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15-YEAR-OLD ON HIS WAY ALIVE!NO. 269 NOVEMBER 2020 | NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION | WWW.ALIVE.IE | TO SAINTHOOD PAGE 3 Photo: Cillian Kelly.

VICTORIA’S SECRET YOUTH heNEED political party Aontú’s of public masses in . MODEL TURNS representative for Cork “The targeting of masses PRODUCER PAGE 3 TNorth West Becky Kealy amidst this pandemic has went with a group of young been wholly unfair and dis- people to the Bishop’s Offices proportionate”, said the young in Cobh, Co Cork, to deliver a Kanturk Aontú Rep. “People of letter of support and encour- faith have shown the utmost agement for the Irish Bishops in their attempts to negotiate good faith... MASS with the government the return Cont’d on page 2.

THE LITTLE WAY OF MOTHERHOOD PAGE 4

AMY CONEY BARRETT: THE SUPREME NOMINATION PAGE 6

Becky Kealy with Catholic Youth GIVE: CHARITY AND Representatives from Cork, in Cobh. THE ART OF LIVING GENEROUSLY PAGE 13

WHAT IRELAND SHOULD EXPECT IF ASSISTED SUICIDE IS LEGALISED PAGE 4

• The content of the newspaper ALIVE! and the views expressed in it are those of the editor and contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Irish Dominican Province. 2 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020 Vatican: “Priests cannot absolve” ALIVE!’S PHOTO OF THE MONTH Pro-life Witness usband and wife team Donal and Doreen Nunan have been organising pro-life witnessing outside Cork University Hospital since August 2019, Hhighlighting the fact that a hospital shouldn’t be a place where life is deliberately taken, especially the most vulnerable: unborn children.

JACK WALSH explains. Moreover, a person who The document urges priests has firmly decided on assisted sui- not to give any appearance of cide or euthanasia cannot receive approving the actions of a person n ‘Samaritanus Bonus: On the the Sacrament of Penance, the determined to end his or her life: Care of Persons in the Critical Sacrament of the Sick, or the Viat- “those who spiritually assist these and Terminal Phases of Life’, a icum (final Eucharist). I persons should avoid any ges- recently released Church docu- This is because the person “has ment, the pertinent question of decided upon a gravely immoral act ture, such as remaining until the euthanasia was once more tackled and willingly persists in this deci- euthanasia is performed, that by Church theologians. sion”. He or she lacks the necessary could be interpreted as approval The document goes to great dispositions for the Sacraments, of this action”. However, priests lengths to assert the evil and injus- especially Confession, which are also urged to remain close to tice of euthanasia and assisted demands contrition and a firm pur- people – “here it remains possible suicide: “euthanasia ... is an intrin- pose of amendment of life for valid to accompany the person whose sically evil act in every situation celebration. The document sees and/or circumstance ... any formal the refusal of the Sacraments as a hope may be revived and whose or immediate material coopera- “medicinal act”, designed to allow erroneous decision may be mod- tion in such an act is a grave sin the person affected to re-examine ified, thus opening the way to Ann and Doreen at a recent pro-life witness outside the against human life” the document their decision. admission to the Sacraments”. Cork University Hospital. Photo credit: Donal Nunan.

FROM FRONT COVER. ...in adhering to government Christians killed in Ethiopia regulations, have answered Ire- land’s call, and have prayed for our country throughout the pandemic. There has not been a cluster or outbreak linked to Mass.” Under level Five there is an attempt to set up Support/Social Bubbles to assist those living alone. “Well isn’t there a much simpler solution, that is, to allow Becky and friends delivering letter people return to public Mass - to the Bishop’s office. people’s Spiritual Bubble. That safe, friendly environment where Ms. Kealy expresses her hope young and old alike receive not that agreement will be reached for only their spiritual nourishment, religious services to be resumed, but - especially for those living “I ask An Taoiseach to ensure a alone - an opportunity to feel return to public mass for the sake supported, even if it is at a safe of so many”, concluded the Aontú distance”, recommends Ms. Kealy. Rep for Cork North West.

Langano Lake in Oromia, Ethiopia.

LIAM O’CONNOR less than brutal. The Christian has been criticised as inadequate. is an exciting new media platform Post, a news website, reports The Christian Post reports that that Muslim Qeerroo militia- while the government paralysed for Life, Faith, Family & Freedom t least 500 Christians have men, armed with guns, machetes, the internet in the region in order been killed by Muslim swords and spears, have been to halt the spread of extrem- Aextremists since June in descending upon Christian vil- ist propaganda, it was slow to Ethiopia’s Oromia state, reports lages in their jeeps. There they commit security forces to protect Be part of it! the Fund, an interna- have committed killing sprees, innocent civilians. Call 01 8730465 to donate tional Christian aid agency. The going door-to-door. They are The attacks in Ethiopia repre- attacks show that Christians are known to especially target Chris- sent just one more place in Africa vulnerable even in countries tians active in their churches. where Christians have been sys- Challenge the consensus where they make up the majority Some Christians are given the tematically targeted. The violence of the population, as is the case in chance to convert to Islam and has already reached horrific levels See www.gript.ie Ethiopia, which is 60% Christian. are killed upon refusing. in countries such as Nigeria and The attacks have been nothing The response of the authorities Burkina Faso. NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 3 Victoria’s Secret model turns Producer 15-year- old on his way to Sainthood

LIAM O’CONNOR

lessed Carlo Acutis was beatified, in October, in the BItalian town of Assisi. Francis recalled the 15-year-old Italian teenager as “a young man in love with the Blessed Carlo Acutis. Eucharist”. Blessed Carlo Acutis, born on Acutis’ intercession for her son 3 May 1991, was best known for who suffered greatly from a pan- creatic defect, from which he was Former Victoria’s Secret model Nicole Weider. documenting Eucharistic mira- cles from around the world on then healed. JACK WALSH nemesis Katie Sharp would know movie will help teenagers who are his website. He wanted to use the After investigation, Pope Fran- cis confirmed the miracle’s what it’s like to walk a day in her searching for their worth in looks internet to evangelize and proclaim authenticity in a decree on 21st shoes. Her prayer is answered in and popularity to find their true the Gospel. ormer Victoria’s Secret model an unexpected way when they get He contracted leukemia and February 2020, enabling Acutis’ identity in Christ. Nicole Weider walked away Switched. made a prayer of it, “I offer all . Ffrom a lucrative modelling When Cassandra Evans and Weider told Fox News, “I think the suffering I will have to suffer “He did not rest in comfortable career to help other women see Katie Sharp wake up to discover that Christian and family-friendly for the Lord, for the Pope, and the immobility”, said the Pope. “He their worth in God. “I was living they’ve switched bodies, the two movies are needed more than ever Church”. Carlo was asked about grasped the needs of his time, an empty lifestyle of partying in girls must learn to appreciate because [there] are so many inap- the pain and stated that “there are because he saw the face of Christ in the weakest.” Blessed Carlo Hollywood”, she recently told her both the blessings and struggles propriate TV shows out there and people who suffer much more than Instagram followers. Now the the other faces on a daily basis, in me”. He died on 12 October 2006. Acutis’ example, he added, shows inappropriate content on stream- ex-model is producing films. school and at home. A miracle in has been young people that “true happi- Her latest movie ‘Switched’, Packed with life lessons of ing services. There’s just a lot of attributed to Acutis’ intercession. ness is found in putting God in the tells the story of bullied Cassan- forgiveness, perspective, encour- bad messages out there for young Mattheus Vianna’s mother, Luch- first place and serving Him in our dra Evans who prays that her agement and understanding, the people”. iana, prayed a novena asking for brothers and sisters”. Fairly or Unfairly TAKE & READ

treated? MAKING SENSE OF SCRIPTURE

LIAM O’CONNOR S P E C I A L G U E S T J E F F C A V I N S

O v e r o n e m i l l i o n C a t h o l i c s h a v e b e n e f i t e d f r o m J e f f ' s B i b l e S t u d y s e r i e s . ccording to one of the organisers Brian Nugent, growing out of research and experience in speaking on the J o i n u s f o r a v e r y s p e c i a l o n l i n e g a t h e r i n g t o d i s c u s s A t h e B i b l e a n d i t s i m p a c t i n o u r d a i l y l i v e s . Tuam Children’s Home issue, it was felt that Irish people are in general being misled on their recent history with respect to the Catholic Church. Members of the Catholic Church worldwide Hence, he and other interested lay parties have been falsely accused. Cardinal Pell is helped organised a seminar that took place in one of the most recent and high-profile cases. the Harbour Hotel in Galway, on the subject of: “Do modern Irish historians exaggerate allegations against religious orders and the role of the Catholic Church in Independ- priests in modern times. He pointed out ent Ireland?” the incredible and clearly false headlines Eugene Jordan, recently the President of that this has given rise to at times, and the the Galway Archaeological and Historical sometimes too supine and unquestioning Society, spoke on the question: “The Tuam response that it received. Children’s Home story, a failure of modern While never understating the hurt caused by real allegations, he points out the many Irish Historiography”. In this presentation he L I V E O N L I N E showed a rather lamentable pattern of how false allegations, including allegations of modern Irish historiography – the history murder against religious orders during of history – unfairly runs down the Catho- periods when no person died in religious F R O M S T M A R Y ’ S , P O P E ’ S Q U A Y , C O R K lic Church, and frequently the good work of institutions. S A T U R D A Y 2 1 S T N O V E M B E R Irish people in general in the past. “Hopefully this seminar raised some mat- Rory Connor, addressing “False allega- ters which might give people pause for tions of Child Abuse against the Catholic thought the next time they hear the claim T o g e t y o u r f r e e t i c k e t s i m p l y g o t o Church, including homicide”, spoke about that we lived in a kind of Catholic concen- w w w . d o m i n i c a n s c o r k . i e & f o l l o w t h e l i n k . the long time he has tracked the various tri- tration camp in the recent past in Ireland,” bunals, inquiries and the sometimes lurid commented Mr. Nugent. 4 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020 What Ireland should expect if Assisted Suicide is legalised

NIAMH UÍ BHRIAIN people feel under pressure to die by assisted suicide - 56% in Washington State did not want to be a “burden” - surely a failing of soci- arlier this year, a hos- ety and of genuine compassion when so many pice in British Columbia are made to feel this way. Eabruptly had all its state Equally startling is the obvious contagion funding pulled because it effect of assisted suicide. Prof Theo Boer, didn’t want to offer assisted suicide. The Delta who sat on euthanasia review boards in the Hospice was also told that Canadian authori- Netherlands, points out that other suicide ties would likely take over the hospice centre, numbers have increased by 34% in that coun- although it was built almost entirely without try in less than a decade at a time when rates government funding, because the state had were decreasing in neighbouring countries. provided the site. As the Don’t Assist Suicide campaign Canada legalised Assisted Suicide in 2015 shows, medical experts and disability groups and it has already seen the number of people are strongly opposed to Assisted Suicide. In ending their lives in this way grow five-fold in Ireland, the Palliative Medicine Consultants just four years, according to official records. Association has written to TDs to explain that Now it seems that the same people who pro- pain and distress at end of life is best treated vide so much real comfort and succour to with palliative care not by killing patients. It those at the end of their lives are being pun- was shameful to see 81 TDs ignore that med- ished because they don’t want to kill people. ical advice in the Dáil and vote to send the Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium and a Assisted Suicide bill to Committee Stage. handful of states in the U.S. have embraced The experience of other countries shows that Assisted Suicide and the lessons we should it endangers the sick, the elderly and the vul- learn from their experiences are stark. The nerable. We can learn from those experiences procedure, as expected, does not remain rare, - and our TDs must learn from them too. and the grounds on which doctors can kill a patient increase rapidly. As the infographic See more at thelifeinstitute.net or call produced by Life Institute shows, vulnerable 01 873 0465 for a free Factsheet.

things but building persons hood is great indeed. This and forming characters. So, small monotonous unseen The Little Way of Motherhood do these small things with life is gargantuan. To the great love. When you look whole world you are just EADAOIN MARIA your life with school runs, back you will see what a a mum, but to the small deadlines, play dates and a great feat you have achieved. people in your home you are relentless schedule of after- The littleness of mother- the whole world. here is something school activities and classes. beautiful and hidden It’s the quiet togetherness Tabout life at home with before time spent apart, small children. Everyday is before rushed mealtimes and The a day made up of little tasks. packing everyone out the Cleaning up, nursing a baby, door and get to the intended changing a nappy, reading destination at the aforemen- DOonemGodinicans a story, washing, mopping, tioned times, punctually and picking up toys. The list preferably with matching One Truth goes on. The myriad of small shoes on all children. seemingly insignificant tasks In those early days it that fill your day is endlessly might be tempting to live an cyclical. online life, blogging, Insta- “Do small things with great gramming and networking love.” The vocation of moth- but that’s an artificial life. ering little ones in a nutshell. Life is unfolding in a myriad Mothering small children is of littleness before your eyes. made up of littleness. Little It is a precious time that only repetitive seemingly insig- lasts a short while. What nificant jobs, that the world feels like a monotonous outside doesn’t see and your cycle of never ending house- then young children are work, of “mammy,mammy unlikely to remember. But mammy” “I need this”, "Words are the gateway to reality, these are the building blocks “Read me that,” another of forming persons and rela- drink, another hug, another the means by which we engage with tionships. Like popping a cracker ... sleepless nights objective Truth beyond ourselves." grain of rice in a jar every and early mornings. Calpol, Mother and Children Reading by - Pearce day for years. It doesn’t Arthur Boyd Houghton (1836-1875) tissues, temperatures and seem like much until you lots of cleaning up after sick look back and that jar is full, memories have been made. rainy days at home together little ones. You look back relationships are formed, Reading books, cuddling are the calm before the and realise you weren’t just www.irishdominicanvocations.com children have grown, and sick babies, spending long stormy-world imposes on doing a whole host of little NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 5

Irish Christian Heritage, ALIVE! NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT, PLEASE! 17th century clerical historians All CREDIT CARD Payments accepted. CALL 01 404 8187 BRIAN NUGENT AIB, Tallaght • SORT CODE: 933317

ACCOUNT NAME Alive Together • ACCOUNT NO: 29097-110 IBAN IE61AIBK93331729097110 • BIC BICAIBKIE2D ✃ ne of the least cele- brated aspects of Irish I wish to support Enclosed is my donation for BLOCK Christian heritage ALIVE! CAPITALS O PLEASE is the great role played by Christian clerical historians €1,000 €500 €250 €100 in preserving our past, and €50 €25 €15 other € especially preserving the Gaelic and Irish resistance NAME aspects of our culture, as opposed to relying solely on ADDRESS state papers and other Eng- lish government documents. Of course, it would take a fair size book to even begin to introduce the number of clerical historians covering TELEPHONE the centuries of our history, so a narrower focus on the Please send your donation to: ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin 24 seventeenth century will have to suffice. It begins with the Flight ANONYMOUS DONATIONS of the Earls and the fall of €250: An; €200: An; €150: An; €100: P Donovan; An Leitrim; Gaelic Ulster. This was docu- mented by such historians as An; SPF; €60: DN; €50: DC; An; T&TO’G; €25: HE; EH; T&MB; Peter Lombard, Archbishop our culture is intertwined. works whose family home is €20: An; €10: An; €5: An; STG: £30: McC. of Armagh and a friend of For example the aforemen- so well known in Kilkenny the exiled chiefs on the con- tioned O’Cleirigh city; Fr. Thomas Carve, or If 8,000 people contribute just €20 each we can continue for another year. tinent who is mentioned as published a very early list Carew, the Tipperary man Special thanks to all of you who donated to ALIVE! during August. an historian of the period of Irish words and mean- and secular priest of Leigh- even by the playwright Brian ings in Louvain in 1643 lin diocese whose works are Friel in Making History. while Fr. Maurice Conry among the most important Many people could see the OFM (another crossover for the history of the 30 potential tragedy of losing from the great Gaelic his- Year War in Germany; Fr. our history with this down- Available now at Knock Bookshop torian families, in this case Geoffrey Keating author of fall of the Gaelic order and the O’Maolchonaires, into a history of Ireland which www.knockshrine.ie/online-shop it inspired some to redou- the Church), the author of is often considered one of ble their efforts to preserve Threnodia Hiberno-Ca- the first popular works in and record that history. The tholica the best account of more modern approachable main centre of this effort Ireland under Cromwell, Irish; Fr. Patrick Hackett was certainly the Irish Fran- attempted the first Gael- O.P., a famous Gaelic poet ciscan college in Louvain ic-Latin dictionary in the whose complex history of in Belgium. Encouraged by 1640s in Louvain, now in the Confederate wars, the such luminaries there as Peniarth Manuscript 184 Hugh MacCaghwell, also Aphorismical Discovery of in the National Library of Treasonable Faction, is so Archbishop of Armagh, and Wales. But certainly the first important in unravelling Fathers Patrick Fleming, important comprehensive the conspiracies of those Thomas O’Sheerin, Hugh Latin-Irish dictionary is that years; and finally we might Ward and maybe especially written by Richard Plun- mention the two Capuchin John Colgan whose mon- kett OFM in the Franciscan authors of Commentarius umental Acta Sanctorum convent in Trim (or at least Rinuccinianus, Fr. Richard Hiberniae preserves many in the vicinity, after its sup- O’Farrell and Fr. Robert of the ancient lives pression) completed in 1662 O’Connell, which is a truly of Ireland, a specific pro- and entitled Vocabularium monumental history of that gramme was launched to Latinum et Hibernum. preserve and republish the If all that seems a little period. ancient annals of Ireland. top heavy with Franciscans This brief look at only Under the leadership of we needn’t be too surprised some of the 17th centuries a scion of one of the great because the leading interna- historians that the Catholic bardic families of Ireland, tional Franciscan historian Church has left us has hope- Michael O’Cleirigh who of that period, and reputed fully shown what a great had joined the Franciscans, as one of their greatest his- legacy they have imparted, efforts were made to arrange torians of all time, was of and what a debt we owe to a full new set of annals, course Fr. Luke Wadding them for preserving our so drawing on paraphrases of OFM, the only Irishman ever interesting history. These the ancient annals preserved to receive a vote in a Papal works and authors are not all across Ireland. Of course, conclave. To mention a few peripheral or minor figures, this became known as the non-Franciscan clerical his- they produced in many cases Annals of the Four Masters, torians though we could refer huge volumes that we simply completed in the Franciscan to: Fr. Stephen White SJ, could never do without in Including a foreword by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, this new volume of essays takes the monastery in Donegal town whose learning even James understanding our past. reader on a journey through the life and thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th Pontiff . in 1636. Ussher praises; the prolific They worked, I believe suc- It’s not only the annals and reliable Fr. John Lynch cessfully, for what Michael they wanted to preserve but of Galway and Tuam archdi- O’Cleirigh famously said ALIVE! IS OFFERING A FREE COPY WITH EVERY also the Irish language in ocese; Bishop Rothe, was: “for the glory of God DONATION OF €50 OR MORE. whose richness so much of author of Analecta and other and the honour of Ireland.” 6 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE IRISH SEA child could accidentally be exposed that since LGBT lessons have to age-inappropriate material, begun, many of her school friends such as pornography. Particularly are now confused about whether at primary level, you should be they are bisexual or trans. Chil- The battle careful not to expose children to dren who were once confident in over-sexualised content.”

Photo: Humanist UK. their personality are now asking The Values Foundation https:// why they can’t be someone else. It over relationship values.foundation has stated that took a child to raise genuine con- despite these new guidelines, cerns about such lessons but it is misleading and inaccurate RSE reported that Papas responded by continues to be used in hundreds accusing the student of wanting education heats up of schools across the UK and chil- to kill LGBT people and isolated dren and their families are being her in a room for five hours. She suggesting that children might be a MARIA HORAN bullied for refusing to toe the line. has since been reported to school different gender based on their per- British headteachers Andrew Mof- authorities. sonality and interests or the clothes fatt and Susan Papas have both Many in the media have also he British government has they prefer to wear. Materials been accused of using the sessions chosen to ignore the fact that those issued new common-sense which suggest that non-conform- to indoctrinate pupils, resulting who have been victimised by white, guidelines on the new com- ity to gender stereotypes should be in parents withdrawing hundreds T Andrew Moffat. middle-class, headteachers are pulsory RSE (Relationship and seen as synonymous with having of students from schools, yet mostly of colour and/or Muslim. Sex Education) programme due to a different gender identity should have been widely praised by the understanding of girls’ needs for One of these is Izzy Montague, a COVID-19, allowing more time for not be used and you should not British media. privacy and boundaries. Despite mother who was left with no option reflection on the lesson materials to work with external agencies or Andrew Moffat has produced his claims that his RSE programme but to remove her five-year-old be used and proper consultations organisations that produce such an RSE handbook called No is about ensuring there are no ‘out- with parents. The newly revised material.” Outsiders, which RSE Review siders’ in his school, Moffat says in son from the school when Papas guidelines dissuade the promo- https://rsereview.org/resources/ response to telling children that a and her staff repeatedly refused tion of certain ideologies, which POLITICAL IMPARTIALITY states is age-inappropriate and well-known rugby player was gay: to meet Montague and discuss her until now, have largely gone “Your local authority, govern- heavily politicised. Moffat admits “There was one audible gasp from a concerns. unchecked. The UK government ing body and headteacher must ... that his RSE materials were heavily child in year 6 but otherwise there Since it is only a matter of time is now promoting the protection secure that where political issues influenced by academically popular was no reaction at all, which was before the Irish government of children against trans ideol- are brought to the attention of ‘queer theory’. He dismisses quite nice as it demonstrated to the introduces similar RSE materials, ogy, sexist stereotypes, one-sided pupils, they are offered a balanced concerns that his material is shocked child that he was alone in parents in Ireland would be well political agendas and pornography presentation of opposing views.” sexualising children, calling it his reaction; his homophobia made advised to familiarise themselves and advise against working with homophobia. him the outsider.” with what is currently being used organisations that promote such PORNOGRAPHY Former BBC journalist Shelly Susan Papas is being taken to in the UK. RSE Review https:// materials. Some points raised are: “Great caution should be Charlesworth who has analysed court by UK Christian Concern rsereview.org/resources/ lists the exercised before setting any Moffat’s handbook, states the accused of bullying children who major vested-interest groups in the TRANSGENDER IDEOLOGY assignment, in class or at home, teaching plans raise serious ques- didn’t want to participate in LGBT UK, the inappropriate materials “You should not reinforce harm- that involves researching a subject tions about Moffat’s judgment, lessons. Star pupil Kaysey elo- being used and links to these ful stereotypes, for instance by where there is a high risk that a his knowledge of the law, and his quently expressed her concerns actual resources.

NEWS FROM STATESIDE Amy Coney Barrett:

The Supreme Nomination Photo: The White House.

DEREK RYAN In addition to this, she has also provided her opinion concerning the qualities of a Supreme Court s a result of the recent justice, describing an ideal candi- death of the late Supreme date as “someone who applies the ACourt Justice Ruth Bader law, who follows the law where it Ginsburg, Amy Coney Barrett has goes, and doesn’t decide simply on been selected by President Donald the basis of partisan preference.” Trump to fill the vacant seat on Judge Barrett is well received US Supreme Court. If confirmed, by Catholic conservatives across Judge Barrett will become the the States. She has been regarded youngest of the nine supreme by Marjorie Dannenfelser, pres- justices. ident of the anti-abortion group, Unlike Ginsburg, Barrett is not the Susan B. Anthony List, as the liberal or a progressive. A 48-year- “perfect combination of brilliant President Donald J. Trump walks with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, his nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. old native of New Orleans and a jurist and a woman who brings mother of seven children, she is the argument to the court that has now nominated to the Supreme Self-proclaimed anti-racist writer, Judge Barrett is a conservative a Christian and a social conserv- potentially the contrary views of Court. May God bless Judge Coney Ibram X. Kendi followed up with a judge who is believed to be liked ative, and is unafraid to convey the sitting women justices.” Barrett and her beautiful family racist smear: saying “Some White and admired by her colleagues. She this. Due to this, Barrett has been Other Americans, like Nan Aron with grace and peace in the chal- colonizers ‘adopted’ Black chil- started clerking for Antonin Scalia, portrayed as “controversial” by for example, dispute this. As presi- lenging days to come.” dren. They ‘civilized’ these ‘savage’ Justice on the Supreme Court, some commentators. During Bar- dent of the liberal group, Alliance However, there were many who children in the ‘superior’ ways of when she was 26. She graduated rett’s 2017 nomination hearing for Justice, Aron says that Amy took to social media to attack Bar- White people, using them as props summa cum laude (with highest for the US Appeals Court, Sena- Coney Barrett “meets Donald rett and her family in the vilest of in their lifelong pictures of denial, distinctions) from Notre Dame tor Dianne Feinstein questioned Trump’s two main litmus tests: she manners. Newsweek claimed a while cutting the biological parents Law School and, since then, has her on her personal faith and has made clear she would invali- Catholic group Barrett is associ- of these children out of the picture lectured as a Professor of Law in values, saying that “when you date the A.C.A and take health care ated with was the inspiration for A of humanity.” read your speeches, the conclu- away from millions of people and Handmaid’s Tale. Retired Archbishop Charles Indiana’s university. sion one draws is that the dogma undermine a woman’s reproduc- Dana Houle, a self-described Chaput said that criticism of Amy Judge Barrett has seven chil- lives loudly within you. And that’s tive freedom.” political consultant to Democrats Coney Barrett is part of a “virus” of dren, two of which are adopted of concern.” In response to this Bishop Thomas Tobin of Dio- suggested that perhaps Barrett anti-Catholic “bigotry,”. The arch- from Haiti while one of her sons controversy, Barrett has publicly cese of Providence, Rhode Island, and her husband illegally adopted bishop warned that public attacks suffers from Down syndrome. She defended her beliefs, she sees “no also welcomed the announcement, two of their children from Haiti. on the Supreme Court nominee’s is also known for her charitable conflict between having a sincerely saying on Twitter: “Congratula- This brought a focus on the pri- faith constitute a wider threat to work where she volunteers at her held faith and duties as a judge.” tions to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, vate family life of the Barretts. religious liberty. children’s grade school. NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 7

THE RELIEF OF PAIN The use of pain relief, in order to A Christian maintain and enhance the quality ‘Care at the End of Life’ of life is an important aspect of pal- liative care. Palliative care should Community not be confused with euthanasia or Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference assisted suicide, which involves the fights back specific intention to end a human STATEMENT life. This is always gravely sinful. Human dignity is inherent apitol Hill Baptist in every person from the first ASSISTED SUICIDE Church, based in Wash- moment of his or her existence. Assisted suicide is often pre- Cington DC, is suing Even under the most challenging sented as something that would be Democratic mayor Muriel circumstances, we never lose that rare and exceptional. Once assisted Bowser to overturn a ban on reli- inherent dignity, which brings a suicide is accepted in principle, it gious gatherings of more than unique quality and meaning to becomes very difficult to draw a 100 people, a measure which was introduced to supposedly everything we do and are. line. Many countries, which began fight the spread of COVID-19 by legalising assisted suicide on a HOSPICE half a year ago. Unlike in other very limited basis, have moved on In the challenging context of parts of the US, DC churches do to widen significantly the scope of terminal illness, the dignity of not have the option of moving that legislation. the person is affirmed in Hospice the services outdoors to allow

Care. From simple beginnings for greater numbers of people to AT THE SERVICE OF LIFE at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s A COMMUNITY OF for human life, acknowledges and attend, as the same - 100 person We want to say very clearly that Cross, Dublin, in 1879, and with COMPASSION AND CARE accepts the reality of approaching - rule applies to outdoor wor- there is no such thing as a life with- huge public support, the provi- Care at the end of life has a lot death. It is about helping people ship as well. out value. We hope to be a voice sion of hospice care has spread to do with relationships. The sup- The lawsuit is partly spurred to live as fully as possible in the for those who, in a time of vul- to every corner of Ireland. It is port of family members, friends time that is left to them, until death on by Mayor Bowser’s open based on the principle that “Life is and trusted healthcare profession- nerability, feel that they have no hypocrisy. According to Lifesite comes naturally. Our own pasto- voice. We ask people to consider affirmed and dying is regarded as als, including chaplains who offer ral experience has shown us that, News Mayor Bowser appeared a normal process. Death is neither pastoral and sacramental care, the manner in which assisted sui- personally at an outdoor gath- in the final days and weeks of ter- hastened nor postponed. Pain and can make an enormous difference. cide and euthanasia undermines ering of tens of thousands of minal illness, the life experience of other distressing symptoms are Together they form a community the whole ethos of healthcare. Doc- people at the corner of 16th and those who are dying can be greatly relieved.” These principles have of compassion and care. For a tors and nurses are called to be H Streets NW and delivered enhanced with the assistance of inspired people of every religious Christian, death is not a hopeless advocates for life and should never a speech describing the large tradition in providing a unique adventure; it is the door of life that integrated palliative care. Fre- be required to assist in any way in gathering as ‘wonderful to see’. kind of care at the end of life, opens to eternity. quently, relationships are healed, the deliberate ending of life. We Similarly, on four occasions which is not just about pain man- unresolved personal issues are invite you to join us in prayer for between June and August 2020, agement, but about presence and PALLIATIVE CARE worked through and people often those who, at this time, are coming the District’s Metropolitan communication and, most of all, Telling the truth with love is an enter into a deeper relationship to terms with a diagnosis of termi- Police Department closed city about remaining close to people important aspect of our respect for with God. We note that many pal- nal illness, that they may have the streets to accommodate protests for whom further medical treat- human dignity. Palliative care, as liative care experts have expressed blessing of a community of com- and marches of thousands of ment is futile. well as upholding absolute respect similar views. passion and care. people.

on Mary as the primary intercessor to the end of the world. This is the to her Son. reason why He, God the Holy Ghost The (Spirit), the more he finds Mary, His writings inspired His dear and indissoluble spouse Frank Duff, two centuries PHILIP JOYCE – the felt a piercing pain in any soul, flies to it, and becomes through her heart. She collapsed later, to commence what the more active and mighty in pro- ducing Jesus Christ in that soul, onto the rough ground stained by has become one of the and that soul in Jesus Christ”. alvary – her Son’s blood. She was raised to foremost and dedicated This filial bond of Jesus to Mary, “She seemed her feet by the ‘most-loved apos- Christian organisations described initially, with the inspi- totally tle’ and escorted by him and Mary C in the world. Frank, in his ration of the Holy Spirit, has given absorbed with of Magdalen to witness the cruelty booklet, ‘The DeMont- wings to the development of the inutterable grief. She was pale, and of men’s minds – but also, a Sac- largest apostolic organisation of her eyes, without any more tears to rifice which produced, perhaps, the fort Way’, portrays lay people in the Catholic Church shed, cast a dead look of the grief- most recognised icon in the world, Louis-Marie as someone which, with an estimated mem- stricken upon the frightful wounds the Christian Crucifix”. (Author describing what he sees bership of ten million souls, will of our Saviour … As she got nearer unknown – 19th century.) through a telescope to to her Son, she only had eyes for celebrate its centenary on Septem- ber 7th, A.D. 2021. Him and was oblivious to foreign One cannot write about someone without that Beatification proceedings are in soldiers who made threatening the Legion of Mary instrument. train for founder, , signs to her. When they pointed without mentioning its in a local Carmelite church, he felt Frank Duff, for Venerable Edel lances at her breast, though, they ”So, what is the purpose of the founder, Dubliner, Frank the summons to vocation. A family Quinn, early 20th century Legion saw lightning flash from her fixed Legion of Mary?” friend provided financial support Envoy to East Africa and the late and piercing eyes which was inher- Duff, and one cannot Saint Louis-Marie gave that for his priestly calling but he had Servant of God, Alfie Lambe, envoy ited from her royal ancestor, David. write about Frank Duff answer two hundred years before to walk 200 miles to study at Saint to South America. Those eyes expressed such sorrow- that magnificent cohort was born without referring to 17th Sulpice, Paris, during which time he We pray for that cause. ful grandeur and cool contempt for century Saint Louis-Marie even guarded dead bodies at night with Frank Duff who said that death that the soldiers, perhaps de Montfort of France, a to supplement his endowment. it is to attempt ‘to make a saint fleetingly remembering their own Ordained in 1700, he eventu- of everyone!’ It takes an infinite mothers, lowered their weapons major source of Frank’s ally received a direction from Pope amount of resilience and cour- and gave way. understanding of the Clement XI to mission in France age to initiate a conversation with She stooped to pass her hand intercessional ability of against the harsh moral rigourism another – perhaps a stranger – over the bloodied forehead of her the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Jansenist heresy. A com- with a view towards pointing them Son. Her very existence with the towards sainthood – or even better Mother of God-made-Man. petent orator and writer, among living, at that stage, was through his best known books were ‘The spirituality! His Divine support. As His head Secret of the ’, ‘The Secret of Saint Louis-Marie wrote, “It is was pushed down under the Louis-Marie Grignion, was born Mary’ and ‘’, with her(Mary), in her and by her weight of the Cross, He managed in Brittany, A.D.1673, the second in which he was able to illustrate that God has produced His Mas- to utter one word, “Mother”. As of eighteen children. He possessed his ardent love for the Mother of terpiece, which is God-made-Man, she heard that beautiful word – an inborn love of the Blessed Virgin God. Particularly in the latter, he and which He goes on producing in though like a death-knell to her Mary. Kneeling before her statue demonstrated TOTAL dependence the persons of His members daily 8 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020

FAMILY LIFE THE YOUTH FORUMWITH ÁINE KIRBY Lockdown life selves, me especially, and forget AOIFE DE CLÁR Holy Communion that week. to give Jesus permission to work Things slowly got back to Doing God’s work through me and help me. In that normal. Sports and music lessons moment of anger and discourage- ’ve never been so resumed and granny and Granda ment I felt, I decided to pray for glad to be a full- came home. We prayed in thanks- and discouragement that man and forgive him in my Itime mother as giving. My pregnancy became a heart and by doing that Jesus could I am now living bit more of a challenge and I had through this crazy time called the had a personal experience teach me what he wanted too. to take a lot of medication to get ‘Covid 19 Pandemic’. Last March recently where I was asked by Every morning I usually hand through the days. I was reminded, the country closed down. Our a priest to play some music and my day over to Jesus and ask Him far too regularly, on my very fre- I schools, restaurants, many shops quent ante-natal visits, that I was to guide me and help me. I think help out for a local Confirmation. and services, bars, crèches, gyms As you know Confirmations and if you invite Jesus into your day it now an older mother and ‘high and all sporting events and activ- Communions have been done a gives you a lot more peace know- risk’. But I was glad and content little bit differently this year due ing that whatever happens, His ities shut their doors and stopped that my baby was growing and to Coivd-19. hand is in it. operating. We were told we wer- was strong. However, I try to look at the Another question often asked en’t to see or speak to our friends Then the second lockdown glass half full and I knew that it is how can I respond to what God face-to-face. came. It wasn’t as harsh as the was a blessing for Confirmations wants me to do? Or how will I It certainly was all very strange, first one. Everything seemed to and Communions to go ahead know if God is calling me to do but never once did any of our chil- remain the same for our family, this year at all. So, I arrived at something? The simple answer is dren feel worried or anxious about except for one thing. We were this Confirmation and got myself prayer because when we pray it what was happening around them, again forbidden to go to Mass. set up and I asked for a chair so I Photo: Sbcaphil. is like placing our hands in Jesus nor did they feel lonely or scared What a heartbreak for the very could sit down and play a piece. A and Mary’s hands and letting they’d be one victims of this virus. many Catholics in Ireland. We man who I had never met before in different situations and asks them guide us. Life went on as normal. I was still could get our nails and hair done. turned around and made quite us to do certain things and often Imagine going into a and there just like I had always been. We could go for a pint and enjoy a rude comment to me. At first, when we come up against a chal- you know your manager has lots I taught them their lessons at a cigarette in the beer garden. We I was taken aback and then I lenge we will know what we are of jobs he wants you to help with our kitchen table just as I had could do a workout in the gym (if started thinking that I shouldn’t doing is the right thing. That is but you purposely avoid him all before all this craziness kicked off. we were bothered). But we could be playing or maybe they didn’t not to say if you go to Mass on a day. It is not possible for him I still cooked and cleaned, washed not attend Mass. need me or was I a waste of space? Sunday you’re going experience to ask you to do something if he the floors and our clothes, sang Sports continued. Our schools all All of these discouraging things spiritual attacks all the time but cannot find you. It’s the same way songs to them, read stories, lis- remained open. Our teachers stood started going through my head it just means that in doing things if we ignore Jesus because He tened to their woes and comforted at the top of their classroom of 30 before I played. When I had fin- that please the Lord, some obsta- can’t show us what He desires and them on demand just as I always children, yet if that teacher were ished playing I felt the Lord cles can arise too. wants for us. did. They still squabbled and to die, only 10 could attend their saying clearly to me: “When you What was so valuable to me So I encourage you to pray and played with each other as before. funeral in the church. We could do something for Me you can about this is how even in the sim- trust that God has planned even There was noise and games, great swim in a public pool with dozens come across challenges like these” plest moments Jesus teaches us the simplest things in your life new games were invented and of others, but we couldn’t dip the and immediately I felt peace. lessons. and do not become discouraged played and many, many artistic tips of our finger in the Church’s I realised that the Lord puts us We are so quick to judge our- for doing the right thing. masterpieces were created. The holy water font. Nobody spoke up house was full of life. for us and we felt abandoned by the My husband worked from home, hierarchy. to open your ears each day to hear hidden upstairs in our cramped But life went on. His word, and to open your eyes bedroom, and nobody was ever It took a Pandemic for us to real- Listening to see the things He is trying to bored. One of the many great ben- ise what’s most important in our show you. efits of being a child in a bigger lives. God, marriage and family. All Prayer truly does give us family! We certainly missed our in that order. We have been blessed to God answers and sometimes these music lessons, GAA and dancing with 7 wonderful (most of the time) answers come from those around classes. We missed our friends children and are now awaiting the us, but we have to be open to hear- and nobody came to visit us. We arrival of our 8th. through ing them. If you are stressed about missed granny and granda a lot I have been gifted a husband that a situation then pray to Jesus to and we looked forward to their appreciates all I do in mothering give you a sign because if He wants letters and video calls. It didn’t his children, even though I often to reveal something to you, He compare to our visits to their fail miserably, and I complain others really will. Also before you start house every other day but it was about my ‘job’ far too often. I am so you day invite Jesus into your day the best we could manage. fortunate that I never felt any pres- think I only realised properly The Virgin in Prayer by Giovanni and ask Him to speak through you The biggest impact lockdown had sure or urge to leave our children to in the last two or three years Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato for others because you never know on us was that we were deprived of enter paid employment. Ithat God speaks through other (1609–1685). who it might help! the Blessed Eucharist for so long. If this Pandemic has taught me people so much. I have found it so We craved it but we couldn’t have anything, it is that I am rich, even if easy to close myself off from God it. We prayed as a family more than we struggle financially sometimes. at times in my life when I needed Favourite songs at the moment ever before. We watched Mass ever Our wealth is our faith, our mar- morning, all nine of us, and made riage and our children. Him most and when I look back I hese are just a few song I hope you enjoy these few a Spiritual Communion. We made I recently read that the job of a realise He was trying to speak to recommendations that songs and that they give you a Crucifixion scene in prepara- full-time mother is worth €50k per me through my friends and family I have for you as I know some encouragement and peace. and people around me. T tion for Holy week. We learnt new annum. I think it’s priceless, but if how encouraging praise and hymns, old hymns, Irish hymns, I had some of that 50k I think the If you know anyone who is very worship songs can be and how Latin hymns. close to Jesus and usually speaks they have helped me. first thing I would invest in would a lot of wisdom, then more than As a family we grew closer be some sort of a ‘Super Mute to God and to each other. We likely that’s the Holy Spirit work- • You’ve always been, Button’ that would give me half an ing through them. The Holy Spirit by Unspoken observed our children, especially hour of silence after dinner. can work through many people • Joy, by The Housefires our eldest three children, devel- Gosh my house is noisy. It’s the and you have probably given • Marching on, by Rend Col- oping a deeper love for their first thing one of my neighbours friends advice before that God lective faith. They read more. Asked informed me of on one of her rare wanted them to hear and you • I will be undignified, by more questions. Listened more. visits. She then proceeded to tell probably didn’t realise at the time. Rend Collective Photo: Moisés Gutierrez. And when the time came for us to me with a smile, that my house will If you are looking for answers enter back into the Church doors be quiet like hers in years to come • Trust in you, by Lauren Lauren Daigle’s concert in Joy about something a powerful for Mass, they were truly grate- and I will yearn for these noisy Daigle Eslava, Madrid, 2019. prayer to say could be to ask Jesus ful. We celebrated our 4th child’s years. I doubt it! FAITH AGENDA NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 9

or you have fashioned a semi-pagan Has the mental health industry completely lost its way? god to serve your needs rather than call you to holiness. any people suffer from sion and anxiety is actually an hurt in your life, often choosing a “Since you exclude God, your life mental illness and need appropriate response to the dif- self-destructive response, such as has little sense of direction except Mtreatment. But in the ficulties in which young people anger or self-pity, one that leads to to while away the years as pleas- broader society, could we be get- find themselves - for example, a a vicious circle of hurting. antly as possible, until your time ting mental health upside down, broken home? “Instead of having Jesus at is up. No wonder you’re depressed. taking signs of good health as indi- Indeed, funding for more “ther- the centre of your life, where he “By restricting your social life, cators of illness? apists” may make matters worse. belongs, you ignore him, trying to Covid-19 deprives you of many Consider a recent survey of Could counsellors and mental fill the empty space with your own activities that serve to hide from 1,000 Irish school leavers which health experts and researchers be demands and ambitions or with you the hopelessness behind so found that nearly half of them part of the problem? drugs, alcohol and sex.” much of what you do.” (46%) believed they had high levels What if they have a false, “feel The counsellor might then go on It will be objected, of course, that of depression and/or anxiety. And good” vision of mental health? Or to explain, “you were created for this breaks down the boundary up to 60% deemed their mental promote a form of therapy that dis- greatness, for holiness, for eternal between secularist “counselling” well-being to be “poor”. tracts from the underlying issue life. That should be your governing and religion or spiritual direction. It’s hard to know what to make of rather than facing it? focus in life. And you have to carry But who decided such a boundary such remarkable figures but, true Christ’s cross. should exist, and to what purpose? to form, the study led to calls for UNORTHODOX “You need to develop an outlook None of this denies that on occa- more state money. Might an unorthodox counsellor, that can accept disappointments, sion talking to a sensible person Prof Sinéad McGilloway of prepared to set aside some of the difficulties and failures, viewing about a complex situation can clar- Maynooth University, who led the “non-directive” rules of the game, outlook on life. them as part of God’s bigger plan ify an issue and how to deal with it. project, noted “chronic underfund- be better able to help? “You have no sense of what life for your life and salvation. But from a Catholic point of ing of the mental health system”. Having listened attentively to the is about or what its purpose is. You view it does raise serious questions She told the Irish Times an extra distressed customer, he (or she) are afraid to face reality, and your CHILD OF GOD about the Church’s involvement in €3 million announced by the Min- might explain: “you’re absolutely notion of happiness is flawed. “You have no sense of your dignity the counselling industry and how ister may not be enough. right to be depressed, given the “Because of pride you are easily as a child of God. Indeed, you ignore this has helped to dilute its reli- But what if much of the depres- blindness and emptiness of your offended and unable to deal with God, have pushed him to the side, gious mission.

It also makes the preaching of A Hidden Life, Recognising the repentance ever more difficult and provocative, ever more likely to stir a beautiful but Six Stages of Evil up a hostile reaction. Which helps to explain why the n mid-July Fr. Seán Mulligan

Photo: Pjposullivan. Catholic Church over the past of Carrickmacross gave what flawed movie 60 years has more or less aban- was probably the most impor- he recent movie, A Hidden I doned the task of calling sinners to tant homily preached in Ireland in repentance. Life, tells the story of Franz recent years. Eight minutes long, it TJägerstätter, the Austrian can be viewed on Youtube. This was a remarkable develop- farmer who was beheaded by the Based on the parable of the ment, given that conversion is a Nazis in 1943 because he refused darnel (weeds) sown among the core element of the mission given to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler. good seed, the homily explores the to the Church by Jesus. It is a beautiful and moving film nature of evil and how it progresses Fr. Longenecker’s analysis can be with a lot of Catholic imagery. in both our private lives and in applied to any kind of sin, from the But Dan Hitchens (The Catholic society. And the shocking progress issue of pornography to the evils of Herald) notes that its picture of the it has made in Ireland. the Nazi “final solution”. 36-year-old farmer as a quiet, enig- The sermon takes as its frame- Fr. Mulligan applied it to the matic hero is anything but true. work a blog post by an American progressive acceptance, over a few The real Franz always openly convert to Catholicism, Fr. Dwight years, of the on-going slaughter of explained that he could not serve Longenecker, on what he calls The thousands of underage babies in Hitler because it would endanger Six Stages of Evil. Ireland. And to efforts by the cur- his eternal salvation. These stages are: 1. First, we rent government of hide the evil Until his mid-20s he was overlook evil. 2. Then we permit and protect it. regarded as “wild”, ever ready for What is becoming ever clearer is The stained glass windows of the west wall of St. Roman evil. 3. Then we legalise evil. 4. a fight, vocal in his views, and he Catholic Church, on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto, Then we promote evil. 5. Then we how insidiously this evil corrupts fathered a child outside marriage. depicting Pauline and George Vanier, Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and celebrate evil. 6. Then we persecute everything it touches: politics, Then he met his future wife, Fran- Blessed Franz Jägerstätter OFS. those who still call it evil. health care, the law, college edu- ziska, a devout Catholic. This is a kind of forensic exam- cation, peace-keeping, the media, Did he go to Mass was one of about “the danger to the salva- remain silent for years,” he wrote. ination of what Scripture calls respect for human life. Only the first questions she asked him. tion of my soul”. Pope Pius XI had “They silently watch this false- “hardness of heart”, of our growing repentance can save us. Under her influence he began to made it clear that nobody could be hood as it takes an ever-greater resistance to God’s will in our souls take his faith seriously, studying a Nazi and a good Catholic. hold on everything around it.” The and in our community. To view the homily search on the Bible, the lives of the saints, people too, he said, always needed Each stage makes repentance Youtube for “Monaghan priest’s and going to daily Mass. PACKED TRAIN to ask, “What does our faith teach that bit more difficult for a sinner. sermon”. “I might have thought differ- A dream Franz had also made about all this?” ently about Hitler,” he once said, a big impact on him. He saw a In prison his greatest joy was to “if I had not read so many Catho- packed train with more people receive Holy Communion. Fellow lic books and journals.” He even clambering to get on board. The prisoners noted how he shared wrote a catechism for his three train, he understood, was Nazism, his food, prayed the rosary, and little daughters. and it was heading to hell. helped others to pray it. Other villagers opposed Nazism, The movie, however, fails to In 1971 an Austrian film, The but Franz’s public challenge to it show how it was this hope of eter- Refusal, gave a much better shocked everyone. nal life that gave him the courage picture of the place Catholic con- His parish priest, who had him- to resist evil. Salvation, he said, science played in Jägerstätter’s self been banished from the area “particularly depends on our free decision not to fight in an unjust because of his anti-Nazi preach- will, whether we want to be eter- war, and can be found on Youtube. ing, thought he might be taking his nally happy or eternally unhappy.” In 2007 the Church declared opposition too far. He was dismayed by the failure him a martyr. His wife, aged “I wanted to talk him out of it,” of Church leaders to speak out 94, was present in Linz cathe- Fr. Karobath later recalled, “but he plainly. “No one offers any clari- dral when he was beatified. How defeated me again and again with fication, either spoken or written; strange to make a film celebrating the words of Scripture.” rather, it’s forbidden to offer any… a man’s heroism yet downplaying He told the priest of his concern It isn’t good if our spiritual leaders the source of his courage. Fr. Dwight Longenecker. 10 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020 WORDS OF WISDOM

itself to the belief that beyond life a more widespread ten- entered into our life and tells us: “I MONTHLY there is simply nothing? I would say dency to think that every am the resurrection and the life; he that there are multiple answers: we reality ought to be tack- who believes in me, though he die, Meditations are afraid of death because we are yet shall he live, and whoever lives afraid of that nothingness, of leav- led with the criteria of and believes in me shall never die” ing this world for something we experimental science, and (Jn 11:25-26). Dignity and hope in don’t know, something unknown that the great questions Let us think for a moment of the to us. And, then, there is a sense of about death ought to be scene on Calvary and listen again rejection in us because we cannot answered not so much to Jesus’ words from the height of death – eternal life. accept that all that is beautiful and the Cross, addressed to the criminal great, realized during a lifetime, with faith as with empiri- crucified on his right: “Truly, I say fter celebrating the Solem- their experience of life; should be suddenly erased, should cal, provable knowledge. to you, today you will be with me nity of All Saints, today the and, paradoxically, by fall into the abyss of nothingness. It is not sufficiently taken in Paradise” (Lk 23:43). We think AChurch invites us to com- looking at their graves, Above all, we feel that love calls and into account, however, of the two disciples on the road to memorate all the faithful departed, Emmaus, when, after traveling a before which countless asks for eternity and it is impossi- that precisely in this way to turn our eyes to the many faces ble to accept that it is destroyed by stretch of the way with the Risen who have gone before us and who memories return, we death in an instant. one is doomed to fall into Jesus, they recognize him and set have ended their earthly journey. discover how they lived, Furthermore, we fear in the face forms of spiritism, in an out immediately for Jerusalem to So at today’s Audience, I would what they loved, what of death because, when we find attempt to have some proclaim the Resurrection of the like to offer a few simple thoughts ourselves approaching the end kind of contact with the Lord (cf. Lk 24:13-35). The Mas- they feared, what they ter’s words come back to our minds on the reality of death, which for hoped for and what they of our lives, there is a perception world beyond, almost us Christians is illuminated by the that our actions will be judged, with renewed clarity: “Let not your imagining it to be a reality Resurrection of Christ, and so as to hated. They are almost a the way in which we have lived our hearts be troubled; believe in God, renew our faith in eternal life. mirror of their world. lives, above all, those moments of that, ultimately, is a copy believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not As I already said at the Angelus darkness which we often skilfully of the present one. so, would I have told you that I go to yesterday, during these days we go remove or try to remove from our Why is this so? Because, despite prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:1- to the cemetery to pray for the loved conscience. I would say that pre- the fact that death is an almost for- Dear friends, the Solemnity of All 2). God is truly demonstrated, he ones who have left us, as it were cisely the question of judgment bidden subject in our society and Saints and the Commemoration of became accessible, for he so loved paying a visit to show them, once often underlies man of all time’s that there is a continuous attempt all the faithful departed tells us that the world “that he gave his only Son, concern for the dead, the attention more, our love, to feel them still to banish the thought of it from our only those who can recognize a great that whoever believes in him should paid to the people who were impor- close, remembering also, an article minds, death touches each of us, it hope in death, can live a life based on not perish but have eternal life” (Jn tant to him and are no longer with of the Creed: in the communion of touches mankind of every age and hope. If we reduce man exclusively 3:16), and in the supreme act of love him on the journey through earthly saints there is a close bond between every place. And before this mystery to his horizontal dimension, to that on the Cross, immersing himself in life. In a certain sense the gestures us who are still walking here upon we all, even unconsciously, search which can be perceived empirically, the abyss of death, he conquered it, of affection and love which sur- the earth and those many broth- for something to give us hope, a life itself loses its profound mean- and rose and opened the doors of round the deceased are a way to ers and sisters who have already sign that might bring us consola- ing. Man needs eternity for every eternity for us too. Christ sustains protect him in the conviction that entered eternity. tion, open up some horizon, offer other hope is too brief, too lim- us through the night of death which they will have an effect on the judg- us a future once more. The road to ited for him. Man can be explained he himself overcame; he is the Good Human beings have ment. This we can gather from the death, in reality, is a way of hope only if there is a Love which over- Shepherd, on whose guidance one always cared for their and it passes through our ceme- majority of cultures that character- comes every isolation, even that of can rely without any fear, for he dead and sought to give teries, just as can be read on the ize the history of man. death, in a totality which also tran- knows the way well, even through them a sort of second tombstones and fulfills a journey Today the world has scends time and space. Man can darkness. marked by the hope of eternity. be explained, he finds his deepest life through attention, become, at least in Yet, we wonder, why do we feel meaning, only if there is God. And General Audience of Pope Bene- care and affection. In a fear before death? Why has human- appearance, much more we know that God left his distance dict XVI, Wednesday, 2 November way, we want to preserve ity, for the most part, never resigned rational, or rather, there is for us and made himself close. He 2011

God continues to speak to us Women’s Refuge in Medjugoje providing hope THE NARRATIVE BEGINS in this way. When we read the Old Testa- other Krispina added “triggers” for vio- Spiritual help gives FR. JOSEPH strange to us—after all they ment stories we are reminded Women’s Refuge lence. them hope that in the BRIODY come from thousands of years that the main character is the in Medjugorje The Sisters and lay staff name of Jesus Christ all ago—a great deal still speaks Lord, even when he seems M very much behind the scenes. is facing closure as it is receive these wounded wounds can be healed. to us because the same God struugling to cover utility souls with love, under- Genesis: He directs creation, history, Krispina life is based pri- is involved and human beings bills and staff salaries in standing and without Part 1 share the same human nature. and the lives of people. What marily on prayer, Holy strikes us most is that God, these difficult times. The judgement. They guide Mass and confession. People are people the world Arthur McCluskey Foun- them through difficult sit- he books from Genesis who created everything in the For 20+ years, they sur- over! Though times, places, dation, founded after to 2 Kings are sometimes first place, also cares deeply vived on God’s Providence and circumstances change, Arthur’s healing from called “Narrative Books.” and personally for every indi- T God continually seeks out his a gambling addiction, through pilgrim donations vidual human being, however They narrate the story of God’s people and draws them to him- and sales of handcrafted small or poor or forgotten. has been supporting the relationship with the world self in love. In the accounts of souvenirs made by the from the very beginning until After the Lord himself Refuge to stay afloat. Genesis to 2 Kings we really get women. The Lord found the destruction of Jerusalem there are two kinds of char- The Foundation has to know God, how he acts, and ways to support them and and exile of the people to Bab- acters in these narratives, worked for years with the what he is like. Most impor- their mission, without any ylon in 587 BC. By story we do those who make good deci- Franciscan Sisters, build- tantly of all, these accounts are not mean something invented, sions and those who do not. ing a Kindergarten near state support, until the reliable and inspired by the but rather how events rooted We learn from these charac- Sarajevo and sharing pandemic. Holy Spirit. Here God contin- in history and reality were ters, their deeds, their lives, costs of a second Women’s They would be grate- ues to speak to us. interpreted and transmitted and what happens to them. Refuge. They see the family uations and care for their ful for ANY help and say by the people of Israel. These There are other reasons, Sometimes the personalities as the nucleus of society needs – food, clothing, “every little drop in the too, for reading these books events and their telling are of are central to the story, like and realise that modern medical and legal assis- Ocean of God’s love is and the Old Testament in prime importance because Jephthah, Samson, Saul, or day families are faced with tance. precious”. It is important general. Recently Pope Fran- many destructive forces. Their motto “to serve they express the identity of David. Often, however, these that the doors to Krispina cis wrote of the importance of The Refuge workers life” is evident in their God’s people. Even more, they are not presented to us as are kept open to welcome show us how God acted in the the Old Testament for under- models but to demonstrate understand that alcohol, daily struggles to protect abused and pregnant past and how he continues to standing the New Testament. what should be avoided and to drugs, gambling, internet the unborn. Their support women and girls. Life is act in history and in our lives. The Old Testament helps remind us of the importance addiction and infidelity prevents terminations and God doesn’t change. The same us understand Christ all the of obedience to the Lord and lead to violent behaviour enables mothers to keep precious. Please donate God who acted in the lives more deeply. Pope Francis his commands. The accounts and mutual abuse of hus- their babies or have them at www.arthurmc.com or of , Joseph, , recommended the Old Tes- remind us indirectly that, in band and wife. The poor adopted. The women to the Arthur McCluskey David, and Mary continues to tament as a “priceless source the end, it is fidelity to the economic situation and need help due to domestic Foundation, 5 Glen Drive, act in our lives. While some of spiritual nourishment” for Lord—even through suffering high unemployment in violence, unwanted preg- The Park, Cabinteely, aspects of these accounts are us. Sometimes we forget that or trial—that brings blessing. Bosnia Herzegovina are nancies and addictions. Dublin. NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 11

Meanwhile, HPI is eerily currently staying in. He was also similar to another system in a situation where a glitch in the Health Passport Ireland: already in place – the system gave him an unintended ‘code yellow’ – this still prevented ‘Health Code’ currently him from leaving his hotel. the dystopian solution to COVID? in use in China. This In light of the above, it is worth application also assigns noting that on May 8th 2020, a number of Catholic bishops (includ- BRIAN MCGONAGLE a large amount of per- people a colour code based on factors such as ing three Cardinals: Cardinal Joseph sonal data. Although the Zen Ze-kiun, Cardinal Janis Pujats ROQU Group are adamant their travel history, being and Cardinal Gerhard Muller, he world has been at war around potential COVID former prefect of the Congregation with COVID-19 for a number that no private informa- carriers and time spent in for the Doctrine of the Faith) issued of months now, adding lock- tion will be shared, could T an appeal to all people of good will down to restriction in the hope of this not change if a further areas which suffered an regarding COVID-19. The docu- eradicating the virus. While con- outbreak. The application emergency is declared? ment notes that “under the pretext cern for social health and especially There is a risk that such also includes a QR of the COVID-19 epidemic, the inal- for society’s most vulnerable mem- scanning system, where ienable rights of citizens have in bers, who are disproportionately information could be used a person needs to scan many cases been violated and their affected by the virus, is in itself by the government or Security check at Excel Centre, fundamental freedoms, including laudable, does there come a point insurance companies in in with their phone in London. the exercise of freedom of worship, where things have simply moved order to enter apartment a way in which it was not expression and movement, have too far? Is everything to be sac- Some of these concerns were put initially envisaged. complexes, shops or been disproportionately and unjus- rificed at the altar of safety? Asa to Robert Quirke, CEO of the ROQU workplaces (The HPI tifiably restricted”. The bishops urge society, we have reached a time of Group, by Niall Boylan in a Sep- Secondly, if HPI is widely website also mentions governments “to ensure that forms decision with the rollout of the con- tember 11th interview on Classic adopted by the government, it is of control over people, whether troversial Health Passport Ireland. Hits FM. Boylan asked if HPI would a ‘HPI Scanner App’. No easy to predict that non-compli- through tracking systems or any Health Passport Ireland (“HPI”) is give the government ‘too much con- further information on ance with testing or vaccination other form of location-finding, are a smartphone application developed trol’. Quirke took the approach that this is available). requirements, or even a system rigorously avoided (...) citizens by the ROQU Group. The app’s main if you do not have COVID-19, then malfunction, will affect the travel, must be given the opportunity to feature is to assign a status of green, you will have nothing to fear. He employment or recreation opportu- The Chinese system is ruth- refuse these restrictions on personal amber or red to a person, based on dismissed people critical of HPI as nities of the population. An amber lessly enforced. “Sometimes it feels freedom, without any penalty what- COVID-19 testing (or lack thereof). those being fed up with COVID or or red HPI status could mean that every transaction – even entering soever being imposed on those who From material currently available, it “people who do not believe there you do not get to fly, are refused a park – is subject to government do not wish to use vaccines, contact appears that the taking of a vaccine is a virus”. Boylan also questioned entry into the office or are turned approval” wrote Don Weiland, a tracking or any other similar tool”. and recent whereabouts will also Quirke on the consequences of away from Croke Park on the day refusing a vaccine – would such journalist who experienced the Chi- The bishops also reminded their be taken into account in the desig- of the All-Ireland. Even though you people be affected by restrictions? nese COVID-19 regime first-hand flock that “it is morally unaccept- nation of a status. HPI is currently are not carrying the virus. Quirke again dismissed such con- (Financial Times, 7th May). “The able to develop or use vaccines being tried and tested at several Moreover, do our current cerns, stating that this will not be codes are everywhere. They hang in derived from material from aborted locations around the country, nota- COVID-19 figures even begin to an issue “for the 99.9% of people the entryways of most restaurants, fetuses”, which is sadly an issue bly at Tallaght Hospital where the justify such an intrusive regime? who will take the vaccine”. Over- shops, malls and banks. Even with some of the vaccines currently process is being monitored by the As of the 23rd of September, there all, the interview with Quirke gives Bejing’s narrow alleyway neigh- being researched. HSE, with the knowledge of the are 88 confirmed cases of the virus the impression that the application bourhoods, called hutongs, require HPI is ominously looming over Department of Health. in Irish hospitals, with 16 patients will not affect your life as long as them to gain entry”, lamented the horizon and it will be up to The application is prob- requiring intensive care. Ireland you ‘play ball’ – submit to the test- Weiland. He also described an inci- people of good will here in Ireland dent where he was refused at a taxi lematic for a number of also has the joint lowest COVID-19 ing, vaccination and whatever other to resist it. The benefits of HPI are death rate in Europe (7th Sep- demands that HPI places upon you. because his application showed a far outweighed by its drawbacks, reasons. Firstly, HPI has tember). Is there a need for such This is a dangerous idea in a free ‘green code’ from a different Chi- which are evident from similar sys- the potential for collecting constant monitoring? and democratic society. nese province than the one he was tems already in use abroad.

In theological terminology, it is with the eyes of faith, an “imminent eschatology”; an which enables him to see The Myopia of Modern Myths attempt to find the salvation of through the myths spun man from the curse of his suffering BR. BRUNO SECUNDO effect on human progress, which has the misconstruction of those devel- within the confines of history. by mere men. been stalled, or pushed back. While opments that it does present as To think that Christian efforts in the proponents of such views allow evidence of human progress. Often healthcare, education or economic In this regard, the Old Testa- ruth, which became Incar- the campaigns of human devel- that one may dispute the degree development are simply aimed at ment accounts of the suffering of nate, cannot be served by a lie. opment are presented as projects to which this has occurred, there “building a better world” is to fall the Israelites is illuminating. When Early in the Church’s history, appears in such remarks an unques- to eradicate whatever ails human T into the same trap as the pre-Pen- they had broken the Covenant, and she had to refute opponents, both tioned presentation of human society, be it a particular dis- tecost disciples: “Lord will you disregarded the prophets, it was internal, such as the Gnostics, and history, especially recent history, as ease, child poverty, homelessness, at this time restore the kingdom suffering alone, collective suffering external, such as the pagan cults, one of progress and advancement. unemployment, racism etc. to Israel” (Acts 1:6). The Chris- as a people, which awoke them to who traded in mythical stories. The manner in which secular foun- tian horizon does not terminate They employed these myths to pro- Anyone who thinks the error of their ways. Repentance dations and entities such as the U.N. on a worldly plane but transcends vide an account of human reality, and conversion to Him was then the twentieth century present their projects would make it. Surely no Christian thinks the and the forces that controlled the it seem as if with enough medical to be accounted as progress. One represented human Kingdom of God is to be found in trajectory of human existence. Of breakthroughs, scientific ingenuity, may be “advancing” along a road, a far-off country? Well, neither is course, they were fictionalised tales progression needs to economic restructuring, education it to be found in a far-off point in but if it is the wrong road, one only and whatever fragments of truth explain himself to the and bureaucratic management, we history, regardless of how much we makes “progress” when one returns they contained were disfigured by countless millions of can create a world free of sorrow and achieve the goals set forth in U.N. to the right path. the fantasy of their creators. human suffering. We are not there aborted infants, victims of plans for human development. For all its sorrow and suffering However, one would be gravely the Shoah and Hiroshima, yet, but the ideal human society lies the present crisis is an opportu- mistaken to think that myths are just out of sight, over the horizon of Without denying the harm nity to discover again the truth of solely a feature of a bygone era. displaced persons, history, and all it requires is that we inflicted by the Covid-19 the Cross and the divine science Mythical explanations are alive and trafficked women and reach out and grasp it. virus, Christians must not wherein our true hope of salvation well in our modern world, and there children, and innumerable Progress can only ever be meas- allow their understanding lies. It is a reminder to society of is none more pernicious and per- other victims of man’s ured by the end, and if the end vasive than the myth of progress. presented is a mythical reality, of its place in the human man’s vulnerability, his power- “advances”. My attention has been particularly then the progress too participates narrative to be determined lessness in the face of that great enemy, Death, and prompting him drawn to this in the light of on-go- in reality to the same degree. Well, by secular commentators. ing discussions about the impact of However, the falsehood of this the end presented by the proph- to seek again that God upon whom Covid-19 on our world. There have myth runs deeper than the omis- ets of human progress is no more It is the Christian’s call he depends for true salvation been countless remarks about the sion of incompatible data, but in real than Marx’s worker’s utopia. and gift to view all things and fulfilment. 12 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020 FAITH AND REASON

detonated in an area covered with a lot of sand: there was a heat flash, and SCRAPS Finding Sodom instant cooling. DEREK RYAN COLUMN TUNGUSKA-CLASS METEOR AIRBURST DR. PAUL DELANEY exist in the Near East before 700 AD, Back in the Middle Ghor (the circu- roughly 2,400 years later, so at first lar plain where the Jordan empties into Dr. Collins thought it was a shard of Breakfast at Tiffany’s the Dead Sea) researchers noticed the he destruction of Sodom and glazed Islamic pottery. But the destruc- blast seemed directional, coming from ast Saturday, I stayed in a hotel in Dublin. I got up for Gomorrah is one of the most tion layer had been undisturbed since southeast, towards the Dead Sea. breakfast and ate in a crowded room of over eighty famous episodes from Genesis. being deposited. T Soil samples showed the ash layer Lother diners. The ceiling was quite low. There was But did Sodom exist, and where was it? Turning it over, he saw that the other has a salt and sulphite content of 6%, not two metres space between everyone. There was little Dr. Steven Collins has been exca- side was ordinary Bronze Age pottery, tapering off quickly above and below. or no ventilation. Lots of people were walking around. I vating at Tall el-Hammam north of the curvature indicating it came from The chemical composition of the salts ended up staying there for over an hour. I enjoyed the the Dead Sea since 2005. His fasci- the shoulder of a Middle Bronze Age 2 and sulphites is virtually identical to food. I had nice coffee. I left and I could not go to Mass. nating book Discovering the City of storage jar, a very common object he’d Apparently it is too dangerous. Sodom describes why it’s the city’s Dead Sea water. examined hundreds of times before. Finally, other cities in the Middle most likely site. But never with one side glazed. Also He found a very large Middle Bronze Ghor show the same gap in occupation International Day for Older Persons strange: the glazing protruded a milli- of 600-700 years. Age city – the time of Abraham and Lot metre or two over the sherd edge. – at 100 acres in the top 1 percent of In a conference paper they say this he United Nations celebrates a lot of the area’s largest Bronze Age cities. It explosive Event “in an instant, dev- silly days. October 1st was Interna- A BURST OF HEAT, THEN A QUICK had as many as 25,000 inhabitants, a astated approximately 500 km2 tional Day for Older Persons. What DROP IN TEMPERATURE T 12 feet thick city wall up to 35 feet high, immediately north of the Dead Sea, a silly day. But these things make people The shard was examined by the U.S. and a colossal smooth-faced mudbrick not only wiping out 100% of the feel better about themselves. Instead of Geological Survey Laboratory in New rampart sloping 35 degrees away from Middle Bronze Age cities and towns, doing anything practical, they can rest Mexico using the $500,000 Cameca SX the wall’s outer face for up to 150 feet. but also stripping agricultural soils easy that the elderly can feel good about 100 microprobe. from once-fertile fields and covering The results: both sides are the same having an international day. It will make MIDDLE BRONZE AGE the eastern Middle Ghor with a super- up for the way they were forgotten about as the covid- DESTRUCTION LAYER material, kaolin, made from clay-like heated brine of Dead Sea anhydride 19 pandemic spread across the world. It will remind But what’s particularly interesting is soil or silt or sand. One side has been salts pushed over the landscape by the them how important they are as figure out how to make how it ended. Digging down through superheated into glass and then rapidly Event’s frontal shockwaves. ... it took at it lawful to help them to kill themselves. Thank you to the layers, one reaches Iron Age 2 cooled before the whole jar could turn least 600 years to recover sufficiently Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick who reminded the rest of the (about 10th century BC) and then… to glass, similar to airborne magma from the soil destruction and contam- Government “Today, October 1st, is the United Nations ash, destruction, and a huge jump becoming volcanic glass. That’s why ination before civilization could again International Day for Older Persons. It is a very sad thing backwards in time to artefacts from six the molten glass on the surface could become established...” that we are debating a Bill about ending life rather than or seven centuries earlier in the Middle flow only a few millimetres before it What was the cause? It’s still work talking about assisting and enriching life on such an Bronze Age. This is the Late Bronze froze again, protruding slightly over the in progress, but they say that there important day.” It is a pity the Tanaiste, Health Minister, gap: no Late Bronze Age or Iron Age 1 unmelted interior. is only one naturally occurring event and Justice Minister – as well as Sinn Fein, Labour, the structures have been found. Later, a scanning electron micro- capable of producing the observed Greens, S-PBP etc did not listen. Perhaps an earthquake or mili- scope indicated boiling of the melted concussive power and heat: a meteor tary action? But after the destruction, material at 4,000°C . Nothing man- airburst, similar to the 1908 Tun- carbon dated to 1700±50 BC, the site made in the ancient world the U.S. guska Event, estimated at 10-30 SCOTUS was left unpopulated for many cen- Geological Survey technicians knew of megatons, that laid out over 80 mil- turies. Cities on crossing trade routes could produce that high a temperature lion trees radially from ground zero in y the time you read with abundant water and arable land for that short a time. 2,200 km2 of Siberian forest. this, hopefully Amy were almost always rebuilt. BConey Barrett will TRINITITE Compare Genesis 19: have been confirmed as GLASS, BEFORE IT EXISTED The closest match to another mate- Then the LORD rained on Sodom the 9th Supreme Court Justice in the United States of One day, in this shin-high destruc- rial, visually, chemically and materially and Gomorrah brimstone and fire America. A devout Catholic, a mother of seven, who tion layer of dark ash and rubble still is trinitite. The atomic bomb’s first from the LORD out of heaven; and has been accused of having the dogma living loudly in bearing the scent of burning, a strange test was codenamed Trinity by Robert he overthrew those cities, and all the her (it is meant as an insult but it is not at all), will be discovery was made. It was a green- Oppenheimer. The shard looks exactly valley, and all the inhabitants of the Donald Trump’s third Supreme Court appointment. For ish glass-like surface, about the size like the melted surface material at Trin- cities, and what grew on the ground. the first time in a long time it looks like there could be of your palm. Glazing like this didn’t ity Site, New Mexico. The bomb was More at tallelhammam.com a significant majority on the bench that share what may be described as ‘conservative’ positions. After decades of judicial activism in shaping the law of the United States, maybe, just maybe, there will be a bit of common sense. In the meantime, Amy Coney Barrett will have to demon- strate a thick neck as the tolerant, reasonable, caring progressives attack her faith, her family her adopted chil- dren, her looks, her dress sense, and any other thing they can find to try to prevent what they fear most: a court that may just undo Roe vs Wade.

The Good Samaritan hortly before Pope Francis signed his newest encyclical, Fratelli STutti, the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith released, to very little public acknowledgement, “Samar- itanus bonus” (the Good Samaritan): on the care of persons in the critical and terminal phases of life. And what a bonus it was, especially for us here in Ire- land as the establishment looks to implement yet another anti-life bill into the country. Unfortunately, gone are the days when the news in Ireland used to report on these important Church documents with rich commentary for society. Once, it was news. More recently, it was to rail against the Church. Now they just ignore it.

[email protected] Tell el-Hammam overlooking the Jordan Valley. CULTURE NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 13

Uí Raghallaigh bhí Seachnall, ar dhuine de thriúr easpag a tháinig Naomh Seachnall go hÉirinn níos luaithe ná sin chun cabhrú le Palladius, a raibh tús PÓL Ó MEÁDHRA seacha an naoimh, lena n-áirítear curtha lena mhisean sa bhliain 431. finscéal faoi achrann agus athmhu- Tugadh Patricius ar Palladius frei- intearas Seachnall le Pádraig as a sin. Is minic a bhíonn gnéithe den unaitheoir agus patrún ar dtáinig an spreagadh don iomann dhá bheatha measctha dá bharr. Dhún Seachlainn , Contae seo. De réir bheathaisnéis Phádraig Bna Mí, ab ea Secundinus fágadh Seachnall i gceannas na nó Seachnall mar a tugtar air Scríofa i Sean Ghaeilge, seo an hEaglaise in Éirinn nuair a chuaigh i nGaeilge. De réir thraidisiún cur síos a rinne Félire Óengussa ar Pádraig go dtí an Róimh chun meánaoiseach , deisceabail de an iomann. iarsmaí Naomh Peadar agus Pól a Naomh Pádraig agus duine de na ‘Srúaim n-ecnai co n-áni, thabhairt ar ais go hÉirinn. chéad easpaig Ard Mhacha ab ea é Sechnall aigne ar flathae, Fuair Seachnall bás sa bhliain chomh maith. ro gab ceol, sóer solad, 448 agus é 75 bliain d’aois. Meastar Faightear roinnt mhaith eolais Machae Pátric.’ maidir leis an naomh seo ó fhoinsí ‘Sruth críonnachta le breáthacht, gurbh é an chead easpag Críostaí chun bás a fháil in Éirinn. éagsúla, lena n-áirítear Annála na Seachnall mionn ríoga ár dtiarnaí, stairiúla seo, rud a chuireann leis mháthair. De réir thraidisiún, cuireadh é hÉireann, Félire Óengusso agus Fonn cantaireachta — leas uasal! — an gcosúlacht seo. Tuairiscíonn Annála na hÉire- mairtíreachtaí eile, chomh maith le Ag moladh Pádraig Ard Mhacha.’ san áit ina bhfuil reilig Eaglais na Tugtar suntas do seo den chéad ann gur tháinig easpaig Seachnall, beathaisnéis Naomh Pádraig. Ba é hÉireann suite i Sráidbhaile Dún uair i réamhrá Éireannach d’Io- Auxilius agus Iserninus go hÉirinn Seachnall an t-údar iomann luath De réir thraidisiún, is cosúil Seachlainn sa lá atá inniu ann. Laidine a mholann Naomh Pádraig, gur de bhunadh na hIodáile é mann Sheachnaill. Deirtear gurbh chun cabhrú le Naomh Pádraig i Tá go leor tagairtí dó timpeall an ar a dtugtar Audite Omnes Aman- Seachnall. Bhí an-tóir ar an leagan é Restitus a athair, duine de mhu- 439.Tá roinnt scoláirí den tuairim tsráidbhaile sin ar nós ‘Mainistir tes. Tugann an réamhrá roimh an Laidine dá ainm, Secundinus, sa intir Lombardach na hIodáile. Ba í go raibh Seachnall in Éirinn roimh Sheachnall’ agus ‘Plás Sheachnall’. iomann roinnt sonraí beathaisnéi- réigiún sin le linn na tréimhse Darerca, deirfiúr Naomh Pádraig, a Naomh Pádraig. Dar leis an Ollamh Is é an 27ú Samhain a lá féile

ALIVE! FILM REVIEW OF THE MONTH buildings exploding and implod- worked out in his head (and not in ing, agents going forwards and a smug way) and there is pleasure backwards meeting together like in unpacking it. counter-propagating tidal wavelets I would say it is not as enjoyable on a beach. as Inception, but there might be Tenet, directed by While Nolan’s smash hit more depth to it on further viewing mind-bending film Inception dealt and analysis. It has been said that with the fantastical world of dreams Nolan is more of a puzzle maker Christopher Nolan and mind heists, his latest mega- than a poet and that the human, MARK HICKEY have the borderless secret agent budget conceptual, time-flipping emotional aspects of his stories thriller Tenet is gritty, rough- simply called ‘the protagonist’ are mere add-ons to the technical and-ready and so ambitious in its played by John David Washington, framework he plays with. head-spinning complexity, that is here is an assumption that his sidekick (Robert Pattinson), the That’s less the case here as the likely to leave audiences wondering films, especially big budget Russian nuclear arms dealer vil- human, philosophical and even what’s going on (especially in the block-buster films that have a T lain (the worst from any film I can third and last heist), while none- theological themes (including the mass appeal, must not make much think of) called Andrei Sator played theless pondering the conundrums nature of megalomania, hero- demands on the viewer to make by Kenneth Branagh in top form, a and themes at play. ism, jealousy and whether time or money. As long as it’s entertain- trapped wife and art dealer played Some have criticised the film as trust is more important to friend- ing, you can leave your brain at the by Elizabeth Debiki, and a mysteri- being hard to follow. That’s true ship) are strongly intertwined with cinema’s ticket machines, so the ous Indian woman who for most of is that in the future technology is to a certain extent (the booming the sci-fi setting and story-tell- approach goes. the film plays a role similar to the invented to ‘invert’ objects allowing audio and thumping soundtrack ing through the medium of film Christopher Nolan’s films are Oracle in the Matrix. them (and people) to reverse their don’t help a script in which every (“sculpting in time” as Andrei different. His latest is the James It’s more than a straight-forward path through time. What we see are word matters). You can be sure Tarkovsky called it) of which Nolan Bond movie he never made. We spy thriller, because the premise fights in reverse, cars unflipping, that Nolan has the entire schema is a modern master.

ALIVE! BOOK REVIEW OF THE MONTH – for both the giver and receiver. Very much grounded in his Catholic faith, MacFarlane-Barrow in his second book, explores both GIVE: Charity and the the practical, ethical and religious underpinnings to charity, the third and greatest of the theological vir- Art of Living Generously tues. The book, while sometimes meandering too much into the sto- by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow ries of the author’s travels around the world, reflects the thoughts DEREK RYAN ‘global justice’, ‘social justice’ or of the Pope Emeritus Benedict more recently ‘climate justice’. who argued the very same point Some of the largest charities in in his encyclical Deus Caritas Est, he idea of ‘charity’ as a funda- the world who depend and spend when he said: “Love – caritas - mental good is under threat money on raising charitable dona- will always prove necessary, even Tin the modern world. This tions in an increasingly corporatist in the most just society. There is may come as a surprise to the many approach lead the discussion that no ordering of the State so just millions who donate what they charity could be perceived as a bad that it can eliminate the need for consider ‘charitable’ donations thing because they consider it to a service of love. Whoever wants every week or who volunteer their be in competition with State-led to eliminate love is preparing to provide everything, absorbing the author did not engage with the time with the many thousands of redistributive justice. eliminate man as such. There will everything into itself, would ulti- thoughts of the Pope on this very charities across the world. But it is. For this reason alone, the book always be suffering which cries out mately become a mere bureaucracy specific issue. That said, it does What would be even more sur- by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, for consolation and help. There incapable of guaranteeing the very not take away from what is a very prising is that it is many of the the founder and CEO of interna- will always be loneliness. There thing which the suffering person timely, human and well developed world’s biggest charities that are tional charity ‘Mary’s Meals’ is a will always be situations of mate- - every person - needs: namely, accompaniment to the more aca- railing against the idea of charity as timely intervention to delve into rial need where help in the form of loving personal concern.” demic writings of Pope Benedict a good in itself. They pit it against the reasons why charity remains concrete love of neighbour is indis- In fact, if there is one disap- XVI. That in itself, is a compliment the idea of ‘justice’, whether it is such a vital instrument in the world pensable. The State which would pointment in the book, it is that of the highest order. 14 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020 CLASSIFIEDS ONLY €5 for Beautifully €1 per word; Box No. €3.00 extra illustrated Christmas Cards! BREDA: 01 404 8187 Only €5.00 (Stg £4.00) per A Pocket ACCOMMODATION packet of 7 including p&p Catechism on ADOPTION & foster tracing. So you MEDJUGORJE apartment, bright, spacious, (7 different cards per pack) The Eucharist want to trace your birth mother or nice view, all mod cons, available to rent. Tel: Deepen your father? Family tree tracing. Text on inside of each card: 07522 706446. understanding Help is only a phone call away. Tel: MEDJUGORJE apts to rent. Lifts, balco- 087 216 8883. 24 hrs. 7 days. Your intentions will be included in of Mass. nies, kitchen. John 087 149 6338. a special Christmas Triduum • 150 questions MISCELLANEOUS of Masses. USEFUL SERVICES • Brief answers HEALTH and wellness company requires Proceeds in aid of Alive! • 48 pages help, flexible hours work from home. 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QTY. TOTAL Please make a cheque / postal order payable to Please send me: ✁ New book on together the high- Alive! or debit my: Mastercard Visa lights of Joseph € Packs of Christmas Cards ...... Card No. BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE Pope Benedict XVI – Ratzinger’s life An ideal Christmas present and thought from Church Art Calendars ...... € the perspective of Valid from: Expiry: The First Edel (€2 per copy) ...... € new book on Pope Benedict those who have XVI ‘The Best of Benedict - studied and appre- € Date: An Irish Perspective’ is avail- A Nest of Saints (€2 per copy) ... A ciated the wisdom SIGNATURE: able from Knock Bookshop and and insights of the Pope Emeritus Catechism on the Eucharist ...... € from their website. The book is also who has stood as a beacon for the NAME available free with donations of €50 The Dumbag Letters ...... € Faith in the most turbulent of years or more to the ALIVE! (See page 5) ADDRESS The book was released in August since the cultural revolutions of Crystal Vase ...... € 2010 and includes contributions the 1960’s. Donation for ...... € from a number of Bishops, Priest A theologian and philosopher, Alive! as well as a political theorist of the and laity – including Bishop Donal TOTAL ENCLOSED ...... € highest order, the words and exam- McKeown, John Water, Fr. Vincent PHONE ple of the Pope and former Prefect Twomey as well as a number of reg- ORDERS TO: St. Mary’s Priory, ular contributors to the ALIVE! of the Congregation for the Doc- Alive! Tallaght, Dublin 24. OR CALL: 01 404 8187 office hours Monday - Friday 9am - 10:30am. With a Foreword from Bishop trine of the Faith provide direction Phonsie Cullinan, the book brings and solace in these troubled times.

wrote. “The long lines of ragged men end of the thanksgiving of twen- The funds came in to buy the LIVES OF THE SAINTS on the breadline, many of whom ty-seven days, you begin another house, supplied from all over the came to live with us for months, series - continuing in prayer with country in many small sums. There meant only dissipation, profli- perseverance, with importunity.” were two large donations of three gacy or idleness to the unthinking. She recalled Christ’s words: “Ask thousand and two thousand dol- DOROTHY DAY Landlords did not want them. They and you shall receive. Knock and it lars. They were able to go on with would soil any house they lived in. shall be opened to you.” She took their work as before, in surround- PART 42: EVICTION CRISIS were plunged into an accommoda- Landlords never read Regamey, that promise seriously. ings more spacious and comfortable tion crisis. They were served with Léon Bloy or The Little Flowers of “I know that we all prayed, coming than those on Mott Street. But their n the aftermath of Peter Mau- an eviction notice for their cen- St. Francis; they knew nothing of and going, night and day, sleeping poverty was still acute and after rin’s death the struggling tral headquarters on Mott Street St. Vincent de Paul.” and waking. We cannot abandon the purchase there was less than a ICatholic Workers - they were in the Bowery - where they had They would simply have to buy. a work that is begun; we cannot hundred dollars in the bank. Dor- always struggling - felt the effects been settled for fourteen years. It But how? They had no capital. walk away and leave a family which othy wrote: “We are as sure as we of his intercession on their behalf. was 1949/50. Poor people and the Their solution was to appeal to their has grown up around us. That very ever were that God can multiply the Peter once said to Dorothy, in what destitute had become even more readers for money, to search for a conviction made us look in our own loaves, as He has sheltered the home- might have been a moment of frus- distasteful to the propertied class suitable property - and to pray. neighborhood so that we would not less these many years. If it is Peter’s tration when his own plans did not as prosperity in the general pop- They started a Rosary novena, be leaving the Bowery. I do not know intercession which has provided us work out, but hers did, “Man pro- ulation began to increase in the which Dorothy described in this whether we prayed the required with a house large enough for craft poses and woman disposes.” Now post-war boom. Dorothy saw that way: “a devotion during which fifty-four days, but it was before the shop, discussion rooms, library, we they felt that from Heaven he was renting was no longer an option. one recites three novenas in peti- three months were up that we found thank him from our hearts! He can the one disposing. “Who would rent to such ten- tion and three in thanksgiving. If our new home on Chrystie Street, a no longer say to me, ‘Man proposes Shortly after his death they ants, such disreputable people,” she you don’t get what you need by the dozen blocks away.” and woman disposes’.” NOVEMBER 2020 ALIVE! | 15 PRIZE CROSSWORD CROSSWORDCRYPTIC N CLUESO.: €25 248• for the first correctAugust entry out 2020 of the bag. Entries before Wed, 11th November 2020. Kids Corner €25 One entry per family. Winner & answers next month. NO. 248 Dia dhaoibh a pháistí, 1 2 3 4 5 6 Now that it’s the month of COLOURING COMPETITION - WIN €10 200 November it will soon be Christ- 7 8 mas, one of the most exciting times 9 of the year, getting ready for the celebration that is Jesus’ birthday. 10 11 November is known as the month of the Holy Souls, and is dedicated to all the souls in Purgatory. Purga- tory is the place where souls go to 12 13 become really clean and pure. This is so that one day they can be with 14 15 16 God in Heaven. On All Saints’ day we celebrate the Saints in Heaven 17 18 who can also help souls. 19 20 21 The Saints in Heaven help you

focus on God. Just as they wanted 22 23 to be closer to God they too can help us get nearer to God through their prayer and intercession. Slán go fóill, Aisling 24 25 28 29

ACROSS DOWN ✃ 7. Time for jumping? (6) 1. Points© of viewEMMANUEL seen when caps set PRESS differently (7) 8. Code 50 a mouthful? (6) 2. Public speaking heard from this chapel? (7) 10. Was a thousand found in the tree over the 3. Geographical feature popular to rent (5) top? (7) 4. Hundred have a moment about which to 11. Sullen after being involved with Profumo remark (7) odyssey (5) 5. McEwan’s racecourse? (5) 12. Throw out fuel (4) 6. Fly as erratically as this strips the skin off you! (5) ACROSS 13. Fair-haired novice involved with 007! (5) 9. RestoreDOWN what Helen rips apart (9) 7. Time for jumping?17. Healthy (6) noise? (5) 14. Pass1. by memberPoints to ofthe vieweast of seen the school when (7) caps set differently (7) 18. He, the politician found with drug plant (4) 15. Improves when priest uses electric currents (7) WORD WHEEL 8. Code 50 a mouthful? (6) 2. Public speaking heard from this chapel? (7) 10. Was a thousand22. It foundshall be ina woven the treefabric? over (5) the top? (7) 16. When3. above,Geographical begin to be an arrogant feature person popular (7) to rent (5) Can you guess the 9 letter word? 11. Sullen after being23. Butler involved raves about with New Profumo Testament (7) 19. Pack4. materialHundred (5) have a moment about which to remark (7) ✃ 24. Scottish dances lead to brief affairs! (6) 20. Call on six to pose (5) Hint: Actions of God with which odyssey (5) 25. Person who leaps and wears one of these? (6) 21. Crowd5. of peopleMcEwan gather’s (5) racecourse? (5) He shows us the love He has for 12. Throw out fuel (4) 6. Fly as erratically as this strips the skin off you! (5) SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD: 13. Fair-haired novice involved with 007! (5) 9. Restore what Helen rips apart (9) his sons and daughters. NAME OCTOBER 17. Healthy noise?ACROSS: (5) 1. Colour 4. Adhere 8. Rings 9. Envious 10. Fainted14. Pass CROSSWORDby member WINNER: to the east of the school (7) 11. Liege 12. Geography 17. Piece 19. Implant 21. Dieting 22. Liner ADDRESS Elizabeth Keegan, 18. He, the politician23. Retake found 24. Friday.with DOWN:drug plant1. Carafe (4) 2. Lending 3. Upset 5. Develop15. Improves when priest uses electric currents (7) The Dale, Belgard Heights, 22. It shall be a woven6. Evoke fabric?7. Ensued (5)9. Endorsing 13. Obelisk 14. Yearned 15. Spider16. When above, begin to be an arrogant person (7) Dublin 24. 23. Butler raves about16. Sturdy New 18. Elect Testament 20. Polar. (7) 19. Pack material (5) AGE 24. Scottish dances lead to brief affairs! (6) 20. Call on six to pose (5) NAME 25. Person who leaps and wears one of these? (6) 21. Crowd of people gather (5) Return to ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin 24. ADDRESS

Did you know? (Fun fact) OCTOBER COLOURING Pope John Paul II travelled to more than COMPETITION WINNER: Solutions to July Crossword: 129 different countries, logging more than Sean Foxe, TELEPHONE 750,000 frequent flyer miles, which is over c/o Robertstown NS, Across: 1. Colour 4. Adhere 8. Rings 9.

Co. Kildare. Age 7.

SACRAMENT. ANSWER: two times the distance to the moon. Solution to ALIVE!Envious St. 10 Mary’s. Faint edPriory, 11. LiegeTallaght, 12. Dublin 24. Geography 17. Piece 19. Implant 21. Dieting 22. Liner 23. Retake 24. Friday. DUMBAG WRITES... LETTERS FROM A MASTER TO A TRAINEE TEMPTER Down: 1. Carafe 2. Lending 3. Upset 5. Develop 6. Evoke 7. Ensued 9. Endorsing with their faces 13.covered Obelisk standing 14. Yearned just 15.when Spider society 16. needs them most divided and distancedSturdy 18.from Elect their 20. Polato resistr. our dastardly plans. Nothing better than boiling frogs communities. With the churches The parish was always at the closed again, the elderly isolated, centre of Irish life, now churches Boiled frogs is what they are, Smithers sacraments unavailable in a time are closed. People are afraid to where death rates are likely to stand close to one another. All of soar in the given pandemic. This is dom lost; a short-time; it’s only breaking down society nicely. the things a community in crisis Smithers, a mask; it’s only a minor incon- They’re too scared. Scared to needs have been ripped away in sn’t it wonderful watching venience; a small fine; a short jail console, to come together, to offer a bid to keep them ‘safe’. In such society fall apart at the seams. sentence. comfort and reassurance. Too uncertain times, we are quickly IEveryone is terrified, scared of Every week there are calls for scared to offer an ounce of normal- eroding humanity, fraternity and their neighbours, their family and imposing sanctions, scaremon- ity in all this chaos. And we love community. Soon it will be each their friends. They are wound gering, removing freedoms for chaos Smithers, don’t we? It really person facing us on their own. a whole host of people. A nation up ready to tell the powers that allows us to wreak havoc in the Think of how we can play with be that this one or that one isn’t subdued. Those that raise an eye- world. Another lockdown means them. obeying the rules. Garda check- brow, get labelled as conspiracy more unemployment, more rents Wonderful work, Smithers. points keeping us all in check. theorists, extremists or even just unpaid, more homelessness, more More like east Berlin if you ask get sacked. That’s the power of the extremists. Thankfully the govern- suicides, more depressions and Wonderful. me. Each week we ratchet up the mob, a badly informed, terrified ment isn’t affording it’s people a more isolation. And the best thing chaos a little bit more. It’s all just mob. Those who swim against the little bit of trust, to act responsibly. about it is that there are no sacra- a little bit … a little bit of free- tide are ostracised as weirdos and Yet there they are, these souls ments. There are no sacraments Dumbag 16 | ALIVE! NOVEMBER 2020

enacted by the State, “The freedom of the Church is the there can be no doubt as fundamental principle in what concerns the relations between the to the constitutional right Church and governments and the Where is the Mass? of the faithful to worship whole civil order.” the Lord in public, to Catholics must never seek DUALTA ROUGHNEEN The very idea of declaring the In Ireland, the constitutional- attend religious services, to appease a secular state and public celebration of the Sacra- ity of the restrictions has not been government, even less compro- ments, not least the Holy Sacrifice tested because there has been no and for the Church to mise the Church’s teachings and ith the whole country now of the Mass, to be a ‘non-essential significant push-back on behalf “manage her own affairs.” doctrines in the hopes of being at level 5 restrictions in service’ points to the hostility held of the faithful from either lay or spared temporal punishment, order to reduce the spread by the State against Christ and religious groups. There has been W Even if, considering the cur- especially if such punishment is of Covid-19, Ireland remains one His Church. It underlines how the general acquiescence to govern- rent political climate, the State limited to a wagging finger or the of the few places in the world public square has been occupied ment guidance and it is not clear had proposed to enact legislation sneer of a secular zeitgeist. The where the celebration of the Holy by a wholly secular mindset where whether there is even enforcea- rather than guidance or recom- Church of course may arrive at Mass is no longer allowed. Others the transcendent is no longer of ble legislation in place that can be mendations, under the pretext of the same conclusions as the State that share this standing are North any concern. To declare the Sacred challenged. Unless Churches stay an ‘emergency’, the Constitution and decide that it is necessary, Korea and Saudi Arabia. There Mysteries, not least the Holy open to force the government’s clearly affirms that “emergency leg- in the interest of public health, is practically no other country in Eucharist, which is the “source hand and stand up for the right to islation” may only be passed during safety and the common good, to the world currently dealing with and summit of the Christian life” public worship and religious free- times of war and restrict public worship temporar- the outbreak that has prohibited (Lumen Gentium, armed rebellion ily. But the Church should reach public worship. The restrictions 11) to be ‘non-es- (Art 28.3.3). This this decision independently, and are unjustified when compared to sential’ is a grave does not apply to as a last resort. To be avoided at the relative freedoms that remain. offence against, the current situa- all costs is to give the impression This is true for Level 5 but was par- God, the faithful tion. that the Church itself considers ticularly egregious under Level 3 and the Church, It is from this the Sacraments, the obligation restrictions where the government which firmly constitutionally of the Holy Mass, to be non-es- firmly implied their disdain for the declares that “Any protected stand- sential. The impact of such a Mass and the faithful. There is little baptised person point that the perception is already clear from more that needs be said about this. not prohibited by Church author- the Iona Institute commissioned But there are a few important law can and must ities in Ireland poll that points to around one points. Firstly, it has become clear be admitted to ought to make a quarter of Mass goers saying they to all – believer and non-believer – holy communion” their own inde- are unlikely to return to Mass. that the expression of religious faith (Canon 912). pendent and has fallen far down the list of prior- In the UK, Prime Minister’s The regulations transparent ities in Ireland. The lack of public and recommenda- decisions, in com- Questions, the Labour protest at the denial of access to tions of the State munion with leader asked: ‘One the Sacraments is indicative of the have resulted in the faithful, as question is now screaming malaise that has affected the coun- an unacceptable to whether it out: is there a scientific try. There clearly is not a public disregard of this is necessary to swell of anger at the denial of this decree, denying cease public wor- basis for the 10 p.m. rule important aspect of religious free- the faithful unhin- ship. The Church (for closing pubs)? The dom. It has to be accepted that the dered access to authorities should public deserve to know religious are now in a minority in the Sacraments, assess religious Ireland. But that is not reason for and the Clergy services as essen- and parliament deserves trampling on the rights of a minor- from the public tial and assess to know. If there is a basis, ity. Minorities are the reason that execution of their independently why do the government rights exists. Majorities control spiritual obliga- whether it makes not do themselves a democracy and minorities need to tions. It should sense to cease be protected from the majority. go without saying public worship favour and publish it?” Secondly, Mass is no longer an that due worship especially con- essential service in the eyes of a of God our Crea- sidering other The same question should be secularised government. Essential tor and the salvation of souls not above-mentioned essential ser- asked, if not by opposition, by the dom, there is little the laity can do services are limited to the physi- only constitute ‘essential services’, vices are being carried out. Church and the faithful, of the to support. cal and sensual needs. Gyms are but according to our Faith are the In the papal encyclical Sapien- restrictions imposed on public The challenge to constitutionality essential although people inside most essential services. In France, tiae Christianae: On Christians as worship. After months of good comes from the fundamental rights will be breathing heavily and force- the United States, Britain, Ger- Citizens, His Holiness Pope Leo behaviour, hard work by clergy of Irish citizens laid out in Articles fully expelling air out of their lungs many and Italy, amongst others, XIII considered this very issue and laity making Churches safe 40-44 of Bunreacht na hÉireann. in confined surroundings. Hotels have pushed back on the closure of in the late 19th century, instruct- for worship, with individuals These fundamental rights and con- can host breakfasts and dinners religious services. ing the faithful accordingly “For, restricted from receiving Com- stitutionally guaranteed freedoms for innumerable residents in fairly instances occur where the State munion on the tongue, socially include the right to free profession tightly packed rooms with low Germany’s highest court, seems to require from men as sub- distanced, without Holy Water, and practice of religion (Article ceilings – whereas much bigger the Federal Constitutional jects one thing, and religion, from the position of the secular author- 44.2.1), and the right of every reli- Churches with high ceilings, almost men as Christians, quite another; ities is a snub to the Faith and Court, overturned a gious denomination to “manage its no milling around and extensive and this in reality without any the faithful. In Scotland, bishops own affairs” (Art 44.2.5). distancing are not allowed. All blanket ban on religious other ground, than that the rulers say the Catholic Church in the Article 44.1 firmly declares retail shops and shopping centres services during the of the State either hold the sacred country has been “meticulous in that: “the State acknowledges the may remain open. Services such as power of the Church of no account, controlling infection and ensuring coronavirus crisis, saying homage of public worship is due to hairdressers, beauticians, barbers or endeavour to subject it to their the safety of all those who cross that exceptions could Almighty God. It [the State] shall and opticians may remain open as own will. Hence arises a conflict, the threshold” of a church build- hold His Name in reverence, and essential services where people are be granted if sufficient and an occasion, through such ing in the country, and public shall respect and honour religion.” in close and physical contact with precautions were taken conflict, of virtue being put to the worship can continue safely, even Free practice of religion is “sub- each other. Schools are essential to avoid infection, thus proof. The two powers are con- during a “second wave” of the pan- services with children and teachers ject to public order and morality” fronted and urge their behests in demic. With no scientific evidence confined to rooms much smaller requiring the German only, neither of which are being a contrary sense; to obey both is at hand to justify the restrictions than churches for much longer authorities to carefully breached by holding Mass in a wholly impossible … It is a high in Ireland a priori¸ while at the periods of time. People sit on normal and orderly fashion at the crime indeed to withdraw alle- same time enabling much more justify any restrictions current time. public transport on journeys that introduced on the basis giance from God in order to please risky activities, and where no out- last longer than the Mass in much As Constitutional law men … or, under pretext of keeping breaks have been associated with closer confines than in a Church. of proportionality and the civil law, to ignore the rights of public worship, the position is All these are more essential than effectiveness. takes precedence over all the Church.” untenable if challenged. Mass in modern Ireland. subsequent legislation Dignitatis Humanae, sums up: So, why is no one challenging?

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