May 11 to May 17, 2011 www.scross.co.za R5,50 (incl VaT RSa) Reg No. 1920/002058/06 No 4725

LocaL eLections: Focus on Vocations: John Paul ii Be wise about How future priests beatification in your vote are trained words and pics Page 9 Page 11 Page 18 Pretoria archbishop plans for the future

By MaTHiBeLa SeBoTHoMa ing up in homes that are incom - FTER a period of consultation, prayer plete. and reflection, Archbishop William He expressed ASlattery of Pretoria has set out his concern that in new vision and appointed new personnel many families to key positions in the archdiocese he took the father plays a over earlier this year. non-existent role. “One of the most important responsibil - He said priests ities of a local Church is the passing on of should help in the faith to those around us and especially the preparation to the young,” he said. He encouraged of youth for mar - parish priests to know their catechists. “We riage, in reconcil - must continually upgrade the knowledge, iation in mar - formation and teaching skills for those riage, and in the responsible for teaching and evangelising,” strengthening of said the new archbishop. married life. “We also need to celebrate He acknowledges the “14 excellent success in married life by offering those Catholic schools in the archdiocese”, but good couples who celebrate silver and pointed out that “in reality the majority of golden jubilees an opportunity to stand our Catholic children depend on the local before the community and bear witness to The reflection of St Peter’s basilica is distorted in the window of a Roman bus near the Vati - parish for their knowledge of the faith”. their faithfulness.” He said “it is a supreme responsibility of can. (Photo: Paul Haring/CNS) He appealed to priests to be available for priests and parents to see that there is ade - confession. “If we offer confession and quate catechetics provided in every make it a real encounter with Jesus, then parish.” Archbishop Slattery will soon appoint examiners to evaluate each parish people will respond.” Confession is a great individually to assess their catechetical sacrament of healing, he said. “In so many Why Mugabe received Communion programmes. areas of life we meet people in superficial Archbishop Slattery has set up a com - situations, however in the confessional we STaFF RePoRTeR European Union travel ban on Mr Mugabe munication office in his diocese. Through meet them in affairs of their soul and their so that he could attend the ceremony in St relationship with God.” IMBABWE’S President Robert the new office he hopes that the Church Peter’s Square, where he was greeted and will have “to make our message better The former bishop of Kokstad expects Mugabe, a Catholic, was free to embraced by Vatican officials. priests to improve the quality of their ser - receive Communion during the beati - known first among our fellow Catholics Z Mr Mugabe told reporters in Harare throughout the archdiocese and then to all mons. “The majority of Catholics learn fication of Pope John Paul II, according to that the ceremony was “fabulous, their faith from preaching,” Archbishop Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, spokesman for the people among whom we bear witness absolutely heavenly”. Slattery said. “We fail our people badly and the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ to Christ”. “The Vatican has clarified that no offi - The archbishop will also re-animate we fail God if we do not offer confession Conference. and good homilies to our people.” “For any Christian, receiving commu - cial invitations were issued to heads of Education for Life programmes which were state,” said Cardinal Napier, a critic of Mr used in Uganda to reduce the number of He said evangelisation must be at the nion is an act of personal choice made out very heart of the Church’s work. Priests of conscience before God. As such, it is a Mugabe. “Protocol and security would dic - HIV infections. He said that “thousands of tate that Mr Mugabe would sit with other young people are destroying their lives by must help people “to concretely and per - matter for the internal forum—between sonally encounter Jesus Christ. Jesus is God and the believer. I won’t comment heads of state and dignitaries, and be free behaviours that allow them to suffer”. The programme, he said, will support risen from the dead, he lives within us and on Mr Mugabe’s internal forum,” the car - to receive communion if he so wished.” what is lacking in families, schools and unless we come to know him our Christian dinal said. Writing in the British Catholic Herald , among peers. “It is a primary task of the life is empty and without zeal”. Catholics had expressed their concerns Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith said that “the Church to present young people with a To have an effective evangelisation pro - about the presence of Mr Mugabe at the Vatican is a Church; on what grounds can vision of values according to the mind of gramme, he is calling for a collaboration of beatification ceremony at the Vatican and it ban someone from coming to Mass? It is Jesus and his Gospel.” He declared himself those working in prisons, catechetics, fami - reception of the Eucharist there. perfectly true it could place Mugabe under in favour of “youth to youth programmes” ly and marriage, hospitals and in Catholic The Zimbabwean president has been interdict for his many sins and misde - that will “show the beauty of Christian education. strongly criticised for his human rights meanours, but if you start with Mugabe, life”. Among Archbishop Slattery’s top abuses and misrule by his country’s bish - where would you finish?” The archbishop said he is aware that appointments were Fr Dabula Mpako as ops, whom he recently labelled “liars” and He argued that “given the difficulty in marriage is under severe pressure in mod - vicar-general, Fr Victor Phalana as episco - “agents” of the West. judging politicians, it does seem reason - ern society. Many families are broken and pal vicar, and Mgr Marc de Muelenaere as The Italian government waived an able to accept all comers”. unsettled and that many children are grow - judicial and finance vicar.

Mariannhill seminarians release gospel CD By MauRiCio LaNga According to Fr Mota, the CD is a tool of praising God.” evangelisation and also serves to cultivate It is through music that the moral and HE Congregation of the Missionaries talent among young people in the congre - social values are inculcated in society and of Mariannhill Novitiate Group has gation. communities we live, he said. released its first gospel music CD. T He said after he identified the potential Fr Mota said working with a group of The 2010 novitiate group recorded the and talent amongst some members of the young people, most of whom were inexpe - CD, titled Ngiyavuma Baba , under the lead - ership of novice master Fr Lawrence Mota novitiate he took the initiative to nurture rienced in making music, was a big chal - CMM, who not only introduced them to and promote the musical talent so that lenge. spiritual life but also helped the group dis - they could be utilised fruitfully in praising “Patience is a critical factor when work - cover their talents in music and ensure that God. ing with young people,” he said, adding the CD was released. Fr Mota said coming from a musical that it is important to allow young people The ten-track CD sells for R50 per copy. background himself aided him in identify - to identify their gifts and talents and let The demand was so high that the first ing the young people with various musical them know that they have responsibility batch of 1000 copies was sold out soon talents. with these talents to contribute to the soci - after release. He said he first fell in love with music in ety and community where they live. The proceeds of the CD will be used to his home parish in Malawi. “Music has n Ngiyavuma Baba can be obtained at the promote talent amongst the young people always been encouraged amongst the Mariannhill Monastery Repository. Tele - Fr Lawrence Mota CMM holds the new CD in the congregation as well as to purchase youth as this is perceived as one of the phone 031 70 0 4289 or Fr Lawrence Mota recorded by the novitiates of the Mariannhill some musical instruments. ways to express the joy of life as well as on 078 56 8 5809. missionaries. (Photo: Mauricio Langa) 2 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 LOCAL Supporting Seafarers is Divine Mercy devotion everyone’s responsibility fills church to capacity By CLaiRe MaTHieSoN According to the letter 400 peo - T ANTHONY’S parish in Dur - ple attended the celebration with - By CLaiRe MaTHieSoN ban has become a centre of in two years of the movement beginning. Ms Pillay explained ELPING seafarers “is not Sthe Divine Mercy devotion in the archdiocese. The parish cele - that the day started with Mass, just the responsibility of adoration, confession and a bring those on the coast,” said brated this year’s feast with “over - H flowing enthusiasm and atten - and share lunch for the parish - Deacon Richard Croucher, local dance,” according to parish priest ioners. chairman of the Apostleship of the “Under the guidance of our Sea (AoS). Fr Sean Mullin CSSp. The service, which attracted Lord and Sr Faustina, I am sure According to Deacon Croucher this annual day of retreat at St ,the vast majority of seafarers are many from around the archdio - Anthony’s, with Fr Mullin at the Catholic, most from the Philip - cese, was in part a tribute to a helm, will continue to grow with pines. Started in the early 20th founding member of the move - more people drawn to the move - century, the AoS provides pastoral ment within the parish, Elizabeth care to seafarers through chaplain - Pillay, who was killed in a car acci - ment,” the letter said. cies in ports in all continents of dent. Fr Mullin said the church was the world. The Divine Mercy devotion is “overflowing” and parishioners The work done by the organisa - based on the visions of Jesus remained praying the Divine tion is vitally important, said Dea - reported by Polish saint Sr Fausti - Mercy novena until the afternoon. con Croucher. However, the na Kowalska. St Faustina stated The movement was heavily pro - weight of supporting these chap - that she received the devotional moted by two Polish priests at the laincies has mostly fallen to the prayer through visions and con - parish in the early 1990s and has coastal dioceses. versations with Jesus, who made continued to grow through its pro - The AoS has a long history in specific promises regarding the motion by a devotional group, the country. In 1964, Fr Desmond Deacon Fergus Rogers, archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo of Bloemfontein, Fr recitation of the prayers. which included Ms Pillay before Curran was asked by the late Car - Desmond Curran, Fr Brandon West, and archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape The rosary-based devotion was her death. dinal Owen McCann of Cape Town at the opening of the Saldanha Bay branch of the apostleship of the started at St Anthony’s in 1992. Fr Mullin said the elements of Town to start an organisation to Sea. “From humble beginnings of a trust and mercy found in the provide pastoral care to seafarers. handful of people the attendance devotional prayer were attractive at that celebration, which takes “This was brought to the Legion from the harbour.” By then, the with very little legal protection. He to many people today. “It seems to of Mary and was embraced whole - AoS had grown much longer under said the work of the AoS was vital - place on the second Sunday of touch something in people’s lives. heartedly. Books and periodicals his guidance. ly important and makes a big dif - Easter, has steadily risen,” said Ms In days gone by we were too judg - were requested of the laity, bun - Deacon Croucher said many ference in the seafarers’ lives. He Pillay in a letter to the community mental and today something dled together and delivered to sea - other priests got involved in the said he hoped more support would written shortly before her death. appeals to the concept of mercy.” farers on board their vessels by chaplaincy and today the Scalabri - be shown from other parts of the Legionaries,” said Deacon Crouch - ni Fathers hold the portfolio. The country in order to continue the er of the organisation’s early days organisation recently opened a great work being done. in Cape Town. second facility in Saldahna Bay on Today the AoS serves seafarers However, the cardinal wanted the West Coast. from a facility in Cape Town har - more to be done for the seafarers. He said the organisation was bour shared with the Anglican Fr Curran took up the challenge grateful for the support that had Mission to Seafarers who work and formally started the AoS by allowed it to get “this far”. Howev - together for the benefit of those gathering a group of committed er, he said in order to sustain the people. work, it was important that even who work at sea where internet “Fr Curran was officially non-coastal parishes got involved. facilities and counselling is avail - appointed port chaplain, and “This has got to be the hardest able to the seafarers. Mass is remained active in that role for 14 job in the world,” said Deacon celebrated every Saturday night years, until he was transferred to a Croucher. The seafarers work in and on board vessels when parish some considerable distance tough conditions, far from home requested.

Proteas cricketer Robin Petersen (third from left) visited St Joseph’s Marist College in Cape Town to speak to the senior school pupils about what it means to be a professional sportsman. The national spin bowler spoke about his training regime, the charitable work that he is involved in being, a sportsman as well as team work. He is seen here with learn - ers (back from left) Stephen Hendricks, Jody Brown, Bulumko Tshaka, Sipho Mqaba and elizabeth Tedder. (front) TK Nhlapo, Nadine Kinnear, Kamogelo Pooe and Darren Thomas. LOCAL The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 3 Preaching to the deaf of Southern Africa By MauRiCio LaNga Fr John Turner has been work - The challenge for the future, ing with the deaf people for more according to Fr Turner, is for the MARIANNHILL Missionary than three decades. Church to be able to train deaf priest knows much about the “When I began my ministry in Catholics in sign language which Alabelling and discrimination 1978, there was only one deaf per - they mutually understand. exerienced by hearing-impaired son coming to church in the Dur - “There is an urgent need for the people. ban area. But today there are many establishment of a college for the Fr John Turner, who ministers deaf people across the country deaf, to train them and help them to a congregation of deaf people in who go without receiving the to be placed as missionaries in Mariannhill, knows only too well word of God and thus feeling their communities,” he said. about the stressful experiences and excluded from the church,” said Fr Fr Turner and his team are cur - obstacles faced by the deaf. Turner, who is also severely deaf. rently compiling a DVD with sign The Mariannhill Catholic Deaf In his travels across the country as language translations aimed to aid - Mission is the first of its kind in part of ministry and even to the ing the deaf to understand the Southern Africa. According to Fr neighbouring countries such as Catechism, Stations of the Cross Turner, the success of this ministry Lesotho, Swaziland, and Zimbab - and special Bible translations for would not have been possible we, he has found growing num - the deaf to read. without the assistance of the Con - bers of deaf in the communities. “The main objective of the gregation of Mariannhill Mission - “More than 99% of these peo - DVD is to get delivered to different aries, which has for the past three ple have no access to the sermons deaf centres and homes, since they decades cared for the spiritual preached in church,” Fr Turner are cut off from the radio too,” he Fr John Turner has been working with the deaf in Southern africa for over 30 needs of the deaf people. pointed out. concluded,” he said. years and aims to bring them the word of god. (Photo: Mauricio Langa) Hurley Centre gets international support New church to be built By CLaiRe MaTHieSoN former director of Catholic Agency “It’s very important to bring for Overseas Development (Cafod), international players into the pic - DENIS Hurley Association and Sr Marie-Henry Keane OP, for - ture because the Denis Hurley in Durban community has been established in mer prioress-general of the New - Centre project is ambitious and it By MauRiCio LaNga Addressing the congregation ABritain to build up a support castle Dominican Sisters, and will need overseas support long that came to witness the event, base for the Denis Hurley Centre Pierre Matate, a former refugee after the building has been con - HERE were scenes of joy Bishop Pius Dlungwane of Mari - at Emmanuel cathedral in Durban. leader at Emmanuel cathedral. structed,” said Mr Kearney, adding among community and annhill said it is important for the According to Paddy Kearney, Patrons of the association are that the centre wanted firm foun - TChurch members at Savana local people to take responsibility the centre’s coordinator, gaining Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Con - dations in place that will survive Park outside Durban as their and stand on their own as far as local and international support nor, the retired archbishop of for many years. dream to have a church built in sustainability is concerned. was always part of the centre’s Westminster; Mildred Neville, for - Other international support for the area began to materialise with He said the days when the local plan. “We were aware that Arch - mer director of Catholic Institute the Denis Hurley Centre has come the turning of the soil and bless - Church could rely on missionaries bishop Hurley was internationally for International Relations, and from the United States, Germany ing of the land site for construc - from Europe are gone. The onus is known for his decades-long stand Bishop David Konstant, retired of and Norway. A partnership with tion of the church. now on the faithful to ensure that against apartheid and for his pro - Leeds. the Polish Catholic Bishops’ Con - For many years the community active participation sustains the motion of the teachings of Vatican The association is based at the ference is currently being explored of Savana Park, Mawelewele, has church. II,” Mr Kearney said. “We were Oblate House in Kilburn, northern through the Polish embassy in been praying in their homes The bishop urged Catholics to aware that he had friends and London, which is shortly to be re- Pretoria. because of the lack of church continue to grow and remain admirers in many countries and named Denis Hurley House. infrastructure in the area. strong in spite of many challenges knew that they would want to be Mr Kearney, whose biography Church members commended affecting the Church and the com - involved in this project in his hon - of Archbishop Hurley, Guardian of the efforts made by the Congrega - munity. He also noted that some our.” the Light , was published in 2009, tion of the Missionaries of Mari - Catholics have left the Church for Mr Kearney said the interna - said the British association resulted annhill in processing all the neces - other denominations. tional promotion of the Denis directly from meetings he held at sary documents to ensure that the Mike Pillay, a member of the Hurley Centre was advanced by Westminster cathedral in London, land is secured for the building of church to be built, said the unity last year’s sabbatical of cathedral and the assistance of people such the church. The community also and cooperation among local administrator Fr Stephen Tully. as Sr Keane, Ms Neville and Sue thanked Fr Ignatius Heer CMM for “Through his visits to the United Catholics in planning the event Chapman who rallied influential contributing R100 000 towards the States and Britain, as well as his friends of Archbishop Hurley. had been remarkable. “This was a construction of the church. Camino walk in Spain” to Santiago Ms Rafferty urged people to “Our prayers have been humbling experience, and I am de Compostela, Fr Tully was able encourage their relatives or friends answered,” said an ecstatic church glad that all of us worked together to bring much attention to the in the UK to support the Denis to ensure that this day is a Newly appointed chairman of the uK member, adding that the new Hurley centre. Hurley Centre by sending dona - based Denis Hurley association, church will convenience local resounding success,” said Mr Pil - The chairwoman of the Associa - tions which would qualify for tax Robina Rafferty (seated) with Mike Catholics. Some of them have lay, adding the community has tion is Robina Rafferty, who head - relief through Gift Aid via the Chauke and amanda Tshabalala of travel or walk about 10km to now embarked on fundraising ini - ed the Catholic Housing Associa - account: Denis Hurley Association, the Job Link office at emmanuel either St Wendolin or Klaarwater tiatives to ensure that they have tion for many years. Other leading Cooperative Bank, Account Num - Cathedral, Durban. (Photo: Jean- in order to attend Mass. enough funds for the new church. members are Julian Filochowski, ber 65456699, Sort Code: 089229. Marie Ntamubano)

The mission of Carmel Tangney is to keep Special Interest Tours Holy Rosary Pilgrimage PRAYER alive Led By Fr Manuel Casillas MCCJ Immaculate Conception Pilgrimnage in the Led By Fr Sonny Gadai OFM Ca p Led By Fr Manuel Casillas MCCJ

Church. Radio Veritas Pilgrimage Holy Land. Jordan. Egypt G. Lagrange Led by Fr Emil Blaser OP 6 – 17 September 2011 ST Augustine’s Pilgrimage Holy Land. Jordan. Egypt. Led by Msgr Brendan Deenihan 5 – 16 November 2011 La MaDOnna DELLa SpEranza Led by Fr Giovanni Meneghetti CP 12-23 April 2012 rome. Audience with the Holy Father. Cathedrals of Rome. Ostio: St Monica. St Augustine. assisi. San Giovanni Rotonda.Padre Pio. Monte Cassino. Cape Town Carmel Malawi Carmel Po Box 121 Po Box 584 Tel: (021) 683 0300 Retreat 7965 Zomba Fax: 086 691 9308 Tel: (021) 713 6744 MaLaWi P o Box 273, Rondebosch, 7701 Mafikeng Carmel Benoni Carmel email: [email protected] Cr Twist & School Sts Po Box 9193 Danville, Mafikeng 2745 Brentwood Park 1505 Tel: (018) 381 1023 (011) 967 1813 4 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 INTERNATIONAL Congo bishop: ‘Extortion is Catholics told to blog

wearing down my people’ By CiNDy WooDeN in Jesus.” HE Catholic Church needs CONGOLESE bishop has He said the commonplace prac - active members who blog, called on Catholics to strug - tice of extortion and exactions by but Catholic bloggers also Agle for reconciliation among the Congolese military and police, Tneed the Church, especially to families and tribes and to whereby armed forces routinely remind them of the virtue of “denounce and fight” extortion extort small amounts of money charity needed in their writing, and abuses by the Congolese police from the civilian population at said participants at a Vatican and military. roadblocks, is partly responsible for meeting. Such practices are “one of the keeping the Congolese population The meeting was sponsored causes of the weariness and dis - down. Such practices have been by the pontifical councils for couragement of our population,” denounced by the United Nations culture and for social communi - said a pastoral letter by Bishop peacekeeping mission and human cations. Philippe Nkiere Kena of Inongo. rights organisations in recent The councils accepted The bishop cited the contrast in reports. requests to attend, then drew the Mai Ndombe region between its “We are called to struggle the names of the 150 partici - abundant natural resources and the together against everything that pants once the requests were extreme poverty in which its popu - degrades, humiliates or derides the divided according to geography, Catholic bloggers attend a meeting at the Vatican. (Photo: Paul Haring, lation lives. The abundance of the human being in our weakest broth - language and whether the blog CNS) region’s natural resources brought ers and sisters,” he said. “That is was personal or institutional. the imposition of forced labor and why any police extortion or exac - Richard Rouse, an official at sources of “Catholic clarity”. Mattia Marasco, author of cruel, savage and inhumane treat - tion must be denounced and the culture council, said news of But bloggers can’t claim to be “WikiCulture”, told the group ment by the colonial powers, he fought.” the Vatican meeting already has purveyors of clarity unless they that while it was right to noted. This history engendered The bishop called on Catholics encouraged other Church offi - do so with charity, she said. acknowledge the source of mate - fear, suspicion of strangers, divi - to struggle together for the dignity cials to begin a dialogue with “Charity is one of the biggest rial, copyrights are “an old sions and a sense of powerlessness of all the oppressed in different local bloggers. challenges we face,” she said, model for a new media”. that are still pervasive among the communities, including spurned The Vatican meeting, he said, because “freedom is both a gift Fr Vonhogen said profession - population. minorities such as Pygmies, prison - was not designed as a how-to and a source of temptation for al journalists will have to get “We live today, without doubt, ers and mentally ill people. seminar, nor aimed at develop - our egos.” used to their material being in a period of increased freedom, Catholics should also struggle ing a code of conduct, but rather Ms Scalia said that the taken, knowing that it amounts humanity and courage,” Bishop for recognition of rights of widows to acknowledge the role of blogs Catholic blogosphere is host to to free publicity and that if they Nkiere wrote. “But we must recog - and orphans, justice in the courts in modern communications and too much “us and them” on are good journalists they will nise that fear, divisions and a cer - for the poor, and justice in the to start a dialogue between the both the conservative and liber - survive. tain fatalism still hold us back from exploitation of natural resources, bloggers and the Vatican. al sides of the Church. As Jesuit Father Federico Lom - living truly and intensely, accord - including the Congo’s forests, the F Roderick Vonhogen, a Catholics, “we have no business bardi, Vatican spokesman, told ing to God’s plan of love, manifest pastoral letter said.—CNS Dutch priest and author of the fostering enemies”. the bloggers that while Pope “Katholiek Leven” (Catholic Rocco Palmo, author of the Benedict XVI “is a person who Life) blog, told the meeting that hugely popular “Whispers in the does not Tweet or have a per - blogging “allows me to be a Loggia”, told the gathering that sonal blog, he is very attentive shepherd for people who need the 150 invitees represented and knows well what is happen - one, not those who already have “many of the finest professional ing in the world” and supports one” because they are active in a communicators” working for the Catholic media efforts. parish. Catholic Church, although it is “Bloggers are important” for “If you write a blog post and rare that any of them is paid for forming and informing church no one comments, you feel mis - blogging. members, Fr Lombardi said, but erable...alone and isolated,” he The meeting, he said, is anyone who influences what said. The comments let the recognition of “our contribution Catholics think must recognise writer and readers experience to the life of the Church”. the responsibility that brings being part of a community. One of the discussion topics with it. But, it’s only when you have at the meeting was the fact that Fr Lombardi said he had to established interest and friend - blogging already is changing thank bloggers for the times ship that you can bring some - because, in many countries, they acted to explain and spread one to faith, Fr Vonhogen said. Twitter’s 140-character messages Church teaching and the Elizabeth Scalia, who writes are becoming a more popular thought of Pope Benedict. “The Anchoress”, said that while form of communication. n Read blogs by Fr Simon Donnel - the mainstream media tend to Another theme involved the ly, Fr Russell Pollitt SJ and Sr Sue view blogs as “little more than a use on blogs of copyrighted sto - Rakoczy IHM on The Southern means of self-promotion”, the ries and photographs taken from Cross’ website (www.scross.co.za/ Catholic blogs generally are real news sites. category/southern-blogs/)

Tony Wyllie & Co. Catholic Funeral Home Personal and Dignified 24-hour service 469 Voortrekker Rd, Maitland Tel: 021 59 3 8820 48 Main Rd, Muizenberg Tel: 021 78 8 3728 Member of the NFDA INTERNATIONAL The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 5 JP2’s life exhibited in Rome Parish scaled back after By CiNDy WooDeN SPECIAL exhibit on the bin Laden killing life of Bl Pope John Paul AII will run in the Vatican which includes the Catholic until June 24. HE priest at the small Church, was formulating a future Described by Pope Benedict Catholic parish in the north - strategy in the area. as a special tribute to his prede - Tern Pakistani city of Abbot - “It is crucial to maintain peace cessor, the exhibit is housed in tabad city said it has limited its for the scattered minority commu - the Carlo Magno Hall, off St activities after the death of al- nities in the area. We alter the Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Peter’s Square. Entrance is free. venue at the last moment to avoid who was killed in the city by US The exhibit is a collaborative leaking the information about the special forces this month. effort of the Vatican governor’s gathering in a tense atmosphere,” “I couldn’t conduct pastoral vis - office and the Polish ministry of said Fr Javed Gill. culture and national heritage. its to homes yesterday after securi - ty increased,” Fr Akram Javed Gill The priest oversees the only The entrance to the Carlo Catholic school, St Peter’s, in the Magno Hall is under a super- told the Asian Church news agency UCA News. He couldn’t make pas - city. About 200 students, most of sized replica of the Book of the them Muslims, study there. Gospels; a hidden motor flips toral visits to homes after security increased, and Church feasts and The priest said he has faced diffi - the pages, evoking a memory of culties in his work in Abbottabad, how the wind turned the pages services had to be cancelled. Pope John Paul ii’s canoe and his cardinal vestments are seen in a which is home to a large military of the Gospel placed on Pope special exhibit on the life and ministry of the Polish pope in the Carlo “Also the four policemen posted establishment. He had to build John Paul’s coffin during his Magno Hall at the Vatican. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) guard for the church have been put higher walls to the church com - funeral in 2005. on high alert,” Fr Javed Gill said. pound in 2009 after Muslims The exhibit includes artifacts The priest has been in charge of objected to the “open display” of from the museum set up in his auxiliary bishop of Krakow in Vatican governor’s office, said the St Peter Canisius church since family home in Wadowice, 1958 and one from Pope Paul VI the exhibit could give people 2007 in Abbottabad, the gateway the statue of Mary in a grotto in Poland, such as family pho - naming him a cardinal in 1967. only a small idea of who Pope city to the northern mountainous the grounds. tographs, a school report card The section dealing with his John Paul II was. region. About 150 Catholics live in Last year, the authorities asked and the uniform he wore when 1978-2005 papacy includes the “In particular, it isn’t possible the city. him to burn several copies of a he worked at the Solvay quarry official medals from each year of to show the source from which He said the Association of pamphlet inviting Catholics for and factory. Skis, boots and his pontificate, a pair of his red he drew the strength and rich - Churches of Hazara Division, Marian devotion. poles he used in the 1960s and a shoes (which actually are more ness of his spirit”, although that canoe from about the same time burgundy) and the mobile plat - was hinted at by the Book of the also are on display, along with form used to move him in pro - Gospels at the entrance and by prayer books and his black cessions after he could no longer the small replica of his private priest’s cassock. walk. chapel at the other end of the Do you desire a life that proclaims God’s The exhibit contains a letter Opening the exhibit, Cardi - Carlo Magno Hall, he said.— from Pope Pius XII naming him nal Giovanni Lajolo, head of the CNS goodness to the world? SA priest caught up in Chicago If you are a courageous woman, strong in faith and parish suspension row generous in love then that he had “already left the to do anything but sit there and PRIEST from Eshowe, Catholic Church and are there - raise money”, an endeavour for KwaZulu-Natal, who has fore not able to pastor a Catholic which he considers himselfg Aserved in the United States parish” after saying in media unsuited. since 2009, has been named to interviews that he would refuse Parishioners have protested take over from a priest who any assignment other than as outside Cardinal George’s resi - threatened to leave the Church if perhaps you have a pastor of St Sabina Church. dent in support of Fr Pfleger. he was moved from his Chicago Fr Pfleger’s threats, Cardinal An open letter signed by 14 parish. vocation as a Sister George wrote, had “short-circuit - priests serving black parishes in Cardinal Francis George of ed” efforts that had been under Chicago appointed Fr Thulani the Chicago archdiocese and of Notre Dame de way for weeks, appointing Fr addressed to Cardinal George Magwaza administrator of the Pfleger president of Leo Catholic expressed concern that the mostly African-American St Sabi - High School so he could contin - Namur removal of Fr Pfleger, a German na parish on Chicago’s South ue working in the same neigh - Side after he suspended Fr bourhood in which he was a pas - American, “will have serious and Michael Pfleger from the priest - tor for nearly 30 years. potentially long range ramifica - For more information, contact: Sr. Marie McLoughlin tions that will harm not only the hood. The cardinal said the move to +27 (0)56-215-1003, [email protected] Fr Magwaza has served the the school would allow Fr Pfleger people of St Sabina, but also parish as associate pastor since to continue his work on educa - injure the faith of many commit - 2009. According to parish lead - tion in the African-American ted Catholics, black and white”. ers, the plan, backed by Cardinal community, gun violence and Fr Pfleger’s social justice George, was that the popular service to the poor. activism, outspokenness on South African would succeed Fr However, Fr Pfleger described racism and comments on politi - Pleger after three or four years. the school as “dying” and that cal issues at times have irritated The cardinal told Fr Pfleger he was told “I’d have no power archdiocesan officials.

Retired Spanish Cardinal agustin garcia-gasco Vicente of Valencia, 80, was found dead just hours before he was to go to St Peter’s Square for the beatifi - cation of Pope John Paul ii on May 1. Vatican Radio reported that the cardinal had attended the beatification prayer vigil the night before without any sign of difficulty. His death early the next morning at the guesthouse where he was staying in Rome was presumed to be the result of a heart attack. He was named archbishop of Valencia in 1992, was created a cardinal in 2007 and retired in 2009. a former auxiliary bishop of Madrid, he also had served as secretary-general of the Spanish bishops’ conference. Born in Corral de almaguer in 1931, he was ordained a priest in 1956. Bishop removed over women priests, celibacy By CiNDy WooDeN past has made it clear that the impossible to resolve these mat - Catholic Church considers it a ters, denying me natural justice OPE Benedict has removed matter of faith that Jesus chose without any possibility of appro - Australian Bishop William only men to be his apostles and, priate defence and advocacy on PMorris of Toowoomba from therefore, the Church is not free my behalf.” office five years after he wrote a to ordain women. In addition, it The bishop said the fact that pastoral letter indicating he has affirmed that while excep - there would be no further hear - would be open to ordaining tional cases exist, celibacy is the ing on the matter was confirmed women and married men if norm for priests in the Latin by a letter he received from the Church rules changed to allow rite. pope, which stated: “Canon law such a possibility. In his open letter, Bishop does not make provision for a In an open letter to Catholics Morris said misunderstandings process regarding bishops, in his diocese, Bishop Morris about his pastoral letter on the whom the successor of Peter said the 2006 letter “has been diocese’s serious priest shortage nominates and may remove misread and, I believe, deliber - led Pope Benedict to appoint US from office.” ately misinterpreted” by a small Archbishop Charles Chaput of Bishop Morris said he did not group within the diocese. Denver to conduct an apostolic offer to resign as “a matter of The formulation of the Vati - visitation of the Toowoomba conscience” because “my resig - can’s brief statement indicated diocese. nation would mean that I accept that Bishop Morris had not “I have never seen the report the assessment of myself as offered his letter of resignation. prepared by the apostolic visi - breaking communio , which I The Vatican did not explain tor,” Bishop Morris said, and absolutely refute and reject.”— the pope’s decision, but in the “without due process it has been CNS 6 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 LEADER PAGE

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whose belief is in some way disor - for certain categories of sin, like Editor: Günther Simmermacher Unreliable sources dered). The word mushrik comes idolatry. People can be released from the Arabic shirk , and means from hell after a period of punish - ETER Onesta persists in using an idolater or polytheist. The poly - ment. Therefore, the threat of hell as his chief source for knowl - theist is one who “joins partners to for the “unbelievers” is not a threat Marketing vocations Pedge of Islam a book that is God”, an unforgivable sin in Islam. of permanent separation from academically unsound, and once So, humankind is composed of the God—only the idolaters will suffer In short, the religious voca - again goes horribly wrong. Anker - polytheists and disbelievers on the that, and the Christians are HE Catholic Church tion is a tough sell. Today, it berg and Weldon are not sufficient - one hand, and the single, united, nowhere accused of idolatry. worldwide is facing diffi - requires great courage and culties in attracting suffi - ly qualified to judge what the monotheistic community on the Mr Onesta brings up the issue of T immense sacrifice to follow Qur”an means: and the shakiness other. cient candidates for the priest - God’s call. jihâd. He is incorrect on all counts. hood and the religious life. of their Christian doctrine disquali - But from the very start of Islam Firstly, Islam has five pillars, not Pope Benedict in his mes - fies them from writing any reliable there was an intermediate category As we observe the World sage for Vocations Sunday this six, and jihâd is not regarded as one Day of Prayer for Vocations on comparative theology. standing between those “within” of these pillars. Secondly, jihâd year offers concrete advice. and those “outside of” the Muslim May 15, Pope Benedict urges Once again, Mr Onesta has quot - does not mean “holy war” except Proposing vocations on the ed what appears to be a Qur”anic community. These were neither that “every member of the in the fertile minds of some West - local level, he writes, means verse (but which is in fact three dis - Muslims nor unbelievers, but some - Church needs consciously to ern journalists. The Arabic verb “having the courage, through tinct verses) from his authors. thing midway. This middle group - feel responsibility for promot - an attentive and suitable con - Because neither his authors nor Mr ing was distinct (at least at the means “to strive, to struggle ing vocations”. cern for vocations, to point out Onesta have a grounding in Arabic, beginning): they are “the people of against” and, as Muhammad him - The pope’s concern resides this challenging way of follow - they flounder in their usage of the Book” or “the people of the self was quick to point out, this especially with cultures where ing Christ which, because it is Qur”anic words and phrases which Scripture”. They are those who striving and struggling is an inner the call to the consecrated life so rich in meaning, is capable they fail to understand. Happily, I have received their revelation from phenomenon, against our lower “seems to be drowned out by of engaging the whole of one’s speak Arabic: so, permit me to cor - God in the form of a book, in nature and the sin that would ‘other voices’ and [God’s] invi - life”. rect some of their errors. accordance with the Islamic doc - ensnare us. tation to follow him by the gift Young people must be led to Theologically and at the trine that the prophets Moses and If the word is to be understood of one’s own life may seem too develop an intimate relation - Qur”anic level, the humankind to Jesus came to their people bearing in terms of “war”, then it ought to difficult”. ship with Christ and be made which Muhammad was sent to call revelation in this form. It is this be understood in the same light as He clearly refers to a western back to its basic nature became reception and possession of a the Opening Prayer of the Mass for culture which offers greater to “understand that entering into God’s will does not crush divided into two groups: those divine book that separates the fol - Ash Wednesday, which invites us lifestyle choices than were “within” the final and best commu - lowers of Moses and Jesus from the to understand prayer and fasting as available in the past—and this or destroy a person, but instead leads to the discovery of the nity (Islam) and those “outside” of unbelievers and polytheists and “Christian warfare”. Islam clearly is true as much in urban South it. These two groups have various places them in a distinct and privi - teaches that sometimes this “strug - Africa as it is in Europe or the deepest truth about ourselves”. Pope Benedict urges every designations: al-muslimûn and al- leged category. gling” and “striving” is against an Americas. It is also a culture in kâfirûn , al-mu”minûn and al- Furthermore, it seems clear that external force (and hence the con - which entering the priesthood diocese to staff its vocations offices, “that valuable means mushrikûn . not only is their position an inter - notation of “holy war”)—in fact, or the religious life is decidedly We must have absolute clarity mediate one, but it is also tempo - no lesser person than St Thomas unfashionable, even counter - for the promotion and organi - sation of the pastoral care of when we use these technical Arabic rary: after all, they do not move on Aquinas deals with the possibility cultural. and Qur’anic terms. The word the right path and should not con - of a Christian “holy war” and draws For many reasons, some of vocations and the prayer which sustains it and guarantees its “muslim” means primarily “one tinue in this way but should (even - up the conditions that would lead the Church’s own doing, the who is submitted to God”. In reali - tually) convert to Islam. Hence the to such a dreadful thing. Holy war priesthood and religious life are effectiveness”, with competent and suitably qualified people. ty, this could be a Jew, a Christian tendency in mainstream Islamic is not unique to Islam. Nor can we no longer positions of prestige or a Muslim, and the use of the theological thought to assimilate or even social privilege—unde - One may add that dioceses judge the whole of Islam as intoler - word in the Qur’an in no way clari - the Jews and the Christians to the ant because Saudi Arabia permits niably qualities that in the past and religious congregations fies this. Practically, the word as non-believers. This then is the posi - helped attract vocations. should be urged to become no freedom of worship. found in the text is presumed to tion of the Christians (and the I would urge Mr Onesta to fling The arguments that blame more effective in marketing mean a member of the Islamic reli - Jews): the intermediate, temporary aside his worthless source of infor - the reforms of the Second Vati - vocations as a life option. In gion. Similarly, the word mu’min status within the Muslim commu - mation, and read something more can Council for the vocation that, they might need the pro means primarily “a believer”, nity as “the people of the Book”. shortage are misplaced. Vatican bono help of the faithful: from which again could be a Jew, a The important point is that scholarly—Fr Christian de Cherge, II coincided with huge social experts in advertising and mar - Christian or a Muslim. Again, the nowhere in the Qur’an are the the martyred Trappist abbot, on shifts in western life. keting, and from those who text never clarifies the precise words mushrik or shirk ever applied Islam, or Charles de Foucauld, or Rapid secularisation and have the means to finance meaning, but the presumption is to Christians. They are accused of Louis Massignon, the renowned declining birth rates in western viable endeavours and strate - that it refers to a Muslim believer. many things: of exaggerating their French Catholic Islamacist, or the society have diminished the gies. The word kâfir means “unbeliev - religion, of misbelief and disbelief, Dominican Jacques Jomier, or any numbers of potential candi - The pope also urges the er”, “irreligious” “infidel” and can but never of the unforgivable sin of number of solid Muslim authors dates. Once families might faithful to pray for vocations, also be rendered as “ungrateful”. It idolatry, of “joining partners to like our own Faried Esack. have had six or more children as Jesus did before he assem - does not carry the meaning of God”. Dialogue is indeed a two-way from whom one or two would bled his group of disciples (Lk “idolater”. Some translators render A further clarification is neces - street, and it is happening. Just not enter the consecrated life, 6:12). it as misbeliever or disbeliever, sary: the Islamic conception of hell in the pages of Ankerberg and Wel - sometimes prodded by parents Indeed, vocations are the although there is a subtle difference is similar to the Catholic doctrine don. or bound by lack of other business of all the People of between the two terms (the first of purgatory, in that it is not of Fr Christopher Clohessy, opportunities. Now families God. So we will be wise to take refers to one who does believe, but necessity a permanent place, except Cape Town have two or three children who to heart the pope’s observa - tend to have a wide range of tion: lifestyle options, and usually “Every moment in the life of given that we are fast approaching open land in Grassy Park and they are not encouraged to the Church community—cate - Hollow promises? local elections. refused to move. Mrs Zille enjoyed pursue a religious vocation. chesis, formation meetings, WISH to respond to the letter, The DA gives the impression generous media coverage with Much improved education liturgical prayer, pilgrimages— “The Church and Cosatu” by that it cares for the poor and is the photos showing her standing bare - systems have created a vast can be a precious opportunity IDemoratic Alliance member of only viable alternative to the rul - foot on a tattered mattress as if she field of career opportunities for awakening in the People of parliament Marti Wenger (April ing African National Congress. was championing the cause of the that stand in competition with God, and in particular in chil - 20). As I live in the Western Cape, I poor. the consecrated life. For many dren and young people, a sense The Catholic Church played a have first-hand knowledge of the She moved the homeless people who in the past might have of belonging to the Church prominent role in speaking out daily struggle facing those who are to a different piece of land in the opted for the priesthood, the and of responsibility for against the heinous crime of less fortunate than others. area and then, through her office, promise of material comfort answering the call to priest - apartheid when the previous A few years ago, when Helen promised to initiate a pilot project and family are more com - hood and to religious life by a regime was still in place. Zille had just been elected mayor for backyard dwellers in Grassy pelling. free and informed decision.” I am not a politician but will of Cape Town, a group of “back - Park. add my layman’s contribution yard dwellers” invaded a piece of continued on page 19

SISTERS OF OUR LADY MOTHER OF DIVINE LOVE The field of our Apostolic has no limits, we engage in all types of mission work, e.g. chatechesis, teaching, youth work, nursing, formation of christ - ian homes and families, social work, domestic work and work in all types of charitable institutions.

P.O Box 875 OR P.O Box 16 Queenstown Butterworth 5320 4960 Tel: 047 878 5477 or 047 491 3546 PERSPECTIVES The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 7

Why I serve in Congo Fr Evans Chama Judith Turner Point of Mission can’t help feeling that you are in a on Faith and Life HAT mission are you going to Church that is an “elder sister” to many do in Congo?” My friend in Africa. Indeed, up to this point you ‘W reacted when I informed him hardly appreciate the place of a mission - about my appointment as a Missionary ary. But then something beckons you— Christian coherence” as the theme for the Love yourself! for Africa priest. “The Church is well wait a minute! current pastoral year. It means that Chris - established there!” Though we habitually That Congo is rich in natural resources tian identity must be seen in the words OST of us have been raised to love others pull each other’s legs, this time he had is common knowledge. However, this is and actions of the daily life of Christians: first and to not think of ourselves first. thrown me a curve ball. made invisible in the actual life of the in liturgy, but also in families, streets and MOur parents (and neighbours, teachers, Reflecting on this question has helped people. Here we are not simply talking of work places. aunts, uncles and church) drilled into us that we me to clarify for myself my presence in the poor and the old, but also about peo - This is where coherence comes in—the should not be selfish and that we should think of the Democratic Republic of Congo as mis - ple in steady jobs. If a civil servant, proud faith professed should tally with the way the needs of others before we think of our own sionary and also to understand better of his master’s degree, brings home at the people live. This is a theme given by a needs. what an established Church really is. end of the month little more than R500, pastor who knows the life of his flock. In If you were raised in a big family, this would be Where does the truth of my friend’s then you have an idea of the situation of a situation where people seem to be left even more so and later become the natural thing response lie? In fact, there is abundant the majority in humbler jobs with lower to themselves, people—Christians and to do—so much so that you would feel guilty if evidence: the number of Catholics in wages. non-Christians—are driven to earn their you thought of your own needs above the needs of Congo is so high that a small parish here As a missionary, you begin to pose living in any way open to them, even if one of your siblings. would be regarded as a big parish in most questions that often you want to ignore, that is irreconcilable with their faith. The countless number of people coming to the other places. or perhaps don’t even want to ask. Here one begins to appreciate that door for food or money would be a constant Parish organisation, especially the level The capital, Kinshasa, alone is proud of establishing the Church on level of living reminder that we should think of others and not of participation of the laity, is quite its several thousands of “churches” Christian values is on-going, necessary always be concerned about our own needs. Think - advanced. There are lay parish assistants (sects), which could be taken as sign of even in a place where missionary work ing of others is not a bad thing; it is good. In fact, and bakambi, the lay persons who are full how copiously religious people are. Most may appear superfluous. it is the Christian thing to do. This is charity—this time administrators of parishes. There is a likely, among those in the administration To answer my friend, I therefore want is love. relatively high level of Christian education of the country several are Christians; but to remain in Congo not because I have When then can that become a bad thing? It in parishes, unlike in many other places how is it that Christian principles are heroic missionary activity to accom - becomes bad when we love others at the expense where that hardly goes beyond prepara - hardly evident? plish—the country has seen enough of loving ourselves. It becomes bad when we do tions for communion and confirmation. Then one realises that even this heroes—but because I see myself in this not know how to love ourselves. Then you have the Zairean liturgy of “mature church” needs a good push to be mature Church while struggling to be God has created us and dwells inside of us. The the Mass. The number of priests and reli - more consistent. more consistent. first place we meet God is in ourselves. God is love, gious both within and outside the coun - In fact, Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo I want grow along with this Church. so the first place we experience this love is in our - try is unbeatable. With all these you just of Kinshasa, proposed “Christian identity, We are never established enough. selves. To love God inside ourselves is to love our - selves and to do so unconditionally. Adolfo Quezada explains what loving yourself means, and how to do it, in his book Loving Your - self for God’s Sake . I bought this book many years Henry Makori ago and I have read it over and over again, using it The loneliness of priests Letter from Nairobi for personal reflection and meditation. I have also used its contents in a number of personal develop - At the end, the kids requested a OME weeks back, a friend who is an ment and leadership workshops I have facilitated Eucharistic celebration to close the over the years. official of a diocese invited me to event. He readily obliged. Thereafter we talk to Catholic school children He writes: “You have been taught that to love S said our goodbyes to the children and But I still think living practically alone yourself is tantamount to narcissism, to think of about the hottest topic in Kenya today: their teachers. at Father’s house affects the quality of a the expected trial of six high profile indi - yourself is selfish, and to take care of yourself Father invited the three of us to his priest’s personal life. I guess there is a real before others is self-centred and egotistical. This is viduals by the International Criminal house. We drank tea over a lively chat human desire to love and be loved by Court at The Hague, Netherlands. tragic. In fact, the opposite is true. until dusk approached. We announced others in a deep and personal way. “To enter into the communion of love with Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyat - we were leaving. And that was when I I doubt a priest can reasonably expect ta, suspended higher education minister God means you are willing not only to love God felt it. that to come from the community of William Ruto, suspended industry minis - but also to be loved in whatever way it pleases God It struck me that we would leave believers in his parish. In my experience, ter Henry Kosgey, civil service head and to love you, even through yourself. Just as it is Father behind in his house. He would be many Christians treat a priest as a spiritu - secretary to the cabinet Francis Muthau - impossible to offer another a drink unless you first quite lonely, I thought. Of course, he al specialist; with the same deferential ra, former police commissioner Hussein fill your cup, it is impossible to offer your love to shared the parish house with a senior detachment they would treat their doctor another if you have not first loved yourself. Ali, and radio journalist Joshua arap or teacher. priest and he could use his free time as “Unless you love yourself as God loves you, you Sang’ are accused of atrocious crimes I once worked at a Church-run institu - he wished, but still I could not help cannot really love others. The quality of the love against humanity allegedly committed tion and Catholics who came there during the post-election violence of thinking that he was lonely. you experience for others is tied to the quality of would be horrified on hearing workers the love you have for yourself. Therefore, begin by 2007/08. We proceeded to my friend’s house call out the priest-in-charge by his pet receiving God’s total and unconditional love for I am not a lawyer. But I have been a and stayed with his family and other name. We were expected to treat him you, through you. Then love God back with all school teacher and find no problem talk - friends. The house was full. From time to affectionately but formally. your heart and soul, mind and strength. From that ing to kids. In addition, The Hague trials time I imagined Father at the parish That priest, a missionary, lived in a union comes your love for those around you. By have transfixed the nation. There is a lot house. I felt sad for him. community house with his confreres. But loving them, you love yourself and God, and the of information available about the There is something I have never asked he would often stay up late in his office circle of love continues.” process. him: how does he manage the loneliness until the early hours of morning. He was Quezeda advises that we should treat ourselves I took with me a former colleague. which certainly accompanies him in his always working. I thought he was lonely. as we would treat someone we love. We should The event was to take place in the hall of calling? Doesn’t it depress him, especial - From what I have seen, a priest really give ourselves full attention. ly after close relatives or friends visiting doesn’t become a part of the community a rural parish where a certain priest, “If you are kind and considerate, thoughtful him leave? he works with, however hard he tries. whom my friend and I know very well, and gentle with someone you love, then offer When I lived alone, I would have a lot Also, the fact that he is moved to a differ - works. He received the three us on the these same gestures to yourself. Protect yourself of difficulty adjusting back to my normal ent place or parish by his superiors after eve of the function and we enjoyed the from harm and stay awake through prayer. It is life after friends or relatives who came to short stints doesn’t help matters. evening at a motel not far from his through your self-awareness that love will contin - visit left. The house would feel too I know the Catholic priesthood has a parish. ue.” empty. long and complex history. I know, too, The next day we had talks, question- Loving ourselves is the link between loving God I know that it takes many years of that certain aspects of the vocation are and-answer sessions and some song and and loving others, and it is for God’s sake that we training and formation before one is still debated. dance to relieve the nerves. There was do all three. good lunch and tea. Father was present ordained a priest and that thereafter he But I am sure that the deep human n throughout and enjoyed the proceed - may have access to on-going formation need to love and be loved in a personal Judith Turner is the training and organisational ings. He even had occasion to do a jig and the support of Church officials and way is something many priests struggle developmental coordinator of Catholic Welfare and with the children. the community. with daily. Development in Cape Town. This is the first in her new monthly column.

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082 450 9930 Trevor Reservations: 082 444 7654 Piero 082 506 9641 Anthony 8 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 FOCUS Farming as a vocation the learners. studied science, you do practise The profession of farming often Two learners said they are now it—whether it is about the cli - strongly considering the option mate, water conservation, soil does not command the respect of farming, said Fr Mokesh management or animal health. it deserves. A farmer Morar, who serves on the Land We do get training in certain addressed young people on his Working Group of the SACBC. aspects, but a lot also depends on One young woman believes your experience and that of your job, and a priest said that agri - her family will support her. “I neighbours,” he said. cultural work could even be enjoy helping my grandmother “You also have to know how with our vegetable garden and to fix equipment by yourself, seen as a vocation. she also taught me to apprecia - and most important is how to tion the beauty of nature.” work with your workers on the The other one, who was think - farm, including how to care and ing of becoming an engineer, be concerned about their well- HERE is “no need to go to believed that his family might being. If they are happy your the shop to buy for your food when you are farmer”, not be happy when they hear he farm becomes more productive,” T is interested in farming. “But I said Mr Mofokeng. according to Paul Mofokeng. The farmer was addressing a will try and convince them, and He said that people complain large group of learners from the ask them where does the food about poverty and hunger, but Free State, Northern Cape and come from that they eat?” few consider even starting a small Eastern Cape. About 186 learners He added: “We should not backyard garden. People will use from Grade 10 and 11 attended a look down on the work of certain lots of water for a lawn while career camp at John Paul II Cen - kinds of others since all jobs are they are unemployed. “Why not Farming is a noble profession which, according to a Free State-based priest, . tre in Bethlehem, Free State. The important”. use that water and space for a could even be seen as a vocation camp was organised by the Aids Another learner noted: “It is food garden in the township?” Office of the Southern African not only about money. When Mr Mofokeng encouraged the keng before reminding the young wele Centre for Social Reflection Catholic Bishops’ Conference last there is too much obsession with learners to start vegetable gardens in Bethlehem, asked the young month. money, it can get us into trou - and plant fruit trees. “It is good people that the Bible states “‘you people to consider farming as Several speakers explained dif - ble—look at all the corruption”. for your spirit to connect with shall produce food by the sweat vocation. ferent career options, ranging Many people do not have high the earth and nature and enjoy of your brow”. from engineering, and medicine regard for farming, Mr Mofokeng harvesting your own food for “I feel happy with what I am “People have become so to farming. said, but if they really understood yourself and others. We become doing and I thank God for giving divorced from the whole process Mr Mofokeng farms near Beth - the knowledge and experience co-creators with God,” he said. me the opportunity to serve the of producing food and are not lehem in the Eastern Free State, that are needed in the profession, “Sure, there are difficulties and rest of society by producing aware how much damage we have considered the breadbasket of they would be surprised. problems in farming and you food”, Mr Mofokeng said. done to ourselves and the envi - South Africa. He inspired many of “Even if you have not formally need to persevere,” said Mr Mofo - Fr Morar, who heads the Sek - ronment,” he told the learners.

The Missionaries of Christ were founded by Fr Christian Sisters of St Clare Moser MSC in poor Clare Sisters Germany in 1956. Today there are 130 Sisters in Germany, Austria, Brazil, Ours is an Russia, DRC Congo enclosed life and South Africa, working in a variety centered on of different professions prayer. Do you feel drawn to ‘Drawn into the love of the Trinity, such a life? we the Missionaries of Christ are sent Vocation Directress to be the light of the world For more information contact: PO Box 2081 Bronkhorstspruit and to proclaim Christ’s message Monastery of Santa Chiara, p. O. Box 1638, 4700, Kokstad 1020 through our whole being: South africa, Tel: 03 9 72 7 2628, E-mail:[email protected] Cell: 072 456 7382 To make Jesus Christ present in the world.’ Tel 013 935 3038 [email protected] (Statement of Charism)

Do you feel called to the SOCIeTY OF Augustinian Sisters of Franciscan way of life? AFrICAn MISSIOnS the Mercy of Jesus www.smainternational.info Jesus is here; he is calling you! Come and follow him by joining the SMA Fathers, who are committed to the person and mission of Jesus Christ through primary evangelisation and formation of local Church.

We are going to serve Christ in the poor and sick. Where are you going?

For further information, please contact Fr Justin Inandjo, SMA on: For help to find out what you are Contact: The Vocations Director called to do contact: PO Box 914-1192, Wingate Park, 0153 Tel. 016 422 1286 Mobile 072 288 7813 You can also write to: Sr Margaret Anthony, P O Box 41, Botha’s Hill, 082 409-1457 / 012 345-1172 Fr Justin Inandjo, SMA Vocation Director, PO Box 126, Vereeniging, 1930 3660, Ph. 076 8455521 Email: [email protected] or e-mail [email protected] [email protected] LOCAL ELECTIONS The Southern Cross, May 11 to May17, 2011 9 Voting wisely and thoughtfully on 18 May sentatives and paid officials to do This is not a local phenome - South Africans will cast their their jobs, but this is one of the non: it happens in any country weaknesses of the democratic sys - where a party becomes so used to votes in the local elections on tem: if the people you elect fail to being “in charge” that it starts to May 18. MiKe PoTHieR serve you, you have to wait five think that it has a right to be in years before you can get rid of power for ever, regardless of the suggests that voters exercise them. quality of the service it delivers. their democratic right and duty On Wednesday, May 18, the It is not the task of the Church five-year wait will be over, and we to instruct its members which wisely, drawing from the will all have a chance to signal our party they should vote for or advice of the bishops of satisfaction, or otherwise, with the against in a democracy. All voters Southern Africa. performances of our councillors are by definition adults, and and mayors. In their recent pas - should be capable of making up toral letter on the municipal elec - their own minds. tions, our bishops stressed that But at the same time the values HERE is a very clear link participation is not only a right, espoused by the Church, especially between the tragic death of but a duty. in its social teaching, must not be Andries Tatane at the hands “Every citizen has the right to overlooked by Catholic voters. T aNC supporters at an election rally in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. South of police in Ficksburg on April 13, vote, to participate in the choosing Thus, we should give—or more and the local government elec - of public representatives, and to africans go to the polls on May 18 in local elections. (Photo: Mike Hutchings, accurately, lend—our vote to the tions that are due to take place on give a mandate to those entrusted Reuters/CNS) party which will best uphold the May 18. with governance. But it is more common good of everyone in our Mr Tatane was part of a group than simply a right—it is a duty job for the local community; and voting for a party or candidate community; which will best serve of residents protesting against a which rests on every eligible voter. which party is likely to serve the that we would not usually support, the special needs of the poor in our lack of service delivery. Among Each of us must use our vote wise - interests of our town or city best. if that choice is likely to be best for community; which will promote their complaints were inadequate ly and thoughtfully, in order to This brings us to the second the community as a whole. people-centred, as opposed to profit- access to water, badly-maintained help ensure that our cities, towns consideration: our communities It is also important to think centred, local development ; and roads, poor sewerage infrastruc - and districts are run by honest and must be run, as the bishops say, about the abuses that inevitably which has a reputation for honesty, ture, and potholed roads. competent people, to the benefit for the “benefit of all, especially creep in when one party remains openness and accountability in gov - In the last few years, all over of all, especially the poor and the the poor and the vulnerable”. In in power for too long; or when it ernment. South Africa, communities have vulnerable.” other words, we should not vote to controls all levels of government, It is not difficult, really, to found themselves having to take Two important considerations preserve privilege, to defend the all over the country. In a recent decide which party or candidate is to the streets to draw attention to flow from this part of the bishops’ narrow interests of the affluent, or newspaper interview the African most deserving of your vote. Look their needs. Time and again we statement. Firstly, if we are to use in a way that would perpetuate the National Congress’ secretary-gen - around at the state of your town, hear of how people have phoned our vote “wisely and thoughtful - rich-poor divisions that afflict our eral, Gwede Mantashe, referred to your city or your district: are you municipal call-centres, delivered ly”, then there is no place for vot - country. greed and corruption in public life content that the people who have petitions to mayors, and even boy - ing simply out of blind loyalty to a as “sins of incumbency”. been in charge for the last five cotted their rates payments, with - party or a leader. At the same time, e are called, therefore, to Although Mr Mantashe would years have done an honest job, out result. Only when they move there is no place for voting against Wapproach the elections with a no doubt advise voters to continue concentrating on the needs of the to more radical forms of protest, it a party simply because you happen generosity of spirit that looks to put their faith in his party, this most vulnerable members? seems, do the authorities begin to to dislike its leaders or because you beyond our own immediate neigh - candid and creditable admission If your answer is “yes”, then listen. Sadly, the authorities also think it represents a different race bourhoods, and that recognises points to the simple fact that the vote for them again. But if the sometimes over-react, as happened or class from your own. that our country’s most pressing longer a party remains in power answer is “no”, then it is time to in Ficksburg. We have to think clearly and problems— unemployment, pover - and the more secure its hold on give another party a chance to It may be ludicrous that citizens objectively about who we vote for, ty, crime—will not be resolved if power, the more corruption and show what it can do. of a relatively well-off country and we should make our choices we withdraw into separate laagers self-advancement tend to squeeze nAdv Mike Pothier is the research should have to protest physically on the basis of which individual and gated communities. And this out honesty and service of the director of the Catholic Parliamentary in order to get their public repre - councillor is likely to do the best may mean that we should consider common good. Liaison Office. 10 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 FOCUS Salesian Institute: 100 years of service to boys ume to a great crescendo to let Connaught was welcomed by the everyone know that they were the Salesian band, cadets and staff. The Salesian Institute in Cape new kids on the block. There were 140 boys being Town is celebrating its 100th It was indeed a momentous instructed in the various work - event. It was going to mean that shops and the school was a hum of anniversary this year. JaCK many, many young boys would activity on that day. RiVeRS , a member of the get a better chance at life. It was The prince was genuinely Salesian Cadets and Brass the opening of the very first public impressed with the work of the industrial school in Southern Salesian Institute and was most Band in the late 1960s, looks Africa. complimentary in his speech of back at a century of educating The new Salesian building had appreciation. been built by the famous engineer Times have moved on and boys in arts and trades so that Joseph Rubbi, an Italian immi - many adjustments have had to be they may be a credit to society grant who proceeded to build sev - made to suit the needs of the eral other notable buildings in youth of Cape Town and sur - and themselves after complet - Cape Town, such as the Old Mutu - rounds. ing their studies. al skyscraper. And the Salesian Band soldiered On Monday, March 27 the Sale - on until 1970. sian boys began moving from the Salesians later became a hostel 47 & 59 Buitenkant Street premises for boys who attended other ENERA l Louis Botha, the that had been their home since schools in Cape Town. prime minister of the young March 1897. During this time many street GUnion of South Africa, was The Nazareth Sisters played a children used to gather at the gate supposed to open the new Salesian big part in the early days of Sale - to watch the boys playing football. Institute on March 25, 1911. He sians in Cape Town. Nazareth It was found that these street was indisposed and his wife Annie House looked after boys until they children were not getting any took up the task. had completed primary school, schooling. Here was a new mission The foundation stone at 2 Som - but what could they do for them for Salesians. erset Road in Green Point, Cape thereafter? Homestead and other homes for Town, had been laid the previous The Salesians of Don Bosco street children were opened—but July 31 by the long-serving Bishop were the answer to their problem. where would they receive an edu - John Rooney. Salesians had served as an orphan - The Salesian institute in green Point, Cape Town, continues its great work cation? The opening took place at the age and a home for displaced boys of making a positive difference within the city and celebrates a century this Br Peter put a proposal together, main entrance in Somerset Road who had completed primary year. and after much planning the where a large crowd had gathered. school. Nazareth House was Learn to Live programme was The Salesian band was in atten - pleased that they would now have launched in 1979, with the chapel dance, entertaining the crowd a Catholic institution to which being converted into classrooms. with much pride and gusto. This they could send their boys. studies if they were not happy. 1918 came with another devas - Some of the older boys attend - was a big day for them: their new The Sisters of Nazareth House So the boys were often taken for tating event, the flu epidemic. ing the programme needed accom - home was about to be opened and welcomed the Salesians in walks on Table Mountain, had lots Some 14 0 000 people were record - modation, and in 1991 the Don they would soon be moving in. Buitenkant Street with their first of camps on farms in the Paarl and ed to have died during seven Bosco Hostel was opened to cater There was a moment of antici - meal. The Sisters carried on pro - Ceres areas. weeks in South Africa, with 66% of for otherwise homeless boys. pation with the press, various dig - viding the Salesians with their One of their favourite outings them in the Cape. This created These boys need rehabilitation nitaries, benefactors, priests and mid-day meals for the next six were the day trips to Robben estimated 2 000 more orphans. By and a structured programme and interested parties had gathered on months. This practical act of chari - Island. They were even allowed to the grace of God, the Salesian training to prepare them for a the pavement. Mrs Botha was wel - ty has never been forgotten by the camp there for a weekend from Institute was spared this great socially acceptable life style. comed by Senator Powell on the Institute. time to time. tragedy. A 16-plus outreach and devel - steps of the Institute. At the con - The Marist Brothers visited the On one occasion the Salesian Twenty-four Salesian past pupils opment programme was put into clusion of his speech, the band Salesians and saw that they were band even played for the mentally paid the ultimate sacrifice during place. This has helped them to come in with yet another short in need of some assistance. They ill and lepers who were kept on World War Two. They are remem - become good citizens of Cape tune. soon returned with pieces of furni - the island. The islanders showed bered on the Roll of Honour at the Town. They have been helped to Mrs Botha presented the front ture. The Salesians were hard at their appreciation by presenting Salesians Institute. apply for their ID books, and have door key with green ribbon work and within a few months the Salesian band with a sum of 28 The Salesians were famous for received assistance to get off what - attached. She turned to face the had classes for bookbinding, print - pounds for the school funds. their band and cadets and won ever drugs they were on. They are crowd gathered and said: “May ing, carpentry, shoe-making and The band played at many high honours at competitions and introduced to organised sport and God bless this house and crown tailoring. events and helped to raise money, other events. They were involved the art of making music and every effort of those working with - Following the example of their which was always in short supply in two royal visits and were award - taught trades. But the commit - in these walls with success.” founder’s work in Turin, the Sale - even as it is today. ed the honour to march up Adder - ment has to come from them. She proceeded to unlock the sians are famous for their holistic ly Street in the royal procession of The Salesian Institute has done double doors at 16:30, and they approach to caring for boys. Boys, orld War One begun in 1914 1947. great work over the last one hun - were swung wide open officially the philosophy went, should have Wand by the end of the war The Salesians were first hon - dred years, making a positive input for the very first time. fun too and lots of exercise. They four years later, 14 Salesian past oured with a royal visit on April to the lives of the citizen of Cape The band increased their vol - were not going to take care of their pupils had lost their lives. 30, 1921, when Prince Arthur of Town.

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BLIND READERS OF

A group of readers is preparing audio tapes of excerpts from Called by God, we strive to live The Southern Cross , including editorials, according to the motto of our Foundress, selected articles, and regular features such as Fr Leonie Aviat: To forget Nicholas King SJ and Chris myself entirely and work for the Moerdyk, as well current affairs in the Church. Any - happiness of others. one wanting to receive tapes as part of this service, avail - if you are interested, and want to know more about us, able for an annual subscrip - please contact: tion fee of only R50, is invit - ed to The Mistress of Novices The Vocation Directress contact Ms Veronica P.o. Box 28 P.o. Box 28 Vieyra at “Clareinch”, Union ave., pinelands, Koelenhof Springbok 7405 or phone 7605 8240 021-53 2 0661 . e-mail: [email protected] e-mail : [email protected] VOCATIONS The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 11 The long journey into the priesthood bishop will all have been involved you want to push. You never know Candidates to the priesthood in bringing him to the seminary— how many you are going to get!” need support from their and even then, some don’t stay While the diocese wants to ensure long, for either personal or profes - they are bringing priests into their parish, family and bishop on sional reasons. service, training a seminarian is their way to ordination. Seminarian Harry Bopape said he expensive, so the bishop would experienced fear when first arriving. want to be quite certain his candi - CLaiRe MaTHieSoN found “Firstly, I feared the amount of dates are going to be good choices. out how many of the young schoolwork, whether I would cope There are 34 seminarians at St men who enter the seminary with what the seminary put before Francis Xavier’s this year. me. Secondly, would the ever shy Seminarians are students. During graduate, the challenges they person of me be able to fit in with their first year at St Francis Xavier face and how future priests other seminarians that are coming they study English, because “they for their orientation too.” will be studying old religious texts, are being trained. Fr Chatteris said the workload is so need a thorough knowledge” of “reasonably heavy”, but that the the language, said Fr Chatteris. In T’S not easy being a priest.” hardest aspect of joining the semi - addition the students will read litur - This is one of the first things nary was the change in lifestyle. gy, scripture, faith development ‘Ipointed out to interested men “One of the most important things (basic theology) and human devel - when they enquire about the voca - in the seminarian’s study is the sup - opment (formation of the self in tion. port he receives from home,” he relation to others). Deciding to devote one’s life to said. There are big expectations of “This is an introduction to the service of others is not an easy the priest-in-training, and support prayer life. The seminarians study Three ordinations: Frs Baliso Makhetha, Tsoeute Rakaki and Lefalamang decision and not an option avail - from his family and parish can an academic side, spiritual side and Sebusi were ordained at Kriste Lesedi la Ditjaba (Christ the Light of the able to everyone. Becoming a priest make all the difference. learn about human and emotional Nations) parish in Bloemfontein in 2009. archbishop Jabulani Nxumalo of is a long journey where much time, Seminarian Tsekiso Sebotsa said growth.” Bloemfontein was the celebrant. money and prayer is invested. But he found his vocation after being The students are expected to the outcome of this process is a inspired by one priest, but he said achieve good grades. They are seven to eight years. It is then his attempts to prepare the man practi - man trained to help make his com - he was still “young and confused judged continuously on their suit - local bishop’s decision as to when cally for the priesthood—the train - munity a better one. about the future”. ability and their spiritual and emo - the candidate will be ordained, and ing is aimed at forming priests to be St Francis Xavier National Orien - “My vocation was encouraged by tional development. “Not everyone in what direction the priest will be reflective, prayerful, integrated, tation Year Seminary in Cape Town my brother, who told me to stay makes it, for various reasons,” said moved. “Sometimes the bishop serving and community-minded. Fr is the first year training centre for positive and continue praying Fr Chatteris. might decide to send the seminari - Chatteris explained that self devel - future diocesan priests. Seminary because it will help me be aware of Only an estimated 50% of those an to study further and some will be opment, prayer and realisation were formator Fr Chris Chatteris SJ said the Holy Spirit.” that enter the seminary will leave as sent to Rome to learn. It depends the other part of the years spent in the men that arrive at the institu - The seminarian is not obliged to priests. Some leave the seminary on the strengths the seminarian has the seminary and were equally tion have already gone through a live like a priest at this point in because they are advised to do so. shown and the need in the dio - important. long consultation process. time, but it is encouraged. Others leave because they feel a dif - cese,” said Fr Chatteris. A trained priest will emerge with Not anyone can become a priest. “Not being a member of a reli - ferent calling. Most commonly the newly an enhanced spiritual, ethical and There are a set of tests and certain gious order makes the return home “When a person finds their voca - ordained priest will be placed in a intellectual side ready to serve his expectations of the potential priest. over the semester break difficult for tion, whatever it is, it is a cause for parish as an assistant. “This helps community. Fr Chatteris said the Converts to Catholicism are able some,” said Fr Chatteris. He added joy,” Fr Chatteris said, adding that the priest come to terms with the seminary trains the men to be able to become priests, however they that a bishop who shows he cares the Church was made up of all sorts realities of being a priest,” said Fr to think their way through different usually have to be practising for the seminarian’s progress is the of people and duties. “There is often Chatteris, adding that it is impor - circumstances that might not have Catholics for two years, a cooling key to the seminarian’s success. pressure to stay. It requires great tant to give the young priest an been covered by the course. “In life, off period to ensure his enthusiasm Seminarians come from a variety courage to leave. Either way, good opportunity to learn from a more there are so many variables and pos - hasn’t dwindled. of backgrounds. “Catholic schools discernment is the goal.” experienced person. “Something sible situations. The seminary helps “The men have to show that don’t necessarily produce religious. Once they have completed their like hearing confession for the first grow adaptable thinkers.” they are reasonably intelligent as They come from township parishes first year at St Francis Xavier, stu - time can be humbling and terrify - These adaptable thinkers are to their studies are at tertiary level. The [and from] strong Catholic families, dents move on to St John Vianney ing,” he pointed out. Therefore it is become the future priests of South applicants also have to prove that but nowhere in particular,” Fr Chat - Seminary in Pretoria—the major important that a more experienced African parishes. But these future they are level-headed, healthy and teris said. national seminary for training pastor “holds the new priests priests need as much support as show maturity,” Fr Chatteris said. He said dioceses often face a diocesan priests. Students study phi - hands”. they need training. “It’s a hard job, The Jesuit said the applicants dilemma when sending candidates losophy and theology. A priest is trained to be an “every but some are called to do it. Support represent their diocese. Their parish to the seminary. “There’s a need for Typically the priest-in-training man”, because that’s who he will be makes it so much easier,” said Fr priest and family, and later their more priests, but it’s not something will remain at the seminary for dealing with, he said. The seminary Chatteris.

Tell your friends about www.comepraytherosary.org 12 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 VOCATIONS How nuns came to Carmelite convent “I decided to give myself to the Lord for When the archbishop of Nairobi visited The 16 Carmelite Sisters in Nairobi, myself and for the salvation of souls,” and Cleveland in the United States, he asked Kenya, come from different the best way seemed to be contemplative the Carmelites there for help, and six nuns life. and three postulants flew to Kenya in 1951. backgrounds. BaRB FRaZe visited “I never dreamed of becoming a nun,” Three US sisters who entered as postu - them to find out how they got there. said Sr Monica, who now serves as novice lants—Srs Margaret, Jean and Mary— mistress for the order. In college, she met remain, now as some of the oldest mem - some Catholic students who began praying bers of the order. the rosary together, then attending daily Sr Margaret, originally from Pittsburgh, OR several of the cloistered Carmelite Mass. One of the students wanted to said when she was a teenager, she had visit - Sisters at Mount Carmel Convent in become a Franciscan priest, and as he talked ed the Carmelites in Cleveland, and they Carmelite Sister Bernadette is among 16 sis - FNairobi, Kenya, their life of prayer more about the saints, her interest grew. invited her to go with them to Kenya. They ters in the contemplative community who began in their families, when they were She said she was filled with “a desire to “took a chance” and took her along, she spend most of their time in prayer at Mount children. belong to Christ”. said. Since then, she has only travelled Carmel convent in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: “My dad taught me to pray for others,” Sr Regina, a young nun who works with home to be with her mother when she Nancy Wiechec, CNS) said Sr Bernadette, one of the younger sis - aspirants, said her family prayed the rosary died. ters. She said her father told her he knew and intercessions every day. She and Sr Agnes spoke of how much the valley. Sr Agnes said one of the local sisters who prayed for everyone, and she “I came from a praying family,” she said the area around the cloister has changed. asked if they could pray for her, too. She Today, it has been built up and surrounded priests talked to the Mau Mau, who with a smile. She said she felt called to promised never to trouble the sisters, said she began corresponding with the sis - pray, “especially for priests”. by affluent homes. When they arrived, ters and was drawn to their life of prayer. they were the only building on the hill, because they were holy. Not all of the sisters are from Kenya. Sr Today, when young women apply to Sr Constanza, who professed her final Agnes, from India, said a friend of her sister and they could see Mounts Kenya and Kili - vows in January, said she attended Mass manjaro in different directions. Now the join the order, the sisters require that they was becoming a Carmelite, and “somehow finish high school and begin some other each morning because she did not live far city is too built up to see far, they said. that mystique of Carmel drew me very course work, Sr Monica said. “It gives them from the local church. Each evening, her The two were there during the eight- strongly”. time to mature a bit.” family gathered to pray the rosary and The cloister was founded by Carmelites year Mau Mau uprising that started in 1952, and the Mau Mau had a hideout in Sr Regina, who works with the aspirants, other evening prayers. from Dublin in the mid-20th century. said she checks to see if candidates are “determined to live the life.” “Does she feel called because she has other things she is afraid to face or does she feel called because God is calling her?” An aspirant will join the sisters for three months to see if a contemplative life is something she really wants. The day begins with the prayers of the morning office at 5:20 and ends around 22:00 or 22:30. Other than a couple of hours of recre - ation, the day is spent in prayer. While the sisters work—sewing vestments and altar linens, printing greeting cards and making Communion hosts—they meditate. Meals, cooked by the sisters, are eaten in silence while one nun reads—to nourish the soul. The sisters pray for their own inten - tions—pregnant women and mothers, priests, events in the world—as well as intentions of those who ask, including Muslims, Hindus and Protestants. Sr Bernadette said they prayed for Amer - icans before the 2008 elections “because we have our American sisters”. “It’s not just like we are here for Kenya,” added Sr Regina.—CNS

HOLY SITES TRAVEL HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE organised by Kreste Modisa Parish OCTOBER 2011 Contact: Elna Ferreira on 082 975 0034, E-Mail: [email protected], Website: www.holysites.co.za MINISTRY The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 13 Stuttering a ‘blessing’ for two priests

the Eastern Catholic Churches is Colin Firth as The success of the Oscar- sung, so I suspect I have less diffi - george Vi in the culty than if it were recited. The winning film The King's Speech multiple award- primary ‘spoken’ part would be the winning film The has turned the spotlight on homily. If I run into a problem, I KIng’s Speech , simply pause and try again. Per - stammering. PHoNg ViNH which has put the haps that effort makes my congre - NguyeN reports on two speech problem of gation listen a little closer to what stammering into priests who have made their I’m saying.” the spotlight. Fr Skrocki believes that faith speech problem the focus of (Photo: Weinstein Frs Michael Dunn and Michael provides an answer to stuttering. Company) their ministry. Skrocki see their stuttering as a “Whether it’s a stutter, some blessing that aids them in their other physical, emotional or psy - ministry. chological disability, I’ve always ORLDWIDE , some 1% of looked at it as the way God made adults stutter and about first word and eventually gave up us... the challenges that God has W4% of children show and sat down. given us to overcome, for whatever signs of stuttering at some time Today Fr Dunn counts his reason.” during their development. speech problem as a blessing as it Among those who stutter is Fr helps him in his ministry in that ather Skrocki pointed out that Michael Dunn of the diocese of people can relate to someone who FMoses probably had a stammer. Bridgeport in Connecticut. is not perfect. The verse in Exodus where Moses Fr Dunn was counselling trou - “I believe that my stuttering has tries to “bow out” of doing God’s bled teenagers and going for a made me a more compassionate, will to free the Israelites because graduate degree in counselling patient and understanding person he’s worried about his powers of when he decided to enter the in my dealings with others.” speech is sometimes interpreted to ter, but does not stutter herself, is mission of treating children with priesthood. He encourages young Catholics mean that he stuttered (in the Sr Winifred Danwitz, an Ursuline speech and language disorders at He was encouraged during the who stutter not to let their speech Muslim faith this is actually rather and retired speech language low or no cost. application process and seminary stand in the way of pursuing a explicit). “And yet God chose pathologist. The website ( www.stammer training that his superiors were so vocation. “I think with God’s Moses, with whatever flaws he Five decades ago, Sr Danwitz inghelp.org ) of the Stuttering Foun - supportive of him in terms of his grace and help you can do or over - had, to be the vehicle of God’s saw a need to help children with dation, a Memphis-based non- stuttering. come anything so young people Word and God’s Will in the speech problems in the Bedford profit organisation, has an exten - “They were always very sup - should not be afraid or think they world,” Fr Skrocki said. Park section of the Bronx, a bor - sive list of famous people afflicted portive and helpful and remained can’t do it.” He referred to St Paul: “I can do ough of New York City. In 1961 by stammering. It includes, of more confident than I was that my The priest has come across all things in Christ who strength - she founded the Mount St Ursula course, King George VI, the protag - speech would not be an issue for other priests who stutter and they ens me” (Phil 4:13). Speech Center to meet the needs onist of the film The King’s Speech . me,” Fr Dunn recalled. have shared both advice and tech - Fr Michael Dunn mentioned of children with all types of com - Others include actors Bruce This understanding and encour - niques they have found helpful. another positive in giving advice to munication disorders. Willis, James Earl Jones, Marilyn agement was in contrast with Fr Michael Skrocki, parish people who share his speech prob - “I am most proud of the fact Monroe, Eric Roberts and Emily some poor treatment Fr Dunn had priest of St Ann’s Melkite Catholic lem: “I have always felt that God that we never refused treatment to Blunt, musicians Carly Simon and received during his childhood. church in Danbury, Connecticut, has been the source of my strength, a child because of a parent’s inabil - Mel Tillis, and authors Lewis Car - Other children at times teased is the product of numerous failed not only with my stuttering, but in ity to pay a fee,” she said. roll and Charles Darwin. him or mocked his speech. He said speech therapy programmes. He every other challenge and obstacle Now long retired, Dr Danwitz The website offers diverse help the most embarrassing moment of cannot remember a time when he as well. Without him I would have recalled: “It was a marvellous step on stuttering in the form of free his life was during grammar school did not stutter. never made it; I would have given to meeting a need that was not resources such as streaming videos, when he tried out for a part in the Saying Mass has never present - up or thrown in the towel.” addressed.” downloadable brochures, and an school play; when it was his turn ed a problem for him. “Well, most, A nun who has vast experience The centre is still going strong international directory of qualified to read, he could not get out the if not all, of the divine liturgy in in working with children who stut - and continues with Sr Danwitz’s speech therapists.

Congregation Sacred Stigmata

Go and proclaim the Gospel. They lived together in poverty and happiness as Religious. Though different in age, character, culture and national origin, we wish to tell the world that it is beautiful and joyful to live together as If you are interested in joining us, write to: brothers. We do our Congregation Sacred Stigmata (Stigmatine) part, God will surely do Vocation Promoter, P.o. Box 16239, his own. 0116 Pretoria North Tel +27 12 546-4619 Cell +27 79 962-7116 14 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 COMMUNITY

St. John's parish in Northriding, Johannesburg, had their confirmation retreat at Bosco youth Centre in anna accolla and Collen Dickens of Wentworth parish, Durban, are members of the Walkerville. The centre offers a variety of programmes that aim to enhance the lives of the youth through Catholic Women's League. Both work freely, lovingly and willing to collect nappies the word of god. it also gives youths a chance to get away from their normal lives and focus on their faith for a drive held by the parish. amongst their peers. (Submitted by Clarence Watts)

on World TB Day pupils at St Joseph’s Marist COME AND SEE College in Cape Town were given the opportunity to find out more about tuberculosis and how it can be prevented. These grade THE SISTERS 5 pupils were part of a group of 110 intermediate OF NAZARETH Phase pupils at the school enjoyed Shireen Surtie’s (from aeRaS global TB Vaccine We the Sisters of Nazareth, founded by Victoire Lamenier and Foundation) fun and inspired by the gospel, are committed to the Mission entrusted to us, interesting way of presenting this vital by the Church. Together with the people of god, we aim to present information to them. From the love of god to all, especially the poor, through the ministry of care the left (back row) Sethu Luthuli, Shireen Surtie, and education. We value and respect the dignity of each human Sahil Madanjith and being, based on the words of Christ, “you did it to me”. Mt: 25-40 olwetu Ngalonkulu (front) Matthew Mitchell and Brandon Browne. Contact: (Submitted by Sheryl gelderbloem) Sister Helen o’Connell Nazareth House, 1 Webb Street yeoville, Johannesburg 2198 Phone: 011 648 1002 IINN FFOOCCUUSS “Come and learn

who you Edited by: are in the Lara Moses Send photographs, with sender’s name eyes of and address on the back, and a SASE to: The Southern Cross, Founder, St eugene de Mazenod God.” Community Pics, Box The grade 00 learners at St Henry's Marist Brothers College in Durban 2372, Cape Town, 8000 Oblates choose to live in community, re-enact the washing of the feet at Last Supper with Dineo Clark playing or email them to: sharing their life in faith and prayer, the role of Jesus. (Submitted by Michelle Singh) [email protected] working in solidarity with those who are poor, excluded or searching for meaning. Like Eugene, every Oblate desires to lead people to recog - nise their human dignity and come to know the life that is offered in Jesus Christ, life to the full , free of injustice, alienation, and lack of opportunity. a fundraiser was held at St Dominic’s parish, iin Hillcrest, Durban, for a World youth Day Missionary Oblates pilgrim. a gourmet dinner was cooked and served to parishioners of Mary Immaculate by the Kilfoil family, parishioners of St Dominic’s. (Submitted Northern Province of South Africa by Robynne Lott) PO Box 44029 Linden 2104 FOCUS The Southern Cross,May 11 to May 17, 2011 15

Pioneers of health THE CONGREGATION OF THE MISSIONARIES OF MARIANNHILL

"If no one goes, i will" - Abbot Francis Pfanner - Mariannhill in South Africa The Missionaries of Mariannhill are a group of religious men who have responded to school wearing neat uniforms God's call, following the example of Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Good News to all and sensible shoes, carrying Nations,especialy to the poor and needy. Following our missionary vocation, which is The following is an excerpt bulging schoolbags. They could a gift of the Spirit of God, we remain available to serve the Church where we are from Catholic Health Care’s be growing up on a different needed. If you feel called to community life, prayer, pastoral work and willing to be planet from their parents. new book, in the Service of sent anywhere in the World to proclaim the message of Christ, please write to us: Healing . The book features pproaching the clinic we see The Vocations Director or The Vocations Director the history of health care in Aa long line of people waiting P. O Box 11363 P. O Box 85 outside the fence. They will Mariannhill Mthatha South Africa and honours come into the clinic in groups the early missionaries in of 60. The building is purpose- 3624 5100 built, two rooms and a veranda, email: [email protected] Catholic Health Care. with tables and benches and a cupboard. On days when there is no clinic it is used as a crèche. Equipment is quickly ISTER Dity von Spaun and unpacked, though there is Sr Marlene Sach came to the much more of it now. New SHlabisa region, (northern patients are registered—the lull KwaZulu-Natal) from Austria before the storm. Then every - and England in 1966. They thing happens at once. In one began mobile clinic work in area babies are weighed and 1968, which became known as tective medicine is not new. immunised, not without audi - the Good Shepherd Nursing Ser - ble protest. In another area the vice. Sr Marlene tells of two of They use medicinal plants and other substances to protect their chronic sick are being checked H O L Y C r O S S S I S T E r S their field trips in the mobile and given their supplies of med - clinic—the events are 30 years home from lightning or their crops from failing (maybe even ication, while in their own cor - LIVING IN A WORLD OF CONSTANT CHANGE ARE CALLED apart. ner the antenatal patients are “It is 1968, the aged Land themselves from bewitchment). to an ONGOING SEARCH FOR GOD AND ONE’S TRUE SELF There is general agreement that being seen, and blood taken Rover lumbers over the rim of and tested. to live: the last donga and wheezes up this immunisation could be a Then there is a seemingly the hill to the homestead where good thing. A vow of self-emptying - POVERTY endless line of people waiting the clinic is today. The journey Then it is time for action. for treatment of minor and not- A vow of love expansion - CHASTITY of 30km has taken over an hour Babies are weighed and immu - so-minor ailments. The pressure and anything that might be nised. Everybody watches every - A vow to listen – respond – convert – OBEDIENCE . is on, and we work quickly, mistaken for a road has been thing, commenting freely, and always aware that when this OUR GOAL left far behind. A dozen barefoot weight charts are compared • Following Jesus and being true to little boys race gleefully beside with much discussion. Pregnant group is finished there are and behind the vehicle—they women are examined, minor another 60 clients waiting at the vision don’t see one very often. We ailments treated. There is time the gate. No time to chat, of our founders, we commit our - turn into the homestead, chick - to talk with everyone and we health education is given on the selves to ens and children scattering in are getting to know these fami - basis of what this person needs to know now. When we are respect, protect and promote life. all directions and park facing lies. Our team of two nurses and • We uphold the dignity and rights of downhill, just in case… a helper sees about 25 people. lucky there is a Community A smiling young woman On the way home, on a Health Worker on hand to help every person. leads us to the hut they have rocky stretch of “road”, a rear with oral rehydration or talk to • We stand in solidarity with the dis - prepared for us. It is a round half shaft breaks. With only a mother about feeding her advantaged, thatched hut with a pounded front wheel drive left there is child. especially the women and children. cow dung floor, cleanly swept not enough traction to get up a We may even have a trained and empty except for grass mats steep track. People from a near - Aids educator talking to the on the floor. By the time we by homestead hitch up a team people waiting to come in. We AS A YOUNG WOMAN IN OUR CONTEMPORARY WORLD have unloaded our simple of donkeys and pull us up the know that we are in the midst COULD GOD BE CALLING YOU TO THIS SAME SEARCH? equipment the first clients have hill. They remark that donkeys of an Aids epidemic and this begun to trickle in and we sit are always reliable. Wheels are must be one of the factors IF SO WHY NOT CONTACT: obviously not!” responsible for the increase in around on the mats and chat. Sr. Bernadette Duffy We are learning about local cus - “It is now 1998, and we are our curative workload. By the toms and lifestyle and the culi - zipping along in our shiny dou - time we finish we have seen Holy Cross Sisters, P.o. Box 48775, HeRCuLeS, nary and medicinal uses of the ble cab Toyota Hilux that can more than 200 people. We are 0030, Telephone : 012 379 8559 / plants that grow here. transport five nurses in comfort glad that we don’t have to email:[email protected] When a small group has or six with a bit of a squash. We worry about a broken half-shaft gathered we steer the conversa - occasionally slip into fourth on the way home.” tion toward today’s health edu - gear for a stretch. The road is a n In the Service of Healing is cation topic—immunisation. At road, though still rough and available at R60 plus postage from Fransiscan Sisters first the idea of giving an injec - these days we meet other vehi - Cathca. For more information con - tion to a healthy child seems cles along the way. We pass tact [email protected] or 011 Servants of the Holy Childhood of Jesus strange. But the concept of pro - crowds of children going to 880 4022

Are you called to join us to love God, in praising Him in Prayer annd serving Him, as we care for people in need, especially children? Write, phone or visit us

Holy Children Sisters Mbongolwane Convert P.Bag 553 P.Bag 506 Eshowe, 3815 Eshowe, 3815

Sr. Teressa Zungu Sr. Bongiwe Xulu Phone: 035 -4744242 Phone: 035-4766262 Cell: 076-3064446 Cell: 082-0932002

E-mail: [email protected] 16 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 FAMILY Family life: Are you doing enough? the year. Mrs Rowland said she enrichment, parenting and wid - hoped a greater sensitivity to prac - owed groups and programmes The month of May has been tical family needs, as well as the counseling and youth work, run declared the month of the fam - particular spirituality of family life mainly in the larger urban areas,” would result from the dedicated Mrs Rowland said. She added that ily. CLaiRe MaTHieSoN month. the Theology of the Body, based talked to Toni Rowland of the She said every family move - on Pope John Paul II’s series of Family Life Desk on why the ment is invited to use this oppor - talks on sexuality, is one popular tunity to develop that sensitivity course which some bishops have initiative is so welcome to the concept of the family. She embraced. said the month was an opportuni - Despite the work done by these ty to look at how one can make groups and bishops, there is still a HE Southern African Catholic their family life better but added it lack of family focus she said. Bishops’ Conference declared was important to celebrate the “Maybe the question needs to May as family month—a T family and what it is achieving be asked: if people are saying they happy choice as May is also the today. do not get support, are we listen - month of Mary, the mother of Building up and strengthening ing and offering what they want or God. need? From my perspective there While there are efforts in the family relationships, which includes their unity in spirituality is insufficient coordination or col - Church that highlight the impor - laboration, with everyone choos - tance of the family, there are some and prayer, is a long term goal. The Family Life Desk has been ing to do their own thing.” that believe that not enough is Mrs Rowland noted that where being done by both Church offi - promoting parish family ministry and achieved a heightened sense programmes or support groups are a family poses for a photo. The bishops of Southern africa have declared cials and individuals. offered, families often do not avail May this year Family Month. Toni Rowland of the Family Life of awareness for the family in the country. But, Mrs Rowland said, themselves of these opportunities. Desk and a monthly Southern Cross “It is always a battle to columnist, said family life is an because family life keeps changing, more proactive action, such as the get volunteers to work important and very real element in for family life. This everyone’s life all the time. She dedicated month, was needed. “I believe that families have applies almost across the said one of the objectives of the board. Our Catholic spiri - Family Life Desk is to promote changed very largely because the environment has changed. Pres - tuality is very individual - such a family focus. Dedicating a istic and seldom is the Marist Brothers specific month to the effort high - sures of time and the intrusion of media and technology, individual - statement ‘the family lights the importance of the family that prays together stays Southern African Province in Church life. ism, materialism etc all contribute to a loss of a sense of community,” together’ really true.” “The month came about as a She said people are consequence of a request from said Mrs Rowland. She added there were some benefits to the media quick to complain about Johannesburg’s Culture of Life, a support offered to the pro life group, for a Sunday once a age as individuals are able to learn about life and be more aware but family. While she feels year to create awareness about life there isn’t enough sup - “generally the breakdown in com - issues. They requested this from port, there is little being munication because of so little the bishops at the August plenary done by individuals.  6 Countries time spent in intimate commu - [in 2010], and the outcome was a “Time to start thinking, nion is a negative change”. focus on family and life for the but also time for action, Mrs Rowland said this change  25 Schools month of May,” Mrs Rowland said. time to get passionate!” She added the work of family- in communication within the fam - Mrs Rowland reflected  120 Brothers associated movements tends to be ily was further motivation for the on Pope John Paul’s considered the work of the Family month of focus. words that: “The future Life Desk and regarded as not She said at present the Church of the Church and of the everyone’s business. Family issues, is definitely not doing enough to world is through the however, concern everybody. support families. “The conclusions family.” She said she “Having the whole Church of Phase I of the Interdiocesan hoped everyone in the Consultation, which were recently focus on family life for a month Church would acknowl - Striving to make Jesus known and loved among means that everyone should be on analysed, found that apart from edge this and use the board, and one can also promote a marriage preparation almost noth - month of May to launch young people in the way of Mary. range of relevant issues during that ing is seen to be done for family a renewed focus on the time.” life.” importance of family life. The Family Life desk hopes the The Family Life Desk has noted To find out more contact: month—which has been packed that some groups around the n For information on Br. Christopher, Box 1945, Uitenhage, 6230, with family related events—especi - country report that a lot is hap - events in your area contact cally in the archdiocese of Johan - pening. “Marriage preparation is the Family Life desk 021 E-mail: [email protected] nesburg—will create a greater fam - probably the best known [family 32 3 6458, or your local ily focus in Church life throughout life course], but there are marriage diocese office. REFLECTION The Southern Cross, May 11 to May17, 2011 17 Christ and the Buddha ness, for example commandments ing”. The four noble truths cover A South African Redemptorist about homosexuality yet instincts the fact that we all suffer physically and iconographer has pro - of love that do not fit biblical cate - and psychologically, that we may gories narrowly interpreted. have a part in creating this suffering duced a remarkable icon fea - Holding of opposites is a func - through our self-destructive desires turing Jesus and Buddha in an tion of a mature faith and an anti - and attachments, that we can dote to fundamentalism that inter - refrain from doing the things that embrace. Author gRaHaM prets things literally: God who loves create suffering, and that there is a WiLLiaMS reflects on the icon us yet allows suffering; a self that clear, right and mindful path that allows us choices yet needs us to leads to an absence of suffering. and the similarities between take responsibility for conse - Getting in touch with our suffer - aspects of Christianity and quences. ing wakes us up to an aliveness oth - Buddhism. Religion traditionally conceived, erwise not activated in us. By bear - gives the impression of straight ing them, carrying our crosses, we lines and there are only really wavy can spiritually transcend them. HREE years ago I saw an origi - ones. Paradox takes you to grey, Loving kindness and compas - nal icon by Br Richard Maid - religion takes you to black and sion in action: Both exhort us to Twell CSsR, who has since made white. practise self-sacrifice and attend to a copy for my collection. It depicts Arnold Toynbee, the great British the call of others. Buddha discov - Christ and the Buddha. historian, once said that the meet - ered that there is no escape from Br Maidwell belongs to the ing of Buddhism and Christianity the plight of human suffering—the Redemptorist Community in Cape would come to be viewed as the sick, the old, the dead: “awaken - Detail of an icon featuring Jesus and Buddha in embrance, created by South Town and his speciality is the study, most important event in modern ing...is rooted in the anguish of a african Redemptorist Brother Richard Maidwell restoration and production of reli - history. man lying uncared for on the gious icons. He explains that icons The Buddhist monk and author ground”, the charitable man has are to be controlled, disciplined, compassion and love to all around are more than a religious work of Thich Nhat Hanh points out that a found the path of liberation. As an developed so that we engage, us). Shalom in Christianity is about art, and are a source of grace, mango cannot be an orange, yet 8th century Indian monk said: “All understand, evolve in wisdom, completion, authenticity, blessings enlightenment and merit. Through both are fruits, have the same influ - the happiness in the world comes peace and love. of inner peace, well-being in every them, without the need for any ences and elements within—sun, from thinking of others, all the suf - Buddha taught beneath the tree respect. Above Buddha the Dharma written or spoken word, mind cloud, rain, sugar, acid, soil, toil. fering in the world comes from of enlightenment, and Christ died wheel-of-becoming on our path of images are seen and insights gained. And we can appreciate and enjoy thinking of only oneself”. on the tree of redemption. transformation, and the compas - They are visual stories and help us both. “For I was hungry and ye gave Being present through mindful - sion mantra resonate with the cross: to get in touch with what we In Br Maidwell’s icon, a few ele - me to eat, I was thirsty and ye gave ness practice or through the Holy a symbol of completion and whole - believe, and what is our sense of ments are particularly striking: me drink, I was a stranger and you Spirit generates an energy of under - ness. purpose and direction. Revolutionary: Both Buddha took me in. Naked, you clothed me. standing, compassion, love, heal - A new awareness of the possibili - What follows are some of the and Jesus introduced radical teach - I was sick and ye visited me. I was in ing. Achieving inner peace is in ties of Christ meeting the Buddha is things I see and sense when I con - ing at odds with the prevailing poli - prison and ye came unto me” (Mt order to show the way to others. a small beginning. But like the tini - template Br Maidwell’s Christ and tics, values, religions, cultures of 13:34). Mother Teresa of Kolkata Divinity: Both wear halos, a est mustard seed, this could grow Buddha icon. their times. lived this as she cared for the suffer - symbol of divinity (whether into the largest of trees, providing Ken Wilbur in his 1979 book, No Humble: Both the Buddha and ing and the dying. claimed or not). hope, sustenance, comfort, safety, Boundary: Eastern and Western Christ are barefooted, indicating These exhortations are of course Temptation: Mara blocked the communion, joy. Approaches to Personal Growth , notes their humanness, earthiness, humil - present in other religions too. Buddha’s path and Satan blocked When Christ and the Buddha that every boundary creates a ity. Both have royal lineage. Buddha Disciplined inner life: Both Jesus’ path. The blocker, deceiver, meet, there is no need for them to potential battle line. was born into a royal family and taught about emptying or dying to adversary sought to hinder and pre - speak. In the face of God there is Theistic Christianity and non- gave up his privileged position and self in order to transcend and find a vent their work, and to promote nothing to say, but allowing God to theistic Buddhism seem poles apart. worldly wealth to be a poor monk. path to higher consciousness (being instead the negative aspects of life. be. Both are susceptible to dogma (a Christ washed his disciples’ feet. light to the world or becoming We are of the flesh, have desires In the icon they are silent but belief that something is true regard - The Buddha washed one of his sick enlightened), an inner life of disci - and egos, and people cannot escape touch and embrace. And indeed, less of proof), for example resurrec - disciples’ feet some 600 years pline, contemplation and medita - that. Were this not so, we would be according to Thich Nhat Hanh, tion and reincarnation (or rebirth). before, when no one else would do tion. lifeless and silly. So we need to find who sees the Buddha and Christ as There are differences that cannot be it. This humility is echoed in the Buddhist self-liberation and the divinity through flesh so as not brothers: “Not only have they met reconciled. robes they wear. Buddha’s robe enlightenment is likewise paralleled to lead lives dictated only by fleshly today, but they met yesterday, they Christianity and Buddhism both stems from a time when monks with a focus on the moral impera - desires. Self-delusion, deception, met last night, and they will meet allow more for paradox than we sewed together pieces of cloth tive to seek the well-being of others. unkindness and wrong intention tomorrow…Their meeting is the realise—earth-bound yet spirit-guid - gleaned from the dead and dyed saf - Letting go of I, me, my, mine is not impede this progress. hope for the world. The Buddha ed from above, connected to others fron. The red in Christ’s robe sym - a means to protect the imaginary Symbols: The symbol of the and Jesus have to meet every and yet connected to God or self. bolises lowly human blood. self, but to acknowledge an ever- cross above Jesus in the icon is that moment in each of us.” Holding two apparently different Suffering: Buddha is reported to changing, non-permanent, non- of victorious love, a function of our n Graham Williams is the author of truths compassionately yet pointing have said: “I teach only suffering separate self. Our faculties of sight, vertical dimension enabling our the Halo And Noose e-book in a way that honours our human - and the transformation of suffer - sound, smell, taste, touch and mind horizontal dimension (mindful (www.haloandnoose.com).

MICASA TOURS 50th International Eucharistic Congress DUBLIn, Ireland (with extension to Lourdes) 09 – 22 June 2012 r24 995 Subject to change Terms and Conditions apply Limited place available!!

Tel: 01 2 34 2 0179 / 07 2 63 7 0508 (Michelle) E-mail: [email protected]

MONK? Is God calling you to the Religious Life in the YES! Franciscan Family? St Francis If you are seeking God …And you desire to live a life of prayer We Franciscan Sisters of the immaculate - and personal transformation Conception strengthen our relationship …And you are able to live the common life… Perhaps you have the vocation to do so as with god by prayer in order to serve Him a Benedictine Monk and His people. We work with all age- For more information contact: groups and where the Church needs us. The abbot The prior If you wish to know more about us, contact: Benedictine abbey Inkamana abbey The Vocations Directress at p/Bag X9333 Or Subiaco pO Box 2189 Vryheid PO Box 2912, Middelburg, 1050. pietersburg 3100 0700 Tel (013) 243 3410, 072 213 4671 18 The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 BEATIFICATION

Sr Tobiana Sobodka (left), John Paul a tapestry featuring an image of Pope ii’s housekeeper, and Sr Marie Pilgrims venerate the casket of Bl Pilgrims attend a vigil on the eve of the John Paul ii hangs from the facade of Simon-Pierre, whose cure from Pope Benedict prays at the casket of Pope John Paul ii in front of the main beatification at the ancient Circus Max - St Peter’s basilica during his beatifica - Parkinson’s disease paved the way his predecessor following the beatifi - altar in St Peter’s basilica at the Vati - imus in Rome. (Photo: Paul Haring, tion Mass. (Photo: Stefano Rellandini, for his beatification, with a relic of the cation Mass. (Photo: Catholic Press can. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) CNS) Reuters) late pope. (Photo: Paul Haring, CNS) Photo) Even the weather smiled on Blessed John Paul II eral parts of Rome. The next morn - place on May 13, 1981, while the The beatification of Bl John ing 6 0 000 people gathered in St pope was riding through the square Paul II highlighted the late Peter’s Square for a Mass in thanks - during his weekly general audience. pope’s faith and courage. giving for the beatification. During the beatification Mass, a The official celebrations began silver reliquary containing a vial of CiNDy WooDeN looks back with a nighttime prayer vigil at the Blessed John Paul’s blood was car - at a historic day for the Church. Circus Maximus, the site of ancient ried up to the altar by Polish Sister Roman racetrack. Tobiana Sobodka, who ran Pope The crowd—estimated at about John Paul’s household, and by Sr OPE John Paul was a true 20 0 000 people—cheered French Marie Simon-Pierre, who was cured believer, a courageous voice of Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, whose of Parkinson’s disease. Ptruth and a man whose wit - cure from Parkinson’s disease was The reliquary, a sculpture of ness to the faith grew more elo - accepted as the miracle that paved olive branches, was also carried in quent as his ability to speak the way for Pope John Paul’s beati - procession to the altar at the declined, Pope Benedict and others fication. The nun beamed as she thanksgiving Mass. who worked closely with the late recounted her unexpected healing. While the biggest groups of pil - pope said at events for his beatifi - She said when she was diag - grims at the beatification events cation. nosed with Parkinson’s in 2001 at came from Italy and Poland, more “John Paul II is blessed because the age of 40, she found it difficult than 80 countries sent official dele - of his faith—a strong, generous to watch Pope John Paul, who suf - gations and most of them had at and apostolic faith,” Pope Benedict fered from the same disease. “I saw least a few pilgrims present as well. said just minutes after formally in him the image of my illness. Thousands of people spent a But I admired his strength and People pack St Peter’s Square during the beatification of Pope John Paul ii at chilly, damp night camped out beatifying his predecessor. the Vatican. The late Polish pontiff moved a step closer to sainthood during a In the beatification proclama - courage,” she said. near the Vatican in an attempt to joyous ceremony that drew more than 1 million people, with many camping find a place in St Peter’s Square. tion, Pope Benedict said that after a Two months after the pope out the night before. (Photo: Massimo Sestini, italian National Police) consultation with many bishops died, her condition worsened. The gates were scheduled to open and faithful and a study by the Then, after prayers to the late at 5:30 for the 10am Mass, but the crowds were so large that police Congregation for Saints’ Causes, he pope, she awoke early one morn - “I would like to thank God for touching it lightly and kissing it. had decided that “the venerable ing feeling well rested. began letting people in at 2am. the gift of having worked for many Later, the Vatican opened the Weather forecasts of a weekend servant of God, John Paul II, pope, “I felt something had changed years with Blessed Pope John Paul basilica to the general public and henceforth will be called blessed” in me, and I was healed,” she said. of heavy rains turned into innocu - II,” he said. kept it open until 5:00. Vatican ous grey clouds the day before and and his feast will be on October 22, The crowd in the Circus Maximus As prefect of the Congregation police said 25 0 000 people filed the anniversary of the inaugura - erupted in applause. then sunny skies on the day of the for the Doctrine of the Faith from past the casket or knelt in prayer beatification, which many attrib - tion of his pontificate in 1978. Many others in the crowds for 1982 until his election in 2005, near it in those first 13 hours. The Italian police said that for the the events also had personal sto - uted to Bl John Paul. Pope Benedict said he worked at basilica was opened again after the “We prayed to John Paul that it beatification Mass more than 1 ries about Pope John Paul. Like - the pope’s side “and came to thanksgiving Mass so more people million people were gathered in wise, Pope Benedict ended his wouldn’t rain,” Josephine revere him”. could pay their respects. Faehrmann, a young woman from and around the Vatican and in homily at the beatification Mass “His example of prayer continu - front of large video screens in sev - sharing his own personal story. Sydney, Australia, said at the vigil. ally impressed and edified residing at the Mass of thanks - She and her friends planned to me: he remained deeply Pgiving, Cardinal Tarcisio sleep outside. united to God even amid Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, By 12:30am on beatification day, the many demands of his thanked God for “having given us a thousands of people already were ministry.” pope able to give the Catholic camping out against buildings, on Pope Benedict said that Church not only a universal reach strips of grass and on sidewalks sev - even at the moment of his and a moral authority on a global eral blocks from the Vatican since death people “perceived level like never before”, but also all access roads to St Peter’s Square the fragrance of his sanctity one who helped Catholics be “more were closed. and in any number of ways spiritual, more biblical and more Isabel Marin, 16, said she and God’s people showed their centred on the word of God”. her two friends from Madrid, Spain, veneration for him. For this “Finally, we thank the Lord for stayed on the street all night. She reason, with all due respect having given us a saint like him,” had a brand new air mattress, but for the Church’s canonical Cardinal Bertone said. didn’t have room to unroll it. norms, I wanted his cause Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dzi - Although she was only ten when of beatification to move wisz of Krakow, who was Pope John Pope John Paul died, Isabel said, forward with reasonable Paul’s personal secretary for nearly “our parents have told us a lot haste”. 40 years, spoke at the beginning of about him and told us this was a After the Mass, Pope the thanksgiving Mass, noting that great opportunity to grow our Benedict went into St the late pope was declared blessed faith”. Peter’s basilica and knelt in in the same square where almost 30 “Pope John Paul was a wonder - prayer for four minutes years ago a Turkish gunman tried to ful pope. He was like us. My mom before Blessed John Paul’s assassinate him. showed me a video where he was casket, which was set in “We can never forget that 30 watching a clown and really laugh - front of the main altar. years ago, in this very square, he ing. And I saw another video where After the pope left, the con - gave his blood for the cause of he moved his feet when the people celebrating cardinals filed Christ,” Cardinal Dziwisz said. were singing, following the beat,” up to the wooden casket, The assassination attempt took she said.—CNS

Cardinal Stanis - law Dziwisz of Krakow, Poland, the late pope’s long-time person - Capuchin Franciscans al secretary, prays at the new “You too following in his tomb of Bl John Wouldn’t you like Paul ii in in the footprints, especially those chapel of St of poverty and humility, to follow in Our Sebastian in St Peter's basili - can without doubt, always Lord’s footsteps? ca. Placed on top carry him spiritually in of the casket was “one of the most your hearts.” – St Clare St Francis did! precious gospels in the Vatican Library’s hold - • Cape Town: Fr Albert 021 696 6713 [email protected] ings”, the illumi - • Port Elizabeth: Br Matthew 041 368 3033 [email protected] nated Lorsch gospels from the Br Kees 012 345 5290 [email protected] • Pretoria: medieval era. (If they are not in on calling, kindly leave a message with your phone number) (Photo: L’osser - vatore Romano) The Southern Cross, May 11 to May 17, 2011 19 Hollow promises WLCU president dispute Continued from page 6 REFER to the article “Head of the Lebanese diaspo - CLASSIFIEDS She has since reneged on this promise and the peo - Ira to visit SA” (April 6). The central general secre - ple of Zilleraine Heights now face imminent eviction. tariat of the World Lebanese Cultural Union in Births • First Communion • Confirmation • engagement/Marriage • Wedding anniversary • On another occasion, one of Mrs Zille’s councillors ordination jubilee • Congratulations • Deaths • in memoriam • Thanks • Prayers • accommodation Beirut, Lebanon, wishes to clarify that Mr Eid • Holiday accommodation • Personal • Services • employment • Property • others urged residents and restaurant owners in Rondebosch Chedrawi is not the world president of the World not to feed the homeless and those living on the Lebanese Cultural Union. The legitimate president Please include payment (R1,15 a word) with small advertisements streets. is, in fact, Mr Ahmed Nasser. for promptest publication. More recently, some residents of Hangberg in Hout Mr Chedrawi is more than welcome to visit mem - Bay lost their eyes after being shot at because they had bers of his family in South Africa and to address the DEATHS PRAYERS ful en-suite rooms available built their homes above the mountain fire break. community, but only in his personal capacity, not at reasonable rates. Mag - HACKETT— James Brian HOLY St Jude, apostle and This while developers in nearby Hout Bay destroy as world president of the World Lebanese Cultural nificent views, breakfast on surrounding wetlands with impunity. (Jimmy) passed away martyr, great in virtue and request. Tel: 082 774 7140. Union. He has no legitimate right to speak on behalf peacefully in his sleep on rich in miracles, kinsman of The DA-led City of Cape Town has also not com - of the union or to represent it in all global forums. e-mail: bzhive@telkomsa. april 27, 2011, just two Jesus Christ, faithful inter - net plied with a High Court Judgment ordering it to Your source, Ken Hanna, was informed by senior days before his 91st birth - cessor of all who invoke HERMANUS: Pleasant include the homeless people of Bonnytoun in Wyn - members of the community as to the title of Mr berg into its housing programme; this after the City day. May god rest his soul. you, special patron in time getaway, self-catering dou - Chedrawi, but did not heed the advice. Sadly missed by his chil - of need. To you i have ble accommodation. Com - had illegally evicted these people as far back as 2005. John Haddad , Johannesburg dren, Margaret, James, recourse from the depth of The DA’s promise on its election posters that “we fortable, fully equipped, in Brendan, Kate, the rest of my heart and humbly beg tranquil church garden. deliver for all” is a hollow statement to the poorest of n It appears that there are two rival factions of the his family and friends. you to come to my assis - the poor as they, like their counterparts in other parts Five minute walk to Village WLCU, both claiming legitimacy. The Southern Cross tance. Help me now in my Centre and sea-front. R250 of the country, do not enjoy the service delivery to published the report on Mr Chedrawi in good faith, and IN MEMORIAM urgent need and grant my per day, minimum two which they are constitutionally entitled. without endorsing one faction over the other.—Editor. petitions. in return i days. get one night free for Colin Arendse, Cape Town SEMPER— (BLaND) promise to make your all bookings of three nights Tracy. in loving memory of name known and publish or more. Phone church a wonderful daughter, this prayer. amen. in office 028 312 2315. Word of the Week mother, sister and friend thanks for prayers Mon/Wed/Fri 9-1pm or who was called to her answered. PF. leave message and phone Zuchetto: The small, round skullcap of the Family Reflections heavenly home four years HOLY St Jude, apostle and number. ecclesiastic. ago on May 14, 2007. martyr, great in virtue and always in our hearts and KNYSNA: Self-catering Application: The pope wears a white zuchetto, May 15—4th Sunday of Easter, International rich in miracles, kinsman of remembered daily by Ken, Jesus Christ, faithful inter - accommodation for 2 in old cadinals a red zuchetto and archbishops and Day for Families (UN) The Shepherd and Kirsty, Carol, Jennifer, Belvidere with wonderful bishops wear violet zuchettos. Guardian of our Souls. Good Shepherd Sunday is cessor of all who invoke Mathew, Paul and family you, special patron in time Lagoon views. 044 387 traditionally a day of prayer for vocations. and friends. Rest in peace 1052. The priesthood and religious life are important of need. To you i have with Mom and our Lady LONDON, PRoTea and we need to remember too that good vocations recourse from the depth of and her beloved Son, HouSe : underground to whatever form of life are developed in good my heart and humbly beg Liturgical Calendar Jesus. 2min, Picadilly 20min. families. Discuss vocations and pray that we will you to come to my assis - TRACEY— Pat 26/5/1929 - Close to River Thames. Year A all grow in a sense of vocation and that life is not tance. Help me now in my 19/1/2011. Jesse 8/5/1931 - Self-catering. Single per Sunday May 15, 4th Sunday of Easter, Vocation just a job. urgent need and grant my Sunday 26/1/2011. in loving memo - petitions. in return i night R250, twin R400. ry of our brothers. Sadly promise to make your email: houseprotea@hot Acts 2: 14,36-41, Ps 23, 1Pt 2:20-25; Jn 10:1-10 missed and forever remem - name known and publish mail.com . Tel 021 851 Monday, May 16, St Margaret of Cortona bered. From Maureen, this prayer. amen. PD. 5200. Acts 11:1-18, Ps 42:2-3; 43:3-4,John 10:1-10 or 10:11- Communit y Calendar Tom, Jimmy and Val. O MOST beautiful flower of MARIANELLA guest 18 * Mount Carmel, fruit vine House, Simon’s Town: Tuesday, May 17, St Paschal Baylon To place your event, call Claire Allen at 021 46 5 5007 PERSONAL splendrous of heaven, “Come experience the Acts 11:19-26, Ps 87:1-7, John 10:22-30 or e-mail [email protected], (publication subject to space) immaculate Virgin assist peace and beauty of god Wednesday, May 18, St Felix Porri of Cantalice, ABORTION WARNING : me in my necessity. o Star with us.” Fully equipped BETHLEHEM : prayer group, every 3rd Capuchin ‘The Pill’ can abort, unde - of the sea, help me and with amazing sea views. Sunday of the month. Acts 2:44-47 or Colossians 3:12-17, Ps 131:1-3, Luke Shrine of Our Lady of tected, soon after concep - show me you are my Moth - Secure parking, ideal for 12:22-31 Bethlehem at Tsheseng, DURBAN : tion (a medical fact). 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5th Sunday of Easter: May 22 Trust in God when things go wrong Readings: Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18- 19, 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12

UR Easter faith does not mean that “deliver their lives from death, to give them Father’s house there are many places to nothing can ever go wrong. As you life in [a time of] famine”. That is the source stay”, and Jesus’ departure means that well know, things are going wrong all O of our joy, this Easter-time. “where I am, you also may be”. the time. What the Resurrection means is The second reading next Sunday contin - This however does not go down very well that God is in control, always trying to get Nicholas King SJ ues the journey through 1 Peter, and it is the with the disciples, as two of them ask slight - things right. Sunday Reflections well-known meditation on the idea of the ly aggressive, and certainly very unhappy, In our first reading for next Sunday, the “stone”. It is, we learn, a “living stone”, and hitherto idyllic existence of the early Church questions. First there is Thomas (whom we there is a glance at the psalm that spoke of met a few weeks ago, disbelieving in the Res - has a cloud come across it, in the shape of the “builders’ rejection” of the corner-stone, racial tension between (probably) Hebrew- urrection); he maintains: “We don’t know them, and all is well: “and the word of God which refers to Christ. But it also refers to us, where you are going—how can we know the speakers and Greek-speakers among Jesus’ increased; and the number of disciples in “living stones”, who believe in the One who followers. This latter group is indignant way?”, and has to be told, firmly:, “I am the Jerusalem increased very much, and a great has been placed “in Sion, a corner-stone, Way, and the Truth, and the Life”, and because “their widows were being over - crowd of priests were obedient to the faith”. chosen and precious”; and there are other looked in the daily distribution”. reproached for not sufficiently knowing End of story, you may think; except that the stones: “a stone of stumbling, and a rock to either Jesus or his Father. The reaction of the “Twelve”, the leader - only two of the Seven of whom we shall ever stub your toes on”. This is the cue for Philip, who, like ship-group in the Church, is interesting; hear of again, namely Stephen and Philip, Nevertheless, the reading ends, beautiful - Thomas, really only appears in the fourth they do not say, “You are Christians, and are found, not waiting at table, but preach - ly, “you are a chosen race, a royal priest - you should not be squabbling”. Instead, they ing the gospel. Stephen, indeed, dies of it; hood, a holy nation, a people of his inheri - Gospel, to ask a dumb question in his turn: admit that there is an issue to deal with, but but the Spirit is able to use even his martyr - tance...called into his wonderful light”. We “Lord—show us the Father; and that is they can’t do it, as their task is not “to aban - dom to spread the word. God’s ways are recognise that the darkness surrounds us, but enough for us”. His doubts, too, are briskly don the word of God in order to wait at rather different from ours. struggle to preserve our confidence that God dealt with: “Am I with you so long, Philip, table”. For the poet who composed the psalm for is able to deal with it. and you don’t know me? The one who has Instead, they suggest that the Greek- next Sunday, it is absolutely clear that God is And we feel something of that darkness seen me has seen the Father. How can you speakers appoint seven people who are to be in control, as he invites us “rejoice, you just surrounding the little group that in the say, ‘Show us the Father’?” “from your group, authenticated, full of the in the Lord; praise is appropriate to the gospel for next Sunday are listening to Jesus’ The secret is that Jesus is going to his Spirit and wisdom”; and the Twelve will upright”. Then the virtuous are invited to farewell discourse. They are told “not to let Father, is indeed in the Father, and the appoint them “for this need”. Everyone “praise the Lord” on a variety of musical your hearts be distressed”, as they huddle Father in him. thinks that this is a great idea, and they instruments, “for the Lord’s word is true, together against the darkness and try to That has to be the answer for us too, select seven men with impeccable Greek and all his works are done with integrity”. come to terms with Jesus’ impending disaster every time we find ourselves doubting that names, whom they present to the apostles. It is not that the faithful will experience by believing in God and in Jesus, and he the God who raised Jesus from the dead real - The Twelve then pray and lay hands on no hardship, it is more that the Lord will encourages them to believe that “in my ly knows how to rescue us from evil.

Feeling at home in Tuscany Southern Cross word #444

HE region of Tuscany in Italy is a place where, in spite of my her - Titage having no Italian connection Chris Moerdyk whatsoever, I feel comfortably at home and very much alive in both body and The Last Word spirit. There is so much more to Tuscany than myriad Michelangelos in Florence, breathtaking vistas, a deep sense of “So what,” I said. community and fabulous food, wine “Oh nothing really, except that the and more historical monuments and bridge you have just defiled, the Ponte documents than in the rest of Europe de la Pia, is mentioned in some detail in put together. It is a place where Catholi - Dante’s Inferno ! And I’m not sure you cism is not only manifest in diverse and should be piddling off national heritage magnificent churches, but in the very sites…” air that you breathe. On to San Galgano in chilly silence. It brings peace of mind through an A tiny, remote hermitage, high on a The abbey at St galgano in Tuscany unhurried sense of perspective. Places hill. not all that remote where, when you Galgano was, in fact, a baron knight from the leaves of bluegum trees and cast your eye from horizon to horizon, who owned vast tracts of land and gen - sold by the local monks to defray the erally treated his workers with such con - it is impossible to tell not only the time cost of preserving hermitages, sword- ACROSS DOWN of day, nor month nor year but what tempt as would, in these modern days, bedecked rocks and arms in glass cases. 3. Her sin and Jewish judicial 1. Ratified sacrament century you are experiencing. have had Cosatu toyi-toying non-stop Do not make the mistake though of body (9) received (9) It is fascinating, fulfilling, fabulous for a year. mocking or even questioning in any 8. Hobo easily hides wood - 2. Christian who is dedicat - and more than just a little bizarre. One day, while out riding, he saw a way the veracity of these stories or sug - wind (4) ed (9) And an absolute must for any trespasser on his land and immediately gesting jiggery pokery when it comes to 9. He donates to the poor (9) 4. Letter leaves alley for a Catholic is a walk up to the little her - drew his sword and charged. The tres - saints who have been perfectly pre - 10. Kind of ties in the clan friend (4) mitage of San Galgano on the ancient passer turned out to be an angel and served for centuries, because you will be (6) 5. Minor prophet (5) road from Grosseto on the coast to Galgano’s sword went clean through considered a heretic and probably never 11. The Creator (5) 6. Taken by car to distrac - Siena. A road, incidentally, from which the apparition, carrying the bewildered get to taste any of the really good chi - 14. Quantitative relation in tion? (6) I had to pull off rather hurriedly on my knight off his horse and lodging the antis. some aberrations (5) 7. It may come to mind (4) first visit to the area, to answer a call of sword firmly in a rock. And talking of saints, last time I was 15. Roman fiddler? (4) 9. Give permission (5) nature which I managed from a tiny lit - Galgano got the fright of his life, there I was witness to an agreement 16. Rods having magic prop - 11. Takes care of (5) tle stone bridge, hidden in the under - mended his ways, became a hermit and between the city fathers of Siena and a erties (5) 12. Errand imps get as growth and spanning a narrow but deep devoted his life to God, eventually delegation from a tiny town about 18. Original garden (4) rebuke (10) 13. Model Cora gives a set chasm which added excitement to my achieving fame by rescuing a young 70km down the Autostrada del Sole. 20. Papal governing body (5) child from a hungry wolf. Basically, it had taken almost 500 21. Vessels in the body for of principle to live by (5,4) sense of relief from what was close to 17. So cop may provide At the hermitage of San Galgano years for the two towns to agree on the your tears (5) complete renal failure. some icecream (5) today one can inspect his sword stuck perfectly preserved remains of San 24. Comics for the universe “You piddled off the bridge didn’t (6) 19. Subtle difference (6) you?” asked my brother when I got back in the rock, view in a glass case St Gal - Bernardino to be loaned by the smaller gano’s arm that was bitten off by the 25. Arriving (7,2) 22. Article of faith both to the car and exalted in the sheer joy town to big brother Siena, where in fact ways (5) wolf, and purchase a delicate wine made 26. Dine back with Blyton of my experience. he—and not St Catherine, as most peo - (4) 23. Mute (4) ple believe—is the patron saint. 27. They won't be doing 25 24. French priest may heal Conrad I then saw the agreement break down ac (9) (4) because the little town wanted him Answers on page 11 moved in a hearse and the Sienese insisting on using an ambulance. They eventually agreed on an ambu - CHURCH CHUCKLE lance, but then it all broke down again because they couldn’t agree on whether ATHER Lucy believed in the vow of poverty “to police outriders on motorbikes should have nothing, to spend little, and to possess all things.” He was in pain and had need of a doctor. accompany the cavalcade. F He called the receptionist: “Good morning madam, I Eventually the police were left out, need to see doctor today. Tell me what will he be San Bernardino arrived to a tumultuous charging me?” The reply was snappy: “R150 for the welcome in Siena where he was greeted first visit, and R50 for the second.” and eulogised from here to Christmas Fr Lucy showed up at the surgery: “Good morning, and back by, can you believe it, a com - doctor, here I am AGAIN!” munist mayor. Send us your favourite Catholic joke, preferably clean and brief, to Bizarre, but beautifully so. The Southern Cross, Church Chuckle, PO Box 2372, Cape Town, 8000 .