Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all MARCH 1, 2020 because all have sinned – sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not TERHAD PP 8460/11/2012(030939) reckoned when there is no law. ISSN: 1394-3294 Vol. 27 No. 08 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY Rom. 5:12-13

Tiga tahun INSIDE perjalanan Learning to iman menuju  The objective of P14 serve without kemuncak UTK- religious dialogue is P18-20 any complaints 50 Keuskupan peace Malacca-Johore  OLL Youths learn that P16 serving is a JOY P5 BM8 P21-22 Pope Francis says in Lenten message: Reconciling oneself to God leads to healing ATICAN: Lent is a time for to do with empty chatter,” which “characterises deeper dialogue with God worldliness in every age; in our own day, it can through prayer, for renewed also result in improper use of the media,” he V said. gratitude for God’s mercy and for in- At a news conference to present the message, creased compassion for people whose Cardinal Peter Turkson further elaborated on lives are under attack, Pope Francis what an improper use of media would look like. said. The head of the Dicastery for Promoting In- Also, people must not only show generos- tegral Human Development told reporters that ity through charitable giving, but they should different forms of communication can either also work for a real structural change to today’s promote content that is “empty” or “rich” in “economic life,” the Pope said in his annual that it helps build up human character and soci- message for Lent, which begins Feb 26 for Lat- ety or fosters new ideas. in-rite Catholics. For example, he said, when media outlets The text of the Pope’s message was released cover certain tragic events, like the coronavirus by the Vatican Feb 24. or wars and conflict, they might actually be set- Contemplating the great mystery of the death ting up a kind of “barrier” between the event and resurrection of Jesus and putting it at the and the people hearing about it. centre of one’s life means, “feeling compassion “You see something is happening but at the for the wounds of the crucified Christ present in same time you can see that you are not in- the many innocent victims of wars, in attacks volved,” as if the person is above it all and un- on life from that of the unborn to that of the el- touched by others’ circumstances, the cardinal derly, and the various forms of violence,” the Pope Francis hears the confession of a priest March 7, 2019, at Rome’s Basilica of St John said. Pope said in his message. Lateran. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Instead, what is needed is a situation where These wounds are “likewise present in en- sider the structural aspects of our economic from his desire to grant us life in abundance,” after seeing and hearing about such events, peo- vironmental disasters, the unequal distribution life,” he said. Pope Francis wrote. ple feel inspired or driven to try to get involved of the earth’s goods, human trafficking in all its That is why, the Pope said, he called for a “If we listen instead to the tempting voice or do something useful to help the situation, he forms and the unbridled thirst for profit, which meeting during Lent with “young economists, of the ‘father of lies,’ we risk sinking into the said. is a form of idolatry,” he said. entrepreneurs and change-makers, with the aim abyss of absurdity, and experiencing hell here Pope Francis asked in his message that the Not only are Christians called to generously of shaping a more just and inclusive economy.” on earth, as all too many tragic events in the Lenten season lead to people opening their share the richness of the Gospel and the many The meeting was set to take place in Assisi personal and collective human experience sadly hearts “to hear God’s call to be reconciled to gifts from God, “today, too, there is a need to March 26-28. bear witness,” he said. Himself, to fix our gaze on the Paschal Mys- appeal to men and women of good will to share, The theme of the Pope’s message, We im- “Despite the sometimes tragic presence of tery, and to be converted to an open and sincere by almsgiving, their goods with those most in plore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to evil in our lives and in the life of the Church dialogue with Him” so that everyone become need, as a means of personally participating in God, was taken from the Second Letter of St and the world,” he wrote, “this opportunity to “what Christ asks his disciples to be: the salt the building of a better world,” he said. Paul to the Corinthians (5:20), which reflects change our course expresses God’s unwavering of the earth and the light of the world.” — By “Charitable giving makes us more human, the invitation to return to God through constant will not to interrupt his dialogue of salvation Carol Glatz, CNS whereas hoarding risks making us less human, conversion and reconciliation, and experience with us” and his desire that people also engage imprisoned by our own selfishness,” he said. new life in Christ. in fruitful dialogue with each other. l Turn to Page 3 for the full text of the “We can and must go even further, and con- “Life is born of the love of God our father, God’s dialogue with humanity “has nothing message A prayer for our nation Leader: O God, Judge of the nations, how wrong they are about sin, righteousness and judgment. Let us proclaim the name of the Lord; put fear into our hearts O Lord, declare the power of your works to and ascribe greatness to our God! so that we may know that we are only human. Your peoples and let us be filled with the knowledge of Father, the whole of creation groans Your glory as the waters cover the sea. All: and labours to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, Lord, your work is perfect. into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Gather us, O Lord, in Your Name And all your ways are just. and may all worship the One True God. Amen. Let Your voice be heard today Lord Jesus, send forth Your Spirit of Truth by all the nations! and let this Spirit prove to ‘the powers that be’ (A prayer composed from various Scripture verses of the Bible) 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD March 1, 2020 Political turmoil grips Malaysia s I write this on Monday Feb 24, and wealth — to work in the interests of Malaysia is gripped in political Sunday Observer the people. Even Jesus was not spared: he Aturmoil, with all sorts of political was tempted in the wilderness with the manoeuvrings and jostling for power. By trappings of great power and wealth. The last time we checked, in the 2018 Too often, politicians embark in poli- general election, the people willed a new Anil Netto tics with the wrong motivation. Or they Malaysia, rid of a horrible kleptocracy [email protected] may enter politics with noble idealism but and tainted politicians and officials who along the way, they get sidetracked by the were working for their self-interest. lure of astounding wealth and “the good Even today, most Malaysians are fed up ordinary people, especially the vulnerable 10 Pilate then said to him, ‘Are you re- life”. with those who manipulate ethnicity and and the marginalised. fusing to speak to me? Surely you know This is why we need politicians of great religion for their political ends. They were not elected to put in place I have power to release you and I have integrity on both sides of Parliament. They A few of the personalities involved in mega-projects that will financially burden power to crucify you?’ are entrusted with a noble responsibil- the attempt to form a ‘back door’ govern- the country, degrade the environment and 11 Jesus replied, 'You would have no ity — to serve and protect the interests of ment last weekend have been tainted by enrich the coffers of the companies con- power over me at all if it had not been not just the people but also the Commons. corruption allegations or charges. The cerned. given you from above;... In this era of climate change, they have attempt thus far has not won widespread They were not elected to put their own So, political power is a sacred responsi- a heavy responsibility also to protect the support, going by the lack of enthusiasm political interests ahead of public interest. bility bestowed from above. And to what ecosystem and build climate resilience. and jubilation on the streets. This was in They were not elected to introduce neo- ends? To serve selfish vested interests So, in these grave times, we ask the sharp contrast to the anticipation and eu- liberal policies that enrich the wealthy or to serve the people and protect their Spirit to bless Malaysia and its people phoria that greeted the new government in and large corporations even further while rights? so that justice, peace, freedom and eco- 2018. removing subsidies and assistance for the In the washing of feet, Jesus showed us logical awareness will flourish and usher In a parliamentary democracy, the peo- poor and the marginalised. what real leadership was all about: serv- in a new Malaysia. May we continue to ple have a sacred right to choose a new Political power is an aphrodisiac. The ing the people, to be a servant of the peo- celebrate the diversity and bounty that the government. It is not for politicians to de- more one has, the ‘higher’ one gets, and ple ie servant leadership. Lord has blessed this nation with. cide. it comes with the trappings of power and When the Bishop of Rome was asked May the Lord protect us from the cor- Recent events should serve as a wake- wealth. if he had become a star, he replied: “You rupt, the power-hungry, the greedy and up call to all the politicians in our country. Some politicians forget they were put in know what the title was that popes used those with evil intentions. Let us remem- They were elected to serve the interests their positions by the people to work for and that must be used? Servant of the ber the Lord’s reassurance in Isaiah 41:10: of the people, not their own selfish -in the people’s interests. servants of God… He is somewhat differ- “do not be afraid, for I am with you; do terests or the interests of their cronies or This reminds me of the intense ex- ent from a star.” not be alarmed, for I am your God. I give vested corporate interests. change between Pontius Pilate and Jesus It takes leaders of real integrity to over- you strength, truly I help you, truly I hold They were elected to uplift the lives of on the theme of power in John 19:10-11: come the temptations of office — power you firm with my saving right hand.” First Sunday of Lent: The Fight Against Evil his Sunday’s readings begin with that, instead of the good things He creates the account of the Fall of Man. The leading us to Him, we use His gifts to run Reflecting on our Sunday Readings Tthought that humankind would be away from Him. handed over to evil because the First Man The Genesis story of the Fall is not about 1st Sunday of Lent and First Woman ate an apple or some sort fruit. It is about the temptation we all have of fruit certainly seems like an overreac- to act as though we do not need God. This Readings: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; tion by God. However, look carefully at is also at the heart of the three temptations Romans 5:12-19; the reading. Before they turned from God, the Lord endured in today’s Gospel. Jesus Gospel: Matthews 4:1-11 Adam and Eve were innocent. They were was hungry. The devil didn’t tempt him told that they could eat from the abundance to pray to His Father to provide food. He themselves. Those misusing their positions of the Garden of Eden with the exception tempted him to turn the rocks into bread, and their possessions happily choose evil; of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and and use the power His Father had given choose to worship the devil, so that they Evil. Notice the name of the tree, the tree Him for himself. might increase their own wealth. of the knowledge of good and evil. We are all tempted to selfishness. We are At the beginning of Lent, we are sum- In the Bible, to know is to experience. tempted to hoard for ourselves the gifts the moned to take a serious look at the con- Mary was surprised that the angel said Lord has provided. The second temptation duct of our lives. Are we committing the she would have a baby because she did the Lord endured, throw yourself from the original sin of pushing God aside? Is He not know man. Back to Adam and Eve. parapet of the Temple and expect your Fa- a low priority in our lives and therefore God did not want them to experience evil. ther to catch you, was a temptation to show no priority at all? Lent calls us to examine But he also gave them a free will with the superiority to the Father, a temptation to how we are using His Gifts. Are we self- ability to choose good or evil. They were demand that the Father go into action. We ish? Do we take advantage of others? Or tempted by the serpent. The nature of the do this when we demand something from do we recognise our dependence on God temptation is so important. The serpent God. and do whatever we can to serve His pres- did not tell them that the fruit tasted bet- Sometimes we say that we pray but God ence in others? ter than the fruit of the other trees. Nor did does not hear our prayers. That is wrong. The number 40 is used throughout the Adam and Eve eat the fruit because they God hears our prayers. Sometimes, though, Bible whenever the world is going to expe- were hungry. The serpent told them that if He says, “No.” There are times and inci- rience a major change. There were 40 days they ate this fruit, they would be like gods. dents in all our lives when we have to join Jesus did not fall for this lie as He stood on of rain in Noah’s time when God gave man Then they would not need God. They ate the old country singer, Garth Brooks, and that mountain top and viewed all the King- a new start. Moses went onto Mt Sinai for the fruit as an attempt to push God out of thank God for unanswered prayers. The doms of the world, all His if only He wor- 40 days and received God’s Law for the their lives. Their pride led them to expe- temptation to force God into action is seen shiped the devil. Many people in the world people. Elijah travelled for 40 days to that rience evil. Once they ate the fruit, they even among some well-meaning but ill- worship evil if it increases their fortunes same mountain, in his time called Horeb, were no longer innocent. They were no informed people who believe that certain or their status in life. They even call it the and restored the worship of Yahweh. And longer like that toddler who runs around prayers will always produce the desired way of the world. Interesting expression. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before the house in his or her birthday suit. They results. God is God, and we are not God, The Way of the World is the Way of the beginning the proclamation of the Gospel. experienced sin, and with it, shame. or gods. Devil. Think about the dark places in our We spend 40 days of Lent, not just to com- The essence of evil is a turning from That third temptation the Lord endured society, the places of drugs, the places of plete some tasks, not just to give up things. God. St Augustine speaks about it as a is the temptation we all have to accumu- the sex industry, the places where the pow- We spend 40 days preparing to transform flight to nothingness. For God is the source late possessions and power as though these erful plot to destroy the weak, plot to take our lives so that we might be an Easter of all that is. Evil perverts His Creation so gifts from God will make our lives happy. advantage of those who cannot protect People. — By Msgr Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD March 1, 2020 Home / Pastoral 3 Malaysian Bishops’ Diaries Call for more vocations to March 2020 religious life ARCHBISHOP JULIAN LEOW KOTA KINABALU: Why aren’t young KUALA LUMPUR ARCHDIOCESE men and women entering religious life today? What do the young think about 6 Catholic Students Society – UTAR consecrated life? How then can we tell 11 Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team today’s youth about the beauty and the (PMPT) Core Team Meeting – APC, KL goodness of consecrated life? These were some of the questions the 11 Peninsular Malaysia Finance Council of Religious (COR) grappled Meeting – APC, KL with as it celebrated the World Day for The religious sisters before the Mass. Consecrated Life in the Kota Kinabalu school leavers. is your treasure? Where did you find it? BISHOP BERNARD PAUL Archdiocese Feb 2. Staggered between Apr-Sep, the Coun- He then invited the Religious to “work The general assumption was that to- cil intends to make parish visits (dates and together” for the common goal of build- MALACCA JOHORE DIOCESE day’s youth find it difficult to consider venues to be determined) to bring aware- ing the Kingdom of God in this part of the obedience, chastity and poverty as values, ness to the parishioners on the various world and not to shy away from going out 4 South Johor Vicariate Clergy Meet and, above all, as a lifestyle choice, which Religious Communities serving in the and dirtying their “hands and feet’, quot- – Church of St Joseph, Plentong contrasts with what Don Bosco says about Archdiocese and the services they render, ing a popular saying of Pope Francis. 6 Malacca Johore- Mission School young people, “... young people are capa- so as to prepare a more receptive ground The 300-congregation comprised the Committee Meet – Bishop’s House, ble of great dreams and demanding enter- for promoting religious vocations. various Religious Communities that exist MAJODI Centre prises because, even in the most wretched A Mass to observe the World Day for in the Archdiocese: FSIC, Daughters of of the young, there are points sensitive to Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese Feb St Paul, Marist Brothers, Montfort Broth- 8 Misa Hari Tentera V, Terendak what is good.” 1, at St Paul’s Chapel on the Hill in the ers, De La Salle Brothers, Good Shepherd Camp, Melaka However, contemplating their desire for Montfort Youth Training Campus Ki- Sisters, Clerical Society of the Most Holy 11 Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team securities like money and a nice husband/ narut, was presided over by Archbishop Trinity and the Lay Apostolates of OCDS (PMPT) Core Team Meeting – APC, KL wife while enjoying a high living stand- John Wong. and SFO, as well as clergy and parishion- ard despite the economic crisis, is hardly 11 Peninsular Malaysia Finance Feb 2, the Feast of the Presentation of ers. something that will fuel their interest in Jesus Christ, is also called Candlemas Preceding the Mass, the COR held the Meeting – APC, KL consecrated life. Day, an occasion which saw the Archbish- traditional three-day Triduum at three dif- Nonetheless, the COR took up the task op blessing the candles of the attendees. ferent locations: the Carmel Monastery, BISHOP SEBASTIAN FRANCIS of being an educator with a vocation so The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Stella Maris Church, Tanjung Aru and as to bring forth the existing goodness in is an eloquent icon of the total offering of Holy Rosary Church, Limbahau. PENANG DIOCESE youth, to rebuild young men and women one’s life for all those who are called. The focus of this year’s Triduum was who would take strong strides for God and Archbishop Wong assured the Reli- to pray for an increase in priestly and reli- 11 Peninsular Malaysia Pastoral Team His Church. gious of his prayers for them daily. gious vocations in the Archdiocese. (PMPT) Core Team Meeting – APC, KL To this end, the COR has planned a Re- Picking up the lyrics from a song sung After Mass, all adjourned to a simple 11 Peninsular Malaysia Finance ligious Awareness Seminar for both male during the Mass Liturgy “I have found fellowship meal at the MYTC Hall, which Meeting – APC, KL and female participants in March 2020 treasure in the field”, he posed a question was sponsored by Montfort Youth Train- targeting secondary students, particularly to the Religious for their reflection: What ing Centre headed by Fred Mah. — CS Message of his Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2020 “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20) Dear Brothers and Sisters, face” relationship with the crucified and risen Lord “who loved every age; in our own day, it can also result in improper use of me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20), in a heartfelt dialogue the media. This year the Lord grants us, once again, a favourable time to between friends. That is why prayer is so important in Lent. prepare to celebrate with renewed hearts the great mystery of 4. A richness to be shared, not kept for oneself Even more than a duty, prayer is an expression of our need to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the cornerstone of our per- Putting the paschal mystery at the centre of our lives means respond to God’s love which always precedes and sustains us. sonal and communal Christian life. We must continually return feeling compassion towards the wounds of the crucified Christ Christians pray in the knowledge that, although unworthy, we to this mystery in mind and heart, for it will continue to grow present in the many innocent victims of wars, in attacks on life, are still loved. Prayer can take any number of different forms, within us in the measure that we are open to its spiritual power from that of the unborn to that of the elderly, and various forms but what truly matters in God’s eyes is that it penetrates deep and respond with freedom and generosity. of violence. They are likewise present in environmental disas- within us and chips away at our hardness of heart, in order to ters, the unequal distribution of the earth’s goods, human traf- 1. The paschal mystery as the basis of conversion convert us ever more fully to God and to his will. ficking in all its forms, and the unbridled thirst for profit, which Christian joy flows from listening to, and accepting, the Good In this favourable season, then, may we allow ourselves to is a form of idolatry. News of the death and resurrection of Jesus. This kerygma be led like Israel into the desert (cf. Hos 2:14), so that we can Today too, there is a need to appeal to men and women of sums up the mystery of a love “so real, so true, so concrete, that at last hear our Spouse’s voice and allow it to resound ever good will to share, by almsgiving, their goods with those most it invites us to a relationship of openness and fruitful dialogue” more deeply within us. The more fully we are engaged with his in need, as a means of personally participating in the build- (Christus Vivit, 117). Whoever believes this message rejects word, the more we will experience the mercy he freely gives ing of a better world. Charitable giving makes us more human, the lie that our life is ours to do with as we will. Rather, life us. May we not let this time of grace pass in vain, in the foolish whereas hoarding risks making us less human, imprisoned by is born of the love of God our Father, from his desire to grant illusion that we can control the times and means of our conver- our own selfishness. We can and must go even further, and us life in abundance (cf. Jn 10:10). If we listen instead to the sion to him. consider the structural aspects of our economic life. For this tempting voice of the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44), we risk sinking 3. God’s passionate will to dialogue with his children reason, in the midst of Lent this year, from March 26 to 28, into the abyss of absurdity, and experiencing hell here on earth, The fact that the Lord once again offers us a favourable time I have convened a meeting in Assisi with young economists, as all too many tragic events in the personal and collective hu- for our conversion should never be taken for granted. This new entrepreneurs and change-makers, with the aim of shaping a man experience sadly bear witness. opportunity ought to awaken in us a sense of gratitude and stir more just and inclusive economy. As the Church’s magisteri- In this Lent of 2020, I would like to share with every Chris- us from our sloth. Despite the sometimes tragic presence of um has often repeated, political life represents an eminent form tian what I wrote to young people in the Apostolic Exhortation evil in our lives, and in the life of the Church and the world, this of charity (cf. Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation of Christus Vivit: “Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms opportunity to change our course expresses God’s unwavering Catholic University Students, Dec 18, 1927). The same holds of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again. will not to interrupt his dialogue of salvation with us. In the true for economic life, which can be approached in the same And when you go to confess your sins, believe firmly in his crucified Jesus, who knew no sin, yet for our sake was made to evangelical spirit, the spirit of the Beatitudes. mercy which frees you of your guilt. Contemplate his blood be sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), this saving will led the Father to burden I ask Mary Most Holy to pray that our Lenten celebration poured out with such great love, and let yourself be cleansed by his Son with the weight of our sins, thus, in the expression of will open our hearts to hear God’s call to be reconciled to him- it. In this way, you can be reborn ever anew” (No. 123). Jesus’ Pope Benedict XVI, “turning God against himself” (Deus Car- self, to fix our gaze on the paschal mystery, and to be converted Pasch is not a past event; rather, through the power of the Holy itas Est, 12). For God also loves his enemies (cf. Mt 5:43-48). to an open and sincere dialogue with him. In this way, we will Spirit it is ever present, enabling us to see and touch with faith The dialogue that God wishes to establish with each of us become what Christ asks his disciples to be: the salt of the earth the flesh of Christ in those who suffer. through the paschal mystery of his Son has nothing to do with and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14). 2. The urgency of conversion empty chatter, like that attributed to the ancient inhabitants of It is good to contemplate more deeply the paschal mystery Athens, who “spent their time in nothing except telling or hear- Francis through which God’s mercy has been bestowed upon us. In- ing something new” (Acts 17:21). Such chatter, determined by Rome, at St John Lateran, October 7, 2019 deed, the experience of mercy is only possible in a “face to an empty and superficial curiosity, characterises worldliness in Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary 4 Home HERALD March 1, 2020 Learning to serve without any complaints KLANG: To most, February 14 is a day to celebrate love. At the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL), about 2,000 faithful witnessed and celebrated the love of a mother for her child. Parishioners and pilgrims dedicated 10 days to the Immacu- late Conception Novena focusing on different Marian titles matched with a related prayer intention. “This year’s theme To serve is my Joy is to help the BECs and the ministries have a common un- derstanding about serving with- out complaining and grumbling. To serve and find joy in God as that is what Mary did when she The elderly and the sick at one of the Masses at the feastday celebration of the prayed the Magnificat – ‘My soul Fr Adrian Matthews receiving the offertory from an elderly couple. Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang. glorifies the Lord and my spirit Pope Benedict XV ordered the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, it’s Lourdes BECs and the Ave Maria and colourful flags announced to rejoices in God my saviour,’” invocation Queen of Peace, pray always to celebrate it as a fam- Soup Kitchen. It was heart-warm- passers-by that a crowd was ex- shared parish priest Fr Frederick for us, and eight days later, moth- ily, a church, and a community, ing to watch the parishioners serve pected. Even with the church and Joseph. er Mary appeared to three shep- so it entails all ministries, BECs their brothers and sisters though hall packed with those seeking During his homily on Feb 15, herd children in Fatima to help as well as people not currently with tired smiles, generous scoops miracles and blessings from our Fr Frederick reminded the con- save the world from terrible wars involved in the service of the of koli peratal or tomyam meehoon Mother, the exquisite scent from gregation that “Pope Benedict and persecutions brought by church. or papodom. the flowers that adorned the altar XV referred to the First World mankind’s sinfulness.” Priests from various churches The Marian procession that and the church’s entrance arch- War as the suicide of Europe and On the 162nd anniversary celebrated and con-celebrated took place on Feb 15 had stun- ways permeated the air. — By in its wake, called the faithful to of the Marian Apparitions at Mass. Each day’s novena and Mass ning decorations inside and outside Gwen Manickam and the Social unite in pray. Lourdes, Fr Frederick told the ended with fellowship prepared the church. Blue and white lights Communications Ministry, Our In a letter dated May 5, 1917, Herald, “When we celebrate the and facilitated by Our Lady of reached from one end to another Lady of Lourdes World Day of the Faith of children must be developed Sick celebrated at Ipoh parish IPOH: The Church of Our Lady of He also shared that when he Lourdes observed the World Day went to anoint someone who was of the Sick by celebrating the Sac- in a critical stage and doctors had rament of Anointing of the Sick on informed the family that the per- February 11, which was also the son would not pull through, Fr Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Jude urged them to pray as a fam- The Mass was celebrated by Fr ily. Jude Miranda and concelebrated After some time, Fr Jude came with the Parish Priest, Fr Robert to know that the person he went to Daniel. anoint had been healed. He men- In his homily, Fr Jude touched tioned that this is the miracle when on the theme Charity as Acts of we believe and pray as one family. Children with lighted candles at the front of the altar for the prayer and blessing by Fr Edwin Peter. Compassion and Care. The faithful who came were SG PELEK, Selangor: The feast of becomes more difficult as we carry the feastday and in the liturgy. The He shared with the faithful how empowered by the healing the Holy Infant Jesus was celebrat- grudges. chapel committee also thanked all he had witnessed a miracle in his touch of blessing and the inspir- ed on February 15 at the Chapel of “A child grows up with parents those coming from far and near and personal life when he was unwell ing message by Fr Jude. — By the Infant Jesus. and teachers guiding him/her. But the two priests for celebrating the for some time. Pauline Sundram Close to 300 faithful from far and when he/she becomes a teenager, feastday Mass. Tokens of apprecia- near participated in the feastday he/she may face many challenges. tion were given to both priests. Mass, presided over by Fr Edwin He/she might find his/her faith life Another highlight was the special Peter and con-celebrated with Fr fading, to the extent that he/she will prayer of blessing upon the children Terrance Thomas, the chapel’s Ad- not have time for God and may after Mass. Some 30 children came ministrator. completely stop going to church. forward, holding lighted candles, as Fr Edwin, who is the parish priest “We cannot do a re-run. Our faith Fr Edwin led the prayer for bless- of the Church of the Sacred Heart of must be relevant to younger peo- ing. The candle reminds us to be a Jesus in Kuala Lumpur, welcomed ple,” Fr Edwin emphasised. light to others, as we are sent with all to the feast of this modest chapel, “The faith of children must be de- joy to heal others. adding that we should rejoice in the veloped. We buy all kinds of books Everyone present received a gift of Jesus’ and our childhood. for them but not on faith.” small gift bag which contained a “People often wonder if Jesus Fr Edwin then invited the assem- Rosary, a candle and a Holy Infant knew that he was the Son of God bly to pray for all children that their Jesus fridge magnet. even at a young age? Of course Je- faith in the Lord be strengthened The chapel’s feastday celebration sus knew. Even though it is not ex- and developed further as they grow concluded with dinner fellowship plicitly stated in the Scripture.” into teenagers and adults. for all, held in the grounds of the Fr Edwin asked everyone pre- Fr Terrance, who is also the par- chapel. sent, “Look back at your life. What ish priest of the Church of the Im- Two short video clips were also were your best moments?’ For maculate Conception of the Blessed shown before and after Mass about many it would be their childhood Virgin Mary in Port Dickson, ex- the rights of every child to be pro- The sick and the elderly being annointed during the World Day of the Sick which brings many moments of joy. pressed his gratitude to all those tected and safeguarded. — By celebration. When we grow into adulthood, life involved in the preparations for Bernard Anthony HERALD March 1, 2020 Home 5 Malacca Johore Diocese begins three-year golden jubilee celebration JOHOR BAHRU: Come 2022, the Diocese that is centred on Christ, thus fulfilling the in the modern world. The task to be evange- of Malacca Johore (MJD) will be celebrating pastoral thrust of moving into a recognisable lisers is not restricted to priests or religious its 50th anniversary. Bishop Bernard Paul future of a Church consisting of a commun- but is in fact incumbent on every baptised felt that instead of focusing on a single day ion of families. There are discernible pat- soul — to proclaim Christ to the world. to mark a Golden Anniversary, why not en- terns within the four wings. Each one carries Presently, events are still being planned ter into a three-year long jubilee that sees the a motif that highlights the ambition of the for the coming months. While the Diocese faithful giving thanks to God for the very gift 50th anniversary celebration (top left wing intends to energise her faithful with this Jubi- of the Diocese. Furthermore, a sustained cel- — numeral 50), creativity (top right wing — lee, she does so recognising that all the initia- ebration is needed to consolidate the pastoral bulb), inclusivity (bottom left wing — a cir- tives taken should not place a further burden thrust taken by the Diocese in the creation of cling and embracing human figure), building on the parishes but should blend in with the an Encountered Church that is both Enlight- bridges (bottom right wing — bridge) and calendars of the local parishes. ened and Empowered and flowering into an finally a composite motif of the top left wing Some diocesan initiatives may include, de- The logo for Malacca Johore Diocese’s golden Evangelising culture. jubilee celebration. which is made up of an eye and a target de- pending on the possibility of getting a major At the macro level, the jubilee celebration noting that the pastoral thrust is both a vision relic of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of will be marked by three dates of significance. from almost all corners of the states of Mel- and a mission. the Diocese, to visit the major parishes with- Firstly, the inauguration Mass will take aka and Johor. The winning entry came from The different hues within the logo stand in Melaka and Johor so that all the faithful place on St Paul’s Hill on March 12, 2020. St Theresa’s Church, Melaka. for the colour of the Diocese (green) and may have a first-hand encounter with some- St Francis Xavier is the patron saint of the The logo symbolises the Diocesan Pasto- the colours of the flags of Melaka (blue, red, one who had walked this part of the world Diocese and as the diocesan’s thrust is to ral aspiration towards a future of hope that white and yellow) and Johor (blue, red and bringing Christ to those awaiting His Good arrive at an evangelising Church, this date expresses itself as a Communion of Fami- white). News. was chosen on account of it being the day lies. The butterfly is made up of two pairs of In 2021, the next diocesan celebration will The culmination of the three-year jour- that St Francis Xavier was canonised. After large wings each representing the 4-E of the move from the Melaka Vicariate to the North- ney will take place in Majodi, the seat of the Mass, there will be a procession to the diocesan pastoral thrust: to be Encountered, Central Johor Vicariate, notably in Segamat the Diocesan governance. It is also a place Church of St Francis Xavier where the Logo to be Enlightened, to be Empowered and to at the Church of St Philip. The date to look big enough to host the many coming for to identify the three-year long celebration be Evangelising. At the centre is a Cross su- forward to is May 29 — the feast of St Pope the event. The date will be on Dec 3, the will be launched. The logo was chosen after perimposed over a white background that re- Paul VI — the author of the apostolic exhor- Solemnity of St Francis Xavier. — By a competition which saw entries coming in sembles an arrow — emblematic of a family tation Evangelii nuntiandi on evangelisation Fr Simon Yong, SJ Sook parish takes the lead in ecological conversion for all SOOK, Keningau: Holy Spirit Church, Gereja Ke-5 (KBK5) in Aug 2019. “We thought that Roh Kudus Sook (GRKS) is leading the way we needed to do something different. At that in responding to the ecological call. Visitors are time, we were already aware of the severe ef- greeted by colourful wording embedded in its fects of human activities on our planet and the wire mesh fencing that says “We love GRKS.” call to respond in Laudato Si. So we adopted This was arranged using empty 500 ml plastic the idea of making ecobricks as a practical step. bottles. Each participant brought one ecobrick and we In the Church hall, a large artwork mounted stack them at the Laudato Si Corner. on the concrete wall carries messages of care “Besides the youth, the zones also participat- for the environment and stacks of ecobricks. ed. At first, they would shy away due to lack of This is called the Laudato Si Corner. Around technical know-how (of making ecobricks) but the hall, there are dustbins made of empty plas- after a few tries, they needed no more coach- tic bottles and a few large water tanks. These ing.” are labelled ‘drinking water’. Nir and Leonie suggested this be brought Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) chairperson, into the heart of the Catholic community, the Dymnah Nirwaanah Dominic (Nir) said they BECs where the families are, supported by the One of the houses at KKD St Pio of Pietrelcina actively makes ecobricks to be repurposed into hope to increase, among the Sook communi- Council and the parish priests. tables and chairs for their homes. ties, awareness of the importance to join the This endeavour makes them the first parish ecological change.” movement of ‘saving the earth’ and to say: in Keningau Diocese to embark on such a jour- “I live with my husband’s family,” said Nir. “There is no need to go far for this, just start at ney. “There is plastic trash strewn everywhere. this parish.” The Committee in Harmonising God’s Crea- When I introduced them to ecobricks, they The most basic problem is taking the respon- tion (CHGC), launched at parish level was of- complained, “What do we want to do about it? sibility of managing their own rubbish. “We ficiated on Oct 11, 2019. The goal was to es- After trying, they were excited and wanted to hope we don’t need to repeatedly remind the tablish the same committee at BEC level in all do more, until they cleared all the old plastic. faithful about this,” said Nir. 178 BECs. Now they are doing it on their own, keeping all “We aim to make ecological change a culture The people need to understand the vision of the plastics and segregating the bottles and cans. in this parish. Whenever there is a programme, the commission, Leonie explained. “They re- The trash left now is only the organic waste.” we practise ‘Litter-Free Event’. We are also late CHGC with ‘picking up rubbish’, but it’s “We plan to make tables and chairs from eco- consulting the vendors selling inside the prem- so much more. I informed them that it’s also to bricks for our own use at home, so we won’t ise to work towards plastic-free materials. educate the faithful so that they know more, for have to buy but use what we have. But our eco- “For big events, we will no longer provide example, the meaning of zero-waste.” bricks are still not enough, we need 200-500 mineral water, but we encourage the faithful to “This is about managing waste and repurpos- kgs more. This will probably take a year or so. bring their own refillable water bottles which ing it into something useful. Surprisingly, there The long process is testing our patience but at they can source from the big blue water tanks are zones that have already started to produce the same time, I feel excited because I am part specially prepared by the church. their own composting enzyme to fertilise their of the movement to save the earth,” said Petro- “We also emphasise on beautifying the organic farms. nilla Chrispine, BEC St Pio of Pietrelcina. church compound by planting more trees and “We also plan to repurpose the ecobricks into “I heard about the mission to save the earth Laudato Si Corner where the faithful write flowers. products such as tables and chairs. So, it’s not from our church here, where talks on Laudato their messages of hope for the environment. “Our first Litter-Free event was a Choir just about picking up rubbish,” Leonie said. Si were organised. Before this, I didn’t care, Youth stacked their ecobricks here during Competition at Labou Zone held Sept 30 last “To start this in the family is very challeng- I threw trash as I wished. But when we were KBK-5 in Aug 2019. year. There was no rubbish lying around even ing. In the beginning, my father would scold exposed to the ecological call, I knew I had to hinder ecological changes, shared Nir. though there were many vendors,” said Nir, me, “Why do we keep trash?” But he tried it change. “We now plan to insert a CHGC programme and added, “if you really put your heart into anyway. I saw there were already a few bags of “Slowly I brought my family alongside. We in the BEC programmes, which will not just be making things happen, the people will indeed plastic,” said Leonie. would prepare specific places to segregate our spiritual programmes but would include a talk respond.” “We also do waste segregation at home. Af- dry and wet trash and recycle items. It was a on God’s creation. We do see the need as we Leonie Lee Yun, coordinator of the Parish ter a while, he said, “This is a good method, we challenge at first but when I explained to them observe that whenever a spiritual programme Committee in Harmonising God’s Creation have less trash now”. We also operate a shop and they saw me practising it, they followed. is organised, it always ends with lots of trash (CHGC), a newly set up environmental com- and aim to make chairs out of ecobricks. So It’s been a year now,” she added. being left behind… I really do see the need to mittee in the parish. said the effort started dur- my goal now is to diligently guide my family A lack of awareness of environmental or include an awareness talk,” Nir concluded with ing the Khemah Belia Keuskupan Keningau to continue to be disciplined in contributing to climate change issues is one of the causes that great conviction. — By Linda Edward, CS 6 Home HERALD March 1, 2020 Catholics to boost Church role in nation-building KUCHING: The Social and Politi- principles. In the second, he turned care for creation by working for oth- cal Awareness Ministry (SAPAM) to nation-building in Malaysia and ers. We are all pilgrims on a journey, of the Blessed Sacrament Church how Catholic social teachings can walking in one direction…towards organised a seminar on nation- be lived out in Malaysia’s multi- God.” building. More than a hundred peo- religious context. Changing mindset and getting ple attended the event. He first laid out the bases of involved in the “common good” in Catholics, who number 1.15 mil- Catholic social doctrine, underlining society are an integral part of the lion (five per cent), have a role to its interdisciplinary and constantly Catholic faith. This calls for being play in this process, which is more evolving nature. He then turned to grounded in the Church’s teachings than just “pray, pay and obey” in the Malaysian context, which is one and in the faith in Jesus, supporting Malaysian society. of different cultural and religious the community and political leaders, The main speaker was Fr Clar- heritages. understanding the Church’s mis- ence Devadass from Kuala Lumpur, In light of Church teachings, sion, and being the light of the world a moral theologian, a consultor for Catholics are called to play an im- and the salt of the earth. the Pontifical Council for Interreli- portant role in society. For Fr Clar- For Fr Clarence, everyone has a gious Dialogue and executive secre- ence, this includes prayers, which duty to contribute to national-build- tary of Theological Concerns in the “inspire action, and action inspires ing and uphold truth, justice, soli- Fr Dr Clarence Devadass addressing participants at the Nation Building Federation of Asian Bishops’ Con- us to pray”. The two go hand in darity and freedom for all. To this seminar. (Today’s Catholic/Stephanie Chua) ference (FABC). hand, so that nation-building is the end, “We need a new narrative, we Sarawak, Christians are the largest The diocese is divided into 12 Fr Clarence divided his address path to holiness. need a people’s narrative,” not one religious group (42.6 per cent). In parishes, and has 25 diocesan in two parts. In the first, he looked So what can Catholics do? Fr by politicians. the Archdiocese of Kuching, Catho- priests and 12 religious priests, 64 at the Christian social vision, fo- Clarence asks. They can show how About two thirds of all Malay- lics number 209,000, just under 18 nuns and 27 full-time catechists. — cusing on Catholic perspective and “to live in harmony and peace and sian Christians live in Borneo. In per cent out of 1.17 million. AsiaNews/Agencies Penang Diocese launches Discovering Christ programme IPOH: The Discovering Christ pro- and named “Covenanted for Christ grammes for married couples in the gramme for Penang Diocese started Community”(CfCC). CICC. in earnest at St Michael’s Church The new statutes of the CfCC When he first started in the Cov- (SMC) February 15, with 84 par- were approved by Bishop Sebastian enant community, Vincent had ticipants. of Penang, and Vincent Lim was its already resigned from his post as Combined with a working team new leader. branch manager of Messrs Tan of 16 members who help as facili- He received his training in Pas- Chong Motors, and as Regional tators and helpers, altogether 100 toring and Christian Living Foun- Manager (North) of City Link Sdn people were present. dation and Teaching from The Bhd, so that he could serve full time The programme, which stretches Sword of the Spirit Ang Ligaya ng in the Covenant Community. over eight Saturdays, is also carried Panginoon Covenant Community “There are many definitions of out at PDPC Penang, and St Louis Vincent Lim from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit sharing his testimony in Manila, Philippines. life’s meaning. I live to serve my Church, Taiping. It includes a one- during the Discovering Christ programme at the Church of St Michael. He headed the annual Kairos God, and according to Matt 6:24, day retreat session. lisation of the Catholic Church for “There was an emptiness in my Youth Camps from 2004 to 2012. you cannot be the slave of two mas- It is organised by the Penang Di- over 40 years. life, and it crashed when I discov- Kairos youth is an international ters – its either God or money. ocesan New Evangelisation Com- Daniel Goon, from the Cathedral ered that my then wife had left me community outreach for those be- “It’s whether you choose to chase mission. of the Holy Spirit, gave an introduc- for another man. tween the age of 14 to 20. after God or the 5 C’s. My experi- It enables participants, whether tion on Discovering Christ. “I had money, property and sta- Vincent helped set up the Christ ence tells me that no amount of baptised or not, to hear the Good The first local speaker was- Vin tus, yet my world was empty. Youth in Action Outreach, an arm of money can buy the peace and hap- News and personally encounter Je- cent Lim, from the Cathedral of the “I turned to drink, and it didn’t CfCC, reaching out to post-college, piness that God gives. sus Christ. Holy Spirit in Penang, and leader help me. I drove around aimlessly post university and young working “He is God who cares enough to The three hour session, which be- of the Covenanted for Christ Com- until I turned into a church, and the adults, exposing them to living a know our name, looks after us and gins at 9.00am, involves a discus- munity. priest there, Fr Augustine Wong, Christian way of life and training in our needs. God calls each one of us sion of topics after viewing a video He candidly shared his life tes- helped me, and gave me direction Christian leadership. everyday and it is never too late to presentation featuring a speaker timony with those present and ad- as to what my life should be,” he Vincent is married to Elaine and turn to Him. from the United States and hearing dressed the issue of “Why we are said. they have three sons who are active- “As Mother Teresa said, you were a local speaker from Penang dio- here.” Vincent converted to the Catholic ly involved in the CYA outreach. made for God and by God and until cese. Vincent, a convert, said he was Faith and joined the Covenant com- Both Vincent and his wife are pre- you understand that, life will never The video presentation featured formerly living his life with the 5Cs munity in Penang. senters in the Convalidation of Mar- make sense. Dave Nodar, the founder and direc- in mind – Cars, Condo, Cash, Cred- Later, the Covenant communities riage programme in their parish. “Reflect on this, see the hunger in tor of Christlife, who has been a lay it cards and Clubs, until he discov- of Penang and Taiping were merged Together they serve in the mu- this Church and obey Him. Find a leader in the renewal and evange- ered that life is more than success . into one Covenant Community sic ministry and run annual pro- chance to thank God,” he said. z HERALD March 1, 2020 Home 7 Political turmoil for supremacy? Resist attempted coup in Malaysia! Malaysia attacked by festering PENANG: Aliran is disgusted do not make the choice for us. who manipulated race and reli- ‘political virus’ over the political chicanery of We have the legitimate right to gion for their own ends. politicians who have clearly be- choose a government in a parlia- It would be a living nightmare trayed the people’s trust and put mentary democracy. for us all if such characters return their lust for power over the coun- It is an insult to the intelligence with a vengeance. What would try’s interests and future. of the rakyat when this cabal of become of the promised reforms? This pack of plotters’ political plotters claim that what they are Civil society has a much big- manoeuvring and attempted coup doing is to act as a “balancer for ger role to play in a nation that over the weekend does not augur the sake of stability”, especially has been undermined by corrupt well for the country. It is obvi- when many members of the group and unscrupulous politicians. ously an attempt to oust the duly are not known for their democrat- Not only do we need to be vigi- elected Pakatan Harapan govern- ic practices and reform agenda. lant against these undemocratic ment and subsequently install a It is even more worrying when a and unprincipled moves, we must ‘back door government’. This few of them are heavily tainted build principled leaders. dishonours the people’s mandate with corruption charges and al- The immediate future may not that was given to PH in the 2018 legations. look too bright right now, but the Malaysia House of Parliament general election. The main reason Malaysians, struggle must go on for those who We, the people, have a demo- especially civil society, called for believe in creating a new Malay- PENANG: While the world re- bling to get updates last night. cratic right to choose the next change ahead of the last general sia. mains alarmed over the outbreak of Why, Malaysia, why? government if the PH government election was that we were tired the coronavirus and its precarious Why, PKR, Bersatu, Umno, should fall as a result of these po- of politicians who were deceit- Aliran executive committee eventuality, Malaysians are facing Pas, MIC, MCA and all the others, litical machinations. Politicians ful, unprincipled and self-serving, February 24, 2020 a ‘political virus’ attack. why? Pray tell us why this mess? Just after months of speculation The economy is teetering on a and a grapevine overflowing with dangerous slope with the global news about the prime ministerial Covid-19 virus attack. succession plans, Malaysians slept Our international relations are well for one night on Saturday not paying dividends with our less- February 22, 2020 with Pakatan than-diplomatic opinions about Harapan laying to rest the stress- some nations and their leadership. ful speculation. That close-to-mid- And now, Malaysians do not night press conference following know what on earth is rocking the the presidential council meet was a political landscape here either. soothing relief for Malaysians. After giving their vote for change But within 24 hours, the tables at the 2018 general election, what have been overturned as the popu- change will we be ultimately given lation now remains gripped with in the days ahead? Or will we be paralysing concerns over the politi- short-changed? cal manoeuvring that is going on. Indeed these are restless days. Nobody knows for sure what is Who do we hold accountable? — happening, including the dozens of By JD Lovrenciear journalists scattered all over Petal- Putrajaya Perdana. ing Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, scram- Source: Aliran Let us pray and put Do the right thing for Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Since being appointed the Deputy Minister of our trust in God Women, Family and Community Dear Friends, Development, I have gone to work everyday as though 24 hours is all Most of us are aware that much we’ve got to reform the system effort is being made to break up and improve policies in Putrajaya. the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Gov- My staff will tell you the number ernment. We see all the wayang of times I have reminded every- kulit but only God knows what one to give it our all because we is happening. However, the will have to give an account to the Psalmist reminds us that “though people —with the power and time the earth gives way, though the we have. Hence we work tirelessly mountains be moved into the even on weekends in Segambut heart of the sea, though its waters because we do not take for granted the mandate given by the people. roar and foam, though the moun- the flower fades, but the When I finish my day, there’s no tains tremble at its swelling.” word of our God stands head space to plot/scheme in secret YB Hannah Yeoh (centre) with Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah (left). (photo/ God’s response is simple and forever” (Is 40:6,8). Hannah Yeoh facebook) plain: “Be still, and know that I or to post unnecessary social me- am God. I will be exalted among l Finally remember, dia posts to stir the transition (peo- those of you who think the change stood their ground and honoured the nations, I will be exalted in God’s primary concern is ple like this exist in every party). in 2018 was a walk in the park, just the mandate given by the people the earth.” Ps 46:2,3,10) the Church in our nation, I wouldn't do it even if I had the so you have an idea of the resist- and saved the state government. that we may be truly salt time. Why? Because we are limit- ance we face — the governance in Sometimes one or two can make a l So let us call on our and light. And when the ed by law, by time, by politics but Kuala Lumpur from the handover difference. intercessors/networks to Church is faithful, “the the Almighty isn’t. Clean hands of community halls to manage- So for those who pray, go on PRAY, not with fear but gates of hell shall not and clean hearts matter. The peo- ment of bazaars and approval of your knees and intercede for our in confidence that God is prevail against it” (Mat ple matter. Also, we may not live developments — we are still fight- King, our Prime Minister and for Lord over our Nation! 16:18). Indeed He will long enough to see the effect of our ing it out! our Members of Parliament that l As we pray, let us re- give us “authority over decisions today but our children Yesterday, Feb 23 was a long they will continue to do the right member not to place false the nations” (Rev 2:26- and grandchildren will. I want to day of watching the news. This thing for Malaysia. For the rest, confidence in men and 27). be able to walk on the streets, in familiar feeling I went through don't despair. Many good Malay- women, or political lead- malls and the morning market with once when I was Speaker of the sians are still working hard today ers and parties. As Isaiah “ASK OF ME!” (Ps 2:8) my head up high. And that is why Selangor State Legislative As- to turn the economy around and puts it, “All flesh is grass time and time again we stood with sembly — when you look around to stop the spread of Covid-19. ... and ... like the flower Methodist Bishop Emeritus the people, whether it's for Ta- trying to discern friends from foes. Remember, one or two can make ... The grass withers and Dr Hwa Yung man Rimba Kiara or the Bangsar- You must take comfort in know- a difference. Sejahtera Malaysia. Damansara elevated highway. For ing back then, two assemblymen — By YB Hannah Yeoh, FB post 8 World HERALD March 1, 2020 Caritas Zimbabwe feeds 300,000 drought-affected persons HARARE: Caritas Zimbabwe has able people; however, the magnitude tains grain, pulses (e.g. beans, lentils pledged to continue fulfilling its pas- of the problem has gone beyond our and peas) and oil at the following toral mandate of accompanying vul- capacity to intervene. Unless ex- quantities standardised to align with nerable communities in the country. ternal assistance is given, this may WFP food expenditure basket com- This time around, this solidarity is lead to starvation….Therefore on posed of 7.5kg of grain per person being demonstrated through emer- behalf of the people and Bishops of per month; 0.5kg of pulses per per- gency food aid distribution. Zimbabwe, I highly recommend this son per month and 0.75kg of vegeta- The organisation’s projects are not application for your positive consid- ble oil per person per month. only looking at short-term immediate eration,” the Bishop wrote. The total budget for this food se- food needs, but Caritas Zimbabwe is The Zimbabwe Drought Response curity Appeal is USD 1, 332, 439. 00 also providing seed and complemen- appeal seeks to address the primary (EURO 1 017 915. 00). To date, the tary agronomic training aimed at food insecurity problem facing rural appeal has received pledges of up to long-term agricultural recovery. communities in Zimbabwe. The ap- 140 00 USD and only 10 000 USD. The Zimbabwe Drought Response peal is twofold: Contribute to reduc- Caritas Japan, Caritas Australia has come at a time when much of Caritas Zimbabwe in a meeting with Country Representatives of CRS, tion in current urgent food needs and and CAFOD have pledged US$10 C0RDAID, CAFOD and Trocaire. (Vatican Media) the country’s eastern provinces are promote future food security. 000.00, 50 000.00 pounds and US75 recovering from the devastating Caritas Internationalis launched “It is regrettable that the Cyclone The appeal is feeding 17 000 vul- 000.00 respectively. effects of Cyclone Idai. As if Idai the Zimbabwe Drought Response Idai emergency came at a time when nerable people in six of the most In similar food security projects, was not bad enough, the country is emergency appeal on Jan 15, 2020. the whole country had already been food insecure Dioceses of Hwange, Caritas Zimbabwe is being support- now facing a second complex food The Zimbabwe Bishops conference affected by drought resulting in a Bulawayo, Gweru, Gokwe, Chin- ed by the World Food Programme emergency: Last year’s poor harvest, had earlier resolved that Caritas Zim- near-total maize crop failure in the hoyi, and Masvingo. Harare and Mu- to feed 261 699 individuals for four adversely affected by Cyclone Idai, babwe, with the support of Caritas 2018/19 season. At this time, even tare Dioceses have been spared from months ending April 2020 in the Dis- severe drought, as well as economic Internationalis, launch an emergency the few who had harvested some- the appeal because other funding tricts of Gutu, Chivi, and Beitbridge challenges, has led to a critical food appeal to respond to the calamity. thing. also had their situation wors- partners have opted to have bi-literal in Masvingo diocese. In addition, crisis. The Government of Zimba- Caritas Zimbabwe Bishop-Pres- ened because the little food from agreements to support them. Hwedza, Marondera, Chikomba, bwe, on Aug 6, 2019, declared “a ident, Archbishop Alex Thomas of their own production had already The drought response project will Murehwa in the Archdiocese of Ha- State of National Disaster” which the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, then been depleted. At the local level, we provide a blanket in-kind food distri- rare then Umzingwane and Matobo opened doors for international as- contacted Caritas Internationalis to have started to mobilise the faithful bution for eight months (until Sep- in the Archdiocese of Bulawayo. — sistance. help orchestrate the appeal. to support the survival of the vulner- tember 2020). The food basket con- By Vimbai Masoso, Vatican News Thai Constitutional Court dissolves country’s third-largest party BANGKOK: Thailand’s Constitu- However, the latter failed to pre- seat since it is prerequisite for be- tional Court ruled in favour of the vent military strongman General ing elected. dissolution of the country’s third- Prayut Chan-o-cha from returning Following the ruling, the Elec- largest political party, over an ille- to power at the helm of a civilian tion Commission (EC) can take gal campaign loan of 191.3 million government. legal action against Thanathorn baht (US million) from its founder The court ruled that the money and 15 party leaders, including and leader, magnate Thanathorn party leader Thanathorn Juan- secretary-general Piyabutr Saeng- Juangroongruangkit. groongruangkit lent the party was kanokkul and spokesperson Pan- The Future Forward Party (Phak “other benefits” under Section 66 nika Wanich. Anakhot Mai, FFP) was founded of the Political Parties Act, which If convicted, Mr Thanathorn only 16 months ago. For many limits donations to 10 million baht could be jailed for up to five years analysts its progressive platform (US0,000) and the other officials for up to made it one of the most interesting The money in excess of 10 mil- three years. experiments in Thai politics of re- lion baht, or 181.3 million baht, Last night the now former FFP cent years. will be seized and put in the Politi- leader said that his party will be re- In the election of March 24, cal Party Development fund. born as a movement and pledged to 2019, which marked the country’s The court also barred FFP lead- continue promoting a programme return to democracy after almost ers from politics for 10 years. of reform outside parliament. five years of military rule, the FFP Thanathorn and his colleagues The remaining 65 FFP MPs won more than 6.2 million votes. thus cannot join a party or create must now find a political party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Future Forward Party. After the post vote uncertainty, a new one until 2030. Without the within 60 days. Ten list seats held It is unclear whether the EC will be weakened ahead of the no- the party joined an alliance of right to vote, they are automati- by the now-banned party will also will allow party members to re- confidence debate. — AsiaNews/ seven pro-democracy parties. cally excluded from running for have to be reallocated. place them. If not, the opposition Agencies What to expect when Vatican archives on Venerable Pius XII open in March VATICAN: The Vatican’s archives of Ven. Pius XII. pected to include approximately Jewish scholars, will be interested on the pontificate of Venerable Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça 16 million documents. The smaller in what the archives might reveal Pius XII will become available for de Mendonça, archivist and librar- archives of the Congregation for about the first part of Ven. Pius study March 2, possibly bringing ian of the Vatican, said the Church the Evangelisation of Peoples and XII’s papacy and his actions dur- to light new information about the welcomes the research that will the Secretariat of State’s section ing the Second World War. pope’s actions during World War take place. “We should have the for relations with states will also Among some of the first -re II. patience to wait and listen,” he be opening to scholars. searchers when the archives open Vatican archivists have said, said. The archive has received re- March 2 will be a group from the however, that they do not expect The Vatican Apostolic Archive, quests for access from more than United States Holocaust Memo- any immediate surprises to emerge. formerly called the “secret ar- 150 scholars from around the rial Museum in Washington D.C., It is for the researchers to ex- chive”, is an office which preserves world, Pagano said. A maximum Pagano said. Other Jewish scholars plore these questions, probably documents and books of histori- of 60 people may enter per day, he from Rome and individual univer- taking years “to make a historical cal and cultural importance to the noted, “so we foresee that we will sities have also requested access. judgement,” Bishop Sergio Paga- Church and to the world. Since have a very weighty year of work.” Critics have accused Ven. no, prefect of the Vatican Apostolic 1881, the archive has been open to Historians request access to the Pius XII of indifference to the Archive, said Feb 20. qualified researchers on request. Venerable Pius XII archive to study many different pe- plight of the Jewish people dur- He said “we believe that the new Scholars have had access to doc- would be extended to include doc- riods, not only the papacy of Ven. ing World War II, despite several documents that open in different uments through the papacy of Pius uments from March 1939 to Octo- Pius XII, Pagano said, stating they already public documents which archives of the Holy See will better XI, which ended February 1939. ber 1959, the end of the pontificate cannot “privilege” one over an- show the pope’s systematic ef- clarify, deepen and contextualise, In 2019, Pope Francis announced of Ven. Pius XII. other. forts to assist Jews in Italy. — By different aspects of the pontificate” that starting March 2, accessibility The complete catalogue is ex- But many people, especially Hannah Brockhaus, CNA HERALD March 1, 2020 World 9 Pope Francis urges Catholic educators to teach inclusive integral ecology VATICAN: Pope Francis called for grants and refugees should be put higher culture,” according to St. John an educational revolution, telling the into action “without any distinction Paul II's 1979 apostolic constitution Congregation for Catholic Education of sex, religion or ethnicity,” the on ecclesiastical universities and fac- that more effort needs to be made to Pope told the congregation. ulties, Sapientia Christiana. accelerate the inclusiveness of edu- Pope Francis said a “peace-mak- Ex corde Ecclesiae, St John Paul cation. ing educational movement” is need- II’s 1990 apostolic constitution on Ecology and fraternity are an inte- ed in light of the fractures between Catholic universities, states that “A gral part of education, Pope Francis cultures masking a “fear of diversity Catholic university’s privileged task told the Catholic education leaders and difference.” is to unite existentially, by intellec- ahead of the pope’s Global Compact “Inclusion is not a modern inven- tual effort, two orders of reality that on Education taking place May 14. tion, but is an integral part of the too frequently tend to be placed in “The educational pact must not be Christian salvific message,” Pope opposition as though they were an- a simple order, it must not be a rehash Francis said. tithetical: the search for truth, and of the positivisms we have received The Pope addressed the plenary the certainty of already knowing the from an Enlightenment education. It assembly of the Congregation for fount of truth.” must be revolutionary,” Pope Francis Pope Francis addresses participants in the plenary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. The congre- Pope Francis has tasked the Con- said Feb 20. Catholic Education in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, Feb 20, 2020. (Vatican gation oversees 216,000 Catholic gregation for Catholic Education The Pope said that the purpose of Media) schools attended by over 60 million with organising his Global Educa- an “education that focuses on the per- tion is a “dynamic reality,” which is “As for the method, education is pupils, and 1,750 Catholic universi- tional Summit. son in his integral reality” is “above “never a repetitive action.” an inclusive movement. An inclu- ties with over 11 million students. The aim of the Global Education all” oriented “to the discovery of “Education is called, with its paci- sion that goes towards all the ex- The congregation devotes particu- Pact is to “renew the passion for a fraternity that produces the multicul- fying force, to form people capable cluded: those for poverty, for vul- lar attention to institutions of Catho- more open and inclusive educa- tural composition of humanity.” of understanding that diversity does nerability due to wars, famines and lic higher education which, “by their tion, capable of patient listening, Pope Francis called for educators not hinder unity, rather, they are in- natural disasters, for social selectiv- nature, aim to secure that the Chris- constructive dialogue and mu- capable of resetting their teaching dispensable for the richness of one's ity, for family and existential diffi- tian outlook should acquire a public, tual understanding,” Pope Fran- methods to form young people in an own identity and that of everyone,” culties,” he said. stable and universal influence in the cis told the congregation. — By “ecological ethic.” He said educa- Francis said. Educational initiatives for mi- whole process of the promotion of Courtney Mares, CNA Dioceses in northern Italy suspend Mass during coronavirus outbreak MILAN: Several Catholic dioceses the highest number of cases in Eu- Romagna and Liguria also called for in northern Italy have suspended rope. the cancellation of Masses and other Mass and other activities this week The Archdiocese of Milan sus- parish activities this week in coop- to help contain the spread of COV- pended Masses beginning in the eration with civil ordinances against ID-19, the respiratory disease caused evening of Feb 23 until further no- public gatherings. by the coronavirus. tice. The Milan Cathedral has also In Padua, the Pontifical Basilica The northern regions of Italy saw a been closed to tourists Feb 24 and 25. of St Anthony will remain open for dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases, In Venice, Patriarch of Venice prayer, but Masses and other reli- prompting some regions to suspend Archbishop Francesco Moraglia sus- gious functions are suspended. The all events or gatherings of any form, pended Masses and other liturgical basilica’s museum will be closed un- in public or private. celebrations including baptisms and til Mar 1. In response to the outbreak, dio- Stations of the Cross, until Sunday In an announcement, the Fran- ceses in the area have taken vari- Mar 1. ciscan friars who operate the shrine ous measures, including cancelling Moraglia invited the faithful to said they “entrust to the intercession Masses and asking Catholics to re- “dedicate a convenient time to prayer A woman wearing a sanitary mask walks past the Duomo gothic cathedral in of St Anthony all the people who are ceive the Eucharist only in the hand. and meditation” in place of Mass on Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb 23, 2020. (Crux photo/Luca Bruno via AP) suffering from this epidemic, those Italian officials have also imposed Ash Wednesday. for taking precautionary and restric- Other responses include the Dio- who have lost loved ones and those quarantine restrictions on several The Italian Bishops’ Conference tive measures.” cese of Turin, where the archbishop who are doing their utmost to assist towns in the Lombardy and Veneto released a statement Feb 24 in which The bishops also said they are cancelled all parish events and meet- the sick and to adequately face this regions, where most of the infections they said they renew Pope Francis’ committed to doing their part “to re- ings for the week of Feb 24 to Mar health emergency.” have occurred. prayer of closeness to those affected duce bewilderment and fears.” 1 with the exception of Mass, asking COVID-19, is a respiratory dis- The number of coronavirus infec- by the virus and their families; doc- “This is the time to find reasons for that all Catholics receive the Eucha- ease caused by the coronavirus tions in Italy has reached 219 as of tors and nurses from healthcare facil- pragmatism, trust and hope, which rist in the hand and abstain from ex- which originated in Hubei province Feb 24. Six people have died from ities, called to face this emergency at allow us to face this difficult situation changing the sign of peace. (which borders Henan) in China. — the virus in the country, which has the frontier; and for those responsible together,” they said. Bishops in the regions of Emilia- By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA Revision of canon law section on crime, penalties is necessary VATICAN: The 12-year process of drafted in “a period that was a bit sanction or punishment to impose word of God and the sacraments in the Church” highlights the pasto- updating the Code of Canon Law naive” in regard to the need for a on the guilty. have pre-eminence, while juridical ral importance and impact of the law section dealing with crimes and detailed description of offences, the The law ended up being too norms have a necessary, but sub- and its aim of promoting the salva- penalties was necessary “to make procedures for investigating them vague, and Church sanctions were ordinate role in the service of com- tion of souls by affirming the virtue it more organic and responsive to and the penalties to impose on the being applied so haphazardly, that munion.” of justice. new situations and problems,” Pope guilty. the Church appeared to be divided, Something Pope Benedict XVI “Avoiding arbitrary solutions, Francis said. It reflected a feeling that “we are he said. told seminarians is still valid for the law becomes a valid bulwark in Meeting Feb 21 with members all good,” he had said, and that “pen- In his speech to council members, them and for all members of the defence of the least and the poor, a and staff of the Pontifical Council alties should be applied rarely.” Francis said the council’s work on Church, the Pope said, and that is protective shield for those who risk for Legislative Texts, Francis said The naivete of the law became revising the section had reached a that learning to understand and even falling victim to the powerful,” the the work of revising Book VI of the clear with the sexual abuse crisis, conclusion, but he did not indicate love the law of the Church is part of Pope said. “Today, in the context of Code of Canon Law, “Sanctions in Arrieta said. In addition, the sanc- when he would promulgate the re- loving the Church because “a soci- a ‘world war being fought in piec- the Church,” was also needed “to of- tions section of the 1983 code was vised section of canon law. ety lacking law would be a society es,”’ one can see how a lack of law fer suitable instruments for facilitat- written with such an emphasis on the He told members and staff that lacking rights.” and a lack of rights go together. ing its application.” role of the individual bishop in his part of their task is to promote a In line with that, the Pope said, “Dictatorships are born and grow In a 2013 interview, Bishop Juan local diocese that each bishop bore deeper understanding of the “true it would be good for the pontifical without laws,” he said. “This cannot Ignacio Arrieta, secretary of the the full weight of deciding when and meaning of law in the Church, the council to help Catholics reflect on be allowed to happen in the Church.” council, said the current code was how to intervene and what sort of mystical body of Christ, where the how “a genuine juridical formation — By Cindy Wooden, CNS 10 Editorial HERALD March 1, 2020 HERALD We’re all tied to the Amazon March 1, 2020 Coronavirus: Xi Jinping applauds through globalisation the party’s effectiveness, experts Can the synod help us to listen to its cry? edia coverage of the apostolic mine in the world — and the more than one Such notions of solidarity are more eas- and scientists express doubts exhortation Querida Amazonia thousand square miles of drowned land be- ily invoked than fulfilled. The theologi- has focused on whether Pope hind the Tucuruí hydroelectric dam, which cal depth of Querida Amazonia raises the he Central Committee of the Chinese Communist M Francis would authorise the ordination of powers the mine’s operations. Thousands stakes for the Church. What response could, TParty has given “accurate judgments”; “operated with married men in remote indigenous commu- of indigenous peoples were driven from in any way, match the power of the global timing”; has taken “effective measures” on the epidemic. nities. The broader purpose of the Synod this land to build the dam. Once the ore is economy that binds us in such shallow and This is what Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meet- of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region mined, more than 500 square miles of Ama- exploitative relationships? What would it ing February 23 in the presence of almost all the politburo has been largely overlooked. Reflecting on zon forest is felled each year, often by slave take to build deeper ecclesial relationships personalities. The meeting was broadcast widely by tele- this coverage, the executive secretary of the labour, for charcoal to refine it into iron and of similar power? conference to involve every county government and every Pan-Amazon Church Network (Repam), steel. That steel is exported to make every- The challenge is not simply moral. Lis- military regiment. Mauricio López Oropeza, wrote that it was thing from cars to hospital beds. tening to the Amazon implicates the catho- Highlighting decisiveness, power and farsightedness, Xi afflicted by “disconnection, self-affirma- There are also the blood-red fruits of licity of the Church as well. listed the resolving steps to managing the crisis: curbing tion, Eurocentrism, incomprehension [and] massive oil palm plantations that replace Human groupings, their lifestyles and the spread of the epidemic; increased treatments and cures; incompatibility” regarding the concerns of the living Amazon with “green deserts” their worldviews, are as varied as the land prevention of the virus from spreading to Beijing; support the peoples of the Amazon. of monoculture. We partake of their oil in itself, since they have had to adapt them- stimulus policies for the national economy; stabilising of In some ways, this narrow reaction to countless manufactured foods and anoint selves to geography and its possibilities.… foreign trade and investment. He specified that the epidem- Querida Amazonia helps us think about ourselves with it in myriad shampoos, lo- In each land and its features, God manifests ic “has not changed the long-term fundamentals of China’s the broader Church’s role in the reception tions and cosmetics. Even our efforts to himself and reflects something of his inex- economic growth.” of the synod itself. There is much more at change to more sustainable diets are en- haustible beauty. Each distinct group, then, “The effectiveness of the prevention and control work stake here than reading a document. Francis meshed in the destruction: More than one in a vital synthesis with its surroundings, has once again demonstrated the significant advantages of describes a synodal Church as “a Church third of the world’s soy is grown in massive develops its own form of wisdom. [No. 32] the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the which listens.” The synod made hundreds farms in arid fields where the rainforest and Lumen Gentium, the document from socialist system with Chinese characteristics,” he said. of proposals, few of which were addressed its peoples once thrived. the Second Vatican Council, described the The high-level meeting and Xi’s words are an attempt by this document. Beyond evaluating the Our listening, or failure to listen, is not Church as “like a sacrament” of “union to counter all the criticisms that are inundating online dis- Pope’s response, how are we called to en- from a distance. The multinationals de- with God and of the unity of the whole hu- gage this first synod organised around an nounced for cutting her veins feed us. man race” (No. 1). How can the Church cussion (which are promptly cancelled) against the way in ecosystem and its inhabitants? What does The problem is not an easily denounced embrace and receive the wisdom of these which the crisis was managed and which even questions it mean for us, in the words of the synod’s “throwaway culture” of consumer excess, cultures? We in North America and Europe Xi’s leadership. final document, to listen to “the Holy Spirit but a global economy founded on extrac- who have, in a few centuries, cut our forests, In fact, by reconstructing all the stages of the epidemic, in the cry of the wounded land and its in- tion and export agriculture. The colonial- emptied the land of wildlife and now face it is now clear that the authorities knew of the spread of habitants”? ism denounced in the synod lives on in the degrading agricultural lands have much to the virus since last December, but they silenced the doc- Querida Amazonia conveys the suffer- global economic system in which our lives learn from peoples who have found ways tors who had reported the fact, raising the alarm only on ing of the Amazon and its peoples in stark are entwined. to thrive in their landscapes for many thou- January 23. terms: “The land has blood, and it is bleed- Querida Amazonia offers a profoundly sands of years. Religious and liturgical in- Xi himself is implicated in this delay: Qiushi, an intel- ing; the multinationals have cut the veins of rich development of the Church’s theology culturation are essential local responses, but lectual publication of the Party, in its edition of Feb 15 our mother Earth” (No. 52). It also quotes of solidarity: how might we, in the Global North, begin states that Xi knew of the epidemic as of Jan 7 and on that the Colombian poet Juan Carlos Galeano’s Christ redeemed the whole person, and to listen deeply to these cultures after 500 day gave indications on how to deal with the crisis. But haunting lines: “The river is a thin vein on he wishes to restore in each of us the capac- years of colonial domination? this claim clashes with that of the mayor of Wuhan who the face of the earth.../ The river is a cord ity to enter into relationship with others. The Learning to listen with the attentiveness had confessed to the delays on television, declaring that he enclosing animals and trees./ If pulled too Gospel proposes the divine charity welling required of a synodal Church is demand- needed Beijing’s permission to sound the alarm about the tight, the river could burst./ It could burst up in the heart of Christ and generating a ing indeed. Our appreciation of the beauty coronavirus. and spatter our faces with water and blood” pursuit of justice that is at once a hymn of of Francis’ text — or legitimate frustration More and more experts are pointing the finger at the lack (No. 58). fraternity and of solidarity, an impetus to with what he did or did not say — can eas- of freedom of speech that has led to the suffocation of the We are certainly, if unknowingly, spat- the culture of encounter. The wisdom of the ily distract us from this challenge. May the warnings from the base and against the management of tered with its blood. There is the miles-wide way of life of the original peoples — for all Synod for the Amazon be remembered as power from top down, which caused the spread of the virus wound of the Carajás Mine in the middle its limitations — encourages us to deepen the beginning of this great work. — By in China and in the world. of the Amazon — the largest open-pit iron this desire. [No. 22] Vincent J. Miller, America Some scientists are also casting doubt on Xi’s assur- ances. According to a study by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Institute for Brain Research, pub- Church in Poland thanks Pope for Querida Amazonia lished Feb 21, the virus appeared in Wuhan as early as Nov 2019 and stabilised in the city’s fish market in early Dec. he president of the Polish Bishops’ ness, for this necessary, important and sen- gift to us by God.” So far, this market has been considered the epicentre of TConference, Archbishop Stanisław sitive voice that becomes the loud voice of Fr Jaromi runs the St Francis of Assisi the epidemic, given that wild animals such as bats, snakes Gądecki, has expressed his gratitude to the Church ‘for the rights of the poor, the Environmental Movement (REFA) — a and pangolins are sold in it, believed to be the means that Pope Francis for the Apostolic Exhortation indigenous peoples and the least of our leader in promoting Laudato Si’ within Querida Amazonía which, he says, “arose brothers and sisters, where their voices can the Polish Church. REFA members have caused the virus to pass to humans. in the heart of your Holiness as the fruit of be heard and their dignity advanced’; for prepared an academic study on the en- However, the study doubts that the virus originated in the dialogue and discernment during the the call for Amazonia to ‘preserve its dis- cyclical, a practical guide about its main the fish market and suggests that it was “imported from the recent General Synod of Bishops on the tinctive cultural riches, where the beauty themes as well as materials for workshops outside”. Amazon”. of our humanity shines forth in so many about Franciscan ecology. They also run a The new scientific hypothesis reopens the suspicion that In a letter to Pope Francis, written on varied ways’, and to ‘jealously preserve its website: https://swietostworzenia.pl/ with a the coronavirus originates from a laboratory located near behalf of the “faithful and pastors of Po- overwhelming natural beauty and the su- special part dedicated to the eco-encyclical Wuhan, dedicated to research on viruses (according to land”, the Archbishop of Poznan said: “My perabundant life teeming in its rivers and and they promote Laudato Si’ content in some for war purposes). Up to now, many have considered gratitude is deeper the more I discover with forests.”’ social media. They get involved in debates this idea a “conspiracy”. Maybe now it is becoming more what care and love the Holy Father, as Pa- Archbishop Gądecki concluded his letter in Poland and abroad with the intention credible. But the lack of free speech makes it difficult to ter Patrum [father of fathers] surrounds with the prayer that, “through the grace of of developing proper tools in mediating arrive at the truth. the children of our beloved Mother, the God and the commitment of us all’, Pope in ecological, environmental and climate — By Bernardo Cervellera, AsiaNews Church, scattered across all continents and Francis’ dreams for the beloved Amazon conflicts. Their newest project — Integral inhabiting even the most distant places, of- region “will inspire people of good will to Ecology Leaders School — is to serve as HERALD — The Catholic Weekly ten not only forgotten and overlooked, but take even greater care of the Amazon and a formative network for engaged Chris- Jointly published by the also exploited and destroyed.” its peoples.” tians who will support Francis’ ecological Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Archbishop Gądecki notes that Querida The Catholic environmentalist move- thought from Laudato Si’ in media, parish- Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of Penang Amazonía “is, above all, a manifestation of ment is growing in Poland. The publication es, communities and Church movements. and Diocese of Keningau the faithful memory and responsible care of Laudato Si’ in 2015 changed the way of They have also been involved in more Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ of the whole Church for our brothers living thinking of many Polish Catholics about local environmental green issues — includ- HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL in this region of the world, who often with ecology, Franciscan Fr Stanisław Jaromi ing the controversy over the government’s Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; great heroism and devotion, in suffering OFMConv, PhD wrote in 2018. He said: decision to allow logging in the Bialowieza but also with hope, follow the paths of the “Today, it is not only the hobby of a few, Forest. Fax: 03-20268293 Gospel of Christ.” or the vagary of various ‘green’ ones, but Fr Stanisław Jaromi OFMConv, also runs Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. Citing the Exhortation itself, the Arch- more often it is seen as a Christian respon- a blog: http://stanislaw-jaromi.blog.ekolo- E-mail: [email protected] bishop continues, “Thank you, your Holi- sibility for the world, which was given as a gia.pl/ — ICN HERALD March 1, 2020 Focus 11 The Amazon Synod, indigenous rights and a problematic papal bull ope Francis has the opportuni- At the time of Inter Caetera, this ty to take a bold step and build ultimate appeal to universal papal Pon the success of the Synod of jurisdiction co-existed uneasily with Bishops’ assembly on the Amazon competing principles. and his post-synodal exhortation, For instance, the Council of Con- Querida Amazonia. stance in 1414 affirmed the natural He could revoke the 15th century law rights of non-Christian peoples papal bull that opened the door to to self-government and property. the genocide of indigenous peoples This affirmation prompted 16th in what are now called the Ameri- century Jesuit philosopher Franc- cas. esco Vitoria to argue that, in prin- Of course, the issues of married ciple, the Pope had had no right to priests and women’s ordination in give away native lands. the Amazon and beyond will not go Moreover, Catholic theology away, despite the fact that Querida held that no human being could be Amazonia is silent about the former compelled to accept Christian faith and rejects the latter. (although heretics, having first -ac But of greater significance than cepted and then rejected faith, could those issues is the document's pro- be compelled to recant their heresy). phetic reflection on the indigenous But, of course, whatever force be- peoples and lands of the Amazon in Indigenous people are seen on the banks of the Xingu River during a media event in Brazil’s Xingu Indigenous Park longed to these limiting principles light of the Gospel. Jan 15, 2020. (CNS photo/Ricardo Moraes, Reuters) was washed away in an orgy of con- More recently, at a press confer- in Bolivia for “many grave sins” together with all their dominions, quest, enslavement and theft. A step to undo a catastrophic ence last October during the Synod against native peoples committed cities, camps, places, and villages, historic injustice assembly, Rosebud Sioux Tribal by members of the Church in the and all rights, jurisdictions, and ap- Depicting indigenous people And that’s where formal revoca- Chair, Rodney M. Bordeaux, re- course of the colonial occupation of purtenances, all islands and main- as no people at all tion of Pope Alexander VI’s bull newed the call for revocation. the Americas. But he did not specifi- lands found and to be found, discov- Native peoples were made fit for of 1493, known as Inter Caetera, “What is happening to (the indig- cally apologise for or revoke Inter ered and to be discovered towards plunder and death by a host of de- comes in. enous of the Amazon) now, hap- Caetera. the west and south, by drawing… humanising justifications: their Such a revocation would extend pened to us in Dakota 120 years the said line to be distant one hun- tribal practices violated natural law; Querida Amazonia’s prophetic en- ago, when without consultation, The Borgia pope and a Spanish dred leagues towards the west and they were sub-human; they weren’t gagement with the indigenous of the they took our land away, based on land-grab in the Americas south from any of the islands com- in a state of grace… Amazon to native peoples around economic gain,” he said. In an act that strikes us now as monly known as the Azores and The prophetic 16th century Do- the world. smacking of wild historical hubris, Cape Verde.” minican Bartolome de las Casas de- It would be a step to undo a Getting bullish over a Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo de It’s important to understand sev- nounced the practice of the colonial catastrophic historical injustice. It problematic papal bull Borja) in 1493 took a break from eral key principles that informed requerimiento. On pain of enslave- would also bolster contemporary In general, problematic papal bulls tending to his children (he had four) what Alexander promulgated. ment or war, indigenous peoples indigenous rights claims in land dis- don’t get revoked. Like old soldiers, and inserted his Spanish origins into were required to accept Spanish rule putes. And it would affirm a power- they just fade away. growing nationalist and colonial The Pope rules the world and Catholic religious practices. ful new vision for the people of God A “bull” (from the Latin bulla, the clashes between Spain and Portu- One was the assumption at the time But, in the face of this requirement, in the face of climate change. authenticating seal at the end of a gal. of a universal papal jurisdiction de- such peoples were also absurdly In fact, for the last few years in- papal document) is a decree pertain- He accepted the stated purpose of rived directly from Christ for the considered free to accept or reject digenous peoples around the world ing to policy. As a practical state- King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella purpose of the salvation of souls. the Christian faith. have called for the bull to be re- ment, a bull is neither dogmatic nor of Spain to bring the Catholic faith In effect, Alexander assumed a In the navy, a captain is responsi- voked. In 2016, in an initiative infallible. to the indigenous peoples whom pope had sovereignty over the lands ble for his ship, and so it should be called the Long March to Rome, In the last years, the Vatican’s Columbus had encountered, and ac- Columbus found and that such for the papacy itself. For beginning tribal leaders met briefly with Pope United Nations office has said that cordingly declared: lands – and lands to be found in the a process that was blinkered from Francis, and for hours with Vatican Inter Caetera is a “historic remnant “We…give, grant, and assign to future – could be given to the Span- the start and ran catastrophically out diplomat Archbishop Silvano To- with no juridical or spiritual value.” you and your heirs and successors, ish crown for the sake of the spread of control, the papacy should for- masi, to discuss the bull. In 2015, Pope Francis apologised kings of Castile and Leon, forever, of the Gospel. mally revoke Inter Caetera. Tragic effects of the 15th The Latin American Pope raises his voice against land grab! century ‘doctrine of discovery’ ope Francis has raised his voice The argument for revocation also ut the Catholic Church must and sovereignty. cations were added. For instance, Pin protest against the ongoing ef- rests on recognition of the witness Brespond to more than his- A landmark in this regard is indigenous lands were “empty” forts to take native land. of the indigenous in the time of cli- torical cries of injustice. One of the 1823 United States Supreme or “unused” and, thus, fit to be “The native Amazonian peoples mate change. the Long March to Rome’s key Court case called Johnson v. taken over in the name of “pro- have probably never been so threat- Inter Caetera helped launch a claims is that the basic logic of McIntosh in which the court held gress” and “civilisation.” ened on their own lands as they are process of profound exploitation – a the bull – that indigenous rights that it was “the exclusive right of These same justifications are at present,” he said in 2018 while process that can now be said to be may be overridden for the sake of the discoverer to appropriate the deployed today in land battles visiting Puerto Maldonado in the culminating in a capitalism that is so-called higher purposes – sup- lands occupied by the Indians” around the world between indig- Peruvian Amazon. indifferent to its catastrophic effects. ports contemporary ideologies and that these rights “which had enous tribes and aggressive busi- And in Querida Amazonia he calls Revocation of this 15th century that take indigenous lands. previously been in Great Brit- ness interests often allied with for the protection of indigenous land papal bull would reject the letter and To be sure, the Borgia pope’s ain, passed definitively to these governments. rights and praises indigenous land spirit of exploitation and confirm “giving” indigenous lands to the States.” Often these battles emerge out practices (to counter charges of in- that the Church now sees in the life Spanish for the sake of the Gos- of a deliberate ambiguity over digenous lands being “unused”). of indigenous peoples around the pel was amply complemented From conquering nations to ownership. A formal revocation of Inter world what Pope Francis has said of in subsequent centuries by what greedy businesses: the lust In Brazil, for instance, there are Caetera would clear away any am- the indigenous peoples of the Ama- came to be known as the “doc- for land 688 indigenous territories. But biguity from this prophetic push. zon: trine of discovery.” Of course, beneath the veneer of only 60.4 per cent of this land has The institution in a world-histori- They stand in equal dignity and This is the legal doctrine that legalese suggested by the word been officially designated by the cal moment that overrode the claims reverent care for the earth as a pro- emerged in the United States “doctrine” was a dressed-down, government in a process known of indigenous peoples to their lands phetic challenge to “a style of life and spread throughout the world raw lust. Europeans and Ameri- as demarcation. Without demar- now rejects any title to native land that is oblivious to its own cost.” claiming that “discovery” of cans wanted indigenous land. cation, the rights of ownership inconsistent with the clear, prior — By David E. DeCosse and indigenous lands entitled Euro- And to the claim of ownership and use of indigenous lands are consent of indigenous people them- Anthony Mejia, LCI (internation- pean “discoverers” to ownership based on discovery, other justifi- left in a murky, exploitable haze. selves. al.la-croix.com) 12 Varia HERALD March 1, 2020 Speaking with authority

e are growing ever ferent kinds of power. There’s a people recognised that his au- is the powerlessness of a baby, more distrustful of power that flows from strength thority was not coming from combined with a selfless life, Wwords. Everywhere and energy. We see this, for ex- him but from something (Some- grounded in an authority beyond we hear people say: “That’s just ample, in the body of a gifted ath- one) higher whom he was serv- them. When such persons speak, talk! That’s nothing but empty lete who moves with authority. ing. There was no discrepancy like Jesus, their words have real words!” There’s power too in charisma, between his words and his life. power to calm hearts, heal them, And empty words are all in a gifted speaker or a rock star. Moreover, his words were pow- change them and, metaphorically around us. Our world is full of They too speak with a certain erful because they weren’t just and really, cast out demons from lies, of false promises, of glit- authority and power. But there’s coming from him, they were them. tering advertising that doesn’t still another kind of power and coming through him from Some- But we don’t always have to deliver, of words never backed authority, one very different in one above him, Someone whose look to spiritual giants like Moth- up by anything. We trust less and kind from that of the athlete and authority couldn’t be challenged. er Teresa and Jean Vanier to see less in what we hear. We’ve been the rock star. There’s the power God. this. Most of us have not been so lied to and betrayed far too often, of a baby, the paradoxical power You see this kind of author- personally influenced by Mother now we’re cautious about what of vulnerability, innocence and Fr Ron Rolheiser ity; for example, in persons like Teresa or Jean Vanier, but have we believe. helplessness. Powerlessness is Mother Teresa and Jean Vanier. been spoken to with authority by But distrust in the words we sometimes the real power. If you described as the combination Their words had a special author- people around us. In my case, it hear is only one way in which put an athlete, a rock star, and a of vulnerability, innocence and ity. Mother Teresa could meet was my father and mother who our spoken word is weak. Our baby into the same room, who helplessness that a baby brings someone for the first time and ask spoke to me with that kind of words can be truthful and still among them is the most power- into a room. Its very helplessness, him or her to come to India and authority. As well, some of the have little power. Why? Because, ful? Who has the most authority? innocence and vulnerability have work with her. Jean Vanier could Ursuline nuns who taught me to use Gospel terms, we may not Whatever the power of the ath- a unique authority and power to do the same. A friend of mine in school and some of my un- be speaking with much author- lete or the rock star, the baby has touch your conscience. It’s for shares how on meeting Vanier for cles and aunts had the power to ity. Our words may not have more power to change hearts. good reason that people watch the first time, in their very first ask sacrifice of me because they what they need to back them up. The Gospel texts which tell us their language around a baby. Its conversation, Vanier invited him spoke with “exousia” and with an What’s meant by this? that Jesus spoke with “author- very presence is cleansing. to become a missionary priest. integrity and a faith that I could The Gospels tells us that one of ity” never suggest that he spoke But there are a couple of other That thought had never before not question or deny. They asked the things that distinguished Je- with “great energy” or “powerful elements too undergirding the au- crossed his mind. Today he’s a me to consider becoming a priest sus for the other religious preach- charisma”. In describing Jesus’ thority with which Jesus spoke. missionary. and I became one. ers of his time was that he spoke authority, they use the word “ex- His vulnerability and innocence What gives some people that What moves the world is often with authority, while they didn’t. ousia”, a Greek word for which gave his words a special power, special power? “Exousia”, a self- the powerful energy and cha- What gives words authority? we don’t have an English equiva- yes, but two other elements also less life, and a grounding in an risma of the highly talented; but What gives them transformative lent. What’s “exousia”? We don’t made his words powerful: His authority that comes from above. the heart is moved by a different power? have a term for it, but we have words were always grounded in What you see in persons like kind of authority. — By Fr Ron There are, as we know, dif- a concept: “Exousia” might be the integrity of his life. As well, Mother Teresa and Jean Vanier Rolheiser, all rights reserved Protection of minors improving since last year’s summit VATICAN: The summit on the protection of minors was held in the Vatican on 21-24 February 2019, at the request of Pope Francis. Presidents of Bishops’ Conferences around the world were on hand for the Meeting, where abuse survivors were able to tell their stories. Fr Hans Zollner, a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and president of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University, spoke to Vatican Radio about the steps taken since then to prevent abuse. Fr Zollner, one year ago the summit on pening during the meeting of February when the protection of minors was held in bishops and other church leaders talked about the Vatican. What concrete actions and child protection and met with survivors of cler- decisions have been taken since then ical sexual abuse. They were deeply impressed. and what is changed in the Church’s Many of them were in tears when they greeted approach to the issue? those abuse victims after they had shared their First of all, we have had a number of changes in stories with them. I know from my own expe- Pope Francis attends the third day of the meeting on the protection of minors in the Church at the the law of the Church. Most of them have been rience in talking to a number Bishops’ Con- Vatican Feb. 23, 2019. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) introduced by the new law with the title You are ferences around the world that the Presidents is continuously pushing forward, and I believe she or he wants to share and in whatever way, the Light of the World. came back to their Bishops’ Conference and that this is a process that can’t be stopped. We with all the anger, bitterness and with the rage From June 1, 2019, all dioceses are now shared that experience. will certainly have more and more of such and with the sadness that is connected. This is obliged to establish an office for reporting I can see that in many parts of the world there steps. important so that victims can feel and realise abuse and for intervention and prevention. All is now a deeper awareness and a greater will- It doesn’t happen all at the same time – that that those who listen to them — Church au- religious and priests are obliged to report cases ingness to really tackle the issue and to do what is true – but at the same time, I believe it re- thorities, bishops, provincials, whoever that of abuse to the ecclesiastical authorities, and needs to be done so that young people and vul- ally shows that the Pope and many around is, and with whomever they want to speak and we have, for the first time, something like the nerable adults are safer in our Church. him, and more and more people in the whole share – that they are really listened to. setting up of a system of accountability in cases Church who are responsible at the local levels, The second thing is that from that experi- of negligence or of cover-up of cases by bish- The Church has received much praise understand that this is not something that will ence, we learn that whoever is responsible for a ops or by religious leaders of religious commu- for the courage and transparency go away, and that it is not only a sign of a media certain diocese or a certain province or a certain nities or other Church organisations. shown during and after this summit, attack. But it is a real necessity to continuously institution does whatever he or she can, so that So this was a major change that was ac- but there are also those who have work and to be more and more consistent in the whole structure, the organisational aspect, companied by three other points that the Pope criticised her because they would like what we say: that children and vulnerable peo- the systemic aspects is helping that institution decided in December: that the age for child more courage and more transparency. ple should be safe in our midst. so that people can not only feel safe, but also sexual exploitation material was raised from 14 How would you respond? At the same time, that we have the necessity that they are safe enough, and that we really un- to 18, and that pontifical secret was abolished As we have seen, the Pope has been pushing to understand better to really implement the derstand the dynamics of relationships. in regards to those cases, that is, no bishop or and, in terms of timing, we finished that meet- new laws and to be able to contribute also to a Now in this case – in the relationship between provincial can hide behind what is called the ing on Feb 24 and on June 1, we had a new safer society at large. a religious sister and a bishop or a provincial or pontifical secret. So a level of confidentiality universal law. In terms of the normal Vatican a priest, either a religious priest or a diocesan around documents that some took as a pretext speed of decision-making and propagation, this Currently, there is also the question priest – that there are levels of dependency, and for not cooperating with state authorities. That is lightning speed and I really see also that the of the abuse of religious sisters. What there are boundaries that need to be kept. is gone now. Holy Father is continuing his effort. He will not could you say about this issue, and We need to realise that this kind of safety And thirdly we have a change also in so far stop. above all, what can be done about it? and professional standards – as it is called in as lay canonists, so lay people who are experts We saw a first change in March with new The most important thing that we need to learn the Anglo-phone world – needs to be not only in Canon Law, are involved in canonical pro- laws for the Vatican City State then a univer- – and I would say many have learned – is that taught and understood better but certainly also cesses, at least to some degree. At the same sal law for the whole Church in June. We had victims need to be listened to. implemented. And, in case of violations, pun- time, we have seen a change of attitude – at the three decisions that I mentioned before in By listening I mean that you sit down with ished as any other transgression would be pun- least I can also testify that I’ve seen that hap- December. So I really see that the Holy Father a person and you let the person share whatever ished in that regard. — Vatican News HERALD March 1, 2020 BEC 13 Man who forgave son’s killer now an envoy of mercy

KUALA LUMPUR: A father who said there was no evidence of this. brought a US judge to tears when he Jitmoud said he saw Relford as forgave his son’s murderer is now an a product of a cruel society and the iconic speaker for compassion and victim of people who had abandoned forgiveness in international forums. him when he was developing as a Abdul-Munim Sombat Jitmoud, a child. retired principal who was in charge “When I look at his case, it makes of seven Islamic schools in the US me love humanity.” Even as Relford for 31 years, regularly speaks at pro- was about to be sentenced to death grammes promoting attributes asso- after pleading guilty for abetting in ciated with mercy. the murder, Jitmoud stood up to de- “I speak at mosques, churches, clare that he forgave him. synagogues and for any other or- He then embraced Relford in a ganisation that invites me,” he told Abdul-Munim Sombat Jitmoud now moment recorded in international FMT after an engagement at a forum speaks on the attributes of mercy at media reports. on the importance of father figures mosques, churches and synagogues Abdul-Munim Sombat Jitmoud hugs Trey Alexander Relford in a moment Instead of death, Relford was sen- that was organised by the Malaysian in the US. which brought tears to a US courtroom in 2017. tenced to 31 years in prison. Islamic Youth Movement, or Abim. In the interview with FMT, he said din’s murder. Salahuddin was killed when he Jitmoud, now 69, said his life had Last December, the Malaysian the premeditated murder of his son, “That’s why I did not blame the was making a pizza delivery on the changed. government gave him the Icon of Salahuddin, had made it important boy who killed my son. Society night of April 19, 2015, in Lexing- “I get to share with society and Compassion award in recognition of for him to save young people from failed him. He was from a broken ton, Kentucky. He was 22. The killer communities that we have to be pa- his stature as a paragon of mercy. what he sees as the “downfall of so- home and society was unable to help was 24-year-old Trey Alexander tient with one another, whether Mus- He has been interviewed by actor ciety”. him get on his feet. He got involved Relford. lim or non-Muslim,” he said. “We Morgan Freeman and other famous He said contemporary society with bad company, drugs and alco- Many observers labelled it a hate have to live in peace and harmony.” personalities for his inspiring story. was the real culprit in Salahud- hol.” crime against Muslims, but police — By Ainaa Aiman, FMT Conference studies peace, justice from subaltern perspective CHENNAI: Social Workers’ Associa- (senior professor, Goa Institute of towards peace and justice for the sub- tion for Staff and Students and Subal- Management) who highlighted B. R. alterns. terns’ Alliance for Peace (SAP) organ- Ambedkar’s struggle towards annihi- Ramasamy and Thass fought for ised a two-day National Conference lation of caste as it is a form of struc- equality and equal treatment of the on Peace and Justice: A Subaltern tural violence. subaltern in the Brahminical society. Perspective. Teltumbde compared Gautama Geetha insisted that patriarchy A subaltern is someone with a low Buddha (a philosopher, mendicant, should be annihilated along with the ranking in a social, political or other meditator, and spiritual teacher who caste system. hierarchy. It can also mean someone lived in ancient India) and Karl Marx She stated that Periyar propagated who has been marginalised or op- (a German philosopher, economist, Dravida Nadu to oppose Indian Na- pressed. In describing cultural he- historian, sociologist, political theorist, tionalism to remove the caste system gemony as popular history, Antonio journalist and socialist revolutionary) by promoting self-respect. Francesco Gramsci (an Italian Marxist who aimed at the same goal but dif- She ended her speech by stating that philosopher and communist politician) fered in their means to achieve them. the annihilation of caste and eradica- coined the term ‘subaltern’ to identify Teltumbde also stated that violence tion of patriarchy leads to a better so- Panel of speakers at the National Conference on Peace and Justice. the social groups excluded and dis- kills all possibilities of alternatives. He ciety. munities to access health facilities. there is a compromise of ideology. placed from the socio-economic insti- concluded his talk emphasising that Other speakers included Ms. Thila- Gopi Nainar, a Tamil film director, There were also many speakers like tutions of society in order to deny their peace is a state of mind and reserva- gavathy, an advocate and social activ- highlighted on mass media and chal- Vasanthi Devi, educationalist, Re- political voices. tion is a great move towards social ist, Dr. Ponnuchamy, a labor rights ac- lenges for peace promotion. hman from Madras University, Vanni Many eminent speakers addressed justice. tivist and Mrs. Prema Revathi, a Tamil He spoke about the ill-effects of me- Arasu, social activist, Father James, various themes based on peace and The second theme was Contribu- writer. They spoke on the contribution dia. He reiterated that media are capi- Tribal Development Worker, Way- justice from the subaltern perspective tions of Subaltern Leaders. of subaltern leaders towards the uplift- talistic, exploitative and oppressive. anad, Kavitha Muralitharan, a journal- during the Feb 17–18 conference in V. Geetha, a writer, highlighted ment of the subaltern communities. He quoted his life incidents where ist from Tamil Nadu and Ajay Kuru- the Department of Social Work, Loy- the contribution of Periyar E. V. Ra- The third theme was on Social Iden- he faced challenges in the mass media. villa, social activist. ola College,. masamy (Indian social activist, politi- tity and Health Equity, on which Dr Nainar expressed saying that until M. K. Kanimozhi, Member of Par- The programme was divided into cian and the ‘Father of the Dravidian Ezhilan Naganathan, physician and the oppressed get to determine their liament (Lok Sabha) from Thoothuku- various important topics. There were Movement’) and C. Iyothee Thass (a social activist, spoke on the point of own opinion, no freedom is possible. di constituency was the chief guest. — speakers like Dr Anand Teltumbde prominent Tamil anti-caste activist) negligence towards the subaltern com- Social justice cannot be attained when By Madan Sual Singh, Matters India Sacred Heart congregations to foster family ministries in Asia GOPALPUR: A group of 35 nuns ostolic exhortation by Pope Francis.” transgender, Que). the poor and vulnerable ones regu- The congregation’s members are and priests who represent the congre- “The apostolic exhortation is The main charism of the Sacred larly witnessing the congregation’s to provide sex education to children gation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus mainly a document that reflects on Hearts congregation is to spread charism of love, compassion and and youth to understand sex within and Mary working in Asia met to- family life and encourages families. God’s love, compassion, and mercy. mercy. the “broader framework of an educa- gether in Gopalpur, Odisha, Eastern But it is also the pope’s reminder that “For us, it implies to go out and They would welcome every sort tion for love and mutual self-giving”. India, to plan out their priorities for the church must help families of eve- find those who live in pain. To let us of family, every state of individuals It is also to help the youngsters to ac- the mission. ry sort, and people in every state of be touched by their vulnerability as to their communities, parishes and cept their original sexual identity. The Feb 5-10 meeting vowed life, know that, even in their imper- our conversion to the mission,” said institutions and help them experience They are to promote women em- to foster family ministries beyond fections, they are loved by God and Derek Laveely, the general councilor God’s love. powerment programmes among the borders. This entails reaching out to can help others experience that love,” of the congregation. The congregation members are to rural women, form women group for families crossing the boundaries of the Sacred Hearts priest added. On the final day, the meeting understand and accompany individu- caring for our common home (earth) culture, philosophy, language and The participants agreed to make passed a resolution “We sisters and als and families in all their complex and provide respectful pastoral guid- belief with love, compassion and rec- their mission commitment to foster brothers in Asia-Pacific-French Pol- problems. ance to lesbians, gays and others. ognition. families as Asian countries continue ynesia commit to foster family min- The priests and nuns are to help The congregation is to identify and Bonie Payong, an organiser of the to face similar challenges regarding istries beyond boarders in collabora- them find solutions to their issues send competent nuns and priests for meeting, in his keynote address said, broken families, abused children, tion with Secular Branch.” through counselling, provide guid- specialisation in Psycho-Spiritual “The priority to build strong families single parents, gender-based dis- To implement this proposal, the ance through networking with the lo- Counselling needed for the fam- comes in light with Amoris Laetitia crimination, addiction to drug and participants suggested visiting fami- cal church and other groups working ily ministries. — By Sujata Jena, (The joy of love), a post-synodal ap- LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and lies in the neighbourhood especially to build families. Matters India 14 Inter faith & Cultural Dialogue HERALD March 1, 2020 The objective of religious dialogue is peace KUCHING: The annual multi- Taoism representative Desmond religious forum at the Islamic In- Tan also shared the importance formation Centre (IIC) saw a panel of creating harmony with nature, of invited religious representatives while Gurdial Singh, represent- across Kuching coming together ing Sikhism, shared that activat- to discuss similarities under one ing love within oneself and having common theme: Peace, Love and love for God, are keys to achiev- Faith: The Cornerstone of a Har- ing peace. monious Society. The forum, held from 8.00am to Fr Felix Au, from the Roman 12.00pm, also highlighted views Catholic Church, attended the fo- from representatives Chin Chia rum on February 14 to share a Chua (Baha’i) and Wan Muham- Christian’s perspective, alongside Religious representatives with members of the audience. (Today’s Catholic/Shannon Wei) mad Mujahid Bin Wan Alwi (Is- Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh “Loving God is the first and to the other great commandment respectful to fellow brothers and lam). It was moderated by CEO who made a guest appearance that greatest of all the commandments,” — to love your neighbour as your- sisters to bear the fruit. of IIC, Puan Hajah Zabariah Binti morning. Fr Au said. self.” “Our goal in religious dialogue Haji Matali. He touched on the importance “And while it articulates the cen- Fr Au also referred to the parable should not be to win an argument This year’s forum marks its 12th of loving God as well as others trality — the importance of loving of the Good Samaritan in bringing or to make converts but to arrive at year running with the aim to dis- to bear the “fruit of love,” that is God — the practical expression of peace and harmony within Malay- peace, understanding and greater cuss current issues and concerns peace. loving God is closely connected sia, and to be open, humble and respect for each other.” among various faith groups. — By STM hosts first inter Justice for Christians accused of faith meeting conversion NEW DELHI: Church leaders and activists in India are celebrating the acquittal of eight Christians who had been falsely accused of kidnap- ping 60 children for the purpose of converting them to Christianity. The six men and two women were freed on Feb. 18 by the crimi- nal court in Ratlam in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. “Justice has finally been done,” The members with Fr Raymond Pereira. said Tehmina Arora, director of the SUBANG: The Parish Ministry of friendships. Over time, relationships legal team of Alliance Defending Christians protest in New Delhi in 2014 against the burning of a church in the capital. (ucanews.com/Bijay Kumar Minj) Ecumenical and Interreligous Affairs and bonds were established and the Freedom (ADF), a Christian forum (PMEIA) of the Church of St Thom- idea of forming an inter religious that took up the case. The two Christians booked in Maharashtra state. as More (STM) hosted its first inter committee was consequently warmly “But we must not forget the toll the second case in Indore are also Police said the accused main- faith meeting February 15. Religious received when mooted. that such false cases take on fami- being defended by ADF lawyers tained that the children were Chris- groups within Subang Jaya/USJ were The meeting generated good ideas lies. No one should be targeted and are hopeful of being similarly tians on their way to Nagpur to at- invited to this inaugural meeting. and two were prioritised for im- for their faith. The anti-conversion acquitted. tend a summer camp. Parents of the The first two years of this new plementation the first half of 2020. laws are tools to harass and target In the first case, eight Christians children later confirmed that they Parish Ministry in the Church of St Quarterly meetings will be held and Christians and should be repealed were charged under the Madhya were Christians. Thomas More were spent making venue rotated within the group. since they restrict the freedom of Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. “Finally, the truth has come and initial contact through courtesy vis- The committee is committed in religion guaranteed under the con- The accused were arrested af- we welcome the verdict because its to the various religious places of making a difference in the lives stitution of India.” ter 60 children were detained at we knew that they are innocent. worship within the Parish boundary. of residents within Subang Jaya/ The case dates back to May 2017 Ratlam railway station on May The Church does not promote or STM also hosted pre Christmas tea USJ through the fostering of friend- when 10 Christians were arrested 21, 2017. It was alleged that the propagate religious conversion,” fellowships for all. Participation in ships and mutual respect, irrespec- in two separate incidents for the al- Christians were taking the chil- said Archbishop Leo Cornelio forums and celebrations at the invi- tive of colour, race or creed. — By leged illegal religious conversion of dren for conversion in Nagpur, of Bhopal. — By Bijay Kumar tation of the other faiths enhanced Angeline Lesslar tribal children in Madhya Pradesh. a prominent city in neighboring Minj, ucanews.com Protests against St Joseph Church not intolerance JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Religious Karimun Regency Caring Alliance Fr Kristiono. Affairs Ministry has denied claims (APKK) sued the district agency that The parish obtained all the neces- that religious intolerance is behind released the building permits for the sary papers last October. The com- the protest against construction work church. mittee had been working on getting at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in A few days ago, Coordinating them since May 2012, when it asked Karimun, a remote regency in Riau Minister for Political, Legal, and for the support of local, mostly Mus- Islands province. Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, an- lim residents. The local Catholic parish has all nounced that the case had been set- The parish managed to collect the regular permits, and wants to tled, and that the parties had agreed 107 signatures from non-Catholic demolish the original building for to refrain from any action that could residents of Tanjung Balai, who ap- a larger structure to accommodate increase tensions. proved the project. more worshippers. Work on the church stopped 13 Under a 2006 ministerial decree Tensions resulted in a violent days ago after protests by APKK on procedures for building places of demonstration on February 6 when and the local United Muslim Forum. worship, every religious community scores of Islamic radicals gathered Protests against the construction of a larger Church of St Joseph in Karimum, The two groups are demanding that must obtain 90 signatures from its outside the parish building. Shout- located in the Riau Islands province. the structure, built 92 years ago by members and another 60 from other ing slogans and insults, they tried to the subject of a heated controversy (IMB).” He added that the church Dutch missionaries, be classified a residents before construction can go break in and even attack the church for weeks. renovation committee agreed to “place of historical interest,” thus ahead. spokesman. Returning from Karimun, Ubaidi- await Tanjungpinang State Admin- preventing any work on the building. The Tanjung Balai district of- On Feb 18, a Religious Affairs lah Amin Moech told the press that istrative Court in Batam to rule on a In reality, Islamists have asked fice issued a letter dated July 2, official released an update on the “there is no sectarian problem. The case related to the project. that the church be moved else- 2012, recommending rebuilding the long-running saga, which has been issue concerns only building permits Months ago, the Islamist-inspired where, said the local parish priest, church. — AsiaNews HERALD March 1, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear Children, about a time when Jesus was tempted Then Jesus was led by the Let's Colour All of us face temp- three times. tation. What is Three times the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptation? devil tempted Jesus tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1) Temptation is want- and tried to get him ing to do something to sin. Did He? NO! which we know we Jesus did the right should not do. For thing each time. He example, you have remembered what some homework that the Scriptures said is due tomorrow, but and it helped him this is the day your to resist the devil's favorite program temptation. is on television. It Children, some- is easy to convince times we may be yourself that you will tempted to do the have time to do your wrong thing. It will homework after your help us to do what show is over. Jesus did and call on Do you think that the Bible to help us Jesus ever faced resist temptation! temptation? The Bi- Let's pray and ble tells us that Je- thank God for giving sus "was tempted in us the Bible to help every way, just as we us live the way He are—yet he did not wants us to live. sin." (Hebrews 4:15) In our Gospel reading Love today, we will learn Aunty Eliz

Jesus’ Temptation : Spot the Differences Sort the Story! Compare the picture on the top with the picture on What happened when Jesus had prayed and fasted for bottom. Circle the 12 things that are different forty days in the desert? See if you can sort out the order of these pictures. Write 1 on the first,

2 on the second and so on. Answers to picture puzzle inside: top:4,6 middle: 5,1 bottom: 2,3 2,3 bottom: 5,1 middle: top:4,6 inside: puzzle picture to Answers HERALD YYOOUTHUTH March 1, 2020 OLL youths learn that serving is a JOY LANG: The from Trichy and Chennai, and Chuch of Our our very own Fr Frederick Jo- Lady of Lourdes seph for their presence and K knowledge. (OLL) celebrated her After the opening Mass, Feastday February 5. the youths rang bells outside Parishioners and pil- church to proclaim that a grims gathered eve- miracle was happening in the Community Hall. The cast and ryday for 10 days, crew had quietly taken their dedicating a novena places before the congrega- to Mother Mary’s in- tion filled and overflowed the tention for St Berna- Hall. Around 800 parishioners dette of Lourdes — to and pilgrims were taken back in time to Mother Mary’s ap- pray for sinners. parition to St Bernadette at Every year, in conjunction Massabieille, Lourdes in the with the Feast, the parish youth 1800s. The Song of Berna- will hold their annual Youth dette inspired viewers to light Rally. This year, the theme was a candle at the church’s real To serve is my Joy taken from grotto after. Youths of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang. Collosians 3:23 - “Work at it We’d like to accredit the with all your heart, as though 2020 Confirmands of OLL for as Fr Stanley shared his vari- On Sunday morning, partici- where many youths were over- you were working for the Lord undertaking the play’s produc- ous insights on fulfilment. They pants were engaged in inter- whelmed, giving thanks for the and not for human beings”. tion as their final assignment probed young minds to seek preting the Word of God with- presence of the Holy Spirit. Enlightening speakers and glorifying God with their the meaning of true happiness. out using words. By opening Relying on the Catholic faith, graced the rally with their wis- talents. The Youth Ministry’s Advisor hearts and minds to listen to the young people received dom. We were blessed to also It was a poetic way to kick- then led a session of repent- God and one another, speak- God in the Word and Spirit, have them as the priests cele- start the Youth Rally as St Ber- ance before ending Day 1 in ers quoted scripture in teach- and then in the flesh. Sunday’s brating Masses throughout the nadette gave her life to serving self-reflection and The Sacra- ing the true meaning of service sunset celebration saw the rally 10-day celebrations. We thank Christ on Earth. ment of Reconciliation - prepar- as Jesus told it in the Gospels. burning with a Spirit of desire Fr Stanley Antoni, Fr Sebastian On the second day, all youths ing for the heavy journey with Fr Albert and Fr Gopi led the to praise, sing and dance for Albert and Fr Gopi Emmanuel gathered at Wisma Lourdes the Holy Spirit the next day. In-Filling of the Holy Spirit the Lord. Loud voices rang true and through the congregation declaring the many that were touched by God. As the 172 participants re- turned home to reality, may Mother Mary’s promise to St Bernadette follow them home too: “I do not promise that you will be happy in this world but I give you my word that hap- piness awaits you in Heaven”. Thank you to everyone who participated in the OLL Youth Rally 2020, we hope to keep these valuable friendships in our journey towards God. — By Social Communications Interpreting the Word of God through drawing. Praise and worship Ministry, OLL HERALD March 1, 2020 Youth 17 Preparing Empowered for Weekend Away 2020 Sabah BAU: The Empowered Weekend Away (EWA20) Youth Day 5 was held January 10-12 at the Christian Wor- ship Centre (CWC). The rain did not stop the fire in the hearts of the youths to learn more about Jesus, as 70 youths gathered on the first day with an opening Mass presided by Fr Ra- mon Borja, SDB. Seeing the youths, Fr Ramon also expressed his excitement at these young hearts’ willingness to forego their weekend ac- tivities to connect with God and grow deeper in faith. The intention of this camp was to give youths an avenue to deepen their faith and build an intimate relationship with God, as well as some PAPAR: Sabah Youth Day-5 (SYD-5) will be held resources and tools to assist, and equip them July 25-31, 2020 at Holy Rosary Parish, Limbahau with their tertiary studies or work. and St Joseph, Papar. The guest speaker for the Weekend Away was The Sabah Youth Day is held once every four years Deacon Adrian Ng, whose passion is for cam- with the three Arch/dioceses (Kota Kinabalu, Sanda- pus youths. Throughout the weekend, Deacon Participants of Empowered Weekend Away 2020, comprising Form 5 school leavers, college/university students and young working adults. kan and Keningau) coming together as one. Ng shared many stories and insights through The chosen theme is Here I am, the servant of the his years of experience with youths. He also Testimonies: Lord; let it be with me according to your word. (Luke taught facts, Catechism and engaged the camp- 1:38). ers in learning to use and study the Bible. In he theme Righteousness was taken o not be afraid but to always It is estimated that about 3,000 youths from all addition, Deacon Ng stressed the importance from Isaiah 42:6. It was indeed have the courage. With God, around Sabah will participate in this event. of focusing on God whenever one feels lost, “Tvery refreshing with the assurance for the “T‘Nothing is Impossible’ and when The main organising committee, as well as the oth- especially when these youths are transitioning youth ministry to start new and afresh. we follow God, we will never ever er teams (Secretariat, Technical, Security, Logistics, from Secondary School to tertiary education. God has spoken to each of us and it is such go wrong but He will lead us and Media, Liturgy, Spiritual, Protocol, Transport and Besides the formative sessions, there was an uplifting moment for all campers. Last show us the right path.” — Anne, Fundraising), are working hard to prepare for SYD-5. also a time for games which promoted unity weekend was indeed a fruitful one. Seeing Swinburne They are calling for all youths in Sabah age 15-45 and teamwork. There were also periods for these young ones commit and say ‘yes’ to to register for SYD-5 before the closing date April 1, praise and worship when the youths lifted their Jesus is one of the impactful sights to see. fter being prayed over, I felt a 2020. voices to sing and pray. Through a session, the Indeed, it was a blessing to be part of this sense of sheer joy for no rea- Take this opportunity to meet youths from the other campers also spent some time to pray for oth- and definitely a great start for 2020.”— “Ason. I didn’t see him nor was there diocese. Contact your respective Parish Youth team to ers and the various areas of need such as for Kelvin, youth leader anyone talking, just an overwhelming register. families, campuses, the persecuted and global sense of happiness in my heart.” — happenings such as the devastating Australian ruly struggled and it bothered me Zachary, Ara Institute, Canterbury bushfires and the war in Iran. until I felt like I lost the sense of This EWA20 serves as a reminder to camp- “Tbelonging in everything I did even with tarting from now, I will proudly ers that they are created in God’s righteous- people around me either in the ministry serve under His kingdom again. ness, each created for a purpose. Many camp- or my daily lifestyle. I tried to talk to my- “SBecause I believe there’s so much ers have had challenging times and rainy days self and develop positive thoughts inside more to discover together with Him. but this camp has opened their eyes, reignited of me, but it didn’t work like it used to. As for my growth in faith, I think I am and empowered them to lead their lives right- That’s why, going for EWA20 was indeed going to deepen my faith with God eously towards their purpose. — Empowered the right decision or calling I’ve made in by leading a prayerful life” — Aaron, Ministry Kuching, Today’s Catholic my life.” — Elnieshernie, UNIMAS Politechnic Kuching Franciscan youth pledge to work for peace CHENNAI: More than 300 young people them to participate in the life of the parish, said from several states in India pledged to work Capuchin Father John Sekar, who is part of the for peace in society at a three-day program in team to take care of the youth. Chennai. Youth from Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, “We, the Franciscan youth, pledge that we Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana, min- shall be instruments of peace in our fami- gled with Franciscan trainees from Andhra lies, parishes and society,” stated a resolution Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to experi- adopted at the January 31-February 2 Francis- ence the joy of Brotherhood and Sisterhood, can Youth Meet (FRAYME) 2020. Fr Sekar added. The Youth Meet was held at St Sebastian’s In his keynote address, Fr Praveen D’Souza Parish, Madhavaram, Chennai. referred to Christus Vivit (Christ Lives) of Pope The Capuchins’ Secretariat for Evangelisa- Francis to urge the youth to experience God’s tion and Mission has brought together young personal love for each one, to discern and trust people from Franciscan parishes in India to in God’s plan for one’s life and to be always Franciscan youths from several states in India come together for Franciscan Youth Meet. teach them the Franciscan values and motivate ‘online’ with God, and never to give up. The event began with the youth of the host placards calling for peace and singing the parish leading the procession of the Francis- hymns of being instruments of peace in dif- can San Damiano Cross, followed by ven- ferent languages. eration. On Feb 2, Fr Vincent Chinnadurai, the About 16 different groups of Franciscan episcopal vicar for Religious in the Arch- parish youth and young Franciscans intro- diocese of Chennai, expressed happiness for duced themselves to the gathering in a crea- FRAYME 2020. He said the archdiocese has tive manner highlighting the activities of declared 2020 as the year of youth. their parishes and the culture of the state. Fr Kasi Rayappa, an eco-activist from the Gathered for the Eucharist in the newly diocese of Vellore, spoke to the youth about constructed St. Sebastian’s Church, the the increasing need for eco-care, a major youth sang hymns in their native languages. concern of St. Francis and the Franciscans Fr Charles Bernard, in his homily, urged the worldwide. He appealed to the youth that youth to pray, “Lord, what do you want me becoming instruments of peace was not pos- to do?”. sible without sufficient care and activism to- Different groups of Franciscan parish youth and young Franciscans introduced themselves in a The participants then went on a three-km wards the environment. — By C V Joseph, creative way. (photo/daijiworld) peace march with lighted candles, holding Matters India HERALD March 1, 2020 23 For more enquiries, please contact: Email: [email protected] m e m o r i a m Tel: 03-2026 8290 / 03-2026 8291

5th Anniversary 9th Anniversary 56th Anniversary In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of

Mr Jagarow Rathinam P. C. Gomez Founder - President of National s/o Anthony Rathinam Union of Bank Employees Departed: 06-03-2011 Born: 27-01-1918 Died: 03-03-1964 To live is to love with MARY CLARA PEREIRA all our heart. The greatest “Eternal rest grant unto him, thing in all his life was O Lord, and may perpetual Called to the Lord: 1 March 2016 serving you, Heavenly light shine upon him. May his We hold you close within our hearts Father. Please grant him soul rest in peace. Amen” and there you will remain EUNICE PAUL eternal Rest and Blessings. Fondly remembered by: Beloved wife Matilda, sons, until we meet again in the Lord. Deeply missed Called to the Lord: 2nd March 2015 daughter, daughters-in-law, Miss and love you dearly and remembered by son-in-law, grandchildren We thank you for the love you have shown Family & Loved ones. and loved ones. Sampson, Clifton & Ewan, Sharon & Ben. Though we can’t see you or touch you 3rd Anniversary We feel you are near and when In Ever Loving In Precious Memory of Our Beloved Memory of We listen with our hearts, we feel your love all around us Fold her O Jesus in thine arms and let her Our Dear Amma Henceforth be a messenger of love SYLVESTER RAJARATNAM Between our hearts and thee. 26/10/1948 ~ 03/03/2017 Eternal rest grant unto Eunice, O Lord, Our Darling Athan & Anyah And let perpetual light shine upon her. It has been three years May her soul rest in peace. Amen. And we miss you so much. You were the most important Part of our life. Forever loved and remembered by And we treasure the memories Husband : Joe Of everything we shared together. Children : Sean Deeply loved and forever cherished by: : Brian – Simone Wife: Fatimah Mary : Cheryl – Yasser @ Queenie Arokiasamy : Ron – Justine Children: Priscilla Ann Raj & A. Agnes Grandchildren : Aidan. Tristan, Samir, Imran, Liam, Roshan, Ethan Aaron Jeevan Raj, Rajaratnam In-Laws, Grandchildren & Loved Ones. 08-08-1929 ~ 17-03-2009 A Tribute to TWO Precious Souls In Loving Memory of 3rd Anniversary Our Mother In Loving Memory of You left me

5th Anniversary 14th Anniversary beautiful memories, Your love is still my guide, And though I cannot see you I feel you by my side...

Fondly remembered by Children / Spouse Sylvester / Mary SAVARIMUTHU s/o THOMAS F. A. Moses @ Queenie SOOSAIMUTHU SAVARIMUTHU PHILIPPE SOOSAY 15th June 1928 – 3rd March 2017 Isabel/Andrew (ex-KTM, Sentul) (GSM, GREAT EASTERN LIFE) Wife of the Late Mariasoosay Raiappan Elias/Roseline The world changes from year to year, Began Eternal Life: Began Eternal Life: 3rd Jan 1930 – 2nd March 2015 Jude/Arasu March 2, 2015 March 1, 2006 Our lives from day to day, Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her, O Lord. But the love and memory of you, Grandchildren “The Legacies You Both Lived & Left Continue And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Her. In The Lives You Touched & Transformed...” Shall never fade away. Priscilla, Naomi, May Her Soul Rest In Peace. Amen. Aaron, Arnold & Trice, Gratefully cherished by: Deeply missed and fondly remembered by Wife Roseammal, Daughter Jessie & Family, Dearly missed and forever cherished by Wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren, In-Laws & loved ones. and Sons, Benedict & Robert & their Families. your Children and all loved ones. and loved ones. Evangelisation: Catholics in China We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY March 1, 2020 Pope urges bishops to promote peace and counteract populist hate speech BARI: Seeking to promote peace a table in front of the altar of the mission of the faith and the pro- in the region around the Mediter- church of St Nicholas, which dates motion of peace, “it is the physical ranean Sea, Pope Francis spoke to the 11th century. He addressed and spiritual locus where our civi- out against those who conduct or bishops at the end of their four- lisation took shape as a result of foster armed conflict in the area, day gathering at which they had the encounter of diverse peoples.” and against populist leaders who discussed how to foster peace, Today, he said, “globalisation has stir up fear and hate towards mi- promote dialogue between the re- highlighted the role of the Medi- grants and advocate the building gion’s peoples, religions and cul- terranean as a crossroads of inter- of walls. He did so when he ad- tures and cooperate together to ests and important social, political, dressed a gathering of some 50 create a climate of hospitality for religious and economic currents. bishops from the 19 countries refugees and migrants. The Mediterranean remains a stra- bordering the Mediterranean Sea, The gathering, which began tegic region whose equilibrium in the southern Italian city of Bari Feb 19 was organised by the Ital- has an impact on the other parts of Feb 23. ian Episcopal Conference. Francis the world.” “The preaching of the Gospel thanked its president Cardinal Bas- Francis reminded the bishops cannot be detached from com- setti for inviting him. He recalled that “the ultimate goal of every mitment to the common good; Pope Francis attends the meeting, Mediterranean Frontier of Peace, at the that it was his second visit to Bari, human society is peace” and add- it impels us to act tirelessly as Basilica of St Nicholas in Bari, Italy, Feb. 23, 2020. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) a city “so important for its links ed, “there is no real alternative to peacemakers,” Francis stated. solved conflict between Israelis war that “by allocating resources with the Middle East and Africa,” peace-making.” Aware that fighting continued in and Palestinians, with the dan- to the acquisition of weapons and that “always fostered ecumenical He noted that today in different Libya and northern Syria even as ger of inequitable solutions and, military power, diverts those re- and interreligious dialogue, work- social contexts, “there is a grow- he spoke, he highlighted the fact hence, a prelude to new crises.” sources from vital social needs, ing tirelessly to create bonds of ing attitude of indifference and that “the Mediterranean region is His reference to “inequitable solu- such as the support of families, mutual esteem and fraternity.” He even rejection that reflects the currently threatened by outbreaks tions” appears to be his first public health care and education.” St last came here in July 2018 to meet mentality, condemned in many of of instability and conflict, both in comment on the much-criticised John XXIII said “war is contrary leaders of the Christian communi- the Gospel parables, of those who, the Middle East and in the differ- proposal presented by President to reason,” today Francis added, ties of the Middle East “to help our caught up in their own wealth and ent countries of North Africa, as Donald Trump as a solution to the “[war] is genuine madness.... It is sister Churches to journey together freedom, are blind to others who, well as between various ethnic, more than 70-year-old conflict. a kind of folly to which we cannot and feel closer to one another.” by speaking out or by the very fact religious or confessional groups.” Then in words that would have resign ourselves: war can never be In his talk, Francis recalled that, of their poverty, are pleading for Significantly, he added, “Nor particular significance in the- re considered normal.” historically the Mediterranean has help.” — By Gerard O’Connell, can we overlook the still unre- gion, Francis strongly denounced Francis read his text, seated at been a crucial area for the trans- America Pope recognises miracle in Lent: An Explainer ost Catholics, even those sainthood cause of young tech whiz Mwho don’t often go to Mass, know that Lent is a time for Friday VATICAN: Pope Francis formally Before his death from leukaemia Fish Fries and “giving something recognised a miracle attributed to in 2006, Acutis was an average teen up.” But many Catholics wonder the intercession of Carlo Acutis, a with an above-average knack for what exactly the Church requires 15-year-old Italian teenager who the computers. He put that knowledge during Lent, and why. Pope has said, is a role model for to use by creating an online database Here are a few points that might young men and women today. of Eucharistic miracles around the help you have a great Lent this In a meeting Feb 22 with Cardinal world. year: Giovanni Angelo Becciu, prefect of Salzano told CNS that her son’s the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, work, which included a travelling What is Lent? the Pope advanced the sainthood exhibition of eucharistic miracles, At the beginning of his public life, 40 days. When he left the desert, causes of Acutis, as well as one has been displayed “on every con- Jesus was baptized by his cousin he began calling his disciples and woman and seven men, including tinent" and was the inspiration be- John the Baptist in the Jordan apostles, as the mission that led to Jesuit Fr Rutilio Grande and his two hind the documentary, Segni (Signs) River. John was a prophet and a his crucifixion had begun. companions who were murdered in which was produced by the Vatican Carlo Acutis preacher, and he urged people to The Church says that Lent is a El Salvador in 1977. Dicastery for Communication in be baptized as a sign of their re- 40-day period of unity with “the The Vatican announced Feb 23 are often tempted by the traps of October 2018. pentance from sin. mystery of Jesus in the desert.” that the Pope had signed the decrees. “self-absorption, isolation and emp- His devotion to spreading the After Jesus was baptized, ac- By sacrificing small things, as Antonia Salzano, Acutis’ mother ty pleasure.” word about Eucharistic miracles cording to the Gospel of Matthew, well as fasting, praying, and giving said that the news of the Pope’s “Carlo was well-aware that the around the world, as well as his up- the Holy Spirit descended upon to charity, Catholics are invited to approval made her “really, really whole apparatus of communica- coming beatification “is an occasion him “like a dove,” and a voice experience a period of prayer like happy.” tions, advertising and social net- to make Carlo’s spirituality known from heaven said “This is my be- the one Jesus experienced, and to “Pope Francis has always been working can be used to lull us, to to those who don’t know him,” loved Son, with whom I am well prepare themselves to resist Sa- close to Carlo; he quoted him in make us addicted to consumerism Salzano said. pleased.” tan’s temptation, and fulfil the mis- Christus Vivit, and this was a great and buying the latest thing on the “Carlo did it with great love be- People were amazed, but Jesus sion God has given the Church. privilege in that he cited him as an market, obsessed with our free time, cause he wanted everyone to love immediately went away by him- Lent comes before Easter, and is example for young people in the caught up in negativity,” the Pope the Blessed Sacrament and place it self into the desert. There he fast- a preparation for that feast, which whole world,” Salzano said. wrote. first, something that he would do by ed and prayed, and while he was is one of the most important in the In Christus Vivit (Christ Lives), “Yet he knew how to use the new going to Mass every day as well as there, Satan appeared to him three Church’s life. — CNA Pope Francis’ exhortation on young communications technology to by participating in the adoration of times, tempting him. people, he said the teen was a role transmit the Gospel, to communi- the Blessed Sacrament,” she said. Jesus stayed in the desert for l To be continued next week model for young people today who cate values and beauty,” he said. — By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS