New series by Bishop John Keenan looks at Blessed Pope John Paul II’s epochal moral teaching on the Theology of the Body, p8

No 5565 EASTER EDITION Friday April 18 2014 | £1 PAINTING: NIKKI BLINSTON, SEE PAGE 2 2 PAGE SEE BLINSTON, NIKKI PAINTING:

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church events, online at www.sconews.co.uk

MONDAY APRIL 21 of Scotland Hospice. Roger I St Lucy’s Pro-Life Group Clifford invites you to enjoy Rosary Join this well estab- and evening of Irish culture, lished and fast-growing pro-life with music from Quigley’s group in a beautiful devotion to Point and dancing from tal- Our Lady of Guadalupe to pray ented Irish dancers. St for the unborn and all affected Stephen’s Church Hall, 8- by abortion. 7.15pm in St 11.30pm. Tickets £7 (£3 con- Lucy's, Hornbeam Road, Cum- cession). Contact St Margaret bernauld, G67 4NG. All wel- of Scotland Hospice fundrais- come. ing department on 0141 435 7018 or Roger Clifford on TUESDAY APRIL 22 07855890152. I Eat, Pray, Breathe. A quiet I Easter dance with music half hour each Tuesday to from Sharon Stevens, as part pause, reflect and pray sup- of fundraising activities for ported by gentle meditative church equipment. BYOB. music and some inspirational Tickets £8 from Terry McKee Council awards for two dedicated Church servants words of poetry/Scripture. 1- on 0141 563 4026 or Pat 1.30pm each Tuesday (except McBride on 0141 772 1250. “People often ask her to play at weddings (From left) Edward Cullen, Councillor Monica A LONG-serving church organist and Lennon, George Calder, Provost Eileen Logan, July and August) in the Ignat- Prizes for raffle gratefully former schoolteacher has received a and funerals and she very rarely refuses.” Kathleen McCluskey, Councillor Joe Low, Fr ian Spirituality Centre, Gar- received. 7.30-11.30pm, St special award from South Lanarkshire Provost Eileen Logan of South Lanark- Dominic Towey, Sean and Kevin McCluskey nethill, Glasgow. Matthew’s church hall, Bish- Council for her work in the community. shire Council, who made the presentation, PIC: TOM EADIE opbriggs. Mrs McCluskey was recently presented also applauded Mrs McCluskey’s service. FRIDAY APRIL 25 I Eucharistic and Divine with a Community Service Award from the “Kathleen’s strong sense of community I Gourmet Night. Italian Mercy Retreat at Craig Lodge. council at a ceremony attended by the and also her quiet gentle approach makes Gourmet Night in aid of the Join a weekend of Adoration Provost of South Lanarkshire. her so deserving of this award,” she said. Organ Fund. Tickets £10. of the Eucharist. There will Mother of four Kathleen McCluskey was Also honoured at the ceremony was “He has built halls at parishes in Airdrie, 7pm, Sacred Heart, Lau- also be opportunities for 15 years old when she first played the Hamilton local George Calder who made a Chapelhall, Carluke, East Kilbride, New- rieston, Edinburgh. Confession and a healing serv- church organ during a wedding at Our Lady positive contribution to community life mains, Wishaw and here at Uddingston I An Evening of Irish Music ice. Apri 25-27. T: 01838 and St Ann’s, Hamilton, in 1950, and she through his voluntary work supporting when Fr Curley was parish priest. I would and Dance. Fundraising 200216 E: mail@craiglodge. has remained the full-time organist there local churches. say George is the man who saved the dio- evening in aid of St Margaret org ever since, providing near unbroken serv- Mr Calder, who used his building knowl- cese millions of pounds. His handy-work ice under four parish priests. edge to assist with church based projects, has has helped maintain the physical fabric of E-mail [email protected] Local councillor Joe Low, who nomi- been involved with the building of church all the church halls he has built.” nated the retired teacher for the award, said halls throughout Motherwell Diocese. Mr Calder was nominated for the award Mrs McCluskey has been using her talents His generous voluntary contribution was by Councillor Monica Lennon, who said FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC for years. acknowledged by the parish priest at St John the volunteer builder ‘used his vast knowl- “She had a quiet and gentle way with the the Baptist, Uddingston. “I first met George edge and expertise to provide much needed OBSERVER AT SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. children which was so effective they adored when he built the hall at St John Ogilvie’s, advice on a vast number of projects in order Be first to find out the latest news. and respected her,” the councillor said. Blantyre, in 1996,” Fr Dominic Towey said. to ensure the buildings are fit for purpose.’

PICTURE OF THE WEEK Your Easter SCO front page

THIS week’s SCO features a midst of God, witnessing God’s special front page painting of the form in front of you. I spent three Crucifixion by Catholic artist months—day and night— Nikki Blinston. Mrs Blinston absorbed in the wonderment of painted The Crucifixion in 2001 the Trinity. It was an experience I as a gift for the New York based will cherish for eternity.” Franciscan Friars of the Mrs Blinston left the Christ Renewal. Inspired by 15th cen- the Prince of Peace community tury works, the piece is rich in and found little time to paint over symbolism, tradition and the following decade. In 2012 Congratulations to Rachel Cox from spirituality. however, after a life changing Maryhill, one of the winners of The Mrs Blinston began painting trauma, she began creating anew, Scottish Catholic Observer’s SCIAF as a child but it was not until she forming her own studio and competition. Rachel and eight other wed her art with her Faith that beginning to sell paintings. winners received a T-shirt signed by she found her calling. “I studied “God has not let me forget my X Factor runner-up Nicholas McDonald at various colleges until 1992 but religious painting,” the artist by correctly identifying the person I decided the industry was not for said. “I have much inspiration pictured on SCIAF’s Wee Box. Rachel me,” she said. “Three months and hopefully insight into more is seen here receiving her T-shirt from before I qualified I decided to glimpses of heaven which I am SCO reporter Daniel Harkins. ‘drop out.’ Some saw this as currently discerning. No matter if Congratulations to all winners who will career sabotage; I saw it as a my painting is of God, His shortly be recieving their prizes through the post. Now Easter is upon release. I did not like the ethos, Blessed Mother, the Saints or the us, it is a good time to get together the lack of creativity and materialism Angels or if the painting is just money from your own Lenten Wee Box I was being taught, in addition I an expression of me, I always and send the proceeds to SCIAF felt my self-esteem and individu- pray a soul will be touched and a PIC: PAUL McSHERRY ality as an artist was being prayer will be answered. crushed out of me. “I am ever thankful of the gifts “I left art altogether, sup- God has given me. I am guilty of pressed by my own lack of confi- hiding them sometimes, because dence I did not pick up a of a lack of trust in myself, how- INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK paintbrush until 2000. I was liv- ever the more I learn to trust in EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL ing in a Catholic Charismatic God the more I wish to share the Community Christ The Prince gifts he has given. I pray God The perfect Christian present NEWS pages page 2 pages 8-11 Of Peace where I was asked to blessing on us all and I pray 1-7 WORLD NEWS CENTRE SPREAD paint a life size replica of the every talent God has given us is Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 LOCAL NEWS page 6 pages 12-13 famous ‘Trinity’ icon, originally used for His glory. God bless painted by Andrei Rublev. The you all.” for our special offer pages 2,3,4 LETTERS SPIRITUAL and 5 page 9 REFLECTION experience of painting this image was truly humbling; there are no I More of Nikki Blinston’s work SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY WHAT’S ON COMMENT page 15 other words to describe how it can be found on her website: feels to paint God, to be in the www.nikkiblinston.weebly.com WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Vatican tells the UN: Fertility isn’t a disease

THE Vatican has told the United Nations that fertility and pregnancy must not be treated as a ‘disease.’ An official statement from the Holy See’s Permanent Observer mission to UN’s Commission on Population and Development described the Vatican’s grave con- cern that ‘no fewer than 80 coun- tries now register a fertility rate tent promotion of so-called sexual below replacement level.’ and reproductive “rights” was an “The unsustainable phenome- issue ‘of great international sensi- non of ageing populations can tivity.’ only be resolved by promoting “The Holy See demonstrates family life and fertility,” the state- that care and compassion for the ment, which was delivered by poor, rather than focusing on fer- Mgr Janusz Urbanczyk, the Mis- tility reduction, serves as a model Bishops’ president wants rid of Trident sions’ first counsellor, said. “Sup- for a truly human-centered port systems for the ageing can approach to development,” it con- only be sustained by a larger, not cluded. By Ian Dunn the act of witness and prayer, asking for Speakers, including,Archbishop Tartaglia (centre smaller, next generation, either by Mgr Peter Smith, a former our government and for all governments left, back row), and witnesses at the Easter paying into a social security sys- Chancellor of Glasgow Archdio- ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia of to do away with nuclear weapons so that Witness for Peace at Faslane tem, or by providing intergenera- cese, is an attaché to the Holy Glasgow called for nuclear weapons the world can seek peace and security PIC: PAUL McSHERRY tional family support directly.” See’s Permanent Observer mis- to be removed from Scotland during without the danger of the mass destruction The statement also warned the sion at the United Nations in an ecumenical act of witness at the of human life, of the environment, of should be using nuclear weapons,” he international body that the ‘insis- New York. Trident nuclear base at Faslane. infrastructure and of property,” he said. said. “No nation or power should be “It is clearer than ever that no nation or “I am just old enough to remember the threatening to use nuclear weapons. No power should be using nuclear weapons,” Bay of Pigs crisis in 1961 when nuclear nation or power should even need to Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the war was threatened between the USA and develop or possess nuclear weapons. I Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said at the Soviet Union. I was only 10 years of would encourage everyone to pray for a 1974 Tangney Tours 2014 the prayer service organised last Saturday age. I had already heard and seen images world which is free of nuclear weapons.” Paisley Diocese by Scottish Christians against nuclear of Hiroshima and was aware of the bomb. The group of activists braved inclement Fly direct to Lourdes arms. At the same time it was an innocent weather to walk down the Garelochhead th th Alongside the Rev Sally Foster-Fulton awareness which could not conceptualise road, to the Gate of the Base, where they 27 of June - 4 of July of the Church and Society Council, the horrific destructive capacity of nuclear heard the ecumenical prayer service. on the offi cial pilgrimage Church of Scotland; Alistair McIntosh of weapons.” Members of the Wild Goose worship from £705 per person. the Quakers and many other Scottish The archbishop said no human power resource group led the singing during the Christians, the archbishop said it was time needed nuclear weapons. service. Motherwell for change. “More than half a century later, it is th th I [email protected] 27 of June - 4 of July. “I was pleased to associate myself with clearer than ever that no nation or power Fly Direct to Lourdes with the offi cial pilgrimage from New Paisley bishop chooses parish over bishop’s house £705 per person. Archdiocese of St. Andrews & Edinburgh THE new Bishop of Paisley ing surrounded with the buzz of know the people and that’s perfect do I, a Church with a tomb psy- Led by has opted not to move into the life and fun,” Bishop Keenan said. for me.” chology which transforms Chris- Archbishop Cushley diocesan bishop’s house, “When I was thinking about Bishop Keenan also said that he tians into mummies in a museum. from 4th - 11th July instead choosing to live in a becoming a bishop I was keen to wanted to minister to his diocese When people see a Church not Flights from Edinburgh parish house in a less affluent take as much of that into my new as Pope Francis was ministering just giving to the poor and the part of the diocese. life, finding people who could to the Church. “Francis dreams, excluded but being among them with B&B from £632 Bishop John Keenan of Paisley form a family with me and sup- and so do I, of a Church which is and living with them joyfully, then full board from £706 pp. said he wanted to ‘be close to the port me. Priests in Paisley found bruised, hurting and dirty because they will really begin to believe www.tangney-tours.com people of our times.’ me a place in St Laurence’s, it has been out on the streets and there is a way out of the vicious In an interview with the Herald Greenock.” not clinging to its own security,” cycle of living for yourself in your e-mail: [email protected] newspaper, Bishop Keenan The new bishop said the he said. “He doesn’t want, neither own little bubble.” FREE BROCHURE LINE: 0800 917 3572 echoed Pope Francis’ concerns vibrancy of the parish was very 5126 that the poor have been ‘aban- appealing to him. doned by society and the Church,’ “I am living with the parish and said he wanted to reflect ‘a priest, Fr Gerry McNellis, lots of Church out on the street, not one parishioners come in and out of Mancunia that’s comfortable in the chapel.’ the house and it has the sound of JOE WALSH TOURS “I've just come from living in a laughter that makes me feel at PILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS Direct Flights from: university chaplaincy with a home,” he said. “I celebrate the dozen students so I’ve been liv- parish Mass and am getting to Edinburgh: 27th June & 11th July PILGRIMAGES TO LOURDES Glasgow: 18th July (Limited space only) £ BY AIR FROM EDINBURGH th st th th from £699 Manchester: 25 July - 1 , 8 , 15 , 11 July 2014 | 7 nights pps inc 22nd & 29th August THE GLASGOW PHOENIX CHOIR £ BY AIR FROM GLASGOW th th sponsored by from £719 BOOK Birmingham: 5 & 12 September 18 July 2014 | 7 nights pps inc ONLINE & SAVE Lourdes £10 PER PERSON* Autumn in Fatima PILGRIMAGES TO FATIMA £ *T&C APPLY 10th - 15th September: flights, transfers, full board accom- presents from £569 BY AIR FROM EDINBURGH pps inc modation in the newly opened Lux Fatima 4* hotel with ‘VOICES IN HARMONY’ full spiritual programme, all for £589 pp sharing. Brothers in Song featuring Boys to Men 3 July | 24 July 2014 | 7 nights £ from £619 One of the nicest months to visit this Holy shrine. with special guests 7 August 2014 | 7 nights pps inc Northampton Male Voice Choir Lourdes, Santiago Krakow & Prague £ & Fatima NYCOS National Boys Choir WEEKLY DEPARTURES 2nd - 10th June - £659 pp plus from £559 5th - 14th September - £789pp and various Glasgow Primary Schools TO MEDJUGORJE pps inc flight costs 5 nights in Krakow, featuring the Commonwealth Song Includes fl ights and luxury coach From Edinburgh | 7 nights led by Fr Edward Perera 3 nights in Prague GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL Friday 25th April 2014 7.30pm Joe Walsh Tours | www.joewalshtours.co.uk www.mancunia.com Tickets: £5/£8/£10/£12/£15 [email protected] | 0141 530 5060 ABTA No.Y5280 [email protected] GRCH BOX OFFICE Tel: 0141 353 8000 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Telephone: 0161 883 1515 Scottish Charity: SC002904 BondedBonded aandnd LLicensedicensed by the CivilCivil AviationAviation AuthorityAuthority in the UK | ATOLATOL 51635163 5126

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014

PIC: ANDREW MITCHELL

Fun and games for archbishop at St Saviour’s

By Daniel Harkins assembly attended by invited praying for him in his ministry. guests including Fr Peter Dowl- “Your visit helps to renew ARCHBISHOP Philip ing of St Anthony’s Parish and and sustain us in our mission as A truly Catholic celebration Tartaglia of Glasgow helped pupils from neighbouring a Catholic school, seeking to be bring the Commonwealth Riverside Primary and Broom- a light for all people,” he said. Games to St Saviour’s Pri- loan Nursery. “Your visit shows your close- By Daniel Harkins Canadian and US youth organisers were also mary, Govan, as the Glas- In the afternoon, the whole ness to us, and we can all draw present (right), and played music for the gow Schools Baton relay school took part in a Common- strength and encouragement YOUNG people from across Scotland, and retreatants at the event, which attracted more than entered its home stretch. wealth Games-themed sports from that.” as far away as Canada and the US gathered, 150 young people who were blessed with some The archbishop visited the day. A group of children from The archbishop thanked the in Perth on Palm Sunday to celebrate their unusually good weather. school to bless the baton each class joined to form teams children for their prayerful partic- Faith alongside Archbishop Leo Cushley of Fr Tom Shields, parish priest at St John’s the (above), which has travelled named after Commonwealth ipation and their lovely singing. St Andrews and Edinburgh and the bishops Baptist’s, believes the day helped give a sense of hundreds of miles around counties from all over the A special hymn—Shining the of Scotland. unity to young Catholics. Glasgow since October 11. world. The rain stayed away Light of Faith—was composed The youth event, which was intended to carry “Many of our young people have friends who More than 500 people gath- and the sun shone all afternoon for the occasion which has on the momentum from the 2013 Rio World Youth are not Catholic or not practising Catholics and it ered in the school hall to greet as the pupils competed in become a firm favourite among Day, saw Catholics as young as 8 attend St John lets them see that there are plenty of young folk the baton after its journey from events including hurdles, the pupils. The school commis- the Baptist Church for music, games and a Mass. around who are practising their Faith,” he said. Toryglen Nursery to Govan. On sprinting, netball, football and a sioned Paul Robertson, an The day kicked off with a celebration of Faith “It gives them a sense of solidarity. It gives them arrival the baton was piped into javelin throw, before every organist Paisley Diocese, to and was followed by speeches from the assem- a feeling that they’re not on their own and a feel- the hall by Stephen Bright from class was given the chance to arrange a fresh melody to mark bled guests. Young Catholics took part in a cross- ing of celebration.” the Paisley Pipe Band and wel- hold and pose for a picture with the event, and teachers said they lead procession to the Church (above) where a Fr Shields added that there was great atmos- comed by St Saviour’s own the Schools Baton. were delighted with the results. special Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Cush- phere at the gathering and praised the role of the Caribbean steel pans band. The Daryl Stevenson, a P7 pupil, “The most memorable part is ley (above right), in the presence of his brother bishops in the day’s success. school is twinned with the said he was very excited to see when the whole school was bishops. The archbishop spoke about Pope Emer- “The bishops themselves had a direct contact Commonwealth Caribbean Archbishop Tartaglia back in the singing the school hymn, and itus Benedict and Pope Francis, comparing and with lots of young people. They were good and island of Montserrat and the P5 school and thrilled to be there everyone showed a happy atmos- contrasting the two Pontiffs. He told young they went around and talked to the kids and they and P6 pupils learned how to when the baton was blessed. phere,” Hannah Drummond, a retreatants about God’s love for them, before tak- didn’t hold back. Bishop Keenan and Bishop play the steel pan drums and “This will be something I’ll P7 pupils said. Alphi Roberts, ing questions from the congregation. Gilbert even travelled over with their young folk.” sing Caribbean-styled songs always remember about St Sav- also from P7, said the blessing Amongst those in attendance were Bishops The event ‘gave young people a direct contact especially for the occasion. iour’s,” he added. ‘will help us get geared up for John Keenan of Paisley, Stephen Robson of with their bishops and vice versa,’Fr Shields said, Children waved Scottish and Teacher Christopher Morris the Commonwealth Games Dunkeld (home to St John’s the Baptist parish) adding that the event was ‘a lovely occasion.’ Montserrat flags and sang gave a vote of thanks to Arch- because it will get us active.’ and Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, plus and priests Fr Stephen McGrattan, parish priest at the Caribbean songs before the bishop Tartaglia at the assem- from every diocese in Scotland. Church of St John the Evangelist, Cumnock, said blessing was made at a special bly and told him the school was I [email protected] First Minister’s praise for Our Lady of the Annunciation pupils

CHILDREN from Our Lady Annunciation’s P6 pupil Damian. of the Annunciation’s Pri- “We had to study our little piece mary, Glasgow, have of the painting very closely and received a letter of warm then choose our colours care- congratulations from First fully.” Fellow pupil Kiera said Minister Alex Salmond fol- that when she saw their finished lowing an exhibition at the masterpiece she ‘realised that all Couper Institute Library of our hard work had paid off.’ their artwork. The school’s headteacher Ann Primary six pupils from the Watson said she was ‘pleased school collaborated on their own and delighted’ that the work of version of Peter Howson’s paint- the P6 class (left) had been ing Artaban and it was so highly recognised by the First Minister. thought of by the First Minister “Pupils were thrilled when their that he has sent a photograph of work was on public display and their work to the original artist. now it’s amazing that the First Each pupil from the school Minister has endorsed their was given a small section of Mr achievement,” she said. Howson’s painting to study and own collective vision of Arta- who was delayed on his way to In thanks for the painting, the paint before each part was put ban. The painting portrays the Bethlehem by helping the vul- First Minister has also presented together to create the school’s journey of the fourth wise man nerable, and arrived too late to the school with an inscribed copy herald the birth of Jesus. of The Gruffalo by Julia Donald- “It was a challenging experi- son and Axel Scheffer, translated ence,” said Our Lady of the into Scots by James Robertson. Medjugorje 2014 June 22nd and September 10th EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Cardinal Newman High School celebrated Palm Sunday recently with a £544 excluding insurance Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. Spanish festival and a special four-legged guest. The Bellshill school 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. staged a colourful religious service which included a donkey being led Departing from Edinburgh Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. into the hall while S1 pupils waved palms. The service was followed by Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] Spanish singing and Flamenco dancing. Pictured with Seonaid the contact Donkey are Canon Edward Glackin and S6 Flamenco dancers for free monthly posted programme guide and PIC: TOM EADIE Roger Foster visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. 01475 793 987 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5

PIC: ROBERT WILSON Tributes paid to the late Canon Michael Cassidy

TRIBUTES have been paid sidy exposed the exploitation of important person in the story of to a campaigning Irish priest the workers. The two priests Irish migrant experiences in who died last week after a helped 30 men return to their Scotland, a hardworking and life fighting for the vulnera- native Ireland, and Canon Cas- dedicated servant of his faith, ble in Scotland. sidy filed a report on the and a man of great compassion, Canon Michael J Cassidy, for- exploitation with Cardinal Gor- decency and humanity,” he mer parish priest of St Margaret don Gray of St Andrews and said. “During times when Irish Mary’s, Edinburgh, died on Tues- Edinburgh. The report revealed migrant workers often faced day April 8 at Corstorphine Hos- that 14 year old children were difficult challenges, including pital in the capital. He served for being worked in the potato fields. loneliness, exploitation and dis- more than 50 years in Scotland “There are contractors who crimination, Canon Michael and was recognised by the Irish seem interested only in getting played a special role by offer- Taoiseach for his work on behalf rich quick and the freedom and ing them both practical and of exploited potato workers. dignity of their workers means spiritual support. Those who The priest was born into a nothing to them,” Canon Cassidy were marginalised, excluded family of 11 in County Mayo, wrote. “When they complain and struggling knew him as Ireland, in 1929. After studying about the conditions the strong- someone who would stand with for the priesthood in England and arm men take over and men and them, and stand up for them. being ordained by Bishop James women are assaulted and beaten Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.” Staunton of Ferns, he moved to to make them stay. They are too Catholic commentator Scotland where he worked in a scared to go to the police—or Michael TRB Turnbull, who has number of different parishes even complain to the farmers on written about Canon Cassidy, including St Francis Xavier’s, whose land they work.” said the priest was hard to label. of Faith by youths in Perth Falkirk and Tranent Parish The Irish priest’s campaigning “Reading Canon Cassidy’s Church, East Lothian. He took a resulted in senior politicians in achievements one might be special interest in the needs of the UK and Ireland taking action. tempted to describe him as a PIC: ROBERT WILSON Irish immigrants, but it was after East Lothian MPs investigated the worker priest or an exponent of his first appointment as parish work camps and Irish Parliamen- Liberation Theology but he was priest at St Mary’s, Pathhead, tarians travelled to Scotland to a man difficult to categorise,” that he took up the cause of the inspect conditions labourers were Mr Turnbull said. “He had a potato workers. living in. The priests’ actions wide circle of supporters but, Around 600 men and women resulted in better wages and under the jovial exterior, he were employed in East Lothian’s facilities for the potato workers. knew the value of discretion and potato fields in the 1970s, many The work of Canon Cassidy confidentiality. However, he was of them migrant and immigrant was recognised by Irish Taoiseach not afraid to stand up to those workers from Ireland. Condi- Bertie Ahern who sent him a letter who exploited the weak, even tions were poor with workers of thanks when he celebrated when his life was threatened.” living without sanitation in hous- the jubilee of his priesthood. The funeral for Fr Cassidy ing that newspapers at the time Pat Bourne, Ireland’s Consul was held on April 12 at St Mary referred to as ‘slave camps.’ General to Scotland, said he Margaret’s, Edinburgh, before Teaming up with Fr Michael was saddened to learn of the his remains were transferred to Archbishop Cushley’s light-hearted but insightful much looking to the future that these young peo- Walsh of Dunbar and Irish and passing of Canon Cassidy. his place of birth in Swindon, stories will remain with the audience as they ple want to share in.” Scottish journalists, Canon Cas- “Canon Michael was an County Mayo, Ireland. painted a vivid picture of life inside the Vatican. Christine Riddoch, youth director for Paisley “He told of Pope Francis getting up at night Diocese, said it is ‘good for our young people to and visiting a vending machine and on his return gather nationally because they get a sense of the giving the Swiss Guard who was charged with national Church,’ while giving them the opportu- his security a Twix chocolate bar,” Fr McGrattan nity to interact with the bishops and priests present. NATIONAL SHRINE said. “It reminds them that they’re not alone,” Ms Rid- “The day finished with everyone eating doch said. “Gatherings like this also give them an together before departing as friends, strengthened insight into what can happen in their own dioceses, OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES by their shared experience and taking part in and also maybe the will to attend such events.” something where the Church had felt not distant and irrelevant but vibrant, connected and very I [email protected] CARFIN

SPOTLIGHT ON SUNDAY 27th APRIL DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Led by Father Brian Logue

Exposition ofthe Blessed Sacrament 2pm

Confessions 2pm-3.30pm

Holy Hour with Divine Mercy Chaplet 2.30pm-3.30pm

Holy Mass 3.30pm

Tea and Coffee in the Xavier Centre

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 JPII asked Thatcher to stop Falklands War

NEWLYrevealed documents II’s Canonisation, said Mrs treated as ‘private.’ Just hours “Cardinal Casaroli said that Islanders and respect for interna- generations,” she said. “They have revealed Pope John Thatcher rebuffed the Pope’s before, 500 British troops from the Pope had asked him to tional law were all valuable prin- were a hard working and God- Paul II tried to convince Mar- request stating that: ‘while war the Parachute Regiment, took express some thoughts about the ciples,’ the Pope wondered fearing people. They led a life of garet Thatcher to abandon was a terrible evil, there were part in the first major land battle Falklands crisis,” Sir Clive whether Mrs Thatcher was being their own choosing… (and) their the Falkland Islands during worse things including the of the two-month conflict. wrote. “The Holy Father’s… motivated by ‘other principles’ peace had been shattered. We Britain’s war with Argentina. extinction of all that one believed Three other vessels, HMS fear is that a situation like this such as the Islands’strategic loca- could not bargain away the free- The late Pope made the pri- in’ and suggesting any deal Antelope, HMS Coventry and could have very serious and dan- tion in securing a passage between dom, justice and democracy vate plea on the eve of his visit would also have consequences the container ship Atlantic Con- gerous consequences of a more the Atlantic and the Pacific. which the Falkland Islands had to the United Kingdom, the first for the people of Gibraltar. veyer had also been sunk on general kind.” Surely, the cardinal went on, enjoyed to the Argentine where by a reigning Pontiff. The Downing Street memo- May 23 and 25, with the loss of The Pope, explained Cardinal it would be preferable to have these things were unknown.” He suggested that a military randum reveals how the Pope, 32 lives and scores wounded. Casaroli, saw the Western world better relations with Latin Amer- Similarly, she added, “Gibral- defeat for Argentina would mean who will be made a saint next The four-page letter, written as ‘not just a political entity but ica and the Argentine? tar was British and its people the toppling of its right-wing mil- Sunday, sent his secretary of by her private personal secretary even more as an ideological Mrs Thatcher responded by would remain British.” itary dictatorship in favour of a state, CardinalAgostino Casaroli, (PPS) Sir Clive Whitmore to Sir entity’ and feared ‘the Soviet saying that Britain had not wanted And she said that independ- left-wing government, which to pay a visit to Mrs Thatcher on Brian Fall, PPS to Foreign Sec- Union would take advantage of to send forces to the islands, but ence for the islanders would be would allow the Soviet Union the eve of his arrival to Britain on retary Francis Pym, said that the the situation and create a gap had been the victim of aggression. theirs one day, adding ‘The more dominance in the region. May 28 1982. meeting ‘lasted 50 minutes and between Latin America and the “The Falkland Islands were United Kingdom is not a colo- However a top-secret memo- The meeting, noted the confi- was devoted, at the Cardinal’s West.’ British territory in law and the nial power. No other country has randum, uncovered after 32 years dential note, was held without initiative, very largely to the While the ‘honour of the coun- Islanders were British people. freely brought so many colonies and just before Blessed John Paul members of the cabinet and Falkland’s War.’ try, the security of the Falkland Some of them went back seven to independence.’ Cardinal Brady praises Compelled to take on abuse ‘evil’ Irish President’s UK visit By Stephen Reilly CARDINAL Seán Brady of clude that the Irish peace process Armagh, Primate of All Ire- is now done and dusted—and POPE Francis has made his first pub- land, has congratulated Irish say, ‘let us move on.’ lic plea for forgiveness for the ‘evil’ President Michael Higgins on “My hope is that our two gov- committed by priests who abused his historic state visit to the ernments will remain focussed children. United Kingdom. on the outstanding problems and The Pope was speaking to members of The cardinal said he ‘warmly continue to apply the same BICE (the International Catholic Child welcomed’ the ‘very successful energy and determination to their Bureau) whom he received in audience state visit of President Michael D resolution as heretofore.” last Friday at the Vatican. Higgins, President of Ireland, to The cardinal said he invited “I feel compelled to personally take on Britain,’ the first UK state visit ‘the faithful of our islands to join all the evil which some priests—quite a by an Irish head of state. with me in prayer for the few in number, (although) obviously not “The enthusiasm and the strengthening of the bonds of compared to the number of all priests—to goodwill which are so evident friendship between our peoples.’ personally ask for forgiveness for the dam- and gratifying, reflects the matu- The Irish president hailed his age they have done for having sexually rity, respect and mutual under- ‘memorable’ historic state visit to abused children,” the Pope said. “The standing which now characterise the UK as ‘so positive, so uplift- Church is aware of this damage, It is per- the relationship between our two ing and so hopeful’ at the end of sonal, moral damage carried out by men islands,” he said of last week’s this trip. He met with the Queen of the Church, and we will not take one visit. “I rejoice wholeheartedly in twice at two official State din- step backward with regards to how we will the joy and happiness which the ners, as well as attending numer- deal with this problem, and the sanctions new situation has brought, espe- ous other events. that must be imposed. On the contrary, we cially to Irish people living in He took to the Royal Albert have to be even stronger. Because you Britain. I am immensely grateful Hall stage at a concert in his hon- cannot interfere with children.” they have retained a current relevance Children bring Pope Francis the offertory during to all those who have worked our to uproarious applause and BICE is a Catholic NGO that works to under various guises and proposals.’ Mass in the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica on the strenuously and constantly and said: ‘On a night like this it is protect the rights and dignity of children To counter this, he urged the BICE feast of Mary, Mother of God earlier this year taken risks to bring about that great to be Irish’ adding it was worldwide. Speaking to them, Pope Fran- members to foster a true anthropological change. The great fear now is ‘even better’ to share it with ‘our cis also spoke about the need to reaffirm formation of the child respectful of the mation, of being well prepared on the real- that too many people will con- friends in Britain.’ the rights of parents to decide ‘the moral reality of the person, to enable children ity of the human person, and knowing how and religious education of their children’ to respond to the problems and challenges and reject all forms of ‘educational exper- I feel compelled posed by contemporary culture and wide- imentation with children and young peo- spread mentality propagated by the mass ple.’ to personally ask for media,” he said. “Obviously this does not He said that it is every child’s right to forgiveness for the mean we should cover them with forms of grow up in a family ‘with a father and a damage they protection that are superseded today mother’ capable of creating ‘a suitable have done for having because they belong to a past culture, not environment for the child’s development this, this is no good… we should propose and emotional maturity.’ The Pope also sexually abused the positive values of the human person called for an end to what he termed as children the new culture.” ‘educational experiments’ with children “ Pope Francis’statement echoes the apol- and young people, pushing a ‘dictatorship ogy made to the victims of abusive priests of one form of thinking’ on them in the and young people to respond to the prob- in Ireland by his predecessor Pope Bene- name of a pretended ‘modernity.’ lems and challenges posed by contempo- dict XVI who said ‘you have suffered The Pope noted that the ‘horrors of the rary culture and widespread mentality grievously and I am truly sorry,’ adding manipulation of education that we experi- propagated by the mass media. ‘your trust has been betrayed and your dig- enced in the great genocidal dictatorships “Working for human rights presupposes nity has been violated... I openly express of the 20th century have not disappeared; the aim of fostering anthropological” for- the shame and remorse that we all feel.’ NEWS ROUNDUP holiness, he does not want our that the Vatican found no basis for rary society, a scourge upon the Christian witness, he does not sexual abuse accusations made Body of Christ,’Pope Francis said want us to be disciples of Christ.” against a well-known bishop in the in an address last Thursday to par- Temptations have three character- US territory.The Congregation for ticipants in the Second Interna- The devil is real, Pope istics, the Pope continued. They the Doctrine of the Faith, which tional Conference on Combating THEreminds devil is aCatholics reality, Pope Fran- begin gradually and grow; they takes on such accusations, closed Human Trafficking, convened at cis reminded worshippers at a infect other people; and they seek the case against Bishop Daniel the Vatican this week under the Pope Francis began the Holy Week leading up to Easter by celebrating Mass last Friday. “The devil is to justify themselves. Everyone is Fernandez, according to the dele- aegis of the bishops of England Palm Sunday with around 100,000 pilgrims in St Peter’s Square.The here, even in the 21st century,” the tempted, the Pope said. The best gation. Bishop Fernandez said in a and Wales. The meeting brought Holy Father led his own procession of palms into St Peter’s, blessing the Pope said in his homily. “And we solution is ‘to be vigilant and not statement that he was satisfied together law-enforcement offi- palm fronds and olive tree branches clutched by members of the crowd mustn’t be naïve, right?” Com- to give in to that initial temptation.’ with the decision. cials, social workers, and Church at the start of the ceremony.After the Mass he posed for ‘selfies’ with menting on Satan’s temptations of leaders. That joint effort, the Pope young Brazilians from Rio de Janeiro who had carried the World Youth Jesus, the Pope said: “We too are observed, is ‘a sign of the Church cross in the square to hand over to Poland for Krakow 2016 tempted; we too are the targets of No evidence of abuse Human trafficking is and a sign of men and women of PIC: PA PHOTOS attacks by the devil, because the THEby Puerto Apostolic Rico Delegation bishop of HUMANan ʻopen Trafficking woundʼ is ‘an open good will who want to cry out, spirit of evil does not want our Puerto Rico announced last Friday wound on the body of contempo- ‘Enough!’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Alexis from Colombia lives on one meal a day.

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It is crucial to our work fighting poverty that we keep in touch with our supporters. If at any time you would prefer not to hear from us, please write to us at SCIAF, 19 Park Circus, Glasgow, G3 6BE or email [email protected] Photo: Paul Smith. Your donation will be spent wherever the need is greatest. Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. Registered Scottish Charity No: SC012302. Company No: SC197327. SCO 8 FEATURES SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 There’s theology in those aching bodies BISHOP JOHN KEENAN begins a new series looking at Blessed Pope John Paul II’s moral teaching, the Theology of the Body

EFORE this month is out the Pope who Canonised more saints that all the others in history put together will him- self be raised into their company. It will have taken the Church less than ten years to fulfil the aspirations of the crowd of millions who gathered in Rome for his funeral and Bcried out, ‘santo subito’ or ‘Canonise him now.’ All that remains to be seen is whether he will be acclaimed ‘Pope John Paul the Great.’ He could be so for many reasons. He was, as much as anyone, a central player in the fall of the Soviet Union and, more than anyone, his call for spiritual uprising against oppression rather than political revolt against regimes was the reason its dismantling came about almost without the firing of a shot. We could add his mystical spirit, his bril- liant writings from plays and poetry to philosophy and theology, his staying of the post-Vatican II forces of dissolution in the Church and guiding it to authentic conciliar renewal, his evangelical pil- grimages and then his endurance in suffering usque ad finem, to the very end, and you begin to see the point; and we have not even begun to men- tion his epochal development of Catholic moral teaching in what has come to be known as the The- ology of the Body. Famously his biographer George Weigel described Theology of the Body as a time-bomb ticking away in the heart of the Church which, when it goes off sometime in the third millennium, Here is the Pope’s great breakthrough, or revolu- the God of philosophy and theology a God Who is you.” Peter, James and John thought they loved will change not only the whole nature of Catholic tion, as some call it. He saw God’s image also in perfectly happy and fulfilled on His own? Pope Jesus with all the romance of a lover who protests, theology but perhaps the entire trajectory of West- our bodies and our sexuality. In a modern culture John Paul reminds us that the True God is a Trin- ‘I would lay down my life for you.’ But even ern thought. It was a grand claim at the time which that almost worships the body and is hopelessly ity, that is, God always is, in His deepest identity, before the same night was out they had let Him has a prophetic ring to it. Certainly the emergence confused about the meaning of sex, a theology that a community of Persons in love. He is a Father, down, preferring the comfort of sleep when He of this vision has already substantially transformed can see the image of God in both could not come Son and Holy Spirit Who exists in an eternal needed them most in Gethsemane because, though our teaching in Catholic schools on sexuality and at a more urgent time. moment of reciprocal self-giving love. But if God their souls were more than willing, their bodies relationships as well as marriage preparation for is essentially a family then the image of God can- were weak, incapable of the kind of self-sacrifice most of our dioceses in Scotland. ow are we like God in our sexuality? Well, not be in any person alone but only truly or fully needed to be there for Him when it really mattered. The Pope begins by asking the searching ques- when you think of it no-one’s body makes exists when a person enters into a relationship with We truly love to the extent that we can give till tion: “What does it mean to be a person?” It is the perfect sense on its own. A part of a man’s others which is a genuine communion of persons it hurts in the flesh, like the mum who gets up hour most important question anyone could ask because bodyH makes sense only when you see a woman’s in love. In this perspective the image of God is bet- after hour at night to tend her crying child or the we are all looking for personal fulfilment but until body and vice versa. Without woman, a man’s body ter understood as being among us rather than in us. dad who works from dawn to dusk to put food on we really know what it means to be a person we just does not add up, it is absurd on its own. So is a So now, at last, our world knows what our body is the table and a roof over his family’s head, or the have little hope of finding it. woman’s. So our bodies tell us we do not make for. It is the means by which we make a gift of our- priest or nun who trudges the lonely streets to visit The first pages of the Bible tell us that being a sense on our own but only in giving ourselves in selves to another in love. a needy soul. They know it is only for love’s sake person is being like God because He made us loving union to another who makes our body, and that every bone in their body is sore as they scratch uniquely like Himself but not just in our souls. In us, complete. This teaches us an important lesson. t is in our bodies that we really prove our love. out their theology along the lines of world-worn making us like Himself He used clay from the The human person only makes true sense in a rela- This is why Jesus, the night before He died, faces. Just as the forty-niners cried, ‘There’s gold earth which fashioned our bodies and He made us tionship which unites him to another and it is a found the best ever human expression of love in tham thar hills,’ Pope John Paul (above at World male and female. Until Pope John Paul II, Catholic union that gives life. Inot in the easy words, ‘I love you’ but in the sacri- Youth Day 1993) says, ‘There’s theology in those teaching saw God’s image as mainly in the soul. ‘But how is this like God?’ you may ask. Is not ficial promise: “This is my Body given up for aching bodies.’

infinitely more than I did. I felt that if I, who had loved her so Sr Marie Tighe for Lent: The Mother God imperfectly, could achingly long for complete happiness for her, cold feet on her after I had pat- had a family. get, I will never forget you.” side of her response. However, how much more would God tered over the chilly lino. Com- As a novice I missed my (Isaiah 49:15) she was so excited about my want to take her home and ing home from school I would mum more than I missed any- Four years after I entered the coming home, that in her efforts enfold her in love. yell as I came through the door one. When we sang the words of convent my granny died and the to spring-clean the house for my Through my relationship with “Ma-am,” and she would Psalm 26: “Though father and Mother Superior said that I visit, she fell downstairs, broke my mum I had come to under- always be there to answer: “I’m mother forsake me, the Lord could go home for the funeral, her leg and ended up in hospital. stand that God has a mother’s Yes, it was you who took me ‘ere!” Psalm 90 tells us that God will receive me,” my heart as the rule regarding home visit- For once, she was not there heart. When I die, I am sure now from the womb entrusted me to has the same reply whenever we grieved at the thought of the ing was soon to be relaxed. She when I came home. that God will welcome me home my mother’s breast. To you I was call upon Him: “When he calls I way I had seemingly forsaken also told me that as I was the I was not at home with her in the way that Jesus describes committed from my birth. From shall answer I am with you.” my mum. It was then that I youngest sister in the commu- when she died very unexpect- the homecoming of the prodigal my mother’s womb you have However, as a teenager all was found some words of our nity, and the first one to be edly of a heart attack in her son in St Luke’s Gospel. My been my God. (Psalm 21: 10, 11) not sweetness and light between Foundress, St Julie Billiart, given this privilege I was not to sleep. I was nursing in a hospice mum and dad will be there, and my mum and me. We seemed to which touched me deeply and make a song and dance about it. in London caring for other peo- my nana and granny and aunts, I ALWAYS envied other chil- grow apart and I resented that gave me comfort: “God is like a When my parents came to see ple. As I travelled home that and all those I have loved will be dren who had only a mum my dad always supported my mother to us. Let us try to act me on the Saturday before the night despite my awful grief, I part of the reception committee, and dad to look after them. mum, rather than me in any dis- like those little children who are funeral, I quietly said, trying to was aware of a tremendous as God my loving Mother runs During the war, and for sev- agreement. Through these not steady on their legs; they suppress my excitement: “I’m peace. She had gone home to to meet me and welcomes this eral years afterwards, my dad painful adolescent years when lean with all their might on their coming home on Monday, my dad who had died 12 years prodigal daughter home. His was away at sea. Though our the surface of our relationship mother, because they are sure mum.” At this news my mother before. I knew as never before Father saw him and was moved nana and aunties who lived was troubled, I never doubted that she will not let them go in exclaimed: “Oh good God how much she loves me and that with pity. He ran to the boy, next door to us spoiled us in the deep and loving bonding my any danger. Let us do the same Marie not that on top of all our she understood and forgave me clasped him in his arms, and many ways, I missed the mum and I shared. with God; let us cling fast to trouble!” She imagined at that for not being with her when she kissed him tenderly. (Luke 15) security of belonging to just When I was leaving home to him by great confidence in his moment that her worst fears that died. I knew in a very real way my mum and my dad. enter the convent my mum was infinite goodness.” I would be unhappy had been the truth of the words in Song of What God can compare with Sometimes in this extended heartbroken. In those days one did This for me was a totally new realised after she had come to Songs: “Love is strong as death. you for pardoning guilt and family situation I was not quite not go home unless a parent was way of looking at God and great believe that I was happily set- Love no flood can quench, no overlooking crime? He does not sure to whom I really belonged, dying. Heartbreak or not, my was my delight when I discov- tled. She would have had a simi- torrents drown.” (Canticle 8: 6, harbour anger forever, since he but I knew deep down that I mum did not stand in my way ered for the first time the pas- lar reaction if I had been 7) I did not then, or at any time delights in showing merciful belonged to my mum more than even though she feared I was sage in Isaiah: “Can a mother married and I had told her that since pray for the repose of her love. Once more have pity on us, to anybody. When dad was making a huge mistake. She forget her baby, at the breast or my marriage was over. Once I soul. I felt I did not need to do tread down our faults; Throw all away I would creep into bed believed that I would only be fail to cherish the child of her reassured her that all was well in so, for I believed that she was at our sins to the bottom of the sea with my mum and warm my happy if like her I married and womb. Even if she were to for- my life, we enjoyed the funny home with God who loved her (Micah 7:19) WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK PICTURE OF THE WEEK Pope Francis is already on a great crusade

JUST when I thought [accusations against] the Catholic Church couldn’t get any worse, I watched Channel 4’s Secrets of the Vatican (on March 25). To say it was appalling would be a gross understatement. It was shocking in the extreme and led me to the conclusion that, were I not a Catholic, I certainly don’t feel I would chose to become one [after seeing that]... [Last year] it seemed unbelievable that Pope Benedict XVI decided to retire because of failing health and strength.This programme argued that he retired because he simply couldn’t cope with the corruption and widespread sexual misconduct inside the Vatican and just outside its walls. He felt the Church needed a stronger and more resilient leader and, so, he resigned. As I put this letter together, I can hardly believe what I am writing it. The Catholic Church [has always] stood as a force for all that was good and holy and a model of righteous behaviour—an example to millions throughout the world... I truly believe our new Holy Father will eventually succeed in his great crusade of restoring the Church’s credibility and moral Parishioners at St Mungo’s, authority. It is bound to take time and Townhead, celebrated Palm Sunday tremendous effort and strength of will on his last week with parish priest Fr John Craven. Pictured is Fr Craven blessing part. If this television programme is to be the palms in front of members of the believed, he will need supernatural powers. Michael McDade congregation PIC: PAUL McSHERRY DUMFRIES

Legacy of distrust over the last authority with denominational Such a view could only be based on a shared campuses provision, to introduce them. belief that separate schools cause bigotry. More importantly however is his Clearly this is a view with which the CHARLES Gray (SCO Letters April 4) is suggestion that the council did not Catholic Church, could never agree, and ESTABLISHED IN 1885 incorrect in some of the points he makes on undermine the identity of Catholic schools was described as ‘grossly insulting’ to the history of Shared Campus in their earlier foray into shared campus teachers by a North Lanarkshire teacher. arrangements in North Lanarkshire. Firstly, arrangements. Such offensive and inaccurate comments North Lanarkshire was not ‘among the In March 2002 in an article which by the leader of the council contributed to a first’ to provide them, Edinburgh City appeared on the front page of the legacy of distrust among many. It is Council opened its first shred campus Motherwell Times, council leader Jim disingenuous of Charles Gary to suggest school in 1964, followed by other McCabe, stated that shared campus otherwise. Provide Jesus with a warm authorities across Scotland in the arrangements would ‘alleviate bigotry,’ Peter Kearney succeeding years. suggesting that they were a mechanism for DIRECTOR OF THE SCOTTISH welcome this Easter In fact, North Lanarkshire was amongst tackling sectarianism. CATHOLIC MEDIA SERVICE

HE struggle to hold onto the true ‘reason for the season’ Why is it that Catholics do not Our broad sheet newspapers are It is almost Easter but the amidst the wave of secular celebrations of Easter is high- evangelise on the streets? regularly awash with letters from the Good News is struggling lighted by SCO columnists and comment writers this secular society and they are most week. They make excellent (no, not egg-cellent) points. I WRITE this being as guilty as those I prominent at the moment as they wish to AS we approach Holy Week, it dismayed While we as Catholics do our up most to keep the focus on identify. It essentially concerns Christian have our Scottish Parliament’s proposed but it did not surprise me to see yet again the religious and the spiritual throughout Holy Week and into the faith visibility. written constitution to have all forms of that that the Good News is struggling to be Easter Tridium, perhaps we should not struggle quite so hard to bal- For the last months in Edinburgh in religion removed from public bodies, such heard—literally and figuratively. anceT the most important religious festival in our Liturgical calendar many prominent places there has been a as schools. Where are we, and here is the Last week’s SCO had two major Scottish with what the rest of society is doing. series of mobile Biblical displays. Church of Scotland, and the Episcopalians? Catholic news stories on its front page—a The fact that other denominations, and those who are not Chris- Nearby at least two persons with Letters such as this in a religious visiting bishop investigating misconduct tian, celebrate and keep Easter (and in fact Christmas) in their own Christian literature.They are Jehovah newspaper is [one way] to issue a reports in St Andrews and Edinburgh and a way is in fact a lasting testimony to the fact that our society still recog- Witnesses. challenge. Why do we not get organised major report on Catholic experiences of nises its Christian roots in spite of what some would have us believe. On being approached they are always stand besides the Jehovah Witnesses? sectarianism. Now, it remains open to Just as our Ash Wednesday forehead crosses and our Palm Sunday very polite when offering the pamphlet Tom Reilly, interpretation as to which is good news and fronds are visible symbols of our Faith at this time of year, our Holy Awake and in any further discussion. EDINBURGH which is bad, but both actually show the Thursday and Good Friday church attendance, followed by our Easter Church making progress. Vigil or East Sunday presence at Mass, are also opportunities to evan- Let’s just say that only one of those gelise by example. Catholic schools would pass The consistently positive assessments by stories was picked up by other papers. Can While it may always be human nature to mark our progress by any ‘Best Value’ test the schools inspectorate would be more you guess which? Well, who wants to hear comparing ourselves to others, perhaps this Easter we can master that likely to encourage auditors to recommend Catholics’ insight to Scotland’s shame, an weakness and focus less on what everyone else is doing and more on UNLESS there is a differential cost per the expansion rather than the removal of inconvenient truth, when tabloid journalists our own inner and parish community preparations for the coming of pupil between Catholic and non-Catholic Catholic education. can put two and two together over our Saviour, risen from the dead. schools, I find it difficult to see how the I imagine the ‘Best Value’approach has misconduct, get nine and have another go To a young child or non Catholics, an Easter egg may just be a treat, application of a ‘Best Value’ test would, as already been considered by the various at ‘cardinal bashing’ into the bargain. a Hot Cross bun a teatime staple, but to the rest of us they mean so suggested by Hugh Dougherty in the SCO, anti-Catholic groups. Now I am not in denial. I accept that much more. benefit the ambitions of secularists and Michael Creechan, mistakes have been made, and even left to This Easter, be lifted by the fact that Jesus’ death and Resurrection humanists to get rid of Catholic schools. GLASGOW fester, in our Church and I cannot condone are being so widely recognised. Even if some of your neighbours only that in any way, shape or form. But the view this weekend as a spring break, let your own actions bear wit- media blinkered bubble of passing off ness to the fact it is so much more. In doing so, perhaps you will help scandal as news, dwelling only on the others along the path, or back on the path, of their own Faith journey. G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements negative, is surely a self fulfilling prophecy Who knows how many could be joining the Church this time next G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not for them. It is not however, my everyday year at the Easter vigil. And your efforts can certainly do your own necessarily shared by SCO experience of life or of the Church. convictions no harm. G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above We need balance. What has been At Easter we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us and we address missing for a long time is coverage of all share that with one another, among family groups and friends. While the good work the Church does, day in day Easter gifts may be exchanged, unlike Christmas the focus this week- G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone out. Be careful what you are trying to end is naturally more on the spiritual than on the material. number or your letter will not be used eradicate. You will miss it if it ever goes. May the joy of Easter find a welcome at your door and in your Maureen Brown hearts. BELLSHILL Have a very happy and Holy Easter. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 Confessions of a part-time Mass-goer It’s the time of year when the experience of Jesus is most profound and vivid, even for non-regular Mass attenders

Y NAME is Kevin often find myself at a different church McKenna and I don’t from one week to the next (okay, one go to Mass every month to the next). It’s good to chat week. If there was a after Mass with friends and relatives self-help group for or sometimes go for a coffee in a Catholic back-sliders like me I’d prob- church hall with nice flowery curtains, ably be getting the hugs and back-rub- home-made baking and cheery ladies Mbing treatment right now. “Amen serving tea from silver urns. But I’m brother, just let it out,” someone would never around often enough or regu- say, gently. “We’ve all been there,” larly enough to get to know people. another would whisper. There could be One week it would be the 9.30am tears. Afterwards someone might crowd, another week it would be the quote Luke 15:7. “I tell you that in the 11am crew and yet another, the vigil same way there will be more rejoicing team. in heaven over one sinner who repents BY KEVIN McKENNA than over ninety-nine righteous per- t this point I could go on about sons who do not need to repent.” It is the way in which some priests one of the favourite Biblical verses of try to send you to sleep by recusants everywhere. Along with ‘let or am I comforted by Pope Adelivering their homilies in the same he who is without sin cast the first Francis reaching out to atheists manner as they might read the small stone,’ and ‘judge ye not, lest ye be and agnostics and assuring print in a household energy bill. But judged.’ All three of these verses, Nthem that they can still get to Heaven. that wouldn’t be fair. I’ve done a fair taken together, offer a wee exegesis of There am I being detained at Heaven’s bit of public speaking recently and redemption for those of us who have Border Control for persistent time for those in my audience must become, ahem, somewhat neglectful Eucharist-avoidance while some of have passed very slowly indeed, if not of our Catholic duties. my unrepentant and Godless pals skip actually stood still. Listening to my I can’t quite recall when the rot first gaily in just because they were kind to low Glaswegian growl is no bowl of set in. And it certainly wasn’t due to children and animals and led otherwise cherries for anyone. And I’ve yet to any theological or philosophical quar- blameless lives. That would be a real meet a priest who doesn’t work his rel I had with Rome, or the teachings kick in the teeth. socks off the other six days of the of Holy Mother Church. I might be a When I was young I was brought up week. So I’m not going down that haphazard Catholic but I still believe to believe that missing Mass was a route. in the whole package, even those bits mortal sin and this, at the time, seemed But at this time of the year when of it that I cheerfully choose to ignore fair enough. There are 168 hours in the Holy Week is upon us, a whole host of in the trade winds of everyday secular week and being asked to set aside only happy childhood memories come life. I remain within the ambit of the one of them to worship and thank our consult so much as a priest or the Sec- Sunday football didn’t exactly help, flooding back; of Easter Holidays and magisterium, as they say. Nor is it maker, provider and Saviour is not ond Vatican Council. (Actually I did especially 12.30 kick-offs, while Sky’s the Kissing of the Cross and the empty because of the recent waves of scandal exactly onerous. And then you become once try to find the relevant section in increasingly common Super Sundays tabernacle and the gradual unwrapping that have broken on our shores. I may older and more worldly and you begin the Vatican II documents but only suc- have been a massive obstacle. Yes I of the paschal candle in a darkened have been vociferous in my criticism to compare and contrast. If dodging ceeded in being intimidated by all the know that that’s what the Saturday church illuminated by a hundred hand- of our leadership over some of these Mass and the Sacraments is a mortal other areas where radical improvement vigil is for and the 9pm Mass at St held candles. It’s the time of year when issues but, in the midst of it all, I sin then what about theft, deception, is required in my personal and spiri- Aloysius. But they’re just a few more the experience of Jesus is most pro- acknowledge that these are only mere infidelity, violence, greed… any of the tual conduct). obstacles to achieving a 100 per cent found and vivid. And so, it is the best human beings and as prone to error as Cardinal sins as a matter of fact? I So is it still a mortal sin? Was it ever? record. Indeed just a 50 per cent strike time for me and my kind to come back the rest of us. don’t see Mass-dodging on that list. Or was it another ‘cheap and bourgeois rate in my case would be a result. into the light and try all over again to The Faith is eternal, sacred and So, I suppose the rot began at this time bribe’ by the Church establishment to Small steps and all that… be true to our calling. So if you see me divine… and unshakeable—except on after I’d rationalised away the need keep the pews filled and the collection Because I work at irregular times sitting furtively at the back somewhere some Sundays where I’ve lamentably every week to head for the chapel. plate brimming? (Did I not tell you and have an aversion to anything that trying to negotiate the new Liturgical found other things to do. Even though, in doing so, I’d failed to about my persistent bouts of Marxism?) smacks of routine or predictability I moves, then peace be with you.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of KEVIN McKENNA’S comments on going to Mass? Send your points of view pages of the SCO are those of to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church We believe that Christ has risen and must not let what this means fade

SOME people are remem- against polio will be administered transformed the world that we live increasingly obvious that we are what we see but what about the bered for their achievements. orally. Within my lifetime this in. All that he was interested in pragmatists! Easter seems to be things that we can’t see? Easter Amundsen was the first to scourge of polio has been almost was continuing his research for focused on Easter bunnies and for us is about believing that reach the South Pole. Robert Fr Eddie eradicated world wide. A few the good of humankind. He also chocolate eggs. Like Christmas, something important has hap- Falcon Scott was the second. pockets still exist but broadly observed elsewhere that: “If all ‘the reason for the season’ seems pened for you and for me. There We don’t often remember McGhee speaking you and I live without insects on Earth disappeared, at worst to have been lost com- are hints and guesses but ulti- those who are second! this particular fear. within 50 years, all life on Earth pletely. Only in Faith communi- mately we have a decision to Scott is remembered principally school in Cronberry, because of So what about Jonas Salk? would disappear. If all human ties does the name of Jesus get make based on the evidence. because he and his team died on chronic overcrowding. The school Born in 1914 into a family of beings disappeared from the Earth mentioned. ‘Resurrection’ may be Do we believe that Christ is the return journey from the South building is shared by another Jewish immigrants in New York, all forms of life would flourish.” a word on the lips of Christians risen? If we do then this has Pole. Yuri Gagarin is remembered three classes of children from the Salk studied medicine and eventu- Mr Salk had his eye focused on but it is hardly one of the buzz implications for the way that we as the first man to go into space and non-denomination sector. We ally became a virologist. He went the very future of humankind. He words that animates the Easter live our lives. It has implications return safely. He did so 53 years never get to meet these children. on to discover a vaccine that had already discovered that our selling opportunities. The impor- for our relationship with our ago on April 12 1961. Roger Ban- They have different playtimes and would end the fear in communi- intervention on planet Earth had a tance of Jesus, like the signifi- brothers and sister. It has implica- nister had run the first sub four different meal times. Our fathers ties of polio epidemics that killed destructive potential. Only now, cance of Jonas Salk, has faded tions for the way that we treat our minute mile less than a decade ear- almost certainly work together. and crippled so many people. Cer- in the 21st century are we coming from our consciousness. Almost world. Faith is about more than lier. Neil Armstrong was the first to our mothers shop together. Unfor- tainly Mr Salk had his moment in to terms with how destructive we certainly in the 21st century both assent to a creedal formula. You set foot on the moon July 21 1969, tunately, enlightenment on reli- the spotlight. He was feted and are. It is curious that today his are taken for granted. have to be pretty certain to do less than a decade after Gagarin had gious diversity has not reached given awards too numerous to name has faded into the back- New life is evident all around. something like that. He believed made the first flight into space and 1950s Ayrshire. We share the mention but his work was his ground when, so relatively There have been lambs in the in his research. You and I have back. All of these achievements, in school nurse. One day we are all focus. When asked about the recently his discovery made such fields for a few weeks now. Daf- read the scriptures. We have seen their day, were hugely significant. called together to meet the nurse. patent for the polio vaccine that an impact. It may be that we have fodils have bloomed and already the evidence. Now we have a There are others, less well known, We are to be vaccinated against he had developed he replied, taken him and all that he achieved begin to fade. Ducks have their choice! If we say ‘I believe!’ it is whose impact has been, in many polio. Injections are never popular “Well, the people I would say. in his lifetime for granted. We are early broods of chicks. Already, not just our lives that are trans- respects, more important. among children but we do our There is no patent. Could you pragmatists you and I, polio was there are signs of greening on formed. Ultimately our Faith The scene is St John’s Primary best to keep a brave face and soon patent the sun?” Such altruism is then now it is time to move on! lawns and in hedgerows. New life statement begins the transforma- School, Cumnock, where classes it is over and forgotten. Within a rare. Here is a man whose As we move towards the cele- and Easter go hand in hand at a tion of the world. P4 to P6 are relocated to a disused very few years this protection research and whose discovery has bration of Easter it becomes purely observational level. We see I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

further investigate the statue, W and the local Gary Diocese IR has not issued a statement. ED IN Let’s hope this doesn’t end The transcript of our trial with tears before bedtime. GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG the congregation as a whole is obvious, extrapolation: In ties who come to arrest Jesus An SCO diary asked to proclaim aloud the every moral choice we make, carrying lanterns and torches, PARISHIONERS in Rome gave parts that were spoken by big or small, ultimately the we also often prefer artificial Pope Francis a brand new the crowds. question we are standing in light to the Light of Lights; just A SIGN from God or just a black bag last week in the This could not be more front of is the same question as, like those who arrested water stain? That is what hopes that it would hold up appropriate because a congre- Pilate asked the crowd: Jesus, we tend to approach the people in Griffith, Indiana, US for many years of traveling gation in any Christian church “Whom should I release for Prince of Peace carrying clubs have been wondering ever and serving as the successor today, and we, as individual you, Jesus or Barabbas?” Gra- and swords, ready for a fight. since a group of school of St Peter. members of those congrega- ciousness or violence? Self- children noticed what “We hope that you have a tions, in our actions and in our lessness or self-centeredness? enerally, on reading the appeared to be a tear-stained long and fruitful Pontificate, words, in countless ways, It is the same when the account of Jesus’ Pas- cheek on a statue of Mary at therefore, we thought that the mimic perfectly the actions crowds say to Pilate: “We have sion and Death, our St Mary’s Catholic Church. bag you have may not be BY FR RONALD and words of Jesus’ contempo- no king, except Caesar!” In spontaneousG inclination is to The sight of the ‘weeping’ enough,” Fr Renzo Chiesa raries in their weaknesses, saying this, they were aban- judge very harshly those who sculpture is moving some told the Pope. ROLHEISER betrayals, jealousies, religious doning their own messianic surrounded Jesus at His arrest, people to tears as others The Pope received the gift blindness, and false faith. We hopes in favour of a momen- trial, and sentencing: How caution against a rush to when he went to hear too indict Jesus countless tary security. We say the same could they not see what they judgment. Among the Confessions and celebrate HE biblical accounts times by how we live. thing every time when, for our were doing? How could they sceptics is the church pastor, Mass at the church of St of Jesus’ Passion and own well-being, we sell-out be so blind and jealous? How Fr Theodore Mens. Gregory the Great in the death focus very or example, here is how our higher ideals and settle for could they choose false secu- “There must be a natural outskirts of Rome last Sunday. much on His trial, we do it in our words. In second best. rity over God’s ultimate shel- explanation—the cold, the Fr Chiesa told the Pope that describing it in Matthew’s account of the As well, all too frequently, we ter? A murderer over the melting of the snow,” he said. they stuffed the bag full of length and in detail. And there Ftrial of Jesus, at a certain mimic the words of the crowds Messiah? How could His fol- “Whenever we see something, letters and notes from is a huge irony in how it is moment in the trial, Pontius who challenged Jesus as He was lowers so easily abandon Him? we always look for a natural parishioners so as ‘not to clog described.T Jesus is on trial, but Pilate comes out to the people, hanging on the cross with these Not much has changed in reason first.” up the Vatican post office’ the story is written in such a the same people who just five words: “If you are the Son of 2000 years. The choices that The white statue, about four with more mail for the Pope. way that, in effect, everyone is days before had chanted for God, come off the cross, save us, those around Jesus were mak- feet tall, depicts Mary, the The bag is practically on trial, except Jesus. Jesus to be their king, and tells and save yourself.” We do this ing during His trial and sen- Mother of Jesus Christ. identical to the one the Pope The Jewish authorities who them that according to custom, every time we let our prayers tencing are identical to the Surrounded by tulips waiting carries along with him on trips orchestrated His arrest are on at Passover time, he is willing become a test of God’s existence choices we are still making to bloom, it stands in what outside the Vatican (below). trial for their jealousy and dis- to release one Jewish criminal and goodness; if we get a pos- today. And most days we are parishioners call the ‘sunken He revealed to journalists on honesty. The Roman authori- being held in custody. At the itive answer, God loves us, if not doing any better than they garden’ along Broad Street the plane to Brazil last July, ties who wield the final power time, he had in custody a par- not, we begin to doubt. did because, still, far too often, and is the site of the annual what was inside: “It wasn’t on the matter are on trial for ticularly infamous murderer It is the same, of course, given blindness and self-inter- May crowning. Fr Mens said the key for the atom bomb,” their religious blindness. Jesus’ named Barabbas. So Pilate with our actions: Like Jesus’ est, we are saying: ‘Away with the statue has been there for he told them. There was a friends and contemporaries are asks the crowd: “Whom disciples, we tend to stay with Him! Crucify Him!’ at least as long as the 21 long razor, a breviary, an on trial for their weakness and should I release for you, Jesus Jesus more when things are years he has been at St appointment book and a book betrayal. Those who challenge of Nazareth or Barabbas?” The going well, when temptation is I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a Mary Church. to read (about St Therese). Jesus to invoke divine power crowd roars back: “Barabbas!” not too strong, and when we Catholic priest and member of Majdolin Haddad, religious “I have always taken a bag and come off the cross are on Pilate then asks: “Then what are not facing real, personal the Missionary Oblates of Mary education secretary at St with me when travelling—it’s trial for their superficial faith. should I do with Jesus of threat. But, like Jesus’ original Immaculate. He is president of Mary, said her daughter normal,” he said. Correct! And, not least, each of us is on Nazareth?” The crowd’s reply: followers, we tend to abandon the Oblate School of Theology Reta—an aide in the trial for our own weaknesses, “Away with Him. Have Him and betray when things get in San Antonio, Texas. Visit his fourth-grade Monday night jealousies, religious blindness, Crucified!” hard and threatening. website at www.ronrolheiser class—told her about the tear. and superficial faith. We can make this, very Moreover, like the authori- .com Students in the class had left The transcript of the trial of the church after Confession, Jesus reads like a record of our paused at the statue to pray own betrayals. and noticed a droplet of water Recently the Church has clinging to the chin of Mary’s tried to help us grasp this by face, appearing to originate the manner in which it has the from the right eye. Passion proclaimed on Palm “I'm not going to say Sunday and Good Friday. In anything against a possible many churches today when the further sign of God’s love for Passion is read the narrative is us through Mary,” Fr Mens broken up in such a way that said. “I just don't want to fall one narrator proclaims the for anything. I am formed and overall text, another person shaped by the scriptures and takes the part of Jesus, several the teachings of Jesus, not others take the parts of the var- necessarily by a tear that ious people who spoke during somebody sees on a statue.” His arrest and trial (right), and The priest has no plans to This Easter, make it your mission to see the true glory of the Risen Christ

THE empty tomb does not For today’s Easter reflection, grasping the reality of the spiri- it, like the angels, a spirit. term for ‘glory’—‘doxa’—is a prove that Christ rose from therefore, I would like to con- tual risen body is our concept of Aquinas is adamant: “It is impos- word that goes to God’s power the dead—it just proves that Mgr Basil sider just two of their insights. ‘body’ and ‘soul’ being ‘reunited’ sible for a material body to and honour, not to his pomp. His body wasn’t in the tomb First, the very ‘low-key’ nature at the Resurrection. This become a spirit,” (Cont gent, Triumphalism came into the three days after it had been Loftus of the appearances of the Risen approach is totally foreign to that lib4, c84). So what does ‘spiritual Church, and God’s Glory was put there. How it got out or Christ. Earlier, when Christ had Jewish way of thinking which body’ mean? Even Aquinas strug- devalued, when the Church lost was moved cannot be given some of His disciples a underpins all that the disciples gled. St Paul dismisses further its innocence and was seduced by deduced just from the fact of essential that their testimony is ‘preview’ of his Risen Glory at the tell us about the Resurrection. enquiry: “But someone may ask, secular pomp. Holy Father Fran- the empty tomb. Neither are closely examined. Transfiguration, there had been all For them, ‘Resurrection’ means ‘how will the dead be raised? cis has re-captured the true mean- there any witnesses to the In the 1970s the theological the pomp which typically had not primarily re-uniting body and What kind of bodies will they ing of God’s Glory, the Resurrection. magazine, Concilium, ran a series always accompanied the ‘theo- soul, but entering, body and soul, have?’ What a foolish question!” all-important and purely spiritual, Mary Magdalene recognised of articles by leading theologians, phanies’ or appearances of God in into heavenly glory. Because Or, in the Jerusalem Bible trans- non-physical, reality of the Res- the problem when she first met including the present Cardinal the Old Testament. Now, after the Christ had a human body on lation: “A stupid question.” urrection/Ascension event, both the Risen Christ, and mistook Walter Kasper, in an attempt to dig Resurrection, Christ merely earth, that body shares in the Secondly, we need also to in a simplified and increasingly Him for the gardener—the empty deeper into the account of the Res- ‘dropped in’ on old friends, wear- Father’s glory, as will ours too. grasp the essential simplicity of rubric-free Liturgy, and in the tomb did not convince her of the urrection given to us by those who ing ‘working-clothes’—always, That is all we can know. We can- the Divine Glory. All of this fits theology of the Church as a ‘poor Resurrection, it merely led her to met him. All of this work was in the Bible tells us, ‘in the guise of’ not know ‘how.’ St Paul is quite in perfectly with both the Hebrew Church to serve the poor.’ ask: “Where have you put Him?” strict conformity with the instruc- someone whom, often, they did clear: “It is sown a natural body, and the Greek words for what we This Easter, perhaps, we could No. It is not the empty tomb tions given by Pope Pius Xll in not immediately recognise—a it shall rise a spiritual body.” (l term Christ’s ‘Glorification.’ whisper amongst friends that but the testimony of those who 1947, whereby he encouraged ‘gardener,’ a companion on the Corinthians, 15:44) ‘Glory’ is not triumphalism but, powerful word—‘resurrexit’— met the Risen Christ that alone Catholic Biblical scholars to follow walk to Emmaus, the cook at a A spiritual body, Christ’s Risen for the Jews, ‘kabod,’ or what we He is risen, not belt it out—for- leads us to our belief that He the path long trodden by their col- lakeside picnic. Why? Body, and, eventually ours too, is would term dignity or ‘gravitas.’ tissimo—in Baroque Liturgical Rose from the dead. So it is leagues in the Reformed Churches. A central difficulty to our not a physical body, but neither is Likewise, for the Greeks, their triumphalism. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 EASTER STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER APRIL 18 2014 APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER EASTER STORY 13 HE IS RISEN BY JAMES BARCLAY

R JOHN Sullivan could not stop himself from and was forgiven by Our Lord. So, you see, nobody is opening the lid of the cardboard box and letting I got in with a bad crowd... beyond redemption... even thieves.” his eyes gaze, once more, on the shining, “Well, Ah still hope the bloke that smashed the windae golden chalice. He was still on board the plane my own fault. It broke my and broke in gets his cumuppance,” Maggie sniped. taking him home to Scotland. The memory of “I’ll still have a word with St Dismas,” Father repeated the Pope presenting him with this golden cup swelled his mother's heart and I’m sure with a smile and, leaving Maggie to her household chores, heart. Pope Francis smiled as he handed over the beautiful he went into the church and, lighting a candle, ‘had a chalice.F she prayed for me. I’ve been word’ with The Good Thief. It was a moment in the old priest’s life that would be Fr Sullivan slept well that night embedded forever in his heart and out of trouble all my life. Fr Sullivan had been parish priest in St Joseph’s he next day was Good Friday and the persistent ring- Church on St Simeon’s Isle—22 miles out in the Atlantic ing of the telephone woke him up with a start. Hur- from the Scottish mainland—for almost 34 years. The But to steal from the church? rying downstairs, he grabbed the telephone reciever. mainly Catholic population of 8000 souls farmed and THAT really got to me. I was ItT could be an emergency after all, which wasn’t unusual. fished for a living. Somebody taken suddenly ill? The old man decided he would keep the chalice in the “Hello, Fr Sullivan?” said an excited voice. “It’s Sean sacristy and bring it out on Easter Sunday where it would lying in bed and a voice in my Reilly.” be set proudly atop the tabernacle for all to see. Fr Sullivan’s heart leapt. Yes! That WOULD be a proud day at St Joseph’s. head told me to ask “We’ve got your chalice," the policeman said. He told nobody about the Pope’s loving generosity, “Bu.. bu.. but, how?... you caught the thief?” Father except Maggie, his loyal housekeeper for more than 20 forgiveness. I AM sorry... I have said, finding it hard to contain himself. years. “He walked into the station and gave himself up,” Sean And Maggie was as thrilled as he was. It was the ‘Holy a good wife and two young said. “We have your chalice. He said his conscience was Grail’ as far as she was concerned. troubling him... he couldn’t sleep. Could you believe that? Easter was approaching and all preparations were being Father heard laughter. made in the chapel... the flowers, the candles, the cleaning children. I lost my job. “Yes, I can,” the priest said. “I’d like to meet him.” and dusting and every dud lightbulb had been replaced. “Come away down,” Sean said. “I’m sure the sergeant St Joseph’s would be ready for its Faithful parishioners. wouldn’t mind, seeing you’re a priest.” Fr Sullivan lay peacefully in his bed only to be awakened to St Joseph’s a lifetime ago,” he said proudly. The sorry looking prisoner sat forlorn in a cell as the by the loud knocking at the chapel house front door. sergeant clanked open the door. Quickly putting on his dressing gown, he hurried down- othing more was heard from the police and Fr Sul- Father Sullivan sat at his side. stairs. livan threw himself into preparing for Easter. The “Well, son, a right mess you’re in, eh?” He recognised the young policeman who stood accom- eggs had been ordered for the altar boys and he The young man sat staring at the floor. panied by a colleague. Nspent many hours preparing his sermon. “Forgive me, Father.” He was Sean, Mrs Reilly’s older son. Mrs Reilly, a stal- He checked his vestments and all was in order... “What made you steal from me?” Father said, squeez- wart at ‘St Joe’s,’ ever ready with her mop and pail. except? ing his hand. “Sorry Father,” Sean said. “A sacristy window’s been “Maggie,” he hollered. “I’m a thief, Father, I’ve always been a thief. But, after smashed. It looks like you’ve had visitors.” Maggie came hurrying into his room, a worried expres- I took your goblet, I suddenly found my conscience taking The three men hurried round to the sacristy where Fr Sul- sion on her face over my head. I couldn’t sleep. How could I have sunk so livan’s anxious eyes went straight to where his treasured “Wha...wha..what’s wrong?”... expecting to see him low as to steal from the church?” He took up the chalice and, handing it to the thief, said.. the large bay window. And, on top, was his beloved Dr McKenzie laughed and left knowing the old priest fetch the visiting priest so that he could thank him. chalice was. It was gone. lying on the floor. “Are you a Catholic, son?” “You’ll get a good price for this in the pawn. Take it... biretta. was in good hands. “Ah canny find him anywhere,” she said hurrying in. “Anything missing, Father?” the young policeman asked. “Where’s my biretta?” he grumbled. “My mother will be turning in her grave if she knew it’s Easter and your mothers prayers have been answered. Fr Sullivan was well pleased. All right, he wouldn’t be Just then the phone rang. The bishop was all apologies. “Oh, er... just a chalice,” Fr Sullivan said sadly with a “Och, ye’ll no’ be wanting that,”she said, relief in her what I had done. God bless her, she was a daily Commu- You were dead and you are alive again.” able to show his prized chalice and tell the story of how aggie phoned the bishop in the mainland and put “I’m sorry Father. We have only one priest for every heavy heart. voice. “Naebody wears them nooadays. You’ve been nicant... never missed the morning Rosary. Me? I was an The young man protested but a smiling Fr Sullivan the Pope and presented it to him and how the lovable Pon- him in the picture. She told him the whole story church in the diocese these days, as you know, and, of “Well, we’ll get the lads to check for fingerprints,” Sean watchin’ Father Brown on television so ye have.” altar boy and she was proud of me.” guided him to the door. tiff had warmly shook his hand and blessed him for his of how the Pope had given the old priest a beauti- course, they had to see to their own parishioners. I, said. “I watch John Wayne and I don’t wear a cowboy hat,” “So, what happened?” Maggie passed him in the hall. lifetime of devotion to St Joseph’s. Mful chalice, how it was stolen and how Fr Sullivan had given myself, was committed. And this blustery, gale-force Father returned to his room and bed but sleep had gone. he snapped. “I got in with a bad crowd... my own fault. It broke my “Who wis that?” she said. The thought of celebrating Easter Sunday Mass filled it to the thief and how there would be no Easter Sunday weather is no help either. I am sending Fr Friel, from St Nothing else had been taken but there WAS nothing there Maggie hid a chuckle. mother’s heart and I’m sure she prayed for me. I’ve been “Dismas,” the priest said with a smile. him with joy. Mass for the parishioners of St Joseph’s. The bishop said Agatha’s, to you. I’m sure God won’t mind a belated that was so precious. “Oh, a’right, she said, humouring him. “I'll get it.” She and out of trouble all my life. But to steal from the “Did Ah see your lovely chalice in his hauns?” Maggie He slipped into bed that night a happy and contented he would send someone to say the Mass later and allow Easter Mass under the circumstances. Hope you are feel- His dream of showing the beautiful cup at Easter retrieved the clerical head gear from a bottom drawer and church? THAT really got to me. I was lying in bed and a said, furrowing her brows. old man. them to celebrate their Easter duties. ing better.” was gone. But nothing is impossible to God and he plonked it on his head. voice in my head told me to ask forgiveness. I AM sorry, “That you did,” Father said. It was a blustery, wet and chilly Easter morning as Word soon got round to island that Mass would be a lit- Father said he understood and replaced the phone. bombarded Heaven with prayer. But, the old priest “There ye are,” she said, stepping back and surveying Father. I have a good wife and two young children. I lost “The wan the Pope gave ye?” Maggie prepared breakfast. Her eyes went to the tle later and soon the Faithful were pouring into the He entered his bedroom. His vestments had been thought maybe God was busy. The police found no the beaming old priest. my job and we’re very poor and I can only love and “The very one.” kitchen's wall clock. It was after seven. Fr Sullivan was chapel. replaced on top of the linen basket. fingerprints, no clues. “How do I look, eh?” he said, turning this and that way. admire her how she manages. How she must worry and “Aw, how could ye! He’ll no’ be pleased, so he’ll no.'” usually at the dining table by that time in the morning From his bed, Father could hear the chatter of the folk Maggie came in. Maggie laughed fear a knock at the door in case she finds two policemen “Oh no,” Father said. “Our dear Pope, Francis, would “He’s slept in,” she muttered to herself as she hurried who entered the large oak doors and held back a tear. “Oh, I meant to put them away,” she said.. r Sullivan shook his head despairingly as he sat at the “Ye look like an auld priest.” standing there.” be the very first to approve." up the stairs to awaken him. “Aw my dear Jesus, how could you abandon me on this Maggie began to tidy up, she took up the vestments and kitchen table over a cup of tea the next morning. “My mother bought me this when I got ordained,” Fr A lump came on Fr Sullivan’s throat. “Wis that the thief that took it?” The old priest was lying on the floor, lifeless. wonderful day?” he prayed. grimaced “Maybe God doesn’t think I’m worthy of such a beau- Sullivan said, his chest swelling. “I wore it until it went “Dismas!” he thought. “He repented and gave it back.” “Oh NO!” Maggie cried, her hand coming to her The visiting replacement had arrived and told Father “Ooh! Look at my lovely vestments… they’re a’ tifulF gift,” he said. out of fashion.” His voice choked a little. “I’ll sort things out with the police and tell them it’s all “Whit’s his name... Dismas McGeachie?” she said face- mouth. The old man responded to Maggie’s panicky shak- that he had come in a hurry and asked if he could wear stained... whit are they awful marks?” Maggie slid into the opposite chair. “Well things have a habit of goin’ full circle,” Maggie been a misunderstanding,” the priest said. “You come tiously; ing. the old priest’s vestments. Father nodded and, as the And, taking up the biretta she let out a yelp, drawing “Ye mean our Father in Heaven thinks that thief’s mair said, “Maybe it'll come back intae fashion again.” down to St Joseph’s where Our loving Father will be wait- “Don’t be like that, Maggie. He’s a poor soul... a lost “For Heaven's sake, Maggie, are you trying to kill young, bearded priest, left the room to go through to the out her finger, she sucked it. worthy?" she said almost facetiously. “You COULD say it’s my Easter Bonnet,” the priest ing for your Confession.” soul! He’s out of work and has a young family.” me?!” he grumbled. chapel, Father called him back. “Something stung me,” she cried. “There’s a wee insect “Och, you know what I mean,” he responded. laughed. Sean Reilly thought he was mad but it was all sorted Maggie’s face softened. Dr McKenzie wasted to time in arriving after Maggie’s “Oh, you young ones!” he said. “You’re forgetting my in your auld hat.” “Have a word wi’ yer guardian angel,” Maggie piped “Ah hope that thief gets whit’s coming tae him,” Mag- out and the young man was allowed to go. Fr Sullivan “Aye, well... er.... that’s different,” she said. “Ye’re a frantic call. biretta." Father took it from her and he too pulled his hand away. up cheerily, “Ah talk tae mine a’ the time.” gie said with a grimace, suddenly remembering the theft clutched his chalice and went happily home. His first big softie, so ye are.” “Could be a slight stroke, or his high blood pressure “Oh, can’t have that,” the young man smiled and placed “Not an insect, Maggie... a thorn.” Fr Sullivan smiled. in the moment of levity. thankful task was to light a candle, drop to is knees and “I take it after you, Maggie,” Fr Sullivan said as he acting up,” he said, folding up his stethoscope. “Make it on his head. The priest took the vestments from her. His brows fur- “My guardian angel? Oh, he’s on strike, I think. Where “No, no, we should pray for him,” Fr Sullivan said, thank dear Dismas. He looked towards the main altar and laughed. him comfortable.” rowed. was he when the thief broke in?” adding: “I think I’ll have a word with St Dismas.” imagined his precious treasure atop the tabernacle. Yes, “Och, away wi’ ye.. . c’mon, Ah’ll make ye a cuppa He felt there was no immediate cause of concern. he happy parishioners spilled out of the church after “Whit ARE they marks Father? Ah made sure they “Maybe it was his day aff,” Maggie said with a cheeky “Who’s that?” Maggie asked, puzzled. his Easter dream was coming true. But a nagging thought tea.” Fr Sullivan made an attempt to get out of his bed but Mass... all agreeing that they had never felt so elated.. claeths were spotless.” smile. “Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of St Dismas?” came into his head... yes, very powerful thought. His They both laughed and headed towards the kitchen. was gently pushed back on the pillow. That young preacher's words filled their hearts to the “Bloodstains, Maggie,” he said. “They’re bloodstains.” They both laughed loudly. Maggie was delighted that Father relied mind went to that cell, that young man and his loving wife “Bu.. but... I’ve got Mass at ten,” he complained. fullestT “Whi.. whi... whit does it mean?” she stammered. she had ‘broke the ice’ and saw Fr Sullivan with the first “Is he a Catholic?” Maggie queried. and children. Yes! aturday passed quickly with Father hearing Easter “There’ll be no Mass for you this day,” Dr McKenzie “A wonderful sermon... such a holy man!” was the cry. “It means, Maggie, He did not abandon me. He aban- smile on his face since his unwelcome visitor. “Well he IS a saint," Father said. “Although I don’t Confessions. Before retiring that night he checked that said. “You must rest.” Then, turning to Maggie, he Maggie, too, sitting at the front, was in rapture at the dons nobody.” “Just as long as you’re there to serve Mass, Father, know if he was ever Canonised... but IS an HONORARY t was just about time for Easter Confessions and his first all was as it should be in the church. ordered, “You make sure he stays where he is.” wonderful words that came from the pulpit.... not to men- “Ye...don’t mean... that HE came intae this world for a that’s the main thing,” Maggie said. saint if we can put it that way." penitent was his young thief. After receiving absolution SHis vestments for Easter Sunday Mass had been well Father’s protestations went unheeded. tion how proud she was at the spotless, beautiful vest- few hoors... just tae help you?” And that WAS the main thing. So, who is he? the good Father asked him to wait in the church. cleaned... Maggie had seen to that... and neatly folded “He’ll stey there if Ah’ve tae nail him doon, doctor, ments the young priest was wearing. “He’s ALWAYS in this world, Maggie... “I’ve never missed an Easter Sunday Mass since I came “Dismas was the Good Thief on the cross beside Jesus IAfterwards he took the man into the sacristry. across the long, damask padded, linen basket underneath don’t you worry,” Maggie said. Fr Sullivan, now back on his feet, asked Maggie to “HE IS RISEN!!” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 EASTER STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER APRIL 18 2014 APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER EASTER STORY 13 HE IS RISEN BY JAMES BARCLAY

R JOHN Sullivan could not stop himself from and was forgiven by Our Lord. So, you see, nobody is opening the lid of the cardboard box and letting I got in with a bad crowd... beyond redemption... even thieves.” his eyes gaze, once more, on the shining, “Well, Ah still hope the bloke that smashed the windae golden chalice. He was still on board the plane my own fault. It broke my and broke in gets his cumuppance,” Maggie sniped. taking him home to Scotland. The memory of “I’ll still have a word with St Dismas,” Father repeated the Pope presenting him with this golden cup swelled his mother's heart and I’m sure with a smile and, leaving Maggie to her household chores, heart. Pope Francis smiled as he handed over the beautiful he went into the church and, lighting a candle, ‘had a chalice.F she prayed for me. I’ve been word’ with The Good Thief. It was a moment in the old priest’s life that would be Fr Sullivan slept well that night embedded forever in his heart and out of trouble all my life. Fr Sullivan had been parish priest in St Joseph’s he next day was Good Friday and the persistent ring- Church on St Simeon’s Isle—22 miles out in the Atlantic ing of the telephone woke him up with a start. Hur- from the Scottish mainland—for almost 34 years. The But to steal from the church? rying downstairs, he grabbed the telephone reciever. mainly Catholic population of 8000 souls farmed and THAT really got to me. I was ItT could be an emergency after all, which wasn’t unusual. fished for a living. Somebody taken suddenly ill? The old man decided he would keep the chalice in the “Hello, Fr Sullivan?” said an excited voice. “It’s Sean sacristy and bring it out on Easter Sunday where it would lying in bed and a voice in my Reilly.” be set proudly atop the tabernacle for all to see. Fr Sullivan’s heart leapt. Yes! That WOULD be a proud day at St Joseph’s. head told me to ask “We’ve got your chalice," the policeman said. He told nobody about the Pope’s loving generosity, “Bu.. bu.. but, how?... you caught the thief?” Father except Maggie, his loyal housekeeper for more than 20 forgiveness. I AM sorry... I have said, finding it hard to contain himself. years. “He walked into the station and gave himself up,” Sean And Maggie was as thrilled as he was. It was the ‘Holy a good wife and two young said. “We have your chalice. He said his conscience was Grail’ as far as she was concerned. troubling him... he couldn’t sleep. Could you believe that? Easter was approaching and all preparations were being Father heard laughter. made in the chapel... the flowers, the candles, the cleaning children. I lost my job. “Yes, I can,” the priest said. “I’d like to meet him.” and dusting and every dud lightbulb had been replaced. “Come away down,” Sean said. “I’m sure the sergeant St Joseph’s would be ready for its Faithful parishioners. wouldn’t mind, seeing you’re a priest.” Fr Sullivan lay peacefully in his bed only to be awakened to St Joseph’s a lifetime ago,” he said proudly. The sorry looking prisoner sat forlorn in a cell as the by the loud knocking at the chapel house front door. sergeant clanked open the door. Quickly putting on his dressing gown, he hurried down- othing more was heard from the police and Fr Sul- Father Sullivan sat at his side. stairs. livan threw himself into preparing for Easter. The “Well, son, a right mess you’re in, eh?” He recognised the young policeman who stood accom- eggs had been ordered for the altar boys and he The young man sat staring at the floor. panied by a colleague. Nspent many hours preparing his sermon. “Forgive me, Father.” He was Sean, Mrs Reilly’s older son. Mrs Reilly, a stal- He checked his vestments and all was in order... “What made you steal from me?” Father said, squeez- wart at ‘St Joe’s,’ ever ready with her mop and pail. except? ing his hand. “Sorry Father,” Sean said. “A sacristy window’s been “Maggie,” he hollered. “I’m a thief, Father, I’ve always been a thief. But, after smashed. It looks like you’ve had visitors.” Maggie came hurrying into his room, a worried expres- I took your goblet, I suddenly found my conscience taking The three men hurried round to the sacristy where Fr Sul- sion on her face over my head. I couldn’t sleep. How could I have sunk so livan’s anxious eyes went straight to where his treasured “Wha...wha..what’s wrong?”... expecting to see him low as to steal from the church?” He took up the chalice and, handing it to the thief, said.. the large bay window. And, on top, was his beloved Dr McKenzie laughed and left knowing the old priest fetch the visiting priest so that he could thank him. chalice was. It was gone. lying on the floor. “Are you a Catholic, son?” “You’ll get a good price for this in the pawn. Take it... biretta. was in good hands. “Ah canny find him anywhere,” she said hurrying in. “Anything missing, Father?” the young policeman asked. “Where’s my biretta?” he grumbled. “My mother will be turning in her grave if she knew it’s Easter and your mothers prayers have been answered. Fr Sullivan was well pleased. All right, he wouldn’t be Just then the phone rang. The bishop was all apologies. “Oh, er... just a chalice,” Fr Sullivan said sadly with a “Och, ye’ll no’ be wanting that,”she said, relief in her what I had done. God bless her, she was a daily Commu- You were dead and you are alive again.” able to show his prized chalice and tell the story of how aggie phoned the bishop in the mainland and put “I’m sorry Father. We have only one priest for every heavy heart. voice. “Naebody wears them nooadays. You’ve been nicant... never missed the morning Rosary. Me? I was an The young man protested but a smiling Fr Sullivan the Pope and presented it to him and how the lovable Pon- him in the picture. She told him the whole story church in the diocese these days, as you know, and, of “Well, we’ll get the lads to check for fingerprints,” Sean watchin’ Father Brown on television so ye have.” altar boy and she was proud of me.” guided him to the door. tiff had warmly shook his hand and blessed him for his of how the Pope had given the old priest a beauti- course, they had to see to their own parishioners. I, said. “I watch John Wayne and I don’t wear a cowboy hat,” “So, what happened?” Maggie passed him in the hall. lifetime of devotion to St Joseph’s. Mful chalice, how it was stolen and how Fr Sullivan had given myself, was committed. And this blustery, gale-force Father returned to his room and bed but sleep had gone. he snapped. “I got in with a bad crowd... my own fault. It broke my “Who wis that?” she said. The thought of celebrating Easter Sunday Mass filled it to the thief and how there would be no Easter Sunday weather is no help either. I am sending Fr Friel, from St Nothing else had been taken but there WAS nothing there Maggie hid a chuckle. mother’s heart and I’m sure she prayed for me. I’ve been “Dismas,” the priest said with a smile. him with joy. Mass for the parishioners of St Joseph’s. The bishop said Agatha’s, to you. I’m sure God won’t mind a belated that was so precious. “Oh, a’right, she said, humouring him. “I'll get it.” She and out of trouble all my life. But to steal from the “Did Ah see your lovely chalice in his hauns?” Maggie He slipped into bed that night a happy and contented he would send someone to say the Mass later and allow Easter Mass under the circumstances. Hope you are feel- His dream of showing the beautiful cup at Easter retrieved the clerical head gear from a bottom drawer and church? THAT really got to me. I was lying in bed and a said, furrowing her brows. old man. them to celebrate their Easter duties. ing better.” was gone. But nothing is impossible to God and he plonked it on his head. voice in my head told me to ask forgiveness. I AM sorry, “That you did,” Father said. It was a blustery, wet and chilly Easter morning as Word soon got round to island that Mass would be a lit- Father said he understood and replaced the phone. bombarded Heaven with prayer. But, the old priest “There ye are,” she said, stepping back and surveying Father. I have a good wife and two young children. I lost “The wan the Pope gave ye?” Maggie prepared breakfast. Her eyes went to the tle later and soon the Faithful were pouring into the He entered his bedroom. His vestments had been thought maybe God was busy. The police found no the beaming old priest. my job and we’re very poor and I can only love and “The very one.” kitchen's wall clock. It was after seven. Fr Sullivan was chapel. replaced on top of the linen basket. fingerprints, no clues. “How do I look, eh?” he said, turning this and that way. admire her how she manages. How she must worry and “Aw, how could ye! He’ll no’ be pleased, so he’ll no.'” usually at the dining table by that time in the morning From his bed, Father could hear the chatter of the folk Maggie came in. Maggie laughed fear a knock at the door in case she finds two policemen “Oh no,” Father said. “Our dear Pope, Francis, would “He’s slept in,” she muttered to herself as she hurried who entered the large oak doors and held back a tear. “Oh, I meant to put them away,” she said.. r Sullivan shook his head despairingly as he sat at the “Ye look like an auld priest.” standing there.” be the very first to approve." up the stairs to awaken him. “Aw my dear Jesus, how could you abandon me on this Maggie began to tidy up, she took up the vestments and kitchen table over a cup of tea the next morning. “My mother bought me this when I got ordained,” Fr A lump came on Fr Sullivan’s throat. “Wis that the thief that took it?” The old priest was lying on the floor, lifeless. wonderful day?” he prayed. grimaced “Maybe God doesn’t think I’m worthy of such a beau- Sullivan said, his chest swelling. “I wore it until it went “Dismas!” he thought. “He repented and gave it back.” “Oh NO!” Maggie cried, her hand coming to her The visiting replacement had arrived and told Father “Ooh! Look at my lovely vestments… they’re a’ tifulF gift,” he said. out of fashion.” His voice choked a little. “I’ll sort things out with the police and tell them it’s all “Whit’s his name... Dismas McGeachie?” she said face- mouth. The old man responded to Maggie’s panicky shak- that he had come in a hurry and asked if he could wear stained... whit are they awful marks?” Maggie slid into the opposite chair. “Well things have a habit of goin’ full circle,” Maggie been a misunderstanding,” the priest said. “You come tiously; ing. the old priest’s vestments. Father nodded and, as the And, taking up the biretta she let out a yelp, drawing “Ye mean our Father in Heaven thinks that thief’s mair said, “Maybe it'll come back intae fashion again.” down to St Joseph’s where Our loving Father will be wait- “Don’t be like that, Maggie. He’s a poor soul... a lost “For Heaven's sake, Maggie, are you trying to kill young, bearded priest, left the room to go through to the out her finger, she sucked it. worthy?" she said almost facetiously. “You COULD say it’s my Easter Bonnet,” the priest ing for your Confession.” soul! He’s out of work and has a young family.” me?!” he grumbled. chapel, Father called him back. “Something stung me,” she cried. “There’s a wee insect “Och, you know what I mean,” he responded. laughed. Sean Reilly thought he was mad but it was all sorted Maggie’s face softened. Dr McKenzie wasted to time in arriving after Maggie’s “Oh, you young ones!” he said. “You’re forgetting my in your auld hat.” “Have a word wi’ yer guardian angel,” Maggie piped “Ah hope that thief gets whit’s coming tae him,” Mag- out and the young man was allowed to go. Fr Sullivan “Aye, well... er.... that’s different,” she said. “Ye’re a frantic call. biretta." Father took it from her and he too pulled his hand away. up cheerily, “Ah talk tae mine a’ the time.” gie said with a grimace, suddenly remembering the theft clutched his chalice and went happily home. His first big softie, so ye are.” “Could be a slight stroke, or his high blood pressure “Oh, can’t have that,” the young man smiled and placed “Not an insect, Maggie... a thorn.” Fr Sullivan smiled. in the moment of levity. thankful task was to light a candle, drop to is knees and “I take it after you, Maggie,” Fr Sullivan said as he acting up,” he said, folding up his stethoscope. “Make it on his head. The priest took the vestments from her. His brows fur- “My guardian angel? Oh, he’s on strike, I think. Where “No, no, we should pray for him,” Fr Sullivan said, thank dear Dismas. He looked towards the main altar and laughed. him comfortable.” rowed. was he when the thief broke in?” adding: “I think I’ll have a word with St Dismas.” imagined his precious treasure atop the tabernacle. Yes, “Och, away wi’ ye.. . c’mon, Ah’ll make ye a cuppa He felt there was no immediate cause of concern. he happy parishioners spilled out of the church after “Whit ARE they marks Father? Ah made sure they “Maybe it was his day aff,” Maggie said with a cheeky “Who’s that?” Maggie asked, puzzled. his Easter dream was coming true. But a nagging thought tea.” Fr Sullivan made an attempt to get out of his bed but Mass... all agreeing that they had never felt so elated.. claeths were spotless.” smile. “Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of St Dismas?” came into his head... yes, very powerful thought. His They both laughed and headed towards the kitchen. was gently pushed back on the pillow. That young preacher's words filled their hearts to the “Bloodstains, Maggie,” he said. “They’re bloodstains.” They both laughed loudly. Maggie was delighted that Father relied mind went to that cell, that young man and his loving wife “Bu.. but... I’ve got Mass at ten,” he complained. fullestT “Whi.. whi... whit does it mean?” she stammered. she had ‘broke the ice’ and saw Fr Sullivan with the first “Is he a Catholic?” Maggie queried. and children. Yes! aturday passed quickly with Father hearing Easter “There’ll be no Mass for you this day,” Dr McKenzie “A wonderful sermon... such a holy man!” was the cry. “It means, Maggie, He did not abandon me. He aban- smile on his face since his unwelcome visitor. “Well he IS a saint," Father said. “Although I don’t Confessions. Before retiring that night he checked that said. “You must rest.” Then, turning to Maggie, he Maggie, too, sitting at the front, was in rapture at the dons nobody.” “Just as long as you’re there to serve Mass, Father, know if he was ever Canonised... but IS an HONORARY t was just about time for Easter Confessions and his first all was as it should be in the church. ordered, “You make sure he stays where he is.” wonderful words that came from the pulpit.... not to men- “Ye...don’t mean... that HE came intae this world for a that’s the main thing,” Maggie said. saint if we can put it that way." penitent was his young thief. After receiving absolution SHis vestments for Easter Sunday Mass had been well Father’s protestations went unheeded. tion how proud she was at the spotless, beautiful vest- few hoors... just tae help you?” And that WAS the main thing. So, who is he? the good Father asked him to wait in the church. cleaned... Maggie had seen to that... and neatly folded “He’ll stey there if Ah’ve tae nail him doon, doctor, ments the young priest was wearing. “He’s ALWAYS in this world, Maggie... “I’ve never missed an Easter Sunday Mass since I came “Dismas was the Good Thief on the cross beside Jesus IAfterwards he took the man into the sacristry. across the long, damask padded, linen basket underneath don’t you worry,” Maggie said. Fr Sullivan, now back on his feet, asked Maggie to “HE IS RISEN!!” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 STRONG IN FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014

A weekly BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS discussion chaired by strong in faith young Catholics ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

SAT APR 19 9PM Mass of the Easter Vigil, Holy Special significance of Sacraments at Easter Family & St Ninian’s, Kirkintilloch. SUN 12PM Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral. TUE 10.30AM P7 Mass in St ‘Each of us has his own personal Andrew’s Cathedral. 1PM Lunch with Flourish Support- history of salvation, and we must truly treasure this history, ers. THU 10.30AM P7 Mass in St Andrew’s Cathedral. keeping always in mind the great things He has also done in my life, so that we might trust: ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY His mercy is eternal. And if today Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh I am in the dark night, tomorrow He will free me, for His mercy is www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com eternal.’ – Pope Benedict XVI, General SAT APR 19 8PM Easter Vigil, St Mary’s Cathedral, Audience on Psalm 136 (135) Edinburgh. SUN 9.30AM Easter Sunday Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh. WED 7PM Confirmations for St By Aidan Michael Cook Paul’s, Glenrothes and St Mary’s, Leslie at St Paul’s, Glenrothes. THU 7PM Confirmations for St John the EASTER is a special celebration of Baptist, Fauldhouse. FRI 2PM Probationer Teachers’ God’s saving power acting in human Mass, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. SAT 10AM Pro-life history. The readings of the Vigil Rosary at the Sacred Heart, Lauriston, Edinburgh. recount the Salvation History of God’s covenants with the Jewish people, and the great Paschal mystery is of course that of the new and everlasting BISHOP GILBERT covenant: Christ’s death, resurrection Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com and ascension. Easter is the story of our God who ‘so loved the world that he SUN APR 20 11:15AM Mass St Mary’s Cathedral. gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but SAT 11AM Youth Day in St Mary’s, Blairs. have eternal life’ (John 3:16). But Easter also provides the perfect occa- BISHOP TOAL sion to look back on our own personal his- tory of salvation and see the power of God’s Argyll and the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk grace at work in our own lives. For many of us, especially those baptised or received into SAT APR 19 9PM Easter Vigil in St Columba’s Cathe- full communion at the Vigil, Easter will dral, Oban. SUN 10:30AM Easter Sunday Mass St always be linked in a special way to Com- Columba’s Cathedral, Oban. munion with Christ and His Church. For all of us, the Baptismal themes of the Easter Vigil should call to mind our own BISHOP ROBSON Baptism and its life-changing effect: Dunkeld, www.rcdod.org.uk Through it we were freed from sin and infused with grace, our soul was indelibly SAT APR 19 10AM Office of Readings for Holy Satur- marked and we were made a member of Christ. As St Augustine said, ‘Let us rejoice day, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee. 8:30PM Solemn and give thanks, for we have become not Vigil Mass of the Resurrection. SUN 11AM Solemn only Christians, but Christ Himself.’ Celebration of Easter, the Resurrection of the Lord, St The Easter Duties of Confession and Holy Communion ensure that our personal history Andrew’s Cathedral Dundee. THU 11AM Easter is linked with our common history, the work Thursday Confirmations, Our Lady of Sorrows, of God in our own lives with the work of Dundee. SAT 10:30AM Easter Saturday Confirma- God in the world. Although more frequent reception of the Sacraments is recommended tions, St Bride’s Monifieth. (to say the least!) receiving them once a year does at least ensure that we don’t lose sight of God’s work in our own lives. BISHOP CUNNINGHAM For me, the annual celebration of Easter has Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk become a moment to reflect on the great won- ders God has worked in my life. Every year, I look back in amazement at the road I have travelled and see His grace at work in so many ways that passed me by at the time. In our day to day life, it is all to easy to see only the struggles, but looking back allows us to FIND AND LIKE THE see God at work, to see the good among the bad, and the good that came from the bad. SCOTTISH CATHOLIC If we look back and see God at work even among the hard times we have lived through, OBSERVER PAGE ON it helps us to trust in Him when hard times return: to trust, as Pope Benedict says, that FACEBOOK ‘if today I am in the dark night, tomorrow He will free me.’ He is always there for us: waiting with love Pope Francis washed the feet of a prison inmate Holy Week should also have given us and patience for us to respond to His call. during the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Rome’s Casal del Marmo prison for minors last occasion to consider the ways in which we So let’s look back at the wonders that God year (above).Yesterday, the Holy Father washed the have betrayed Christ: welcoming Him with has worked in our lives and at the obstacles feet of the elderly and disabled Hosannas one day and calling out ‘crucify we have placed in His way, so that we might him!’ the next; denying Him out of fear like better cooperate with Him and let His grace Peter; selling Him for our own gain like abound ever more in our lives. Let’s treasure once more from the fount of God’s grace and FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH Judas. But let us respond like Peter not our own personal salvation history and mercy. May we all head out once more rein- CATHOLIC OBSERVER AT Judas: with shame and remorse, but also celebrate the glory of God’s grace and the vigorated and sure of God’s loving help, with a purpose of amendment and trust in the great things He has done for each one of us. strong in faith, and strong in the knowledge SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. Lord, that is to say, with hope. And each one of us not just as one of billions that He is with us always, ‘for His mercy is Be first to find out the On Holy Thursday we commemorated the of humans, but as an individual: a beloved eternal.’ latest news institution of two of the Sacraments through child. which Christ ensures that He will be with us After another year struggling on the front- I Have your say on this and upcoming throughout our lives: His priesthood, and the lines, the great celebration of Easter revives topics at http://www.facebook. Blessed Sacrament of His Body and Blood. our Faith: Our soul is refreshed as we drink com/scostronginfaith WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY APRIL 20 THURSDAY APRIL 24 9AM 1PM LIVE SOLEMN MASS OF EASTER DAILY MASS SUNDAY 2PM 11AM TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF LIVE URBI ET ORBI: MESSAGE POPE JOHN XXIII AND BLESSING 8PM 1PM EWTN LIVE LIVE SOLEMN MASS OF EASTER 9PM SUNDAY—EWTN THE VISION OF POPE JOHN 10PM PAUL II VATICANO FRIDAY APRIL 25 MONDAY APRIL 21 1PM 1PM DAILY MASS DAILY MASS 2PM 2PM TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF POPE JOHN XXIII POPE JOHN XXIII 8PM 9PM THE PAPACY: A LIVING HISTORY THE VISION OF POPE JOHN 9PM PAUL II THE WORLD OVER LIVE FROM TUESDAY APRIL 22 ROME 1PM 10PM DAILY MASS THE VISION OF POPE JOHN 2PM TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF PAUL II POPE JOHN XXIII 10.30PM 9PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH THE VISION OF POPE JOHN COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL PAUL II SATURDAY APRIL 26 9.30PM 1PM JOHN PAUL THE GREAT: A POPE DAILY MASS We cannot fail to see the 2PM WHO MADE HISTORY WEDNESDAY APRIL 23 TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF 1PM POPE JOHN XXIII DAILY MASS 4PM 2PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH courage of Jesus this week TRUE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL POPE JOHN XXIII 7PM 9PM NINE DAYS THAT CHANGED Redemptorist FR JAMES CRAMPSEY examines justice, compassion, THE VISION OF POPE JOHN THE WORLD PAUL II 10.30PM wisdom and integrity; the late Fr Frans van der Lugt and Holy Week 10.30PM NIGHTLY WITH COLLEEN POPE JOHN XXIII: THE SAINT CARROLL CAMPBELL

N THE Lauriston Jesuit Centre we have just completed an interesting, A SPIRITUAL challenging and stimulating series of four lectures on the values which are REFLECTION LAY READERS’ GUIDE inscribed on the Mace in the Scottish Parliament (right). These same values are also at the heart of the Curriculum for Excel- Ilence being adopted by schools in Scotland. What are these values? Are they values I SUNDAY APRIL 20 respond to? The values are justice, compas- Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Response: This day sion, wisdom and integrity. These are big was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are words which take a lot of unravelling. But I glad. Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians imagine that most of us would see them as desirable for ourselves and for our members 5:6b-8. John 20:1-9 of parliament. been dragged out of his house and killed in their difficulties.” Fr Frans takes God’s word The silversmith whose design was chosen Syria. Anyone who has been attending to the of the covenant, ‘I will be with you’ and MONDAY for the mace is from the south west of Scot- news has heard of the horrors of living in embodies it in his own staying with the people Acts 2:14, 22-23. Response: Preserve land and is called Michael Lloyd. If you go Homs. I knew we had Jesuits in Syria, and of Homs. to the debating chamber in the Scottish Par- there were concerns about some of them. But The Vatican spokesman, his brother Jesuit, me, Lord, I take refuge in you. Matthew liament, you will see the elegance of his win- I didn’t know we had anyone in Homs, nor had Federico Lombardi said Fr Frans died as a man 28:8-15 ning design. It is a lovely piece of work with I ever heard of this man whose name is Frans of peace, who with great courage in an none of the brutal characteristics of tradi- van der Lugt (below). As his name suggests, extremely dangerous and difficult situation, tional maces. I actually think it has all the he came from Holland, he was a psychothera- wanted to remain faithful to the Syrian people TUESDAY features of a musical instrument. It has to be pist and had been a missionary in Syria for to whom he had dedicated so many years of his Acts 2:36-41. Response: The Lord fills the played to bring out the melody of its values nearly 50 years. life and spiritual service. “In this time of great earth with His love. John 20:11-18. and to proclaim the relationship it represents. Last February, Fr Frans said sorrow, we express great pride and gratitude The mace is constructed of Scottish silver that he considered Syria to for having a brother so close to the most suf- with an inlaid band of gold panned from be his home and refused fering.” WEDNESDAY Scottish rivers. The gold band is intended to to leave the embattled Acts 3:1-10. Response: Let the hearts symbolise the marriage of the Parliament, city of Homs as 1400 n Holy Week, we are brought up close to that seek the Lord rejoice. Luke 24:13-35. the land, and the people. This is the lan- residents were evac- see the Jesus whose wisdom, justice, guage of covenant, of ‘being with.’ uated during a UN compassion and integrity we have THURSDAY But one of the speakers revealed that operation. “The Syr- Iadmired. What we cannot now fail to see is Acts 3:11-26 Response: How great is you Michael Lloyd regrets that there was not ian people have given His courage as he enters Jerusalem, goes to room for a fifth word, a fifth value. I me so much, so much the garden of Gethsemane (top), faces the name, O Lord our God, through all the was talking about unravelling these kindness, inspira- blackness of His immediate future as He earth. Luke 24:35-48. complex words, but Michael tion and prays to the Father. Throughout the trials and was looking for a word that e v e r y - the torture, and the degradation of the state would knit the other four thing they execution, His courage shines through. He FRIDAY together and make them have. If the remembers the word spoken often in the Acts 4:1-12, Response: The stone which work. The word he Syrian peo- Bible: “Do not be afraid.” It is a phrase He the builders rejected has become the would have liked to ple are suf- has used Himself to other people, and now include was courage. f e r i n g at the time of His own fear, He hears that corner stone. John 21:1-14. now, I word spoken to Him by the Father and trusts met courage this want to in it. The abiding word of God’s covenant is SATURDAY week. On Monday s h a r e ‘I will be with you.’ The life, death and res- Acts 4:13-21 Response: I will thank you, morning word t h e i r urrection of Jesus Christ is for us the clearest Lord, for you have given answer. Mark Ibegan to filter through p a i n sign of God’s desire to be with His people: that a Jesuit priest had a n d Emmanuel. 16:9-15. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 Where’s the luck of the Irish when I need it? Sometimes good, and bad things, run in threes. When it comes to cars, THAT’S LIFE discovers bad wins this week

dle-aged woman who got caught when she was cations and aspirations to Our running late for the dentist, but seeing them there Lady, mirror, signal, manoeuvre put the wind up me, alright. Since I was planning was my new mantra. Confi- to let Himself have his dinner before breaking dently sporting my ‘too cool for news of my misdemeanour, I was keen for him school’ look I had no worries as By Mary not to see his other half on screen as he surfed a police car pulled up alongside the channels in his nightly scan of the headlines me at the lights. Come on McGinty while waiting for his supper. ahead, I smirked. And they did. So, having what my mother would refer to as I valiantly attempted an air T HAS not been my best week on record. ‘an Irishman’s fear of the police’ I was on red- of innocence and astonishment First I got done for a fine and three points alert for the boys in blue. It had been a bit of a when the officer pulled me (it was a fair cop, m’lord). 37 miles an warning so with renewed attentiveness I was over and enquired, ever so hour in a 30 mph zone is not on so I am again wearing my treasured Tufty club badge for politely, if I had an up-to-date taking my medicine without complaint. My road safety with pride. MOT. The bubble of my law-abiding credentials have never been in ques- And then I got done for my MOT being nine and bravado burst when he told tion and, taking them as seriously as I do, I a half hours out of date. Suitably chastened after me my tax had expired at slinkedI into the sheriff court the same day to do my recent episode and a paragon of perfect driving midnight. the necessary, managing to successfully dodge I had nothing to worry about. My tyre pressures Thankfully there were no the TV cameras on my way out. were spot-on and a dodgy brake light had been points but by now I was suffi- OK, they were frying bigger fish than a mid- replaced. Where I would normally say little invo- ciently familiar with the pink chit to know I was not going to get off scot-free. Himself can see to this one. Gordius No 139 In my book, emptying bins, CROSSWORD cleaning dog poop off children’s shoes and any- impressed. Her look and demeanour gave thing remotely related to cars are jobs for a man. nothing away but the air was heavy with Sitting in the back of the police car (nice bit of disdain, Even Himself said I was a disgrace to 123 4 5 6 7 tin, by the way) I didn’t burden the officer about the sisterhood. the bins not getting emptied that morning but I Again my mother’s words were ringing in my did lay the blame for the expired MOT fairly and ears. Was it ‘bad things’ or ‘good things’ that 89 squarely where it belonged. The policeman in the come in threes? front passenger seat was content to wait while I Anyway, I could sense a triple-whammy in the made the call to tower. offing. And so it came to pass. Clearly he and his missus work the same sys- One of my chicks (no names, no pack-drill) 10 11 12 First entry out the hat next tem and he seemed to think it reasonable enough reversed into her car into mine in the driveway. 13 14 TUESDAY will be the winner that a woman should seek the assistance of her The phrase it could happen to anyone came to husband on motoring matters. His female col- mind. league in the driving seat was decidedly less Lately it always seems to happen to me. Send your completed 15 16 17 crossword entries—along with 18 your full name address and daytime phone number—to 19 20 SUDOKU CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 21 22 23 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 6 1 4 8 24 25 The winner’s name will be printed next week 5 8 2 6 345 8 7 1 9 5 7 1 3 9 2 6 8 4 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 5 2 9 3 4 8 9 7 6 152 3 8 5 7 1 493 2 6 ACROSS LAST WEEK’S 9 2 4 6 5 317 8 1 T’s? Frequently (3) 8 6 5 3 1 SOLUTION 1 3 26 7 8 94 5 3 What the gardener uses may make Grace want in (8-3) 8 Fishes commercially with nets (6) ACROSS 7 6 9 5 3 1 59862 4 7 9 One can’t make it more obvious than this! (8) 1 Cad 3 Church mouse 7 9 2 4 53 8 6 1 10 Precious stone (5) 8 Sussex 9 Possibly 614 8 9 7 5 3 2 11 The young pigeon has a Basque endlessly confused (5) 10 Allot 11 Chaff 9 3 2 6 7 13 What's to the fore is right in the baptismal bowl (5) 13 Lit up 15 Predict FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 15 Particulars of what the farmer's wife does to blind 16 Village 20 Mauve 2 589 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN mice? (7) 21 Scrub 23 Wring AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 16 Bloom as air fees change (7) 24 Pot black 25 Septet 7 2 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 20 Early rounds in a competition (5) 26 Neck and neck WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 21 Thin oatmeal (5) 27 Car IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 23 Animal-types often accompanying Flora (5) 4 712 IS THE APR 11 SIMPLE SOLUTION 24 'See you later', in France?... (2,6) DOWN 25 ...oddly, no! (6) 1 Custard pies 26 Arrest Ravel for confusing a helper at mass (5,6) 2 Disclose 3 Cleft MODERATE 27 Scrape out a living (3) 4 Riposte 5 Music 6 Upbeat 7 Ely 179 DOWN 12 Firefighter 13 Locum 8 2 534 1 6 9 7 1 How remarkable that it's not inside, sitting! (11) 14 Poise 17 Artistic 58 3 3 4 6 798 1 2 5 2 You certainly won't hear a word of complaint from this 18 Pumpkin 19 Critic 22 Balsa 23 Wreck 7 9 21 6 5 3 4 8 Cistercian! (8) 24 Pin 3 8 6 1 9 42538 7 3 Popular ballroom dance (5) 473 128 5 96 4 The ‘blue’ half of Merseyside will always carry weight (7) 5 The younger Crane brother in the sitcom 'Frasier' (5) Last week’s winner was: 258 2 5 8 6794 3 1 6 Desert plant (6) Mary Tochel, Uddingston 9 648 1 725 3 7 Word with negative meaning (3) 7 159 1 3 7 5 2698 4 12 Subject a motorist to a test for alcohol (11) 5 8 92 3 4 7 1 6 13 Squalor (5) 9 3 2 14 Car parts that may benefit from inflation (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 17 It is read or sung before the gospel at Easter (8) Scotland’s only national 1 7 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 18 One providing food and drink - from the terrace (7) Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 19 Tower (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 Paramour of a headless lapwing! (5) Registered at the Post Office 4 6 3 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Illness characterised by high temperature (5) 24 Solid fuel cooker found finally in Malaga (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 9 8 1 THE APR 11 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES FUNERALDIRECTORY

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RELIGIOUS DEATH BRADLEY (MARY) BUCHANAN DALY In loving memory of my wife, 3rd Anniversary 5th Anniversary Mary, died April 17, 2001. In loving memory of William Remembering with much VERY REV. MICHAEL J. May the winds of Heaven Gerard, dearly loved hus- love, my beloved husband, CANON CASSIDY blow gently, band, father, son and Michael, adored dad, Died very peacefully on April And whisper for you to hear, brother, who died suddenly grandad and brother, who 8, 2014, in Corstorphine That I still love and miss on April 23, 2011. died April 19, 2009. Hospital, Edinburgh. Much you, Sadly missed. Softly in the morning, loved brother, uncle and And wish you were here, May he rest in peace. You heard a gentle call, highly respected retired Every day I think of you, Our Lady keep him. You took the hand God Parish Priest of St Margaret I miss you more and more, Inserted by his wife Ann and offered you, Mary’s, Granton. Canon Just wish you would come family. And quietly left us all. Cassidy was in his 60th year DOLAN walking, Strathaird, Connel. The day you left us, In loving memory of Terence of the priesthood and served Through the door. Our hearts broke in two, in the City of Edinburgh and Dolan, killed in action in St Philomena, pray for her. The smallest part is still with Burma in the Arakan on the Lothians for over fifty years. Your ever loving husband, us, Requiem Mass was held on Mayu River, April 25, 1943 John. And the biggest part with (Easter Sunday), and also in Saturday, April 12 at 12 you. noon. Canon will be buried memory of his parents, BRADLEY (MARY) For the rest of our lives we in Co. Mayo, Ireland on James and Catherine Dolan. In memory of a loving mum will miss you. Also remembering Terence’s Monday, April 14. No flowers and a wonderful nana. Our secret tears still flow, please. brother, John Dolan, who It’s been thirteen years since Oh how we really loved you. died March 12, 2007. May he rest in peace. you were here, No one will ever know. McSHANE Then I saw the wild geese Our Lady of Knock, pray for But we know you will always We miss your smile, your him. Remembering with love at flying, Easter, our loving parents, be near, joking ways, In fair formation to their grandparents and great- Our loss is Heaven’s gain. CAMPBELL We miss the things you bases in Inchicore, Love from John, Karen, used to say, DEATH grandparents, John and To the dear and loving mem- And I knew that these wings Sean, David and Hayleigh. And when old times we do Mary McShane and our ory of our beloved brother, would outwear the wings of recall, beloved sister Rosemary and uncle, Angus (“Noo”), war, It’s when we miss you most STARK MacIntyre. BRADLEY who died April 18, 2006. And a man’s simple 13th Anniversary of all. At home, after a long illness, We hold you close within our R.I.P. thoughts outlive the day’s In loving memory of my dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray on April 1, 2014, Patricia hearts, “Sadly missed in every way, loud lying. mum, Mary Bradley, who for him. Stark, beloved wife of And there you will remain, Quietly remembered every Don’t fear, don’t fear, I said died April, 17, 2001. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Gerald Stark, sister to Nora To walk with us throughout day.” to my soul, Everything I ever learned for him. Kane and mum, gran, great- our lives, Fois shiorraidh thoir dha, a The Bedlam of Time is an All came from one source, St Joseph, pray for him. gran and mum-in-law. Until we meet again. Thighearna. empty bucket rattled, Who was that teacher? Eternal rest, grant unto her, Their loving family. Inserted by his loving sis- ‘Tis you who will say in the You, my mum of course, And may she rest in peace. ters, Catriona and Katie DODDS end who best battles. Watching me through child- 33rd Anniversary Mary, and our families, at Only they who fly home to hood, In loving memory of our RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM home, Benbecula and away. God have flown at all. Teaching me right from dear father, James Dodds, Mary, 1 County Avenue. DIAMOND WEDDING REMEMBRANCE wrong, died April 22, 1981, and our BEVERIDGE Filling me with happiness, dear mother, Mary Dodds, 15th Anniversary of Sister Making me belong. died September 10, 1990. QUINN Marie Julie, S.N.D., died If I had one wish, Also our dear brother, Andrew, on what would April 19, 1999, in Nigeria. And never another, James Dodds, who died have been our Diamond Also remembering Margaret I’d spend one hour, April 3, 2010. Wedding Anniversary on O’Neill (Beveridge), who With you my mother. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray April 24, who died on May died November 6, 2011 and You can’t come back, for them. 28, 2013. Frances Ann O’Neill, who I know that’s true, St John Ogilvie, pray for Loved and remembered died March 3, 2014. But some day, mum, them. every day by Margaret and Much loved and greatly I’ll come to you. Inserted by the family, Sally, all the family. missed by all family and Night night, God bless. William and Joseph. CRABBE friends. St Philomena, pray for her. Sacred to the hallowed DOUGHERTY EASTER REMEMBRANCE Love and miss you mum. DOHERTY Loving daughter Katrina and memory of the beautifully 10th Anniversary Remembering with love a RUSSELL dear mother, gran and 1st Anniversary Gus. In loving memory of my spirit-filled life of grace of great-gran, Bridget, who Remembering Fr George Nana, our guardian angel. beloved mother and grand- McDAID Mary Gerard, a loving wife died on April 21, 1998. Russell, retired Parish Priest Love Mary and Sofia. mother, Jean, who died April In loving memory of our My lips cannot speak how I of St Charles Borromeo, and mother, who went home 12, 2002. dear parents, Jimmy, who loved her, Aigburth, Liverpool, who BRADLEY to the arms of Jesus on April May the winds of heaven died in June 1990, and Kitty, “In my Father’s house there My heart cannot tell what to died on April 18, 2013. 21, 1999, aged 53 years, blow gently, are many mansions, I go say, died in March 1998, who Our Lady of Lourdes, pray And whisper for you to hear, before you to prepare a and whose birthday occurs But God only knows how I were married on Easter for him. That we will always love and place for you.” on April 29. miss her, Monday, 1947, in Buncrana, Inserted by his friends from miss you, On April 17, 2001, my lovely In my life that is lonely Calderbank, Airdrie. Le temps passe mais le And wish so much you were Co. Donegal. sister Mary’s place was today. souvenir reste, here, Deep in our hearts you will ready. Every day we think of you, In the shelter of Thy Sacred always stay. He returned for her and Fixe ton coeur dans le We miss you more and Heart, MEMORIAM enfolded her in His loving Coeur de Jésus. more, Dear Jesus, may she rest. arms. NOLAN Inserted by her family. Just wishing we could see St Roch, pray for her. He led her into Paradise. Loving daughter Kathleen. Treasured memories of BOYD Joann, John. you, Time may pass and fade Brian, a loving son and 3rd Anniversary of our dear Come walking through the DALRYMPLE door, away, uncle and grand-uncle, brother of Clare, died AUNT MARY 16th Anniversary But silent thoughts and Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Loved and remembered August 1, 1989. Ronnie, who died on April memories stay. mercy on her soul. Please pray for the repose every day. And his dad, Dominic, a 15, 2011. McAuleys, Mulhollands, of the soul of our dear mum, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Immaculate Heart of Mary, devoted husband and dad, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, for her. pray for her. Blantyre. Nancy, who died on April 24, died July 12, 2001. please pray for him. From your loving daughter St. Joseph, pray for her. 1998. In the shelter of Thy Sacred From Mary Catherine and BRADLEY Jennifer. Loving son-in-law Ian. Sincere and true in heart Heart, Angus. Mary, may the Lord Bless Loved and remembered by Ours is just a simple prayer, thee and keep thee, may God bless you granny and and mind, Dear Jesus, may they rest. Missing you always, forget- all of us. His face shine upon thee. keep you in His care. A beautiful memory she left Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray ting you never. May you rest in peace. Missed every single day. behind. for them. From Michael Brendan and Amen. pray for her. Your loving grandchildren Her loving grandchildren Mum, Clare and Richard. Seumas. Gus McMillan and family. Inserted by the family. Aidan and Jamie. and great-grandchildren. FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

FLYNN SHIELS 32nd Anniversary William Edward, died sud- In loving memory of my denly, April 20, 1992. beloved husband, our dear Loved and missed always. father and grandfather, Aunties, uncles and cousins. Samuel, died April 18, 1982. Sadly missed in every way, SLOWEY Quietly remembered every Fifth Anniversary of John, day. who died on April 22, 2009. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Masses and prayers are all for him. we can give, Inserted by his loving wife McBRIDE, Kenneth Francis McCALLUM McLERNON MARTIN Those you shall have as and family. 29th Anniversary 3rd Anniversary 5th Anniversary 4th Anniversary long as we live. In treasured memory of our Treasured memories of In loving memory of my dear Cherished memories of Our Lady of Lourdes, pray FOX beloved only son, Kenneth Brian, who died on April 19, husband, Edward, died April Sadie, precious mum, mum- for him. 32nd Anniversary Francis, whose bright and 2011, beloved son of the 19, 2009. in-law and gran, who died From Eileen and Maureen. In memory of John Fox, died shining life of 17 years was late Winnie and Sam, Fold him O Jesus in Thine on April 20, 2010. Also Alex, April 19, 1982. taken from him, along with brother of Angela, brother- arms and let him henceforth died November 11, 1991, WILLIAMSON Beloved husband, father, that of his dear friend in-law of Ray and uncle of be, Marie, died January 20, In loving memory of Mar- grandfather and great- Nicola, on April 20, 1985 in Victoria and Claudia. A messenger of love 2006 and Peter, died April 7, garet, died April 23, 1998, grandfather. Hong Kong. Memories are treasures to between our human hearts 2006. much loved aunt of the fam- Sadly missed. Masses May the Angels lead him store in our hearts, and Thee. If heaven had a number I’d ily. R.I.P. offered. into Paradise, Being there forever when a Inserted by his loving wife call you on the phone, Quietly today your memory Inserted by wife May, sons, And may God grant him loved one departs. Julia and family. To say I miss you Mum and we treasure. daughters, daughter-in-law, eternal joy. Heaven has the best Mum, want you to come home, sons-in-law, grandchildren “Pray for me as I will for Dad and Brian. McRURY-BARTLETT They say that hearts don’t and great-grandchildren. thee, that we may merrily Together again. In loving memory of Roy really break, THANKSGIVING Linwood, Johnstone, Bish- meet in Heaven”– St Sadly missed. Mac, whose anniversary Dear God, that isn’t true, opton and Australia. Thomas More. St Anthony, pray for them. occurs on April 20. For the day you took my thanks to the Inserted by his loving par- xxx Also his mother, Murdina, Mum, GRATEFUL Blessed Virgin Mary, St GARDNER ents, Hugh and Maggie Dad and grandad. who died August 1, 2000, It broke my heart in two. Martha and St Anthony. Still In loving memory of James McBride and his loving fam- Every day we think of you. and his father, Roy, who Find the softest pillow Lord, praying. – I.R. (Jimmy) who died on April ily in Scotland, England and Miss and love you dearly. died March 5, 2014. To rest her head upon, 14, 2000. U.S.A. Shauna, Alana and Kiera. Forever in our thoughts. Place a kiss on her cheek, DEAR HEART OF JESUS Always remembered. xxx Our Lady of the Isles, pray She’ll know who it is from. Your loving family. Dear Heart of Jesus in the McBRIEN for them. St Theresa, Sacred Heart of past I have asked you for In loving memory of my dear MacKINNON May they rest in peace. Jesus, pray for them. GIBNEY brother Neil, who died April 25th Anniversary Inserted by Alexis, Angelo many favours, this time I ask In loving memory of our you for this special one 20, 2007, also remembering In loving memory of our McSHANE – MacKINNON and Daniel. dear mother, Veronica (née (mention favour), take it loved ones gone before. dear mother, Mary Flora, A much missed mother and Williamson), much loved Dear Heart of Jesus, and R.I.P. who died on April 21, 1989, nana, Kate Anne, died April MORRISON wife of the late Neil, dear place it within Your broken Close to my heart you will also our dear father, John, 17, 1993, her son, John, In loving memory of our mother, gran and great- heart where your Father always stay, died January 14, 1998. August 3, 1988, Auntie dear father, Roderick, who gran, died April 17, 2007. sees it, then in his merciful Loved and remembered Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Chrissie Peggy, April 5, died April 20, 1975, also our So dearly loved. eyes it will become Your every day. pray for them. 1979, Uncle Michael Bhan, dear mother, Joan, who died So sadly missed. favour, not mine. Amen. Say Our Lady of the Isles, pray Inserted by the family. July 18, 1983, and all loved January 14, 1986. R.I.P. R.I.P. for them. for three days, publication ones gone before. Wonderful parents you both promised. – L.McK. Inserted by his sister Agnes. McNULTY St Barr, pray for them. were, GILLIGAN 22nd Anniversary We treasure the memories Fond of your home and Please pray for the repose In loving memory of Michael BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, McBRIEN we have of you. always there, of the soul of Len Gilligan, In loving memory of our Robert, who was tragically you who can find a way, Charlotte, Michael, Roddy A heart of gold you both when there is no way, who died April 24, 1998. uncle and grand-uncle, Neil, killed on April 16, 1992, On whose soul, sweet and Kirsty Anne. had, please help us. Repeat six who died April 20, 2007. aged 24 years, dearly loved Jesus, have mercy. son of Monica and the late No finer parents this world times. Publication promised. R.I.P. John, beloved brother of could hold. – H.S. Close to our hearts your JOHNSTON,William Monica and twin of the late Our Lady of the Isles, pray memory is kept, 15th Anniversary Kevin, loved and loving for them. DEAR HEART OF JESUS In loving memory of Willie, a To treasure forever and boyfriend of Patricia, grand- Inserted by their loving fam- Dear Heart of Jesus in the much loved husband, father never forget. son of the late Bert and ily, Kilphedar. past I have asked you for and grandfather, who died Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Mona Dawson and the late many favours, this time I ask on April 24, 1999. for him. John and Molly McNulty. you for this special one Always in our thoughts and Inserted by Margaret, St Bernadette, pray for him. (mention favour), take it prayers. Padraig, Angela and Neil Mum and Monica. Dear Heart of Jesus, and St Thérèsa of the Child James. place it within Your broken Jesus, pray for him. McNULTY heart where your Father Sadly missed by your loving McEWAN Fond and happy memories MAGEE sees it, then in his merciful wife and family. 10th Anniversary of Michael Robert, much In loving memory of Patrick eyes it will become Your In loving memory of our loved nephew of Rosemary Magee, a dear husband, favour, not mine. Amen. Say KIRK (Thomas) dear mum and nana, Ellen, and the late John and dad, father-in-law and papa, for three days, publication 9th Anniversary who died April 21, 2004. cousin of Caroline, Christo- who died April 19, 2007. promised. – G.H. R.I.P. For those who think of Tom pher and Anne-Marie, who Softly in the afternoon you Gentle woman, quiet light, today, died so suddenly on April THANKS to Our Lady of Morning star so strong and heard a gentle call, PHILLIPS A tender prayer to Jesus 16, 1992. Lourdes, St Martha, St Anne bright, You took the hand God 3rd Anniversary say. and St Pio for all prayers Gentle mother, peaceful Remembering also all other offered you and quietly left Treasured memories of Inserted by his loving answered. Still praying. - dove, deceased numbers of the us all, Mary Kate (McKay), darling nieces, Julie and Angela. M.M. Teach us wisdom, teach us McNulty and Carr families. To know we never said wife of Ronnie, a loving love. Aunt Rosemary and family. goodbye will always bring mum and adored granny, a LONG GRATEFUL thanks to Dear Our Lady of Lourdes and St regret, dear sister, sister-in-law and 40th Anniversary Anthony, pray for her. Heart of Jesus and all saints McNULTY But the hearts that truly aunt, who died in Australia In memory of our loving From all your loving family. Please pray for our dear to whom I pray for favours loved you, are the hearts mother, Mrs. Margaret Long, Nana, just pretend we are nephew and cousin, on April 19, 2011. R.I.P. received. - P.L. died April 19, 1974. there with you, fluffing your Michael, who died on April that won’t forget. Forever loved, sorely O Mary, conceived without pillow and giving you a great 16, 1992. Always in our thoughts. missed. THANKS to the Blessed Vir- sin, pray for us who have big hug. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Rest in peace. Your loving family in Aus- gin for prayers answered. recourse to Thee. From all your loving grand- for him. Your loving wife Elizabeth tralia, Skipton, Fort William, Still praying. - J.McN and G. Inserted by the family. children. Uncle Jimmy and Gilly. and all the family. Benbecula and South Uist. McN. Exclusive to The Bradford Exchange Impressions Range

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Postcode ______Telephone ______© The Bradford Exchange. *Offer applies UK only and is subject to availability. S&H (Service and Handling). Full Terms and Conditions are available on request. The Bradford Exchange Ltd., 1 Castle Yard, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6TF. Our guarantee is in addition to your Statutory Rights, which Email Address ______include a right to cancel your order for any non-personalised item under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations. 01-10132-001

Please note, we may contact you via email with information about your reservation and other relevant offers Fastest way to order Call our 24hr hotline From time to time The Bradford Exchange Ltd. may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you do not www.bradford.co.uk 0333 003 0019 wish to receive such offers, please tick box In the search box, please enter ALWAYS PENDANT Order Ref:P305352 Quote reference code P305352 FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S PAGE 21

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith

hear your voice sending me out to do your decay or be ruined or disappear. work. In your name we pray. Amen. The Word of the Lord CHILDREN’S Activity Alleluia G Dr aw a map. John 20:29. CROSSWORD 27 G Begin by drawing your house on the far left (R) Alleluia, alleluia. side of the paper. Make a road going to You believe in me, Thomas, because you have several different places. Think about places seen me; happy those who have not seen me, 1 2 3 4 5 that Jesus could send you like a retirement but still believe! home where you could keep a lonely elderly (R) Alleluia, alleluia.

person company, or a friend’s house where 6 7 your kindness is needed, or to school where Gospel your leadership is needed to show what is After eight days Jesus came in and stood among them. A right or to a park to pick up rubbish that harms reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 20:19-29. the animals and the earth. The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders, 8 9 10 G Al so draw some places where Jesus would and on the evening of that same Sunday they not want you to go like the playground where locked themselves in a room. Suddenly, Jesus 11 a group of children are saying unkind things appeared in the middle of the group. He greeted about someone, or a shop where you take them and showed them His hands and His side. 12 something without paying for it or to a park When the disciples saw the Lord, they became when you told your mum you were going very happy. 13

Second Sunday of Easter to school. After Jesus had greeted them again, He said: “I 14 G Ma ke road signs from Jesus that tell you am sending you, just as the Father has sent me.” which way you should and shouldn’t go. Then He breathed on them and said: “Receive Reflection Highlight the path that you choose to take. the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, I CAN understand how Thomas felt in they will be forgiven. But if you don’t forgive 15 16 today’s Gospel. Try to imagine that you are First Reading their sins, they will not be forgiven.” Thomas. One of your best friends has been All those who believed were equal and held everything Although Thomas the Twin was one of the 12 arrested, hurt and killed because He in common. A reading from the Acts of the Apostles disciples, he was not with the others when Jesus ACROSS wanted everyone to love each other and 2:42-47. appeared to them. So they told him: “We have 1 Word used by magicians (11) treat each other fairly. You are so sad and The followers of Jesus spent their time learning seen the Lord!” 6 In pieces (6) so hurt. You are also afraid that you might from the Apostles, and they were like family to But Thomas said: “First, I must see the nail 7 Gather a harvest (4) also be arrested for being a friend of each other. They also broke bread and prayed scars in His hands and touch them with my 8 You put a letter in this before posting (8) together. Everyone was amazed at the many mir- Jesus so you are hiding in a tiny house with finger. I must put my hand where the spear went 11 The fist man in the Bible (4) your friends trying to figure out what to acles and wonders that the Apostles worked. into His side. I won’t believe unless I do this!” 12 Use it to put air in your tyres (4) do next. All the Lord’s followers often met together, A week later the disciples were together One day you go out for a while. When and they shared everything they had. They would again. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus 13 A cloak like one worn by Batman or you return your friends say that Jesus sell their property and possessions and give the came in while the doors were still locked and Superman (4) suddenly appeared but has left. What money to whoever needed it. Day after day they stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his 14 Put it on if you go out when it’s wet (8) would you think? Would you believe them? met together in the temple. They broke bread disciples and said to Thomas: “Put your finger 15 Suffer from having no food (6) You might think that it was only someone together in different homes and shared their food here and look at my hands! Put you hand into 16 Unhappy (3) pretending to be Jesus or that your friends happily and freely, while praising God. Every- my side. Stop doubting and have faith!” wanted to see Him so badly that they made one liked them, and each day the Lord added to Thomas replied: “You are my Lord and DOWN it up. their group others who were being saved. my God!” 1 It brings people to hospital in an Sometimes it is so hard to believe in The Word of the Lord Jesus said: “Thomas, do you have faith emergency (9) things that we don’t see especially during because you have seen me? The people who 2 The very top of a house (4) times when we are sad or angry. Today’s Responsorial Psalm have faith in me without seeing me are the ones 3 Not dirty (5) Gospel tells us that we must believe not 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5b-6c. who are really blessed.” 4 The name of a month (5) only because we must have faith but also (R) Give thanks, for the Lord is good, God’s The Gospel of the Lord 5 Delicious pie with a fruit filling (5,4) because there is work for us to do. In order love is everlasting. 8 Ruler of Ancient Rome (7) to do the work that Jesus wants us to do we Let Israel shout: “God is always merciful!” 9 Dracula was one (7) must believe that He is the one sending us, Let the family of Aaron the priest shout: “God 10 Easy to see (7) He is with us and He is helping us. is always merciful!” When Jesus appeared to the disciples He Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout: said that He was sending them out to “God is always merciful!” LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION continue His work. That is where he wants (R) Give thanks, for the Lord is good, God’s our attention and our energies instead of love is everlasting. ACROSS trying to figure out if He was really there. If The stone that the builders tossed aside has now 1 Blackbird 6 Oil 7 Locket 8 Scared 10 Ended we believe we can move on to the real work become the most important stone. 12 Own up 14 Ignores 15 Sob 16 Spy 18 Bun 19 at hand. The Lord has done this and it is amazing to us. Anglers This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate Discussion and be glad today. DOWN I Why do you think Thomas wanted to touch (R) Give thanks, for the Lord is good, God’s 1 Ballerina 2 Accidents 3 Bits 4 Doorknob 5 Glad Jesus’ hands and sides? love is everlasting. 9 Crossbar 11 Dirty 13 Parent 17 Pig I Do you think you would have been like Thomas? Why or why not? Second Reading I Can you believe that Jesus is God without God has given us a new birth as his children, by rais- The Children’s Liturgy page is published ever seeing Him? Why or why not? ing Jesus Christ from the dead. A reading from the one week in advance to allow RE teachers I What do you think Jesus is sending you out first letter of Peter 1:3-4. to do? Brothers and sisters, praise God, the Father of and those taking the Children’s Liturgy at Prayer Our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this raising Jesus from death. He has given us new page as an accompaniment to their Dear Jesus, help me to believe in you even life and a hope that lives on. God has something though I have never seen you so I can clearly stored up for you in Heaven, where it will never teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 By Dan McGinty Archbishop Tartaglia celebrates deanery Mass in Cumbernauld ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia made his first visit to the parish of Sacred Heart in Cumbernauld since becoming Glasgow’s Archbishop as he celebrated a deanery Mass there. He was joined by priests from across the North East Deanery, and despite the disparate loca- tions of the parishes, Catholics from Bishopbriggs, Condorrat, Twechar and Kirckintilloch joined together in Cumbernauld for the Mass. The altar servers from the parish showcased the strong youthful presence in the parish, while the Sacred Heart choir enhanced the celebration of Mass with their singing throughout. After Mass the congregation joined with the clergy for a cup of tea, as Catholics from across the deanery took the opportunity to mingle together Archbishop Tartaglia will return to the parish for another celebra- tion in June, as Fr John Campbell and parishioners mark the 50th jubilee of the present church build- ing with a special Mass on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON

Fellowship and friendship at Perth UCM meeting

CATHOLIC mothers from the current mothers who make a valuable outlet for Catholic the parish of St John the the 28 members are determined mothers of all ages, and in Perth Baptist in Perth gathered to continue the group. their work looks set to continue. together for the AGM of the With social and spiritual After the AGM the members parish UCM. activities as well as the added took the time to pose together Pupils from Lochyside Primary School celebrated Easter early this year, with Easter hat and egg competitions St John’s is the only parish in benefits of fellowship and for a group photograph, and as they broke up for the holidays. Pictured above are the lucky winners whose holidays got off to a great the Dunkeld Diocese which friendship through the meetings were already turning their start as they went home happily with their Easter egg prizes PIC: ANTHONY MacMILLAN still has an active union, and and events, the UCM`provides attention towards future events. School community of St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn marks headteacher’s retirement

By Dan McGinty school during his period of study. 1999, and after seven years at the Upon completion of his school became headteacher there. PUPILS, staff and the wider degree, he took up his first sec- As he left the school he was school community at St ondary teaching post, at St Mar- praised as a ‘highly effective, Kentigern’s Academy in garet’s High School in Airdrie in organised, innovative leader’and Blackburn, West Lothian, 1979, where he worked in the was identified as having ‘quali- marked the retirement of maths department. ties which have stood him in headteacher Stephen Camp- Just six years later he was pro- great stead in leading the school bell as he brought his 15-year moted to the position of APT of through the considerable educa- spell at the school to an end. maths at St Bride’s in East Kil- tional changes in recent times.’ For eight of those years Mr bride, where he taught for five One of his final celebrations as Campbell served as headteacher at years before beginning a new part part of the St Kentigern’s family the Blackburn school, and this of his career as a lecturer at St was the celebration of St month celebrated his final contri- Andrew’s College of Education. Kentigern’s Day Mass on March bution to school life as he prepares After a year at St Andrew’s he 21, which saw pupils old and for a well earned retirement. made the move to Wishaw, where young mark the feast day by Having entered the teaching he became PT of maths at St attending Mass, celebrated by profession after completing a Aidan’s High in 1991, the school Archbishop Leo Cushley and Mgr joint maths and education at which he was later promoted to Alistair Lawson, school chaplain. degree, Mr Campbell (right) assistant headteacher in 1995. taught for some years in primary He arrived in West Lothian in I [email protected] E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER TAIZÉ 23

Taizé’s tenets are faith and friendship DANIEL HARKINS gives an insight into the Taizé community, with a particular focus on its recent event held in Edinburgh

AST month, in Edinburgh, a few days Since its foundation by Br Roger Schütz (left) in France before the city was taken over by St in 1940, the Taizé ecumenical community has brought together young people from all over the world (above) in Patrick’s Day festivities, a less well- a spirit of faith, prayer and friendship known celebration of Faith brought young people from across the United Kingdom and Europe to the capital city. great chance for other denominations to see Catholi- Taizé, an ecumenical community with a devo- cism as something not totally foreign as well.” Ltion to peace and justice, came to Scotland that weekend and brought with it its unique and uplift- his July thousands of people from across the ing method of prayer and Christian unity as, over world will travel to Taizé. Rebecca said her the course of two days from March 15-16, 300 own visit last year was very special. people gathered for prayer, talks, a ceilidh and a T“It’s like a massive retreat centre; people come on climb up Arthur’s Seat. their own or in groups from all over the world dur- Ask members of the Taizé community to ing the summer to spend a week. They camp or stay describe their group and you will get a number of in barracks. There is a real festive atmosphere about different answers. Taizé is many different things. It the place, and a bar in the evenings where the parties is a monastic order and a place of pilgrimage in can get pretty crazy! There is also this really special France where thousands of young people go every place with a pond and trees and grass called the summer. It is a system of prayer and a type of med- ‘Source,’ where people go to be silent. Most impor- itation. Nick Bowry, one of the organisers of the tantly however, Taizé has a ginormous church, which Edinburgh weekend, puts it simply: “It is freeing. is very simple but so, so beautifully decorated. It is a place were especially young people can feel “With the beautiful weather and surrounding that they are among likeminded people. If you’re countryside, it’s a very happy, thoughtful place. I a Christian amongst a community were people suppose you could also say it’s about peace, and think that is a bit strange then to meet likeminded asking important questions. There is so much time people is always good; to realise you are not alone. dedicated in Taizé to prayer and silent reflection, as Most people enjoy the stillness; they enjoy the Protestant faiths. Taizé states on its website that it The differences between religious beliefs should well as to talk to people. So you are forced to lis- meditative quality of the prayer. It is a place where wants its life ‘to be a sign of reconciliation between not of course be ignored or brushed over, but Taizé ten to yourself, as well as to others.” they will get peace; where doing the Taizé style of divided Christians and between separated peoples.’ does a great job of bringing to focus the shared Taizé might not have the global awareness of that worship helps centre you in your prayer and where “It’s really amazing when the young people goal of peace among ordinary people everywhere. other religious festival that took place that week- you have great fellowship.” from various countries and church denominations “I went to Taizé this summer and had the oppor- end in March, but the organisation—the commu- Bruno Kajdanowicz, 24, travelled from Poland pray together and share their faith and life experi- tunity to meet and talk with people from all over nity, the retreat, the prayer system, the meditative for the Edinburgh meeting. For Bruno, the oppor- ence,” Bruno said. “The Taizé community in my the world from all kinds of faith backgrounds— technique, however you wish to refer to it—helps tunity to meet and share faith and life experiences opinion is the true fruit of the Holy Spirit. Taizé Taizé creates the space for peaceful dialogue at the spread a peaceful and unique sense of faith. in what is often a secular country was enough to gives beautiful examples, but does not force any- grassroots, between acquaintances. You don’t just “It might sound corny, but Taizé events create a bring him across the length of Europe to Scotland. thing. The brothers of the community and the go there to think and be preached at; it’s about space for you to reflect on the kind of life you are “It was amazing,” he said. “It was another time young people who are close to spirituality live ecu- what you get out of it just by engaging in conver- building for yourself—it takes you completely when I could see and feel how a small group of menism every day, over theological divisions and sation with people. People are genuinely interested beyond life’s day-to-day confrontations and makes people can bring a lot of wonderful things for disputes, saving their denominations.” to learn what you think and believe, and there is you think about the bigger picture, and what we another group of people. Saturday evening prayer Rebecca Blakey, a second year Divinity student so much to be gained from listening to other per- truly consider to be important in life,” Rebecca in St Andrew Episcopal Church was really beauti- at Edinburgh University, attended the weekend spectives. It’s a very positive experience. The over- said. “Taizé brings together people from all over ful and touched my soul.” meeting and agrees that the uniting of faiths is a riding lesson I learnt there was not to be afraid to the world; it is all about building solidarity among great part of the community. question doubts but to try and engage with them. people. And it’s exciting that we can be and are ne of the biggest appeals of Taizé is its ecu- “I’m a Catholic, but it’s just not possible to “Taizé is still pretty Catholic, providing daily invited to be a part of it.” menicalism. The organisation is made up of ignore the variety of denominations and diversity Mass and Communion, and multiple opportunities hundreds of brothers from both Catholic and of spiritual expression and belief in today’s society. to confess with priests from all over. I think it’s a I http://www.taize.fr/en O WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 LENTEN SERVICE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 18 2014 Social action has strong foundations in Aberdeen DR HARRY SCHNITKER concludes his series looking at the service that many LENTEN SERVICE groups and individuals provide to a variety of people in need during Lent

N THIS final instalment received a huge influx of Poles. centres, many with very vibrant involved in living the Gospel, writing this series, Catholic the Cross is rather meaningless if of the 2014 Lenten series, Less well-known are the numer- communities. This is very much engaged in the works of charity social action has a strong appeal we forget His injunctions about our attention goes to a part ous Kerala Indians, who now the heart of the Diocese, and his- that Our Lord proclaimed in His to the young. It draws them to the poor, about the building of of the Catholic Church have a thriving parish. Indeed, torically the city has had an unin- Sermon on the Mount, quietly Lourdes, to feed the hungry, and, the Kingdom until He returns. in Scotland that does its Catholic population has terrupted Catholic presence since helping to build the Kingdom. in some cases, to the religious Even during the Easter period we not receive much attention— increased by a quarter in the past before the Reformation. The St Andrew Community is life. It is striking how all find cannot forget this. The Benedict Aberdeen Diocese. decade. Its diocesan priests have In this wealthy city, it comes very firmly based on the their work grounded in prayer. XVI and Francis Papacies have IAberdeen is one of the richest been relatively steady in num- as a shock to find widespread Gospels, taking its cue, as do so For the members of the St renewed the Church’s emphasis cities in Britain—indeed in bers, whilst religious priests levels of poverty and depriva- many of the small charitable Andrew Community, this means on the poor and our service to Europe. Its GDP is a staggering have increased their presence. tion. On the Scottish Index of organisations I have been writ- a life centred on Christ in the them, a charity based on Faith. 38 per cent above the Scottish The diocese has an impressive Multiple Deprivation, some ing on this Lent, from Matthew Eucharist, daily Mass, Eucharis- Even as we tuck into our average. It is the base not only 13 deacons, as well as two men 17,000 people in Aberdeen suf- 25:35: “For I was hungry and tic devotion and praying the chocolate, and drink our coffee for the offshore industry in the in seminary. fer from poor employment, edu- you gave me something to eat, I Office. That life of prayer trans- and alcohol, which we renounced North Sea, but for offshore oil- Polish Sacred Heart nuns cational attainment, crime and, in was thirsty and you gave me lates itself into direct, practical for Lent, many in our own coun- drilling across the globe. Money serve the large Polish commu- particular, health and poor access something to drink, I was a action on behalf of the ‘poor of try go without. Remember, 3000 has flooded into the Granite City nity in Inverness, and, more to services (www.aberdeencity stranger and you invited me in.” spirit and the materially poor.’ children in our wealthiest city over the past four decades, as recently, Bishop Hugh Gilbert .gov.uk/statsandfacts). Amaz- It grew out of the Year of Reaching out to the poor, the lack the most basic requirements have people from all over the has managed to attract the ingly, 3000 of the city’s children Faith, beginning in Ireland in community feeds the hungry, in life, including sufficient food. world. Attending Mass in one of Nashville Dominicans to his dio- live in severe poverty, defined as 2012. Six members are now collecting food from retail out- Those suffering from spiritual the city’s churches is an educa- cese. All these are signs that the lacking basics such as enough based in Aberdeen, where they lets and handing this out. Reach- thirst and hunger, those who need tion in the catholicity of the Aberdeen Diocese is at the very food or adequate shelter. In all, came at the invitation of Bishop ing out to the poor of spirit, it a little help, are even more Catholic Church. least holding its own. In the City some 16 per cent of the city’s Hugh Gilbert. For those worried organises events for teenagers numerous. The work of those In addition, the diocese has of Aberdeen, there are ten Mass children live in some sort of about the lack of commitment that allow them to feel that Faith highlighted in this short series, poverty (all facts from Save amongst the young, they age is, in fact, normal, something to and that of many, many more, the Children). between early 20s and mid-30s! embrace. Practically, that means continues, but cannot do so with- Now it should be pointed out Yes, you read that right—this is taking some 30 young people on out our support, without us con- that Aberdeen (below) has one of a religious community full of a pilgrimage to Knock in Ireland tinuing to practice a little of our      the most successful councils in young people. this year. The experience will be Lenten observance permanently. Scotland when it comes to reduc- I am particularly struck by the dressed in a way that is mean- Such giving is not just neces- ing poverty and deprivation rates, profile of those who have joined. ingful to the age group: prayer, sary for others, it is also vital for but the point that I wish to make Several of the Scots, Americans but also mountain biking, hill ourselves. In that memorable here, is that even in Scotland’s and Irish members have univer- walking and so on. precursor to Pope Francis’s most prosperous city the needs sity degrees, some have taught, exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, are high. What is the Church some were nurses. What ties ope Francis has announced Johnny Cash’s Man in Black, he doing on the ground? Do we find them together is their religious that 2015 will be the Year wrote: “I wear the black for a Lenten service here as we do in Faith and their desire to work for of the Consecrated Life. those who never read, or listened Glasgow and Edinburgh? the poor. When I read the list of PCommunities like St Andrew are to the words that Jesus said their past activities, I felt rather a reminder of the need for voca- about the road to happiness n fact, there is, and amongst inadequate. I can do no better tions to the religious life: the through love and charity. Why, those involved is the Society than quote it here: “All of us Church is frequently at Her very you’d think He’s talking straight of St Andrew. It is brand-new have been involved in youth best where She serves, and She to you and me.” Quite. and I was made aware of its work over a number of years in a serves most frequently through I I The Society of St Andrew existence by one of Maryvale’s variety of settings, including cat- the religious. Or perhaps I students from the US (who is echetics, street work in difficult should say through the partner- would love to hear from those clearly better informed about the areas, drug addicts, travellers, ship between the religious and able to assist it. It may be Scottish Church than I am). Catholic youth groups in their many friends, the volun- contacted on community@ It is good to hear of initiatives parishes and universities and teers and donors who enable standrewcommunity.org. On a 
    in our Church. We hear so much with religious Congregations, in them to carry the Good News to very practical level, if anyone  #!  about apathy, about crisis and places such as Costa Rica, the poor, and to feed the hungry. knows how to get hold of a vehicle seating 9-12 without    scandal. As this series has hope- Guyana, Albania, Ireland (Lim- Lent is about to draw to a fully shown, there are a large erick), Scotland (Glasgow) and close, and we are almost ready to having to pay for it, or the    number of Catholics, priests, in the United States.” proclaim the Risen Christ once money to buy one, go get in " 
#  religious and lay, who are deeply As has become clear from more. However, that Triumph of touch  %#"   

         
  


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