shields or So it is important that we as divine beauty.” The Jews were religious revolution was intended “divine”– a belief held today by uniforms. The next day, his army Catholics know some historical forbidden to punish by stoning any to be permanent. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unitarians was victorious over the far larger facts about Constantine’s reign. of their brethren who converted to Social cohesion was a major and some Oneness Pentecostals. forces of his rival Maxentius. Constantine moved slowly at Christianity. concern. Christians now formed a Therefore Constantine Constantine entered the city in first. He gave to priests of “the He did not abolish slavery, but considerable proportion of the summoned the Council of Nicaea triumph. Imagine the shock of the Very Holy Catholic Church” the facilitated the manumission Empire’s population. Unrest within in 325 AD. Some 318 bishops pagan aristocrats and priests, when same tax breaks as the pagan (setting free) of slaves. He limited the Church was bad for society in attended, from all over the Empire general. and beyond. They condemned In North Africa the Donatist sect Arius’ ideas by 316 votes to two, refused to readmit any Christians and exiled him to Illyria. They who had yielded under the gave us the Nicene Creed. Another persecutions of Diocletian, by Council at Constantinople in 381 surrendering the holy books to amplified this, to clarify the magistrates searching the divinity of the Holy Spirit, churches. They were condemned resulting in the standard Sunday as apostate “traditores.” The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Donatists taught that any The dedication of the Lateran sacraments celebrated by such recalls this turning point in history, clergy were null and void. when Constantine began to Rome proved more merciful, and Christianise the Roman Empire. insisted that reconciliation was He allowed the Church to emerge possible. Constantine said it was from the catacombs and take a his duty “to exterminate errors and leading role in society. Later, in staunch all follies, and so see to it 380, by the Edict of Thessalonica, that all men profess the true Emperor Theodosius declared religion in open harmony, offering Catholicism the official state Almighty God due worship.” In religion, and banned the pagan 317, he enacted severe laws rituals. The wheel had come full The Battle of the Milvian Bridge (1520–24) by Giulio Romano against the Donatists and ordered circle. CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20 23 www.thecatholicuniverse.com

MARIAN DEVOTION

Presentation Sister Carrie Link poses for a photo last month while holding an icon she created entitled Mary, Undoer of Knots. (CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit)

Mary, Undoer of Knots seen as offering hope amid tangled reality of pandemic

to the prayer and art of opened her gift. Barb Umberger iconography in 1995. As someone who has In a year when a pandemic has She learned of this icon experienced, from a young age, entangled lives across the globe, prototype in a class conducted by very difficult situations with Presentation Sister Carrie Link iconographer Debra Korluka at the family members and the painted an icon that may help Basilica of Mary in Minneapolis heartbreak of infertility, Lanette Catholics straighten them out. this past March, and then knows about the need for healing. The icon – and a devotion – is commenced making her own. She also knows to turn to Mary’s called Mary, Undoer of Knots. Working on it as she had time, she intercession in times of need. People needn’t be alone in finished it in June. The Aitchisons have a statue of untangling life’s “knots,” she said. “It’s like a rich gold mine when Mary on their deck, overlooking a “We lean into the heart of Mary, you talk about iconography,” Sr koi pond. “Often, when someone our Blessed Mother, who, through Carrie said, noting her is struggling, we invite the person her intercession with her son, appreciation for “the history, how to sit by our pond,” Lanette said. loosens them and gives us hope.” (the icons) came to be stories, how “Mary has special healing Sr Carrie said the devotion to each person is drawn to them in powers.” Mary, Undoer of Knots – also different ways and which aspect of The Aitchisons are narrowing known as Our Lady, Untier of a particular icon seems to speak to options for the best place for the Knots – originated in the time of them, how people like to sit in icon to adorn their home and St Irenaeus in the second century. their presence.” inspire. One thing they know for “He wrote of how Mary, ‘the Working on Mary, Undoer of sure is that it is meant to be shared. second Eve,’ untied the knots Knots gave Sister Carrie hope and “It would be selfish not to share handed down to us by our first confidence that Mary will untie it with other people,” Lanette said. parents,” she said. the knots that bind humanity and “You never know when something Pope Francis is among its fans. bring people to freedom and like that is going to speak to When the pope was a student in harmony. somebody. I want her to be shared Germany, Sr Carrie said he was “Writing” is the proper way to and be out where people can see taken by a 17th-century painter, describe what the iconographer her.” Johann Melchior Schmidtner, and does, Sr Carrie said, but Lanette said she wants to share one painting in particular. It recalls acknowledged that those the icon because Mary is so an image that St Irenaeus unfamiliar with the term are used generous and has given up so described – showing Mary untying to works of art being “painted.” much. “I’m getting emotional knots. One reason writing is used is thinking about what she did Sr Carrie, 79, is semi-retired but because icons have been described because she gave up her son. I works at two parishes. She leads as Scripture in visual form. Sr want to give her up so other people formation for the Rite of Christian Carrie creates icons in the acrylic can enjoy her.” Initiation of Adults at St Henry in method, she said. Lanette got to know Sr Carriein Monticello, Minnesota, USA and, Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is 2014 when she started the RCIA one day a week, oversees liturgy at about the 10th icon Sr Carrie has process to become Catholic. “She Our Lady of the Lake in Mound, made. She has kept some and forever, ever, ever touched my Minnesota. She spends much of parted with others. life,” Lanette said. “She is her free time painting. Brent Aitchison, a parishioner at definitely a spiritual mentor for Sr Carrie studied and practised St Henry, bought the icon from Sr me.” various forms of art for many Carrie as a present for his wife, Not one to “retire herself” or her years – from classical realism to Lanette, on her 60th birthday in brush, Sr Carrie presently is still life and portrait work, using September. Lanette was taken by painting Andrei Rublev’s icon of various media. She was introduced complete surprise when she the Holy Trinity. 24 HIDDEN GEMS CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

Fr Michael Collins Take in the beauty of Cordoba’s 14th century synagogue

The synagogue hasn’t been used as a place of The Synagogue of Cordoba from the air. worship since the expulsion of Jews in 1492. Judaism dates to sometime in the membership, however loosely, of important within Islamic culture. second millennium BC, but its some formal religious system. The Muslim control soon extended to I stepped from the strong sunlight religion respected the other. origins can only be guessed at to remaining 16 per cent is made up almost the entire Hispanic of Cordoba into the small Indeed, it was closer to benign the nearest century or so. of agnostics and atheists, who peninsula. Factions formed and synagogue whose white-washed toleration among the Children of Christianity, on the other hand, is espouse no particular belief even between themselves peace walls were intricately decorated Abraham rather than fraternal clearly dated to the first century system. rarely lasted long. The Almoravid with lacelike plaster. The sun good feeling. Jesus of Nazareth. Islam also has a So, back to Cordoba. In 711, dynasty was established between beams fell across the walls in Abraham is a partly mythical precise starting date in the life and Muslim armies swept westwards 1086 and 1147 while the globes of dappled light. figure for Jews, Christians and activity of Muhammed (c.570-632 across the north of Africa. The Almohads rose to prominence until The single chamber was built by Muslims. He appears in the AD). Judaism and Christianity commanders took advantage of 1212 when Christian opposition to a wealthy merchant of Cordoba in religious texts of all three broadly follow the decalogue, or internal squabbles between Muslim rule in Spain gathered 1315. The town’s Jews were religions, not as a founder of a Ten Commandments to which Persians, Byzantines and Romans. strength. By the mid-13th century integrated well with their Muslim faith, but as one who responded to Islam adds the “Five Pillars.” The Roman empire in the west, Christians rebelled against Muslim and Christian neighbours. a call to commit his life to God. The five precepts lie at the base comprising most of modern-day rule and in 1492, the Nazid dynasty It is something of a myth to say The scriptural texts report of Islamic reaching. Followers of Europe had collapsed in 476 with based in Granada submitted to that in medieval Spain Jews, conversations between God and Islam are asked to make a the deposition of the last emperor King Ferdinand and Queen Isobel Christians and Muslims got on Abraham, when the latter was profession of faith in Allah, to pray of the West. of Castile and Aragon. well together, indeed, to see it as assured that his descendants would five times a day, to give alms, to The Goths, a Germanic tribe, Although the Muslims came as something of a Golden Age. The be as numerous as the stars in the fast and to make a pilgrimage to had entered the vacuum caused by violent conquerers, Spain, and truth of the matter is that the three sky and the grains of sand on the Mecca. the withdrawal of the Roman and consequently Europe would have groups got on only insofar as each shore. Muslims belong to various established their own local been immeasurably poorer without groups, but broadly fall into the kingdoms. The Visigoths in Spain their presence. They brought a new majority Sunni (which account for converted to Catholicism in the language, introducing “zero” into almost 90 per cent of Muslims) late 580s and by 625 had expelled mathematics, portolan maps, and Shia (which comprises the the Byzantines from southern irrigation, hydraulics, herbal remaining number). Spain. But they had little time to remedies, textiles such as cotton All three religious originated in enjoy their hegemony for when the and even dried fruit and nuts. what we commonly call the Muslim army led by Tariq ibn The year 1492 was a landmark “Middle East” made up in part of Ziyad crossed the straits of year. The Jews and Muslims were modern day Palestine, Israel and Gibraltar in 711, the days of the expelled from their territories or Saudi Arabia. Today followers of Visigoths were numbered. required to convert by the newly- all three religions are dispersed Within five years, and after established Christian rulers. That throughout the world. bloody battles, most of southern was the era of the Spanish The population distribution is Spain was under Muslim rule. The Inquisition, a vile attempt to unequal. Judaism accounts for 0.18 Umayyad Caliphate was suppress the rights of people to per cent of the world’s population, established and opened up a worship according to their Islam for 24 per cent and corridor for north Africans, conscience. It led to a shameful Christianity for 31 per cent. But notably Berbers, to migrate into a period in both Spanish and within that number there are new and fertile peninsula. The Catholic history. hidden statistics. Islam is growing Umayyad Caliphate did not last Columbus “discovered” the rapidly. In 2010, the Islamic long as in 750, it was overthrown Americas in that year. Many population was 1.6 billion and by by the Abbasids, a prominent Arab celebrate the voyages but the truth 2030, that number is expected to family. is that they led to centuries of grow to 2.2 billion. This is an The Umayyad remnant withdrew exploitation by Portugal and average annual increase of 1.5 per to Cordoba, where they established Spain, cross infections and cent for Muslims as against 0.7 per their power over Jews and generations of evil slavery. cent for non-Muslims. The number Christians, obliging them to pay Europe and the Americas would of Christians, at 2.3 billion in a the jizya, or annual tax, from certainly have made contact at global population of 7.8 billion, is which Muslims were exempt. some stage, if not in 1492. As I also expanding, but more slowly. Jews formed a tiny portion of the stood in the synagogue, I That said, it is curious to think population of Spain, but Muslims wondered what course history The niche containing the hekhal (Torah ark) that some 84 per cent of the respected them as the descendants would have taken if Judaism had on the eastern wall of the synagogue. world’s population professes of Abraham. Succession is very become the state religion of Spain. CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20 25

Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress

SUNDAY WORSHIP We must be ready to meet the Lord when he comes

If we hope in the resurrection, despite our grieving we have hope. The hopefulness of Wisdom is given sharper focus by St Paul, who says that all we have lost will be restored when Jesus returns in glory.

1st Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16 In praise of Wisdom, which is easily discerned by those who love her. Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her. One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate. To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding; one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.

Responsorial: from Psalm 62:2-8 R./: My soul is thirsting for you O Lord my God. O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. trumpet, will descend from heaven, Life after Death? of earthly pursuits and possessions, of a loved one is a natural reaction, My body pines for you and the dead in Christ will rise first. Our present-day western there is in human beings a God- but rather not to be like others, who like a dry, weary land Then we who are alive, who are left, civilisation derives, in great part, given yearning for something have no hope. The necessity of without water. (R./) will be caught up in the clouds from Greek, Roman and Jewish deeper, especially for the meaning losing somebody in death causes us So I gaze on you in the sanctuary together with them to meet the Lord cultures. But in attitudes, in ancient of all experience and all time. And anguish, but hope consoles us. Our to see your strength in the air; and so we will be with the times, towards life after death, there God is the only one who is wise, the human frailty is tried by the one, but and your glory. Lord forever. Therefore encourage could be no greater gap between, on only one who knows. our faith is strengthened by the For your love is better than life, one another with these words. the one hand, the Graeco-Roman In a chapter full of vivid imagery, other. The liturgy this month asks us my lips will speak your praise. tradition, and on the other, the the author of Ecclesiastes describes to respond in two practical ways. (R./) Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13 Jewish tradition. In particular, when how, without being touched in the Firstly, it tells us to be prepared, not So I will bless you all my life, We must be ready to meet the confronted with the inevitability of least by the passing of man to his to let things go too late. No tolling in your name I will Lord when he comes. death, the response of the person eternal abode, the things of nature funeral bell can cause greater lift up my hands. Jesus told this parable to his without faith was, and today is, one carry on with their own pursuits. anguish than the words “too late.” My soul shall be filled disciples: “The kingdom of heaven of despair. Even those who mourn the passing Those who live all their lives close as with a banquet, will be like this. Ten bridesmaids On a pagan tombstone from the from this life of one of their own are to Christ will never be unprepared to my mouth shall praise took their lamps and went to meet classical period can be read the already walking to and fro in the enter his presence, will be with you with joy. (R./) the bridegroom. Five of them were grim inscription: “I was not, I street before, as the writer says, “the Christ even in death, and will finally On my bed I remember you. foolish, and five were wise. When became; I am not, I care not.” silver cord is snapped, or the golden share in his glorious resurrection. On you I muse through the night the foolish took their lamps, they Essentially it means: “When you’re lamp (of life) is broken, or before Secondly, it invites us to assist with for you have been my help; took no oil with them; but the wise dead, you’re dead!” In similar vein, the dust returns to the earth from our prayers those who have gone in the shadow of your took flasks of oil with their lamps. the Roman lyric poet, Horace, who whence it came, and the spirit to before us. wings I rejoice. (R./) As the bridegroom was delayed, died the year Christ was born, had God who gave it.” There is some St Monica was always anxious to all of them became drowsy and slept. this advice for the reader: “Enjoy element in each person which this be buried alongside her husband, 2nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians But at midnight there was a shout, the present day, and trust in world is not worthy to retain; it is of but when she was dying at Ostia, the 4:13-18 ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! tomorrow as little as you can.” God, and after its sojourn here it port of Rome, she made this last We should not grieve as others Come out to meet him.’ Then all (Carpe diem, quam minimum returns to God. request to her son, Augustine: “Lay do who have no hope. those bridesmaids got up and credula postero). No wonder then The greatest change in attitude to this body anywhere,” she said, “let But we do not want you to be trimmed their lamps. The foolish that he motto of the time was: “Eat, life hereafter came about with belief it not be a care to you. This only I uninformed, brothers and sisters, said to the wise: ‘Give us some of drink, and be merry, for tomorrow in the resurrection of Christ. “For ask of you, that you would about those who have died, so that your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ we die.” us,” St Paul wrote to the Philippians remember me at the Lord’s altar you may not grieve as others do But the wise replied, ‘No! there will In the Jewish tradition, belief in 3:20), “our homeland is in heaven, wherever you may be.” We too who have no hope. For since we not be enough for you and for us; you resurrection after death did not gain and from heaven comes the Saviour should keep in mind that in death believe that Jesus died and rose had better go to the dealers and buy acceptance until the first century we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus life is changed, not ended. This is again, even so, through Jesus, God some for yourselves.’ And while they before Christ. But there was belief Christ, and he will transfigure these our Christian hope; this is our God- will bring with him those who have went to buy it, the bridegroom came, in a shadowy existence of the lowly bodies of ours into copies of given trust. died. For this we declare to you by and those who were ready went with departed in a place called Sheol, his own glorious body.” We should the word of the Lord, that we who him into the wedding banquet; and where they could neither know God not therefore, he tells us in the I Published by kind permission of are alive, who are left until the the door was shut. Later the other nor praise him. If we take the Book liturgy today, remain without The Association of Catholic coming of the Lord, will by no bridesmaids came also, saying: of Ecclesiastes, for example, written understanding concerning those Priests, an association for means precede those who have ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he about 300 BC, we find its author close to us who have passed away. Catholic Priests who wish to have died. a forum, and a voice to reflect, replied: ‘Truly I tell you, I do no agreeing, yes, there can be a certain We should not grieve as others do, discuss and comment on issues For the Lord himself, with a cry know you.’ Keep awake therefore, happiness in eating, drinking and who have no concept of eternal life. affecting the Church and society of command, with the archangel’s for you know neither the day nor the being content with one’s work while Note, he does not tell us to avoid today. See www.associationof call and with the sound of God’s hour.” on earth, but because of the futility all sorrow, for sorrow over the death catholicpriests.ie 26 CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

HEART OF THE MATTER Raised in Buddhist Vietnam, nuns share who inspired their vocations

Joachim Pham Mary of the Immaculate 200 Catholics who lived among Conception and its Committee for 10,000 people, many of them Vietnam’s Thua Thien Hue Charity. following Buddhism, province is predominantly “I have one brother and one Confucianism and Taoism. Buddhist, but Catholic sisters who sister, and we are from a Cham “Now I serve as head of the work there inspire followers of ethnic family (of Malay- community with four sisters in Phu other faiths to be interested in Polynesian origins) based in Ninh Vang district. We look after 40 Catholic religious life through the Thuan province,” she told Global children under the age of six from example of their pastoral care and Sisters Report. “My family local families, and 10 pregnant services. originally embraced Brahmanism, women who were abandoned by In the past five years, 11 women or Hinduism, which is a dominant their boyfriends. We also do some from other faiths embraced religion among local Cham pastoral work at the local parish. Catholicism and joined four local communities. “I am happy to be a Catholic nun congregations – the Sisters of St “When I was a child, I had poor and bring God’s love to poor Paul de Chartres, Daughters of health and ailments. My mother people.” Our Lady of the Visitation, asked local shamans to heal me, Sister Ephrem Nguyen Thi Luu, Daughters of Mary of the but my health did not improve. 76, is a St Paul de Chartres nun Immaculate Conception, and “In 1995, I was sent to study at a based in Hue. Lovers of the Holy Cross – high school in Ho Chi Minh City “I was born in a Buddhist family according to statistics from Hue and lived at my oldest sister’s in Hue City,” she told Global Archdiocese. home. I was impressed at the way Sisters Report. “My parents had Catholicism is seen as a foreign two sisters from the Bethany two sons and me, their only religion in Vietnam, with 52,000 community of the Daughters of daughter.” followers among the population of Mary of the Immaculate ... visited Sr Ephrem said she had musical 1.3 million in Thua Thien Hue us and offered free scholarships to talent, so “in 1957 my parents sent province, according to Church my nieces and me. In return, we me to study at a school run by De statistics. There are about seven also attended Christmas and other Sister Lucia Nguyen Thi Nong, a Daughter of Our Lady of the Visitation, La Salle Brothers after I had million Catholics in Vietnam, feasts at the community as a way is pictured in a file photo offering milk to orphans in Hue, Vietnam. finished at another school run by which has a population of about 98 to show our gratitude to the nuns. (CNS photo/Joachim Pham, Global Sister Report) St Paul de Chartres sisters. I had million. “I was happy to be admitted into Catholicism and follow the nuns. nuns and five men following the opportunities to learn basic Three sisters who have their the nuns’ hostel in May 1996 after “Hearing of my conversion, priesthood,” she said. catechism and attend Eucharistic origins in other religions recently my eldest sister was unemployed many of my relatives were shocked Sister Lucia Nguyen Thi Nong, Adoration. I had many close talked with Global Sisters Report and unable to continue supporting and kept themselves far away from 64, a Daughter of Our Lady of the friends who were Catholics. We about their admiration for what me. me. When I returned to my village Visitation, is based in the Luong played musical instruments, sang sisters have done for them and “Since then, I was interested in that summer, local shamans Van community at Phu Vang hymns and danced to celebrate others. They tell why they were the new religion, learned how to dropped my name out of the district. Christmas. In my dreams, Jesus inspired to convert to Catholicism, pray from the nuns and, village list and threatened not to “I am from a Buddhist family and poor people visited me. pursue religious vocations and consequently, my ailments hold rites for my family members’ with five members in Huong Tra “Three years later, when I was commit to people in need. disappeared. Seeing my funeral anniversaries or our district. After my father was killed 16, I decided to follow Sister Joanna Tra Thi Quanh, 41, improvements, blissfully, my harvests.” by communist guerrillas in 1967, Catholicism, and my parents were is a member of the Daughters of family allowed me to embrace Sr Joanna went to college in Hue my family and many local people in complete agreement with me. I in 1997 and joined the ran nearly nine miles to Hue City wished to serve people in need, so congregation’s motherhouse based and we stayed at our relatives’ I joined the St Paul de Chartres in the city. Her mother and siblings house. sisters based in Da Nang City in attended her first vows in “We decided to convert to 1963. December 2000. Later, she spent a Catholicism after we were given “I have served marginalised month visiting with her family. free food and education by the people since 1973. I offer food, “In 2008, my parents and aunt’s Daughters of Our Lady of the clothes and other basic supplies to family with four members joined Visitation sisters. A Catholic ethnic patients at local hospitals, the religion. Months later, my benefactor helped us to buy a elderly people without relatives, mother informed me that many of house, where my family has lived and children from families who her relatives also converted to her until now. live on boats in rivers. We hold new religion,” she told Global “On 31st May, 1974, I attended courses in basic education for 200 Sisters Report. celebrations to mark the 50th illiterate children who sell “I worked with ethnic groups in anniversary of the congregation’s newspapers, polish shoes and Gia Lai province from 2005 to establishment. I was inspired by collect used items for a living. 2015, when I was assigned to the sisters’ consecrated life and Some also collect algae and catch serve people in the mountainous decided to follow them. I took my fish in rivers to make money. district of A Luoi in Thua Thien first vows in 1977 and the final “Many children are given Hue province. vows three years later. vocational skills – repairing “Other sisters and I quietly visit “Three sisters and I motorbikes, making shop farmers in need, especially Pako were assigned to the windows and and Van Kieu ethnic groups, and convent in Kim Doi, embroidering.” share food, clothes and the cradle of the Sr Ephrem (pictured scholarships with them when they congregation. We left) said she felt suffer illnesses, lose crops or are repaired the building, “special love from hit by natural disasters. which was ruined in God when my parents “Loving and serving other the (Vietnam) War, converted to my religion people, especially disadvantaged cultivated crops and raised in 1984. In my experience, Sister Joanna Tra Thi Quanh, centre, a member of the Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, welcomes Catholic women to a groups, is the core of our religion. poultry for a living. We held we should respond positively celebration marking Mother’s Day at her congregation house in Hue, “I am happy that we have some catechism courses for catechumen to God’s call, and then he will care Vietnam in May. (Catholic News Serive photo/Peter Nguyen, Global Sister Report) 250 Cham Catholics, including 15 and offered pastoral care to some for you and your families.” CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20 27

www.thecatholicuniverse.com Questions and answers... with Fr Francis Doyle Can you change your child’s godparents?

Q. I was wondering whether At the height of the pandemic in has passed away, but she had do attend (especially cheating taught you.” you’re allowed to change your March 2020, the Vatican did married again and I don’t even husbands) and priests who have He did something else instead. child’s godparents and, if so, announce that, in places know her marriage name. abused children. They know that He said this: “Come together and how to go about it and have it particularly hard hit by the Our local deacon has told me I go to church every week and I support each other’s faith. Tell be acceptable to the Church. coronavirus, conditions might exist that since she has died, there is feel that I should speak up, but I stories about me and share your The situation is this: When we to grant general absolution to the no need for an annulment, but don’t know what to say. Can you memories of me. And then have a chose our daughter’s faithful without their personally that I have to prove she is dead tell me in simple words how to meal together. I will actually be godparents they were Catholic confessing their sins first, in cases either by a death certificate or explain it, or should I just keep the food for that meal, and this will and went to church. But over of grave necessity. an obituary. But since it was so my mouth shut since they are strengthen you to live the way I the years, they stopped going to Determination of what long ago, I can find neither one. probably not going to change taught you – until the day when church, and I’m not even sure constitutes this grave necessity I feel like I’m in a Catch-22 their ways anyhow? we’ll all be together again in the that they still consider would be the responsibility of the position. What can I do? A. The obligation to participate kingdom of my Father.” themselves Catholic. diocesan bishop. The justifying A. Not to worry. Fortunately, the in the Mass on Sundays and holy That’s the Mass – and that’s why My daughter will soon be situations envisioned by the Church’s Code of Canon Law has days of obligation is one of the I like it and need it. receiving her First Communion, Vatican were, though, limited – the already envisioned a situation such commandments of the Church. For and she has begun to ask example offered was at the as you describe. Canon 1707 some people, this is enough. They Q. My goddaughter is questions about her godparents. entrance to hospital wards where provides that the diocesan bishop understand Mass attendance as a considering marrying a man I would like to be able to tell her faithful in danger of death were can issue a declaration of rule of membership; just as with who will not get married in the that they are faithful religious confined. presumed death, which would then any other organisation, for the Catholic Church and says that people who are setting a good The Vatican department making free you and your new wife to privilege of calling themselves their children will not be raised example for her, but I can’t that announcement – the Apostolic repeat your marriage vows in the Catholic they agree to be guided Catholic. If she does this, can she honestly say that. It’s further Penitentiary, which deals with presence of a priest and at a by a certain code of conduct. still attend Mass and participate complicated by the fact that my matter of conscience – also noted Catholic Mass. In your own situation, though, I in the sacraments? son’s godparents are very strong that where the faithful find The bishop, however, could do think a different approach might be A. First, I must ask for a Catholics, and my daughter themselves in ‘the painful so only after having done more persuasive. Best of all would clarification. Is the man objecting wants to know why her own impossibility of receiving ‘appropriate investigations’ and be for you to tell your family what simply to their wedding taking godparents are not like his. Any sacramental absolution’, they can having reached ‘moral certitude’ you feel you get from going to place in a Catholic church setting, advice as to what I might do? make an act of contrition directly of the death of your first wife. That Mass – that it helps to calm you, or is he refusing to be married in a A. You are not allowed to to God in prayer. If they are investigation would include comfort you, centre you; that it ceremony approved by the change your daughter’s sincere and promise to go to gathering testimony from guides you and strengthens you in Catholic Church? The reason for godparents. They are the ones who sacramental confession as soon as witnesses. the way you live your life during my question is this: Since the man served as official witnesses to her possible, the penitentiary noted, So think back to how you the rest of the week; that you value is presumably not a Catholic, they baptism and the ones who, at the they can ‘obtain the forgiveness of learned about the death of your the Eucharist so much that you could meet with a priest and apply time, along with the parents, asked sins, even mortal sins’. first wife – who told you about it, wouldn’t deprive yourself of it no for permission to be married to have the child baptised into the Individual confession is the where did you read it, how many matter how unfaithful any other someplace other than a Catholic Church. Their names are inscribed ordinary way of celebrating the people knew about it? And then Catholic had been. church – a non-denominational on your daughter’s baptismal sacrament of penance, and the try to contact witnesses – I would Personally, as a believer in Jesus, venue, for example, or even a certificate and in the parish’s Church has always valued the think at least two, other than it means a lot to me that the secular one. baptismal registry, and history personal contact between the priest yourself – who would be willing to Eucharist was the one way Christ But if he refuses even to do that, cannot be undone. and the penitent. speak to the bishop and attest to said he wanted his memory kept then their marriage would not be However, you understand your first wife’s passing. alive. When Christ was about to recognised by the Catholic Church correctly the proper role of Q. I am 69-years-old and a new die, he could have said this to the as a valid one – which would mean godparents, which is to assure the Catholic. My wife and I would Q. When our family members apostles, his closest friends: “I that your goddaughter would no religious and spiritual like to restate our vows in a get together, Mass attendance don’t want you to forget me when longer be eligible to receive Holy development of the child, Catholic Mass. However, I was always seems to come up. Most I’m gone. So every once in a Communion in the Catholic particularly if anything should previously married 40 years ago of them don’t go, and they cite while, go into your room, close the Church although she could and happen to the parents. You could for a short time. My first wife reasons such as hypocrites who door and say in private the prayer I should continue to attend Mass. ask someone else to step into that In applying for that permission, role, perhaps a trusted friend or she would have to promise to family member who might serve as continue to observe her own an example of religious fidelity Catholic faith and practise and – in and help guide your daughter’s the language of Canon 1125 – growth as a Catholic. ‘make a sincere promise to do all in…her power so that all offspring Q. With the Covid-19 are baptised and brought up in the restrictions, why doesn’t the Catholic Church’. Of course, this bishop of our diocese offer must be interpreted within the general absolution for all those context of the marriage covenant, unable to come to church? Our and if her husband simply refuses, church building is so small that she is not compelled to do the only about 25 to 50 parishioners impossible. can fit in for Mass – and then, Your question makes me only with a reservation. Many wonder, though, whether – with are reluctant to come during the such a fundamental disagreement pandemic, and the elderly and – the marriage itself is such a good the sick in particular are anxious idea and whether the forecast to receive the sacrament of might be for continual struggle and reconciliation. strife. There is, after all, nothing A. As I respond to this question, more basic than our understanding received in mid-October of 2020, of why we are here on this earth, most parishes I know of have what God wants for us and how we already resumed – although on a Couples renew their marriage vows after 50 see our responsibilities to the more limited basis – a regular years of marriage at St Mary’s Cathedral in divine. schedule of weekend Masses, Peoria, Illinois, USA, on 13th September. Bishop Daniel Jenky called the couples “our heroes” for together with opportunities for I Please note that Fr Doyle cannot parishioners to receive the their daily witness to love and the Catholic faith. (CNS photo/Tom Dermody, The Catholic Post) answer readers’ personal sacrament of penance. questions through this column. 28 CatholicTIMES supplement 06.11.20

Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress FAITH ALIVE Fratelli Tutti: Being a good neighbour

Daniel Mulhall shown dignity and respect because society as a whole, it notes that we they are human beings, not as individual Christians and our Pope Francis, in his new encyclical because of anything they do, who parish communities have an Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and they are or what their social status obligation to “take an active part in Social Friendship, explores what it is. If we treat others with dignity renewing and supporting our means to be a good neighbour. and respect, the pope argues, we troubled societies,” a responsibility Reflecting on the parable of the can expect interdependence and to “bear the pain of other people’s Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), creativity to thrive. troubles rather than fomenting the pope explains the importance The second central theme is that greater hatred and resentment” of caring for others to build we are defined by how we treat (No. 77). healthy relationships within those in the greatest need: people families and communities, and who are poor, homeless, elderly, Here are a few suggestions to then in our cities, nations and immigrants, those who live with implement this teaching: world. disabilities, those who are ill, and • Read the encyclical as a The ultimate goal of the those who have no voice. group and discuss it. It is written encyclical is to promote peace and To accomplish these themes in an easy-to-read style that well-being for all. To do this “we Pope Francis encourages us to encourages conversation and need a community that supports create a culture of encounter, discussion. You don’t need an and helps us, in which we can help one where dialogue is prominent expert to “teach” it. Rather, use it one another to keep looking and where we develop an attitude as a vehicle to promote dialogue ahead” (No. 8). In this way we can that seeks to resolve conflicts and conversation that brings build dreams together. and care for others through different voices to the table where Pope Francis writes that the kindness. all will be heard and given encyclical is “an invitation to Fratelli Tutti defines dialogue as respectful consideration. dialogue among all people of a process that requires us to be goodwill” who live on the earth present to others, speak openly and • Start locally. What are the together as “a single family honestly, and then listen carefully. greatest needs of the people in dwelling in a common home” In this way we come to know and your community? Find ways to (Nos. 6, 17). understand one another and find give voice to the voiceless and This stained-glass window depicts the good Samaritan. Two central themes appear common ground. empower the powerless. Pope The 2,000-year-old parable of the Good Samaritan is the anchor of throughout the encyclical. The first While much of Fratelli Tutti is Francis calls these actions “acts the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship. is that all people deserve to be addressed to governments and of charity” (No. 186). (Catholic News service photo/Gene Plaisted, The Crosiers) • Take a stand against “narrow and violent racism, xenophobia and contempt, and even the mistreatment of those who are different” (No. 86). There is no room in our faith for such attitudes and behaviours, but it is up to us to call it out when we see or hear it.

• Use your resources to support those in need. Think of a hand up rather than a handout. The goal is to call forth the gifts in others that may be stifled or silenced, and to bring those gifts to the wider community. Get people working together side by side in pursuing goals that benefit everyone. Identify problems clearly, appreciate different solutions.

In the reflection on the Good Samaritan, Pope Francis challenges us to “seek out others and embrace the world as it is, without fear,” renouncing “pettiness and resentment” so that we can be “present to those in need of help” (Nos. 78, 81). To do this our action must foster openness and union with others through charity. As St John Paul II said repeatedly, “Be not afraid.”

A volunteer for the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) collects a food package a couple have donated to their local food bank. To implement the teaching of Pope Francis’ new encyclical Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship, start by serving the needs of your community. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 29 News

Your opinions: Letters to the Editor Lewis should be in pole We want to hear your views on the big Catholic issues. Write to: Joseph Kelly, Editor, The Universe, Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ position for knighthood E-mail: [email protected]. Please keep letters concise; we reserve the right to edit. Pro-life Poland is cardinal, there’s the proof, your churches are a vector for this dis- says ex-F1 ace Coulthard leading the world ease’ and that’s it. The recent ruling by Poland’s Con- But he hasn’t, has he. Rather, Nick Benson Portuguese Grand Prix, with the 35- stitutional Tribunal that the sec- Johnson has simply said ‘shut the Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton de- year old Mercedes driver looking set tion of the country’s 1993 abortion churches’ – just like a number of serves a knighthood for everything to break another of Schumacher’s law which allowed eugenic abor- other dictators have done in the he has achieved in the sport, former records of seven Formula One World tions is unconstitutional, as it dis- past. As far as I’m concerned, un- racing driver David Coulthard has Championships. criminates on the grounds of dis- less the Prime Minister can come said. Hamilton has previously spoken of ability, is a major victory for up with the proof that church at- Coulthard, who competed in 15 his admiration of Schumacher, who authentic human rights and tendance is encouraging the seasons of Formula One taking 13 is also a Catholic, saying he considers equality. spread of Covid-19, I say keep the Grand Prix victories and 62 podium the German the “greatest of all time”. Under Communism, abortion churches open. finishes, said he is puzzled as to why Hamilton has also previously on demand was legal in Poland, Maria Unsworth the six-time Formula One World opened up about his faith, saying he but since the end of Communist Birmingham Champion has not been recognised believes he has God’s protection every rule, the law has steadily turned in in the form of a knighthood. time he steps into his care. a pro-life direction. Protect vulnerable, Coulthard, a runner-up in the Driv- “Anything can happen any day, but Poland deserves to be com- ers’ World Championship for McLaren I feel God has his hand over me,” he mended for the court’s decision to save the economy back in 2001, said he couldn’t under- said. courageously vindicate the hu- It should by now be patently obvi- stand why Hamilton was so many “Every morning I have breakfast man rights of the disabled. ous who is in the greatest risk World Championships into his career and before I eat, I pray. So, whether In banning eugenic abortions, from Covid-19: the elderly and the and had yet to receive the recogni- it’s a couple of seconds, a minute or Poland has set an example for Eu- already sick and frail. These tion. whatever you are praying for, take rope, and the world, to follow. groups clearly need protecting, “He is a global ambassador for that moment. Nicola Daveron, and others who are vulnerable Britain,” Coulthard told BBC Radio 5 done something that would make him “I go with a couple of my close Chairperson, should be advised to stay at home. Live Breakfast. “We’ve got a true World not acceptable under the current reg- friends to church. We meet, we go for Galway For Life, Everyone else should get on with Championship in Formula One. We’ve ulations. breakfast and then we go to church Galway, their lives in a responsible man- got Lewis there, proudly holding the “I think he deserves it more than together. Ireland ner. Union Jack above his head everywhere some others,” he added. “We leave most often feeling en- We don’t want either a nanny and every time he has the opportunity Coulthard’s comments come after lightened and empowered. Sometimes state or a police state. to do so.” Hamilton, a devout Catholic, sur- you leave, and you are like ‘I didn’t Where’s the proof, Toby Stevens The former racing driver questioned passed Michael Schumacher’s all-time get that today’, but most of the time Prime Minister? Lytham St Annes the reason why Hamilton had not yet Formula One win record, taking his you leave and you are like. ‘Wow, I I cannot have been the only been knighted, asking whether he has 92nd career victory at last month’s know where I am going’.” Catholic horrified by the Prime Virus doesn’t Minister’s announcement that we are returning to lockdown, and have a calendar that as a result churches will be If we have to have a lockdown, Prayer and the forced to suspend Mass again. which I personally doubt it is im- My church is cavernous, capa- perative as we are being told, ble of sitting 300-400, but with re- what is the point of having it be- physio got me strictions has allowed in around fore Christmas, lifting it for fami- 40-50 in recent weeks. Father has lies to meet up at Christmas and worked tirelessly, putting on extra re-imposing it after Christmas? back fit says services, making sure everyone Sadly the virus does not know its who wants to can get to church, Christmas and we will simply see albeit sometimes not on their pre- numbers flare up again in January, Liverpool star ferred day, supported by an army forcing us back into a new lock- of volunteers. We have changed down in the new year. Nick Benson our lives, worn masks, made sure Anne Phillips, Liverpool FC goalkeeper Alisson Becker has we sanitise – but after all that we Ascot, Berkshire attributed his speedy return from injury to a are now told that is not enough for mixture of physio treatment and the power of a month, and we have to go with- Covid-19 is enemy, prayer. out Mass again. not the lockdown The 28-year-old Brazilian, who helped lead My spiritual life is as important As someone who saw at close Liverpool to their first Premier League title to me as the food I eat and water I quarters the devastation wrought last year, was told by doctors that he would be drink; it is part of who I am. I can in our hospitals in March through out of action for six weeks following a freak no sooner go without Mass than I to June, can I advise Catholics to training ground incident that resulted in can go without the other parts of take this latest lockdown on the damaged shoulder ligaments. life’s essentials. The initial lock- chin. No matter how bad the im- However, Alisson returned in half the time, down was a real struggle for me pact it will have on your life, it is featuring in the current champions’ starting and virtual Mass did not cut it. nothing as bad as the impact of line-up against Sheffield United on Saturday That’s why I ask, why are we be- Covid-19. 24th October. He played the full game, which ing picked on? Where’s the evi- Tom Bennett Liverpool won 2-1. dence that churches are a prob- Walsall Alisson attributed his recovery to his lem? Catholic faith – and hard work. “I pray a lot! I applaud Cardinal Nichols for Seriously, I pray a lot,” he said. “I also did a demanding sight of the science Sir Keir’s judge- lot of sessions of treatment,” the keeper behind this latest lockdown. How ment questioned added. “I was every day for five or six hours in many positive Covid cases have In the light of the Equality and the club doing treatment with the physios, been traced back to church? If the Human Rights Commission’s ver- working with the fitness department. Government is doing its job and dict on anti-Semitism within the “After two weeks, being together with the has set up the ‘world class track Labour Party, what does it say goalie coaches already, doing some catches, and trace system’ that Boris John- about Sir Keir Starmer and his not diving yet. After two-and-a-half weeks I son promised us in early summer, judgement, that he served in Je- started to dive and then there was with hard then all the answers will be at his remy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet for shooting, hard kicks, hard catches, diving, fingertips. He can just turn round three years during which the party full-range diving. Liverpool goalkeeper to the cardinal and say ‘X cases in was breaking the law? “I believe in my faith and obviously work- Alisson Becker. Manchester, X cases in Liverpool, Richard Guise ing hard helps me in this fast recovery.” Photo: Agencia de Noticias Andes X cases in Birmingham etc, sorry Bristol 30 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Vatican Insight

Brazilian court bans abortion St Charles offers 16th century group from calling itself response to a time of plague ‘Catholic’ northern Italy from 1576-1578 be- set the secular response to the dis- heard the Mass, and received the VATICAN came known as ‘St Charles Plague,’ ease. Their archbishop showed them Eucharist from the priests through A judge in Sao Paulo has ordered INSIGHT because the Cardinal Archbishop of the way forward in three ways. First, their home windows. The “plague of Catholics for the Right to Decide, a Milan, St Charles Borromeo, re- do not “neglect human means, such the soul,” Charles Borromeo said, is nongovernmental body linked to Mgr sponded to it, not by retreating, but as preventatives, remedies, doctors, far more pernicious than the “conta- the pro-abortion US group by “living with the odour of the everything that you can use to keep gion of the body.” Catholics For Choice, to remove the Anthony sheep.” off infection, for such means are in The “St Charles Plague” had word ‘Catholic’ from its name. Figuerido Most secular authorities and no way opposed to our doing our largely abated by Christmas of 1577. The judge said there is an incom- clergy, upon hearing the news of ris- duty.” Second, to his fear-stricken The holy Archbishop of Milan re- patibility between the NGO and the As I concelebrated the first Chrism ing infections and deaths in Milan, priests, he appealed “We have only flected by what means his flock had values adopted by the Catholic Mass of Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s fled the city for the safety of the sur- one life and we should spend it for not been further afflicted: “Not by Church. Basilica in March 2013, I was struck rounding countryside. But Charles Jesus Christ and souls, not as we our prudence, which was caught “In defending the right to decide by his words to priests to be shep- Borromeo went in the opposite di- wish, but at the time and in the way asleep. Not by science of the doctors on abortion, which the Church herds “living with the odour of the rection. He first prayed to God for God wishes. It would show pre- who could not discover the sources clearly and severely condemns, sheep.” wisdom, and then took himself into sumption and neglect of our duty of the contagion, much less a cure. there is a clear distortion and in- This week, on 4th November, we the heart of the city. His response to and God’s service to fail to do this.” Not by the care of those in authority compatibility of the name used in commemorate the Memorial of the few remaining government offi- Third, he led by example. He who abandoned the city. No, my relation to the purposes and con- Saint Charles Borromeo, who did cials, who asked him to take com- walked the streets, often barefoot dear children, but only by the mercy crete action of the association, just that during an epidemic that mand of the city, puts flesh on the and with a rope around his neck as a of God.” which directly violates morals and took the lives of 17,000 people out of act that priests and deacons make penance, and fed the penniless hun- As the whole of Europe enters yet good customs,” said Judge Jose a population of 120,000, including on their ordination day as they lie gry from his own resources. With another period of fear and uncer- Carlos Ferreira Alves. 120 priests. prostrate on the floor: “A long time prudence, he ordered the faithful tainty with the seemingly unrelent- The judge also said the associa- Charles Borromeo was named a ago I resolved never to leave undone not to assemble in crowds and to ing coronavirus pandemic and its tion “does not have authorisation cardinal by his uncle, Pope Pius IV, anything which might be for my avoid contact with each other. brutal effects on both body and to use the Catholic expression, at the age of just 22, even before he people’s good. I beg you, above all, Where these risks existed, priests spirit, the words of Pope Francis, ut- which is required by the code of was a priest. His brilliant, yet hum- not to lose heart. Do not be affected were not to cancel Masses, but hold tered in the empty, darkened and canon law.” The judge stipulated a ble mind made him a trusted collab- by the example of those born and them outdoors and even increase rain-swept Saint Peter’s Square last daily fine of approximately $175 if orator of both Pope Pius IV and his bred in the city who hurriedly aban- the number of liturgies. March, makes me reflect about what the group continues to use the ex- successor, Pope Pius V. He con- doned it by flight at the very mo- Catechism classes were moved to “living with the odour of the sheep” pression. tributed significantly to bringing to ment when it needed help.” street corners. As for those infected means. He said then: “You are call- The decision is the result of a suit completion the twice suspended Indeed, many priests in Milan by the plague, Masses were cele- ing on us to seize this time of trial as filed by Don Bosco Center, which Council of Trent, thus ensuring its were fleeing and in hiding, fearing brated each morning at 19 outdoor a time of choosing … a time to celebrated the decision on social defence of Church doctrine and its they might catch the disease or up- posts throughout the city. The sick choose what matters and what media. reforms in the face of the Protestant passes away, a time to separate what “The Church has always clearly Reformation. is necessary from what is not.” condemned abortion as a serious He was named Archbishop of Mi- sin to the fifth commandment of lan at the age of 26, the largest Ital- Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo the law of God ‘you shall not kill’,” ian diocese, and certainly among the has served in various capacities at said Pedro Affonseca, president of most corrupt at the time. He imme- With prudence, he ordered the faithful not to the Vatican and as a Spiritual the association. diately set about reforming the dio- Director for over 20 years. “This organisation, since its cre- cese, beginning with the clergy and assemble in crowds... the priests not to cancel He is a regular guest analyst of ation, bears the name ‘Catholic’ his own example to them. Masses, but hold them outdoors and even Church affairs for media networks next to the words ‘the right to de- The epidemic that swept through increase the number of liturgies.... throughout the world. cide,’ which means precisely its ‘‘ abortionist, murderous nature, promoter of the culture of death 13th-century mosaic of and abortion, that is unacceptable. the Good Shepherd seen It offends the Catholic faith, it of- in the Basilica of Santa fends God,” added Affonseca. Maria in Rome. The biblical metaphor of the “The well-reasoned decision Christian leader as a puts an end to decades of the abu- shepherd has taken on sive use of the name,” said Chris renewed emphasis with Tonietto, one of Brazil’s most vocal Pope Francis’ call for anti-abortion lawmakers. clergy to be “shepherds A spokesman for the Brazilian living with the smell of bishops’ conference said it had not sheep.” yet taken a position on the issue. Catholics for the Right to Decide was founded in Brazil in 1993 and is part of an international network of women’s organizations that de- fend the right to abortion in Latin America, the US and Europe. It said it had not been notified officially of the decision. “Catholics for the Right to De- cide-Brazil reiterates its commit- ment to democracy and human rights, especially with the sexual and reproductive rights of girls and women, so threatened in the cur- rent Brazilian political situation,” said a statement issued by the group. In Brazil, legal abortions are only allowed under three circumstances: pregnancy resulting from rape, risk to the life of the pregnant woman and anencephaly of the foetus. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 31 Sacred Treasures: Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst St John Henry Newman shines a light between Reformation and modernity Stefan Kaminski Last month, two important anniver- saries of English saints coincided. Oriel College, Oxford, where We saw the 50th anniversary of the St John Henry Newman (inset) canonisation of the Forty Martyrs of was elected Fellow in 1822. England and Wales, and we cele- brated the first anniversary of John Henry Newman’s canonisation. Although the martyrs and New- man lived and died several centuries apart, they are united by the experi- ence of the protestant Reformation and the ensuing split of the English state’s Church from the Catholic. However, they both experienced this split in rather different ways. The martyrs experienced it from without: being persecuted and exe- cuted for not adhering to the new, Protestant Church. Newman, as a member of that Protestant Church, experienced it from within; from there, finding his way to Catholicism. Although Newman was no longer subject to laws that penalised the practice of Catholicism in England, he was nonetheless ostracised fol- lowing his public conversion and lost – at least for a period – many of his friends. A large dose of prejudice and suspicion of Catholics remained from the Reformation era, and in this sense too, his experience was in continuity with the martyrs. However, Newman also faced a prejudice and suspicion from differ- ent quarters, which, in our turn, we can identify with, too. The philo- sophical current known as moder- nity had already taken root by New- man’s day. The ‘modern’ way of thinking rejected the possibility of acknowledging any religious belief the understanding that the meaning enough to hold one’s faith as an ab- imperfections that Newman saw transformed by what is true, and to be true. It declared, in the words of things is given by God; their exis- stract state of consciousness: Chris- vividly in the Catholic Church, he therefore to discover oneself ever of Newman, that “revealed religion is tence itself is guaranteed by God, tianity means “’looking to Jesus’ understood that these were not rele- more authentically. It is the same not a truth, but a sentiment and a rather than by the laws of nature (Heb 2:9) … and acting according to vant to the question of faith. For in freedom that the martyrs possessed taste; not an objective fact, not (which are themselves an expression His will.” It is a trusting in the Lord the Church, Newman saw the same in giving their lives readily for God, miraculous.” Modernity meant that of God’s will). And so, the second of to lead us concretely through along objectivity that he identified in God: the Church and their flock. It is a all interpretations of reality were Newman’s conversions is summed the path of life, perhaps best the reality of the Church as the real freedom that appears contradictory equally valid: meaning that none up in his insistence that it is not summed up by Newman’s hymn, and living, Body of Christ. The to the secular mind, which can only were ultimately true. In this milieu Lead, Kindly Light. Church, with its frail and human conceive of freedom as pure, un- of an increasingly secular culture The statue of Cardinal The third conversion was, in a outward appearance, is the real structured (and therefore meaning- and an embedded hostility to sense, the most difficult. If there was place of God’s presence, that the less) liberty. Catholicism, Newman found his way Newman in front of the Brompton Oratory, London a stigma attached to the rejection of Creator made for Himself upon en- St Newman thus retains an enor- to God and to the Church. his own Anglican Church, it was in- tering into the world. In that mous relevance to today’s Chris- It was not, as is often the case, a creasingly counter-cultural to pro- Church, Newman “found a power, a tians. He stands as a powerful re- simple and immediate conversion. fess adherence to the doctrines of resource, a comfort, a consolation in minder that authentically seeking Rather, as Pope Benedict XVI ob- the Catholic Church. As Benedict our Lord’s Real Presence, in com- God entails neither freedom from served when he beatified Newman, XVI noted, this step involved giving munion in His Divine and Human the Church nor freedom from religion. it consisted of three, distinct phases. up his rank, profession and many of Person, which all good Catholics in- • This article draws from a talk The first is, in part, a response to the his academic and personal ties; and deed have.” given by Dr. Giuseppe Pezzini’s on secular world: it is basically the yet Newman resolutely took this Contrary to what is sometimes, St Newman for The Christian thought that there exist “two and step in October 1845. If it was a step sceptically, asserted: becoming a Heritage Centre. It is accessible at two only absolute and luminously that involved a great interior strug- Catholic did not involve a handing www.christianheritagecentre.com/ self-evident beings, myself and my gle; it was also a step that finally over of his own powers of thinking media/sssm3newman/ Creator”. In effect, this was a conver- brought a peace to his mind. De- and autonomy. Becoming a Catholic Stefan Kaminski is Director at sion to a properly Christian way of spite the corruption, divisions and meant finding the freedom to be The Christian Heritage Centre thinking, which we are increasingly alienated from due to the contrary assumptions that secular thinking makes. For ‘modern man’, reality is How to support The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst defined by the empirical: that which science can tell us. For the Christian, The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst is a The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst has reality is defined by the spiritual: registered charity, established to increase access by built Theodore House to enable visitors, scholars, God and one’s soul. the Catholic community to the Stonyhurst parishes, schools and retreatants to deepen their This truth applies not only to our Collections. Christian faith. own, physical existence in this Images from the Collections are kindly Further details of how to support the project or to world, but also to every person reproduced by permission of the Society of Jesus book Theodore House are available from 01254 around us and, indeed, to the entire and Stonyhurst College. 827329. world that surrounds us. It leads to 32 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com

Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress AroundUniverse weekly pullout the Parishes CatholiC news and information from aCross the Uk and ireland £3m heritage fund gives church repair projects a much-needed boost

As reported in the 30th October is- sue of The Catholic Universe, 29 St Mary’s Great Yarmouth Grade I and Grade II* listed churches Below, the mural at St Mary’s has been suffering and cathedrals in England are to re- water damage due to a failed valley gutter. ceive £3m funding for repairs and Photo: Caroe Architecture Ltd restoration projects from the Gov- ernment’s Culture Recovery Fund. The grant programme is part of the Government’s Heritage Stimulus Fund, administered by Historic Eng- land and is aimed at supporting ma- jor repair projects which either stalled earlier this year because of Covid-19, or where loss of income due to many months of closure put urgently needed projects on hold. Architecturally outstanding Catholic churches and cathedrals are being supported across England, many in St Peter’s Gorleston areas of severe deprivation where Photo: Simon Knott funding for repairs is beyond the means of the local congregation. St John the Baptist Cathedral has Eric Gill, to its Heritage at Risk Reg- As well as seeing roofs, gutters and received grants for repairs to gutter- ister 2020. stonework repaired and churches ing over the north transept, improv- Historic England was concerned made watertight, the grants will sup- ing security of rainwater goods, and that decay, neglect or a lack of money port many jobs in the historic build- replacement of old electrical supply for conservation could threaten the ings and conservation sector and cables and distribution panels. St future of such churches. put together the required informa- conservation and to address ur- protect much needed craft skills. Mary’s in Great Yarmouth received Director of Finance and Resources tion in a very short timeframe.” gently needed repairs. St Chad’s The focus of the grants is on ur- grants for re-roofing of the sanctu- for the Diocese, Matthew Fernandez The Secretary of the Historic Cathedral in Birmingham will be gently needed repairs and works to ary side chapels and the old sacristy. -Graham, commented: “We are de- Churches Committee, Cedric Bur- able to install a much-needed new enable buildings to remain open St Peter’s in Gorleston received a lighted at these three churches being ton, said: ‘’This is great news! Restor- fire alarm system with a grant of and in use for worship and as places grant for replacement of tower win- granted this much needed funding. ing and safeguarding our important £92,900 and Liverpool Metropolitan of prayer. dows and transept windows. “The success of these bids is testa- historic church heritage is a chal- Cathedral will be able to restore the Three churches in the diocese of Historic England recently added ment to the hard work of our dioce- lenge for Parishes and for the Dio- stained glass of its Blessed Sacra- East Anglia have received a total of this Grade II* listed church, which san architect, Suzi Pendlebury, and cese, particularly in these difficult ment Chapel designed by Ceri nearly £600,000. was designed in 1938-9 by sculptor her team at Caroe Architects who times. These grants will make a huge Richards. difference and help encourage all Other Cathedrals being supported those volunteers who work hard to include Nottingham and Norwich sustain our Patrimony. We are im- Cathedrals and Preston’s Cathedral mensely grateful to the Patrimony of St Alphonsa – formerly the Jesuit Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ church of St Ignatius where the Conference, the Expert Panel and to priest and poet Gerard Manley Hop- Historic England.” kins once served. St Alphonsa is the Tony Calladine, regional director Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar for Historic England in the East of Catholic Eparchy. England said: “It is the varied tapes- The Archbishop of Cardiff, George try of our historic places that helps Stack, Chair of the Patrimony Com- us define who we are. In testing mittee of the Catholic Bishops’ Con- times such as these, heritage gives ference, welcomed the grants: “It is us a sense of belonging, continuity marvellous that so many of our out- and comfort. We also know that in- standing historic churches will be vesting in historic places can help helped with the cost of much boost our economic recovery.” needed repairs. As well as seeing roofs, gutters and “We are deeply grateful to the stonework repaired and churches Government and Historic England made watertight, the grants will sup- for awarding the funds to make this Preston’s Cathedral of port many jobs in the historic build- happen. It is enormously reassuring St Alphonsa – formerly ings and conservation sector and to those charged with the privilege the Jesuit church of St protect much needed craft skills. and responsibility of caring for these Ignatius where the The focus of the grants is on ur- outstanding buildings which are so priest and poet Gerard gently needed repairs and works to much part of our heritage, that the Manley Hopkins once enable buildings to remain open urgent work of repairing leaking served, and now the and in use for worship and as places roofs and failing gutters may begin. Cathedral of the Syro- of prayer. The much-needed protection meas- Malabar Catholic In addition to East Anglian ures to the fabric of these ‘glimpses Eparchy – is another to churches, Westminster Cathedral is of heaven’ is a challenge and reas- benefit from the grants to receive nearly £300k for brickwork surance in these complex times”. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 33 Around the Parishes

Fr Pat vested in a Mozetta (short cape) with Bishop More Fathers in Faith! Alan Hopes at the service Leeds: Biographical sketches of more than that saw him 200 priests ordained between 1915 and installed as a 1939, who served within the West Riding of Canon of the Yorkshire, are now available in Volumes 3 diocese and 4 of Our Fathers in Faith, compiled by Fr Nicholas Hird. The volumes comprise over 600 pages, illustrated with images of the clergy, and fully referenced for those wishing to develop their own research. Copies can be obtained directly from Fr Nicholas Hird at nicholas.hird@ dioceseofleeds.org.uk or by calling 01274 872984. The cost is £25 plus postage for the set. Well-travelled Fr Pat joins Chapter of Canons Virtual meetings help East Anglia: At a Capitular Mass at St Chapter of Canons and the diocese.” then spent two years at the seminary John the Baptist Cathedral, Bishop The ceremony took place on at Osterley before attending All Hal- Alan Hopes installed Fr Pat Cleary as Wednesday, 21st October and means lows University in Dublin. a Canon of the diocese. that Fr Pat is now part of the College At the age of 40 he went to Santa take group on a path Canon David Paul, Dean of St of Consultors and the Chapter of Cruz in Bolivia for three years with John’s Cathedral, said: “Canon Pat Canons for the Diocese. Canons ful- the St James’ Missionary Society. He Cleary brings with him wisdom and fil the role of Consultors until they became the assistant director of the to finding Catholicism great experience of the diocese. In reach 75, at which point they tender society and spent five years in the Corrie Young folk to try out as an online version of addition, his tremendous work in their resignations as Consultors and USA in Boston, visiting Ecuador, Edinburgh: St Mary’s Cathedral is the group.” encouraging vocations has been in- become Canons Emeriti. Peru and Bolivia. sharing the faith by using Zoom to Parish priest Fr Patrick Burke said: valuable in the mission of the Fr Pat celebrated the 40th anniver- He is currently parish priest of St help a group continue their journey “We’re adjusting to a different way of Church in East Anglia. sary of his ordination in 2018. He Thomas of Canterbury in Wymond- towards becoming Catholic. doing things; rather than face to “He will give great service to the initially studied at Campion House, ham. Around 20 people are taking part face, we’re doing it all online. in the monthly RCIA sessions – the “We’re incarnational beings, we’re Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults body and soul, and therefore it is not – which is now being held online to ideal to meet virtually. There’s body Churches’ ‘NHS’ is a life saver, too overcome Covid-19 restrictions. language, there’s atmosphere, there’s Shirley Grieve, who leads the RCIA a nuance that is lost through virtual Birmingham: The Sacred Heart in The Heart of team, said: “Each year a team of vol- meetings.” Tamworth, Staffordshire, is one of Tamworth unteers, guided by our priest, put to- But “I know that in certain places, Street Angels several churches featured in a new gether a programme aimed at peo- during that lockdown, where people report which shines a light on their team is just ple who want to explore faith and were disorientated, isolated, and delivery of vital services. one of the who want to become Catholic. afraid, the regular morning Mass at The House of Good report by initiatives “We can’t be in the same room at 10am became a fixture on an other- the National Churches Trust high- praised in the the moment so we have to work wise formless day. It became spiri- lighted how the nation’s church National hard at making sure people feel sup- tual support.” buildings act as a ‘National Help Churches ported, comfortable, and not under Shirley added: “None of this hap- Service’, providing £12.4 billion Trust report any pressure. pens without God’s gentle guidance worth of essential social and eco- “I talked to a few people before- allowing folk to find their own place. nomic support to local communities hand to allay anxiety because people We are about forming a community a year. are always nervous about coming and it feels better to meet in person Now Church leaders have called teers deliver a variety of services. the Heart of Tamworth delivered along – whether that’s to a physical and grow our faith and understand- for urgent Government support to The church serves the Glascote food parcels to the vulnerable in get together or an online group. ing; it models a loving church. We protect those buildings after a new Heath neighbourhood, a mainly res- Tamworth including people who “[It is] easier in the sense that it’s just have to work hard now at doing report highlighted the UK’s increas- idential part of Tamworth with a few were shielding or isolating. less of a commitment now that we’re this a different way.” ing reliance on volunteer-led servic- convenience stores and pubs. The Fr Michael White, parish priest at doing monthly rather than a weekly Those interested can still apply for es including food banks, mental church is building a new cafe area to Sacred Heart, said: “We’ve got over session. We’ve attracted about 20 this year’s RCIA programme at St health counselling and youth groups help reach more people with the aim 200 volunteers from our church run- people which is slightly higher than Mary’s Cathedral by contacting based in churches, chapels and of creating a welcoming place for ning all the services. usual. I think it feels a little safer for the Cathedral Office in Edinburgh. meeting houses. people to come and find the support “Some of them maybe just do the Church buildings are a ready- services they need. Winter Night Shelter or the Summer made network of responsive hubs During Covid-19, Community To- Scheme, but that’s the life-blood of Get your parish’s good news stories providing increasing levels of care to gether partnered up with several or- our outreach work and if you added local communities throughout the ganisations including Heart of Tam- the hours up, you’re talking about in The Catholic Universe. UK, the report found. worth, which is based at the Sacred tens of thousands of hours and Email details to nick.benson@ It highlighted the work of the Sa- Heart. In partnership with the Tam- probably £250,000 a year’s worth of thecatholicuniverse.com cred Heart, where over 200 volun- worth Self Isolation Support Group, work. It’s invaluable isn’t it?” Make your church sight-loss friendly Torch Trust for the Blind offers a vari- borough took part in the sight-loss showed them how it feels to be visu- ety of resources and practical support training offered by Torch Trust, as ally impaired, and took away hand- to those affected with sight loss, and part of a group of local churches outs that gave useful information on to churches and other organisations learning about sight loss. sight loss. Maureen shared this infor- who come into contact with people “The training gave helpful insight mation with her parish priest, the with sight loss. into the varying degrees of sight loss,” parish pastoral council and the Its 30-minute Sight-Loss said Maureen Douglas, from the parish welcome group. Friendly Church (SLFC) sessions will parish. “It showed how a parish can She was impressed by the support introduce the resources and provide respond to meet the needs of mem- offered and said: “I would highly rec- an opportunity to meet the SLFC bers and visitors who live with sight ommend every church to become a team and ask questions. loss.” sight-loss friendly church.” Earlier in the year Our Lady of Vic- Participants took part in a visual The sessions are to run throughout tories Catholic parish in Market Har- awareness demonstration, which November and December. 34 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Education

Thank you and a happy Learn with Lego – and the retirement to Mrs Bulmer! whole world learns with you St William’s School in Bradford lost a Earlier this year Birmingham’s Dioce- very special member of the team when san Vocations Office ran a competition Sharon Bulmer retired from her role open to all pupils in the area’s schools as teaching assistant in July, after for the Year of the Word - The God clocking up an impressive 32 years Who Speaks. and 6 months service – an outstanding The brief was simple: create a scene achievement! in Lego that shows vocation in the Miss Parker, headteacher, said: Bible. “Sharon has played a significant part A spokesperson for the archdiocese in the life of St William’s and the parish said the response from the children for many years, and we really wanted had been astonishing: “We were over- to thank her for her dedication and whelmed with entries from the pri- commitment to our pupils and their mary and secondary schools the length families and wish her every happiness and breadth of the archdiocese of in her retirement. Birmingham. “Unfortunately, the safety rules at “The creativity shown and links to the time impacted on how this special scripture were outstanding, demon- occasion could be marked. strating a fantastic understanding of “However, last Friday, at a safe social how God’s call to men and women in the accounts in the Bible also speaks to each of us of his beautiful plan to follow him today.” Unfortunately, judging and award- ing of prizes was delayed by lockdown, but the winners have now been an- nounced: Overall Winner: Patrick Sherlock, St Anthony’s Primary, Leamington Deacon Owen Gresty, Vocation Spa. Promotion Outreach Fieldworker, distance, the children, governors and Runners-up: Eliza Perry, St Brigid’s presenting prizes to the winning staff were able to present small tokens Primary, Northfield, Birmingham. pupils from St Anthony’s – Patrick, of appreciation to Mrs Bulmer for her Andrei Ungureanu, St Anthony’s holding his prize, and Andrei relentless service, as the whole school Primary, Leamington Spa. gathered on the school playground. Jane McSharry, headteacher of St “It was wonderful in this time of “We look forward to a time when Anthony’s, said: “We are so excited darkness to have this light of Christ we can celebrate a thanksgiving Mass and immensely proud that two of our shone on our school and our children and enjoy a celebratory meal, but we pupils were announced as winners of and we want to thank the Archdiocese wanted to show our appreciation and the Vocations Lego competition. of Birmingham Vocations Office for love to Sharon for all she has given to “Patrick from Year 4 won first prize this opportunity.” the school family of St. William’s’. for his creation reflecting on Zaccha- The Diocesan Vocations Office will Fr Michael Hughes blessed one of eus’ call to follow Jesus. Patrick was be holding another competition for the gifts, a statue of St Therese of ecstatic to win a fabulous LEGO set - schools in spring 2021. Lisieux, who inspires us all to carry Fr Leopold Celebrates Mass – which out ‘small acts of kindnesses’ to all came all the way from America! If any schools would like a visit those we serve as an expression of “He also received an exceptionally from the Vocations team, get in our love for God. beautiful Latin/English Bible for touch at Mrs Bulmer presented the school School which will be cherished and [email protected] or visit with her own gift to them, a beautiful used by our pupils for years to come. their website Children’s Roman Missal to be held The winning entry from Patrick. in the school chapel and used during Get your school’s good news stories in The Catholic Universe. Email details to [email protected] It shows Zacchaeus (in the tree) class and school Masses. and his call to follow Jesus. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 35 Education

Leeds Trinity’s new Post-16 exam overhaul still Vice-Chancellor is on course Education Secretary Gavin Williamson ready for challenge has said the Government remains committed to its overhaul of post-16 qualifications despite the pressure screated by the Covid-19 pandemic. of life post-Covid Last year the government an- nounced plans to remove funding Professor Charles Egbu has taken up ternal bodies, including the Advance from qualifications that overlap with the post of Vice-Chancellor at Leeds HE Pro Vice-Chancellor Network and T Levels and A levels, and only fund Trinity University. QAA Panel of Experts. qualifications at level 3 and below In his first few months as Vice- Jamie Hanley, chair of the Board of that are high quality and lead to good Chancellor, Professor Egbu aims to Governors at Leeds Trinity University, outcomes for students. meet students, staff, alumni and stake- said: “This is a pivotal moment for The Education Secretary has con- holders as he begins to build on the Leeds Trinity University. Professor firmed that he is pressing ahead with university’s growth and success in re- Egbu recognises Leeds Trinity’s these reforms. The new measures, cent years and looks to the future be- strengths and values and brings with which are subject to a 12-week con- yond the Covid-19 pandemic. him a detailed understanding of the sultation process, include: Professor Egbu said: “I’m delighted opportunities and challenges faced • Putting employers at the heart of to join Leeds Trinity University and across the higher education sector. designing and developing all level 3 am honoured to begin my role as I’m delighted to welcome him to the technical qualifications Vice-Chancellor. university.” • Removing funding for qualifica- “Leeds Trinity is a special university, Chelsey Grooby, Leeds Trinity Stu- tions that overlap with A levels and T led by its commitment to widening dents’ Union President, added: “Union Levels while offering funding for high participation and championing an in- members and I welcome Professor quality alternatives to A levels clusive learning community. Charles Egbu as he joins Leeds Trinity • Ensuring only qualifications that “Over recent months, it has been University. meet a high quality bar and help stu- inspiring to see how colleagues and “Having already had the pleasure dents progress into work or further students have responded to the Covid- of meeting him it is clear we share a study are approved for funding. 19 crisis. passion for student welfare. • Making more qualifications avail- “This is testament to the university’s “A strong relationship between the able to adults including new T Levels strong foundations in learning, teach- university and Students’ Union is cru- so more people can upskill or retrain. ing and employability, and I have cial for the student experience and Mr Williamson said: “We must re- every confidence we will continue to we endeavour to develop this further. double our efforts to support as many take strides forward in these areas. We are excited by the prospect of new people as possible to access high qual- “I am looking forward to listening collaborations that will deliver trans- ity education and training, so they to and working with the exceptionally parent and logical steps to support can get ahead and offers employers talented community of Leeds Trinity students to reach their potential de- the talented workforce they need. students, colleagues, alumni and part- spite the challenges we have faced ners to shape the future strategy of and continue to face during 2020.” the institution. I’m proud to join the Since the institution gained Uni- team and would like to thank col- versity status in 2013, Leeds Trinity leagues and friends of the university has achieved record levels of student for their warm welcome.” enrolments; diversified its income With more than 25 years’ experience streams with the introduction of ac- in higher education, Professor Egbu credited work-based learning routes, was previously Pro Vice-Chancellor degree and higher apprenticeships for Education and Experience at the and foundation year courses; trans- University of East London, where he formed its approach to research, re- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER was responsible for student experi- sulting in world-leading research and ence, student success, student reten- a thriving community of PhD students; SALARY: £ 60,000 or pro rata tion, quality assurance and enhance- and is striving to achieve Research ment, the Centre for Excellence in Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP). BASED IN LONDON Learning and Teaching, and the Stu- Professor Egbu takes over from Pro- dents’ Union. fessor Margaret A House OBE, who He is also a member of various ex- steps down after seven years. Caritas Social Action Network is the official domestic social action agency of the Catholic Church in England & Wales, a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Inspired by the life and example of Jesus Christ we animate and coordinate our Network of Caritas Wales looks at assessment dioceses and member charities to help poor, vulnerable and marginalised people find their voice and to enable them to improve their lives. We work in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ plan for next summer Conference of England & Wales and as part of the Caritas Internationalis confederation. We are looking for a CEO to lead the next stage of development and delivery of the work of the agency All exams in Wales should be scrapped Pupils have lost months of learning in favour of assessments next summer due to school shutdowns in the last and to lead our small national office team. The successful candidate will be a practising after disruption caused by the coron- academic year. Catholic* committed to improving the circumstances of those from all faiths and none who are in avirus pandemic, a panel has said. In August, an algorithm was applied poverty, excluded or unjustly treated, together with a demonstrable commitment to Catholic The independent review set up by to A-level grades to “standardise” Social Teaching and to the vision, mission and strategic direction of Caritas Social Action the Welsh Government said any form them, leading to an uproar when 42 Network. of exams in 2021 would be unfair. per cent were moderated grades lower

Exam regulator Qualifications Wales than teacher assessments. also said GCSE exams should be It led to pupils sitting GCSE, A-level, Closing date for applications: 19/11/20 scrapped but some A-level papers AS-levels and Welsh Baccalaureate re- should remain. ceiving the highest grade, whether Interviews: W/c 30/11/20 (initial) and W/c 7/12/20 (final) Education Minister Kirsty Williams that was their teacher’s prediction or said she would consider both recom- the standardised grades. For an application pack, please contact Isabella George at [email protected] mendations and announce a decision The independent panel’s chair on 10th November. Louise Casella, director of the Open * This is an occupational requirement for the role. The Welsh Conservatives have wel- University in Wales, recommended comed Qualifications Wales’ advice, all qualifications in 2021 be awarded but have raised concerns about the “on the basis of robust and moderated conflicting recommendations by both assessment undertaken in schools Qualifications Wales and the panel. and colleges”. 36 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Extra

Church will never cancel Meeting offers some hope Christmas vows bishop for Ireland to return to Mass Nick Benson Michael Kelly “Christmas will never be cancelled”, The head of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Archbishop Eamon Martin the Bishop of Paisley has vowed, Conference said that after talks with celebrates Mass: the Church is while suggesting a 24-hour lifting on the Taoiseach, he is hopeful the gov- hopeful such scenes will be social restrictions to allow friends ernment will consider lifting a ban replicated across all of Ireland soon and families to gather and celebrate on public worship, put in place as a together could be scheduled if lock- measure against Covid-19. downs are still in place. The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Bishop John Keenan’s call came Martin, spoke after a meeting between after Scotland’s national clinical di- members of the bishops’ conference rector Professor Jason Leitch warned and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. society that the idea of a normal The archbishop also pointed out Christmas was a “fiction” and urged the lack of evidence linking the spread people to prepare for a “digital” cele- of the virus to religious gatherings bration this year. and questioned why the Irish ban was However, Bishop Keenan pointed imposed without consultation. out that throughout history society At the time of the meeting, the Irish has always managed to celebrate the Republic and Wales were the only birth of Christ – even in World wars – countries in Europe where public wor- and expressed his confidence that ship was suspended – though England ‘society will still want to celebrate will suspend services this weekend. Christmas and hold on to as many At the time of writing services were traditions as it possibly can.’ due to recommence in Wales from ‘Regardless of what limitations Monday 9th November. Covid might place on our lives, as Mass and other ceremonies con- Christians we are sure that Christ- tinue in Northern Ireland, complicat- mas will never be cancelled. No ing the matter further, since some matter what difficulties we face, we Irish dioceses straddle the border with will celebrate the joy and love, the Northern Ireland. kindness and good cheer that attend Speaking on 29th October after the the celebration of the birth of Christ government meeting, Archbishop Mar- each other’s lives and health, keeping with the Cabinet and public health portive of the public health messages, as we always do,’ the bishop wrote in tin insisted that “Christians and the public health messaging going, authorities. but highlighted that the coming to- The Sunday Times. Catholics simply cannot be without and we’ve been very consistent in that The Ggovernment said the meeting gether in prayer and worship, espe- ‘It could not have been easy for participating in worship – it is funda- – in trying to assist the Government “focused mainly on the effect which cially for Mass and the sacraments, is Mary and Joseph to celebrate under mental to what we are as a Christian and health authorities in getting out the current Covid-19 restrictions are fundamental to Christian tradition Roman occupation in Bethlehem community”. that message of self-sacrifice, respect having on the health and well-being and a source of nourishment for the 2,000 years ago, for soldiers in the He said the Church leaders made for others, respect for ourselves and of the faith community and the great life and well-being of communities”. trenches of the First World War or for the case that religious practice “is promoting life and promoting the desire to return to worship as soon as “The importance of gathering for nations across Europe in the post- good for society, because we are, in common good”. possible”. worship as a source of consolation war privations of 1945, but Christ- the Churches, putting forward a very He said he hoped the Taoiseach The Ggovernment statement said and hope at Christmas time was mas happened and millions gave positive message about respect for would discuss the bishops’ position the bishops present “are fully sup- stressed,” said the statement. thanks that a saviour was born. Christmas won’t be cancelled.’ Bishop Keenan noted that Chris- tians are ‘people of hope’ and while the faithful take the social restric- Rejoice in Church’s message of life – tions seriously, ‘we hope and pray that Christmas 2020 can be as nor- mal as possible’. He said that Christmas is a time of even when we are mourning so many giving not just presents, but time, company and love to friends and Nick Benson of ignoring or burying grief or failing to what had been their house of family family. “The Christian message is a message to recognise that sense of loss and love and interaction, but now someone While acknowledging Professor of life,” the Archbishop of Dublin has abandonment. In faith however hope is missing,” he said. “The house re- Leitch’s comments were an attempt told mourners and those bereaved by returns.” mains empty. to remind people of ‘the sobering re- the Covid-19 pandemic. In this month of November, the “My heart goes out especially to ality’ of Christmas amid the Covid- Archbishop Diarmuid Martin ex- archbishop said the faithful remember the many spouses who in these times 19 pandemic, the bishop pointed plained that for believers, death is those who were dear to them and have had to experience the emptiness out that the prospect of ‘acts of joy not the end because “with physical who have died. of grief alone and isolated. Each day and love’ being taken from people death, our life is transformed and we “In some cases, the memory is a they awaken alone to the emptiness was ‘dispiriting and depressing’. enter into a new life, in eternal loving recent one,” he said. “There is always of grief.” In an effort to ‘bring some sem- presence with God”. a first time that we visit the grave of a However, the archbishop reminded blance of normality’, Bishop Keenan His message of hope came as he loved one. The intensity of grief is at the faithful, “the Christian message suggested the idea of a Christmas led a service of prayer and remem- its sharpest. With the passage of time, is a message of life…a message not of ‘circuit breaker’ – ‘a 24-hour lifting of brance at Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral on grief diminishes, but grief never goes emptiness but of meaning”. restrictions on gatherings and cele- the Feast of All Souls, Monday 2nd away.” “In this month of November we re- brations’. Describing such a move as November. Archbishop Martin expressed his member our deceased loved ones. ‘a break in the war on Covid’, he However, Archbishop Martin con- sympathy for people bereaved due to Their departure grieves us but in faith likened it to ‘the pause in the World ceded that even with faith, “that is the mechanics of funeral preparations the Covid-19 pandemic, especially we know that our faithful God calls War 1 on the Western Front in 1914, not how we humanly encounter in a daze. husbands and wives who have been them to be with him. Their goodness when the British and German troops death”. “We went from the funeral of my left feeling empty, alone and isolated and love remain. laid down their guns and met in no Recalling the funeral and burial of mother to the hospital to visit my following the death of their spouse. “Having been nourished in this life man’s land to celebrate Christmas’. his mother on All Souls Day in 1974, dying father. We were simply numb He noted that many of those who at the breaking of the bread of the ‘Couldn’t we allow for one day of Archbishop Martin remembered how with shock, grief and uncertainty.” have experienced the death of a loved Eucharist, they are now united with normality in the midst of our relent- his mother had died unexpectedly He explained that grief is “one of one in the “harsh conditions and re- Christ in an eternity of love and ful- less war against the virus? A moment just as his family were preparing for the most significant moments of hu- strictions” imposed by the pandemic filment. Eternal rest grant to them. of joy in the midst of despair.’ the death of his father, who was ter- man sadness and loss” but insisted have been unable to grieve, while oth- May we experience their intercession He warned that an isolated and minally ill. that it is “good” and “necessary”. ers have been left to grieve alone in from above and may we experience lonely Christmas could be ‘shatter- “Our reaction was shock, sadness “Grief challenges us to relearn our isolation due to the social restrictions. the consolation and hope that come ing’ for some people.’ and grief,” he said. “We went through faith,” he said. “It is never a question “After death, the bereaved return to us in faith.” 37

YOUR WEEKLY LIFESTYLE PAGES INSIDE YOUR UNIVERSE FOOD | DRINK | MUSIC | BOOKS | HEALTH | FINANCE | TV GUIDE | GARDENING uuniverse Get rid of pet hair in the home for good Having a dog or cat often means lots of their hair all over your furniture and floors. Lisa Salmon suggests a few tricks to remove it. HOME We love our pets but we definitely don’t love the hair they shed all over the house. Some dogs and cats seem to leave more hair on the floor and furniture than they actually keep on their bodies, and it can be a real challenge to get rid of it and keep the house clean. But there are plenty of tricks you can use to make sure you don’t have a hairy house. Engi Bally, marketing manager at domestic cleaning company Molly Maid (mollymaid.co.uk), says: “A lot of our customers have pets, so we’re very accustomed to having to get rid of the hairs they shed. For floors you can just use a vacuum, make sure it has a pet head attachment though, but furniture is the tricky bit. You have a few options to get it off – a lint Utilise rubber gloves brush, sticky tape, or a damp mi- Brush your pets regularly Rubber gloves don’t just protect your crofibre cloth works a treat.” You can’t stop dogs and cats shedding hands while cleaning, they’re great Here are 8 tips to make sure pet hair, but you can reduce the amount at getting rid of pet hairs too. All you hair isn’t a problem in your home… they lose by grooming them regularly, do is pop on the gloves, wet them throwing the often huge balls of hair and wipe them over fabric, cleverly away, or grooming them outside. Vacuum lifting the hairs. “Our best kept Vacuuming will get rid of a lot of pet Chances are your dog or cat will love secret is to take a rubber glove and hairs on the floor and upholstery, the attention, although some more press on surfaces like sofas or any make sure you use the upholstery grumpy pets might have to be chased fabric, and that allows the hair to attachment. There are plenty around the house before you can ball up. of special pet hair pin them down for a good brushing. vacuums on the market, but whether you have Cover up problem spots one of those or a If your dog or cat has a favourite standard vacuum spot they sit or lie on, cover it with a cleaner, be sure to Molly blanket that can be washed empty it regularly as Maids regularly. pet hairs will block it easily. Opt for a lint roller You may already have invested in a Reduce the amount of hair your few lint rollers – they cost anything pet sheds by grooming regularly from around £1.50 each – to get pet hair off your clothes, so just roll them across your furniture fabric to Try a damp cloth or fabric softener Be savvy with your surfaces pick up the hairs there too. sheet You’re not going to be able to change A simple damp cloth will get rid of a all your flooring and furniture to pet Make the most of your tumble dryer lot of pet hairs – microfibre cloths or hair resistant types, but if you’re A few minutes in the dryer on the sponges work particularly well. planning a new floor, opt for hard cool setting can also help loosen pet Similarly, a damp mop will pick up flooring such as wood or vinyl, and hairs. A fabric softener sheet in there pet hairs on the floor. Another trick leather furniture that’s wipe-clean. with them will do an even better job, is using a slightly damp fabric And don’t forget your bedding, and you can then just dispose of softener sheet that you’d normally because while your pets might not them by emptying the machine’s pop in your dryer – they’re great for be allowed on your bed, most of filter. picking pet hairs up. them will climb up whenever they get the chance. Pet hair will cling to woollen bed throws, so opt for shiny “Our best kept secret is to take a rubber synthetic materials where possible. It might also be worth investing in glove and press on surfaces like sofas some anti-static spray, which costs around £6-£7, and helps stop hairs and that allows the hair to ball up.” sticking to fabric. 38 uuniverse BMW’s legendary M3 nameplate returns

The confusing one: The M3-becomes- The M3 nameplate is one of the most famous in performance car circles. Ted Welford M4 F80/F82 Prior to now, BMW creating the 4 takes a look back through the archives of BMW’s legendary M3 nameplate. Series to replace the 3 Series Coupe, this generation M3 was quite a change to form. So while you still have the M3, this nameplate is just reserved for the four-door model, with the M4 now being sold in coupe and convertible form. The complexities don’t end there either, with BMW reverting back to six cylinders for these new cars, as well turbocharging an M3 for the first time – the latter proving controversial. Power stayed quite level to the predecessor – producing 426bhp, or 444bhp in the case of the later ‘Com- petition’ models, which would prove to be the most popular. This outgo- ing generation of M3 and M4 has also had its fair chase of special edi- tions, including the CS, DTM Cham- pion Edition ‘30 Jahre’ models cele- brating 30 years of the M3. The hottest of the lot, though, was the M4 GTS – a track-focused special edition available with a roll cage and increasing power to almost Originally 500bhp. penned so that BMW E46 M3 BMW could compete in the touring car championship, only 5,000 had to be produced to meet regulations, but in MOTORING The E92 used a V8 the end nearly 18,000 cylinder count engine rolled out of the BMW has just pulled the wraps off factory. its new M3 – its boldest and most for the first time powerful model to wear this name- plate yet. But while the new car might be grabbing the headlines, it’s impor- tant to appreciate just how special the M3 is for performance car fans and for BMW itself. E30 Let’s take a look back through the E92 E36 archives at arguably the most impor- tant ‘M’ car ever…

The original: The E30 The BMW 3 Series has been around since 1975 as the firm’s mid-size executive saloon, but buyers had to wait until 1985 for the German Above: The E30 was the very A return to form: The E46 manufacturer to create a hot version first M3 model. Left: The E36 BMW returned to the coupe and – the M3. M3 debuted a boxy design While quite slow by modern stan- convertible bodystyles on the E46 dards, the E30 M3’s 200bhp 2.3-litre M3, which was introduced in 2000. It The new one: The G80 M3/G82 M4 petrol engine allows it to reach was a further step upmarket thanks The new BMW M3 and M4 are 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Power would to its plush interior. Undoubtedly undoubtedly the boldest yet, with be increased to 238bhp on the Sport the most famous of all the E46 M3s the large front grille likely to split Evo versions during its lifetime, and though is the CSL (standing for opinion like a knife cuts through today examples are easily worth Coupe Sport Lightweight) – a model butter. Six-cylinder engines remain £50,000, if not more, despite all that harked back to the original 3.0 and purists will be delighted that coming left-hand-drive from the CSL model from the 1970s. there’s no whiff of electrification factory. The F80/F82 M3 reverted back either. Two variants are offered in The V8 one: The E92 to a six-cylinder engine the latest release – the standard The boxy one: The E36 Up until now, it had always been models and the Competition, with Often the forgotten piece of the M3 four- or six-cylinder engines used in the latter producing 503bhp to jigsaw, the E36 M3 came along in an M3, but on the E92 model that make it the most powerful M3 ever. 1992 as a more upmarket, luxurious arrived in 2007, BMW upped the Crucially on this new M3 though, but heavier version of BMW’s cylinder count to eight – utilising a is the fact you’ll be able to have it as sporting model. Buyers could get a 424bhp 4.0-litre V8. There was a host an estate car for the first time in its right-hand-drive version for the first of special editions that celebrate the history. It’s something BMW has time, as well as a new saloon body firm’s achievements in motorsport teased on several occasions, even type. but the most memorable E93 M3 is getting as far as concept cars, but Power was increased to 282bhp the GTS – a bright orange and lighter it’ll finally be a reality by 2022, due to a larger 3.0-litre petrol engine, M3 that used a larger 444bhp 4.4- meaning you’ll be able to get a litre V8 engine that was essentially a Both M3 and M4 models An automatic gearbox would also be incorporate new features properly practical M3 for the first introduced for the first time as well. track car for the road. time. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6h November 2020 39

uuniverse Fine French wines to sip and savour this autumn Sam Wylie-Harris looks to the wine capital of the world, where the classics continue to captivate.

FOOD AND DRINK Cuvée du Vatican Reserve de If for some extraordinary reason – Arnaud Robert Brut l’Abbé Cotes du Rhône 2019, and we are living in extraordinary Champagne NV, Morrisons The Best Châteauneuf-du-Pape times, after all – you could only £11.99, Laithwaite’s £24 Tesco stores 2018, £16, Morrisons A southern French fruit bomb and drink wine from one country for the A celebration of life Made in partnership with Ogier, one of the rest of eternity, chances are France the Rhône’s answer to rich, itself and one of the appellation’s star producers, this Châteauneuf-du- generous New World reds, this would be right up there. country’s greatest Pape oozes charm. With quality across a wide range It has it all – as the famous saying sumptuous, grenache- exports – which of Ogier’s wines, here we have fantastic based blend screams goes: “Burgundy for kings, Cham- everyone wants to concentration, finesse and elegance. A soft and pagne for duchesses, claret for gen- sun-soaked vineyards mimic but few, if any, seductive wine that evolves beautifully in the glass, and Mediterranean tleman.” can get close to – dark fruit aromas and aromatic herbs lead to deep There’s a chance, however, that climate. Jam-packed Champagne can only raspberry, prune and ripe, raisiny fruit on a velvety with flavour, it’s the source of this quote must have come from smooth palate, with a long, seamless finish. got star-struck and stopped in their richly concentrated Champagne. And if with aromas of tracks with everything else in the you’re a stickler for offing – crisp Chablis, ravishing plum and cherry floral and brioche preserves, similar Rhône reds, pretty Provençal pinks, notes, a dry and and far too many more to mention. Abbotts & Berry Bros & Rudd Good fruity flavours in a creamy palate Delaunay Viognier Ordinary Claret Label by voluptuous style, For a snapshot of French regions which hints at to know about, with 2018, Pays D’Oc, Poppy Lennox 2018, Bordeaux, with Herbes de apple and peach £9.99 each or £7.99 £11.95, Berry Bros & Rudd Provence sitting consistency their with the perfect A perennial favourite, there’s lots to alongside sweet middle name, we’ve balance of citrusy Mix Six, Majestic Among the finest French love about Berry’s bestselling and, spice. rounded up some freshness, this grapes, one of the many without doubt, best-value Bordeaux. favourite styles we’d new listing at virtues of viognier (the Fortunately, this also has Tesco Finest Chablis 2019, be happy to come Tesco is the liquid best hail from the qualities to be £13, Tesco back to time and gold for you – and Condrieu in the enjoyed now so you don’t A bright Burgundy time again – come bang on the northern Rhône) are need the patience of a blonde and model of rain, shine or money. lockdown… its enticing aromas. cellar master, with its unoaked chardonnay, This offers exotic beautiful depth of ripe this citrus scented honeysuckle, fruit. Think a wealth of Chablis has the all- makes you want to sail into Saint Max Rosé apricot and violet cassis, blackcurrant important stony Saint Tropez, drop anchor 2019, Provence, notes twinned with and brambly fruit, minerality derived and never leave). £40.50 for case of creamy apricot and with warm, smoky from the mineral- The palest, prettiest peach, six bottles from succulent peach aromas and velvety rich soil we look it’s round and refreshing in flavours, smooth finish. Their for, with elegant Justerini & Brooks an easy drinking style, with underlined by fifth limited-edition citrus and apple This is a rosé for all ripe red berry aromas and ginger spice. Rich, label, only 15,000 flavours backed by seasons, especially when seductive red fruit flavours round and utterly bottles are available refreshing acidity. you’re in the need for a flowing throughout, with delicious, it’s the with the artist’s eye- Stylish with a fine, little Provençal pick-me- just right acidity, sense of perfect parcel from catching typographic persistent finish, up and escapism (if place and lots of appeal. anything, the label itself the sunny design. it’s one for oysters Languedoc. and shellfish. 40 uuniverse

NICK’S MUSIC PICKS 10 Songs by Travis Scottish rockers Travis prove that togetherness and the personal touch is key in their latest album, 10 Songs.

The Music Scene his son Clay, Healy said he now commenting on the nostalgia factor Nick Benson wants to remind the music world of the band, while others comment It has been over 20 years since just why Travis were so special in the on Healy’s return as the principal Travis famously asked music fans first place. songwriter. Why Does It Always Rain On Me? “For me, writing a song in this day Sadly, in today’s music world it is The idea for the song came to and age is a radical statement,” far from uncommon for the credits frontman Fran Healy during a visit Healy said. “A song is something on successful modern pop songs to to Eilat, Israel, when he was hoping with a soul. A song has a pulse. It has feature upwards of 10 writers. How- to enjoy some sunny weather but a heartbeat and it’s alive and it makes ever, this shows just how talented Travis. © Ryan Johnson instead had to make do with a full you feel something when you hear Healy is. In a world of music factories it. Therefore, writing a song is radical. churning out mass-produced pop week of rain. Travis has consisted of Healy, Shifting with ease from loud to Writing a song in this day and age is songs, Healy has managed to show- However, the track itself was a bassist Dougie Payne, guitarist Andy soft and animated to moody, 10 punk. It’s a real statement. So calling case his masterful songwriting skills much greater success, as it became Dunlop and drummer Neil Primrose Songs offers fans a spring in their it 10 Songs, I thought was very pow- and strike a chord with many music the band’s international break- ever since the band’s debut studio step and a moment of sobriety and erful. It’s a statement of intent.” lovers, who prefer to opt for the per- through single, receiving recogni- album, Good Feeling, back in 1997 this is more than evident in two of Throughout their history Travis sonal touch rather than a manufac- tion around the world. and now, 23 years later, 10 Songs the album’s earlier singles, A Ghost have sold millions of albums and tured track, void of true emotion. While some may only know shows just how important consistency and Kissing In The Wind. been the subject of an award-win- Speaking of such mass-produced Travis as ‘the band that sang that and togetherness is. In A Ghost, Healy tells the listener ning feature length documentary, pop, Healy said: “It’s fine. Personally song about rain’, the Scottish rock- The album kicks off with the to “live your life, don’t waste your Almost Fashionable. though, I’ll take 10 songs written by ers are much more than that, as charming Waving At The Window, time”. Healy said the song was in- 10 Songs has already received one person over one song written by they prove n their latest album, the which shows how the band has spired by the new lease of life and many favourable reviews, with some 10 people. charming 10 Songs. managed to stay together for so long creative drive he received after his “And if I feel that way, then surely Travis’ ninth studio album obvi- while many others have gone their son Clay told him he should put someone else must do too.” ously comes as very welcome news separate ways. his full focus on Travis. The album has lots of character, to the band’s extremely loyal fan- “That song is me talking to my While they may have shot to fame including its simple but endearing base, and it also marks a major wife,” Healy said. “It’s about love. I as the band who sing about the title, 10 Songs. point in the group’s musical careers. thought it was about me and my rain, Travis is much more than that Some may say it does exactly what “I’ve been a father for 14 years,” wife, but a lot of these songs can be and this album is evidence of that. it says on the tin but while yes, it is Healy said. “My son was front and about my band because it’s the same Travis are back with 10 Songs, an album named 10 Songs and it centre on my work bench and that thing, I’m married to these people. proving that togetherness and the contains 10 songs, the real measuring was my project. For the past 14 We’re married, we’re together, we personal touch are just what this stick is the content and these songs years that was the thing I focused love each other, it’s a relationship.” world needs right now. are full of heart and passion. on. About a year ago, he came up The album has all the things that Welcome back Travis – we’ve Travis can never be accused of to me when I was in the middle of brought joy to fans of the Scottish missed you! perfunctory – any of their work, the working and he told me, ‘I’m good, rock band in their heyday and then • 10 Songs by Travis is out now on band always give it their all and this Papa, you can do the band now’.” some. BMG. Having received the blessing of 10 Songs new album is no exception. NICK’S TV PICKS

Giles & Sheila explore life on London’s Ant & Dec revisit their favourite Alan Titchmarsh joins in on Sarah Beeny and family adapt to Tom Kerridge behind the bar of the waterways at 4mph. © C4 moments from the jungle. © ITV harvesting. © Wonderhood Studios. their new life in the country. © C4 Golden Anchor. © BBC

Great Canal Journeys I'm A Celebrity...A Jungle Story Summer on the Farm: An Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Saving Britain's Pubs with Sunday 8th November Sunday 8th November Extraordinary Year Country Tom Kerridge 8.00pm-9.00pm 8.10pm-10.10pm Tuesday 10th November Wednesday 11th November Thursday 12th November Channel 4 ITV 8.00pm-9.00pm 8.00pm-9.00pm 8.00pm-9.00pm Timothy West and Prunella Scales Ant & Dec take a trip down memory ITV Channel 4 BBC Two are passing on the tiller to two lane to relive some of their favourite This summer, Alan Titchmarsh, Property expert Sarah Beeny, her Tom Kerridge sets out on a mission brand-new boaters – actor Sheila moments from 19 series of I’m A Angellica Bell and Amanda Owen husband Graham and their four to revive struggling pubs in a bid to Hancock and broadcaster Gyles Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, while dive inside British farms to follow boys have quit their lives in London reverse the trend. Brandreth – who are celebrating a host of former campmates talk the story of how our best loved fruit to start anew in the country. They’ve Tom heads to the South London 40 years of friendship. exclusively about their time in the and vegetables make their way to bought a semi-derelict former dairy neighbourhood of Nunhead to In this first part of a two-part tour jungle. our supermarket shelves. farm in Somerset with 220 acres of meet Lana, leaseholder at The exploring London’s waterways, The 19th series which aired last Alan, Angellica and Amanda fol- land. They plan to build the house of Golden Anchor. When Lana first Sheila and Gyles set out by them- year featured former footballer Ian low the stories of six individual fruits their dreams – a modern stately worked here in the 1980s it was a vi- selves along the River Thames. Wright, Coronation Street actor Andy and vegetables to discover the intri- home – in one of the fields. brant meeting place for the They make new friends along Whyment and queen of the jungle cate processes, amazing technology, In this first episode, the family Caribbean community. the way: an inventor who’s building Jacqueline Jossa. and attention to detail of British draw up plans for their ambitious To survive, Tom concludes that a steampunk watercraft and pad- The tables are finally turned on farmers as they feed the country – modern stately home, while Sarah The Golden Anchor must modernise dle-boarders who are recycling Ant & Dec as they take on not one ensuring that fresh produce continues hopes that she won’t miss the buzz without losing the warm Caribbean river rubbish into boards. but three terrifying Bushtucker Trials. to reach us in perfect condition, of urban life. hospitality it’s known for. The Catholic Universe | Friday 6th November 2020 41 Classified/Catholic Universe members

BOOKING IS AS EASY AS 1,2,3 ... 1) Choose your style – A, B or C 2) Compose your wording etc 3) Book your advertisement ... Classified By phone: call 0161 820 5722 uLinking you to your Catholic Community (We’ll need your wording, images, special instructions, date/ dates ad is to run, and a phone number we can contact you on,to arrange proof and payment.) By post: Please send your cheque or PO, made out to:- Universe Media Group Ltd, to: Classifieds, Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ. (We’ll need your wording, images, special instructions, date/ dates ad is to run, and a phone number we can contact you on.) FUNERAL DIRECTORS STYLE A Please call 0161 820 5722 CATHOLIC STUDY GUIDES: We have a wide for special prices on larger sizes, selection of Catholic books and pamphlets bulk bookings and inclusion in our aimed at deepening your knowledge of the other Catholic titles Catholic Faith. Suitable for Catechism classes, adult study groups, and individual learning. STYLE C Written by leading experts in their field. Please call 020 000 000 for latest catalogue and prices. Two column wide, fully designed, with Up to 70 words Heading of your choice frame FREE design service, £24 per week Up to 100 words Heading of your choice Catholic family run Funeral £30 per week £72 per week £180 for 3 weeks £336 for 6 weeks Directors for over 230 years Remembering STYLE B PERSONALISED MEMORIAM CARDS, BOOKMARKS AND Personalised Stationery •Funeral Mass sheets•Wedding Order of Service ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, •Cards•Party invites•Thank-you cards NOTELETS ? ALL STYLES Fully designed ad Remember pictures are the best memories Samples / Information Heading of your Bernie O’Brien - Photo-journalist KENNEDY PRINTERS choice £42 per week 07962 100 872 BANTRY, CO. CORK, IRELAND 7 St David’s Close, Sale, Cheshire M33 7DL Tel: 00353 (0)27 50102 [email protected] St Philip’s Books www.kennedyprinters.ie www.BernieOBrien.co.uk St Philip’s Books email: [email protected] Fine, rare and secondhand Catholic book specialist Fine, rare and secondhand PRAYERS OF GRATITUDE AND MESSAGES OF THANKSGIVINGS ARE NOW FREE OF CHARGE! Catholic book specialist Please call Annie Mitchell on 0161 820 5722 More than 10,000 titles on Literature, History, Theology, Philosophy, Art, Classics and More than 10,000 titles on Literature, History, or email your message to: [email protected] Theology, Philosophy, Art, Classics and Antiquarian. Antiquarian. Particular interests include Roman Particular interests include Roman Catholic books, Catholic books, local Oxford interest, J H Newman local Oxford interest, J H Newman and the Oxford and the Oxford Movement,Experts C.S. Lewis in and Worldwide Repatriation Movement, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien, Biblical VOCATIONS J.R.R.Tolkien, Biblical studies, studies, Patristics and Spirituality. Patristics24 and Spirituality.Hour Service Online catalogue, regular booklists Online catalogue, regular booklists St Philip’s Books, 82 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1RA St Philip’s Books, 82020 St Aldates, 7237 Oxford OX1 6366 1RA or020 7313Tel: +446920 (0)1865 202182 Tel: +44 (0)1865 202182 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] visit: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk visit: www.stphilipsbooks.co.ukwww.albins.co.uk

BOOKSELLERS CT SIZE UNIVERSE CLASS SIZE St Philip’s Books

Fine, rare and secondhand Catholic book specialist More than 10,000 titles on Literature, History,Theology, Philosophy, Art, Classics and Antiquarian. Particular interests include Roman Catholic books, local Oxford interest, J H Newman and the Oxford Movement, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien, Biblical studies, Patristics and Spirituality. Online catalogue, regular booklists St Philip’s Books, 82 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 1RA Tel: +44 (0)1865 202182. Email: [email protected] visit: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk

UNIVERSE ROP SIZE 42 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Classified/Crossword/Sudoku

MEMORIAM CARDS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Catholic journalism at its best ...

The Universe incorporating The Catholic Times : World news, current affairs, lifestyle THANKSGIVING PRAYER supplements and a quarterly U Education supplement all Subscribe PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT available each week digitally You who solve all today to a problems, light all roads so that I 12 month can attain my goal, you gave Digital CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION me the divine gift to forgive Edition and forget, you are with me. I want to thank you for all things, I never want to be separated from You and I wish to be with You in eternal Glory. Thank You for Your Mercy towards me PRAYERS ANSWERED and mine. 12 page Catholic RECRUITMENT Times supplement St Gerard For protection through pregnancy and thanking Join us on the journey ... God for the precious Do you want to Universe Media gift of life. Blessed in life. reach out to a T: 0161 820 5722 MASS TIMES forgotten community? Jesuit Church, Farm Street https://thecatholicuniverse.com/product/ Regular Mass & Service times: We are looking for like-minded ordained and non-ordained people to serve universe-annual-digital-subscription/ SUNDAY: 6pm (Saturday Vigil); 8am; 9.30am (Family); 11am (Latin); the Traveller Communities in England 12.30pm; 5.30pm. and Wales through our Sessional THANKSGIVING/DEVOTION WEEKDAYS: 8am; 1.05pm; 6pm. SATURDAY: 8am; 6pm (Saturday Vigil) Chaplaincy and Family Support work. BANK HOLIDAYS: 1.05pm. Approved by Father John Embery for his white light. God Bless. John Noble. All Masses are currently Full details on application. livestreamed on our website. OPENING HOURS: The church is In devotion to St Philomena – open daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm. If you are interested, please contact CONFESSIONS: Mon-Fri: 12pm-1pm; our CEO Clive Dudbridge at with thanks for stroke recovery, Saturday: 10am-12 noon. By request. Please phone to [email protected] and the blessing of finding adopted make an appointment. or to have an informal discussion, In thanks to St Anthony All Welcome. Please phone son after many years. – MB 020 7493 7811 for more information. please contact Clive on 07808650604. for exam success. www.farmstreet.org.uk The Catholic Universe Crossword No. 671 The Catholic Universe Sudoku No. 271

Across Down Every 6. Make better (7) 1. Urge (5) Sudoku has 7. Kingdom (5) 2. Weep (3) a unique 9. Wager (3) 3. Level (4) solution 10. Unremitting (9) 4. Stupid (9) that can be 12. Stamp collector (11) 5. Disease (7) reached 15. Dispute (11) 8. Courage (6) logically. 17. Sycophant (9) 11. Sharpener (9) Enter 19. Pig pen (3) 13. Slacken (6) numbers 21. Intended (5) 14. Coalminer (7) into the 22. Squirm (7) 16. Musty (5) blank 18. Merit (4) spaces so 20. Era (3) that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. SOLUTION - Stuck? see page 43 see page 43 The Catholic Universe | Friday 6th November 2020 43 Classified/Crossword/Liturgical Calendars

LITURGICAL CALENDARS THANKSGIVING PRIESTS & BROTHERS Crossword PRAYER Solution (from p42) Special Offer! An opportunity too good to be PRAYER TO THE Across: 6 Improve; Ordinary Form Liturgical Calendar missed. We are not offering a job, career or even Sunday Year A, weekday cycle II BLESSED VIRGIN 7 Realm; 9 Bet; MARY FOR SPECIAL a way of life. 10 Incessant; ASSISTANCE: We offer an invitation to explore if you have 12 Philatelist; November: Month of the Holy Souls Wednesday, 11th November: Ti 3:1-7; Ps O most beautiful flower been invited by the Lord, to follow him in a 15 Controversy; Thirty Second Sunday of the Year 22; Lk 17:11-19 of Mount Carmel, fruit of special way as a priest or religious as an 17 Flatterer; 19 Sty; Sunday, 8th November: Wis 6:12-16; Ps the vine, splendorous of Augustinian Recollect friar. 21 Meant; 22 Wriggle. 62; 1Thes 4:13-18; Mt 25:1-13 Thursday, 12th November: Phlm 7-20; Heaven, Blessed Mother Ps 145; Lk 17:20-25 We offer you the fellowship of our of the Son of God, Down: 1 Impel; 2 Cry; Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran communities… the opportunity to share prayer Immaculate Virgin, assist 3 Even; 4 Senseless; Basilica, Monday 9th November: Ez Friday, 13th November: 2Jn 4-9; Ps 118; me in this my necessity. and spiritual growth… the challenge to know 5 Illness; 8 Mettle; 47:1-2,8-9,12 or 1Cor 3:9-11,16-17; Ps Lk 17:26-37 O Star of the Sea help me yourself and your purpose in life… an 11 Whetstone; 13 Loosen; 45; Jn 2:13-22 and show me herein you opportunity to serve God as a missionary in 14 Collier; 16 Stale; Saturday, 14th November: 3Jn 5-8; Ps are my Mother. O Holy remote parts of the world, or in an inner-city 18 Earn; 20 Age. 111; Lk 18:1-8 Mary, Mother of God, Tuesday, 10th November: Ti 2:1-8,11-14; parish in London or New York. Ps 36; Lk 17:7-10 Queen of Heaven and Sudoko earth, I humbly beseech The need is always there and so is the invitation. Solution Extraordinary Form Calendar according to the you from the bottom of Our ‘ Special Offer’ is a lifetime opportunity to (from p42) Roman Missal of 1962 (Tridentine Rite) my heart to succour me follow the call of God to serve him as an in my necessity. There Augustinian Recollect friar. Sunday, 8th November: Twenty-Third 27,45:3-20; Lk 11:33-36 are none that can For more information: Fr Gerald Wilson O.A.R., Sunday after Pentecost Phil 3:17-21; withstand your power. 4:1-3; Mt 9:18-26 Thursday, 12th November: St Martin I O show me here you are St Rita’ s Centre, Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton, my Mother. O Mary, pope & martyr 1 Pet 5:1-4,10-11; Mt Devon, EX14 1AP. 01404 42601 ex 1 conceived without sin Monday, 9th November: Dedication of 16:13-19 pray for us who have [email protected] the Lateran Basilica Apoc 21:2-5; Lk recourse to Thee (3 www.augustinian-recollects.org.uk 19:1-10 Friday, 13th November: St Didacus times). Holy Mary, I Visit us on Facebook or Linkedin. confessor 1 Cor 4:9-14; Lk 12:32-34 place this cause in your Tuesday, 10th November: St Andrew hands (3 times). Thank Avellino confessor, Ecclus 31:8-11; Lk Saturday, 14th November: St Josaphat you for your mercy Like The Universe on facebook - search: 12:35-40 bishop & martyr Heb 5:1-6; Jn 10:11-16 towards me and mine. Catholic Universe newspaper Amen. Wednesday, 11th November: St Martin Compiled by Gordon Dimon, Senior MC This prayer must be said For futher Catholic news visit our website bishop & confessor Ecclus 44:16- of the Latin Mass Society for three days and after www.thecatholicuniverse.com that the request will be For futher Catholic news visit our website granted and the prayer www.thecatholicuniverse.com must be published. RELIGIOUS VENERATION STATIONERY ORDERS DERRY YOUTH COMMUNITY URSULINE SISTERS: Miraculous medieval Shrine Personalised Sisters living and serving Of Our Lady of Caversham together in union with (Reading, North of the Thames) Stationery Christ in the midst of the • Funeral Mass sheets world. Are you called? • Wedding Order of There is a miraculous medieval Shrine 38 Grosvenor Rd, Forest Service Gate, London E7 8JA of Our Lady available for veneration • Cards to the public. All are welcome. • Party invites W: www.ursulines.co.uk • Thank-you cards E: [email protected] The Shrine is on 2 South View Avenue, (Off Washington Road) Caversham, Reading, Remember LAY DOMINICANS: RG4 5AB, situated within the Church of part Our Lady and St Anne. pictures of the Order of are the best memories Preachers. From its The Shrine is available for veneration weekdays and weekends, 9am-5pm. Bernie O’Brien - foundation in 1216, the Photo-journalist Order has included men Car parking available. Toilets open during 07962 100 872 and women who, as well Mass times only - Mon: 9.15am; Tue: 9.15am; 7 St David’s Close, Sale, as the friars and sisters, Wed: 12 noon; Thurs: 8am; Fri: 12.30; Cheshire M33 7DL share the vision of St Sat: 5.30pm; Sun: 10am/6.30pm. Email: Bernie@Bernie Dominic and follow his OBrien.co.uk path. W: http://www.lay For further details, please visit www.BernieOBrien.co.uk dominicans.org.uk www.ourladyandstanne.org.uk/ NINE-DAY NOVENA BOOK BINDING

Novena to St Clare with a lit candle. Say nine Hail Mary’s plus: ‘May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored, glorified and loved today and everday throughout the world, Amen. Thanks for prayers answered. BMc VOCATIONS

OUR LADY OF FIDELITY The Church needs religious sisters URGENTLY (ministers of religion) to bring Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette. Mature vocations considered. CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY 1 Our Lady’s Close, Off Hermitage Road, Upper Norwood, London. SE19 3FA. Tel: 0044 (0) 7760 297001 Email: [email protected] 44 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Sport (SWIFT) Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper Flexibility requires an open mind and a welcoming of new alternatives

Mgr Vladimir Felzmann at Waterloo. The future is reliably unpredictable. When, mid-2020, Foreign Affairs “Blessed are the bamboo-flexible, magazine asked ex- for they shall not be bent out of perts whether Covid-19 would be shape” – a quote I picked up some- worse in January 2021, twenty-two where along my 82 [81 + nine said yes, eight said no; the rest months in my mother’s womb] years would not risk an opinion. on this planet. Given the ‘New Nor- “You can train your mental mal,’ we need to develop a bamboo strength just like you train your body. textured mind so we can sway and If your body looks fit or ripped, it bend when necessary. When our looks strong, and you can flex your hearts are rooted deep into the di- muscles. So, physically, you have a vine reality of life, we can survive certain strength. Mentally, it’s the and thrive no matter what. After all, same thing. You can train your psy- humanity and humility both have chological strength.” said Wladimir their roots in humus, the Latin word team, changing the formation to suit Klitschko, a Ukrainian boxer who for earth and ground. the current [not yesterday’s] squad – competed from 1996 to 2017. He Flexibility is important at any age. It plays a role in unhindered movement Sir Alex Ferguson CBE was a mas- and the new manager’s style of play, held the world heavyweight champi- and can affect your balance, co-ordination, and agility. Maintaining a full ter of flexibility – of substitutions. is essential to stay at the top of your onship twice, including the WBA, IBF, range of motion through your major joints can reduce the likelihood of The Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solsk- game. WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine titles. injury and enhance athletic performance. jaer – who cost a mere £1.5 million – Coronavirus has tried to teach us “The measure of intelligence is scored 126 goals in 366 appearances; many sound lessons about our to- the ability to change,” stated Albert age. I have never been 81 and a half goes by, all too often while waists 150 as a substitute. Thirty-three of morrows. Clearly, the future is Einstein, best known to the general before. However, I do know that age- widen, minds narrow. Flexibility re- those goals came in the last 15 min- opaque. It is wise not to be surprised public for his mass-energy equiva- ing gracefully, being flexible in the quires an open mind and a welcom- E = mc2 utes. As you know, Solskjaer is cur- by the unexpected. We seem to have lence formula , which has way I keep my balance [and much ing of new alternatives. If the plan rently back at Manchester United as forgotten the unexpected financial been dubbed ‘the world’s most fa- else] is vital for sustaining my good does not work, change the plan but Manager. crashes of 1929 and 2008; the start of mous equation’. Albert’s idea is health. never your chosen goal. Stay com- Successful managers know they The Great Famine – sometimes, nothing new. “Flexibility is crucial to my fitness. mitted to your decisions, stay flexi- must be flexible and spot the right mostly outside Ireland, referred to as Human nature does not change. Incorporating a good warm-up and ble in your approach. Be ready to time to substitute players so as to the Irish Potato Famine in 1845; as “Freedom and happiness are found cool-down into every session de- tack into the wind. defend a lead or sharpen attack to well as Black Death’s arrival in June in the flexibility and ease with which creases my chances of injury. I use “Training for strength and flexibil- get back into the game; if all is going 1348. we move through change” taught both dynamic and static stretching ity is a must. You must use it to sup- well, to give youngsters experience To survive – let alone thrive – we Gautama Buddha, founder of the in my training. I’ve starting doing a port your techniques. Techniques and thus build their confidence. need to be flexible in how we relate world religion of Buddhism in the few yoga sessions which incorpo- alone are no good if you don’t sup- Sport management flexibility in and where and how we work – on fifth or sixth century BCE. rates muscle strength and flexibil- port them with strength and flexibil- ‘the off-field team’: with diet, train- what. Our mindsets need to be more The wind of time blows youth ity,” said Samantha Stosur, an Aus- ity,” stated Lee Jun-fan, commonly ing, buying new players for the new like that of the SAS than the infantry away. I don’t know how to act my tralian professional tennis player: a known as Bruce Lee, Hong Kong- former world No. 1 in doubles, a American actor, director, martial Sir Alex Ferguson ranking which she held for 61 weeks, artist and martial arts instructor. CBE and Ole and a former world No. 4 in singles. “Let no one think that flexibility Gunnar Solskjaer If, as I do, you believe “that in all and a predisposition to compromise pictured together. things God works for the good of is a sign of weakness or a sell-out,” those who love him” [Rm 8,28] you said Paul Kagame, a Rwandan whose can concentrate on the here and sport is politics – and was the mili- now and – though ready for the un- tary. He is the 6th and current Presi- expected – not worry about the fu- dent of Rwanda, having taken office ture. As the old 1952 song puts it, in 2000 when his predecessor, Pas- “Why worry, why worry? Worry gets teur Bizimungu, resigned. you nowhere at all.” It is good to learn how to be flexi- An educational film that remains ble in what I call ‘the languages of glued within my mind since the age life’. Though you are the same per- of 12, was the making of a samurai son, the languages of your mind and sword – with its repeated heating, body need to adapt to the varied hammering and folding the metal scenarios of work, home – with that gave it its strength and flexibil- spouse and children – and your ity. As the Japanese learned – often mates out for a relaxing evening, or - the hard way – it’s flexibility that once there is Covid-19 vaccine – a makes buildings capable of surviv- football or rugby match. ing earthquakes. Imagine what flexi- Why not strive to be a flexible bility can do to your heart. friend to all; certainly, your friends Mental flexibility is even more im- and family. In a fortnight we will portant than physical flexibility. take a look at honesty Stretch your mind today. As time .

Published by Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Printed by Knowsley Newsprinters, Kitling Rd, Prescot, Knowsley, L34 9HN. All rights reserved.