So to keep me from becoming Mission Statement conceited because of the surpassing The HERALD is a Catholic greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a Weekly of the Malaysian messenger of Satan to harass me, to Church. It endeavours to keep me from becoming conceited. communicate up-to-date news Three times I pleaded with the Lord and Christian values and strives THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY about this, that it should leave me. to dialogue with all sectors JULY 4, 2021 TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) ISSN: 1394-3294 Vol. 28 No. 24 2 Cor. 12:7-8 of society in order to build a (FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY) harmonious community of ‘Use white believers in God. We support flag if you MJD clergy Spiritual the formation of a participatory need food’ share their growth Church and encourage the laity movement thoughts in tough gains on being times and religious to make moral traction vaccinated decisions in the marketplace. P4 P6 P16 Pope Francis: ‘Stop using Lebanon and the Middle East for outside interests and profits’ ATICAN: Hosting a day of of the prayers. prayer for Lebanon on July Pope Francis spoke at the end of the ecu- menical prayer service, urging hope and a fu- V1, Pope Francis said that the ture of peace for the country in crisis. country should no longer be used to “We assembled today to pray and reflect, serve “unscrupulous interests.” impelled by our deep concern for Lebanon — “Stop using Lebanon and the Middle East a country very close to my heart and which I for outside interests and profits,” the Pope said. wish to visit — as we see it plunged into a seri- “The Lebanese people must be given the op- ous crisis,” the Pope said. portunity to be the architects of a better future The World Bank has described the current in their land, without undue interference.” financial situation in Lebanon as among the Catholic and Orthodox leaders from Leba- “most severe crisis episodes globally since the non spent the day at the Vatican in private mid-19th century.” round table discussions about the future of It estimates that Lebanon’s real GDP con- their country, which is facing a severe eco- tracted by more than 20 per cent in 2020, with nomic crisis. surging inflation, high unemployment and Representatives from Lebanon’s Maronite, more than half of the population below the na- Melkite, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, tional poverty line. Chaldean, Syrian Catholic and evangelical Pope Francis takes part in a day of reflection and prayer for Lebanon, July 1, 2021. (Vatican Media) Lebanon’s leaders have failed to form a gov- community came to the Vatican for the day of candles in the crypt chapel at the tomb of St with the Pope and the patriarchs, with prayers ernment to implement reforms after the dev- prayer. Peter. offered in Arabic, Armenian, and Syriac. astating explosion in Beirut’s port on Aug 4. The day began with a moment of prayer in It ended with members of the Lebanese dias- A choir made up of students from Leba- The blast killed nearly 200 people, injured 600 front of the high altar at St Peter’s Basilica be- pora community gathered in the world’s larg- non studying in Rome chanted hymns of others and caused more than $4 billion in dam- fore the Pope and the patriarchs placed lighted est Catholic basilica to pray for peace together praise taken from the psalms between each age. — By Courtney Mares, CNA First Indian Christian Day on July 3 Pope’s prayer NEW DELHI: For several years, July 3 has intention for July: been a significant day for the Christians of In- dia. It is the Feast of St Thomas the Apostle - one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He came to Social friendship India after the Resurrection of Jesus, around 52 AD. It is historically accepted that St Thomas was martyred near Chennai in 72AD. nual day of remembrance, is for followers of within the Indian cultural heritage, while unit- This year has added significance: for the first the Lord Jesus Christ of Indian origin to cel- ing with all who wish to celebrate, irrespective time, Christians from all Churches in India (and ebrate the person and message of JESUS of language, custom, creed, region or religion. also Indian Christians who live in other parts CHRIST which was brought to India in 52 AD “The celebration of Indian Christian of the world) will come together to celebrate by one of His twelve disciples, St Thomas the Day (Yeshu Bhakti Divas) on July 3, 2021, ‘Indian Christian Day’ (Yeshu Bhakti Divas). A Apostle. launched the Decade of Celebration (2021- Declaration prepared by a small group of initia- “This day, historically observed as St Thom- 2030) to honour the 2000th anniversary of Pope Francis urges “that in social, economic tors of the Day (representing various Churches) as Day commemorates the martyrdom of the the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and political situations of conflict, we may states: Apostle in 72AD near Chennai. In marking it in whose teaching and life principles have helped be courageous and passionate architects of “This declaration of July 3, 2021 as Indian 2021 and every year henceforth, we as follow- t o s h a p e a n d t r a n s f o r m I n d i a a n d t h e w o r l d . ” dialogue and friendship”, against polarisation Christian Day (Yeshu Bhakti Divas) as an an- ers of the Lord Jesus also preserve our identity — By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, Indian Currents and populism. 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD July 4, 2021 The silent cry of suffering any people are suffering as the lock- would take half a year’s wages to feed them! downs are extended. Through press Sunday Observer How to even start? All they had was a lad with Mreports and phone messages, we are five small barley loaves and two small fish. hearing of more and more cases of businesses By But in the end, thanks to Jesus’ intervention, closures, job losses, and even suicides. everyone had enough to eat – and they even There are desperate people in desperate cir- Anil Netto had 12 baskets full of leftover scraps. We don’t cumstances. Many are unsuccessful in finding know how – but he did it. [email protected] a means of earning an honest livelihood. This example of looking out for everyone’s For whatever reason, government resources needs was carried into the early Church – a are already stretched. Corruption, the lack of we listen carefully, we now hear the “cry of litical and religious leaders in the urban areas form of #kitajagakita (we’ve got each other’s prudent spending, wastage and the mega-pro- the poor”. of Judea and Galilee were living it up, wallow- back), as we see in the Acts of the Apostles. jects of the past have come back to haunt us. Growing up in Galilee, Jesus was no stran- ing in luxury and indulging in mega-projects. Those who had more chipped in to help those Now is the time for more people to extend ger to harsh economic conditions among peas- He knew they could not be relied upon to ease who were needy. a helping hand in solidarity with one another. ants, farmers and fishermen. Life was a strug- the suffering of the people. Instead, these lead- But today, with neoliberalisation and priva- Our country is blessed with natural resourc- gle for most ordinary people back then. ers placed heavy burdens and taxes on the peo- tisation, the bonds of social solidarity, espe- es such as rich, fertile soil and abundant rain, To finance the elites’ extravagances, mega- ple. cially in healthcare, education and housing, despite the challenges of climate change and projects and luxurious lifestyles, peasant farm- And so, Jesus related the parable of the Good have been undermined. human damage to the ecosystem. ers had to pay an assortment of crippling taxes Samaritan – how ordinary people have to look Material poverty in a land of abundance So we should have enough to feed the en- and tithes that grabbed 30 – 40 per cent of out for their neighbours in need, through their is a scandal. Such crippling circumstances tire population. Times like this bring home the their income. This left them with barely a sub- care and concern – and this could be anyone, condemn the poor to premature death, due importance of boosting our food security – in- sistence income to feed their families. Some whether foreigner or local. to a lack of wholesome nutrition and quality stead of relying so heavily on food imports. families even had to mortgage their harvests At a time of despair – when John the Baptist healthcare. Life spans are shortened. For far too long, in our greed for material – and if they couldn’t pay up, their land would had just been executed at the hands of Herod This is why the Church believes in the pref- development, we have neglected the farming be confiscated by wealthy landowners. These Antipas, that “lover of luxury” – many turned erential option for the poor. We have to not and fisheries sector. Many vegetable farms, for landowners consolidated their holdings into to Jesus for new hope. only look at the needs of the poor but also dis- instance, were converted to commercial or in- larger estates while the farmers were forced to Jesus urged his followers to feed the multi- mantle the structures of sin that contribute to dustrial use. Fisheries have suffered due to pol- become contract workers. tude themselves instead of sending them home this situation. lution and land reclamation – and this is ongo- Jesus would have been all too familiar with empty-handed. What do we do in the meantime? The place ing. Hills and forests have been chopped down the suffering of the peasants and how they Just as we might scratch our heads today and to start is where we are, in our own surround- with little thought, enriching a small minority. were losing their land. That is why he spoke wonder how we can feed so many hungry peo- ings, using our limited talents and resources The Earth silently wept – “the cry of the in his parables of landlords, stewards, tenants, ple, the disciples of Jesus seemed bewildered – our “five loaves and two fish” – leaving the Earth”. Now, the lockdowns have given nature casual workers, wages and debt. by the enormity of the task. There were just too rest in the hands of Jesus to work modern-day a much-needed breather and reprieve. But, if Jesus would also have heard of how the po- many of them to be fed – over 5,000 people. It miracles. Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Ad Hominem Disasters hey didn’t recognise God working in Ezeki- of these exiles. His name was Ezekiel. Ezekiel Tel. He was too much of a fanatic for them. A said that God set him on his feet; God gave him bit of a kook. Paul wasn’t all that some thought standing among a downtrodden people. Some Reflecting on our Sunday Readings he would be. He was a little guy, probably with would listen to him. Some wouldn’t. “A prophet is not without honour except in 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time a high squeaky voice, certainly not a great ora- With Ezekiel, as with all of the prophets, God his native place and among his own kin and in tor. They didn’t recognise that Jesus was the used one of their own to speak to the people. his own house.” Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; Word of God among them. They had watched The humble accepted this. The proud could And then it concludes: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; him grow up. Today’s readings present what I not accept this. This hubris, this pride, was de- “He was not able to perform any mighty deed Gospel: Mark 6:1-6 would call three Ad Hominem disasters. structive. It resulted in disaster for the people there, apart from curing a few sick people by An Ad Hominem argument is an attack on refusing to listen to the Word of God because laying his hands on them. He was amazed at ments that we are using against ourselves. If an argument based on the person presenting they could not fathom that God would speak to their lack of faith.” we follow this line of thought we would never it. It basically says that because a person has them through this or that everyday man. They We also can easily be caught up in Ad Homi- stand up for the truth. this or that foible, limitation, or failing, we levelled an Ad Hominem argument against Eze- nem arguments and miss the truth when it is Let’s go back to Saint Paul. He was certainly shouldn't listen to him or her no matter what he kiel. right in front of us. The Ad Hominem argument aware of his own personal failings. He speaks or she says. For example, someone says that it The Ad Hominem argument was also the prevents us from recognising the possibility that about a thorn in the flesh. What was this? A sin is wrong for a nation to steal land from another basis of the criticism that many in Corinth had truth can emanate from someone we know. For he had trouble avoiding. Was his temper get- nation like Russia did in the Ukraine regarding regarding St Paul. In 2 Corinthians 10:10 we example, a home ownership group is meeting ting the best of him? Should he stop preaching Crimea. The person with the opposite view- read, “For someone will say, ‘His letters are regarding the designs for a community centre. Jesus Christ because he recognised this thorn? point, instead of countering with something severe and forceful, but his bodily presence is Someone we might know who can be quite No, the message was more important than the like, “Russia owned this land 120 years ago,” weak, and his speech contemptible.’” Many mean, stands up in the meeting and says, “We person. He might be weak, but the message, the says, “Well, you don’t have the education to of the Corinthians were no longer following should design the building in such a way that Gospel, is strong. What Paul writes at the end of argue with me, and besides, you’re fat and fat the teachings of Paul because he did not cut all the members of our community, including today’s second reading can be paraphrased as: people don’t know what they are talking about. the figure that they experienced in some of the those with physical challenges, should feel wel- Maybe this is all for the better. It is not me but And your mother dresses you funny.” An Ad other people who spoke to them. St Paul hum- come.” Do we hear the truth of the statement, the message that is important. I am weak, but Hominem argument is the weakest of all argu- bly says in today’s reading that he knows he or do we miss the truth because we are so fo- Christ is strong. In fact, I am happy to be weak ments because it does not consider the facts, and can be weak, in fact he speaks about a thorn in cused on the foibles of the one speaking? Or if that focuses my attention on true strength, the just attacks the person presenting the opinion. the flesh that he prays that God would remove, far closer to home, husbands and wives know power of the Lord. Ezekiel was the victim of an Ad Hominem at- but he says that his own weakness shows the each others’ foibles and failures. Often, this pre- And that is what we need to realise, all of us. tack. Here’s the background: The Book of the Power of God in his words. For the Kingdom of vents them from hearing the truth come from We all know our own personal failings and sin- Prophet Ezekiel comes from the beginning of God has advanced. Many have become follow- their spouse. So many teens cannot get beyond fulness. But we want God in our lives. We want the Babylonian Captivity, around 580 BC. Af- ers of Christ, not because of Paul, but because their parent’s humanity to hear the truth of their His Kingdom of Peace and Justice to come. We ter the people of Israel had fallen into pagan God worked through this weak man. Sadly, too Mom and Dad’s advice. So many parents can- need to realise that God will speak through us practices, trusting in military treaties with pagan many Corinthians would not allow themselves not get beyond their teens’ lapses in maturity to despite our own foibles. neighbours rather than trusting in God, the Lord to be open to this truth. They were stuck in a recognise their virtues. Sometimes when I recite the penitential rite withdrew His protection. Like the Pharaoh in disastrous Ad Hominem argument. For many, it Perhaps the Ad Hominem argument is most at the beginning of Mass, I use the expression, the days of Moses, the people became more and did not make sense to listen to this little man. destructive when we apply it to ourselves. So “Yours is the truth that gives meaning to the more obstinate, refusing to listen to the prophets. This destructive hubris is particularly and often we want to make a statement of faith, a very concept of truth.” The truth of the Lord “Hard of face and obstinate of heart,” the Lord painfully evident in those who rejected Jesus statement of morality, but we feel that we are comes from Him, not from the one who mouths calls them in today’s first reading. The Hebrews because He was one of them, too familiar to just not good enough to speak out. For exam- it. We err horribly when we focus in on the ended up being conquered by the Babylonians them. His mighty deeds, His miracles, His wis- ple, someone who was raised in my genera- individual proclaiming truth, even if this indi- and taken into exile to what is modern day Iraq. dom, the power of His speaking, were lost on tion might say, “How can I tell my children or vidual is ourselves. At the beginning of this exile, the people felt ab- people who could not get beyond the fact that my grandchildren not to smoke and take drugs The power of God is upon us. His presence solutely deserted. Some believed that they were this was the carpenter’s son speaking. They when I sacrificed years of my youth to the is among us. His truth is in our hearts and on being punished for their sins. But many others knew His family. They missed the words of the wacky weed?” Or, “How can I emphasise to the our lips. We need to be less demanding of oth- refused to believe in God any more. “If Yahweh Greatest of All Prophets because they were too kids the importance of receiving communion ers and of ourselves. We pray today that we do exists, He would not have allowed this to hap- proud to hear them. Their Ad Hominem attack weekly when I was away from the Church dur- not let our own humanity or that of anyone else pen,” they claimed. Instead of drawing closer to led to their not receiving the gifts of the Messiah ing my college days?” or “How can I protest keep us from hearing, proclaiming and living God in their need, they rejected His very exist- as promised by the prophet Isaiah. The Gospel against immorality when I have been far from in the Truth of the Lord. — B y M s g r J o s e p h A ence. But God gave the spirit of prophesy to one concludes with Jesus saying to them: saintly myself?” These are Ad Hominem argu- Pellegrino HERALD July 4, 2021 Home / Pastoral 3 Fr Joachim Tan discharged Association of Churches from hospital offers hall as PPV KUCHING: The Christian Ecumenical Wor- able facilities located throughout Sarawak, According to the Ministry of Tourism, ship Centre (CEWC) at Jalan Stampin was for the state’s mass vaccination programme. Arts and Culture Sarawak (MTAC), “a to- officially launched as a COVID-19 vaccina- The offer is a Christian responsibility for tal of about 2,000 tourism industry players tion centre on June 25. people in Kuching, and is expected to expe- have registered voluntarily through their re- Catholic Archbishop Simon Poh, as chair- dite vaccination in rural communities to pro- spective employers for the four-day vaccina- man of the Association of Churches in tect everyone in Sarawak. tion programme which was held from June Sarawak (ACS), in collaboration with Unit On June 24, a day before the official open- 24-27, 2021 at the Association of Churches for Other Religions (UNIFOR), has extended ing, 321 persons from the tourism industry Sarawak at Jalan Stampin.” — By Ivy Chai, the use of ACS branches equipped with suit- were vaccinated. Today’s Catholic

KUALA LUMPUR: Fr Joachim Tan was dis- charged from Assunta Hospital June 28 and has returned to the Church of Holy Rosary where he will continue to rest during his convalescence, Ms Amanda Pumala, Assistant to Chancellor, said in a communiqué released on the same day. The Archdiocese would like to thank the medical team which attended to Fr Joachim’s medical needs during his hospital stay. We would also like to thank everyone for their prayers and concern. We hope that you will continue to give Fr Joachim the needed time to rest and recover fully. Tourism Ministry officials at the Official Opening of ACS-CEWC as PPV, June 25, 2021. (Today’s Catholic Photo/Ambrose Linang via ACS)

Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #46 Greetings and the Peace of the Lord Je- ask Michelangelo himself, he sent a friend Apostolic Letter on Grandparents & El- sus Christ be with you, dear People of to Michelangelo’s studio to try and find ders are available. God. out what his statue lacked. 3.0 This Week’s Question & Query When things are not encouraging, HOPE The great artist replied, “It lacks life.” The Q asks: How are young people viewed is all that we have. Friends, associates, pa- Something to REFLECT on: by Pope Francis? rishioners and famous personalities have Do you feel like a sculpture without 3.1 He invites the young people to dis- passed on without any fanfare or proper breath? Is it possible that many so-called cern using the “See, Judge, Act” method, closure. Many fear the times. Some just believers (myself included when un- which he developed into the “Recognis- couldn’t care less. The leaders are not grounded) are sculptures without life, ing, Interpreting, Choosing” approach. forthcoming with much-needed assurance. works of art without a soul? Many people An approach by which a person makes But the disciples in the storm episode re- have all kinds of comforts and the latest fundamental choices in dialogue with the minds us to have faith that the Lord jour- gadgets, but lack life. It is already happen- Lord and by listening to the voice of the neys with us. Hold on. Do not despair. ing. We are seeing more and more soul- Spirit, starting with the choice of one’s THE LORD IS IN CONTROL. less individuals, loveless families, dream- state of life. It involves the exercise of What next? Serious times! The racism less communities, spiritless churches and conscience. and religious cards continue to be played. heartless governments. Only God is the 3.2 Through the document Christus Viv- Re-engineering society and manipulating Life-giver. it, which means Christ Alive, they are exam results since NEP days has dam- reminded that Christ wants them to be aged quality, creativity and productivity. 2.0 Announcements for this Week: The programmes are available in the four main languages. Link up and see. alive; and to grow in holiness. There are Elections are more important. Political 2.1 The MCO is extended. The COVID-19 three great truths: that God loves them and survival is everything. Overseas education virus is here to stay just like dengue or the 2.4 The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of cares more about reconciling than forbid- for the privileged, while the rest have no flu. Mary (the CSCM Sisters of Taiwan) cel- ding; that Christ saves them by forgiving choice but to make do with the local sys- Some countries are experiencing the ebrated their 40th Anniversary of Mission them time and time again; that Christ is tem. There is no adherence to the rule of third wave. Malaysia handled the first and in the MJD, which concluded on June 28, alive which allows them to stop complain- law and no enforcement. Criminals have second waves well, but now we have de- with a nationwide online thanksgiving ing and look to the future. become brazen. teriorated. The reality is bad: daily new broadcast. Congratulations to the Sisters. 3.3 Christ invites the young people to The immunisation programme, the econ- cases have exceeded 4,000, the aimed for May you continue to witness and give make choices for the common good, for omy, education and even the medical pro- herd immunity is still far from achievable, glory to the Lord of Missions. (Available living the present to the full, to be protago- fessionals are already compromised. More the vaccination initiative is very slow, on Facebook). nists of change, courageous missionaries suicides, more counselling needs and more the “brought in dead” figure has gone up, 2.5 Clergy Updates: and to maintain a relationship with the white flags appearing. Malaysia plunges hospitals and medical personnel are over- 2.5.1 Fr Cyril Mananayagam will begin older people to benefit from their experi- from 16th to 51st in Bloomberg’s COVID taxed, the “gostan” policies and announce- a five-year contract as seminary formator ence. (Christus Vivit n.111-188) resilience ranking. Too many patchwork ments are causing havoc. But you and I at St Peter’s College Kuching with effect repairs to a ship with many leaks. need to keep safe, keep healthy, and keep from August 1. He completed his licenti- Let us continue to build God’s Kingdom the vaccination appointment. The most 1.0 A Thought for the Week: ate in Spirituality at St Peter’s Pontifical together. Do not stop hoping. Genuine common vaccination after-effect is tired- WHAT ARE WE LACKING? Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore. Happy hope is founded in knowing God and His ness and sleepiness. An aspiring artist sculpted a beautiful an- serving, Father. ways, His revelation and His Word. He has gel and wanted the master artist, Michel- 2.2 The MJD50, the golden jubilee of the 2.5.2 Fr (Dr) Michael Teng, the current the last say in all situations. Listen. God angelo, to inspect it and offer his opin- diocese, is underway. The theme is OUR assistant parish priest at the Sacred Heart bless you. Continue to be safe and keep ion. So Michelangelo was called in. The HISTORY. OUR STORY. OUR MISSION, Cathedral, JB, will move to Graceville one another safe. master looked carefully at the sculpture with the call to be a “A Light of Hope” in with effect from August 1. A decision was from every angle. Finally, he said, “Well, these painful and troubled times. The pan- made to grant him early retirement on it lacks only one thing.” Then he turned demic has made us opt for simple, safe and medical grounds. His spirit is willing but around and walked out. small preparations. his body is weak. Thank you, Father. Bishop Bernard Paul The puzzled would-be artist didn’t un- 2.3 Catholics @Home, a Catholic podcast, 2.6 From the Vatican: the preparation for July 2, 2021 derstand, and he certainly didn’t know hosted by Fr Clarence Dass of KLAD, will the Synod of Bishops has begun. The what it lacked. Too embarrassed to go and be channelled online via our platforms. document on Ministry of Catechist and an Click here to watch the video 4 Home HERALD July 4, 2021 ‘Use white flag if you need food’

White Flag Movement movement gains traction KUALA LUMPUR: A movement posted by Twitter user @JawaJo- variations and posters spread urging people to display a white hor2 reads: “To those facing hard- across social media, so have mes- flag at their house if they are strug- ship and have no food, raise the sages praising the initiative as a gling to put food on the table ap- white flag at your house, and let good way to seek help. pears to be gathering steam. those around you help as much as “People need food and water to The white flag is to signal to oth- they can. stay alive, but there is still dignity ers that they have run out of food “Don’t do anything that is detri- not to go ask around. and are in need of immediate as- mental to yourself and your family. “The white flag does not signify sistance. “There is no need to be ashamed. defeat, but is a last-ditch effort be- It is not clear how the movement Just raise the white flag and hope fore collapse,” said Twitter user @ started or when, but more and people will come help.” projekhitam. more have shared variations of the The white flag is a protective Another netizen @Ainabill98 same message. sign used under the laws of armed said she shed tears reading about This is often accompanied by conflict to designate unarmed ne- people who have killed themselves pleas to people not to take any gotiators seeking to parlay, but is in the face of hardship, adding: “drastic” measures in the face of also often used to symbolise sur- “Flying the white flag is an- ex hardship. render. cellent alternative. I hope nearby The White Flag Project or #BenderaPutih calls upon people needing assistance to wave a white cloth outside their house or to reach out for help One of the earlier messages, As the message and its many folks are caring.” — Malaysiakini without fear or shame. (Malaysiakini photo/Hambamu Seikhlas facebook) How the Church is helping those in need Four suicide cases a day in Kuala Lumpur first three months of 2021 Archdiocese PETALING JAYA: There was an fectively communicate with the eo Kar Im, Direc- food bank of sorts. average of four suicide cases every depressed individual by taking the Ttor of the Arch- She also shared day for the first three months of the matter seriously, listening to their diocesan Office of a link of other year, with 336 cases reported to po- grievances, showing empathy and Human Development groups that are hav- lice. avoiding judgmental behaviour. (AOHD), said that i n g f o o d b a n k s : This is the shocking statistic re- Noor Hisham advised Malay- many parishes have a https://bit.ly/3haHfZy leased by health director-general Dr sians to make use of technology Noor Hisham Abdullah, who said to keep in contact with those who Penang Diocese the number for the three months were mentally affected, offer to was more than half of what was re- help them with their daily tasks and any parishes have expand- groups which handle such needs” share experiences and work on a ported for the whole of 2020. encourage them to seek profession- “Med their outreach with ex- said Fr Joachim Robert, Caritas Pen- common way forward. Citing data from the police, Noor al help. isting groups like the Ministry of the ang/POHD Chairman. “If financial assistance is required, Hisham said there were 631 suicide He added that the media played Poor, Human Development Com- “As a diocese, we are coordinat- we work with the relevant parishes. cases in 2020, an increase from the a role in disseminating accurate in- mittee, Society of St Vincent De ing and having dialogue sessions “The situation during this time is 609 recorded in 2019. formation according to the health Paul, Zones / BEC or local parish with the various parish groups to even more acute as many are not He said those isolated from sup- ministry’s guidelines for media re- able to weather the prolonged lock- port networks and under extreme porting on suicide. down and have exhausted their re- stress were at higher risk of facing “The public is asked to respect serves,” he explained. mental health problems such as de- the victim’s family by not recording He then shared about some of the pression. any videos or distributing pictures parishes which are helping: Noor Hisham urged the public to on social media about the individual be more aware of their family mem- who committed suicide. Penang Island Churches bers and those in their surroundings “Suicide can be prevented, but City Parish, Immaculate Concep- to detect early symptoms of depres- viral posts on social media could tion, Divine Mercy, Holy Spirit Ca- sion which could lead to suicidal lead to ‘copycat suicides’ for those thedral tendencies. at risk.” This included behavioural chang- Noor Hisham also urged those af- Northern Region Churches es, expressing a sense of hopeless- fected to reach out for support at the St Anne, Nativity of the Blessed Vir- ness or feeling as if their presence following hotlines: gin Mary was a burden to their family, and l Mental Health Psychosocial talking about wanting to end their Support Service (MHPSS): 03- Perak Churches lives either verbally or in writing. 29359935 or 014-3223392 Our Lady of Lourdes, St Michael, “If they display any of the symp- l Talian Kasih: 15999, or What- Cathedral of Holy Spirit FMCO Outreach. Our Mother of Perpetual Help toms listed, the individual is ad- sApp 019-2615999 vised to seek professional medical l Jakim’s Family, Social and advice immediately to avoid their Community care centre: WhatsApp Malacca Johore condition from worsening,” said 0111-9598214 Diocese Noor Hisham. l Befrienders Kuala Lumpur: ome have established ongo- He said the public could also ef- 03-76272929 — FMT “Sing foodbanks,” said Hugh Dason, the head of Caritas MJD/ Catholic DOHD. He then explained that with the current MCO extensions, Hotlines many other parishes have started KL Archdiocese temporary foodbanks or food aid. Tel: 03-82118214 “Caritas MJD has given grants WhatsApp: to all our parish frontliners to open 0179157188 foodbanks (food aid) at each par- Malacca Johore ish. This was agreed upon late May Diocese in discussion with the charity front- Tel: 016-7099465 liners of each parish who make Same no for SMS or up our crisis response group,” he shared with the other parishes to be ferent methods for helping those WhatsApp added. distributed in their vicinity. in need — from setting up food Hugh explained that one of the Hugh said that due to the MCO banks, setting up accounts in the parishes received food donations and the many restrictions, the par- grocery stores, food banks, food from the royal family which was ishes have been using many dif- aid and even banking in cash. HERALD July 4, 2021 Home 5 Bridging cultural boundaries in families KUALA LUMPUR: The Archdiocesan Fam- and a reading from Ephesians 4: 2-6. ily Life Commission (AFLC) organised a we- The session ended with a closing prayer and binar themed Bridging Cultural Boundaries in a blessing from Fr Gregory. Families on Saturday June 19. This webinar can be viewed on You Tube In a multi ethnic, multi religious country under the Archdiocesan Family Life Commis- like Malaysia, most marriages solemnised sion. in church reflect the different cultures and The AFLC organises these webinars on a religions. These marriages of cultures and, monthly basis. They are centred on the Penin- sometimes, religions, while being a holy and sular Malaysia Pastoral theme for 2021 which sacred union, sometimes comes with their is Hope: Believe, Live and Give. Each month fair share of differences, challenges and the will focus on a different sub-theme based on difficulty in gaining acceptance from fami- Hope, with a focus on family life. To include lies and relatives. The AFLC decided to fo- all the various language groups, the AFLC has cus on the challenges couples of different ward enriching their relationship. by the moderating couple, Joseph and Anita taken steps to conduct these sessions in Bahasa cultures encounter and how they work to- The webinar began with a short introduction Pragasam from the Church of the Assumption, Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil and English. No one is superior Focusing on their similarities r Gregory Chan, parish priest of the van and Shirley from the Church of St Anne FChurch of the Assumption, began by re- Ishared how, they as an inter-racial and mixed ferring to the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians religion couple faced initial hurdles in their re- where wives are called to be subject to their lationship. Shirley who is Chinese, Taoist and husbands. Further explaining this, Fr Chan was more conversant in Cantonese, had many referred to the Apostolic Exhortation, Amo- apprehensions about dating an Indian man. ris Letitia paragraph 156, that being subject She was worried about how they would blend to your husband was at the time of it being with their different cultural upbringing and, written. However, in a marriage, there is no most importantly, whether her parents would such thing as one being superior to the other. accept an Indian into their family. Ivan and Shirley share their inter-racial hurdles in their relationship. He went on to explain that in marriage there Ivan, who is of mixed Indian-Filipino par- to become Catholic. That letter, Shirley said, them on the morning of the New Lunar Year. is a complete donation of self and a mutual entage, had to face negative stereotypes. He is still kept very dear and near to her. Ivan’s Her family was very happy to see Ivan try- submission to each other. As in Romans 12:21 grew up in a staunch Catholic family and was mother and sister welcomed and supported ing to learn their language and become one of “Do not overcome evil with evil but over- very involved in the life of his parish, espe- her as she was going to be baptised and would them. Eventually he won them over and they come evil with good.” cially the youth. Ivan mentioned that some be a part of their family. Today, married for are a big happy extended family. Unequal yoke. 2 Corinthians 6: 14 seems to misperceptions of his race was a concern for 13 years, they encourage their two daughters Ivan and Shirley further shared how they tell us that we should not be unevenly yoked Shirley’s parents. These had to be overcome to actively engage in the festivities of Chinese coped with certain third party or external in- to unbelievers. That is not the correct interpre- as they had fallen in love with each other. New Year and other Chinese celebrations. fluences. Shirley shared very vividly that she tation. In a marital union, be it in an interre- Shirley decided that the best way to bridge Ivan also faced other challenges. First, he focused on the similarities rather than their ligious union, as long as the couple together this cultural difference was to become Catho- needed to break the negative perceptions that differences. Both Ivan and Shirley agreed that are drawn closer to God, then it is a union of lic. She asked her father about it and was giv- Shirley’s parents had about him. He would they communicate on any issue or matter that a yoke placed equally between two people. en his blessing. She attended the RCIA pro- go often to Shirley’s house. Initially they is affecting their relationship. If there is any However, Fr Chan stressed that when a yoke gramme and recalled an incident when, on her could only communicate in Bahasa Malay- disagreement, they will not go to bed without is placed on two animals unequally, then one RCIA Retreat, she received a letter from her sia. However, in time, he took the trouble to making peace and kissing and making up. animal suffers more because it has to bear Taoist parents affirming her of her decision learn phrases in Cantonese, especially wishing more weight than the other. This can even cause the yoke to break. The same with a mar- Messy situations bring couples together riage, the couple, even if they are of different faiths and cultures, should work together in oseph and Anita then shared on their ear- inclusiveness, creativity and bridge build- mutual submission. Jly courting days. They both came from ing in their culturally different marriages. He Referring again to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, Fr Catholic families, but Anita’s father was In- also quoted John 10:10, “I have come that Chan mentioned the many attributes in this dian while her mother was Eurasian. Anita’s they may have life, and have it to the full”. reading which all couples must pay special at- family adopted the Eurasian customs and tra- Anita summed up the whole session by tention to. Love is patient, kind, not jealous or ditions while Joseph came from a tradition- mentioning that it is a collision of cultures, boastful or rude, does not rejoice at wrong, but ally Tamil Ceylonese background. They too which can be messy. Just as Ivan and Shirley rejoices in right, hopes, believes and endures faced initial hurdles due to the stereotyping had a great respect and regard for their fami- in all things. of people of both Eurasian and Tamil Cey- lies, this made it possible for them to be ac- Fr Chan also compared the Eucharist to the lonese backgrounds. However they decided cepted by both families. In all messy situa- love of spouses in Marriage. In the Eucharist, to emphatically inform their parents that they tions it brings together the couple, along with Christ died for his bride the Church. By his were going to be true to each other and it was their families. She also highlighted that Ivan death Christ poured himself completely for a God-given right to choose one’s life partner. and Shirley though from different cultures to- his people the Church. In the same way in Joseph shared an example in bridging reli- Joseph and Anita share on their religious barriers. gether as a couple are there working together marriage a couple giving to each other is pour- gious barriers when both he and Anita agreed that he too had an opportunity to help their for the glory of God. She mentioned Ivan’s ing themselves out completely for each other to do a small act of blessing a photo with an Hindu baby sitter who had no one to do the analogy of an onion, there are many layers and therefore can be compared to the Eucha- incense holder for their late Hindu grand- last rites for her departed husband. and in the centre is the couple. — By Robert rist. They are a total gift of self to each other. mother when she passed on. Ivan mentioned Fr Chan said both couples have practiced and Shelah Basker, AFLC Have a good prayerful relationship with God KUALA LUMPUR: For two consecutive call on his intercessory powers. Fr James add- of strength and so are able to pray and relate to this growth comes from God Himself. Walk years, the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua ed that the secret to his power, his ability to God and to one another because we have the by faith and not by sight and always trust and has been celebrated online due to the ongoing work signs and wonders, is precisely because light that has come into us and we grow in this have faith in the Lord. COVID-19 pandemic. St Anthony has a secret fellowship, a secret light. But for the work of ministry, we need “Today we celebrate St Anthony. Because Parish priest of the Church of St Anthony, relationship with God, a continuing spiritual the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit in our of his faith in God, the Lord was able to use Fr James Gabriel was the preacher for the experience of Christ in his life. lives as well. To preach, to teach to be a good him,” added Fr James. triduum from June 11 to June 13. Prior to the Fr James said that when you pray, go into mother, a good father, to be an administrator, In ending, Fr James said that as children of triduum, an online Novena was held daily be- your room and pray in secret. There must be we need power. God, we are called to shine in this darkened ginning from June 4. This year the theme was a secret life with you and the Father. Pour out Fr James added that to be a proper Chris- and corrupted world. Walk by faith. God is in St Anthony - Saint for all Seasons. The Mass your inner life to God.” tian, we need to grow and mature in this life control of our lives. Hold on to the promises on June 13, garnered approximately 5,426 Quoting Ephesian 3:17, Fr James said we by walking in faith. We need to use the gifts of the Lord. God is faithful, He will complete views. must be rooted and grounded in love. By vir- correctly, not abuse it. That’s why we need His work in us. Fr James said St Anthony’s life was a short tue of our baptism, we have received eternal to be rooted and grounded in Christ and have Many of those following the online Masses one, he died aged 36, but God worked so ef- life, and this life is an ongoing in-flow of a deep relationship with God. Grow in this during the triduum also posted their petitions fectively and so wonderfully in him in this grace that sustains us in fellowship with the life by living by faith and clinging on to Je- under the comment section, asking St An- short time. After his death in 1231, millions of Triune God. We receive the enjoyment of sus. This will save us in any situation, even in thony to intercede to God for their needs and miracles took place — they still do when we healing, of love, of patience, of forgiveness, this pandemic time. God wants us to grow and requests. — By Bernard Anthony 6 Home HERALD July 4, 2021 MJD clergy share their thoughts on being vaccinated As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we highlight the thoughts and experiences of some members of our clergy from the Malacca Johore Dio- cese (MJD), retired and active.

Bishop Emeritus James and Paul Tan with Megala, Graceville’s Administrator. Fr Devadasan Madala Muthu Deacon Leslie Petrus Fr Benedict Yee t is good for us to use all the We might not care if we die or “Imoral and ethical laws at our lose our loved ones but there are disposal. The Church has given us others whose lives matter, as they Catholic Social Teachings (CST). may have dependents. “The CST states four basic prin- “Thus, I do it because I am re- ciples all based on Scriptures. sponsible for the life of the other. 1. Human dignity and respect “The Holy Father Pope Francis 2. Common good (of others) has himself been vaccinated. 3. Subsidiarity “For those who do not want to 4. Solidarity. be vaccinated, please be ready to “When deciding to be vaccinat- be excluded from any gatherings. ed, we choose principles 1,2 and Decide to stay home and be safe. 4. Thus to be vaccinated or not, “COVID is real. I had near miss- as Catholics, we use our natural, es not once but six times. I know moral and ethical laws and then friends who have died and are suf- Fr Moses Lui come to the CST. fering now due to post COVID. “Going in for vaccination is Some families never had closure Fr Edward Rayappan Fr John Yoew nitially I was reluctant and not about one’s belief system or for they could not even see their felt nothing. I had absolute- ear readers, not so young “Ihesitated to go for vaccina- personal convictions. We do it be- departed loved ones.” — Deacon “Ily no effects. And I would “Dand young. After the first tion. But after much prayer and cause we live with other people. Dr Leslie Petrus, BDS (Madras) like to encourage everyone to vaccination, there was extra en- thought and getting advice from take the vaccine. It is better to ergy in me and my oxygen level some good friends, I went for it. received the first dose of did not have any pain after have prevention rather than to was back to normal. I have just The fear was there. Having gone “Ithe AstraZeneca vaccine on “Imy vaccination. It was only have to go through many other received my second dose and I through the experience now I am June 15. The staff and doctors on the second day that I experi- treatments to combat this virus.” will tell you later what the ef- confident enough to encourage were very friendly and indeed enced some pain at the injection — Bishop Emeritus Paul Tan fects are, if any. others to get vaccinated. There very helpful. The whole process site. However, I did not exert “My impression is that the was no pain when I received the took about 30 minutes to com- myself and just rested. on’t be afraid to get vac- vaccine is very necessary not jab but for two days, I was a bit plete. After the vaccine I did not “Vaccination is a personal “Dcinated. Protect your- only for the old or the young tired and sleepy. Having rested get any side effects. I encourage choice. However, there are so self, protect others. No pain, no but for everyone. It would well, I now feel normal. Fear everyone to get the vaccine.” — many people in the world who stress, just trust our Lord.” — be a booster for a cure for not. Go for it. God bless.” — Fr Fr Edward Rayappan, Parish have been vaccinated with just Fr John Yoew, Parish Priest of COVID-19. Thank you, have Devadasan Madala Muthu, Par- Priest of Church of the Immac- minimal cases of adverse side Church of St Mary, Ayer Salak, a good day and keep safe.” — ish Priest of Church of the Holy ulate Conception, Johor Bahru effects.” — Fr Benedict Yee Melaka Fr Moses Lui Spirit, Jasin, Melaka Malaysian Pauline Sister celebrates silver jubilee of religious profession MANILA: A Malaysian Pauline tion. The event was live-streamed Sister celebrated her silver jubilee through the institute’s Facebook of religious profession on June page. 29, 2021 at the Queen of Apos- The thanksgiving Mass was pre- tles Sanctuary in the compound of sided over by Fr Rollin Jean Marie the Daughters of St Paul Central Flores, Provincial Superior of the House. Society of St Paul, and concelebrat- Marking the event with Sr Shirley ed with Fr Paul Marquez ssp. After Chong of Sabah were her co-nov- the homily, the jubilarians renewed ices Sr Catherine Justine Bacay of their vows of poverty, chastity and Olongapo and Sr Erlinda Escoto of obedience. At the rite of peace, Bicol, as well as Sr Clothilde de las representatives of the community Llagas of Bicol, who was celebrat- pinned a corsage on each jubilar- ing 50 years of religious life. ian. Although the travel restrictions After the communion prayer, ended with a simple agape meal in gious vows in 1996. She took her ince (PMPT) in Pasay City. imposed by the government to curb Sr Clothilde gave a thanksgiving the open air outside the chapel. final vows in Sabah in 2002. She is now a member of the staff the spread of the COVID-19 re- speech on behalf of the jubilarians Born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Being a computer graduate, she of the Paulines Institute of Com- sulted in the event being celebrated before inviting the congregation to Sr Shirley entered the congregation spent almost half of her life work- munication in Asia (PICA) which only among the Sisters themselves, sing the Pauline theme song: Scio in 1992. She made her novitiate in ing in the information technology runs media and information liter- it did not dampen the joy and fes- Cui Credidi (I Know Him in whom Lipa City, Philippines which ended sector of the Philippines-Malaysia- acy programmes. — By Sr Anna tive atmosphere of the celebra- I have believed cf 2 Tim 1:12). It with her first profession of -reli Papua New Guinea-Thailand Prov- Yap fsp, Catholic Sabah HERALD July 4, 2021 Asia 7 A special Marian prayer for peace in Myanmar YANGON: The Pontifical Mis- of Mandalay joined the Marian nation in conflict,” said Fr Anh sionary Union, an organisation of prayer service online as a repre- Nhue Nguyen, secretary general animation and formation within sentative of the Church in My- of the Pontifical Missionary Un- the Pontifical Mission Societies anmar. The invitation to join the ion. Pope Francis, joined by Cath- (PMS), organised a special prayer programme was also extended to olic bishops and various Christian service for peace in Myanmar. bishops and priests of Myanmar as churches around the world, has The recitation of the rosary in well as to the national directors of expressed solidarity with the peo- Italian and Burmese was in the PMS in various countries. There ple of Myanmar and prayed for Marian prayer service held at the was a time of sharing on the life of peace and reconciliation in the vi- International Missionary Anima- faith and the evangelising mission olence-hit country since the Feb 1 tion Centre (CIAM) in Rome on of the Church in Myanmar at the coup. The Southeast Asian nation, June 29. Representatives of the conclusion of the prayer. which had tasted relative free- PMS, staff of the Congregation “We follow the tragic situa- dom during a 10-year experiment for the Evangelisation of Peoples tion in Myanmar every day and with democracy, has descended and members of the association of we want to express our spiritual into chaos following the return priests, religious men and women closeness and our solidarity with to military dictatorship after the of Myanmar in Rome who in re- the suffering nation. In this spirit overthrow of the elected civilian cent months have made the inter- and in full communion with Pope government. national community aware of the Francis, who has spoken of Myan- The military’s brutal crackdown cal armed resistance groups have people being displaced in Karen, dramatic situation in Myanmar mar on several occasions in his ap- on anti-coup protesters has led to sprung up in various parts of the Kayah, Chin, Kachin and Shan were among the participants. peals, we want to unite ourselves the deaths of nearly 900 people country, which has led to an esca- states — predominantly Christian Archbishop Marco Tin Win spiritually with the Church in the including at least 55 children. Lo- lation in fighting and thousands of areas. ––ucanews.com Myanmar receives six new Salesian priests amid turmoil YANGON: The Catholic Church roles of priests. Myanmar, in 1939. They were in Myanmar has received six new “As a Salesian and religious then asked to go to the Lashio re- Salesian priests as a blessing and priest, take responsibility and ac- gion in Shan state where the Pon- hope for a nation that has been in countability and have obedience tifical Institute for Foreign- Mis political turmoil following Feb- to your superiors,” he stressed. sions had already established the ruary’s military coup. Archbishop The prelate also urged the priests first Christian communities. Marco Tin Win presided over the to serve the community by fol- The Vice Province of Mary priestly ordination of six priests lowing the example of Jesus in Help of Christians has around 60 concelebrated with Bishop Lucas serving others. religious and two bishops — Car- Dau Ze, a Salesian bishop from “As a priest, we will give sacra- dinal Charles Bo and Bishop Dau Lashio Diocese, at the Shrine ments and celebrate the Eucharis- Ze — along with hundreds of lay of Mary Help of Christians in tic celebration, but it is not just volunteers. Salesian priests are Nazareth Apostolate School, Ani- celebration and it’s a participa- serving communities in Yangon, sakhan, near Pyin-Oo-Lwin, on tion, giving and sacrifice,” he Mandalay, Myitkyina, Kalay, June 24. Due to COVID-19 re- said. Fr Bosco Zaya Aung, pro- Anisa Khan, Pyin-Oo-Lwin and strictions and the volatile politi- vincial of the Salesian congre- Thibaw. cal situation, only the parents of The ordination of six new Salesian priests in Mandalay on June 24, 2021. gation in Myanmar, expressed Salesians are responding to the the newly ordained priests and (Agenzia Fides photo) joy and gratitude over the bless- needs of children, youth and their some faithful were allowed to sians. The six new priests are conflict and are in desperate need ing from the Good Lord for the families who are in crisis. They take part in the event. from various ethnic backgrounds of food, medicines and shelter. congregation, particularly in this also have programmes to ad- The ceremony was lives- in Kachin, Chin and Kayah states Addressing the priests, Archbish- very difficult situation. dress poverty such as vocational treamed on YouTube by the vice where thousands of people have op Tin Win highlighted the pro- “The Salesians arrived in Man- training for young people. — provincial of Myanmar Sale- been displaced due to the recent phetic, teaching and shepherding dalay, the second largest city of ucanews.com South Korean Church offers free healthcare for homeless SEOUL: Seoul Archdiocese in Chemicals Division of SK Group, it soon increased to 80 patients South Korea has expanded its a leading conglomerate in South per day.Teresa Curie Ahn, direc- charitable services for the vulner- Korea. From May, the soup kitch- tor of the board of Raphael Na- able homeless community to offer en has been serving cooked meals num Foundation, said its mission free health care in addition to free instead of packed lunches. On av- to support the socially excluded meals. The archdiocese inaugu- erage, 500-600 homeless people group will continue.“We will do rated Raphael Nanum Homeless visit the soup kitchen to get free our best to continue improving Clinic within Myeongdong Ba- meals on each of the three days. the health status of socially ex- bjib, a popular soup kitchen for The free health clinic is staffed and cluded groups by reaching out to homeless people, at historic My- run by volunteers who are doctors, them,” she said. Despite South eongdong Cathedral Church in nurses, medical students and lay Korea being an economic pow- capital Seoul on June 13. The clin- Catholics from the Lay Apostolate erhouse, about 16.7 per cent of ic is a joint collaboration between Society of South Korea. its people live below the poverty the archdiocese and the One Body Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo- line, according to a report from One Spirit (OBOS) movement, a jung, archbishop of Seoul, blessed the France-based Organisation for faith-based organisation that be- the clinic at its launch. “Let us Economic Cooperation and De- lieves in hope, life and love. In- welcome and embrace our home- Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, archbishop of Seoul, blesses a free health velopment. Based on 2019 data, spired by the 44th International less neighbours as the angels clinic for homeless people at Myeongdong Cathedral Church in Seoul on the organisation ranked South Ko- Eucharistic Congress in Seoul in of the Lord. I deeply thank each June 13, 2021. (UCA News Photo/Seoul Archdiocese) rea fifth among 33 developed na- 1989 and Catholic social teaching, and every one of you for devot- to the pandemic, according to a and assistance to immigrant work- tions for relative income poverty. it works to make a peaceful world ing your time and effort to this press release from Seoul Archdio- ers and developing countries. About half of the elderly people in according to the spirit of the Eu- amazing work. I sincerely ask of cese. The clinic draws inspiration On every Sunday, volunteer South Korea live in poverty due charistic sacrament. the Lord to come into your lives and support from the Raphael Na- doctors are available for check- to no income and savings, noted In January, Myeongdong Babjib and offer you special grace,” Car- num Foundation, a medical char- ups and to prescribe medication to the Borgen Project, a non-profit was launched as a joint venture dinal Yeom said. The idea of the ity that has been pursuing its goal homeless patients. They also help organisation tackling poverty and with OBOS to provide free packed homeless clinic came into being as to relieve the needs of medically those with urgent health needs to hunger globally. It reported that lunches to some 1,400 people eve- many hospitals designated to serve underserved populations, both be transferred directly to an emer- there were about 11,000 homeless ry Wednesday, Friday and Sunday homeless people are no longer domestically and internationally, gency medical centre. On the first people in South Korea in 2017. –– with support from the Energy and able to provide medical care due providing free medical checkups day, the clinic had 13 visitors and ucanews.com 8 World HERALD July 4, 2021 Peter’s Pence: Helping the Pope to help others VATICAN: Let us help the Pope to a symbol of unity. Even the small- The Peter’s Pence collection also help others. Over the next few days, est donations will help to support serves to ensure the Pope's mis- particularly between Sunday June Pope Francis in his activities of sion at the service of the univer- 27 and Tuesday June 29, which is teaching and guiding the universal sal Church and peace in the world the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Church and charity.” through the collaborators of the churches around the world will Examples of the specific use of Roman Curia. be collecting offerings for Peter's the Peter’s pence funds for charita- Each one of the dicasteries of pence, the traditional collection to ble initiatives and support in emer- the Curia explain the specific ser- support the charity of the Bishop of gency situations can be found on vices they perform and their use Rome towards those most in need the Peter’s pence website. of the funds received over several and his service to the Churches of Funds from Peter’s pence have months. the world through the Roman Cu- also been used to provide help for Donations to Peter’s pence can ria. It will also be possible to do- people during the COVID-19 pan- be made at https://www.obolodis- nate directly, throughout the year, demic. anpietro.va/en.html through the Peter’s pence website. We still carry in our hearts the The Peter’s Pence office can be “During times of crisis,” reads touching images of the Pope’s Ap- contacted via e-mail: obolo@spe. the Peter’s Pence website, “there ostolic Journey to Iraq in March. va or by mail addressed to: Ufficio is an even greater need to make a Through funds from Peter’s pence, Obolo, Segreteria per l’Economia, concrete sign of belonging to the some support was provided for the 00120 Città del Vaticano. — Church and of love for the Pope, as Iraqi population. Vatican News A new COVID-19 treatment centre in Chennai, India, June 18, 2021. (Vatican News) Pope at pallium Mass: Freedom comes from welcoming Christ VATICAN: Sts Peter and Paul were bishops from 18 countries who had not give up. during his missions, thus revealing great not just because of their zeal been named over the past 12 months “In this way, Jesus set Peter free to the apostle that “God chose what for the Gospel, but because they al- were to receive the palliums, includ- from fear, from calculations based is weak in the world to shame the lowed Christ to enter their hearts and ing: Canadian Archbishops Brian J. solely on worldly concerns,” the strong,” he said. change their lives, Pope Francis said. Dunn of Halifax-Yarmouth and Mar- Pope said. “He gave him the courage Pope Francis encouraged Chris- “The Church looks to these two cel Damphousse of Ottawa-Corn- to risk everything and the joy of be- tians to be free from fear like Peter giants of faith and sees two apostles wall; Filipino Cardinal José Advin- coming a fisher of men. It was Peter and, like Paul, to be free “from the who set free the power of the Gospel cula of Manila and Irish Archbishop whom Jesus called to strengthen his temptation to present ourselves with in our world, but only because first Dermot P. Farrell of Dublin. brothers in faith.” worldly power rather than with the they themselves had been set free “This sign of unity with Peter re- On the other hand, the Pope con- weakness that makes space for God” by their encounter with Christ,” the calls the mission of the shepherd who tinued, Paul experienced a different and “free from a religiosity that pope said during his homily at Mass gives his life for the flock,” the Pope kind of freedom “from the most op- makes us rigid and inflexible.” for the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul told the archbishops before conclud- pressive form of slavery, which is “Peter and Paul bequeath to us the June 29. ing his homily. “It is in giving his life slavery to self.” image of a church entrusted to our The feastday celebration in St Pe- that the shepherd, himself set free, Christ also freed Paul “from the hands, yet guided by the Lord with ter’s Basilica included the traditional becomes a means of bringing free- Pope Francis celebrates Mass at St religious fervour that had made him fidelity and tender love,” the Pope blessing of the pallium, the woolen dom to his brothers and sisters.” Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of a zealous defender of his ancestral said. band that the heads of archdioceses Keeping with a long tradition, Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 2021. traditions and a cruel persecutor of “A Church that is weak, yet finds wear around their shoulders over a delegation from the Ecumenical (Vatican Media) Christians,” he added. strength in the presence of God. A their Mass vestments. Patriarchate of Constantinople was lives, “became apostles and minis- “Formal religious observance and church set free and capable of offer- The pallium symbolizes an arch- present for the Mass and, afterward, ters of freedom for others.” the intransigent defence of tradition, ing the world the freedom that the bishop’s unity with the pope and his went with Pope Francis down the Because of Jesus’ unconditional rather than making him open to the world by itself cannot give: freedom authority and responsibility to care stairs below the main altar to pray at love, Peter was set free “from his love of God and of his brothers and from sin and death, from resignation, for the flock the pope entrusted to St Peter’s tomb. sense of inadequacy and his bitter sisters, had hardened him,” the Pope and from the sense of injustice and him. The pope blessed the palliums In his homily, the Pope reflected experience of failure,” the Pope ex- said. the loss of hope that dehumanises the after they were brought up from the on the lives of Sts Peter and Paul, the plained. While Peter “often yielded God, however, did not spare Paul lives of the women and men of our crypt above the tomb of St Peter. “two pillars of the Church” who, af- to fear,” Jesus “was willing to take a from “frailties and hardships,” such time,” he said. — By Junno Arocho According to the Vatican, 34 arch- ter experiencing God’s love in their risk on him” and encouraged him to as illness, violence and persecution Esteves, CNS Pope Francis thanks Benedict XVI on his 70th ordination anniversary VATICAN: Pope Francis thanked the future Pope Benedict XVI, Jo- priest. For him, that is the most im- Benedict XVI for his continual seph Ratzinger, took place in Ba- portant thing. It is the content of his prayer for the Church in his retire- varia on June 29, 1951. whole life, and I think that for him ment, calling the pope emeritus “the The 24-year-old Ratzinger was it was also a remembrance of all the contemplative of the Vatican.” ordained a priest of the Archdiocese things that came from the Lord,” he Speaking from the window over- of Munich alongside his brother, commented. looking St Peter’s Square from the Georg, in the Co-Cathedral of Freis- In Pope Francis’ Angelus address, Apostolic Palace on the Solemnity ing, Germany. he said that both saints were “pro- of Sts Peter and Paul, the Pope com- Archbishop Georg Gänswein, tagonists of the Gospel” who “spent mended Benedict XVI on the 70th Benedict XVI’s personal secretary, their lives for the Lord and for their anniversary of his ordination to the told EWTN that the pope emeritus brothers.” priesthood. offered Mass privately in the Mater “How often, for example, we say “Today marks an anniversary that Ecclesiae chapel to mark the occa- that we would like a Church that is touches the hearts of us all: 70 years sion. At age 94, Benedict XVI lacks more faithful to the Gospel, closer to ago, Pope Benedict was ordained the strength to make a public appear- the people, more prophetic and mis- a priest,” Pope Francis said in his ance, his secretary said. sionary, but then, in practice, we do livestreamed Angelus address on Six members of the choir in Re- nothing,” he said. June 29. gensburg, Germany of which his “It is sad to see that many speak, “To you, Benedict, dear father and Pope Francis greets Benedict XVI at the Vatican’s Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on late brother was the choirmaster comment and debate, but few bear brother, goes our affection, our grati- Nov. 28, 2020. (Vatican Media) were present at the Mass “to sing a witness. Witnesses do not lose tude, and our closeness.” “He is now the contemplative “Thank you for your credible wit- beautiful Mass by a German com- themselves in words, but rather bear The Pope noted that Benedict of the Vatican, who spends his life ness. Thank you for your gaze, con- poser,” Gänswein said. fruit. Witnesses do not complain XVI now lives in the Mater Eccle- praying for the Church and for the stantly directed towards the horizon “To be a priest, for him, is the about others and the world, but start siae Monastery within the walls of diocese of Rome, of which he is of God. Thank you,” he added. most important thing of his life. He with themselves.” — By Courtney Vatican City. bishop emeritus,” Pope Francis said. The ordination and first Mass of lived to be a priest, then he lived as a Mares, CNA HERALD July 4, 2021 World 9

Catechesis on prayer by Pope Francis The Paschal prayer of Jesus for us

n this penultimate catechesis on recalled several times in this series because the Evangelists reserve pro- prayer, we are going to speak of catecheses that prayer is one of the portionally greater space to this nar- Iabout perseverance in praying. most evident characteristics of Jesus’ rative, but also because the events of It is an invitation, indeed, a com- life: Jesus prayed, and he prayed a lot. his death and resurrection — like a mand that comes to us from Sacred In the course of his mission, Jesus im- flash of lightning — shed light on the Scripture. The spiritual journey of mersed himself in prayer because dia- rest of Jesus’ life. He was not a phi- the Russian Pilgrim begins when he logue with the Father was the incan- lanthropist who took care of human comes across a phrase of St Paul in descent core of his entire existence. suffering and illness: he was, and is, the First Letter to the Thessalonians: The Gospels testify how Jesus’ much more. In him there is not only “Pray constantly, always, and for prayer became even more intense goodness: there is something more, everything give thanks” (cf. 5:17-18). and deep at the hour of his passion there is salvation, and not an episodic The Apostle’s words strike the man and death. These culminating events salvation — the type that might save and he wonders how it is possible of his life constitute the central core me from an illness or a moment of de- to pray without interruption, given of Christian preaching: those last spair — but total salvation, messianic that our lives are fragmented into so hours lived by Jesus in Jerusalem salvation, which gives hope in the de- many different moments. We have are the heart of the Gospel, not only finitive victory of life over death. Jesus prays at the decisive hours of his passion and death n the days of his last Passover, we the psalms; with the poor of the world, us?” Yes, he continues to pray so that Ithus find Jesus fully immersed in especially those forgotten by all. He his word may help us keep going for- prayer. pronounces the tragic words of Psalm ward. But pray, and remember that he He prays dramatically in the garden 22: “My God, my God, why have you prays for us. of Gethsemane, as we heard, assailed forsaken me?” (v. 1). He felt abandon- And this seems to me the most beau- by mortal anguish. And yet, precisely ment, and he prayed. On the cross is tiful thing to remember. This is the fi- in that moment, Jesus addresses God the fulfilment of the gift of the Father nal catechesis of this series on prayer: Special Greetings as “Abba”, Father (cf. Mk 14: 36). who offers love, that is, our salvation is to remember the grace that not only do cordially greet the English- called the prayer of the heart. It This word, in Aramaic, which was fulfilled. And also, once, he calls Him we pray, but that, so to speak, we have Ispeaking faithful. In union with consists in repeating with faith: Jesus’ language, expresses intimacy, “My God”, “Father, into your hands been “prayed for”. We have already the Lord Jesus, our intercessor “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, it expresses trust. Just as he feels the I commend my spirit”: that is, every- been welcomed into Jesus’ dialogue before the Father, may we pray have mercy on me, a sinner!” darkness gather around him, Jesus thing, everything is prayer in the three with the Father, in communion with perseveringly for the conversion “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, breaks through it with that little word: hours of the Cross. the Holy Spirit. Jesus prays for me: of hearts and the salvation of the have mercy on me, a sinner!”. A Abba, Father. Jesus, therefore, prays in the deci- each one of us can carry this in their world. Upon you and your fami- simple prayer, but very beauti- Jesus also prays on the cross, ob- sive hours of his passion and death. heart. We must not forget this. Even lies I invoke the joy and peace of ful. A prayer that, little by little, scurely shrouded in God’s silence. And with the resurrection, the Father in the worst moments. We are already And yet, once again, the word “Father” will grant the prayer. Jesus’ prayer is welcomed into Jesus’ dialogue with our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless adapts itself to the rhythm of emerges from his lips. It is the most ar- intense, Jesus’ prayer is unique and it the Father, in communion of the Holy you! breath and extends throughout dent prayer because, on the cross, Jesus also becomes the model for our prayer. Spirit. We were willed by Christ Jesus, Lastly as usual, my thoughts the day. Indeed, breath never is the absolute intercessor. He prays for Jesus prayed for everyone: He even and even in the hour of his passion, turn to the elderly, to young peo- stops, not even while we sleep; others. He prays for everyone, even for prayed for me, for each one of you. death and resurrection, everything was ple, to the sick and to newlyweds. and prayer is the breath of life. those who have condemned him, with Every one of you can say: “Jesus, on offered for us. And so, with prayer I hope that summertime will be a How, then, is it possible to al- no one, apart from a poor delinquent, the cross, prayed for me”. He prayed. and with life, all that remains is only time of serenity and a beautiful ways preserve a state of prayer? taking his side. Everyone was against Jesus can say to every one of us: “I to have courage and hope, and, with opportunity to contemplate God The Catechism offers us beauti- him or indifferent; only that criminal prayed for you at the Last Supper, and this courage and hope, to deeply feel in the masterpiece of his creation. ful quotations from the history recognised the power. “Father, forgive on the wood of the Cross”. Even in the Jesus’ prayer and to keep on going: so My blessing to all of you., who of spirituality which insist on the them; for they know not what they do” most painful of our suffering, we are that our life may be one of giving glory do not always make concentra- need for continuous prayer, that it (Lk 23:34). In the midst of the tragedy, never alone. Jesus’ prayer is with us. to God in the knowledge that he prays tion possible. From this ques- may be the fulcrum of Christian in the excruciating pain of soul and “And now, Father, here, we who are for me to the Father, that Jesus prays tion he begins his search, which existence. I will look at some of body, Jesus prays with the words of listening to this, does Jesus pray for for me. will lead him to discover what is them. — vatican.va

Reflecting on the Psalms Psalms convey thoughts and feelings in images and sounds oets use a great deal of imagi- The verses are written in figura- favour and experience happiness. have to fear others at the city overcome our selfishness as we Pnation to convey their thoughts tive language. Symbols are used to The evidence of this happiness is gates which were the civic cen- create family and family is or- and feelings. The Encyclopedia give deeper meaning. The psalm- a loving wife in the heart of the tre in those times. (Pr 31:23) dained by God. Love itself is Britannica defines poetry as -‘lit ist is aware of his experience and house and many children around Ps 127 (128) reminds us how a gift of God. As we recite this erature that evokes a concentrated gives an emotional response. We the table. We can almost imagine Jesus would have prayed. He psalm, let us pray for those we imaginative awareness of experi- see examples in the following the fruitful clusters of grapes and proclaimed the Christian Char- love, for those in love and for ence or a specific emotional - re psalms. the olive shoots. But one must not ter in the beatitudes; he taught faithfulness in marriage of the sponse through language chosen Songs of Ascent (4) Ps 127 be too naive. Experience tells us marital fidelity. Commentators couples we know. Moreover, a and arranged for its meaning, (128) DO (Everyday Prayer) Wk that material success does not al- say there are mystical allusions family cannot be isolated from sound and rhythm.’ Robert Frost in 4 Thursday Prayer During the Day ways mean that the man was vir- in this psalm. The allusions: the others. The psalm tells us that “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy pg. 1326; Ps 126 (127) Wk 3 Wed tuous. spouse of Jesus is the Church God blesses from Sion both us Evening”, makes his protagonist Evening Prayer pg. 577. Ps 126 (127) demonstrates that (Rev 19:7; 21:2) and we are and all future generations in a profoundly enjoy a scene in the These are companion psalms God establishes the ‘house’, an im- the children from all around the happy and peaceful Jerusalem woods while even his horse finds and they show some teachings of age for the family or the household world gathered around the table (world). Thus, it invites us to it strange to stop there without a the Wisdom tradition in Israel. which in biblical times consisted of the Eucharist. The Second pray for our city, our kampung, farmhouse near. But then the rider In Ps 127 (128) the pilgrims are of a number of families under the Vatican Council also recalls that our country and our fellow citi- moves on, he cannot just while blessed on their arrival at Jerusa- authority of the oldest married the Church is like a choice vine- zens. We learn to praise and away the time admiring the woods lem. Blessings are poured upon man. All life’s success would then yard and Christ, the true vine, adore the Lord and not just to because “I have promises to keep the one who “fears” the Lord. The be a gift from God, not from hu- gives life and fruitfulness to us, pray for happiness when things and miles to go before I sleep.” fear is not terror or fearful obedi- man effort or endeavour. Even the the branches. (LG 6) go wrong. Let us thank him at The psalms also convey thoughts ence, but “walking in his ways”. multitude of sons are like arrows Happiness will be ours if we all times. — B y M s g r J a m e s and feelings in images and sound. The virtuous man will enjoy God’s in the man’s quiver. He does not live and walk in his ways. We Gnanapiragasam 10 Editorial HERALD July 4, 2021 HERALD The Vatican confesses: July 4, 2021 When party politics the hierarchical Church corrupts! ir John Dalberg Acton, 8th Baronet, a prominent histori- San and liberal Member of the UK Parliament of the 19th century, remarked, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute has lost the people power corrupts absolutely”! When a person has ‘power’ over people or things, it tends all it the Vatican or call it the Holy to make him or her corrupt. Power has the ‘power’ to moral- See. It hardly matters anymore Holy See makes ill-fated, last-ditch attempt to alter proposed anti- ly destroy the nature of the one who holds it. It fills one with Cbecause the difference and nu- homophobia law supported by most people in democratic Italy arrogance, which ultimately knocks one down. No doubt, ances between the two terms (or entities) centre of a two-millennia-old religious As the ancien régime arrangement of power is the sure way to corruption. are lost on most people. That includes behemoth. “throne and altar” in Old Europe was ‘Politics’ is a means to gain power. It often involves ‘high- the majority of Catholics. Increasingly, it And that behemoth, as I argued last giving way to democracy, the Church — handed’ ways. One’s own self becomes the focal point in seems, people don’t care whether a dis- week, continues to experience an implo- especially the part tethered to Rome — life. It goes to the point of self-absorption. Hardly anything tinction even exists. sion that dates back to at least the Ref- tried mightily with every weapon in its else matters. No wonder ‘good sense’ is bound to be lost Holy See and Vatican mean only one ormation. Certainly by the time of the spiritual and worldly arsenal to barricade then. thing to most folks — headquarters of Enlightenment in the 17th century, this itself and its subjects against the modern- The word ‘politics’ might have been innocent and good in the Catholic Church or bureaucratic implosion became an ongoing process. ising trend. its original intent, but it no longer is today. It is perhaps the most abhorred and disastrous word in all the languages of the world. This is why the word is often used in the pejora- tive sense. The Church’s futile attempt to make Of late, ‘politics’ has stood for the most ‘polluted’ real- ity of our human civilisation. For that reason, it is mostly refrained from by the sane sector of the world. peace with modernity No wonder that ‘party politics’, sooner or later, becomes rom time to time “enlightened” and heads of sovereign states the down on as they’ve seen their own a filmy ‘game of hero and villain’ among political parties, FChristians raised their voice to course of political action they should moral authority steadily slip away, es- and that at the cost of the people, whose wellbeing they are warn the Church’s hierarchs that this pursue. pecially after their disastrous and flat- avowed to support. Well, that would translate to ‘party poli- was futile. Then, finally, the Second The US bishops, for instance, have footed response to clergy sex abuse of tics corrupts’, even though it shouldn’t be so. Vatican Council (1962-65) sought to been doing this the past 40 years re- children and adolescents. By and by, political parties get so self-possessed that they make peace with “modernity”, includ- garding the issue of abortion. In their Bishops everywhere are increas- tend to think of a ‘one-party rule’ and of wiping out the op- ing democracy. total failure to convince people to stop ingly unable to persuade members of position party or parties. It is now obvious that the Coun- aborting foetuses, they have bank- their own Church how to respond to Politics is the easiest job one can get today. For the most cil did not succeed, at least not com- rolled politically conservative move- the moral and social issues of the day. part, it does not require qualifications of any sort. Of course, pletely. One need only observe con- ments and banked on the civil courts In effect, the bishops and the insti- a criminal background adds to the merit. There is no age tinued attempts by Catholic bishops in to simply outlaw the practice. tutional Church they think they are limit either. Even if incapacitated, one could very well prefer various parts of the world to dictate to It's a political and legal strategy the “leading” have lost almost all credibil- to die in the chair. democratically elected governments Catholic prelates have only doubled ity and influence. ‘Changing the party’ seems to be a major business worth millions of Ringgit today. ‘Leaders’ are sold and bought, like instant coffee, in terms of money and power. Swap- The hierarchical Church in Italy begins to crumble ping over to another party from the terrace of one party is ake the bishops of Italy. In this priests or catechists could be fined or it delivered a “nota verbale” — an of- to bluntly bluff the people who voted him or her into office. Tcountry, which is geographically arrested for preaching Church doc- ficial communication between sover- This indeed is ‘perversion’. the home of the papacy, 74.6 per cent trine on human sexuality if the bill eign states — to the Italian Embassy The reality of the coronavirus pandemic has now been of the population still identifies as becomes law. demanding that the proposed law be etched in history to show how ‘party politicians’ misman- Catholic, according to the most re- And one of their most absurd wor- revised. aged or failed to manage the state of affairs, to the point of cent statistics. ries is that Catholic schools will be The note invoked the Lateran Trea- acute non-availability of hospital, beds, oxygen, ventilators, This is a significant drop from a forced to observe a new National Day ty, a legal agreement between the medicine, ambulances and the like, for the dying citizens. few decades ago when upwards of Against Homophobia, as if this were Holy See and the Italian State that Claiming the opposite is the irony of reality. 90 per cent of the Italian people were a violation of some religious princi- secures certain rights for the Catholic A healthy debate among the political parties, in principle, baptised members of the Church. But ple. But a majority of Italians — 60 Church in Italy. It said the bill under is part of the game. But the ‘pull and push’ among them, it is still a significant majority. The per cent of them — are in favour of review violated some clauses of that to the point of filling the public space with ‘indecent and bishops here, however, are also be- the proposed legislation. treaty. Jurists, politicians and old men hostile remarks’, ends up being a major insult to the public coming less and less relevant in the The bishops have completely failed in barbershops argued whether or not as well as an out-and-out violation of the spirit of the Con- lives of the people. to convince them or their democrati- this amounted to Vatican interfer- stitution. The latest clear example of this was cally elected representatives that ence in the affairs of an independent It is good to remember that the ruling party has to be above their inability to convince Italian law- there are reasons to oppose it. State. At least one newspaper edito- party politics. They have climbed up the ladder of politics to makers to modify an anti-homopho- Why? Obviously, because the peo- rialist reminded readers that Italy is be at the helm of affairs. They have to be ‘common persons’. bia bill that was ratified last Novem- ple see the bishops and the arguments no longer a “colony” of the papacy or It is appalling to note that the ‘public space’ of the country ber in the lower house of parliament they employ as out of touch, irrelevant the Vatican, while others argued that is full of conversations that are ‘issueless’ and worthless, so and is currently being debated in the and plain wrong. In an unprecedented the Catholic hierarchs should worry much so that sensible citizens feel ashamed of hearing them Senate. legal action on June 17, the Holy See about saying their prayers and leave from their leaders. The ‘dignity and decorum of public life’ The bishops, traditionalist Catholics all but admitted that the bishops have the business of democracy to the leg- seems to have been very severely eroded. and right-wing politicians fear that failed and have lost their people when islators and those who elected them. Do power, politics and party politics corrupt? Party politics has to be redeemed. Ethos and the ethics of com- petence and confidence, along with simple, unassuming, An unhappy ending for the status quo straightforward and transparent ways, have to take over. — By Dr M. D. Thomas, Indian Currents he Holy See does, in fact, have the bishops will be further discredited. certain quarters. right to intervene as it did. The majority of Italians already per- No matter what happens, the Holy l T Dr M. D. Thomas is Director of the Institute of Har- It expressed concern that the “con- ceive the Vatican as having blocked the See’s recourse to legal means to try mony and Peace Studies, New Delhi. tract” it had made with Italy would be will of the people. If an arbiter were to to foist its will on Italy is not likely to HERALD — The Catholic Weekly violated if the bill were to become law. rule in the Holy See’s favour it would have a felicitous ending. Jointly published by the That is something an arbitrator may only reinforce in people’s minds that This week may go down in history Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, have to decide if the bill is ratified and the Church continues to wield power as the beginning of the collapse of the Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of signed into law, should the Holy See it should not be allowed in a sovereign status quo between Church and State Penang and Diocese of Keningau decide to contest it. But was this the democratic country. in the Bel Paese — the final bulwark Editor: most prudent course of action? And it could also lead to a further in the old, anachronistic paradigm that HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL Probably not. Even if it were to be push by various forces in Italy — both no longer serves the Body of Christ or Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; decided that the legislation violates conservative and progressive — to the rest of humanity. — By Robert Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. the Lateran Treaty, the moral author- dissolve the Lateran Treaty, a move Mickens, LCI (https:// international. E-mail: [email protected] ity of the institutional Church and its that already has significant backing in la-croix.com/ HERALD July 4, 2021 Focus 11 Unpacking the controversy about eucharistic consistency The June virtual meeting of the US bishops has At the June meeting, after long debate, the lic politicians and officials who continue to created a firestorm of press coverage and com- bishops approved the drafting of the document, support its use, the Catechism of the Catholic mentary regarding a proposed document on the which will focus on “the Eucharist as a mys- Church makes it clear that “the death penalty is Eucharist, unfortunately, much of it negative. tery to be believed, a mystery to be celebrated inadmissible because it is an attack on the invi- Watching some journalists trying to describe and a mystery to be lived,” according to Bishop olability and dignity of the person” (No. 2267). the situation has been, at times, frustrating but Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, In retrospect, mention of the death penalty it is hard to blame them, since there is disagree- Indiana, chair of the bishops’ doctrine commit- within the context of eucharistic consistency ment even among some bishops over what is tee charged with its drafting. debate might have made the discussion appear being contemplated. What has confused matters is that there has less partisan, reminding Catholics that neither In its simplest form, the proposed document’s been a vocal campaign for months to disallow of the major parties have agendas completely intent is summed up in its title: The Mystery of President Joe Biden from receiving Commun- compatible with Catholic teaching. the Eucharist in the Life of the Church: Why It ion because of his policy positions on abortion. While abortion is certainly a point of se- Matters. Such a decision is solely the prerogative vere conflict between some politicians and the There is some worrisome evidence that of the local bishop, however, and President Church, Bishop Rhoades has assured his broth- many Catholics may not be able to confidently Biden’s local bishop, Washington Cardinal ers that the document would not be fixated on explain “why it matters.” Polls suggest this, Wilton D. Gregory, has already made it clear only one issue, nor would it be directed at one and the slow return of Catholics to celebrating Pope Francis celebrates the Eucharist on Corpus that he will not do that. class of Catholics, such as politicians. Mass together suggests this as well. Christi Sunday. (Vatican Media) Because of this campaign, and because sev- “In a document addressed to all Catholics, it While the bishops are also planning a three- lic president who was perceived to “support eral bishops during the June 17 debate men- will cover the broad range of Catholic social year agenda for a “eucharistic revival,” the policies that attack some fundamental values tioned President Biden and abortion as a reason teaching,” he said. “All of us as Catholics will proposed document was initially prompted by we hold dear as Catholics,” including “the re- such a document is needed, many reporters as- be able to find ourselves in this teaching.” a working group formed by Los Angeles Arch- peal of the Hyde Amendment and the preserva- sume that the planned document is an explicit The bishops’ debate, civil as it was, made it bishop José H. Gomez, president of the bish- tion of Roe v. Wade.” rebuke of President Biden. clear there are differing expectations and con- ops’ conference, after the 2020 virtual bishops’ This working group made two recommen- While that debate was wide-ranging, observ- cerns regarding this document. The challenge assembly last November. dations, a letter addressed to the new president ers have noted that another morally serious for the doctrine committee will be to create a Archbishop Gomez asked the group to con- and “a document addressed to all of the Catho- issue that was never mentioned was the death document that will unify, rather than further di- sider how to respond to a newly elected Catho- lic faithful on eucharistic coherence.” penalty. Although there are well-known Catho- vide. — By Greg Erlandson, CNS

Is the US Church missing opportunities to add people to its flock? WASHINGTON: With upward of 70 million lers commissioned the Centre for Applied ticed by local parishes and dioceses. At least “Are we missionary? Are we reaching only Catholics in the United States, one might think Research in the Apostolate in Washington to that is what the data may suggest,” Tyson said. the people who pass through the doors of the the US Church would have its hands full tend- learn about the scope of such outreach efforts. “There may not be a felt imperative to go out church, or are we finding the folks that are al- ing to their pastoral needs. And that may be so. The result is a report titled, The Pastoral greet and meet. Many parishes may simply be ready there?” he asked. But it has only been since March 2020 that Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travellers: waiting (for them) to show up and many may When Pope Francis speaks of a missionary much of the United States, including its Cath- Worship Site Inventory and Demographic not be attitudinally prepared to reach out to option, he said, “that missionary option is to olic population, has been living as much of its Study, which was issued in June. new arrivals who are Catholic.” go out of ourself. If people don’t come into life as possible at home behind closed doors to Most CARA surveys of US parishes get a He added, “What might also be notable is the church, we go out to them. ... It really re- avoid contracting COVID-19. 15 per cent response rate. This survey, which where people are moving. Note the metropoli- quires a shift in attitude and understanding” There are millions of others in this country went not just to parishes but all known US tan areas where folks are moving. The dioc- with the parish becoming a “mission centre,” for whom a fixed address is less of an expecta- “worship sites” including airport chapels and esan surveys when compared with the census Tyson said. tion than an aspiration. They include refugees, places of pilgrimage, got just a 12 per cent re- data may suggest a need for more intentional He said there is another trend in which bish- migrants, people whose work demands that sponse rate. A separate survey sent to diocesan outreach for families moving around from ops “tune in to the hot-button issues.” they travel, and victims of human trafficking. chancellors got about a 30 per cent response one part of the country to another. “We’re distracted with whatever’s in front That doesn't even count the 79 million interna- rate. “Often these folks may be more affluent on our plate, but there’s some deeper mission tional visitors to the United States in a typical In 14 Latin-rite dioceses, the largest being families moving around due to their corpora- questions that are going on. It’s a tough one,” year. the Archdiocese of San Francisco, neither the tion, their profession or work,” Tyson said. he said. “This was started before COVID. No- The US Catholic Church, though, may be diocese nor any of its parishes responded to “I know from my time as auxiliary bishop body knew COVID was going to erupt, and missing out on an opportunity to increase and the CARA survey. (in Seattle) there is some level of awareness we finished this study during COVID. A lot enrich its ranks if dioceses and parishes don’t “It would have been helpful if we had a by pastors. One pastor felt like he was doing of us are thinking about how we bring people reach out to these groups. The Census Bu- larger response rate,” said Bishop Joseph Ty- ‘corporate campus ministry’ with the average back to church.” reau’s General Social Survey estimates that of son of Yakima, Washington, chair of the sub- family staying about five years before being Tyson, who earlier this year spent time with all foreign-born residents of the United States, committee, in a June 23 email. moved.” a priest and diocesan seminarians in migrant 40 per cent are Catholic, nearly double Ca- One trend, he noted, is that “there is a real worker dorms in Yakima, said that “there’s tholicism’s reach in the entire US population. gap” between what the diocese self-reports Tyson, in a follow-up phone interview June some good things going on” in ministry out- The US bishops’ Subcommittee on Pasto- and what the research indicates. 23, is in the midst of formulating some con- reach, but “there’s a long journey ahead.” — ral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travel- “Migrant and refugee groups often go unno- clusions of his own. By Mark Pattison, CNS 12 Varia HERALD July 4, 2021 Joy – A Sign of God

here is only one true sadness, Scripture tells us that God is the au- grandchild. Friday, as he hung on the cross, if not being a saint! French thor of all that is good and that all However, how does this all someone had asked him, “Are you Tnovelist, philosopher, es- good things come from God. Now, square with suffering, with the happy up there?” I suspect he would sayist, Leon Bloy ends his novel is there a greater goodness in this paschal mystery, with a suffer- have said something to this effect. The Woman Who Was Poor with world than joy, happiness, laughter ing Christ who, through blood and “If you’re asking about happiness that much-quoted line. Here is a and the life-giving grace of a be- anguish, pays the price of our sin? in the way you imagine it, then no! less-known quote from Leon Bloy nevolent smile? Clearly not. These Where was God’s joy on Good Fri- I’m not happy! Today, of all days, which helps us understand why constitute the very life of heaven day as Jesus cried out in agony on particularly so! But what I’m expe- there is such a sadness in not being and are what makes life on earth the cross? As well, if God is joy, riencing today amidst the agony is saint: “Joy is a sure sign of the life worth living. Surely then they take how do we account for the many meaning, a meaning so deep that it of God in the soul.” their origins inside of God. This times in our lives when, living hon- contains a joy and a happiness that Joy is not just a sure sign of the means that God is joyful, is joy. estly inside of our faith and our abide through the agony. Inside of life of God in the soul, it is a sign If this is true, and it is, then we commitments, we do not feel joy- the pain, there is a profound joy and of the life of God - period. Joy con- should not conceive of God as a dis- ful, happy laughter, when we strug- happiness in giving myself over to stitutes the inner life of God. God is appointed lover, an angry spouse, or Fr Ron Rolheiser gle to smile? this. Unhappiness and joylessness, joy. This is not something we easily a wounded parent, frowning in the ably) enough tension and self-seek- Joy and pain are not incompat- as you conceive of them, come believe. For lots of reasons, we find face of our inadequacies and be- ing to colour both its purity and its ible. Neither are happiness and sad- and go; meaning abides throughout it hard to think of God as happy, as trayals. Rather, God might be im- joy. This is generally less true in ness. Rather, they are frequently felt those feelings.” joyful, as pleased, and (as Julian of agined as a smiling grandmother or the relationship of grandparents to together. We can be in great pain Knowing this still does not make Norwich says) as relaxed and smil- grandfather, delighting in our lives their grandchildren. That relation- and still be happy, just as we can it easy for us to accept that God is ing. Christianity, Judaism, and Is- and energy, at ease with our little- ship, more free of tension and self- be pain-free, experiencing pleasure, joy and that joy is a sure sign of the lam, for all of our differences, have ness, forgiving our weaknesses, and seeking, is often the purest experi- and be unhappy. Joy and happiness life of God in the soul. However, this in common. In our popular con- forever gently trying to coax us to- ence of love and joy on this earth. are predicated on something that knowing it is an important start, one ception, we all conceive of God as wards something higher. There, delight flows more freely, abides through pain namely, mean- we can build on. male, as celibate and as generally A growing body of literature to- more purely, more graciously, and ing; but this needs to be understood. There is a deep sadness in not displeased and disappointed with day suggests that the purest experi- mirrors more purely what is inside We tend to have an unhelpful, su- being a saint. Why? Because our us. We struggle to think that God ence of love and joy on this earth of God, namely joy and delight. perficial notion of what constitutes distance from saintliness is also our is happy with our lives and, even is not what is experienced between God is love, Scripture tells us; but both joy and happiness. For us, they distance from God and our distance more important, that God is happy, lovers, spouses, or even parents and God is also joy. God is the gracious, are incompatible with pain, suffer- from God is also our distance from joyful, relaxed and smiling. their children. In these relationships, benevolent smile of a grandparent ing and sadness. I wonder how Je- joy. — By Fr Ron Rolheiser, all Yet, how could it be otherwise? there is, inevitably (and understand- looking with pride and delight at a sus would have answered on Good rights reserved Our friendly HERALD team Sandra Ann Inbaraj, Melania Liza Magnus and Amanda Mah Wong Sam Fatt RK Samy andra Ann works with a pleasant disposition iza Magnus has been a blessing to HERALD. retiree from ge has Sand with an ever-ready willingness to help LShe is a graduate of University Malaya who ANanyang Siang Anot de- those who seek her assistance. Her enthusiasm studied Linguistics and Languages (European lan- Pao, Mr Wong Sam Fatt terred Mr RK for her work is praiseworthy and remarkable. She guages) and majored in French. Besides French, is a gentle and stately Samy from is a team player who ensures that every project is she is fluent in both English and Malay. man who eagerly took accepting the well carried out. Liza edits all eight pages of the HERALD – Min- on the responsibil- challenge of It is amazing how, through her contributions, gguan Katolik single-handedly. Her coverage of ity of being Editor of editing and we have consistently produced a weekly without the news is excellent. Her Children’s page, both in HERALD – Xian Feng doing the lay- fail and on time despite the public holidays and Malay and English, is a hit with the children, who Bao. out of the Ta- other additional workloads at hand to complete. love the way she makes it easy for them to grasp Like a gentle breeze, mil Section Sandra’s generosity of spirit and heart has never our Christian faith. She is a good Catechist; the he took his place in the HERALD office and be- of HERALD - been wanting. She has a good memory and is ministry of the catechist is an essential ministry of gan to write articles as well as source materials Iraithoothan. quick at connecting episodes of the past with cur- the Church and to which Pope Francis has given from the Vatican News and other News Agen- He is a cies. He edited all of them for HERALD - Xian rent events. She is a joy to work with! a just and proper recognition recently. Liza heads willing and Feng Bao week after week until June 6, 2021, She is a business administration graduate of the the HERALD office in Membakut in the Diocese responsible Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi and ma- of Keningau, Sabah. Thank you very much, Liza when he reached at the prosperous age of 84. A seasoned Journalist and an ardent Catholic, person who jored in International Business. Magnus! You are truly great — MAGNUS. has carried She is also the Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Au Revoir! he worked hard to convey the message of Jesus Christ to our Catholic Community and beyond. out his duties Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission. A very cheerful young lady bubbling with energy with dedi- talented lady who is theologically alert and un- In a WhatsApp message, he wrote: “I deem it Aand great imagination, Amanda Mah can a great honour and pleasure to have worked with cation and derstands the current theological trends in the transform a blank paper into eye-catching life sto- passion. He Church. HERALD under your guidance.” ries that draw one to read the articles. Amanda is Thank you very much, Mr Wong, for your has a good Thank you very much, Sandra a graduate of the School of Graphic Design. She command Adieu! relentless efforts in keeping Chinese Catholics joined HERALD – The Catholic Weekly in 2015. connected with the local and universal Church of the Tamil She has bloomed beautifully to become a joyous through Xian Feng Bao. Happy Retirement and language and courteous person in the HERALD office. Blessings of the Lord. and has translated many of the mes- She is dutiful and works diligently to ensure that Sayonara! sages of the Pope and Bishops into the layout of the pages, especially the Youth pages, Tamil. He is concerned about the are bright and appealing. She also liaises with the Adelina Wong Faith development of the Tamil Youth to learn more about their activities in their speaking Community and, with parishes. delina joined the Fr Stanislaus Soosaimariam, choos- Amanda has a Diploma in Graphic Design from AHERALD team in es good and easy to read articles for PJ College of Art and Design (now known as INTI the beginning of June the readers. Centre of Art and Design (ICAD)). this year. In a WhatsApp message, he wrote: Thank you, Amanda, for your dedication and ef- With a Bachelor of “Good morning Father! You inspired fort in making HERALD look good and attractive. Science (Honours) De- me to do better every day, and I owe From left: Amanda Mah, Sandra Ann and Liza Magnus Annyeong! gree, (Major in Biochem- you the things I learned in my work. istry & Microbiology) from Universiti Pertanian Your knowledge and years of experi- Malaysia, Serdang, we are indeed fortunate to poorly written article may discour- Marina Corray ence brought the HERALD to where have her to take over from Wong Sam Fatt. age a reader from reading a paper it is today. Thank you for all the hard A It is always a joy to read most of the Adelina is also involved in translations for the work! Certainly, I will miss you so any further. That is why proofreading articles corrected by Marina. She gives CATECHESIS@HOME (Archdiocesan Cate- is essential in our field of publication. us much confidence that another pair of chetical Centre, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur). much! Keep me in your prayers. HERALD has been ably supported by eyes have seen the HERALD texts and Though it is a steep learning curve, I am confi- THANK YOU, FATHER.” our thorough and meticulous proof- ensure that they are suitable for publica- dent that Adelina is up to the challenge. Thank you, Mr RK. reader Ms Marina Corray. Proofread- tion. Thank you very much, Marina and 再见 Adeus! ing enables us to have flawless content we appreciate you. in the articles published in HERALD. Arrivederci! l Turn to Back Page for more HERALD July 4, 2021 13 Jumping to conclusions on the indigenous residential schools without the facts ensible persons in Canada in the residential schools and bur- from the perceptions created by the same name, physical evidence can no longer believe or be ied in the cemetery to hide their the media. was difficult to find since the story Sinfluenced by the media, deaths. It would be a shocking Anyone who has any doubts extended over a century in many since it has proven itself to be un- story if it were true. about the following summary cases, and archival documentation deserving of either confidence or However, Dr Scott Hamilton should read Dr Hamilton’s 44- was not always available. respect. from the Department of Anthro- page report themselves which Dr Hamilton’s work, therefore, Media manipulation and in- pology at Lakehead University can be found at: https://ehprn- focused on the documents that did adequacies were exposed in the in Thunder Bay, Ontario, was h2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/ survive. His report is an eye-open- horrendous story about innocent, retained by the Truth and Recon- uploads/2021/05/AAA-Hamilton- ing explanation about the approxi- helpless Indigenous children be- ciliation Commission to address cemetery-FInal.pdf . mately 100 years of operation of ing buried and forgotten in a ceme- the question of deceased children Dr Hamilton starts his report 150 Indian residential schools in tery on the grounds of a residential Dr Scott Hamilton living in residential schools and by explaining that it is difficult Canada. The search indicates that school in Kamloops. According usually describing war crimes or buried on school lands. His exam- to find answers because some In- at least 3,213 children were re- to the media’s account, the cem- massacres) of children who were ination of this issue tells an eye- digenous residential schools were ported to have died in these resi- etery was a mass grave (the term neglected, abused, and abandoned opening and very different story rebuilt in various locations under dential schools. Communicable diseases the cause of poor health and death ccording to Dr Hamilton, The Residential Schools Acommunicable diseases Prior to 1883, Protestant and were a primary cause of poor Catholic missionaries established health and death for many Abo- churches and schools, and in some riginal people during the 19th cases, hospitals, to care for Abo- and early 20th centuries. Tuber- riginals of all ages. These schools culosis, for which there was no were intended to provide basic cure, was rampant during this pe- literacy to acculturate children to riod. It affected Aboriginals more non-Aboriginal social and reli- than other Canadians. Indigenous gious values, and to provide vo- people had limited resistance to cational schools to enable them to the European newcomers’ dis- more easily assimilate into society. eases. The generally poor living It was not until 1883 that the conditions within the residential Canadian Government under the schools would have increased the Indian Affairs Department took problem. Some children had like- control of and established further ly contracted the disease prior to larger institutions, known as the attending the school, but others “residential school system”, for were infected within the crowd- Indigenous children which were to ed, poorly constructed residential provide both academic and indus- school built by the Department of trial training, with an eye to aiding Indian Affairs, not by the various their employment and integration churches. within the increasingly dominant The annual federal report by Euro-Canadian society. The 1920 Dr Peter Brice, the Chief Medi- amendment to the Indian Act gave cal Officer for Indian Affairs R.C. Indian Residential School Study Time. (Wikimedia Common) to the Department of Indian Af- in 1906, outlined the extent of nation of 243 students at seven during these years, there were It is significant that by 1948, the fairs the authority to send any the Aboriginal health crisis. He residential schools, and conclud- others, such as the devastating death rate of indigenous children school-age Indigenous children to noted: “the Indian population ed that there was a marked pres- Spanish flu in 1918. There were in the schools had substantially a day or residential school. It was of Canada had a mortality rate ence of tuberculosis among all no inoculations available to stem decreased. Prior to 1948, student not until the early 1970s that the of more than double that of the age groups. He reported, “there the deaths. Neither were anti- illness or death was high and the number of residential schools in whole population”. In his 1909 was not a child that showed a bacterial drugs such as penicillin subsequent lower death rate can operation began to decline sharp- report, Dr Bryce stated that he normal temperature”. Tubercu- and anti-viral and anti-inflamma- be attributed to medical develop- ly, and finally ceased operations in had undertaken a detailed exami- losis was not the only epidemic tory drugs available at that time. ments. 1996. The Burial Policy of the Department of Summary t seems that throughout the his- residential schools is heartbreak- Itory of the Indian Residential ing from many perspectives. Indian Affairs Schools, there were financially However, it is not reasonable, urprisingly enough, Indian Af- driven procedures and barriers based on the facts, to accuse the Sfairs did not have a formal, writ- that prevented the return of de- Catholic Church and other faith ten policy on burial of children from ceased students for burial and organisations that operated the residential schools until 1958, which the maintenance of the cemeter- schools of neglect of the children was fully 75 years after the rapid ies near the schools. The wooden or callous behaviour towards expansion of the residential schools markers on the graves disinte- them that led to their death. If system. Although not written, the Kamloops Residential School in 1920. (photo/Wikimedia Commons) grated over time as did the fences there is any fault, it lies with fed- practice of the Department was to schools were expected to cover lost to time. surrounding the cemeteries which eral Indian Affairs, which did not not pay funeral expenses unless the the costs of burial of students who Another problem was the main- became heavily overgrown by provide adequate funding for the cost of long-distance transporta- died at their schools. The most cost- tenance of these residential school forest vegetation. Over time this residential schools, the children tion was less than the cost of bury- effective way of doing this was to cemeteries. Indian Affairs did not made it difficult to determine the and the cemeteries. ing the student where he died. This undertake burial in a cemetery on accept responsibility for maintaining parameters of the cemetery and to According to the media this is consistent with the practice that school grounds. Such cemeteries them. This responsibility fell on the learn about the individuals buried Canadian tragedy was the failure occurred throughout the whole his- often contained not only the bodies religious congregations which oper- within them. of the Catholic Church and other tory of the residential school system, of students, but also those of teach- ated these schools with inadequate There is no evidence whatso- religious organisations, which is namely, to keep burial costs low ers and religious personnel in the government funding. Another prob- ever of an intent to hide these outright anti-Catholic bigotry. It which discouraged sending bodies schools who had died while work- lem was that these residential school graves. Further there is no indi- is another attempt to discredit re- of deceased students back to their ing there. Over time, the wooden cemeteries were also sometimes cation that the children buried in ligious faith and to drive religion home communities. crosses marking the graves deterio- used for burials of members of near- these long-forgotten cemeteries from the public square. The resi- Correspondence over the years rated, as did the fencing surround- by municipalities, but the municipal- died of abuse or neglect. But one dential schools are the tool which from Indian Affairs indicates that ing these cemeteries. As a result, ities did not accept any responsibil- is led to believe this by the me- is being used to do so. — https:// under normal circumstances, the some of these cemeteries became ity to maintain the cemeteries. dia’s accounts. The story of the realwomenofcanada.ca/ 14 HERALD July 4, 2021 Like Biden, my Supreme Court justice grandfather was shamed for going to Mass n January 1963, my mother, then 13, at- The threatened exclusion of people in tended a Red Mass at Washington’s St public office from the sacrament at the heart IMatthew’s Cathedral with her father, of Catholicism would not only affect Presi- Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan dent Joe Biden, but also senators, House Jr., and her mother, Marjorie. During the members, those on the Supreme Court and homily, the bishop presiding at the Mass thousands of Catholics who serve in local criticized justices, including my grand- public office around the country. father, who opposed laws that mandated We will once again be called “papists,” prayer in public schools. and opponents will justifiably claim that My grandparents were active Catholics, we cannot both uphold the Constitution and and my mother had attended parochial belong to our religion. The “leadership” is school. Marjorie’s childhood photo album inexplicably making us choose between included a picture of no fewer than eight being American and being Catholic. This is habited nuns and a priest picnicking on her an attack on the laity by the same prelate front lawn. As they left the Red Mass, my culture that has been dismantling our reli- grandmother gave the bishop a quiet but gious life brick by brick for decades, with decisive verbal rebuke. My mother was a bizarre mix of scandals, doctrinal rigidity distraught, convinced that the prelate had and emphasis on political clout, over the threatened her father with excommunica- grace and beauty in our everyday traditions tion. They effectively stopped going to and worship. church. To my knowledge, I have few relatives Catholicism was at the core of the culture who regularly attend a Catholic church. in which my maternal grandparents grew Justice William J. Brennan Jr holds his daughter, Nancy, as his wife, Marjorie helps him with his Mass is essential to my life, though I had up. My grandfather's jurisprudence grew robe at the Supreme Court building in this 1956 file photo. Brennan died July 24, 1997, at age 91. to be confirmed as an adult, as I had grown out of Catholic and biblical social values (CNS file photo) up basically without religion. But now it such as human dignity, justice and societal ent imperviousness to criticism or popular shaming. may be robbed from me again. How can I protections for the poor, oppressed and opinion. But he continued to seek out and Reactive, extremist and politically moti- belong to a denomination that might have marginalised. His parents had emigrated enjoy the company of clerics his whole vated ideology contributed to an eventual denied its most essential sacrament to my from Ireland, and they were also observant life — much as his own father had — so religious alienation from Catholicism on grandfathers, as they acted on their core Catholics, active in civic life. rejection by Catholic officials must have both sides of my family: among the next beliefs about what was best for society as My great-grandfather William J. Bren- smarted. I believe that his peace lay in generations of seven children, 13 grand- a whole on controversial issues of the day? nan Sr went from leading his local union knowing the difference between the politi- children and dozens of great-grandchil- Last Sunday, as I took the Communion chapter of brewery “stationary firemen,” to cised and heavy-handed mandates of insti- dren. wafer in my hand, I said to the archbish- holding elected office in Newark, New Jer- tutional Catholicism and his own morality The institution of the Catholic Church op who gave it to me: “I know this comes sey. Reading his obituary would give you which was guided by the small “c” Catho- in America has self-destructed, one lost from God, not from you." It was not a per- the impression that every Catholic religious lic Church, meaning “universal.” family at a time, with an almost insistent sonal statement against him; it was about leader in New Jersey was at Bill Sr’s bed- Also in the 1960s, but in a very differ- and angry determination. The religion that affirming a simple truth that should itself side when he died in 1930. It sounds trite ent place, my paternal grandfather Walter we followed for millennia is still hostage stop the cycle of religious alienation that to our modern ears, but my great-grandpar- Phelps, president of his small-town school to mortal men who do not represent tran- clerical overreach has caused in my family, ents obtained in America that ever-fragile board, was criticized in a homily for spear- scendence or mercy, but power and con- in our country and in me directly. combination of religious freedom, civic heading an effort to have a public high trol. After everything Catholicism has gone “After I spoke, not turning away from engagement and ability to organize for a school built. It would reduce the enrolment through, many of its leaders continue to act the altar but stepping to the side of the decent standard of living that was out of of the local Catholic school, said the priest. with breathtaking arrogance, as if they ac- archbishop in order to bow to it and place reach for them in Ireland. His wife tried to continue going to Mass tually owned our very connection with God the wafer in my mouth, I felt some of my As a Supreme Court justice, my grand- by driving her family to a parish 40 min- — without care for our daily lives or our grandparents’ pain lift from my shoulders.” father had to don a thick skin and appar- utes away, where they could feel safe from spiritual needs. — By Constance Phelps, NCR Father of Amazon.com founder gives gift of $12 million (RM50 million) to Catholic school WASHINGTON: Miguel Bezos, the im- Bezos said in a 2016 interview posted on the best path to success,” said the Catholic migrant father of Amazon.com founder the website of the Smithsonian’s National school’s president, Brendan Kennealey, Jeff Bezos, has donated $12 million Museum of American History. according to the news release. (RM50 million) to the Catholic school in “To this day, a lot of us still talk to each In the 2016 Smithsonian interview, Delaware that housed and educated him other and visit once in a while,” he said. Miguel Bezos describes his experience of when he arrived as an unaccompanied mi- “We also visit with the priest who was in leaving his native Cuba and settling in his nor from Cuba in the early 1960s. charge of us. In the middle of all the cha- new country. The senior Bezos attended Salesianum os, it was a wonderful experience.” Back then, “there wasn’t a lot of real School in Wilmington, Delaware, after The donation, announced June 16, hon- anti-refugee, anti-immigration feelings, fleeing post-Revolution Cuba, along with ours the priest, who died last year, and but obviously you always encounter some over 14,000 other minors brought to the will be used for an endowment to fund the negative feelings,” he said. US through Operation Pedro Pan, a pro- Rev James P. Byrne OSFS Scholarship. After attending Salesianum, he attended gramme organised by the Catholic Church Preference will be given to qualified the University of Albuquerque, New Mex- with the help of the US government. applicants living in Wilmington who ico, and then worked for over 32 years at Because Catholic social services agen- are children of immigrants to the United Exxon Mobil. cies in Miami receiving the Cuban minors States in recognition of “the school’s “I’d like immigrants to know that things were overwhelmed, dioceses through- legacy of educating generations of im- are going to be different and that you have out the country began sending children migrants,” said a news release from the to adapt to new things, but you don’t have to Catholic facilities and foster families school. to lose your identity. Things are not go- throughout the country. Bezos ended up at The gift from Bezos and his wife, Jack- ing to be like back home,” he said in the a home for boys in Wilmington. Miguel Bezos attended Salesianum School lyn Bezos, will fund 24 scholarships and Smithsonian interview. Back then, Father James P. Byrne, of the in Wilmington, Delaware. (UCA News Photo/ also help with incidental expenses such as “On the other side, for those who are Oblates of St Francis de Sales, was put in About Amazon) books, retreats, service trips and college receiving new neighbours,” he added, charge of Casa de Sales, where Bezos was sure you’ve heard sad stories about what entrance exam fees. “the best thing that you can do is to help welcomed with other Cuban boys. terrible experiences some of the Peter Pan “Mike and Jackie understand the com- them assimilate. There is always a need to “There was a priest in charge of us, and it kids had, but for us in Wilmington, we had plex obstacles faced by underserved stu- compromise on both sides.” — By Rhina was a tremendous experience for me. I’m each other, and we became very close”, dents and wanted to give these students Guidos, CNS HERALD July 4, 2021 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear children, And where does he get this wis- town among his friends and rela- God is powerful, God is love, God dom and the power to do miracles tives.” has the power to calm the storm Did you know that our lack of faith from? Isn’t this the carpenter? The Bible tells us that because etc, but we don't have enough can limit the power of God? That’s Isn’t he the son of Mary and the of their lack of faith, Jesus was faith especially when facing dif- what the Bible says. brother of James, Joseph, Judas powerless to do any miracles there, ficulties or temptation. One time, Jesus was in his home- and Simon? Don't his sisters live except to heal a few sick people. Let us pray and ask the Holy town. When the Sabbath came, right here in the same town with Jesus once told his disciples, Spirit to help us believe in God by he was teaching in the synagogue. us?” “If you believe, you will receive showing our faith through our ac- Many of the people who heard Je- Jesus heard them criticising him whatever you ask for in prayer.” tions. sus’ teaching started to criticise and he said to them, “A prophet (Matthew 21:22). Love him. “Who does he think he is? has little honour in his own home Many of us really believe that Aunty Eliz

A prophet The people in his own hometown questioned the power without honour and authority of Jesus (Mark 6:1-6) Crossword

ACROSS DOWN WISDOM 2. To treat with great respect 1. The seventh day of the 4. The mother of Jesus week, the day of rest and MIRACLE 5. A person whose job is worship for the Jews CARPENTER making and repairing 2. The town or city where a SABBATH things made from wood person was born or grew FAITH 6. To have great trust or up Word Search belief in something or 3. A man or boy with the BROTHER someone same parents as another PROPHET 7. The ability to judge what person MARY is true or right 4. An event that can only be HOMETOWN One who is a spokesman done through the power 8. HONOR for God to man of God

What was Jesus doing in HEARD CARPENTER DISCIPLES today’s Gospel reading? HONOR SYNAGOGUE PROPHET Use the secret code to find out! JESUS WISDOM JOSEPH JAMES SABBATH TEACH SISTERS MIRACLES HOMETOWN

JUDAS SIMON AMAZED Answer: Teaching in the synagogue. synagogue. the in Teaching Answer: HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

Dialogue Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHJuly 4, 2021 Spiritual growth in tough times

AJANG: Deacon Adri- ENGLISH & MANDARIN an Ng, a full-time The English and Mandarin speak- ing youth decided to explore KPastoral associate of the Bible Study: the Story of the the Church of Holy Fam- Covenants. Through these seven ily gives an update on the sessions, the participants get an youth activities there.- Be overview of the main characters in Bible in a way that helps them low is his report. to understand the New Covenant. Under the toughest condi- There are six leaders and 24 tions, the HFK Youth & Campus youths in the four Bible studies. In Ministry currently reaches 57 addition to students from UTAR, young people through its weekly LimKokWing, Heriot Watt, GMI fellowship and six Bible Studies and UoC, we also managed to in Bahasa, Mandarin and English. welcome a new friend from New We’ve started to see a healthy Era University! development with 21 youths from Holy Family, 26 students CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING from eight universities within I am also leading a special Bible the parish boundary and 11 non- Study using FOCUS’ new material Bible Study: Catholics, reflecting a welcoming on Catholic Social Teaching. The Story of the environment. five participants were introduced Covenants to the principles of the Universal BAHASA MALAYSIA Destination of Goods, Solidar- In the last few months, some ity, Subsidiarity, Preferential Op- Bahasa-speaking youths were tion for the Poor etc. We are also interested in the differences be- honoured to have Adrian Pereira, tween the teachings of Islam and from an NGO for migrants called Christianity and therefore we North South Initiative, to share launched the apologetics Bible the position of migrants in the Study: Escalator to Heaven. local context, and Marcus Leong Three leaders are facilitating who just earned his BPhil from the study for nine youths, in- the Catholic University of Ameri- cluding one student from Form ca, to clarify some of these con- 4 and Form 5 each and four cepts further. students from UoC, Unikop and MMU. Supporting this study is STUDENTS IN CYBERJAYA the study’s author, Calvin Oh- There are an additional 13 stu- sey, a young Catholic activist dents in the Christian Fellowship in interreligious dialogue. This @ Cyberjaya, but it has been a Bible Study is six sessions long challenging time with everything and, while it can be daunting going online, alternating between with the Bishops’ letter, “Impli- Sunday Gospel reflections, watch- cations of Conversion to Islam” ing movies and preaching by Jude BM Apologetic and the Malaysian Constitution’s Antoine monthly. I’ve even tried rights to religious freedom, it bribing participation with pizza! Firstly, I need to firm up the try FOCUS’ newly updated re- ers or Bible Study leaders. I pray also lands on practical disci- Nevertheless, I am grateful for strategy. It’s time to invite some source, the Crux which is a study they will lead like Jesus, taking pleship. Eve- Lucas Yong and Wendy Ling, adult into more intentional disciple- of the basic Gospel message, the the initiative and mentoring new ryone who leaders from Belia KUBM and the ship through the Seven Habits of kerygma. It looks like promis- disciples on their own. My hope completes students who come regularly, two Highly Effective Catholics. Exist- ing material and an entry-point is for every language youth min- all 6-lessons of whom are starting RCIA soon! ing Bible study members who are study. Through intimate sharings istry to be served by burning hot gets a “Ask humble, hungry and have a heart in these studies, we should see visionary and missionary disciple- Me Why I WHAT NEXT? for the people should be identi- the regular students start to form making leaders. Even if it’s just Believe in Approaching our first year anni- fied and invited to lead a future a community. going to be a few good men and Jesus” T- versary, I need to ask: what’s the study. While the current studies Secondly, I want youth leaders women, that’s all that God will shirt! way forward? should be replicated, I’d like to to be more than event organis- need to change the world. HERALD July 4, 2021 Youth 17 Understanding the human embodiment CHERAS: Deacon Adrian Ng is not what God wants. Although hosted a Theology of the Body husbands are often considered the Bible Study for students and backbone of the family, they must young adults recently via Zoom. accord their wives their rightful Since it was an online study, it place in the family.” was open to students from uni- I also learned that rules im- versities under the jurisdiction of posed by God were never meant the Holy Family Church such as to restrict us but to guide us. A UNIKOP, UoC, GMI, UTAR and good analogy that can be used is a LimKokWing, as well as others game of cards. Usually, there are who were interested, as well as a set of rules players must adhere those from as far as Kuching and to play the game. If each player Kota Kinabalu. has his or her own rules, the game “Theology of the Body” was cannot be played according to the working title of Pope St John how it should be. Similarly, if we Paul II’s first major teaching do not adhere to rules imposed by project of his pontificate. It was God, we may not be living life a rich and biblical reflection on according to His plan for us and the meaning of human embodi- our life becomes a mess. ment. Since then, the ideas from Students and young adults participated in the Theology of the Body study for eight weeks. Personally, I truly enjoyed all this very profound material have one Mandarin Team. Each team not just about the Theology of the Church’s position on sexuality the sessions of this Bible study. been simplified by various - peo had a man and a woman leader Body. It was also an opportunity and the body because we were It has definitely helped me clarify ple, most famously, in the world and about six participants. The to build the youth and campus never taught the why of things. some misconceptions I had of the of young people, Christopher teams would prepare together; community in these trying times The topics that we learned in- Catholic Church and made me West and Jason Evert. We follow finding a suitable time for every- when meeting up physically is cluded Agape, Temptations, Find- grow in faith. I believe youths, in this trajectory in creating this one was not easy and we finally limited. There were prayer logs ing The Right Partner, Celibacy especially young couples, should Bible Study to carry the major made the sacrifice to train on Sat- in each team where anyone could & Contraceptives. Ariana Ng, give this Bible study a try and ideas in a clear and practical way urdays, at 7.00am. write down what they wanted one of the Bible Study Leaders, when you do, commit to it. Dea- so as to create a new Catholic Each team accommodated their to pray for and that was able to said, “Initially, it sounded like con Adrian is constantly improv- worldview. study to the convenience of their strengthen the bond of the team women have the lower position ing the Bible Studies and anyone In the eight-week study, there members, a decision that resulted as we prayed for each other. in a relationship as Ephesians who wishes to find out more may were four teams. Two were Eng- in the studies stretching into May. It was important for young 5: 22 has been used to advocate contact him at 016-222 1089. — lish teams, one Bahasa team and However, this Bible Study was adults to learn the Catholic male supremacy. However, this By Marietta Mu YouthYouth gathergather toto praypray Young people in KUCHING: Throughout the five pandemic to end, for our health- cators on Teachers’ Day. The youths Sundays in May, EMPOWERED care workers and frontliners, for took turns to share their prayer in- prayer for the hosted weekly prayer gatherings our leaders and for our Church, for tentions as well. over Google Meet to commemorate peace in the world, for people who The prayer gatherings usually end of the pandemic our Blessed Mother Mary during are suffering, and for our own per- started off with meditation on the the month of the Rosary and pray sonal intentions. Word of God, followed by interces- for the intentions of the world. Based on the dates of the week- sions before the Rosary prayer. The Among the intentions included end, the group also remembered gathering ended with a short catch- were: praying for the Coronavirus mothers on Mothers’ Day and edu- up fellowship among those present.

The Jesus Youth Movement praying together. KARACHI: “Responding to the lead the Eucharistic Adoration, and call of the Holy Father Pope Fran- through the web other groups can cis to pray intensely for the end of join in the praise. the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jesus Shoy Thomas observes: “The Youth movement organised a Eu- spread of the Coronavirus has cre- charistic Adoration, with a prayer of ated havoc in many countries, in- intercession entitled ‘Days of Mer- cluding India, heavily affected in cy’. “We want to pray for the world the second wave, and in many other that suffers from the COVID-19 countries and in the lives of each of pandemic, and we entrust ourselves us”. He adds: “In this difficult time, to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and we, as a family of believers, chil- Mary”: says Shoy Thomas, coordi- dren of the one Father, have thought nator of “Jesus Youth International”, of coming together to invoke God’s a Catholic lay movement present in mercy on all of us and pray for all more than 40 countries around the those who are sick due to the virus world including Pakistan, India, and in need of healing, for all those Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Singapore, who suffer in this pandemic”. The Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. leader concludes: “Along with this Shoy Thomas further stated: “The time of Eucharistic Adoration, our initiative is guided by an evangeli- different groups in various coun- cal verse ‘Lord, the one you love is tries have also organised prayer sick” (Jn 11: 3) and involves thou- meetings with the recitation of the sands of our members and other Rosary and the chaplet of Divine faithful in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Mercy for the world suffering from A preview of the Gospel reading of the day to start off the session. (Bottom) Some of the youths involved in the weekly India. The Jesus Youth interces- the spread of the coronavirus”. — Prayer Gatherings. (Today’s Catholic photo/Empowered Ministry Kuching) sion groups from various countries Agenzia Fides 18 HERALD July 4, 2021 For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] Newspaper’s ‘murder’ m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291

marks death of press 1st Anniversary freedom in Hong Kong In Loving Memory of 3rd Anniversary Joice Shanty Petchimuthu In Loving Memory of

God looked around His garden, and he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this Earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. Apple Daily, a 26-year-old tabloid, closed after having its It broke our hearts to lose you, assets frozen by the police. (UCA News photo) but you didn’t go alone. For part of us HONG KONG: Last week Hong Kong saw not only the went with you, the day closure of a newspaper but the death of press freedom. God called you home. The city’s most popular newspaper and the only remain- “I am the Resurrection and the Life. ing Chinese-language, mass circulation pro-democracy Those who believe in Me will live, daily publication, Apple Daily, published its final edition From the Lord: even though they die.” John 11:25 on June 24. It printed a million copies, and they sold out 3rd July 1955 within hours. To the Lord: Deeply missed by The death of Apple Daily was not because it ran out of 2nd July 2020 family, loved ones, and friends money or markets. On the contrary, it had 600,000 paid subscribers and more than US$50 million in the bank — In Memoriam enough to cover another 18 months. It closed because the Beautiful Memory of Dad Hong Kong government froze its bank accounts, making And we know it impossible to pay salaries and bills, after arresting its editor-in-chief Ryan Law and four other senior executives. that for those Martine Therese Lai Pin Lee Its Catholic founder and proprietor, Jimmy Lai, is al- ready in jail on numerous politically motivated charges who love God (05.05.1955 – 04.07.2018) and faces a potential life sentence under the city’s draco- all things nian national security law. In short, as Mark Simon, for- mer senior executive at Next Digital, Apple Daily’s par- work together “I have the strength ent company, put it in an op-ed in the Washington Post on June 26, the newspaper “didn’t just die. It was murdered.” for good, for to face all conditions by the Murdered by the Chinese Communist Party regime that those who are power that Christ gives me.” has taken direct control of Hong Kong and is strangling freedom itself. called G. A Das (Philippians 4:13) Apple Daily symbolised Hong Kong’s freedoms. Cou- rageously and constantly publishing stories and opinions according to Departed: July 9th, 1972 critical of the regime in Beijing and its proxy quislings in his purpose. “To Live with God Through Eternity” Deeply missed and remembered Hong Kong, the newspaper was fearless in promoting de- mocracy and human rights. As a consequence, the authori- Romans 8:28 Fr o m : L o v i n g w i f e , c h i l d r e n , by family members. ties hated it and, over the course of the past year, became sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, determined to kill it. — ucanews.com grandchildren and great-grandchildren. HERALD July 4, 2021 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Anthony Zaccaria Daily Short n July 5, the Catholic Church remembers caring for the physical conditions of his patients, Reading St Anthony Mary Zaccaria. A renowned he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing Sunday, July 4 Opreacher and promoter of Eucharistic through repentance and the sacraments. (Ezekiel 36:25-27) adoration, he founded the order of priests now Anthony also taught catechism to children and known as the Barnabites. went on to participate in the religious formation I shall pour clean water over you In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Car- of young adults. He eventually decided to with- and you will be cleansed; I shall dinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a draw from the practice of medicine, and with the cleanse you of all your defilement book on St Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began and all your idols. I shall give you saint as “one of the great figures of Catholic re- to study for the priesthood. a new heart, and put a new spirit form in the 1500s,” who was involved “in the Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said in you; I shall remove the heart of renewal of Christian life in an era of profound to have experienced a miraculous occurrence stone from your bodies and give crisis.” during his first Mass, being surrounded by a su- you a heart of flesh instead. I shall The Italian saint, Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, pernatural light and a multitude of angels during put my spirit in you, and make you “deserves to be rediscovered” as “an authentic the consecration of the Eucharist. Contemporary keep my laws and sincerely re- man of God and of the Church, a man burning witnesses marvelled at the event, and testified to spect my observances. with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, it after his death. Monday, July 5 a true leader able to convert and lead others to Church life in Cremona had suffered decline (Jeremiah 15:16) good.” in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The new Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Ital- priest encountered widespread ignorance and When your words came, I de- ian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502. Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth and was religious indifference among laypersons, while voured them: your word was my His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony’s afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy. He many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt. delight and the joy of my heart; for birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only went on to study medicine at the University of In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary I was called by your name, Lord, 18 years old – chose not to marry again, prefer- Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the God of hosts. ring to devote herself to charitable works and to to Cremona. truths of the Gospel, both clearly and charitably. Tuesday, July 6 her son’s education. Despite his noble background and secular Within two years, his eloquent preaching and (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 ) Antonietta’s son took after her in devotion to profession, the young doctor had no intention of tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the It is not as if you live in the dark, God and generosity toward the poor. He studied either marrying or accumulating wealth. While moral character of the city dramatically. — CNA my brothers, for that Day to over- take you like a thief. No, you are all Feastday: July 6 sons of light and sons of the day: St Maria Goretti Patron Saint of: we do not belong to the night or to ne of the largest crowds ever assembled for of the good — concern about where her mother  Catholic Youth  Teenagers darkness. Oa canonisation — 250,000 — symbolised would sleep, forgiveness of her murderer (she had  Girls the reaction of millions touched by the simple been in fear of him, but did not say anything lest Wednesday, July 7 story of Maria Goretti. She was the daughter of she cause trouble to his family) and her devout (Romans 8:35,37) a poor Italian tenant farmer, had no chance to go welcoming of Viaticum, her last Holy Commun- Nothing can come between us to school, and never learnt to read or write. When ion. She died about 24 hours after the attack. and the love of Christ, even if we Maria made her First Communion not long before Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. are troubled or worried, or being her death, she was one of the larger and somewhat For a long time, he was unrepentant and surly. One persecuted, or lacking food or backward members of the class. night he had a dream or vision of Maria gathering clothes, or being threatened or On a hot afternoon in July, Maria was sitting flowers and offering them to him. His life changed. even attacked. These are the trials at the top of the stairs of her house, mending a When he was released after 27 years, his first act through which we triumph, by the shirt. She was not quite 12 years old, but physi- was to beg the forgiveness of Maria’s mother. p o w e r o f h i m w h o l o v e d u s . . cally mature. A cart stopped outside, and a neigh- Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles bour, 18-year-old Alessandro, ran up the stairs. were worked, and in less than half a century, she Thursday, July 8 He seized her and pulled her into a bedroom. She was canonised. At her beatification in 1947, her (Romans 14:17-19) struggled and tried to call for help. “No, God does 82-year-old mother, two sisters, and brother ap- The kingdom of God does not not wish it,” she cried out. “It is a sin. You would peared with Pope Pius XII on the balcony of St mean eating or drinking this or go to hell for it.” Alessandro began striking at her Peter’s. Three years later, at Maria’s canonisation, that, it means righteousness and blindly with a long dagger. a 66-year-old Alessandro Serenelli knelt among peace and joy brought by the Holy Maria was taken to a hospital. Her last hours the quarter-million people and cried tears of joy. — Spirit. If you serve Christ in this were marked by the usual simple compassion Franciscan Media way you will please God and be respected by men. So let us adopt any custom that leads to peace St Augustine Zhao Rong and companions and our mutual improvement. n July 9 the Church celebrates the feast of the same conviction and joy, sealing their unfail- One of the more well-known native mar- Othe 120 Martyrs of China. Religious perse- ing fidelity to Christ and the Church with the gift tyrs was a 14-year-old Chinese girl named Ann Friday, July 9 cution has a long history in China, especially per- of their lives,” said the Holy Father during the Wang, who was killed during the Boxer Rebel- (Ephesians 2: 13-16) secution of Christians, thousands of whom have canonisation. lion when she refused to apostasise. She bravely Now, in union with Christ Jesus, died for their faith in the last millennium. “Resplendent in this host of martyrs are also withstood the threats of her torturers, and just as you who used to be far away have On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II can- the 33 missionaries who left their homelands she was about to be beheaded, she radiantly de- been brought near by the death onised 120 men, women and children who gave and sought to immerse themselves in the Chi- clared, “The door of heaven is open to all” and of Christ. For Christ himself has their lives for the faith in China between the nese world, lovingly assimilating its features in repeated the name of Jesus three times. brought us peace, by making the years 1648 and 1930. The martyrs include 87 the desire to proclaim Christ and to serve those Another of the martyrs was 18-year-old Chi Jews and Gentiles one people. native Chinese and 33 foreign missionaries. The people.” Zhuzi, who had been preparing to receive the With his own body he broke down majority were killed during the Boxer Rebellion Of the 33 foreign-born missionaries, most sacrament of Baptism when he was caught on the wall that separated them and of 1900. were priests and religious, including members the road one night and ordered to worship idols. kept them enemies. He abolished “Chinese men and women of every age and of the Order of Preachers, Friars Minor, Jesuits, He refused to do so, revealing his belief in Christ. the Jewish Law, with its command- state, priests, religious and lay people, showed Salesians and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. His right arm was cut off and he was tortured, but ments and rules, in order to create he would not deny his faith. Rather, he fearlessly out of the two races one new peo- pronounced to his captors, before being flayed ple in union with himself, in this alive, “Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my way making peace. By his death blood will tell you that I am Christian.” on the cross Christ destroyed the Augustine Zhao Rong was the first native Chi- enmity; by means of the cross he nese priest to become a martyr. Born in 1746, united both races into one body he served as one of the soldiers who escorted and brought them back to God. Bishop John Gabriel Taurin Dufresse to his mar- Saturday, July 10 tyrdom in Beijing. The witness of the bishop led (Romans 12: 14-16a) Augustine to seek baptism at age 30. He was or- dained a priest five years later and was martyred Bless those who persecute you; in 1815. bless and do not curse them. During the canonisation Mass, Pope John Paul Rejoice with those who rejoice, II thanked God for blessing the Church with weep with those who weep. Live the heroic witness of the 120 martyrs, whom he in harmony with one another; do called “an example of courage and consistency not be haughty, but associate with to us all.” — CNA the lowly. Universal: Social Friendship We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY July 4, 2021 HERALD Malaysia news portal HERALD Editors KUALA LUMPUR: The HERALD news portal is a source of information for people around the world. In one year (May 2020 - May 2021), the total traffic to the HERALD news portal was 596,371 hits. Outgoing Editor Incoming Editor This figure is inclusive of the e-paper (flip docs and pdf). Of this traffic, almost half of the visits are Thank you from Malaysia with 208,335 visits. HERALD also has a following from the Western countries (United States, United team! Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Norway) t is with much gratitude to Our Lord Jesus with almost 100,000 visits. Christ, Mother Mary and colleagues that I Readers from the Asean countries which I write this little note of great appreciation for include Indonesia, Philippines, India and Sin- your relentless efforts to make HERALD – gapore, make up more than 100,000 visits. The Catholic Weekly what it is today! THANK YOU for the faithful service you have ren- Top eight articles dered to OUR LORD JESUS through HER- from Jan - June 2021 (Eng) ALD – The Catholic Weekly. May the Loving ver the past six months (January to Lord’s Blessings be on you always. OJune 2021), the story on the death of Fr Fr Lawrence Andrew SJ Raymond Chong had the most visits - 7362. Carol Low Chwee Neo His vocation story also made the list, com- ing in at number eight with 1987 visits. Ms Carol Low Chwee Neo, who turned 82 ARTICLES VISITS a few months ago, 1.Fr Raymond Chong passes 7362 may be a frail-looking away lady, but she has been 2.New invocations to be in- 5976 far from frail in the cluded in the Litany of the (7119 from way she has remark- Blessed Virgin Mary * July - Dec ably fulfilled her - du 2020) ties as the office manager of HERALD – The 3.Zaharah Sulaiman is wrong 5004 Catholic Weekly. She ensured that all the staff on Malay genes as second in the office worked in harmony to produce oldest in the world HERALD every week, liaising with the print- ers, the transport companies and other for- 4.Bishops’ decision on liturgi- 3226 warding agents in order for the Weekly to cal matters for the region reach its destination without any delay. 5.Man who forgave son’s kill- 3130 She has served as a volunteer at HERALD er now an envoy of mercy for 27 YEARS! She has been responsible for 6.Cardinal Sim has passed on 2423 the production of both the Catholic Directory 7.Celebrating Ash Wednesday 2035 and Ordo. Thank you very much, Ms Carol Low. It is time to rest! 8.Fr Raymond Chong took 1987 Shalom! the path less travelled! Anil Netto Answered: 1224 the longest-serving columnist of HERALD Reason for Reading For the past two dec- Catholic Media Survey ades or more, Mr Anil l Continued from last week Netto, you have paid close attention to Faith he Catholic Media Survey was initiated They prefer to watch/listen to spiritual and Work in your arti- Tby the Catholic Research Centre of the programmes rather than to read a spiritual cles! Archdiocese of KL, in collaboration with book. You must have heard the HERALD, The Catholic Weekly to gath- They consume international Catholic me- it directly from our late er feedback while planning future directions dia online. revered and saintly for media consumption and the publication. Section of Focus Cardinal Soter Fernandez as well as others The survey was conducted for a month, HERALD content that the first article the former read of every between Aug 26 – Sep 23, 2020. A total of The pandemic has led to a decline among HERALD issue was “Anil’s article”. This is 2252 respondent participated in the survey, HERALD readers — the respondents — unquestionably a great recognition from Car- with a completion rate of 69 per cent. due to the unavailability of the printed copy. dinal Fernandez, the top (late) clergyman of The key findings are as follows: However, generally there’s a trend to rely our country, Malaysia. Respondents profile less on printed copies (61 per cent to 46 per Indeed, you are an excellent scribe who has Survey respondents were skewed towards cent) and more on digitalisation (28 per cent given more than a challenging weekly arti- Klang Valley (61 per cent). They are mostly to 58 per cent). cle, and that too without missing an edition. English speaking (78 per cent) and women Seventy-four per cent of the respondents A qualified Chartered Accountant, you have (61 per cent). They are also active members consider HERALD a reliable source of in- given your very best to HERALD, adding of the Catholic Church (89 per cent). formation. value to the Catholic Weekly and, above all, Media habits In terms of the sections, the majority of maintaining a good Christian profile! The respondents don’t spend too long the respondents read the news both local Thank you very much, Anil. reading online news (69 per cent) and rely and international. Forum-reflection and the Arrivederci! on push communication, i.e.Whatsapps/ editorial also garner almost half of the read-  See Page 12 for more FB newsfeed for Catholic news updates. ers.