December 15 to December 21 , 2010 www.scross.co.za R10,00 (incl VAT RSA) Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4706

The year 2010 Recalling a Christmas century of in review in the movies Christmases Pages 13-15 Page 25 Page 3 ) 4 7 - 2 0 6 1 (

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” y t i v i t a N “ 2 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 CHRISTMAS What would you get Jesus on his birthday?

BOUT 2000 years ago, three wise men that came to AJudea, the area around Nwabisa Jansen Jerusalem and Bethlehem, having (left), 10, and seen a star that signalled the birth Mbalentle Sili, 10 : of the Messiah. The men jour - “Respect, joy, joy - neyed to Bethlehem following the fulness and food, star which led them to the infant like baby food. Jesus. When they finally reached And a teddy bear the cave where Jesus was sheltered, and nothing else.” they presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. On December 25, as Christians the world over celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, they give each other presents. The Southern Cross asked the Grade 4 learners of St Mary’s School in Cape Town what gifts the three wise men might give Jamie Wessels, 11: “Love by shar - Jesus if he was born today. Tsholofelo Tuge, 11: “Clothes. I ing, and a PSP [PlayStation think tracksuits.” Portable].”

HOLY SPIRIT CENTRE

(CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL Vhutshilo Ndlovu, 9: “A baby WESTERN CAPE) bottle and a PlayStation.” Oyintando Nata, 9: “He would get pre - sents. Games, fighting games.” The principal, staff Brian and learners of Kayagondo, Loreto Convent 10: “He would School , Skinner get music–love Street, Pretoria, wish music. It would all parents, friends be love music and colleagues a very from Justin Bieber and blessed, happy and Michael Jack - holy Christmas and a We wish the Catholic Renewal Vasha McLachlan, 11: “I think son’s Heal the peaceful, joyous Jacques Leibrandt, 9: “An an iPod with baby music, nurs - World , and New Year. iPod with some gospel ery rhymes and Catholic nobody else.” Our prayer is that and all our patrons a blessed music.” songs.” everyone will Christmas and abundant experience the happiness and joy the blessing in 2011. Catholic Liturgical Arts coming of the Christ- From management and staff child brings to the To all our many customers, thank you world and that all P.O. BOX 925 MAITLAND 7404 lives will be filled 161A CORONATION RD. MAITLAND for your valued support during the with gladness. Tel: 27 21 021-510 2988 year. We wish you a blessed Christmas Fax: 27 21 021-510 7699 and all the very best for 2011. E-mail: [email protected] Merry Christmas to (SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: Reverend Father Emmanuel Siljeur) all our clients. Thank you for your support .

A blessed and peaceful Christmas season to all our family, friends and failthful clients.

From: Management & Staff, CB Industrial & Fastener Suppliers, Port Elizabeth

FELIS NAVIDAD

His Lordship Bishop Emeritus Erwin Hecht, Archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo, Br President D D Madden, Principal Ms A N Dondolo, past principals Br T M Dolan, Br M A O’Brien, The Christian Brothers, priests and nuns of the Diocese of Kimberley, past and present teachers, parents and students. CHRISTMAS The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 3 Over a century of Christmas memories

Italian immigrant, said she grew then, the Dominican priest has Margherita Blaser’s earliest up understanding Christmas as a often appeared on television and Christmas memory goes back time for the family to be together. radio, ultimately founding South It was also when her mother was Africa’s only Catholic radio sta - to 1911. Still, Christmas allowed to relax. tion. “My mother didn’t have to The festive season sees multiple remains special even today, cook. My father would make ravio - celebrations in the Blaser house - as she tells CLAIRE li on special days like Christmas, hold. It was on Boxing Day in and all the men would do all sorts 1931 that John Blaser married Mrs MATHIESON. of things in the kitchen.” Blaser. The ravioli that was served is “My husband was one in a mil - something that Mrs Blaser holds lion. He never complained and ITH 106 Christmases very dear to her heart. Having was always satisfied.” The couple under her belt, Margheri - learnt the art of cooking ravioli at was married for 49 years. Wta Blaser could be consid - the tender age of ten, today Mrs Mrs Blaser said that particular ered an expert on the feast. Even Blaser can still be seen busy mak - Christmas in 1931 was a quiet one, after so many, the parishioner of ing the dish in her kitchen and however the rest have been dedi - St Ignatius church in Claremont, sometimes at cooking demonstra - cated to celebrating the birth of Cape Town, maintains it is a “spe - tions. Christ, and the anniversary has cial and important day for the Before Mrs Blaser’s father, a been given the back seat. family”. trained carpenter, and brothers Mrs Blaser said the celebrations Mrs Blaser said that Christmas built the area’s first Catholic are “simple yet important”. The today is very different from her church, the Christmas Masses of gift-giving is fun, she said, but it is earliest memories of 99 years ago. her youth in Philippi were cele - for children. “Today, too many She recalled her earliest festive brated in the homes of the com - people are worried about shop - memories on her family’s Philippi munity. ping. It’s a different way of living farm outside Cape Town where she “Fr James Kelly used to cycle on today altogether.” grew up. his bicycle all the way from Ron - She said Christmas can be a fun “When I was seven years old, debosch to celebrate Mass with us time for children—who should my brothers and I were given a in Philippi every Sunday.” To this have noisy presents and be white linen pillow slip to hang up day she is “astounded” by the dis - allowed to run around and have on Christmas Eve. In the morning tance the first editor of The South - fun. it was full of presents!” ern Cross travelled to celebrate Food is an important part of the While the gifts were exciting, Mass. Christmas festivities in most fami - Mrs Blaser said the best memories lies, and the Blaser family is no The traditions that were estab - Margherita Blaser is looking forward to her 107th Christmas with her family, over the years have more to do exception. Mrs Blaser, the onetime lished in the early 1900s remain which she says is the most important thing about the day. (Photo: Claire owner of an award-winning restau - with the people with whom she strong in the Blaser household. Mathieson) has shared the holiday. “My father was strict about Christ - rant in Cape Town, recalls the “My father was a farmer and mas. We always got the family food from many of the Christmas supplied seven of Cape Town’s together and that is something celebrations. hotels with chickens, eggs and veg - that we still do today.” “We ate wonderful dishes— thoughts. The avid gardener much. Christmas is very different etables three times a week.” These turkey, legs of lamb, chicken and believes the secret to long life is today, but the thing that stands hotels included The Royal, a presti - rs Blaser has been a successful of course, there always had to be a “good, clean living”. out in my memory is the people I gious hotel in its heyday, and the Mrestaurateur, acclaimed dress pasta dish. I also remember my And the secret to a memory- shared it with and what we did famous Mount Nelson. Due to the designer and cooking instructor. mother used to make a trifle with filled Christmas is family? together”. family’s dealings with many in the She is also proud mother for four. cream straight off the farm.” “It’s important to remember This year, Mrs Blaser will be city, the festive season brought One of them is Fr Emil Blaser OP. Despite the lavish what Christmas is all about. celebrating her 107th Christmas, many visitors to the farm. She recalled how young Emil Christmas fare, on the Today people seem to shop too sharing it with people she loves. “We as children were expected from an early age played being a whole it is “simplicity” to help with certain things and we priest. that Mrs Blaser attributes were mixed up with all these visi - It was around one Advent when to her age. She abstains tors. Christmas was always an the matriculant Emil “coolly” from alcohol and feels tele - exciting time.” informed his parents that he vision today does not fill Mrs Blaser, whose father was an would like to be a priest. Since the mind with positive 4 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 CHRISTMAS Christmas on the streets Mary’s cathedral, or from visitors make available the Job Mail , a and overseas tourists they meet newspaper advertising employ - For many homeless people, on the streets of Cape Town. ment. Medical students from Rachel says they are faced with Wits University look after those Christmas mean just another many hardships, one being who need medical help. day on the street, as NEILAN Bertus’ epilepsy condition. Mrs Schneider said Braam - Explaining how bad his condi - fontein’s SVP hosts an annual ADAMS reports. tion is, Bertus says that he was Christmas party for the homeless once arrested for breaking a shop two weeks before Christmas. window. He says he had a fit and Additionally, the parishes’ soup fell into the window and kitchen is operational through - smashed it. The case was later out the festive season, making CITY street filled with peo - dropped. this time of year more joyful and ple can be a lonely place Rachel says harassment from bearable for the destitute. for a homeless person. A gangsters is also a constant prob - Mrs Schneider said that during We jostle hurriedly passed lem which makes them feel very the Christmas season many of them eager to get to our destina - tion, or are simply put off by unsafe. the homeless people in the area Rachel Le Roux stands outside the gates of St Mary’s Cathedral that assists their pestering for money, and The couple feels that Christ - “would love to go home to their many destitute people. Bertus Le Roux (below), who lives on the streets of food or drunkenness. As Christ - mas is a special time that they families, but finances prohibit Cape Town, is a well-known face to many who frequent the area. (Photos: mas approaches, people become wish they could spend with this, both from their side and Neilan Adams) busier than ever and we often “family and old friends”, but from us”. forget or think that we are inca - most of them have either passed Providing for the homeless pable of helping those less fortu - away or are in the Eastern Cape. during Christmas time, like any nate than ourselves. Bertus cries when he recalls bet - other time of the year, has its dif - While we are preparing for a ter days spent with family during ficulties. For Mrs Schneider and bountiful Christmas, it will be Christmas, memories which he her team, one of these resides in just another day for others, no cherishes dearly. discerning “which story to different from the last. For many They both admit to usually believe and which one is just homeless people, the joy of spending Christmas day on the someone who is hoping to get Christmas is lost because of their street. They receive a plate of some money for drinking”. dire circumstances. food and material goods from St Another difficulty is a shortage Bertus Le Roux, who lives on Mary’s parishioners, they add. of clothing and especially shoes the streets of central Cape Town, to hand out. Mrs Schneider says is one such homeless person. here are many Catholics who her parish’s SVP never has Bertus, who is originally from Texpress Christ’s love for the enough stock “so obtaining sec - Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, poor throughout the year, but try ond-hand shoes is one of our has been living on the streets to add a little more at Christmas. biggest challenges”. with his partner Rachel Le Roux One such group is the Society Mrs Schneider believes the bal - for the past 13 years. of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) at ance between being strict and Bertus recently suffered a Holy Trinity parish in Braam - giving is very tricky. stroke and needs crutches to fontein, Johannesburg. “We know that at times we walk. Now he says he simply sits The SVP assists the homeless might give money or goods to and waits for handouts from with food, clothes, shoes, blan - the wrong person, and at other passers-by. kets, ID photos, pension assis - times might refuse to give to the faith and with love and respect SVP is replicated throughout Most days he and Rachelare tance, and transport assistance, right person.” for all, one cannot be responsible South Africa, just as there are lucky enough to get something says Emily Schneider, president She says one has to be mindful for and sure of every decision. people like Bertus and Rachel in to eat from Mass-goers at St of the parish’s SVP. They also that as long as one works in good The work of Braamfontein’s every city in the country.

Tangney Special Interest Tours To our Archbishops, Bishops, Monsignore, Priests and Pilgrims. Be assured of our prayers for Christmas. May the Lord bless and keep you now, and throughout 2011 December 15 to December 21 , 2010 www.scross.co.za Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4706

The editor and staff of The Southern Cross wish all our readers, advertisers, associates, friends and supporters a blessed and joyful Christmas, and a happy, peaceful 2011. After scare, pope will be on TV this Christmas

By CLAIRE MATHIESON nicated this throughout the year. A few days later, the SABC HIS year’s papal Christmas announced that the broadcast of Mary and Child Eve Mass from St Peter’s basil - the papal Mass was on again. poster next week Tica in the Vatican will be Ed Worster, the SABC’s acting broadcast on December 24 on general manager of content, SABC 3—and the South African acknowledged that the corporation Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) had not communicated effectively has untertaken to transmit the with Fr Townsend and the SACBC. Mass every year. However, he told The Southern The Mass also be broadcast live Cross , there had not been a specific on Radio Veritas, which can be decision by the SABC not to broad - accessed on DStv’s audio channel cast the Papal Mass. In fact, he 170 or streamed on the Internet (www.radioveritas.co.za ) said, “it was Fr Townsend who This year’s TV broadcast was decided to withdraw from the Raymond Perrier (left), director of the Jesuit Institute of South Africa, and almost cancelled due to what a arrangement on the basis that he Fr Michael van Heerden, rector of St Augustine College in Johannesburg, Church spokesman described as a had not yet heard from the SABC”. were unexpectedly sporting moustaches last month to mark “Mo-vember”, lack of professionalism and Fr Townsend said the SACBC could an awareness-raising campaign for men’s health issues such as prostate urgency from the SABC. not wait any longer and therefore and testicular cancer. After nearly a year of unsuccess - the decision had to be made. “Just as many men nowadays are embarrassed to grow moustaches, so ful negotiations with the SABC, Fr Noting the SABC’s regret for the they are also embarrassed to do things to keep themselves healthy,” Chris Townsend, head of Commu - breakdown in internal communi - explained Fr van Heerden. nications and Media for the South - cations at the corporation that led “We are not alone in this madness,” said Mr Perrier. “If you think that I ern African Catholic Bishops’ Con - to the situation, Mr Worster looked like Sammy Davis Jr, you should see Fr Anthony Egan, who ference (SACBC), issued a state - informed Fr Townsend that the SABC would be “able to accommo - resembled Stalin, and Fr Chris Chatteris, who looked like a Hollywood ment in early December that the Don’t miss next week’s issue matinee idol. Gus Hauptfleisch from Knights Insurance bore a passing Papal Midnight Mass could not be date the broadcast of the Papal with a fuLL-PAgE POSTER of resemblance to Tom Selleck!” broadcast because the SABC had Mass, as we have done so for a French painter William-Adolphe The five temporary moustaches helped raise almost R 7 000 for the health not responded in a “timely or pro - number of years”. Bouguereau’s beautiful painting clinic for homeless men which is held weekly at the Jesuit-run church in fessional manner to our repeated Fr Townsend said the bishops’ of “Virgin of the Lilies”. Braamfontein, Johannesburg. (Photo: Else Strivens) requests and expressions of inter - conference was very pleased that Out on December 22 est to broadcast”. the SABC will broadcast this year’s “As we spend a considerable papal Christmas Eve Mass. amount of money on this broad - He said it is regrettable that the outweighed the issues. cast both in technical service fees decision was not finalised in time Fr Townsend said the airing of and advertising, a timely response for full preparation, as much the Mass on national television Pope in a solar ride? is necessary,” Fr Townsend said in advertising and technical planning meant the pope’s message was the statement, adding that the was needed for a successful broad - more accessible to more people. bishops had shown interest imme - cast. However, he said, the impor - By CAROL GLATz its buildings. “The broadcast is important for diately after the broadcast of the tance of being able to bring the Some 305 tonnes of carbon many people who are unable to 2009 Papal Mass, and had commu - pope’s message to South Africa OPE Benedict would wel - dioxide emissions, or CO2, have attend Midnight Mass and it is come having an electric been avoided because of the Vat - important to many who are Ppopemobile as a further ican’s solar installations, said a unable to attend Mass at all.” sign of his commitment to pro - Vatican press release. He said the pope’s message is of tecting natural resources and Pier Carlo Cuscianna, director wider interest than just the safeguarding the earth, accord - of technical services for Vatican Catholic Church, as the coverage ing to Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, City, told reporters that plans to of the papal visit to Britain in Sep - president of the commission supply Vatican City with a fleet tember showed. governing Vatican City State. of electric vehicles were in a Mr Worster stressed that the If a sponsor offered the pope “well-advanced” stage. SABC had no problem with airing an electric-powered vehicle that Milan Nitzscke, head of com- religious-themed content, pointing out the SABC has one of the most “was in working order, efficient munication for SolarWorld, told representative religious portfolios and suitable, why not? It would reporters that it would be possi - of any public broadcaster, and “the be a sign of his environmental ble for the popemobile to be SABC’s religious broadcasting poli - concern,” Cardinal Lajolo said at powere d with electricity—even cy ensures fair and equitable repre - a Vatican news conference to from its own solar panels. present a new book, The Energy of sentation of the diverse religious An electric popemobile is just communities in South Africa.” the Sun in the Vatican , about the an idea so far, he said, and “we Fr Townsend said he was Vatican’s solar power initiatives. have to discuss with [Vatican] relieved that the problem issue Through the generosity of the security” to assure them that resided not in the intentions of Bonn-based company Solar - the car would be safe, secure the SABC but in the internal World, the Vatican installed and fast. issues. 2 400 solar panels on the roof of Security personnel would Mr Worster confirmed the that the Paul VI audience hall in need the car to have “fast accel - the papal Christmas Eve Mass 2008 and, in 2009, the Vatican eration,” he said, adding that an Pope Benedict celebrates the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican last year. would be scheduled annually as of set up several high-tech solar electri c car can go from 0 to After initial confusion, the SABC will broadcast the papal Mass, which is this year to ensure similar prob - collectors to help heat and cool 100km/h in 3,5 seconds.—CNS transmitted live to homes around the world. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) lems do not occur in the future.

Wishing all our Benefactors, friends, staff The managers of and the editor of The Southern Cross a The Southern Cross very happy Christmas. Associates Campaign “In gentleness and peace he wish all its supporters comes, may he fill your hearts a blessed Christmas with joy in this holy season” and a The Sisters of Nazareth, Durban peaceful 2011 6 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 LOCAL

Singing animals (and humans) in Volunteering benefits all candlelight theatrical presentation By CLAIRE MATHIESON OLUNTEERING benefits HE Durban Catholic Players Guild in association with the both the volunteer and Knights of Da Gama will be using live animals to stage and host Vthose in need. Ttheir Carols by Candlelight theatrical presentation on December This is the attitude that dri - 18, at 19.00, at Greyville Racecourse in Durban. ves the Edmund Rice Camps The animals together with all those in attendance will sing popular (ERC), a project that encour - Christmas carols. Those attending are asked to bring along a new or ages youth, aged 16-30 to vol - used toy to be donated. unteer their services to mak - A special processtion will also take place during the event. Bring ing a difference in the lives of along a picnic basket while enjoying the presentation. children in the Western Cape, Entry is free. many of whom have been For more information contact 08 3 28 6 2155. affected by HIV/Aids, abuse or have experienced poverty. The camps originated in 1979 at a Christian Brothers’ College (CBC) in Melbourne, Australia. According to Evona Rebelo, coordinator of the Edmund Rice Network in South Africa, the life and work of the Chris - tian Brothers’ founder—after whom the camps are named— is both the inspiration and basis of their work. “Through working, praying and dreaming together we make the vision of Edmund Rice a reality in our own lives A volunteer spends time with her “buddies” at the Edmund Rice Camp and the lives of the children, in Stellenbosch. young adults, agencies, insti - tutions and projects who are part of Edmund Rice Camps [in the] Western Cape.” schools to outreach.” She said donating money and goods. I The concept and the pro - the camps not only make a have had the privilege of wit - gramme have seen rapid difference in the lives of vul - nessing the transformative growth on account of its suc - nerable children, but also role that this experience has cess. Today the camps are facilitate a “powerful transfor - facilitated in the lives of the held across Australia and New mation in the lives of the young volunteers. Zealand, Tanzania, Paraguay, young volunteers who serve This type of service learn - Ireland and South Africa. on the camps”. ing nurtures empathy and Ms Rebelo said the camps Recruited from local challenges young people to aim to provide holidays, recre - schools and youth groups vol - critique the unjust structures ational activities and continu - unteers are paired with a that give rise to such disparity al support for children, fami - “buddy” for the duration of in society. It motivates them lies and young people who are the camp. Ms Rebelo said to work towards a more equi - disadvantaged. strong relationships are forged table society.” Children who attend the between the leaders and their Volunteers come from dif - camps experience friendship, buddies. ferent cultural, racial and learn from positive role mod - Jessica Dewhurst, a student socio-economic backgrounds els—the volunteering lead - from CBC Parklands, said the and receive training in first ers—and receive an opportu - experience taught her more aid, conflict management, nity to build self esteem and than she had expected. facilitation skills and child confidence. “I came to Camp three protection law. The camps also offer volun - years ago thinking that I was Ms Rebelo said the camps teers an opportunity to grow doing the kids a favour. were always on the lookout and develop as young adults Instead they gave so much to for assistance in the form of through leadership training. me. I always wanted to be a financial support, skills train - “Many children and youth fashion designer but now I ing and volunteers. in the Western Cape suffer know that my true calling is “Too many children lack great disadvantage resulting social work.” the sparkle that we see in the from the effects of broken The camps take place once eyes of a normal, happy child. family lives, abandonment, a month at the Christian ERC has a very specific role to abuse, neglect, gangsterism, Brothers’ Centre in play in bringing the smiles violence, poverty and Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. back onto the faces of our HIV/Aids,” Ms Rebelo said. They work in collaboration children. The camps attend to the needs with the social development They are taken out of their of these children by allowing agencies and provide vulnera - difficult situation and into an them to experience aspects of ble children with fun-filled environment where they can “normal childhood.” weekend and holiday pro- indeed experience joy and They host children aged 7- gammes whilst imparting laughter.” 13 and 14-16 with the volun - valuable life skills. She said the fact that one teers working one-on-one Ms Rebelo said there was a can do something to help is of with the children acting as need to recapture and pro - huge importance but the fact leaders and role models. mote core values of social jus - that volunteers will gain from Ms Rebelo, who is also a tice. She said the benefits to the experience is something CBC teacher, said the camps the children were clear and that should motivate young are enriching for those volun - positive, but added that often adults to get involved in this teering and those attending. the benefit of volunteering is “life changing experience”. “I am passionate about social forgotten. “This form of ser - I For more information on vol - justice and particularly about vice goes far beyond the con - unteering e-mail edmund exposing our young people in ventional charity response of [email protected]

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Send your news and photographs to: The Southern Cross, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 You can also email pics@scross. co.za LOCAL The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 7

Condoms and abstinence: Failed strategies

STAFF REPORTER the archbishop said. However, if sexuality is seen only “the contraceptive culture has con - Archbishop Brislin said that as a physical need that must be grat - tributed to a number of negative ROMOTION of condoms and amid all the tragedies of Aids, “per - ified, “it becomes trivialised and dis - social consequences”. calls for abstinence have both haps the greatest of all...is that after torted as a selfish pursuit of pleasure “This is so on three levels: The Pfailed as prevention strategies so many years, we have not been and entertainment, that dehuman - intrapersonal level where I suggest in the fight against HIV/Aids, able to turn the tide”. ises people and risks great injustice, there is an increasing number of according to the archbishop of Until recently, he said, govern - especially to the more vulnerable people who feel alienated and Cape Town. ment campaigns focused on the who may be used or even abused”, alone. One can seriously question Addressing an Aids Day Mass in promotion to “condomise”. he said. whether some are losing their abili - Lansdowne, Archbishop Stephen “The Church’s message has been Current culture emphasises a ty to form intimate long-term rela - Brislin stressed that “prevention abstinence before marriage and “shallow and physical” view of sex tionships. must be achieved by changing fidelity within marriage. By and that “excludes the emotional, spiri - “Secondly, on the inter-personal behaviour”. large, neither message has been tual and developmental aspects”, level, for example the difficulty of He also welcomed Pope Bene - adhered to,” he said. the archbishop said, adding that being able to trust others in a cul - dict’s recently published comment “The number of teenage preg - “the massive pornography industry ture of multi-partner relationships. that in certain circumstances con - nancies, and the increased number perpetuates this understanding of “Thirdly, on the level of society doms could be used to prevent of abortions, both testify that many sex”. this culture has had an enormous infection, but which also empha - people have not listened to the con - Contraceptives have fed this cul - impact on fidelity, and family life in sised “the dignity of sexuality”. domise message. Equally, they have ture, he said. “While many married general,” he said. “It is clear that he does not not listened to the Church’s mes - people use contraceptives not Archbishop Brislin said people regard condoms as a real or moral sage of abstinence and fidelity.” because they wish to live promiscu - with HIV should be accepted. solution to Aids. He gave an exam - Archbishop Brislin said many Archbishop Stephen Brislin ous lives but rather because they see “As Christians and Catholics, we ple of an exceptional situation people do not understand “what it as a pragmatic solution to eco - accept any person with the virus as where the life of a partner may be at the Church is teaching” on nomic and other difficulties, it can - a brother or sister, without judg - risk. At no time does he justify the HIV/Aids and sexuality. deepest experiences of our humani - not be denied that the mass avail - ment or wondering how they morally disordered exercise of sexu - “Our sexuality is a God-given gift ty is the ability of a man and ability of contraceptives has greatly became infected. ality, but the use of a condom to that when properly lived and inte - woman to enter into a lasting and contributed to a promiscuous cul - “As with any other person who diminish the risk of passing on grated into our lives leads to our committed relationship where the ture which in turn has certainly battles a disease, we treat those with infection may be ‘a first assumption development and actualisation as two sexes complement and com - contributed to the spread of HIV full-blown Aids as a person who is of responsibility’, a first movement human-beings,” he said. plete each other into becoming and Aids.” in need of compassion, support and towards a more human sexuality,” “One of the most profound and more fully human.” Archbishop Brislin noted that hope.” Faith flavoured jamming By CLAIRE MATHIESON N annual music event held at Bryanston’s Achurch of the Resurrec - tion in Johannesburg placed locally produced and per - formed Catholic music on show in effort to encourage the youth to embrace Christian lifestyles and to promote Catholic music. In its second year, parish youth coordinator Ashleigh van Kerckhoven said the event was “spectacular” and the “growth in the bands since last year’s event was amazing to see”. The event came about as an effort to unite the youth of the Catholic parishes in the area. Originally designed as a “battle of the bands”, Ms van Kerck - hoven said it was decided that a winning band was not neces - sary. The point was to grow faith through music, not create competition, she said. This year’s aim was to pro - vide an event where “youth Members of a Catholic band from Rivonia play to a crowd at the Jam can come [and] watch various for Faith music event held in Bryanston. bands from the churches play and join them in praise and tions, it was rare to have a general and bringing them worship of God”. Catholic gathering of this back to faith in love, friendship Ms van Kerckhoven said it nature. and understanding,” Ms van was important to meet youth To encourage locally fla- Kerckhoven said, pointing out in a casual atmosphere. voured music, Byron John from that such events can help bring “I think that music speaks to Pocket Kings 3:16 has called on more interest to Church life everyone both young and old all the bands to write original and how they can be a starting and has the potential to draw scores for these events and pro - point in “building relationships people back into an amazing duce their own music, songs with youth and helping them relationship with God through and sound which, Ms van Ker - in their journey with God”. the message it conveys and this ckhoven said, is a great oppor - Bryanston parish has been is a great opportunity to do tunity to develop the musicians focused on promoting youth this—to connect with youth, in and Christian music in the events with youth Masses cele - particular, on a spiritual level churches. brated on a regular basis. but through music and friend - She said the event was Ms van Kerckhoven said the ship.” “immensely powerful” in both Faith Jam had received a This year three bands per - bringing youth from around “great” response and will be a formed: The parish bands from Johannesburg together and get - prominent fixture on the St John’s and Rivonia as well as ting people to share their faith. Church calendar. She hopes Pocket Kings 3:16 from Victory It is hoped the event will grow more parishes will get involved Park. Ms van Kerckhoven said bigger in coming years. in the event to reach more while the concept of “band- “I think that within the youth who are in need of expe - jams” was common among Church we need to start focus - riencing their faith in their other Christian denomina - ing on reaching out to youth in own language.

OR F OR D ESTABLISHED 1982 CONSTRuCTION Professional Supervision Project Management Specialists in: New Houses • Renovations • Alterations • Additions • Painting • Plumbing • Property Management and Care For Advice call Julian Orford B.Sc. (Civ.Eng) Tel: (021) 79 4 5552 Fax: (021) 79 4 7088 Cell: 082 49 3 0563 E-mail: [email protected] 8 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 INTERNATIONAL As cardinal in 1988, pope sought action on abuse By JOHN THAVIS the Interpretation of Legislative month later. It was sympathetic Texts, who at that time was with Cardinal Ratzinger’s con - NEWLY disclosed letter Venezuelan Cardinal José Ros - cerns but recommended that reveals that as early as alio Castillo Lara. bishops be reminded to exercise A1988, the future Pope The doctrinal congregation their authority rather than Benedict pressed for swifter and was in charge of examining streamlining penal procedures. more streamlined procedures to petitions for dispensation from “To seek to simplify the judi - punish priests guilty of “grave priestly obligations, some of cial procedure further so as to and scandalous conduct”. which involved priests guilty of impose or declare sanctions as The letter, written by then- grave crimes. Those offences grave as dismissal from the cler - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger when included sexual abuse, although ical state...does not seem at all he was head of the Vatican’s People visit the traditional Christmas market in front of the city hall in Vienna. sexual abuse was not specifical - appropriate,” Cardinal Castillo doctrinal congregation, express- (Photo: Heinz-Peter Bader, Reuters/CNS) ly mentioned in Cardinal Lara wrote. He likewise rejected ed concern that the normal Ratzinger’s letter. changes that would allow an process for dealing with such priests—which typically “extra-judicial administrative involved a request for dispensa - ardinal Ratzinger’s concern decree in these cases”. tion from priestly obligations— Cwas that not enough atten - Cardinal Castillo Lara said Relics of Christ stolen took too long and was seen tion was being given to penal - such modifications would more as a favour than a punish - ties foreseen by Church law for “endanger the fundamental By ANTO AKKARA towel with which his face was wiped priest-offenders—including right of defence” and would during the Passion. ment. HREE historic relics of the cruci - Eventually, with Cardinal “reduction to the lay state”— favour the “deplorable tenden - The shrine houses a letter from because the penal process was cy” towards “so-called ‘pastoral’ fixion preserved at a 10th-centu - Pope Leo XIII confirming the authen - Ratzinger’s involvement, the ry church under the Syro-Mal - too cumbersome. governance” that obscures the T ticity of the relics that reached the penal procedures were simpli - abar Irinjalakuda diocese in India’s fied and sanctions were Such penalties “in the judg - due exercise of authority. church in 1887. Kerala state are missing. strengthened. But in 1988, the ment of this dicastery, ought in Instead, he said, bishops Police are investigating the disap - “They [the thieves] did not touch cardinal’s suggestion of a “more some cases, for the good of the should be reminded “not to pearance of the relics from the Holy the offertory box with a lot of cash,” rapid and simplified penal faithful, to take precedence omit their judicial and coercive Cross Shrine Mapranum in Irinjalaku - said Fr Joji Kallingal, vicar of the process” was rebuffed by the over the request for dispensa - power” in such cases, “instead da. “Everyone is stunned here as the parish that was elevated as a shrine in Vatican’s canon law experts. tion from priestly obligations, of forwarding petitions for dis - sacred relics have been stolen,” Bish - 2008. “They also uprooted the cen - The letter was cited in a which, by its nature, involves a pensation to the Holy See”. op Pauly Kannookadan of Irinjalaku - turies old five-metal cross on top of lengthy article published by the ‘grace’ in favour of the peti - In 2001, the doctrinal con - da said. the tabernacle but did not take it Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore tioner”. gregation was given exclusive The stolen relics include what is away.” Romano . The article highlighted “Yet in view of the complexi - jurisdiction over a number of believed to be a piece of the cross on Built in 928, the shrine is one of what it described as a “crucial ty of the penal process required “most grave crimes”, including which Jesus was crucified, a blood the oldest Catholic churches in role” and “decisive action” by by the code [of canon law] in the sexual abuse of a minor by stain of Christ and a piece of the India.—CNS Cardinal Ratzinger in the 20- these circumstances, some ordi - a priest. In 2003, Cardinal year process of strengthening naries are likely to experience Ratzinger obtained from Pope sanctions against errant priests. considerable difficulty in imple - John Paul II new faculties to Cardinal Ratzinger’s letter, menting such a penal process,” deal with sex abuse offenders, dated February 19, 1988, was Cardinal Ratzinger wrote. including those making it easier addressed to the president of The response from Cardinal to dismiss them from the priest - the Pontifical Commission for Castillo Lara came less than a hood.—CNS INTERNATIONAL The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 9 Pope’s condom comment ‘shows pastoral concern’ By JOHN THAVIS In the book Light of the World: series of progressions. ments do not place in question the He said the pope had chosen an The Pope, the Church and the Signs of “The Holy Father recognises that Church’s teaching against birth informal medium, that of a book- OPE Benedict’s recent com - the Times , the pope repeated his there is a path of growth in respon - control, but recognise that there length interview, to discuss the ments about condoms repre - view that condom campaigns are sibility,” Fr Faggioni said. By saying can be different ways of applying issue. In the strict sense, then, his sented a “normal and tradi - P not the way to stop the Aids epi - condom use may mark a step along the general law to specific situa - words do not have the weight of tional” pastoral application of demic, but he allowed that in some that path, he said, the pope is tions. official Church teaching, he said. moral theology, according to a the - ologian who advises the Vatican on specific cases—for example, a pros - allowing for a “wise and prudent” “One could ask to which other But at the same time, Fr Faggioni doctrinal matters. titute who tries to diminish the risk application of Church teaching to cases this would extend. This is said, the pope knows what he’s The pope’s comments reflect the of spreading infection—use of a individual cases. something that will be seen. One talking about, having followed the principle that there can be “inter - condom could be a first step toward “This is nothing more than a should not force the words of the theological discussion on this issue mediary steps towards moral aware - taking moral responsibility for normal and traditional application Holy Father, either,” he said. for many years. He said commenta - ness” that allow for some flexibility one’s actions. of some principles of pastoral Fr Faggioni noted that the Vati - tors should remember this when in how Church teachings are Fr Faggioni said the pope’s com - teaching and of moral casuistry,” Fr can’s doctrinal congregation began suggesting, as some have, that the applied, said Franciscan Father ments should be seen in the light Faggioni said. Moral casuistry refers studying the morality of condom pope may have strayed outside his Maurizio Faggioni, a moral theolo - of traditional principles of moral to a method that tries to determine use in disease prevention at a time field of expertise. gian and a consultant to the Con - theology, including gradualism, appropriate moral responses to par - when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger— “This is the pope speaking, after gregation for the Doctrine of the which understands moral decision- ticular cases and circumstances. now Pope Benedict—was the con - all,” Fr Faggioni said. “He is the Faith. making as a path that involves a Fr Faggioni said the pope’s com - gregation’s prefect. supreme teacher.”—CNS

The Pakistan’s Christian minister ignores death threats Vatican’s Christmas By RITA FITCH & rights observers have repeated - though he has promised to try tree is CINDy WOODEN ly complained that making an to revise the law, said Cardinal erected in accusation is so easy and dis - Jean-Louis Tauran, president St Peter’s ESPITE receiving death proving it is so difficult that of the Pontifical Council for Square. threats, Pakistan’s minis - the blasphemy law is often Interreligious Dialogue. The tree, Dter for minorities, a abused as a way to harm a The cardinal met with Mr from the Christian, said he will not give Christian with whom one has Zardari during a late Novem - northern up his battle to guarantee reli - a complaint or grudge. ber trip to Pakistan, he told Italian gious freedom for all the coun - The minister said he trusts Vatican Radio. province of try’s people. that the courts will prove the “He demonstrated great Bolzano, is “Threats and intimidation innocence of Asia Bibi, a 37- interest in the Holy See’s posi - more than follow one after the other. I year-old Christian woman who 30m tall and tion on religious freedom,” the grew for 94 take them all seriously, howev - faces the death penalty for cardinal said. er my life mission is to protect years. blasphemy. Mr Zardari has formed a religious freedom, minority (Photo: CNS) Mr Bhatti commended Pak - commission “to re-examine rights, justice and equality. I istani President Asif Ali Zardari the blasphemy law with a view will continue to do so without for showing care and sensitivi - toward possibly eventually hesitation,” said the minister, ty towards minority issues abrogating it”, Cardinal Tau - Shabhaz Bhatti. “The government and the In an interview with Fides, president of Pakistan will not ran said. the Vatican’s missionary news allow terrorism to flourish and “I told the president and agency, Mr Bhatti said he to influence the life of the everyone else I met that Chris - believes the government will country, society, the rule of tians in Pakistan are under the also continue to help religious law and stability,” he said. impression that they are con - KRUGER PARK minorities, despite pressure In the struggle for religious sidered second-class citizens,” from extremist groups threat - equality, “many have paid Cardinal Tauran said. ening violence. Specifically, he with their lives”, Mr Bhatti “The president is aware of VIVA SAFARIS said he hoped for the abolish - said. He asked “the Holy Father the fact that authorising a (Member of SATSA) ment of anti-blasphemy laws, and all the faithful of the revision of the law would which make insulting the world to pray for me”. expose him to strong criti - SCHEDULED DAILY SAFARIS TO KRUGER PARK Quran an offence punishable However, Pakistan’s presi - cism,” the cardinal said. “But I by life imprisonment or death. dent may not have the politi - sincerely believe that he realis - Fly-in and overland tours. See www.vivasafaris.com The Catholic Church, other cal strength needed to abolish es this law must at least be Christian groups and human the anti-blasphemy law, revised,” he said.—CNS Viva Safaris is engaged with 4 projects aimed at the upliftment The retired archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Michele Giordano (pic - tured in 1998), died on December 2 at the age of 80 after suffering of the Acornhoek community, respiratory problems. Born in the southern Italian province of Potenza, he was ordained a including the COMBONI priest in 1953 and worked as diocesan assistant for Catholic Action. He served as auxiliary bishop of Matera before being made archbish - MISSIONARIES’ OUTSTATION op of the city in 1974. Pope John Paul II named him archbishop of Naples in 1987 and Father Xico with partially inducted him in the College of Cardinals in 1988. He retired in 2006. www.volunteersafaris.co.za completed church building While archbishop of Naples, the cardinal was charged in 1998 of complicity in loan sharking, but he was cleared by an Italian court 082 450 9930 Trevor after a two-year investigation. Prosecutors had accused Cardinal Reservations: Giordano of funnelling more than R3 million to a usury ring run by his 082 444 7654 Piero 082 506 9641 Anthony brother and of embezzling hundreds of thousands from archdiocesan bank accounts. The cardinal repeatedly proclaimed his innocence in the case and had often publicly denounced the problems of usury and corruption in Naples. (Photo: Reuters/CNS) 10 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 CHRISTMAS

The Editor reserves the right to shorten or edit published letters. Letters below 300 words receive LETTERS TO preference. Pseudonyms are acceptable only under special circumstances and at the Editor’s discre - THE EDITOR tion. Name and address of the writer must be supplied. No anonymous letter will be considered.

Guest editorial: Sr Judy Coyle IHM on. It has been seldom in my life as Gospel and professional standards a priest that people have been brave fessional conduct, such as the “Pro - enough to come and talk to me An exchange of gifts ROCEDURES for dealing with tocol for the investigation of com - directly about how I might have complaints within the plaints of sexual abuse of minors by offended them. PCatholic Church are not clerics”, and agreed standards of Following the gospel procedure burning sun, rain and a always as effective as they could T is common during the behaviour such as the Southern of escalation, once again the idea of howling wind. be. However, Frank Bompas’ letter African Catholic Bishops’ Confer - Christmas season to (December 1) does ask for a clarifi - approaching an offending person as He knew our seasons of ence (SACBC) document “Integrity exchange gifts, husband cation on a number of levels. a group—such as a sodality or pas - I want and plenty.As a youth in Ministry”. and wife, parent and child, All complaints of unprofessional toral council—rarely happens. he learned our work, to craft In this, the Church is attempting friend and friend. behaviour that relate to moral issues Power games, territory disputes and and fashion with his hands, to comply with the expectations of The gift may be pleasing to help in the household, to are handled by the bishop of a dio - one up(person)ship takes over; cese. If there are civil or criminal gospel and professional standards. scores need settling and often repu - to us, and the giver gratified garden and glean. He began In my experience as a priest and when we use it. to think and reflect, to judge cases, this process by the bishop is tations are casualties. secondary to state law. as a member of the professional I know of a couple of brave bish - Or it may be inappropri - and to joke, and to ponder conduct committee of the SACBC, The bishop receives the com - ops who have instructed secretaries ate. But once we have the meaning of his Father’s the issues that are not moral plaint, appoints assessors if the that if there is no evidence of a expressed our gratitude, the business. issues—such as clerical bad behav - complaint is deemed real, and then proper procedure having taken gift is ours to do with as we As an adult he saw our necessarily has to step out of the iour—are often not dealt within a wish. The gift of Christmas is injustice, fear, illness, greed, gospel or professional manner at all, place—approach as one, approach process—bishops as leaders cannot as a group, approach as a church— different, for what is given and hypocrisy. be investigators, prosecutors or by both complainant and respon - then the bishop will not deal with and “exchanged” does not But he also knew our hos - defenders. Their role as governors dent. end in the giving, nor can it pitality, devotion and makes them judges and they rely on We are reminded that Jesus has complaints until this is done. Mr Bompas speaks of the Church ever be put aside. unfeigned love. In his dying those they appoint, be they vicars- given us a procedure for dealing not following reputable procedures. It is our life given and he absorbed our jealousy, general, judicial vicars, deans or with issues—Mathew 18:15-17. This is not my experience. exchanged with the very life false accusations, an unjust professional conduct committee I wonder why we so seldom go Fr Chris Townsend , Information of God. In the Mass of sentence, the betrayal of delegates. one-on-one and discuss issues we Officer, Southern African Catholic Christmas, the Prayer over friends, and abandonment of These procedures are governed have with our priests. Most by canon law, various codes of pro - Catholics prefer to moan and move Bishops’ Conference the Gifts speaks of this followers. Christmas mystery as O Faithful to the end, in admirabile commercium , physical agony, he surren - “O wondrous exchange.” dered his humanity—and the recently published book: The 3), took me back to when I was a What is the wonder? What is ours—in degradation and Road safety is up Light of the World; the Pope, the boarder at Holy Cross Convent, exchanged? What of heaven hope to the Father, who did Church, the Signs of the Times . Aliwal North from 1937-1941. is given to earth, and what not disappoint him. to you and me! However, we deeply regret the During that time I witnessed of earth is given to heaven? HE letter in The Southern pain and suffering that has been many ordinations, namely of Frs The life of Jesus, our Ward, Petersen, Maginnis, We know well the gifts God human life, begun at Christ - Cross of November 3 by meted out by Church leadership to has given to us in sending Richard Benson from the individuals and groups whose Leighton, Hughes and Mason. mas and transfigured in his T I am unsure whether Fr Eddie Jesus his Incarnate Son. Road Safety Action Campaign, prophetic understanding of and Resurrection remains now pastoral stance on the issue of the Cahy was already ordained or The gospel stories, the forever in God. In this an makes an important appeal. Mr Benson asked where is the public use of condoms, and other mat - whether he was ordained with the whole of our Catholic tradi - “exchange” was accom - ters, has been consistent with the latter two priests. tion tells us over and over and media outcry on our unac - plished, humanity and ceptably high traffic road carnage. moral and social teaching of the He was in charge of St Joseph’s again of gifts of creation and divinity made one. All that South Africa’s road deaths are one Catholic Church. Institute in Aliwal North where he life, of grace and redemp - we are is now “in” the God - of the worst in the world. Our deep desire is to see and accomplished great works. tion, of healing and forgive - head—our hunger, our pain, However, allow me to make the hear prophetic and critical voices Sadly he passed away on ness. our gratitude, our fear, our following points: although I agree now and in the future listened to November 18, 1995. In the death of Jesus, delight. that our current speed limits need with openness and respect. They Elizabeth McLellan , God’s own Spirit was poured And all that is in us comes to be adjusted, it is fruitless doing may indeed be the prophets of our Cape Town forth upon the earth. We from the Godhead—our so if there are no visible policing day! grow ever more deeply into compassion, our humour, and monitoring mechanisms in The Spirit is always at work Moral, ethical crisis these realities throughout our wisdom, patience and tandem with such adjustments. throughout the entire Church and HERE are we failing as a our life.But what did we peace. In prayer and act, this Also, more importantly, the car - in all members of the People of church? Our churches are God. “give” to God in this is the reason for all our con - nage on our roads will continue packed every Sunday; the To ostracise those who speak W irrespective until each road user, laity organisations in the Catholic exchange? What of our earth fidence. out of an informed conscience ascended with Christ into that’s you and I, motorist, passen - and Protestant chruches are very Christ, whose coming we ger or pedestrian take personal seems to indicate fear and an heaven? What of our celebrate anew in this active, yet our jails are overflowing ownership for our actions on the undue need for control. and we are building new ones. humanity “marked” forever Christmas season, once came roads. This is not a sign of the Spirit this Divine Child? And how I recall as a youngster how we to make his home among us. It is up to us to drive carefully, and does not promote the commu - were made to sing the Ten Com - did this “exchange” alter for - Our home now is in him, we respect all laws of the road and nion for which we all long. mandments before Mass on Sun - ever our relationship with in God and God in us, a respect fellow road users. Brigid-Rose Tiernan SND, Marie days. Why is this no longer prac - the Godhead? wondrous exchange, If we all did our part, the more Bergin HF, Judy Coyle IHM, She - tised? In his humanity, the admirabile commercium . than 1 4 000 traffic–related deaths lagh-Mary Waspe HF, Sue Samuel Solomon, infant Jesus knew our utter Christmas calls us afresh, every year would be drastically Rakoczy IHM, Loek Goemans, Johannesburg dependence, hunger and to pause in our daily rou - reduced. Ann Wigley OP, Judy Stockill, growth, maternal care and tines to ponder the gifts we Manny de Freitas , Shadow Mary Natalie Kuhn OP, Elizabeth the tenderness and strength have been given, our deputy minister for transport, DA Martiny, Cora Richardson MSHR, Opinions expressed in The Southern of human love. As a young humanity, God’s divinity, Mary Tuck OP, Colleen Cross, especially in Letters to the Editor, Wilkinson RSM , iews of the child he absorbed the manifest in a manger, do not necessarily reflect the v Pope and condoms Johannesburg Editor or staff of the newspaper, or of the delights of play and compan - acknowledged by sheep and E welcome the comments Catholic hierarchy. The letters page in par- ionship, of learning, parental sages, sung by angels and made by Pope Benedict ticular is a forum in which readers may obedience, and prayer. He shepherds. about the use of condoms Taking us back exchange opinions on matters of debate. W ces- knew the wonder of night O wondrous exchange, to promote and preserve life EEING the interesting photo Letters must not be understood to ne and day, a full moon and O admirabile commercium among those vulnerable to disease, published with Chris sarily reflect the teachings, disciplines or especially HIV and Aids, made in SMoerdyk’s article (November policies of the Church accurately. The Holy Cross Sisters wish the editor and staff of The Southern Cross and all readers a Blessed Christmas and New year

Holy Cross Provincialate Belgravia/Johannesburg PERSPECTIVES The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 11

Hollow ringing vs Christian hope Michael Shackleton even call it “Christmas” anymore. Increas - REAT celebrations arise from a kind ingly, we hear of “Holiday Fests”. Open Door of euphoria mixed with gratitude But what separates a “Holiday Fest” Joel Davidson Gand inexpressible love. Think of a from the country fair? Come if you want, newborn child, the reunion of loved ones, stay home if you’d rather. There’s nothing Point of Reflection the wedding of true soul mates. These are particularly necessary about attending a Infallible and the great moments of the human drama. fair or fest. They are more social gather - Of all the times of the year, however, ings, which might be fun and entertaining, indefectible December is most peculiar when it comes but they are not worthy of the greatest cel - give alms, as we looked again to that extra - to celebrations. Sparkling trees, presents, ebrations we can muster. ordinary moment in human history when The Catechism (889) says that Christ who is the reunions, stockings, hams, travel plans, If Christmas is only an occasion to gath - God deigned to become a human infant Truth, willed to confer on the Church a share in lights, sleigh rides, caroling, mangers, er with family and friends, then why not and thus began a mission that would result his own infallibility so that the People of God shepherds and angels—these traditions gather in January or July? Why make a big in the salvation of the world. unfailingly adheres to the faith handed down by define the last month of the year. But the deal out of what some call the “Winter In December, it is especially evident the apostles. I know that infallibility means that building crescendo, which reaches its Fest”? Why not a “Summer Splash” that the Church is truly a great treasure to the Church cannot err from the truth. But what the world. She reminds humanity that height on December 25, results in great instead? In the end, it is left to the Christ - about indefectibility, which, I am told is not there is still a profound reason to celebrate. celebration only in as much as we have ian to affirm the profound and earth-shat - identical with infallibility? Surely, if infallibility We were lost in sin, certain to die, desper - something profound to celebrate. tering reason to celebrate on December 25. means impossibility of straying from true doc - ate for deliverance and longing for a Sav - All the gifts and traditions turn strange - Sin and salvation: These are the dual trine, indefectibility implies precisely the same. iour. ly dull and burdensome if it becomes reasons for the season and this is what Pauline apparent that the occasion is unworthy of Let us acknowledge the weight of our Advent conveys. sins so that we might know the euphoria O be indefectible means unfailing or inca - grand pageantry. In fact, the music, gifts During the Advent Masses, the liturgy of the Christmas celebration. pable of defecting. As a property of the and feasting might well seem downright and the readings of Holy Scripture remind - n Joel Davidson is the editor of the Catholic TChurch, St Augustine explained it in these excessive. ed us that all have sinned, all have turned Anchor , newspaper of the archdiocese of words: “Unbelievers think that the Christian reli - Perhaps this is why some downplay from God, all were lost and separated from gion will last for a certain period of time in the December 25—even to the point that the source of eternal life. During Advent, Anchorage, Alaska, in which this slightly edit - ed article first appeared. world and will then disappear. But it will remain as many schools and businesses refuse to the Church called us to fast, repent and long as the sun rises and sets; that is, as long as the ages of time shall roll, the Church of God, the true body of Christ on earth, shall not disappear” ( On the Psalms , 70). This is an elaboration of Christ’s Why I hate Catholic music Fr Chris promise that the gates of the underworld will never Townsend hold out against his Church (Mt 16:18). If the Church is to continue in existence till the H JOY ! Recently I read a blog by end of time, it has to preserve the truth handed on one James Macmillan about Point of Debate to it by Christ and his apostles, and this is sum - OCatholic music which made me marised in the contents of the creeds, such as the want to jump and dance and sing. At last, Apostles Creed. St Paul wrote to Timothy that it is there was someone who isn’t afraid to tion, import music from other churches— the Church that upholds the truth and keeps it safe speak out about how horrific our Catholic much of which is just dodgy. Darlene (1 Tim 3:15). music has been allowed to become in the from Hillsong is brilliant and the scriptur - Although at first glance the word infallibility English-speaking Catholic world. al basis of much of contemporary Christ - may seem to mean the same as indefectibility, it “Shine, Jesus, Shine” indeed. I have ian music is commendable, but is it good has an extra meaning. Christ is the Truth and he noticed that I’ve become physically averse to use in liturgy? Beware of the use of ‘I’... commanded the Church to preach his truth to all to singing some of the rubbish that passes much of this music is selfish. nations (Mt 28:20). This immediately implies that as liturgical music in our Catholic com - I listen to the radio a lot. I often have the Church is infallible in a certain way in so far as munities today. We have allowed our - some or other tune running through my its preaching is preserved by the Holy Spirit from head when I’m not listening (sometimes selves and our musical tradition to Now, here’s the disjunct: the youth can’t deviating from the truth given to it by Christ (Jn called an “earworm”). I know how power - become “dumbed down” to the point that stand them and find them “boring”, but 16:13). Doctrines may not always be clearly ful lyrics can be and how much more most parishes sing from a catalogue that because the tradition of liturgical music expressed, because words have nuances, but they powerful they are with the multiplier consists of a maximum of about 16 is so poor in most of English-speaking contain essentially what the Church believes. Catholic South Africa, they have no effect of a good tune. Then why don’t we There is a similarity in the two words, inde - hymns—and the only way we know it is a use the catechetical advantage this gives different liturgical season is when the choice. It is a disingenuous argument fectibility and infallibility, but the former empha - that chooses music for them without giv - to teach more by our music? But we’ve sises that the Church, no matter how much it order of the hymns change. been lulled into complacency, dumbed ing them a choice. grows or even shrinks, will never stop in its mis - Before you get me wrong and accuse down by choice, told that it’s too hard to Yes, good music is difficult. It requires sion; the latter emphasises that it is impossible for me of being a neo-conservative and “not learn music, so we sing because it is practice. It requires planning and it the Church to stray from the Truth. with it” (how we love labels in our required, because it fills time—and rarely Church), know that I was born in 1972 should be simple enough that the congre - if ever think about it. and have no clear recollection of anything gation can sing. It is possible, if we stretch If I had my wish, having won a big n Send your queries to Open Door, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 ; or e-mail: [email protected] ; or fax except such meaningless ditties as “Morn - our musical horizons just a little bit. lotto payout, I would love to see an Acade - ing Has Broken”. One of the greatest lega - The standard Catholic four-required- (021) 46 5 3850 . Anonymity can be preserved by arrange - my for Church Music established for ment, but questions must be signed, and may be edited for cies I received from my father and grand - spots for music (entrance, preparation Catholic South Africa—a place where the clarity. Only published questions will be answered. father is a love for music, especially liturgi - and presentation of the gifts, Commu - liturgy could once again sing with wor - cal music. I listen to everything, from the nion and recessional) has left us with the ship, with meaning and with quality. A great polyphonics, to Gregorian chant to strange situation of singing an entrance place where we could practise what Pope Hillsong and Michael W Smith. So it is not song and then neglecting to sing the Glo - Benedict calls a “hermeneutic of continu - ARCHDIOCESE OF PRETORIA that I choose to say or feel this because of ria or the Alleluia or the other parts that ity”, where we can rediscover the beauty an agenda, other than the value, purpose should be sung. As for the silence that is of the past and re-interpret that past in and usefulness in Catholic liturgy. so necessary for liturgy as prayer, we are order to “pray twice”. South Africa has a I, Monsignor Abel Gabuza, The extremely contentious (actually, it all in such a rush that, as a priest, in wealth of musical talent and history—if wasn’t) implementation of the revised many parishes I’m shimmied on by those we’re willing to stretch ourselves. Administrator of the Archdiocese of English translation of the Roman Rite keen to get out. Sad. “Go, the Mass is ended.” Sometimes I’m gives us an opportunity for a catechesis on It’s not only in English-speaking really happy to be the first person out of Pretoria, would like to thank all the liturgy that focuses on nobility, longevity, Catholic South Africa. Many of our black Church, and I feel a deep sympathy for history and prayer. Revising how we see communities suffer from the same those who rush out at the end of Mass. If I Archbishops, Bishops, Clergy, Religious and the Mass gives an opportunity to see how tragedy—the hymn books date from the had to listen to that, I would too. Wait, I do. we can all participate in keeping liturgy ‘70s and ‘80s of the last century and, Laity for their loyal support during the about worship and prayer. again, only about 16-20 songs are in reg - n Fr Chris Townsend serves in the archdiocese I was recently subjected to an argument ular use. of Johannesburg and is the information officer past year. Assuring you of my that we had to sing particular songs All our communities, often quite igno - of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Con - prayers and wishing everyone “because the youth would like them”. rant of our own Catholic riches and tradi - ference. He is writing in his personal capacity. the Blessings of Christmas and happiness in the New Year. Tangney Special Interest Tours A blessed and happy Christmas La Madonna della Speranza to all our dedicated and devoted benefactors and supporters. Our Lady of Hope Pilgrimage With Fr Chris Clohessy We gratefully acknowledge your generosity and longstanding 29 September – 10 October 2011 friendship with Nazareth House over the years. Without your Assisi: Basilica of St Francis. St Chiara. support we could not be viable in continuing our mission of caring St Damiano. Porziuncola. Rome: (audience: Holy Father ) St Peter’s . for the aged and less fortunate and also children and adults Rome basilicas. St Paul’s. Lido di Ostia: suffering with HIV and Aids. St Monica. St Augustine. Sistine Chapel. Trevi Fountain. Spanish Steps. The Sisters of Nazareth unite in wishing all of you every blessing S Giovani Rotondo: Tomb of Padre Pio. Cru - cifix of Stigmata. Our Lady of Grace Church. for the coming year, 2011 – you are in our prayers each day Monte Cassino: Visit the Abbey . – God bless. Tel: (021) 683 0300 Fax: 086 691 9308 on DStv audio Nazareth House Tel 011 648 1002 P O Box 273, Rondebosch, 7701 channel 170 1 Webb Street Fax 011 648 8315 Email: [email protected] yeoville - Johannesburg 2198 also streamed on www.radioveritas.co.za 12 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 Advertisement YEAR REVIEW The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 13 The Church in Review 2010: Synods, condoms, saints

Synods threatening virus. McKillop and Newman T has been a busy year for the He did not say that such n a holier note, we saw the Catholic Church. Just as the actions are good, nor that con - Obeatification of Cardinal John IAfrican Synod of 2009 settled, doms are the solution to the HIV Henry Newman in England in the Middle East Synod began. In pandemic. The only 100%-safe September and the canonisation some ways more complex than protection against sexually-trans - on October 17, of Sr Mary McKil - others, since it includes not only mitted HIV transmission is absti - lop, Australia’s first saint. Latin Rite but also a swathe of nence if unmarried and fidelity by In 1867 Mary McKillop (1842- Eastern Rite churches in commu - both spouses within marriage. But 1909), born in Fitzroy in the state nion with Rome, its timing is if one ignores these principles, or of Victoria, founded the Sisters of appropriate: Christians are more if one spouse is not faithful, one St Joseph of the Sacred Heart—a and more a persecuted minority has a duty to at least lessen the teaching order that focused on risks to all concerned. in the Middle East. providing Catholic education in In doing this the pope has Catholics have been assassinat - rural areas. From 1870-72 she was ed and churches bombed in Iraq. modified the debate, shifting excommunicated as a result of a In Palestine-Israel, they exist in a focus from the condom’s primari - dispute with a local bishop. Short - very uncomfortable middle ly contraceptive purpose to the ly before his death, he absolved ground between Jews and Mus - intention a person might have in lims. The “Arab-Israeli” conflict using it—in this case to prevent her. Years later a commission of that continues between a hardline greater harm, not to prevent preg - the Church totally exonerated Israel and increasingly Islamist nancy. her. Despite her temporary Palestine (and neighbouring This move mirrors two classical excommunication, her congrega - countries) put the mostly Arab approaches to moral decision- tion grew. She led it, off and on, Catholics in the firing line—liter - making in Christian ethics: till her death, despite poor health. ally. The Synod’s criticism of “Totality” and “double effect”, Pope Benedict leads Mass and the beatification of Cardinal John Henry New - John Henry Newman (1801- Israel has led to counter-criticism both of which can be found in man at Cofton Park in Birmingham, England, on September 19. The pope's 90), a distinguished Oxford the - from Israeli sources, even from the thinking of two great doctors visit to Britain defied expectations as the Holy Father was warmly received. ologian, converted from Angli - progressives. of the Church—Ss Thomas (Photo: Andrew Winning, Reuters/CNS) canism in 1845 and joined the There is also historic tension Aquinas and Alphonsus Ligouri. Many pastors such as Bishop was founded in July. Though Congregation of the Oratory, between Eastern and Latin Totality may best be explained Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg, formed to address questions of where he worked in parishes in Catholics. Many Eastern Catholics by an example. It is always bad to and theologians (from liberals like abuse and greater participation of the English midlands for much of feel that Rome is constantly try - amputate an arm or leg, even if James Keenan to conservatives clergy in the governance of the his life—particularly in and ing to “Romanise” them in mat - the leg is gangrenous. But it is, like Opus Dei ethicist Martin Irish Church, it has also come out around the city of Birmingham. ters including Church discipline. looking at it from a broader per - Rhonheimer) have been arguing strongly against the new transla - A brilliant member of the Eastern priests, like the Orthodox, spective, better to do that than to along these lines for years. For tion. “Oxford Movement” to renew the are allowed to marry—and many let gangrene spread throughout them the pope’s statement has no Opposition has been intensi - Catholic wing of Anglicanism, his do in the Middle East. But this is one’s body, causing death. A doubt been most welcomed. fied by the revelation that up to book The Development of Doctrine traditionally not permitted in the wrong act may thus be allowed or Pope Benedict has endorsed a 10 000 revisions have been made (1845) argued that while the truth Christian Arab Diaspora—a sticky tolerated (even if it is itself still change in our thinking on HIV. to the 2008 text that was officially of faith remained constant, our point that won’t go away. not good) to prevent greater However, this does not change approved by Rome. Liturgical ana - understanding of it in all its com - Most of all, the Synod was an harm. teaching but develops it by looking lysts suggest that apart from these plexity did not. Throughout his attempt to express solidarity Double effect starts with the at the problem from a slightly dif - revisions being at times ungram - life, he wrote extensively on the - among Middle Eastern Catholics, assumption that an action can ferent angle. It is not a capitula - matical, some are theologically ology and on the need for a and of Rome with the Middle have both a good or bad effect. tion to secularism but a thorough - ambiguous, a few even heretical. Catholic understanding of tertiary The action itself must be good or East. As with many such synods, ly traditional way of addressing a An online movement, “What if education. time will tell of its impact. at least morally indifferent. The problem that will not go away. we just said wait?” ( www.what His beatification this year was agent must intend the good effect ifwejustsaidwait.org ) started a peti - marked by rumours of anti-papal New direction on condoms even though he or she may fore - Liturgical Battles tion that netted almost 2 2 000 sig - protest in Britain, partly over cler - and HIV see the bad effect, although the he battle over the implementa - natures from across the globe. Its gy abuse scandals. But the recep - he most dramatic develop - bad effect cannot be a means to Ttion of the new English liturgy new campaign has focused on the Tment, theologically, in the the good effect. The good effect, has continued. While the pace of revisions to the 2008 text, invit - tion Pope Benedict received was Church was the pope’s statement however, must outweigh the bad reaction has slowed down in ing supporters to petition their warm. on condom use in the context of effect or there must be a propor - South Africa—the minority who bishops and expressing concern Despite the accommodation of HIV/Aids. In his new book of tionate reason for allowing the have noticed and have been both - regarding the translation. a number of Anglican dissident interviews, Light of the World , bad effect to occur. ered by it have largely resigned Meanwhile attempts to start bishops and congregations, the published in November, Pope Applied to the question of con - themselves to it, or presumably revising the liturgy in Germany archbishop of Canterbury was Benedict indicated that condoms doms in prevention of HIV trans - quietly left the Church—it has met more solid opposition—from warm and welcoming, as was the may be used (please note, must) mission, the “bad effect” (pre - picked up elsewhere. the German Bishops Conference. British government. by persons whose sexual activities venting pregnancy) is not the Loud rumblings of discontent Presented with revisions to the Some commentators have even put their partners at risk of con - means whereby the “good effect” have been heard in places like the funeral liturgy the Conference called it a diplomatic triumph. tracting HIV, as long as the (prevention of HIV transmission) United States and Ireland. In Ire - rejected it, saying it was “inappro - I Fr Anthony Egan SJ is a member intention of their use is to pre - is achieved, but is rather a side land a new priests association, the priate” to the pastoral needs of of the Jesuit Institute in Johannes - vent the spread of the life- effect of the intended good. Association of Catholic Priests, the Church. burg

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Daughters of St Francis de Sales along with Guardian Angel Nursery school wish you a Merry Christmas and grace-filled New Year 14 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 YEAR REVIEW This was 2010

It was the year when South Africa hosted the football world as well as the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the clerical abuse scandal exploded again in several European countries, Pope Benedict was welcomed warmly in secular Britain and spoke on con - doms, and Southern Africans responded generously to the suffering people of Haiti.

GÜNTHER SIMMERMACHER looks back at the year 2010. A woman prays the rosary during a Mass in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after the devastating January 12 earthquake. (Photo: Eduardo Munoz, Reuters/CNS) DECEMBER 2009 R38 0 000 for Haiti, and more than abuse of children by priests a a million in a month. Final figures “heinous crime”. ment and better education can Missionaries for Africa Father exceed 2 million. APRIL Rosemary Goldie, 94, the first help pull African communities Louis Blondel, 70, is murdered by South Africa’s Catholic robbers at his Diepsloot presbytery woman to hold a senior position in The Southern Cross launches out of poverty. schools achieved a matric pass near Pretoria. He is the fourth the Vatican when she was appoint - its digital edition. rate of 83,9% in 2009, exceeding Paddy Kearney receives the Catholic priest to be murdered in ed undersecretary of the Pontifical The Turin Shroud goes on public the national average by 23,6%. Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu South Africa in 2009. Council for the Laity in 1966, dies display for six weeks, for the first Catholic school students writing Prize for best Christian/theology Ireland’s bishops apologise in Australia on February 27. time since 2000. Pope Benedict vis - book for his biography of Archbish - Independent Examination Board its it in May. collectively for clerical abuse of papers had a pass rate of 99,8%. MARCH op Denis Hurley, Guardian of the children and agree to work with Poland’s military Archbishop Light . Petronilla Chikambi Samuriwo, As the sexual abuse scandal the government to set up mecha - Tadeusz Ploski and several priests Centenarian Holy Cross Sister 42, former editor of Catholic hits Germany, the country’s bish - nisms for handling allegations. are among those who perish in Theodata Pubec, who once Church News in Zimbabwe, dies ops ask for forgiveness from vic - the plane crash that kills Presi - Archbishop Mandla Paul Khu - on January 7 after a short illness. taught Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, malo unexpectedly resigns as head tims of sexual abuse at Church- dent Lech Kaczynski on April 10. Pope Benedict visits Rome’s dies on May 17 at 103. Just of the archdiocese of Pretoria, and run schools. Zimbabwean Archbishop Pius main synagogue, laying a wreath eleven days later, another Holy South Africa’s longest serving Comboni Father Vincent Mkha - Ncube, former head of Bulawayo Cross centenarian, Sr Paschal prelate, Bishop Erwin Hecht of at a memorial to the city’s Jewish bela is drugged and hijacked in Pre - diocese, denies rumours that he is Nazi victims. Halmansegger, dies at 102 in Ali - Kimberley, retires at the age of 76. toria. planning to head a political party. wal North. Bishop Joseph Sandri is Three years after his excom - Leading an anti-abortion Visiting Malta, Pope Benedict US President Barack Obama went munication, the former archbish - installed as head of the diocese of march in Johannesburg, Arch - meets with abuse survivors, Witbank. to Catholic Mass for three years and op of Lusaka, Emmanuel Milingo bishop Buti Tlhagale says that walks in the footsteps of St Paul had his first exposure to organised Mehmet Ali Agca, who shot is laicised. lawmakers had been “binning and encourages local Catholics to religion through the Church, politi - Pope John Paul II in May 1981, is Pope Benedict declares Pope God” and that their hands “are keep the faith. cal analyst Patrick Whelan reveals. Pius XII venerable. Jewish groups released from a Turkish jail. He dripping with blood”. Marking 16 years of democracy promptly proclaims himself “the Archbishop Tlhagale hands protest. The SACBC launches its Church in South Africa, Auxiliary Bishop Christ eternal”. over a fully-equipped police car A woman knocks down Pope on the Ball website in preparation Barry Wood of Durban says that the Pope Benedict appoints to the South African Police Ser - Benedict during the entry proces - of the football World Cup in June country is still “making many mis - vices, bought with money raised sion for the papal Midnight Mass Flaminia Giovanelli undersecretary and July. takes, just as teenagers are making of the Pontifical Council for Jus - in the archdiocese of Johannes - at St Peter’s basilica. The pope is Catholics in El Salvador mistakes when they are looking for tice and Peace, the first woman to burg in remembrance of Fr unharmed, but French Cardinal observe the 30th anniversary of maturity”. serve a pontifical council in that Lionel Sham, who was murdered Roger Etchegaray, 87, suffers a the murder of Archbishop Oscar Couples for Christ celebrate position in more than two in 2009. broken hip in a fall during the their tenth anniversary of activi - decades. Romero. incident. ty in South Africa. JUNE Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama The guard of the Love of Christ Pope Benedict promises action Parishes throughout South Africa JANUARY 2010 of Jos, Nigeria, says that violence Ministries home for children, Mac - on the abuse scandal, while Cardi - celebrate World Cup Sunday, with between Muslims and Christians son Makado, is killed after being Cape Town’s archdiocesan St nal Cláudio Hummes, prefect of the some officially welcoming Catholic in his region, which killed more repeatedly shot from close range by Francis Xavier seminary closes on Congregation for Clergy says that in football fans from around the than 200 in January, must be a paintball gun. January 1. The premises will be the abuse scandal, the Church is world. To coincide with the World attributed to politics, not reli - In a pastoral letter to Ireland’s used by St Kizito’s orientation “on the side of the victims”. Cup, the Damietta Peace Initiative seminary, which relocates from gion. Catholics, Pope Benedict says he understands the anger over sexu - Former Grand Knight of da and Caritas stage a Peace Cup in Port Elizabeth. Fr João Noé Rodrigues of Wit - Atteridgeville, Pretoria, in which 26 bank is appointed bishop of Tza - al abuse by Church personnel. Gama and leading jurist Trevor At least 37 Church workers Blunden dies on April 23 at 85. teams representing different immi - were murdered in 2009, almost neen, succeeding Bishop Hugh At the request of the bishops of The Vatican approves the new grant nationalities compete. twice as many as in 2008. Slattery. He is installed in March. Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Vatican establishes a commission to study English translations for the new Bishop Luigi Padovese, 63, Auxiliary Bishop Barry Wood of FEBRUARY Roman Missal, with only some local vicar-apostolic of Anatolia Durban says it is important that the reported Marian apparitions at Archbishop Stephen Brislin, Medjugorje. adaptations still pending. It will be (Turkey), is stabbed to death by lay Eucharistic ministers perform a fully implemented as of Advent his driver on June 3. former bishop of Kroonstad, is The Oblates of Mary Immacu - solemn renewal of their special 2011, the SACBC says. The Southern Cross is listed as one installed as head of the archdio - late accept a request from Bishop charism each liturgical year. of Marketing Mix magazine’s Top cese of Cape Town on February 7. Xolelo Kumalo to take over the The Vatican announces that MAY Print Performers of 2009, based on In the aftermath of revelations running of the Marian shrine at in 2009, some 2,2 million people Audit Bureau of Circulation figures. that President Jacob Zuma has Ngome. The Oberammergau Passion saw Pope Benedict at audiences Play begins its five-month run of and Angelus recitations. fathered a child in an adulterous Referring to the abuse scandal in Any form of compulsory mili - performances, the first since tary service would be unaccept - The capital of Haiti, Port-au- affair, the Southern African bish - his homily at Johannesburg’s 2000. able in post-apartheid South Prince, is devastated by an earth - ops issue a statement, signed by Chrism Mass, Archbishop Tlhagale Pope Benedict says that the Africa, says Fr Mike Deeb OP, quake on January 12. Among the Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, calling on says that all priests must take collec - ongoing global economic crisis head of the SACBC’s Justice & more than 10 0 000 dead is the political leaders to be worthy role tive responsibility for the suffering, shows that the free market is not Peace Commission, after the idea city’s archbishop Joseph Miot. models to young South Africans. hurt and scandal inflicted by their capable of regulating itself in a way of the reintroduction of conscrip - Within a week, the Catholic Meeting with Ireland’s bish - clerical brothers in Europe and that promotes the common good. tion is raised by defence minister Church in Southern Africa raises ops, Pope Benedict calls sexual America. The Catholic Parliamentary Lindiwe Sisulu. Liaison Office commends health Fr Frank de Gouveia of Cape minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s new Town is appointed bishop of Oudt - HIV/Aids policy. shoorn, succeeding Bishop Edward Pope Benedict visits Portugal, Adams. He is installed on July 27. END HOUSE with events at the Marian shrine of Pope Benedict visits Cyprus, Fatima taking centrestage. On the accompanied much of the time flight to Portugal, he says that the by the island’s Orthodox head, abuse crisis came from within the Archbishop Chrysostomos II. Church and not from an outside Fr Monwabisi Majingolo survives attack. being shot through the head in a Cardinal Christoph Schön - hijacking. Two men are arrested. The Management of End born of Vienna says former Vati - Slain Polish anti-communist can secretary of state Cardinal priest Fr Jerzy Popieluszko is House, Gordon’s Bay, Cape Angelo Sodano blocked an inves - beatified in Warsaw, almost 26 tigation in the 1990s into the years after his murder. (Guest House for priests, sexual abuse committed by the It is reported that the climax of late Cardinal Hans Hermann the six-season TV thriller Lost , Groer. broadcast in the United States in brothers and religious) wishes Archbishop Tlhagale accuses the late May, was filmed in a Catholic Wishes all our Donors a government and many South everyone a Joyous Christmas school in Honolulu, Hawaii. Merry Christmas and Africans of complicity in human Archbishop Tlhagale, as trafficking because they fail to do SACBC president, appeals to Pres - and a Blessed New Year. Thank enough to tackle modern slavery. a prosperous New Year! ident Jacob Zuma to intervene in Singer Lena Horne, a Catholic, the political crisis in Swaziland, you for your support dies on May 9 at 92. which forms part of the confer - Bishop Kevin Dowling is elected ence’s territory, after anti-monar - Bookings open for 2011 co-president of the Catholic peace chy activist Sipho Jele died in Telephone (021) 856 3592 or movement Pax Christi Interna - police custody in May. tional. Manchester United and England 082 262 7155 for reservations Pope Benedict says that micro- striker Wayne Rooney makes head - financing, small-scale develop - lines in Britain after being seen YEAR REVIEW The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 15

From left: Archbishop Stephen Brislin with Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban, nuncio Archbishop James P Green and predecessor Archbishop Lawrence Henry during his installation as the new head of the archdiocese of Cape Town on February 7. (Photo: Sydney Duval) l Clergy and a Polish military band lead a funeral procession in Krakow for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria who were among the 96 people killed in a plane crash near Smolensk, Russia, on In Memoriam April 10. (Photo: Michal zagumny, Reuters/CNS) l Participants get their hands on the Peace Cup, a football tournament held in June and July in Atteridgeville, Fr Louis Blondel M.Afr. , 70, of Preto - Pretoria. (Photo: Antoine Soubrier) l Clergy and Knights of da Gama guard the casket containing the relics of St Thérèrese of Lisieux at the Carmelite convent in ria, murdered on December 7, 2009. Benoni. l Pilgrims attend a prayer vigil led by Pope Benedict at London’s Hyde Park on September 18. (Photo: Dylan Martinez, Reuters/CNS) Cardinal Peter Seiichi Shirayanagi , 81, former archbishop of Tokyo, on wearing a rosary around his neck previous year. Visiting Sicily, Pope Benedict The Church observes the December 30. during training in Rustenburg. Oscar-winning actress Patricia urges young people to reject the 150th anniversary of the first Cardinal Cahal Daly , 92, former arch - Pope Benedict closes the Year Neal, a convert to Catholicism, dies “path of death” offered by organ - Indians landing in South Africa. bishop of Armagh, Northern Ireland, for Priests with a Mass in St on August 8 at 84. ised crime. The bishops of Southern Africa on December 31. Peter’s Square with 1 5 000 priests Kenyans vote for the country’s Pope Benedict is presented with a call for an interdiocesan consulta - Cardinal Armand Gaetan Razafind - ratandra , 84, former archbishop of from around the world (includ - new Constitution, which the flag signed by each of the 33 miners tion to review the 1989 pastoral ing South Africa), 350 bishops who were trapped underground for plan and chart the way forward. Antananariva, Madagascar, on January Catholic Church opposed 9, 2010. and 80 cardinals. 69 days. because it may loosen restrictions Vatican spokesman Fr Federi - Fr Albert Herold OSB , 82, of Eshowe, The Vatican compares the BP oil on abortion and allows for the The Vatican’s visitation of the co Lombardi SJ meets with repre - on February 16. spill in the Gulf of Mexico to the entrenchment of Shariah courts. Irish Church begins. sentatives of 100 protestors Fr Peter Stuart O’Connor-Ferrero , 81, nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in Capuchin Father Donal Pope Benedict names 24 cardi - against clerical sex abuse who are of Johannesburg, on March 12. 1986. O’Mahoney, Irish co-founder of the nals, including four from Africa. denied permission to gather in St Fr Dominic Boardman , 86, of Durban, The archdiocese of Johannes - Dalmietta Peace Initiative in Preto - The Southern Cross celebrates Peter’s Square. on March 27. burg announces plans to build a ria, dies in Ireland on August 14. its 90th anniversary of uninter - Visiting Spain, Pope Benedict Cardinal Tomas Spidlik SJ , 90, Czech new chancery in Berea, and the The Catholic Church marks rupted publication. blesses Barcelona’s Holy Family preacher and broadcaster, on April 16. archdiocese of Durban proposes the centenary of the birth of cathedral and visits Santiago de Cardinal Paul Mayer OSB , 98, German Church representatives meet liturgist, on April 30. to demolish its cathedral parish Mother Teresa of Calcutta. with basic education minister Angie Compostela. centre to build the Denis Hurley Rabbi David Rosen, director of Pope Benedict is ranked at #5 Cardinal Luigi Poggi , 92, Italian Vati - Motshekga to discuss Catholic edu - can diplomat, on May 4. Centre in its place. the American Jewish Committee’s of Forbes magazine’s list of the cation and proposals for the Fr Jack Robinson , 84, Cape Town-born Pope Benedict sets up the new department of Interreligious Affairs, improvement of the national educa - world’s most powerful people. Pontifical Council for New Evange - missionary in Papua New Guinea, on visits the Jesuit Institute in Johan - tion environment. A 33-m high statue of Christ is May 7. lisation. nesburg. In October, the former The Vatican appeals to Iraq dedicated in Swiebodzin, Poland. Fr Michael Hubbart , 73, of Kimberley, Fr Georg Lautenschlager chief rabbi of Sea Point in Cape not to hang Tariq Aziz, a leading It is announced that the first on May 2. CMM, postulator for the cause of Town later addresses the Synod of functionary of the Saddam Hus - group of Anglicans to become Fr Cosmas Hlengwa TOR , 60, of Mari - Bishops on the Middle East. Mariannhill founder Abbot Franz sein regime and a Catholic, after Catholics in terms of Pope Bene - annhill, on June 12. Pfanner, dies on June 22 at 80. The SACBC, in a statement a court sentenced him to death. dict’s 2009 apostolic constitution Fr Georg Lautenschlager CMM , 80, of Mariannhill, on June 22. The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux signed by Cardinal Napier, criti - Johannesburg’s cathedral of Anglicanorum coetibus will cross Mgr Gerald Pietersen , 68, of Cape begin their tour of South Africa, cises the proposed Protection of Christ the King turns 50. over in January 2011. ending in October. Information Bill and the African Pakistani President Asif Ali Town, on July 6. President Zuma posthumously National Congress’s proposed NOVEMBER Zardari lifts the death penalty Fr Donal O’Mahoney OFM Cap , of Pretoria, on August 14. honours the late Vincent Naidoo, media appeals tribunal. passed under the country’s contro - Pope Benedict condemns as Fr Roland Pasensie , 47, of Cape Town, a Catholic community activist in versial Blasphemy Law of a Christ - SEPTEMBER “savage” a terrorist attack on on September 29. Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, Baghdad’s Syrian Catholic cathe - ian woman, Aasia Bibi. Fr Danilo Simoni OSM , 87, formerly of Pope Benedict visits England and who was shot dead by gangsters, Pope Benedict issues his apos - Johannesburg, on November 9. Scotland. Contrary to speculation, dral in which 58 people, includ - with South Africa highest hon - ing two priests, are killed. tolic exhortation Verbum Domi - Fr Edmund Hill OP , 87, formerly of our, the Order of Baobab. the pope is enthusiastically In a new book of interviews con - ni , based on the 2008 Synod of Stellenbosch, on November 11. Gene Donnelly, former manag - received. In Birmingham he beati - Bishops on the Word of God. Fr Monageng Mathole , 26, of Pieters - fies Cardinal John Henry Newman. ducted by German journalist Peter ing editor of The Southern Cross , Seewald, Pope Benedict acknowl - Two, young priests who were burg, on November 14. retires after 41 years with the news - The Southern Cross hosts the edges that under certain circum - ordained in October 2009, Frs Mon - Fr Baile Swele , of Pretoria, on Novem - paper. Passion pilgrimage to the Holy stances, the use of condoms as a agenf Mathole and Baile Swelke, die ber 14. Land and Oberammergau, led by method of preventing HIV infection in a car crash in Pretoria on Novem - Cardinal Michele Giordano , 80, former JULY archbishop of Naples on December 2. Bishop Zithulele Mvemve of can be permissible. Theologians and ber 14. Klerksdorp. Responding to rumours of Church experts on HIV/Aids agree Pope Benedict says that This list includes only names of renewed xenophobic violence Fr Mike Deeb of the SACBC’s Jus - that his comments represent no rev - Catholic newspapers play an irre - priests whose deaths were reported to The Southern Coss . after the World Cup, the SACBC tice & Peace Department warns that olution. placeable role in Catholic life. issues a statement warning the Mozambican riots over food South Africans not to attack for - price increases could be replicated eigners, and several Church in South Africa. agencies engage in education on Chiara Badano, an Italian xenophobia. teenager who died in 1990 of Bishop Francisco Claver, 81, who bone cancer, is beatified near drafted the Church statement that Rome, and German Fr Gerhard led to the revolution that toppled Hirschfelder, who died in the Philippines’ dictator Fernando Dachau concentration camp in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT YOU CAN GIVE Marcos, dies on July 1. 1942, is beatified in Münster. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, let’s pause to reflect on Chinese Bishop Julius Jia Belgium’s bishops say they will motherhood and the birth of a child. Mary is the model of motherhood Zhiguo is released after 15 learn from their errors after an inde - and how life should be welcomed. Despite her own anxieties, she lovingly months in detention. pendent report highlighted hun - prepared for the birth of Jesus. It’s very daunting for young dreds of cases of abuse by priests. For the third year running, the women without support to proceed with an unplanned pregnan - Vatican budget has recorded a The Precious Blood Sisters in cy. BIRTHRIGHT SA has the resources to assist such women to deficit in 2009, with a loss of R40 Mariannhill and Mthatha cele - million. brate the 25th anniversary of motherhood, but we don’t have sufficient funds. We can’t cele - It is reported that Dutch their congregation’s founding by brate Christmas whilst allowing children to die who might other - World Cup star Wesley Sneijder Abbot Franz Pfanner. wise be saved. of Inter Milan converted to Speaking about his favourite Please help us assist a mother to give her child the GIFT OF Catholicism shortly before his composer, Pope Benedict says that LIFE, by depositing any amount per EFT only (as cash deposits departure to South Africa. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart used his carry a bank charge) to: Australian scripture scholar Fr compositions in the Requiem to cele - Gerald O’Collins SJ begins his tour brate God’s love and hope even in BIRTHRIGHT SOUTH AFRICA NEDBANK BRANCH 174305 ACCOUNT NO: 274 303 1239 of South Africa as part of the Jesuit the face of suffering and death. Tel: 031 201-5471 Institute’s Theological Winter Fr Bruno Cadoré is elected School. superior-general of the Domini - Pope Benedict appoints Arch - cans worldwide. bishop Francis Chullikat, an Two suspected robbers are killed Indian who served the Pretoria in a shoot-out with police at nunciature as secretary in the Immaculate Conception church in 1990s, as the Vatican representa - Pinetown, near Durban, after a Sun - tive to the United Nations. day evening Mass. Mariannhill Tel 031 700 2155 Fax 031 700 2738 The Vatican issues its revised Fr Roland Pasensie, 47, head procedures for handling cases of of the Kolping Society in South alleged sexual abuses by priests. Africa, dies in Cape Town on AUGUST September 29. We wish all our guests and The bishops of Southern OCTOBER Africa institute a Week of Prayer The Synod of Bishops for the benefactors a grace-filled and joyful for prisoners, correctional ser - Middle East takes place over two vices staff and victims of crime, weeks in the Vatican. starting on August 1, feast of St Kevin McLoughlin, 38, brother Christmas, and a New Year Peter in Chains. of Fr Donald McLoughlin and a Archaeologists report to have leader in Northriding parish in found what they believe to be the Johannesburg, is killed on Octo - overflowing with happiness, prison where St Peter was held ber 4 in a robbery. before his execution in Rome. Pope Benedict canonises six new A new survey released by the saints, including Australia’s St Mary SACBC shows a decline in the McKillop and Canada’s St André peace and success number of Catholics over the Bessette. 16 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 FOCUS Lebanon’s dwindling Christian community CINDy WOODEN travelled rallah P Sfeir, received the group at Tarek Matta, the deputy mayor his residence at Bkerke near Beirut. of Ain Ebel, a predominantly to Lebanon with the “We have always had difficul - Christian town, said the villages Catholic Near East Welfare ties” in Lebanon, he said. “I am suffer because “anyone who wants Association and looked at concerned, but I trust in God.” to throw even just a stone” at the many problems facing “The young people are very Israel comes to the border towns. anxious about the future, about And the villagers pay the price Christians in the country, as jobs, but if we have faith, we must when Israel has had enough. she reports in the following go on with life,” the patriarch said. “We are here because our roots two pages. The Lebanese population is esti - are deep in this land, but that is mated to be just more than 4 mil - not enough. We need support,” lion people. Based on statistics said Mr Matta, a member of the ARONITE Father Louis from the Catholic churches in the Focolare Movement. “As long as Matar believes in miracles, country—Maronite, Melkite, Latin there is blood in our veins there Mand he believes that if and Armenian—the Vatican esti - will be crosses on these hills.” there’s just one Christian left in mates about 51% of the popula - Rita Sidawi, 20, said: “Young Lebanon, Christianity will survive tion is Catholic. However, most people have very few options in in the country. researchers believe about 30-35 % this part of the country to study or The priest, who spent 21 years of the people living in Lebanon work. They feel they have no as superior of the Maronite monas - today are Christian, either choice: it’s either Beirut or go tic community at the Shrine of St Catholic or Orthodox. abroad.” A girl looks out from the small patio of a home in the in the Dbayeh refugee Charbel Makhlouf—a holy place No official census has been Ms Sidawi studies in Beirut and camp near Beirut, Lebanon. The refugee camp is the only all-Christian one in visited by 4 million people a taken in Lebanon since 1932. The lives there with her brother and Lebanon and houses some 2 000 Palestinians. Many of the refugees were year—said the miracle-seeking visi - top political and military positions sister. Their parents still live in Ain born in Lebanon but are not citizens of that country or any other state. tors include Christians, Muslims in the country are allotted on the Ebel and the siblings return to the (Photo: Nancy Wiechec, CNS) and Druze and are a demonstra - basis of religious identity—for village most weekends. tion that Lebanese can find the example, the president is always a Rita’s father, Saadi Sidawi, said: common values needed for coexis - Maronite Catholic—so many “We feel under siege, surrounded construction boom and a thriving hope. tence. Lebanese fear a new census could by non-Christians who won’t give banking industry. “The responsibility of having a But even if Christians continue trigger serious new tensions. our children jobs.” The seven Antonine priests who family, raising a family here is to emigrate, he said, the Gospel In the villages of Yaroun and Melkite Archbishop Georges staff the Maronite parish of St. frightening. It will take hard spread from the Middle East Ain Ebel, in southern Lebanon less Bacouny of Tyre said he has tried Elias in Antelias, about 5km north work,” she said. “There are people throughout the world on the than 4km from the Israeli border, some of everything: giving seed of Beirut, have their hands full. who want to go to Europe or the strength of the witness of just very few young people remain. money to start small businesses, The parish has close to 4 0 000 reg - States, but many of us want to stay Twelve Apostles and “even with “There is a danger the Chris - using Church property to build istered members. The priests offer because of our families.” one Christian person to preserve tians here will die out. Most peo - low-income housing for poorer three divine liturgies each week Emigration is a worry shared by the faith, the seeds of salvation ple here are old,” said Fr Marios Christians, and looking high and day and seven on Sundays, includ - all the Christian churches in and love will continue to be plant - Khairallah, pastor of the Melkite low for scholarships. ing a children’s liturgy. Lebanon. Catholicos Aram I of ed”. parishes in the two towns. “Sometimes I wonder what I am Antonine Father Joseph Abed Cilicia, the Beirut-based patriarch Fr Matar was one of the With little water, farming isn’t doing. Things aren’t changing. Sater said his parish is the largest of the Armenian Apostolic Lebanese Christians who met with much of an option. And there is Most of the young people dream in Lebanon “and probably the Church, said: “The churches in the reporters in early November dur - no industry in the area. of going to university and going biggest in the Middle East”. Middle East have a clear policy on ing a visit organised by the “A major problem is finding pri - away. They dream of it,” he said. Joy Choughary, 19, is a member emigration: we are against it. Catholic Near East Welfare Associ - vate investors because of the prox - The only way to slow the rate of of the parish and a university stu - “The Christians should not ation, a relief and development imity to the border,” he said. No Christian emigration, the arch - dent preparing to be a teacher. leave the region,” the Orthodox agency with offices in the United one wants to invest in the area, bishop said, is to bring a just and She said she is not confident leader said. “Christians belong States and Canada. which has been the scene of lasting peace to the region. about the future of the Christian here and they should stay firmly The 93-year-old Maronite repeated wars and shelling from Things are better in Beirut, a community in Lebanon, but her attached to our land and our Catholic patriarch, Cardinal Nas - Israel. bustling city with universities, a faith teaches her to hang on to tradition.”—CNS

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Nedbank Cresta (191305) 1913296067 FOCUS The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 17 Emigration concerns at Catholic univer sity

involved in a variety of research “Christians have been leaving for EBANON is not what you see projects focused on what causes more than 100 years.” Muslims on TV; it’s what you see people to leave, who is leaving and emigrate as well, and in large num - Lhere,” said Cyrill Reaidy, a its impact on the country. bers, but they do not tend to stay marketing major, pointing to his Assaad Eid, vice-president for away like Christians do, he said. fellow students and the sprawling research and development, said, The professor added that eco - new mountaintop campus of “As Christians, we have to have nomic opportunities are by far the Notre Dame University-Louaize. this thing called hope. As teachers most important motive for leaving The English-language universi - in a Catholic university, we must Lebanon, but Christians have the ty, founded in 1987 by the teach hope. But in the area, in the added “pull factor” of knowing Maronite Order of the Holy Virgin region, things are getting tense. there are well-established Lebanese A statue of Mary is seen in a breeze - Mary, currently has about 6 000 When we see what is going on in Christian communities abroad way at Notre Dame University in students. International business Louaize, Lebanon. The English-lan - and economics is its most popular Iraq and other parts of the Arab that will support them and help world,” Christians are right to be them integrate. guage university, founded in 1987 by degree programme, followed by the Maronite Order of the Holy Virgin computer science and computer concerned. He also said students at Notre “When Lebanese Christians Dame are not defensive about Mary, has about 6 000 students. engineering. (Photo: Nancy Wiechec, CNS) Ameen Rihani, vice-president have a child, the first thing they their Christian identity, but rather for academic affairs, said the uni - think about is getting the child a “are starting to ask themselves versity adopted English and a US- foreign passport” if the parents what is positive about being Chris - “Today, Christians [in Lebanon] style curriculum to prepare stu - also hold citizenship in a North tian” and what particular contribu - have been reduced to an ethnic dents to pursue post-graduate American or European country, he tion Christians can make to group, not a witnessing Church,” degrees in the United States. said. Lebanon. he said. “The entire field of ethics “We are not encouraging them Joseph Ajami, chair of the uni - Jasmine Ashkar, a freshman graphic With the Muslims, especially in government and business is to leave,” he said. “Part of our his - versity’s mass media department, design student, takes a break from the Shiites, starting more schools, being left wide open” and, he torical tradition is for students to said he believes only 25-28 % of classes at Notre Dame University in hospitals and other social projects hopes, Notre Dame students will study in Lebanon, go abroad for Lebanon’s current population is Louaize, Lebanon. The English-lan - in Lebanon, he said, Christians bring their faith to bear on those higher studies, then return home.” Christian. guage university, founded in 1987 by can no longer claim to be the fields. Reine Hanna, a 21-year-old Michel Nehme, a professor of the Maronite Order of the Holy Virgin exclusive provider of those ser - Clovis Karam, an anthropology computer science major, said: “I political science, said his col - Mary, has about 6 000 students. vices. professor, said: “Students are tired would prefer to stay in Lebanon. league’s figures “only take into (Photo:Nancy Wiechec, CNS) Increasingly, he said, students of the idea that we [Lebanese My family and friends are here and account the people living perma - are focusing on Catholic social Christians] are martyrs. They pre - that’s more important than any nently in Lebanon”, but the per - Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous, teaching and the Church’s peace fer we talk about being witnesses job.” centage of Christians would be chairman of the department of agenda as important values to for love and truth. The young Emigration is a huge concern in higher if one counted the people political science and an associate share with the rest of their coun - would like to live as free people, Lebanon and the university, and living, working or studying abroad researcher with the Lebanese Emi - try, especially in battling corrup - not die here. That’s why they many of its professors, are temporarily. gration Research Centre, said: tion. leave.”—CNS Christian parents struggle to raise children Christian Committee, an ecumeni - even if your son marries a Lebanese, I’d have rights.” No one is starving wouldn’t get into good universities. HE narrow lanes between the cal organisation that works to he’s still a refugee.” at Dbayeh, he said, but the lack of The lack of a university degree seri - concrete block houses in the improve life in the camps, primarily Paul Damouni, who also works work means parents cannot afford ously impairs their ability to get a TDbayeh Refugee Camp are through educational projects. The for the JCC, is proud to be a Pales - to send their children to good good job—if and when Lebanese called Street No 1, Street No 2, Street committee runs the after-school tinian but said, “I’d take Lebanese schools. That means that even if law is amended to give Palestinians No 3 and Street No 4. programme and the library at citizenship for one reason: because they could get scholarships, they full access to the job market. —CNS The “Study Station” where the Dbayeh. Palestinian refugee camp’s 350 chil - He said the 40 0 000 Palestinian dren get after-school help with Eng - refugees registered in Lebanon were lish, French, Arabic and math is not granted work permits until located on Street No 1. The tiny recently and even now they face library where the children congre - serious restrictions in the types of gate in the evening and attend work they can get. They are not “Sunday school” (on Tuesdays) is allowed to own property in on Street No 2, not far from a tiny Lebanon. grocery store. “Working for the JCC and living Dbayeh is the only all-Christian here wasn’t a choice. I have no right Palestinian refugee camp remaining to buy a house somewhere else and in Lebanon. I can’t get a job somewhere else, so Although the UN Relief and I’m here trying to improve condi - Works Agency for Palestinian tions,” he said during a visit spon - Refugees officially lists the camp’s sored by the Catholic Near East population at 4 000 people, camp Welfare Association, which funds leaders said there probably are only projects at Dbayeh. about 2 000 there today. Most of “Usually, no one is born a the others are living abroad. refugee,” he said, because refugees The school at the 85m ² camp are people forced to flee their home - was heavily damaged during the land. But generations of Palestinians 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war and born to those who originally fled never reopened. Although most of their homes immediately before the children and more than half of and after Israeli statehood in 1948 the people registered as living in the are still considered refugees. camp were born in Lebanon, they “If you are born in a country, are not Lebanese citizens. you should be a citizen of that Elias Habib, 41, grew up in the country,” Mr Habib said. “But in camp, which opened in 1956. He is Lebanon, if you are born a refugee, the Dbayeh director of the Joint your children are born refugees and

Mgr Andrew Borello, Joan Armstrong and the Staff of the Centre for Pastoral Development wish the priests, deacons, consecrated persons and all the lay faithful in the Archdiocese of Cape Town the peace, joy and love of Jesus as they celebrate Christmas. 18 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 PERSONALITY Jesuit: Church teachings like traffic lights

In his younger days, Fr Winsh - ments of the holy Eucharist, for - and with the help of Mary. OFTLY spoken and pleasantly man spent many years studying giveness and reconciliation and “Take stop-lights [traffic lights] engaging, yet remarkably and lecturing in chemistry and living our lives by God’s law, the as an example,” he said. “They’re Sagile and energetic for his physics. “When I reached ‘Grade Ten Commandments. there for our safety—not to frus - more than three-quarters of a 31’,” he joked with the congrega - Mass, he said, is not merely a trate us. When unexpected events century, Fr Al Winshman SJ from tion, “I asked myself if it was nec - “filling up”, as many Catholics happen in my life, I think of the Marian Renewal Ministry in essary to have all these academic like to call it, but rather a mile - them as ‘Godinstances’, not coin - Boston said his mission work is qualifications—accolades seem - stone to “moving forward” in the cidences. These challenges could fulfilling the calls by Pope John ingly essential for an impressive faith. annoy and frustrate me, but I use Paul II and Pope Benedict to re- CV—when in fact my best cre - Is weekly Mass enough, he them as opportunities from God evangelise Catholics through dential is that I am an ordained asked, or should we use every instead, to do, think or say some - devotion to Mary. Last month Fr Winshman vis - Jesuit priest.” opportunity we have to go to thing positive—especially if I can ited South Africa at the invitation Born in Massachusetts in 1934, daily Mass? help another person in some of Fr Joseph Leathem OMI of St Fr Winshman is the eldest of five “As a priest, it is a privilege to small way.” Thérèse parish in Edenvale, children. His mother was a make Jesus present and to bring Fr Winshman emphasises that Johannesburg. His “mini-mis - devout Catholic and his father him to his people at the consecra - God is forever forgiving, and at sion”, running from Sunday to converted to Catholicism before tion. The Eucharist is the bread of the sacrament of reconciliation Wednesday, covered topics such the couple married. life, as essential to our spiritual our sins are forgiven when the as “Faith and Prayer”, “Prayer “It was thanks to this upbring - needs as daily bread is to our priest absolves us after a sincere and Fasting”, “Penance and Con - ing, growing up in a family of physical needs,” Fr Winshman confession and says: “Sin no version”, and “The Eucharist and faith, praying the rosary and join - said. more.” There is no need to carry Life”. ing my mother for daily Mass, the burden of guilt and regret Fr Winshman shares the quali - that I received my religious voca - n many ways, Fr Winshman’s into our daily lives. One is free to ties that come with age—wisdom, tion when I was only seven years Iyears of theological and acade - enjoy holy Mass with a clear con - experience and knowledge—in old,” Fr Winshman recalled. mic studies have been useful in science in joy and thanksgiving his preaching and in one-on-one “I clearly remember the day his ministry to encourage to God, “from whom all good when I told my mother as we left Catholics to apply the Ten Com - things come”. encounters. Jesuit Father Al Winshman He joined the Jesuits as an 18- morning Mass at St Mary’s mandments. Rather than “rules” Fr Winshman also visited year-old in 1952, and consecrated church in Dedham that I was written long before our time, Fr Rosebank, Primrose, Benoni, his life to Jesus through Mary. He going to be a priest. As a young - Winshman presents them, one by Maryvale and Houghton parishes has been leading parish missions, ster I became involved with the one, as relevant to life today. in Johannesburg. retreats and Eucharistic healing Church in every way I could. I such as serving at all three of the He does not see Catholicism as I More information about Fr Al evenings in parishes from Canada especially enjoyed being an altar Christmas Day Masses.” a burden of rules and rituals. Winshman and his Marian Renewal to Egypt since 1988. This was his boy, and our parish priest some - In a quiet, resolute way Fr Instead he finds opportunities to Ministry can be found at www.mar first trip to South Africa. times gave me extra privileges, Winshman preaches the sacra - grow closer to God through faith ianrenewal.com

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At this time we would like to thank all ALL LITURGICAL BOOKS: altar our benefactors, sponsors and missals, lectionaries for sundays and Franciscan Friends, for their generosity weekdays, peoples missal for sundays and weekdays, ritual, breviary, funeral in supporting our Mission Work here in services, evangeliar, Bibles and cathecism South Africa. (iKatekizm yeTyalike ekatolike, & Isish - wankathelo) Encyclicals, Priestless service, Sodality Manuals, Prayer books, Biographies, Rosaries, Crucifixes etc. Easter candles, Altar The Sisters of Mercy wish you a peaceful and happy candles, Candles for all occasions, Altar Bread and Mass Wine. Christmas and a blessed New Year

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Br Ashley Tillek, OFM We wish all our clients a La Verna Franciscan 016 987-2878 / 0828558775 Blessed Christmass and Prosperous new year Retreat Centre [email protected] (On the banks of the Vaal River)

The Franciscans and the Staff of La Verna Father Ralph de Hahn A CHRISTMAS PRAYER O GOD OUR LOVING FATHER would like to take this opportunity to thank HELP US TO RIGHTLY prayerfully wishes the editor, REMEMBER all who supported us so generously THE BIRTH OF JESUS THAT WE MAY SHARE IN THE throughout the past year. directors, the staff of e SONG OF THE ANGELS, THE GLADNESS OF THE SHEPHERDS We wish you all a very Happy and Joyful AND THE WORSHIP OF THE Southern Cross, and all the THREE WISE MEN Christmas filled with the blessings of our CLOSE THE DOOR OF HATE AND OPEN THE DOOR OF LOVE founder Father Francis. privileged readers of this ALL OVER THE WORLD DELIVER US FROM EVIL BY Looking forward to seeing you all next THE BLESSING THAT CHRIST BRINGS, publication a grace-filled, AND TEACH US TO BE MERRY WITH year again. CLEAR HEARTS. MAY THE CHRISTMAS MORNING MAKE US HAPPY TO blessed & glorious celebration BE THY CHILDREN AND THE CHRISTMAS EVENING BRING US TO OUR BEDS of this Holy Season and a WITH GRATEFUL THOUGHTS FORGIVING AND FORGIVEN highly successful New Year FOR JESUS’S SAKE. Robert Louis Stevenson With best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year Norah, Denise and Inez Br Ashley Tillek, OFM CATHEDRAL BOOKSHOP 016 987-2878 / P.O. BOX 27733, greemacres, 6057 0828558775 TEL: 041 365 2593 fAX: 086 7430015 [email protected] CHURCH The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 19 Treasures of the Vatican Library

By SARAH DELANEy Starting last month and run - TATE -of-the-art technology ning until January 31, the exhibit and the latest in multimedia “Know the Vatican Library: A presentation techniques reveal Story Open to the Future” offers a S virtual glimpse of the papal library some of the centuries-old treasures housed in the “pope’s library” in a that is off-limits to all but the new exhibit at the Vatican. The most highly qualified scholars show’s blend of antique and super- from around the world. modern aims to give a glimpse of The show, held in the Braccio the vast and varied collection of Carlo Magno next to St Peter’s books, manuscripts and prints that Square, is part of the celebration line the Vatican Library’s about marking the end of a three-year 50km of shelves. restoration of the papal library, created in the 15th century by Pope Nicholas V. The exhibit was conceived “to allow all those who don’t have the privilege to enter” to get to know the library, said the Vatican archivist, Cardinal Raffaele Farina. At a news conference at the Vatican he also said the show would illustrate how the Vatican Library “is the patrimony of all humanity”. Cardinal Farina said Pope Bene - dict is expected to view the exhibit on December 18. Visitors walk in to a recreation of the frescoed Sistino hall, where they can see in video images on the walls how monks of centuries past toiled at their desks as they A copy of the Borgianus Latinus, right, a missal for Christmas made for Pope Alexander VI, is displayed in a new A reproduction of a 19th-century wrote their manuscripts and illu - exhibit on the Vatican Library at the Vatican. The exhibit gives visitors a glimpse of the Vatican Library, which is usu - book containing African-language minated them with exquisite ally open only to qualified scholars. (Photos:Paul Haring, CNS) translations of Pope Pius IX’s procla - drawings. Visitors can don white mation of the dogma of the gloves and take their turn at turn - and Renaissance-era volumes. library, most of them reproduc - Immaculate Conception. ing the pages of high-quality Another room shows a selection tions of the invaluable originals. reproductions of the medieval- of the manuscripts kept in the They include a Book of the Hours in Latin from 1500, Greek Bibles in parchment rolls and a book by the 14th-century Italian author Gio - vanni Boccaccio. Sincerely wishing all the poor Original prints and engravings of maps and landscapes of Rome missions of South Africa and their from the 16th, 17th and 18th cen - turies are followed by original vol - courageous pastors a umes of printed texts by Galileo, peaceful, deeply Petrarch, Ludovico Ariosto and Voltaire. An original 15th-century joyful and fruitful print by German artist Albrecht A reproduction of music in a hymnal Christmas season, Dürer can be found with original from the 1500s. drawings for the altar at Rome’s with many special basilica of St John Lateran by Baroque architect Francesco Bor - million books, approximately graces from above. romeo. 8 400 incunabula (early prints) and father Ralph de Hahn The Vatican Library’s rich col - an important coin and medallion lection of coins and medallions is collection of 30 0 000 pieces. represented by original pieces and It also explains how in such a a video explaining the evolution vast network, a misplaced book Visitors, holidays and the warm summer sun of coinage. can be lost forever. Now, each An eight-minute video describes book can be identified and found Nazareth in PE greets EVERYONE. the history of the library and offers through a system using radio fre - a glimpse of the building, its study quencies. Entrance to the exhibit Advent, Christmas and much good cheer. halls and endless shelving and costs €5 and reservations can be describes the contents: some made through the website To our big family, at this time of year, 80 000 manuscripts, nearly 1,6 www.vaticanlibrary.va —CNS So many friends, you come to mind, Gave generously of every kind, To our frail and old, showed love and cared And quality time with them they shared Such people like you are valued today So we express ThANkS in a very big way: For all you gave and all that you did do Happy Christmas and New Year and God bless You!

A reproduction of a book from the early 9th century.

Paintings of cardinal librarians through the ages. 20 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 COMMUNITY

Fifteen learners proudly show off their certificates after completing a nine-month Level 2 Mixed Farming learnership at the Pax Skills Development Centre in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. Pictured are (back) Malose Ledwaba, Jim Kale, Petrus Madiba, James Ledwaba, Meisie Mphela, Johannes Nkoana, Gloria Matli, (middle) Br Douglas Robertson, Jackinha Ramoroka, Maria Kale, Germina Teffo, Jennifer Maleka, Rosina Maake, H Kgole, Rina Langenhoven, (front) Anna Sethosa, Nkibe Chokoe, Sonti Matlala, Sara Mokome and Lucky Sekele. Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town, Fr John Bartmann and Deacon Alan Peterson with youths of St Paul's church in Somerset West after their Confirmation. (Submitted by Karen Bufé)

Six children of Mother of Mercy church in Saldan - ha, West Coast, celebrate their First Communion. Pictured with them are Fr Jude Amatu and cate - chist Bev Gregory.

Nottingham Road in the Natal Midlands is a small farming community. About 16 children from differ - ent schools in the Midlands recently completed their first year of catechism in the area. The com - munity is slowly increasing and there is now a request for Mass in the area. There are also plans to form a Catholic prayer group. Anyone living in Nottingham Road and surrounding areas interest - ed in finding out more can contact Sam McDonald at [email protected] or 07 2 60 5 9909. COMMUNITY The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 21

The Empangeni Robyn-Leigh Catholic Women’s Katz, Maria League entertained February, senior citizens at a Caitlin Smiths - Christmas party dorff, Selena with a Christmas Perreira and skit. Pictured are Storm Trout are members Stella pictured with Fr Lamarque playing Canice Dooley the cow, and SDB and Bunny Hall as the teacher donkey. Shaunene Edwards after their First Holy Communion at the Chapel of Ease in Ottery, Cape Town. (Submitted by zelda van der Holst)

Sacred Heart Sodality enjoys their annual concert at Rabasotho Hall. The concert was hosted by St Matthew’s parish in Thembisa. (Submitted by Gertrude Serage)

THE LORETO SISTERS wish all our friends, past pupils, school communities and co-workers every blessing this Christ - mas and a Happy and Committee members of the Catholic Chinese Wel - fare Association with Fr Ron Houreld OMI at a Christmas function and Mass for the residents of prosperous New Hong Ning Aged Home in Johannesburg. (Submit - ted by Lily Loo) Year — with love Edited by IN FOCUS Nadine Christians Send photographs, with sender’s name and gratitude and address on the back, and a SASE to: The Cabra Dominican Sisters The Southern Cross, Community Pics, Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 or email them to: [email protected] send their prayers and greetings to all their friends and colleagues CRUCIFIXES FOR AFRICA Ursuline Sisters of the May the Peace and Joy We offer crucifixes on wooden crosses in 3 sizes. These are now Roman Union wish all available to our Catholic communities by simply phoning, or their families, friends brought by the sending a fax to 046-6040401, to request an order form. and benefactors God’s Christ Child richest blessings during be with you this this Christmas season Christmas, and always

The Missionary Sisters of the CRUCIFIX PARTICULARS AS PER BROCHURE Assumption wish all SIZE CROSS CORPUS PRICE Small 280x150mm 120mm R50.00 Medium 300x180mm 180mm R80.00 their co-workers, friends Large 400x200mm 190mm R100.00 ALL CRUCIFIXES ARE READY TO HANG WITH A FIXED and benefactors peace PICTURE HOOK. ALL CRUCIFIXES ARE MADE OF VARIOUS WOODS, & INCLUDING INRI. PACKAGE AND POSTAGE EXCLUDED. and joy at Christmas and Upon our invoice, deposit the money into the account and fax deposit slip to us before we send order. Direct order to: JOE STAS blessings in the New Unit 155 - Private Bag 2125, Port Alfred, 6170 Year. Tel/Fax 046-60 4 0401 The bank deposit particulars will be stated on your invoice 22 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 PILGRIMAGE Mount of Olives: Where Jesus prayed and wept

People live here, and have done UR group left Bethlehem, Günther so for thousands of years, sur - where Jesus entered this Simmermacher rounded by the ancient and the Oworld, and began our first modern, the holy and the sinful. day in Jerusalem at the place The Pilgrim’s Trek Like people everywhere, they’ve where he reputedly departed been shoving each other for mil - from it. lennia. On the Mount of Olives Catholics commemorate the and in the Old City, these resi - ascension in a small mosque on prophet and share our belief in the dents are mostly Palestinians top of the Mount of Olives, which ascension, so they converted a (though Israel is now building ille - contains a rock with the imprint of chapel within the church to a gal settlements in East Jerusalem), what looks like a left foot, the exis - mosque. They never used it both Muslims and Christians. tence of which was documented as because so many Christians came One Mount of Olives dweller I early as the 4th century. The other to venerate there, as they would had seen on all of my previous footprint was taken by Muslims; through the centuries, and instead five visits was an old, blind beggar some say to the Dome of the Rock built a mosque next door. whose regular position was out - on the Temple Mount. As we moved out of the com - side the gates of Paternoster The little octagonal mosque sits plex, two of the countless traders church, just around the corner in the courtyard surrounded by who make their living selling post - from the mosque of the Ascen - the remaining walls of a Crusader cards, bookmarks and batteries on sion. To my alarm, he was not basilica, which had been built over A local resident navigates his donkey on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. the Mount of Olives came to there on my return in September. (Photos: Günther Simmermacher) a succession of earlier churches. blows, apparently over a territorial His presence among the irritating After Saladin beat the Crusaders in dispute. By the universal standards traders and pick-pockets was a 1187, the basilica was at least part - of brawls, this one was handbags- reminder of human vulnerability Jerusalem (11:1-4), “in a certain trees regenerate themselves when ly demolished, with its exterior at-dawn stuff, but it reminded our and humility. place”, a description that suggests cut down, they are almost certain - walls preserved, presumably as a group of 45 pilgrims that our tour some importance. The Jerusalem- ly descendants from those trees fortification. of holy sites was set very much in aternoster church is where Jesus Jericho road leads along the west - that stood here when Jesus was Muslims regard Jesus as a the real world. Preputedly taught the disciples ern foot of the Mount of Olives, arrested. Scientists once deter - the Our Father. The church and its from where it is a short walk to the mined that the roots of the trees large courtyards are covered with cave at Paternoster church. So that are about 2 300 years old. ceramic plaques reciting the Lord’s might well be the “certain place”. The adjacent church of All Prayer in hundreds of different As always on a pilgrimage, the Nations—Barluzzi’s masterpiece languages, including Aramaic. where is much less important than bears that name on account of the Some our region’s languages are the what . international funding that facili - also represented: Afrikaans (donat - As pilgrims descend the mount tated its construction—is the third ed by Protestants), Ndebele, Sotho, further, they arrive at the church church on the site to mark the Swazi, Xhosa and Zulu. of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus place of Jesus’ anguish before the The church, run by French correctly predicted the destruction arrest. The reputed rock on which Carmelite nuns, was built in the of Jerusalem—which would hap - he prayed is in front of the altar, 19th century, before the discovery pen just four decades later—and with a low metal crown of thorns of a cave in which Our Lord and shed tears for it (the church’s (presented by Australia) serving as his disciples might have met. The name means “The Lord wept”). an altar rail. The windows filter first church built on the spot in The beautiful church, completed only a little light, so the church is about 330 commemorated not the by the great Antonio Barluzzi in dark, recalling the nocturnal char - Our Father, but the ascension. 1955 and shaped like a teardrop, acter of our Lord’s agony. There is, however, a long tradition may mark the spot of our Lord’s It is here that we encounter the associating it with the Lord’s tears, but another tradition places Son of God at his most vulnerable, Prayer. that story at the cave at Paternos - at his most human. It is a deeply If, as seems plausible, this was ter church—“a certain place”. affecting place at which many pil - one of Jesus’ regular meeting At the foot of the Mount of grims connect with their own tor - places on the Mount of Olives, Olives is the Garden of Gethse - ments and fears, especially those then both events might well have mane, which in Jesus’ time was a who are privileged to have Mass taken place there. Or neither, since massive olive grove. Gethsemane here, as our group did. Not surpris - Scripture has Jesus ascending near itself means oil press. ingly, our bidding prayers focused Bethany, 2km away from the The olive groves are long gone on various sufferings, some of Pilgrims pray at the rock on which Jesus reputely suffered his agony before Mount of Olives, and locates his (as part of their destruction of them intensely personal. being arrested, in Jerusalem’s church of All Nations. teaching of the Lord’s Jerusalem, the Romans cut them May their prayers be heard. Prayer in Galilee (Mt 6:5- down), but a few ancient olive n This is the eighth part in Günther 15). trees stand outside the church of Simmermacher’s series on The Luke, however, places it All Nations. Nobody knows how Southern Cross ’ Passion Pilgrimage HOT POT PAINT on the route from Jericho to old they are, but, given that olive in September. AND HARDWARE Catholic Counselling (PTy) LTD NEW FOR 2011• ALL WELCOME! Service 9-18 DECEMBER 2011 46, 12th Street, Springs, 1559 Suzanne Duncan, a Schoenstatt sister, CHRIST THE KING BUTTERWORTH is offering a Catholic Counselling Service Tel: (011) 36 2 3071 (011) 36 2 4682/3 (011) 81 21655/6/7 PILGRIMAGE TO TURKEY for individuals, couples and families. Sightseeing will include walking in the footsteps of St She works flexi-hours and is registered with BRANCHES: Paul and visiting the 7 Churches of the Revelation medical schemes. 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a reprimand from his visitor. Brian Brian Sharkey replied that it was permissible to use pages from the bible as cigarette CLASSIfIEDS paper, provided he read the page ITH the death on Novem - before using it for that purpose. Births • First Communion • Confirmation • Engagement/Marriage • Wedding anniversary • ber 25 of fundraiser and Ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • In memoriam • Thanks • Prayers • Accommodation • Brian Sharkey was born on Feb - Holiday Accommodation • Personal • Services • Employment • Property • Others Wactivist Brian Sharkey, 63, ruary 3, 1947 in England to an Irish the Church in Cape Town lost a mother and Scottish father, a pro - Please include payment (R1,15c a word) with small advertisements for promptest publication. true Catholic gentleman. fessional football player. He emi - As a long-time director of Mil - grated to South Africa in 1975 website: www.humanlife ful en-suite rooms avail - nerton/Brooklyn parish’s Catholic - CHRISTMAS able at reasonable rates. where he met and a year later mar - gREETINgS .org/abortion_does_the_pi care outreach programme, Brian ried his wife Val. ll.php Magnificent views, break - A man of quiet authority who used his many contacts in the He was diagnosed with throat CHRISTMAS Blessings RECENTLY widowed lady fast on request. Tel: 082 led by example, it was difficult to 774 7140. E-mail: horse racing and sports fraternity to cancer in March this year. In the and greetings to Fr Sean (57) seeks to share good deny him a favour. He would readi - Collins and Fr Anthony [email protected] raise funds, in particular through words of his parish priest, Fr Stan times, laughter and love ly repay such favours by sharing Pathe and Sr Miriam. “horse auction” events in January Botha, he bore his illness with with suitable male. Con - KNYSNA : Self-catering from his stock of exquisite whiskey. With lots of love from and July—an appropriate choice of “class”. tact BB, Johannesburg. garden apartment for two event, as Brian was a successful The enthusiastic golfer served Maureen Mayes. Hoed - 072 242 3741. In her eulogy at Brian’s funeral spruit, Limpopo. in Old Belvidere with won - horse breeder and racer. Much of his Church in many visible ways— derful lagoon views. Tel: as head of its Men’s Society, cate - Mass in Milnerton, celebrated by Fr DA SILVA —Mary wishes the fundraising benefited the Botha, family friend Kelly Wester - PHOTOgRAPHY 044 387 1052. HIV/Aids organisation HOPE Cape chist, Eucharistic minister, parish family, friends, Prayer man recalled that in mid-Novem - Group Bellville, the Legion KOLBE HOuSE is the Town, with whom the parish has a pastoral council member and so PHOTOgRAPHY —Pro - Catholic Centre and resi - on—and perhaps even more so ber an ambulance was called of Mary, the Congregation fessional product, wed - partnership. because Brian struggled to breathe. of St Frances Namaqua - dence for the University of The hundreds of thousands of behind the scenes. Brian lived out dings, events, Gauteng. “While relative chaos was land, Koelenhof and the Cape Town. Beautiful rand Brian raised have sustained Cardinal Cardjin’s motto “see, Chris 084 663 2424. unfolding around him, Brian sat staff of The Southern estate in Rondebosch HOPE’s clinic in Mfuleni, which judge, act”. Sadly, his great efforts WEDDINg photography. patiently in his chair and waited Cross a Blessed Christ - near the university. From Milnerton/Brooklyn parish adopt - in helping others were not always mas and good wishes for Gauteng. Chris 084 663 for the ambulance to arrive. When mid November, December ed. The night before his death of fully appreciated by all recipients. 2011. God bless you all. 2424 it arrived, Brian struggled to his and January, the students’ cancer, Brian was still discussing Brian’s ministries included feet, shook each paramedic’s hand LENDERS —Brian, Jean rooms are available for parcels of sweets for the children in prison visitations at Goodwood jail, and Laura wish all rela - PRAYERS holiday guests. We offer and introduced himself to them. Mfuleni. where he counselled inmates and tives, friends, priests, and self-catering accommoda - He was taken to hospital with his Holy St Jude, apostle and also distributed religious and Mary Immac - martyr, great in virtue and tion, parking in secure bibles. One day hair neatly combed, wearing smart ulate Queen Enthronees premises. Short walks to parts and perfectly polished black rich in miracles, kinsman an inmate con - all the joy and love of this of Jesus Christ, faithful shops, transport etc. Con - shoes.” On his way out, he asked fessed that he Blessed Christmastide. intercessor of all who tact Jock 021 685 7370, May the Christ Child and Family Reflections was using the his wife to hand him his missal. invoke you, special patron fax 021 686 2342 or 082 Brian Sharkey is survived by his the Holy Family surround 308 0080 or kolbe.house pages of his bible you and your loved ones in time of need. To you I DECEMBER—THE PRIZE, A GIFT for cigarette wife Val and 94-year-old mother in have recourse from the @telkomsa.net Birmingham, England. with serene peace and Dec 24 Christmas Eve . We hope that all is pre - paper, expecting happiness. depth of my heart and LONDON: Single £25, pared and ready for our celebrations. For Mary and Günther Simmermacher humbly beg you to come twin £40 per night. house Joseph their preparations went badly wrong and THANK you all so much to my urgent need and for a wonderful Catholic [email protected], 021 in desperation they had to settle for a very humble grant my petitions. In 851 5200. way to bring Jesus into the world. Families should newspaper. It's my weekly return I promise to make not forget this as the true spirit of Christmas. Communit y Calendar fix! you all work so hard your name known and MARIANELLA Guest Dec 25 Christmas Day. A Saviour is Born for Us, and bless you for that. publish this prayer. Amen. House, Simon’s Town: truly a gift from God’s generosity and not one that To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 46 5 5007 Happy Christmas to all the With grateful thanks for “Come experience the staff at The Southern we deserved. Celebrate as a family. or e-mail [email protected] (publication subject to space) peace and beauty of God Cross . Maureen Mayes. prayers answered by The BETHLEHEM : DuRBAN : Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, with us.” Fully equipped Shrine of Our Lady of St Anthony’s: Tuesday YAZBEK —Mark and St Jude and St Therese'. with amazing sea views. Bethlehem at Tsheseng, 9.00am Mass with novena Juliana wish family, David and Felicity Borland Secure parking, ideal for Liturgical Calendar friends and benefactors a Maluti mountains; Thurs - to St Anthony. First Friday HOLY St Jude, apostle rest and relaxation. Spe - days 09:30, Mass, then 5.30pm Mass–Divine Mercy happy and restful Christ - cial rates for pensioners Sun, Dec 19, 4th Sunday of Advent: mas and a prosperous and martyr, great in virtue exposition of the Blessed novena prayers. Tel: 031 and clergy. Tel: Malcolm Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Rom 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24 and peaceful New year. and rich in miracles, kins - Mon, Dec 20, Bl Scubilion Sacrament. 058 72 1 0532 3093496 man of Jesus Christ, faith - Salida 082 784 5675 or Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 ful intercessor of all who [email protected] CAPE TOWN : ST fRANCIS BAY : Tues, Dec 21,St Peter Canisius IN MEMORIAM invoke you, special patron MONTAgu: Self-catering Holy Hour to pray for Saints and sinners charity Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18; Ps 33:2-3, 11- ACCOM —Linnet Mavis. In in time of need. To you I family accommodation. priests of the diocese, 2nd golf challenge, 18th 12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 loving memory of our sis - have recourse from the Views, braai, 3 beds , Saturday monthly at Villa December 2010, St Francis Wed, Dec 22, feria ter who passed away on depth of my heart and sleeps 5-7. Central and Maria shrine Kloof Nek Rd Bay Golf Course, Fund 1 Sam 1:24-28; 1 Sam 2:1, 4-8; Lk 1:46-56 December 24, 2007. Rest humbly beg you to come secure. Phone 074 190 Thurs,Dec 23, St John of Kanty 16:00-17:00. raising event for building a in peace, Brian Jean and to my assistance. Help me 5634. gailellis@telkom Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Adoration Chapel , Corpus Catholic Church in Laura. now in my urgent need sa.net Fri,Dec 24, feria Christi Church, Wynberg: Humansdorp. To support and grant my petitions. In ACCOM —Ruby Mavis. In 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67- Mon-Thurs 6am to 12pm; this day as a sponsor, with return I promise to make SOuTH COAST: 3 bed - loving memory of our 79. Evening Vigil :Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17,27,29; Fri-Sun 6am to 8pm. Ador - prizes or donations please. your name known and room house, Marine Drive, beloved mother on this Acts 13:16-17,22-25; Mt 1:1-25 ers welcome 021-761 3337 Contact Mike: 082 320 publish this prayer. Amen. Uvongo Tel: Donald 031 ninth anniversary of her Sat,Dec 25, Nativity of the Lord St Pio Holy Hour . at 15:30 4633 Thank you for prayers 465 5651, 073 989 1074. Midnight: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,11-13; Tit 2:11-14; Lk passing on Christmas at Holy Redeemer, Bergvli - PRETORIA: answered. DC. STELLENBOSCH: Five 2:1-14. Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Tit 3:4- et. Day, 2001. May you join 7; Lk 2:15-20. Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn first Saturday : Devotion to the heavenly choirs of PRAYER in Preparation simple private suites (2 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 good Shepherd , Bothasig. Divine Mercy. St Martin de angels and share in the for Examination: “O Great beds, fridge, micro-wave). Sun, Dec 26, Holy Family Perpetual Eucharistic Ado - Porres, Sunnyside, 16:30. rich inheritance promised St Joseph of Cupertino, Countryside vineyard/for - Sir 3:2-7, 12-14; Ps 128:1-5; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Mt ration in our chapel. All Tel Shirley-Anne 012 by our glorious Lord. May who by your prayers, est/mountain walks; beach 2:13-15, 19-23 hours. All welcome. 36 1 4545. Our Blessed Lady shield obtained from God the 20 minute drive. Afford - you under her mantle and grace of being asked at able. Christian Brothers Southern may the Holy Family sur - your examination the only Tel: 021 880 0242 / Announcing a one-day seminar to celebrate round you with eternal joy questions which you [email protected] Cross Word solutions and peace. Brian Jean knew. Obtain for me a like SOuTH COAST: 3 bed - SOLUTIONS TO #423: and Laura. success in the examina - room house, Marine Drive, ACROSS : 3 Swiss roll, 8 tion for which I am now BENTO —Mario. Decem - Uvongo Tel: Donald Keys, 9 Witch hunt, 10 Lap - preparing, and in return I ber 24, 2000. I loved you 031465 5651, 073 989 400 Years of the Bible in English top, 11 Assay, 14 Upset, 15 promise to make your Took, 16 Hills, 18 Loud, 20 when I met you, I loved name known and caused 1074. Token, 21 Major, 24 Bushel, you when you died. I will to be invoked in prayers. uMHLANgA ROCKS: 25 Scapegoat, 26 Wren, 27 love you still, even more on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the Entrances. DOWN : 1 Skilfully, Amen. My Blessed Moth - Fully equipped self-cater - the day I’m again by your er, bring to my mind the ing 3 bedroom, 2 bath - 2 Symposium, 4 Whip, 5 side. Still deeply missed Sacks, 6 Reheat, 7 Long, 9 unknown and forgotten. O room house, sleeps 6, sea publication of the Authorised Version of the Bible and forever in my daily Worth, 11 Abler, 12 Yorkshire, Little Flower, in this hour view, 200 metres from prayers and thoughts. 13 Skinflint 17 Stout, 19 Dap - show me your power.” beach, DStv. Tel: Holiday - per, 22 Organ, 23 Icon, 24 your wife yvonne. DC. Friday 25 March 2011, 0900-1600 Bare. Division, 031 5615838, MARQuES —Elisa. Born [email protected] Venue: St Augustine College, Victory Park, 7/10/45, she passed away HOLIDAY UPHOLSTERER 15/12/2000. In loving Johannesburg memory of our dear wife, ACCOMMODATION More than 50 years of mother and grandmother. CAPE TOWN : Ambler’s experience guarantees Ten years have passed Res–holiday or business Themes include: you satisfaction. but we shall always cher - accommodation in the ish your cheerful smile, heart of the Constantia Challenges in translation Ph 021 6371938 your heart of gold and the winelands. Fully equipped PO Box 2372, CAPE TOWN, 8000 Social and political uses for different translations after hours 021 7012692. great example you set. self-catering open plan Tel: (021) 46 5 5007 Fax: (021) 46 5 3850 RIP. Forever deeply unit with secure parking www.scross.co.za The Bible and English language and literature missed by your husband, (sleeps 2). R250pp per Editor: Günther Simmermacher children and grandchil - night sharing. Contact ([email protected]) dren. Barbara 021 712 6177 or Advisory Editor: MIDDLETON —Cheryl 082 407 0856 ww.capes Michael Shackleton Speakers include: (n ée Cullen)—you left us tay.co.za/amblersrest Editorial staff: on Christmas Day 2004, 6 Claire Allen Mr Masenyani Baloyi CAPE WEST COAST ([email protected]) years ago. you are in our yzerfontein: Emmaus on Nadine Christians Dr Maria Frahm-Arp memories, in our lives Sea B&B and self-cater - ([email protected]) still—we miss you forever. ing. Holy Mass celebrated Claire Mathieson Dr Anthony Egan SJ We know you are with Our ([email protected]) every Sunday at 6pm. Tel: Manager: Pamela Davids Lord, and that we shall 022 451 2650. ([email protected]) join you one joyous day. Advertising: Elizabeth Hutton fISH HOEK: Self-catering ([email protected]) In the meanwhile, our dar - accommodation, sleeps 4. Jointly sponsored by the Bible Society of South Africa, ling daughter, we ask that Subscriptions: Avril Hanslo Secure parking. Tel: 021 ([email protected]) you pray for us. Love, Catholic Bible College and St Augustine College 785 1247. Dispatch: Joan King Mom and Dad. ([email protected]) of South Africa fISH HOEK: Self-catering Accounts: Desirée Chanquin holiday accommodation ([email protected]) PERSONAL from budget to luxury. Published independently by the Pensioners rate. Catholic Newspaper & Publishing ABORTION WARNINg : Tel/fax:021 782 3647, Company Ltd, Cape Town For more information and booking call 011 435 7997 ‘The Pill’ can abort, unde - Opinions expressed in this newspaper do [email protected] not necessarily reflect those of the editor, tected, soon after concep - staff or directors of The Southern Cross . tion (a medical fact). See gORDON’S BAY : Beauti - Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 • 10 Tuin Plein, Cape Town, 8001 Tel: (021) 46 5 5007 • fax: (021) 46 5 3850 Editorial: [email protected] • Business manager: [email protected]

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Feast of the Holy Family (Dec 26) Readings: Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-5, Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Family living starts with God

EXT Sunday, as always on the first Sun - Nicholas King SJ abuse their children, and for slave-owners to tion of Jewish history. This makes it all the day after Christmas, is the feast of the maltreat their slaves. Look carefully, however, odder that when Joseph has his dream, and a NHoly Family; it is perhaps the Church’s Sunday Reflections and you will see that it is a far more subver - message from the angel of the Lord, his attempt to mend any breaches in our families sive passage than it may appear at first sight. instructions are to “flee to Egypt”, and, what that may have occurred during the celebra - The heart of the matter is what the Coloss - is more, Joseph does this “by night”. tion. ian Christians are to wear: “Put on...instinc - We are sadly ignorant of the Bible, and so It is an interesting take on the family that tive compassion, kindness [this word would we do not immediately get the point, but have sounded like Christ-likeness to those what is going on here is a reverse of the Exo - the readings for next Sunday provide. The who heard the letter]¸ humility, gentleness, dus: Egypt is a place that you should flee first reading is from ben Sira’, and emphasis - are all those who fear the Lord”. Get that patience, putting up with each other, and let - from, and not to. right and your wife will be “like a vine that es the privileged place that God gives to par - ting each other off, if anyone has grounds for A second angelic dream, after the unla - bears fruit in your home, your children like ents, “He has glorified a father over and above complaint”. mented death of Herod, restores them to the his children, and confirmed a mother’s judg - olive-shoots round your table”. The reader There is no room here for exploitative rela - Holy Land, and even uses the phrase, ment over her son. Honouring your father may pause to wonder how pleased either tionships. Finally, the top item of clothing is “entered the land”, which for Jewish readers means atonement for your sins.” The author, spouse or offspring might be by this compari - to be “love, which is what links perfection would immediately have signified Joshua and who always gives the impression of having son, but they are clearly understood as A together”. the People of God coming in from the Eastern seen everything, adds the rider that such Good Thing. The psalm then concludes with There is more: “Let the peace of Christ ref - desert. They get to Nazareth, but notice what respect will pay off in the next generation a blessing “from Zion: May you see eree in your hearts...be grateful. Let Christ’s is most attention-catching about this family, “honour your father and you’ll be celebrated Jerusalem’s prosperity, all the days of your word live richly in you.” Only then does the that they are under threat, and people are try - by your children”. life.” The sense here is very much that if you author descend to precision about the interac - ing to kill the child. The author is also aware of potential diffi - get families right then society is likely to fol - tion of wives, husbands, children, and par - At the end of the story, of course, they are culties, very familiar to us today: “Look after low. You may feel that there is evidence for ents. If they have been reading carefully, there going to succeed in their murderous plans; your father in his old age...if he loses his this point of view in this country today. is no room here for abusive power-plays. but the whole point of the story is that God is mind, be compassionate.” The second reading for the feast is a noto - Finally the gospel speaks to us of the in charge, and so the family will not be ulti - The psalm for next Sunday paints a beauti - rious passage; those who read it carelessly slightly unusual family which the feast cele - mately destroyed, but restored. ful picture of family life; but it starts, as all our have been inclined to see in it a justification brates: A reluctant step-father, a single moth - May that blessing come upon all your fam - family living must start, with God, “Happy for men to exploit women, for parents to er, and a child who is said to be the culmina - ilies at this Christmas season. Put Christmas back into the world parks to councils’ coffers. Shoppers want to OLLOWING years of paranoid political see Christmas lights, Christmas trees, carol correctness by countries and compa - services and nativity scenes.” Southern Cross word #423 Fnies falling over themselves to not Chris Moerdyk Earlier this year, Pope Benedict and the offend non-Christians at Christmas-time, Anglican archbishop of York, Dr John Sen - sanity has prevailed quite spectacularly in The Last Word tamu, both expressed fears that Christiani - both Britain and the United States, where ty was being wiped out from public life in Mother Grundies have been increasingly the name of equality. active. Archbishop Sentamu said the ban on According to England’s Daily Express , a to avoid upsetting other faiths.According to the Express report, Rochdale council pro - mentioning Christmas was part of a drive few weeks ago, municipalities in Britain to censor Christianity. were “ordered to celebrate Christmas in the voked anger this year after it decided to cel - During his visit to Britain in September, traditional way—instead of being afraid of ebrate Eid and Diwali alongside Christmas Pope Benedict also made an impassioned causing offence to non-Christians”. in a display of lights. plea for the country to return to its Christ - The newspaper reported that “in a Although the Muslim and Hindu festi - ian values and condemned the “politically major victory for common-sense, local gov - vals had already passed, the lights, they ernment secretary Eric Pickles said local said, were being kept up to “represent the correct brigade” who dismiss Christmas. authorities should not introduce politically community”. Good on Mr Pickles, I say. It’s about correct versions such as ‘Winterval’”. John Midgely, founder of the Campaign time someone read the riot act to those Mr Pickles urged councils to take pride Against Political Correctness, welcomed Mr infuriating officers of politically correct - in Britain’s Christian heritage by celebrat - Pickles’s message: “What a breath of fresh ness. ing the nativity and all the traditions air from the minister, taking on all those Across the Atlantic, in the United States, around it. He signalled an end to the prac - who have been pushing political correct - there been a quite spectacular event that tice of councils denigrating Christmas in ness over the years,” he said. “It is absolute - has celebrated Christianity and the Christ - what has been described as a wave of ly right in our country that Christmas mas spirit. “Christianophobia”. should be celebrated and it does not cause At precisely noon at Macy’s department “Britain has much to enjoy at Christmas offence to other religions. This is a strong store in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, 600 without abandoning its Christianity in a message for the dull bureaucrats who have choristers randomly dotted about the ‘misguided attempt to appease these politi - tried to undermine our traditions.” building, suddenly burst into song with a Said Mr Pickles: “The war on Christmas quite magnificent rendition of the Hallelu - ACROSS DOWN cally correct grinches’,” the Daily Express 3. Cake for the papal guard? (5,4) 1. Expertly, I fly skull (9) said. is over, and the likes of Winterval, Winter jah Chorus, in an event that played on the 8. St Peter holds them from Jesus 2. My possum I find at the con - His message followed controversial fes - Lights and Luminous deserve to be in the new flash-mob phenomenon. (4) ference (9) tive celebrations that have ditched or side - dustbin of history. We live in tough finan - The Opera Company of Philadelphia 9. Persecution around the coven? 4. Lash in parliament (4) lined the Christmas theme. cial times, but there’s no need for town was instrumental in creating this event as (5,4) 5. Plunders bags (5) Birmingham’s annual Winterval festival halls to play scrooge.” part of the Knight Foundation’s “ 1 000 10. Portable computer (6) 6. Warm up again (6) was designed to appeal to all cultures, And, of course, there is a commercial Random Acts of Culture” which they’ll be 11. Test what Thomas says in 7. Yearn at length (4) here (5) 9. Value (5) while Lambeth council in London sparked motivation as well: “It is in councils’ finan - doing over the next three years across the cial interests to draw in shoppers to town 14. Overturn and cause distress 11.More competent (5) fury when it ordered its Christmas lights to country. The singers were accompanied by (5) 12. County of 2nd Anglican arch - be called “winter” or even “celebrity” lights centres, given the benefits of packed car the Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest 15. Take in the past (4) bishop (9) pipe organ. You can view this remarkable 16. Are they alive with the sound 13. A man like Scrooge (9) outpouring of song on the internet at of music? (5) 17. Portly porter? (5) Conrad http://bit.ly/eNFPbP 18. Kind of noisy speakers in 19. How well dressed priest may Political correctness, in my opinion, is church (4) look (6) not just a threat to one religion but to all. 20. Some sign given to Kenneth 22. It may result in groan at Mass (5) (5) It is put into a nutshell by columnist Don 21. Important rank in Salvation 23. Sacred face? (4) DiCesare of The Western Star newspaper in Army (5) 24. Not covered (4) the US: “How absurd that we should fight 24. Dry measure (6) over who has the greatest God. But this is 25. Animal picked out for blame what intolerance does and the advocates of (Lv 16) (9) this political correctness nonsense, rather 26. Christopher, the avian archi - than diminish intolerance, inadvertently tect (4) 27. Fills with wonder at the open - Solutions on page 11 help to create it. ings (9) “We should all live life, celebrate it and the diversity of culture and religion, in a nation that tolerates them all, and where all religions learn to tolerate each other.” If all religions are somehow correct and they all really worship the one and same God, then the diversity shouldn’t matter. CHURCH CHUCKLE Let’s forget this meaningless ‘holidays’ stuff and use the words that truly describe the OTHER and little son were sitting quite near to season, whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, the altar. The sanctuary lamp was alight as Kwanzaa, Ramadan or whatever faith we Musual; the preacher was going on and on. It believe in. Merry Christmas all.” seemed like forever. The little boy turned pleadingly to I second that. Let’s not only put Christ his Mother: “Mom when that light turns green, can back into Christmas, but Christmas back we go?” into the world. May your celebration of the Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to While shepherds wash their socks by night..., Nativity of Our Lord be joyful and blessed. The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000. CHRISTMAS The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 25 Christmas in the movies

Can the real meaning of Christ - mas be found in the movies? NEILAN ADAMS and the reviewers of the US Catholic Office for Film and Broadcast - ing look at some classics to find out.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Scenes from The Polar Express , Miracle On 34th Street , and Joyeux Noël , and (far right) the promotional poster egarded by many as the quin - for It’s A Wonderful Life . Rtessential Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life was produced and directed by Frank Capra, a train bound for Santa’s village in admirable religious underpinning innuendo and coarse language that Catholic, who based it on Phillip the North Pole. in the character of a dedicated is unsuitable for family viewing. Van Doren Stern’s short story The Based on the children’s novel Anglican priest (Gary Lewis) who Still, Scrooged is a truly funny and Greatest Gift . by Chris Van Allsburg, the beauti - brings everyone together for a litur - sincere adaptation of the Dickens Facing financial ruin on the eve ful fairytale celebrates childlike gy on that special night. tale. wonder and, though secular in Cox) pose as a department store of Christmas, a good man (James A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Stewart) contemplates suicide until tone, imparts a profoundly faith- A Christmas Carol (1938) Santa and elf as a cover to rob his guardian angel (Henry Travers) friendly message about the impor - n an earlier version of Dickens’ he Peanuts’ classic TV special shopping malls of their holiday through an alternative reality tance of believing in things that Ioft-filmed classic, miserly Tsends a powerful and timely loot—that is, until Thurman Mer - shows him how meaningful his life can’t be seen. Ebenezer Scrooge (Reginald Owen) message about misplaced values man, a friendless overweight boy, and the commercialisation of has been to those around him. Elf (2003) fires clerk Bob Cratchitt on Christ - stirs Willy’s booze-soaked con - Capra’s sentimental picture of mas Eve, then undergoes a change Christmas, touching on the secu - science. he warm-hearted yuletide tale mainstream American life is bol - of heart after being visited by his larisation of the feast of the Nativi - The film is filled with obsceni - Ttells the story of the foundling dead partner, Marley and three ty, and reminds viewers of the ties and sets out to offend and stered by a superb cast (including Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was Lionel Barrymore as a conniving chronological ghosts. birth of Jesus Christ. undermine all notions of what a raised by elves in Santa’s work - The adaptation is faithful to the Despite choppy animation and holiday film should be. Despite banker) and a wealth of good feel - shop. Now grown up, Buddy trav - ings about such commonplace spirit of the original, though it poorly mixed sound, it remains Willy’s moral shortcomings, he els from the North Pole to New lightens the tone with some comic one of the best-loved Christmas finds redemption—though even virtues as hard work and helping York City to reconnect with his one’s neighbour. relief and makes the 1843 London specials. Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy that is tacked on in the film long-lost father (James Caan), a setting more quaint than grim. score is a perfect backdrop for a through the most unlikely of cir - Although the film has such workaholic scrooge bereft of noble Christian themes it doesn’t Owen’s interpretation of sophisticated animated story. cumstances. Christmas cheer. Full of goofy Ebenezer may seem a bit cartoon - have anything to do with the real candy-cane humour, Elf imparts a The Nativity Story (2006) Miracle on 34th Street (1947) meaning of Christmas. The movie ish by the standards of later incar - strong family-friendly message, nations but he portrays Scrooge’s eportedly the first Hollywood ased on a novel by Valentine even perpetuates the popular con - but uses a secular sieve to filter fusion about human beings becom - transformation from a grumpy, Rfeature film to focus solely on BDavies, Miracle On 34th Street out any religious references about mean-spirited grinch into a sincere the birth of Jesus, it was also the has become a holiday favourite, ing “angels” rather than saints the true meaning of Christmas. when they die. and kind person wondrous and film to premiere at the Vatican. that was remade in 1994. The story Despite initially being consid - Joyeux Noël (2006) heartwarming. While the film was praised for its follows a department store Santa ered a box office flop due to high impressive production design and (Edmund Gwenn) as he strives to n intensely moving World War Scrooged (1988) reverent retelling of the story, it convince a lonely little girl (Natalie production costs and stiff competi - I tale of soldiers—Scottish, A he youngest, nastiest network upset many Catholics because of Wood) who doesn’t believe in him tion at the time of its release, the French and German—who sponta - president in the history of tele - the Protestant presentation of the that he’s the genuine article. film has come to be regarded as a neously agree to a ceasefire on the T vision, Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is birth narrative. Catholics will easily While we don’t see the real classic and a staple of Christmas Western front on Christmas Eve as forced to live through his own identify the theological sticking meaning of Christmas played out, television around the world. they hear carols wafting from the Christmas Carol until he is points in the story but may be pla - it does offer a welcome critique on enemy’s trenches. The soldiers redeemed in the end from his crass cated by the film’s pious and sin - the over commercialisation of The Polar Express (2004) intermingle and bond on a human materialistic view of programming cere attempt to convey the real Christmas. om Hanks inhabits five separate level, to the eventual disdain of and life in general. The film satiris - meaning of Christmas. The film cleverly balances roles in this visually captivating their superiors. T es the TV ratings game and other touching sentimentality and animated fantasy about a doubting Inspired by true events, the film Bad Santa (2003 ) young boy who is whisked away mindless yuppie aspirations with humour with serious issues such as is sensitively acted and conveys a his holiday offender is an on Christmas Eve aboard a magic savvy technical effects, a large cast divorce and single parenthood. powerful message of notable comic performers and Tabrasive black comedy about Miracle On 34th Street asks us to about the sense - lots of one-liners. self-loathing safecracker Willy question the role of belief and fan - lessness of war. The redemptive quality of the (Billy Bob Thornton). He and his tasy in a cynical and disbelieving Maureen Fernandez There is an film is undermined by overt sexual dwarf accomplice Marcus (Tony world. & Family Wish all our friends, family, priests, religious and fellow parishioners at Wishing you peace, joy and St Patrick’s in Mowbray, Ctn, a happiness this Christmas and peaceful and blessed Christmas and www.stvincentdepaul.co.za a New Year full of good throughout the coming year health, joy and prosperity. The Central Council Cape Town of the Tony WyLLie Society of St Vincent de Paul Funeral Home wish all bishops, & Staff priests, religious, wish everyone a Blessed its donors and all their members Christmas and a and their families prosperous New Year

Maitland&Muizenberg,CapeTown a joyful and blessed Christmas

Wishing all our pilgrims, both past and present and future, PEACE, JOY, GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS AND IN From the Head of College, THE NEW YEAR Tel: (031) 26 6 7702 Fax: (031) 26 6 8982 Principals and Staff of Sacred Email: [email protected] A list of current pilgrimages can be viewed by clicking on Heart College, Johannesburg the Valley View Travel icon at www.catholic-friends.com *Kindly note that our offices will be closed for the holiday season from 15 Dec to 13th Jan 2011 inclusive 26 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 CHRISTMAS He has spoken through the prophets

cating. We read in Hebrews 1: “At Fr RALPH DE HAHN takes HE Advent season is one of various times in the past and in us on an amazing journey searching the scriptures, various ways God spoke to our through the Old Testament Tespecially the Old Testa - ancestors through the prophets.” ment, to confirm one’s faith in As we page through the Old which reveals ancient the one and only Messiah Testament we find it absolutely prophecies of Christ’s promised by almighty God. amazing, almost unbelievable, coming . Every Christian should find what these prophets have to say this season thrilling and intoxi - about the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ is the only spiritual leader in all his - tory to be pre-announced and for good reasons. In this serious matter there is no room for an imposter! Mayfair Convent School God alone decided to have his Son, born a Jew, pre- announced through the Jewish prophets. I am Mayfair Convent School wishes all dumb-struck by the accu - racy of these ancient prophesies. parents, learners, teachers past and In Genesis 3, God already promises a new present a blessed festive season and a Adam and a new Eve—a saviour would be sent to reconcile man to his Cre - prosperous 2011. May the ator. Isaiah offers a sign: “A virgin is with child, a spirit of this festive season son to be named Emmanuel;” Micah tells us that Bethlehem will be uplift and carry you. his birthplace. The book of Numbers “perceives a star emerging from Jacob”; Psalm 71 and Isaiah 60 gladly announce visitors from the East car - rying gifts of gold and incense. We are reminded, over and over again that this The birth of Jesus in simplicity and Messiah will be a king, a descendant of King David, Mary and the Child Jesus are portrayed in the icon “Mother of Fairest Love” poverty constantly calls into “a root from the stock of by Fr William Hart McNichols. (Photo courtesy of St Andrei Rublev Jesse” who will possess a Icons/CNS) question the values by which we kingdom that will have no live. Jesus responds to our violent end. “The sceptre will He will be gentle but just: “He foretell the first Palm Sunday— never depart from Juda,” will not break the crushed reed, the King Messiah who will enter ways with a merciful love. His it declares. or snuff the faltering wick.” the Holy City seated on a donkey. He will be anointed We are reminded, more than How marvellously Isaiah coming among us is forever the with the spirit of Yahweh, once that this heavenly visitor paints the horrifying scenes in sent to proclaim good will be a saviour, a redeemer and his chapter 53. This Messiah will sign of reconciliation between God news to the poor. Isaiah a teacher: “He who is your suffer untold agony for his peo - speaks of this light in the teacher will hide no longer...you ple. This chapter is incredible. and humanity. May the peace he darkness, “a wonder-coun - will see your teacher with your Staggering. Depressing. Amaz - brings be with you. sellor, mighty God, eter - own eyes.” ingly accurate. nal Father, Prince of There is little doubt that the The Psalms even offer the Peace”. Messiah will be a Divine Person: words and actions of Christ and Zephaniah asks the “Your very God is coming to save the people on Calvery, his burial, Joyful and Blessed Christmas Daughter of Zion to you.” He is named “the mighty resurrection and his ascension “shout for joy for the King God, eternal Father, the Prince of into glory. Happy New Year 2011 of Israel is in your midst”. Peace”. Isaiah also adds: “That Psalm 41 will mention the And how will the peo - day a man will look for his Cre - betrayal of a “a familiar friend in from the Priests of the Sacred Heart ple know him as the Holy ator...and his eyes will look to the whom I trusted, the one who One sent by Yahweh? Holy One of Israel.” shared my bread”. And Zechariah Here Isaiah is brilliant: Isaiah is inspired, filled with tells us of the 30 shekels of silver, “Look, your God is com - the Spirit and wonderfully accu - “the princely sum at which you ing... He is coming to save rate. He also foretells the unique have valued me”. And we know you...the waterlands will calling of John the Baptiser to who that traitor is. rejoice and bloom, the dry “prepare in the desert a way for In this holy season every lands will produce springs the Lord”. John is also chosen to Christian should be immersed in of water...the deaf will point out the Lamb of God, the the Jewish prophets. They are so hear, the dumb will speak, promised Messiah. Malachi will illuminating. the eyes of the blind will also speak of the “messenger to What more can one add to this be opened...and the poor - clear the way before me”. thrilling acclamation? est of the land will delight What about the passion of I have not dared mention the in the Holy One of Israel.” Christ? It is Zechaniah who will other 21 prophecies! CHRISTMAS The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 27 A letter from Jesus: ‘Here’s my wishlist’

AMID the usual e-mail spam providing infor - season because they feel so alone and hope - mation about financial windfalls and where to less? Since you don’t know who that person go for operations one might not wish to discuss, is, try giving everyone you meet a warm some readers will have received a letter from smile; it could make the difference. Jesus. 7. Instead of nit-picking about what the The real author is unknown, but he puts retailers call the holiday, be patient with into Jesus’ mouth what Our Lord might well the people who work there. Give them a tell us about the secularisation of Christmas: warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christ - T has come to my attention that many of mas”, that doesn’t keep you from wishing Iyou are upset that folks are taking my them one. Then stop shopping there on name out of the season. Sunday. If the store didn’t make so much How I personally feel about this celebra - money on that day they’d close and let tion can probably be most easily under - their employees spend the day at home stood by those of you who have been with their families. blessed with children of your own. I don’t 8. If you really want to make a differ - care what you call the day. If you want to ence, support a missionary—especially one celebrate my birth, just get along and love who takes my love and Good News to those one another. who have never heard my name. Now, having said that, let me go on. If it 9. There are individuals and whole fami - bothers you that the town in which you lies living near you who not only will have live doesn’t allow a scene depicting my no “Christmas” tree, but neither will they birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas have any presents to give or receive. If you and put in a small Nativity scene on your don’t know them, buy some food and a few own front lawn. If all my followers did that, gifts and give them to the Society of St Vin - there wouldn’t be any need for such a scene cent de Paul, or your parish, or some other on the town square because there would be charity which believes in me and they will many of them all around town. make the delivery for you. Stop worrying about the fact that people 10. Finally, if you want to make a state - Pope Benedict prays at the Nativity scene in St Peter’s Square last year. A fictional “letter from are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of ment about your belief in and loyalty to Jesus” suggests replacing a couple of Christmas decorations featuring Santas with Nativitity me, then behave like a Christian. Don’t do a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. scenes. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) You can remember me anytime you see any things in secret that you wouldn’t do in my tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I presence. Let people know by your actions lonely this time of year. I know, they tell nice hearing from you again. actually spoke of that one in a teaching, that you are one of mine. me all the time. 4. Instead of giving your children a lot of explaining who I am in relation to you and Don’t forget: I am God and can take care what each of our tasks were. If you have for - 2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You gifts you can’t afford and they don’t need, of myself. Just love me and do what I have gotten that one, look up John 15:1-8. don’t have to know them personally. They spend time with them. Tell them the story told you to do. I’ll take care of all the rest. If you want to give me a present in just need to know that someone cares about of my birth, and why I came to live with Check out the list above and get to work; remembrance of my birth here is my wish them. you down here. Hold them in your arms time is short. I’ll help you, but the ball is list. Choose something from it: 3. Instead of writing complaints about and remind them that I love them. now in your court. And do have a most 1. Instead of writing protest letters the wording on official Christmas cards, 5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the blessed Christmas with all those whom you objecting to the way my birthday is being why don’t you write to the sender and tell past and forgive him or her. love and remember: I love you, celebrated, write letters of love and hope to him that you’ll be praying for him and his 6. Did you know that someone in your people away from home. They are terribly family this year. Then follow up. It will be town will attempt to take their own life this Jesus

The Catholic Order of the

We would like to wish all families, Priests, religious, The Supreme Knight and Board of Directors of The Catholic and especially all of youwho have experienced a Order of the Knights of da Gama wish our Clergy, our Brothers, Marriage Encounter weekend the peace and joy of members of all lay organisations and fellow Catholics a theChrist Child now and throughout 2011

blessed, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous, Joe and Neela Kay with Fr Paul Taylor productive New Year Marriage Encounter National Secretariat.

Cell: 083 308 4014 or Fax: 021 380 8362 See our website Email: [email protected] www.marriageencounter.co.org Website: www.kdg.co.za for contact details. More Christmas articles at

www.scross.co.za/ category/christmas 28 The Southern Cross, December 15 to December 21, 2010 CHRISTMAS

CZECH REPUBLIC : Fishermen set out to begin a traditional fish haul in Velky Tisy pond near the south Bohemian town of Trebon. Carp is a traditional Czech Christ - mas Eve dinner dish. (Photo: Petr Josek, Reuters/CNS) BANGLADESH : Children observe a Nativity scene outside the cathedral in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo: Andrew Biraj, Reuters/CNS) BOSNIA: A bonfire burns while chil - dren observe a live Nativity scene organised by students from the Franciscan Student Centre in Sara - jevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Photo:Danilo Krstanovic, Reuters/CNS)

ROME: Pope Benedict XVI presents a gift to a child during his visit to the Sant’Egidio community centre in Rome. (Photo: L'Osservatore CHICAGO: Members of the God Squad set up the outdoor Romano/Reuters/CNS) creche at Chicago’s Daley Plaza for the official opening of the city’s Nativity scene. The God Squad has set up the outdoor creche scene annually for the past 25 years. (Photo: Karen Callaway, Catholic New World/CNS)

BETHLEHEM: CHINA: The Palestinian faithful from zhu - Khaled jiajiao Catholic Bamoura, with Church take part sons, Durad, 8, in a Christmas and Bashara, 4, Eve procession visits the church on a street on the of Nativity in the outskirts of West Bank town ISRAEL: Actors re-enact the story of the birth of Jesus Shanghai, China. of Bethlehem. at Nazareth Village, a recreation of a Galilean communi - (Photo: (Photo: Debbie ty from the time of Christ, in Nazareth, Israel (Photo: Gil Aly Song, Hill, CNS) Cohen Magen, Reuters/CNS) Reuters/CNS)