Mass for Peter Kearney vocations in on the need for Motherwell balance in the Diocese. media on the Pages 4-5 SUPPORTING 50 YEARS OF SCIAF, 1965-2015 Church. Page 11

No 5637 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday September 11 2015 | £1

I Pope Francis, Scottish bishops appeal for homes for refugees Pope simplifies the annulment process for Catholics for Jubilee

POPE Francis has simplified are not ‘oppressed by the shadow of the process for those seeking doubt’ for prolonged periods. annulments of Catholic marriages “In total harmony with these to make it quicker and free, and desires, I have decided to give with he has empowered local bishops this Motu Proprio arrangements that to make judgments on their own do not favour the nullifying of in ‘particularly evident’ cases. marriages but the promptness of the The reforms—announced at the processes,” the Pope said. “The Vatican this morning with release of heart of the faithful that wait for the two formal Papal Motu Proprios— clarification of their state may not represent a devolution of power be oppressed for a long time by the from the Vatican to local bishops. darkness of doubt.” The decision may set the tone for An annulment in the Catholic the Jubilee of Mercy and next Church is a decree from a Church month’s Synod for the Family, tribunal that a marriage between which the Scottish bishops held a two persons was invalidly contracted. National Gathering for last Sunday. The Pope said he was not I Continued on page 6 ‘promoting the nullity of marriages, but the quickness of the processes, I Scotland prays for the success of as well as a correct simplicity’ of the October Synod on the Family, procedures so that Catholic couples below and page 7

YOUR BROTHERS NEED YOU

By Ian Dunn Pope Francis said that he wanted ‘the first thing Jesus does is bring that man parishes, to religious communities, to who is far from the flock: He doesn’t THE Pope has said that every monasteries, and sanctuaries of all Europe want to give publicity to the gesture He Catholic parish in Scotland should to express the concreteness of the Gospel, is about to make, but neither does He take in refugee families fleeing the and to welcome a family of refugees.’ want his word covered by the voices of the Syrian war. “Faced with the tragedy of tens of din and the gossip of the environment.” The bishops of Scotland have backed thousands of refugees fleeing death on Two Syrian families are due to arrive the Holy Father and urged Scottish account of war and hunger, and who are in the Vatican and stay in apartments Catholics to do all they can to support travelling toward a hope for life, the there next week. the hundreds of thousands of people Gospel calls us to be ‘neighbours’ to the PIC: TOM EADIE fleeing to Europe. smallest and abandoned,” he said. “The I Continued on page 8

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected]

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 %($% #'  #%  &%% %&#  2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015

Pilgrims from Galloway Diocese and beyond took part in the Annual Pilgrimage to St Ninian's Cave in Whithorn. Leading the recent pilgrimage was Bishop What’s On William Nolan, who celebrated Mass at the cave, and he was A weekly guide to upcoming Church-related supported by a choir who had joined the pilgrims and led them events, more online at www.sconews.co.uk in song during the liturgy.Also taking part were members of the SATURDAY SEPT 12 THURSDAY SEPT 17 Scouting movement, and Scout I THE Following - Part 1 I BISHOP Michael Nazir-Ali, Niamh Robertson is (Cranhill, Glasgow) St Maria former Anglican Bishop of pictured (right) with Bishop Goretti Church, 259 Bellrock Rochester and a well-known William Nolan and piper Jimmy Street, Cranhill, Glasgow G33 public figure, will be speaking Murphy.According to tradition St 3LN. Adoration, talks and at St Mary’s Cathedral in Ninian’s Cave was a place of worship with a specific focus Edinburgh on Contemporary solitude and prayer for the saint, on religious life in the 21st threats to Religious Freedom. and since the Middle Ages it has century. Guest speaker Fr The bishop is a fellow of St been a site of pilgrimage Thomas Cacciola CFR. Edmund’s Hall, Oxford, and for Catholics For more information contact visiting professor of theology PICS: EDWARD FLANNIGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY [email protected] or call at London Universityand one 0141 226 5898. of the country’s best and most I Mass for Anointing of the profound thinkers. Sick: Saturday 12th September This talk will be the beginning l pm at St Mirin’s Cathedral, of a series of Colloquiums at Paisley, with reception the cathedral. afterwards in Diocesan Offices. I ARGYLL and the Isles The St. Vincent De Paul will Diocesan Mass for SCIAF’s arrange for transport for 50th anniversary in St John's anyone who requires assistance Church, Caolat 7pm to get to this Mass; please contact one of their members. SATURDAY SEPT 19 All welcome. I THE Academy of Sacred Music is performing, of a new SUNDAY SEPT 13 setting of Stabat Mater, by a I THE Following—Part 2. young Catholic Composer, (Nunraw Abbey) Pilgrimage Michael O’Sullivan (Royal walk to Nunraw Abbey. Bus Conservatoire of Scotland leaves St Maria Goretti Graduate. It is being premiered Church, 259 Bellrock Street, in St Mungo’s, Parson St, Cranhill, Glasgow G33 3LN at Glasgow. 9am. Returning approximately The performance will also 8.30pm. include a debut performance For more information contact of Bach’s Ich Habe Genug [email protected] or call (The great prayer of Simeon) 0141 226 5898. by Neil MacDonald, a SPOTLIGHT ON Staff, volunteers and supporters of I SUNG evening prayer for 17-year-old Academy student SCIAF in Paisley Diocese gathered the feast of St Ninian Evening and pupil of Holyrood at St Mirin’s Cathedral as they Prayer of the Church will be Secondary School. celebrated the 50th anniversary of sung in St Margaret’s I SCIAF 50th anniversary the charity. Cathedral, Ayr to anticipate the Bishop John Keenan was the ceildh at Peter’s Church Hall, principal celebrant during the Feast of St Ninian on Sunday Glasgow, Saturday September anniversary Mass, along with September 13 at 6pm. All 19, 7pm. Books tickets for this Bishop Emeritus John Mone a welcome. and other SCIAF ceildh by long-time supporter of SCIAF,and calling 0141 354 5555 or e- SEPT 11-14 a former President of the charity, a mail [email protected] role which he filled for 20 years. MONASTIC Experience I ST MARGARET’S Children Among those participating in Weekend at Pluscarden Abbey and Family Care Society is the celebration were pupils from (Elgin) hosting a charity ball on local schools—who have for Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin IV30 September 19 to celebrate its many years raised money for 8UA The monks of Pluscarden 60th anniversary and raise SCIAF and will continue to do so Abbey are offering a unique some much needed funds. throughout their jubilee year and opportunity to experience, first The evening will also into the future. hand, the monastic life. The feature raffles and auctions During the entrance procession invitation is extended to young with money raised going many of the pupils carried a giant single Catholic men aged 18- towards post-adoption services. version of the iconic SCIAF Wee 35 years. The charity was set up as St Boxes—a crucial part of the There will be no charge for Margaret’s Adoption Society fundraising campaign undertaken each year the weekend. Anyone in 1955 at the behest of PIC:PAUL MCSHERRY interested should contact Fr Archbishop Donald Campbell Benedict Hardy at novicemaster of Glasgow. @pluscardenabbey.org or to The society later changed its call 01343 890257. scope under Cardinal Thomas Mothers from across Winning and became St MONDAY SEPT 14 Paisley and beyond Margaret’s Children and Family gathered in St VOCATIONS week Care Society. Joseph’s in Clarkston Diocesan Vocations Mass at St Anyone interested in tickets where a Mass for Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley, on for the ball should contact Mothers’ Prayer Monday September 14 at 7pm. Joanne Hearl on 0141 332 8371 Groups was held. Refreshments in Cathedral or e-mail: joanne@stmargaret- Mass was celebrated Halls after Mass. sadoption.org.uk by Bishop John Keenan, and he was E-mail [email protected] joined by parish priest of St Joseph’s Canon James Duggan who concelebrated Mass. Many of the mothers in the congregations attended Mass with EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 their children Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. PIC: PAUL 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. MCSHERRY Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] for free monthly posted programme guide and visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Songs of Praise comes to St Andrew’s Cathedral

IF YOU love singing hymns there are two evenings at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow in October which are just for you. BBC Songs of Praise is being filmed there from 7pm- 10pm on Thursday October 22 and Friday October 23. Everyone is welcome at the recordings which will be conducted by Glasgow-based hymn-writer John Bell. Tickets are essential so that the organisers can keep track of numbers. One ticket covers both evenings. The programme -makers hope to fill the cathedral (right) with a big congregation Diocese doubly blessed by St JPII relics of over 300 including 150 part- singers who will be able to enjoy the special arrangements By Ian Dunn IIAdoration Oratory at St John the Baptist’s, the first time of harmonies and descant in which has been open at the parish for the Bishop Toal will also be at St Patrick’s a the hymns. number of people in worship.” TWO Motherwell parishes will be past seven years and boasts a large statue few days earlier to install the relic of St John “St Andrew’s Cathedral is a “Those who wish to hosting first class relics of St John of the saint. Paul II coming there on Sunday October 18. beautiful place to make the familiarise themselves with the Paul II in a double first for the late St John the Baptist’s is arranging an The vial of blood coming to St Patrick’s recordings and the sound will music before the recordings can Pope’s feast day next month. extensive series of events around the is one of four containing the former Pope’s be wonderful,” programme attend a rehearsal with John Following the SCO exclusive that St saint’s feast day on October 22, including blood, drawn in case they were needed for producer David Strachan said. Bell in the Cathedral on Patrick’s Shieldmuir, was to be the first Mass and discussion at 7pm from October transfusion but never used. Fr Krzysztof “We ask everyone to come on Monday October 19, from Scottish parish to host a relic for the late 14-22. Each event will have a different Garwolinski, parish priest at St Patrick’s, both evenings so that the building 7-10pm. Pope, St John the Baptist’s in Uddingston theme, covering John Paul II’s commitment hopes the relic from Cardinal Dziwisz of is full and the sound is as “The rehearsal is optional, has announced it is to welcome another relic to issues such as youth, pro-life, the family, Krakow will help further unite his Polish and consistent as possible.” but it gives keen singers the of the Polish Pope after its parish priest Our Lady, the sick and vocations. his Scottish parishioners. John Bell is an expert at opportunity to get to know recently travelled to Krakow, Poland, to The oratory will be open on the Tuesday His parish has also arranged a special bringing out the best in the the music in advance,” Mr collect it (above). of the Novena all night, as it is every series of talks ahead of the formal installation. Songs of Praise congregations Strachan said. Uddingston priest Fr Dominic Towey Tuesday in that parish. The novena will They will take place every Tuesday at 8pm and making the two evenings personally took possession of the relic culminate with the Mass of the Feast from September 8 to October 13. Topics fun and uplifting. I Tickets from Tern Television: coming to his parish earlier this summer Day. Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell will include John Paul II Man of Peace and Mr Strachan added: “Songs of Phone 01224 211123. email from the Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow, will be the principal celebrant at Mass in John Paul II Man of Poland. Praise reaches a bigger audience [email protected] Pope John Paul II’s former private secretary. the parish that day at 7pm at which in its slot than any of the other and the St Andrew's Cathedral This relic will be housed in the John Paul the relic of the saint will be venerated for I [email protected] channels. This is our chance Office: Phone 0141 204 2409 from Scotland to lead a huge email [email protected] Thieves who stole Communion wine tried to break into Highland tabernacle

By Daniel Harkins 7pm on August 31. are grateful that incidents such the Jacobite Rising of 1975— and 7pm and resulted in minor “It is deeply troubling that St as this are extremely rare and through the MacDonalds of damage and theft of an item used THIEVES broke into an Mary’s and St Finnan’s was thank the police and local Glenaladale, the family with in communion,” he said. historic church in Glenfinnan broken into on Monday,” Fr community for their support.” whom Bonnie Prince Charlie Police have asked anyone last week and stole wine Anthony Wood, administrator at St Mary’s and St Finnan’s stayed prior to the raising of the with any information about the from the sacristy. St Mary’s and St Finnan’s said. (right) was built in 1972 and Jacobite standard at Glenfinnan. incident to contact them on 101 Unsuccessful attempts were “Our Church is a popular attrac- formally dedicated byArchbishop A Police Scotland spokesman or Crimestoppers anonymously made to force open alms boxes tion for local tourists to the area, Charles Eyre, administrator of the said officers were appealing for on 0800 555 111 or online at and the tabernacle during the particularly at this time of year Church’s Western District, on information following the break- www.crimestoppers-uk.org robbery, which police believe and is a place where parishioners August 19, 1873. It has a link to in. “The incident is believed to occurred between 10.30am and come to worship in peace. We Bonnie Prince Charlie—who led have occurred between 10.30am I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON JOE WALSH TOURS PILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1961

CEBU, PHILIPPINES 51ST51ST INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTICEUCHARISTIC CONGRESSCONGRESS £ 21 JANUARY | 10 NIGHTS from From London Heathrow £1,8951,895pp » IEC2016 Registration package » 5HWXUQÀLJKWVIURP /RQGRQ WR &HEX YLD +RQJ .RQJ » $LUSRUWWUDQVIHUV ZLWK (QJOLVKVSHDNLQJJXLGH »  QLJKWV KRWHO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ EUHDNIDVW GLQQHU » 'DLO\VKXWWOHVHUYLFHWRFRQJUHVV YHQXHV » +DOI GD\ H[FXUVLRQZLWKGLQQHUDWORFDOUHVWDXUDQW REGISTRATION PACKAGE JOIN » $FFHVVWRDOOVHVVLRQV ZRUNVKRSV H[KLELWV THE DELEGA » $FFHVV WR DOO &RQJUHVV HYHQWV &KXUFK YLVLWV TION MORE than 70 priests gather for funeral Mass for joined by bishops and clergy from across Scotland do what he was graced to do, which was to be of FRQFHUWV VSHFLDO +HULWDJH QLJKW the repose of the soul of Mgr Michael Regan on and beyond. service—and my goodness, his priesthood was » 2I¿FLDO WUDQVSRUW WR IURP &RQJUHVV YHQXHV Monday at St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mgr Regan’s life was built upon three one of service,” Mgr Chambers said. » 6SHFLDO 3LOJULPSDFN Edinburgh.Monday would have been Mgr Regan’s pillars—his family, his friendships and, most “We did talk about death and dying and Mike » /XQFK YRXFKHU IRU  GD\V 60th birthday. importantly,his priesthood, according to his great Regan would always say: ‘You know, I know that The former administrator of St Mary’s was friend, Mgr Allan Chambers, who delivered the when it comes for me my mum and my dad will ordained on April 23, 1982, by Bishop James eulogy prior to the Mass. be there to greet me.’ That was a great Irish part Joe WaWalshlsh ToToursurs | Glasgow Tel: 0141 530 5060 Monaghan. Mgr Regan died on August 27 after a “His priesthood was everything and the day of his life, a great part of his faith” period of illness. The principal celebrant at his that hands were laid on in ordination was probably www.joewalshtours.co.uk | [email protected] funeral was Archbishop Leo Cushley who was the happiest day of his life because he could then PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Follow us: Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Award nomination for Turnbull High School pupil after getting on his bike to fundraise

By Daniel Harkins

A YOUNG cyclist from Turnbull High School has been nominated for a top fundraising award after crossing the country to give back to the people who saved his life. Patrick Kiehlmann (right) from Bishopbriggs has been shortlisted out of more than 10,000 people for the Young Fundraiser of the Year award given out by JustGiving, a website that facilitates fundraising endeavours. The 11-year-old used his October break last year to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats and in the process collected more than £5000 for Yorkhill Children’s Hospital. Patrick came up with his cycle plan while visiting Land’s End with his family. very, very rapidly and his shoots,” he said. “The cycle “He just turned around and mother was looking at him at was the easiest part—we did a said: ‘Dad do you think you the time and I think she thought lot of planning to make sure the could describe Land’s End to she lost him really,” Mr ride was easy, [that] was the John O’Groats?’And I said: Kiehlmann said. “But the most difficult part.” ‘You’re having a laugh aren’t doctors and the nurses turned it Patrick was one of thousands you?’” Patrick’s dad Mark around and undoubtedly saved of pupils who last year completed Celebrating all those Kiehlmann said. Mr Kiehlmann his life. And he is a fit and the Pope Francis Faith Award cycled with Patrick on his journey healthy young man now.” —introduced as a primary and said his son’s cycling of Patrick said the experience school version of the Caritas By Daniel Harkins Amongst those present was Paul Murphy, more than 100 miles a day was inspired him to raise the money. Award that encourage pupils to youth coordinator for the Redemptorists, who ‘not a bad effort!’ “When I was in Yorkhill I volunteer and fundraise while OUR Lady of Good Aid Cathedral in said the Mass and evening were wonderful. “He never faltered; he was was thinking about all the going on a journey of Faith. Motherwell was packed as religious, priests, The homily at the Mass was given by up every morning before me children that had to keep Patrick spoke at his local and parishioners young and old celebrated Fr Raymond Jaconelli, former abbot of the saying: ‘Dad, come on lets go coming back as they had church during his award year vocations with a Mass and information Cistercian Nunraw Abbey in East Lothian. and get out there and get on chronic problems and so could and travelled to Italy to learn evening. “The word vocation implies two persons: The with this journey.’ never get fully better,” he said. about the Focolare movement. Around 1000 people came to the diocese for one who calls and the one who responds,” he told “He used the entire October “I knew that I would be leaving He said the awards encouraged the recent Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph the congregation of laity and religious. “In other school holidays with the last day and most likely not have to pupils to take part in Toal and held during this the Year of Consecrated words it implies a relationship between the two. the Sunday and then he was back come back again.” fundraising and also helped Life declared by Pope Francis (above). There are many levels of vocation in the life of at his desk Monday morning, 8 The youngster, who has been him in ‘discovering ways to use Amongst the orders and congregations each one of us. o’clock, sitting in a class with cycling long distances since he the gifts of the Holy Spirit.’ represented on the day were the Redemptorists, “First there is the primeval vocation everyone his school books and jotters.” was 5-years-old, said he was “I feel as if I use at least one the Spiritans (Holy Ghost Fathers), the Poor has to his very existence: God’s call that brings Patrick chose to fundraise for surprised and ecstatic at getting of my gifts by raising money Clares, the Sisters of Nazareth, the Daughters of each of us into existence out of nothingness. This Yorkhill after witnessing the work the nomination, which follows for something I wanted to do,” Charity, the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy, the is the first and most fundamental of our vocations they do helping sick children. on from a nomination for Unsung he added. Missionary Sisters of St Peter Claver, the and yet it is one we can take so much for granted. Admitted to the hospital with Hero at the Young Scot Awards. Voting has now closed on the Franciscans of Mary Immaculate and the Diocesan It is so very important that each of us stand still appendicitis in 2012, he suffered “I thought all the publicity Young Fundraiser of the Year Priests for Scotland. in spirit from time to time and appreciate that cry complications leaving him in a was over after the Young Scot award and Patrick will find out Mass was followed by tea and coffee in St Bride’s of the psalmist: ‘I thank you Lord for the wonder life threatening condition. Awards, but I got an email from if he has won at a ceremony in hall where religious orders presented their work of my being.’ It is good for us all to become like “He had an operation and Just Giving over the summer London on September 23. in the diocese and beyond, and hopefully little children again and remember that first was recovering well but after a hols and suddenly I had to do a attracted the interest of some young Catholics. moment when God tapped us on the shoulder, as week he started to go downhill lot more interviews and photo I [email protected]

Having a cuppa raises £4000 for Marie Curie SPOTLIGHT ON

THE St Vincent de Paul youth society at Turnbull High School in Bishopbriggs managed to raise £4000 for charity by hosting a tea party for Marie Curie cancer care. The event was the culmination of much hard work and planning and among invited guests were members of the council (right) and former members of the SVDP group. The pupils also extended an invitation to their teachers. Tea, coffee, cakes and snacks were on offer for those in attendance and the group also organised a very successful raffle Scotland’s future teachers gathered in and silent auction.The school choir Turnbull Hall, the chaplaincy at Glasgow sang a few songs to entertain University, for Mass with Archbishop everyone and the total sum Philip Tartaglia.The students are studying raised was £4,026.50—more for the Professional Graduate Diploma than double the original goal. in Education (PGDE) for graduates who Sophie Gillespie, a member of wish to become teachers. Afterwards, the group, described the event as they spoke over tea with the Archbishop fantastic and said ‘the fundraising who is honorary president of the St was extremely satisfying for Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher each member of SVDP since we “The knowledge that the organisation motivated us to do Education at Glasgow University all get involved to help members money we raised will contribute the best job we possibly could,” PICS: PAUL McSHERRY of the community.’ to running such a wonderful she added. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Renewing vocations at CHAPS conference

AN AUDIENCE of more than 200 came to St Andrews Fairmont Hotel in Fife last week for the largest gathering of primary school headteachers in Scotland. The annual conference of the Association of Scottish Catholic Primary Head Teachers (CHAPS) brought teachers (right) together to share ideas and concerns and listen to keynote speakers on the theme of Renewing Our Vocation. entitlement, the Catholic school Internationally-acclaimed Amongst the speakers was leader must be seen to be education speaker Sir John Jones Bishop Stephen Robson of engaged in a ministry of service rounded off the conference Dunkeld who spoke of teachers to the community,” he said. with inspiring and amusing as ‘promoters of the human Bart McGettrick, Professor accounts of teachers who were person’ and expressed concerns Emeritus at Glasgow University, ‘magic weavers’ and had about the shortages of teachers said education had to be based transformed the lives of their in Scotland’s Catholic schools. on values as well as achievement. students. He urged headteachers Patricia Watson HMI “The iron cage of to inspire their teachers to be previewed some of the main accountability needs to give ‘good enough’ so that their features of the upcoming latest way to a legacy of humanity,” students can be ‘smart enough.’ version of How Good is Our he said. “We cannot be He criticised the approach of School—a self-evaluation bystanders looking with despair those who appeared only to framework for schools. on a world which is driven by value what they could measure. The conference was also measured outcomes alone, and Jim McCrory, headteacher at introduced to a new resource— has consigned to a secondary St Anthony’s Primary School The Catholic School: Develop- place the deep values and in Armadale and chair of ing in Faith—which the ideals which derive from CHAPS, said the conference Scottish Catholic Education justice, hope and love.” was intended to provide an Service (SCES) will publish He also spoke of his recent ‘inspirational and motivational whom God has called later this school session. experiences in The Middle East start to the term, very much Michael McGrath, director of and the tragedies of Tel Aviv underpinned by the Catholic SCES, encouraged headteachers ‘baby warehouses’—day care dimension of education.’ it were, and said his first ‘hello’ to us; that first vocation to the other’— and how likewise, in to focus on their own spiritual centres where up to 60 children “We had a record number of moment when we were reflexively conscious of Christ we all have a new level of vocation. and faith development as they of migrant families are kept in new headteachers there for the our own being, our own existence and we first “He calls on us to share his Divine Nature; we, addressed their leadership skills. dark rooms with limited food first time,” he said. “We are really asked that primeval question: ‘Where did I by our faith in the Incarnation, call on him to “In an age of narcissistic and water. pleased with how things went.” come from?’” share in our human nature.” No lesson in biology though, Fr Jaconelli said, In concluding, he spoke about the fourth level FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK can answer that question adequately. of vocation: consecrated life. “It is a deeply philosophical question, and even “This is the gift, the privilege, of the few, but a theological one. Only when the child hears that it is given for the sake of the many,” he said, it comes from God, a God who made it out of finishing by saying we ‘can thank the Lord for nothing, only then can its young spirit be satisfied.” his call to life and existence; we thank the Lord “The next level of vocation in our lives is our for his call to the life of Grace; we thank the Lord new creation; our call to the life of grace,” he for his call to redemption in Christ; we thank the added. “We cannot fully appreciate the life of Lord for his calling of some to the Priesthood and grace unless we have a deep understanding of the the Religious Life in the Church.’ 2ND NATIONAL life of nature.All that life means: love, relationship, At the end of Mass, Bishop Toal presented beauty, joy, harmony, peace, communion. former Motherwell Diocese chancellor Frank “If the second level of vocation is our new Cassidy with a Papal Knighthood of the Order of creation in grace then the third level is of course St Gregory the Great which recognises service to DIVINE MERCY our re-creation; our redemption from sin. This the Church (above.) brings us to the Person Christ in our lives.” I [email protected] Fr Jaconelli spoke about marriage—how it is ‘the partners themselves who each give a new PICS: TOM EADIE CONFERENCE 24 OCTOBER 2015 9A.M. - 5P.M. Joint Catholic-Jewish school receives funding boost HOSTED BY FRIENDS OF DIVINE MERCY SCOTLAND

By Bridget Orr £13 million, is to be built in schools which have a religious Newton Mearns on a site opposite outlook on life and in this case it “Wrap yourself in humility to be servants of each SCOTLAND’S first ever joint Mearns Castle High School. In is with esteem that we look to other, because God refuses the proud and will Catholic-Jewish primary school addition to the ICT hub, there will the Jewish community as our REGISTER NOW: has received a funding boost be shared nursery classes, ‘ancestors in faith’as Pope Francis always favour the humble” 1 Peter 5:5b from the Scottish Government. playgrounds, and facilities for expresses it,” Fr Thomas Boyle www.glasgow.ac.uk/ The new school planned in subjects including sport and from East Renfrewshire’s catholicchaplaincy/ Newton Mearns received £300,000 science. School dinners will remain Education Committee said. “Two CONTACT US: divinemercy from the Inspiring Learning Spaces separate as Kosher catering/ schools from different religious fund towards an interactive hub facilities will be provided for traditions each with their own [email protected] for all pupils and staff. Jewish pupils. ethos, headteacher and staff, both The school will have a new Since the joint campus was based on the commandments, ‘market square’fitted with modern announced in October 2013, cannotbutcomplementeachother.” SPEAKERS: computing facilities, free Wi-Fi members of both Jewish and The move was also welcomed access and ‘learning zones’ Catholic communities have by Bishop John Keenan of Paisley when it opens in August 2017. welcomed the move. For Jewish when he called for an end to “Our proposal for a faith pupils who currently have to anti-semitism earlier this year. schools’ joint campus is a bold travel to Newlands in Glasgow’s “The Jewish community in and unique one,” Councillor South Side to attend Calderwood Scotland is shrinking as many Elaine Green, convenor for Lodge Primary School, the new Jews decide to seek security and education and equalities in East campus is closer to their homes safety among larger communities Renfrewshire, said. “It will and Mearns Castle High School. elsewhere in the UK or in Israel,” Mark P. Shea Fr Peter Archbishop Bishop John Bishop John respect and nurture children’s The Catholic Church has Prusakiewicz -ubo omঞ Keenan Mone Emeritus Bishop Keenan said. “As a nation CSMA Emeritus individual religious faiths while welcomed the joint denominational we will be culturally and spiritually at the same time delivering campus, in contrast to previous impoverished without a Jewish inspiring spaces for learning, opposition to proposals to merge community and we should do all teaching and social integration.” Catholic schools with non- that we can to affirm and assure The new campus, which is denominational schools. Scotland’s Jews that they are expected to cost in the region of “[These are] two denominational valued, welcomed and safe.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Cardinal, archbishop rally opposition to assisted suicide bill

CARDINAL Vincent would be contrary to human human dignity of both parties sionals. MPs will face many decades and we urge the Nichols is urging Catholics dignity and that assisted suicide involved. Assisted suicide is different pressures in deciding government to continue to to lobby their local MPs amounted to ‘assisted killing.’ assisted killing.” how to vote. We will keep them develop these services.” ahead of today’s debate on “Each of us is made in the The cardinal also said that in our prayers.” Rob Marris’s ‘Assisted Dying assisted suicide in the House image of God. The life of every legalising assisted suicide would He also called on the Bill’ received its Second Reading of Commons. individual is equally valuable make people vulnerable to government to focus on advancing in the House of Commons on “The intrinsic value of each (Genesis 1:27),” he said. external and internal coercion. pallaitive care services rather Friday September 11. human life will be gravely “Licensing doctors to supply “A further profound anxiety than licensing assisted death. In Ireland, Archbishop Eamon undermined if this or any bill to lethal drugs to terminally ill has to be considered,” he said. “Those who are seriously or Martin of Armagh, Primate of All legalise assisted suicide were to patients to help them commit “If assisted suicide becomes terminally ill deserve the best Ireland, echoed Cardinal Nichols’ become law,” the president of suicide rests upon the premise legal, it will be impossible to care that our society can give concerns, urging Catholics in the Bishops’ Conference of that some lives are worth less ensure that people’s decisions and must never be made to feel Northern Ireland to write to MPs England and Wales said. “I urge than others. It is therefore will not be influenced by many that they are a burden,” he said. about the Assisted Dying Bill. Catholics, as active citizens, to contrary to human dignity. It is kinds of pressure or coercion, “We seek to support people in “I ask Catholics to encourage contact their local MP about this also contrary to the ‘do no harm’ not just from others but from these circumstances, to the their MPs to oppose this Bill,” most important issue before principle that underpins all within themselves. The dangers best of our abilities and the primate said. the vote.” medical practice. Helping inherent in changing the law are resources. Palliative and end In Scotland MSPs rejected a Cardinal Nichols (left) said someone to commit suicide reflected by the significant of life care have undergone bill to legalise assisted suicide that licensing assisted suicide compromises the fundamental opposition of medical profes- significant advances in recent before the summer recess. Changes to annulment process are announced

I Continued from page 1 centre is what distinguishes the reform of Pope Francis from The changes announced by the those made by Pope Pius X and Holy Father modify the procedures Pope Benedict XIV,” he added. for obtaining annulments in The Vatican announced the two key ways: Eliminating a changes today by releasing the sometimes lengthy process two official documents, given requiring a second judgment on the Latin names of Mitis Iudex all annulment decisions and Dominus Iesus, The Clement allowing local bishops a so-called Judge, The Lord Jesus and Mitis ‘shorter’ process to personally et misericors Iesus, The Clement judge on cases considered and Merciful Jesus. particularly straightforward. The changes, signed by the They also allow any first Pope on August 15, are to go into appeals of annulment decisions effect December 8, the opening to be made at the local level day of the upcoming Jubilee instead of to the Vatican. Holy Year for Mercy and the Mgr Pio Vito Pinto, dean of the 50th anniversary of the closing Roman Rota, a Vatican court, and of the Second Vatican Council. Overcome divides, Pope advises Rivlin president of the commission that “The changes introduced by drafted the new rules, told Pope Francis are intended By Stephen Reilly Israelis and Palestinians. It focused on the Pope Francis talks with Israeli President Reuven reporters Pope Francis asked for primarily to shorten the duration resumption of direct negotiations that Rivlin (above) when the two men met in the updates throughout the year, of the nullity process and to help POPE Francis met with Israeli aimed at ‘an agreement respecting the Pontiff's private library at the Vatican sought a review by four ‘great the Church reach out to many President Reuven Rivlin last week to legitimate aspirations of the two popula- canonists’ not involved in the Catholics in situations of discuss efforts to secure peace and to tions, as a fundamental contribution to drafting and in the end adopted alienation from the Church address the plight of Middle East peace and stability in the region’, the press president a copy of his encyclical on the the changes with ‘great serious- because of broken marriages Christians. office said. care of creation, Laudato Si' and presented ness, but also great serenity.’ and which can be proven to The Pope gave the Israeli president a The Holy See and Israel have disagreed him with his 2013 apostolic exhortation The changes made by Pope have been invalid from the new bronze medal at the private audience over the status of Palestine; Israel has Evangelii Gaudium, explaining: “This is Francis—particularly the start,” a spokesman for Scotland’s when the two men exchanged gifts. On the objected to the Holy See’s recognition of for all Christians, but there is a chapter responsibility and trust placed in bishops said. medal was a depiction of a rock split into the State of Palestine in its negotiations dedicated to dialogue with the Jews.” local bishops—are the most “Importantly, the Pope is two parts, but joined by an olive tree. The with Palestinian leaders. The official Israeli delegation included substantial changes in the making absolutely no change to medal bore the words: ‘Search for what When Pope Francis greeted the presi- the president’s wife. The Pope gave every- Church’s marriage law since the the teaching of the Church on unites. Overcome what divides.’ dent, he spoke in English: “Pray for me.” one in the delegation a medal for the third pontificate of Pope Benedict the indissolubility of marriage, When the Pope gave the gift to President The president responded: “I will see you year of his pontificate, marking the 500th XIV in the mid-1700s, Mgr nor is he legislating for what is Rivlin, he winked at the president and said: in Israel.” anniversary of St Theresa of Avila’s birth. Pinto said. sometimes, and wrongly, called “There is some division, but the challenge President Rivlin, who was making his During his visit to the Vatican, President “Putting the poor at the ‘Catholic divorce.’” is to unite.” first visit to see Pope Francis at the Vati- Rivlin also met with the Vatican Secretary The audience last Thursday focused on can, gave the Pope a replica of the earliest of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was the political and social situation in the mention of King David’s dynasty outside accompanied by Archbishop Paul Gal- Venezuelan/Colombian crisis Middle East, giving ‘special attention’ of the Bible. The words were carved on a lagher, the Secretary for Relations with to the condition of Christians and basalt stone dating back to the eighth or States. other minorities, the Holy See press ninth century BC. The original is in the Other topics at the meeting included the prompts bishops meeting office reported. Museum of Israel. relations between the Holy See and Israel, “In this respect the importance of inter- “I think it is right that His Holiness has and between Israeli authorities and local POPE Francis has said that I invite everyone, in particular religious dialogue was recognised, along this gift to remember the common roots Catholic communities. Both parties at the the bishops’ meeting about the beloved Venezuelan and with the responsibility of religious leaders between Judaism and Christianity,” the audience voiced hope for a prompt con- the situation at the border Colombian peoples, to pray, so in promoting reconciliation and peace,” Israeli president said when he presented clusion to the drafting of a bilateral agree- between Venezuela and that, with a spirt of solidarity the Vatican office, which described the the gift. ment. They also hoped for an adequate Colombia is a ‘clear sign and fraternity, the current discussions as cordial, reported The politician also gave a plate with the solution for other matters of common of hope.’ difficulties can be overcome.” The meeting also highlighted the need inscription: “Pray for the Peace of interest, such as the situation of Christian The Pope said this after On August 19, Venezuela’s to promote a climate of trust between Jerusalem.” The Pope also gave the Israeli schools in Israel. praying the midday Angelus in socialist President Nicolás St Peter’s Square on Sunday, in Maduro suddenly closed the reference to the conflict that border between the two just ‘like a terrorist who throws a sow hatred, plant [what is] not the Beatification of Sisters has arisen over Colombians nations. The United Nations NEWS ROUNDUP bomb and walks away,’destroying peace,” he said. Fidela Oller, Josefa Monrabal who travel to or live in reports that since then, some others while making sure they and Facunda Margenat at the Venezuela, and the trade 16,000 Colombians have either stay safe and sound, he said. Spanish religious cathedral in Girona, Spain, and between the two nations. left or been deported from Gossip is like During Mass in the chapel of his sisters Beatified noted that ‘even today, Christians “In these days the bishops of Venezuela.President Maduro terrorism, Pope says residence, the Domus Sanctae THREE Spanish religious sisters are the most persecuted minority Venezuela and Colombia have has claimed that the Colombian FOMENTING division, fuelling Marthae last Friday, the Pope who were slain during the in the world.” met to examine together the immigrants are the cause of the hatred and not planting peace ‘is a asked people to think about Spanish Civil War in 1936 were At his Sunday Angelus address painful situation that has been rampant crime and economic disease in our Church,’ Pope whether they were sowers of Beatified as martyrs last the next day, Pope Francis said created at the border between difficulties plaguing Venezuela. Francis has said. In fact, those peace or destroyed harmony with Saturday. that ‘they were sisters of the these two countries,” the Holy The bishops of the two who spend their lives bringing gossip. Cardinal Angelo Amato, Institute of Religious of St Father said. “I see in this nations appealed for dialogue reconciliation and peace are “This is an evil, this is a disease prefect of the Congregation for Joseph of Girona, killed for their encounter a clear sign of hope. between the nations.’ saints, and those who gossip are in our Church: to sow division, the Causes of Saints, presided at fidelity to Christ and the Church. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 7 Senior Scottish Appeal against police officer is ‘named person’ charged with scheme fails a hate crime By Ian Dunn

SCOTLAND’S highest By Ian Dunn court has ruled against campaigners opposed to the A SENIOR Scottish police Scottish Government’s officer has been charged scheme for a ‘named with a hate crime for person’ for every child. allegedly using anti- The measure, contained in Catholic language. the Children and Young People Detective Chief Inspector (Scotland) Act, will assign a Ruth Gilfillan, head of Police single point of contact, such as Scotland’s Human Trafficking a teacher or health visitor, to Unit, was arrested at work after look out for the welfare of she allegedly used sectarian children under 18. language in an argument with a Last Friday, the appeal colleague about football. spearheaded by the No To She has since been transferred Named Persons (NO2NP) from her base at the Scottish campaign and The Christian Crime Campus in Lanarkshire Institute, was rejected by the to the force’s administrative Inner House of the Court of headquarters in Glasgow while Session that took the view that waiting for the outcome. the legislation does not conflict “The procurator fiscal has with laws on privacy or data received a report concerning a protection. 43-year-old woman in relation Family ties bind at Carfin Grotto Responding to the judgment, to an alleged incident on Colin Hart, director of The August 20, 2015,” a spokesman Christian Institute said he was for the Crown Office said. By Daniel Harkins Bishops, which will bring the Catholic After the Synod Mass, members of the UCM in disappointed but not surprised “The report remains under hierarchy—including Archbishop Tartaglia Scotland are joined with Five bishops at the shrine by the ruling because cases of St Margaret in Carfin Grotto the consideration of the —to Rome for a three-week discussion concerning fundamental HUNDREDS of people gathered in the PIC: TOM EADIE procurator fiscal.” sunshine at Carfin Grotto as Scotland’s around the theme of the family. More than a rights usually end up in the A Police Scotland spokesman Catholics prayed for the success of next year of preparation has resulted in much Supreme Court. said: “A 43-year-old woman month’s Synod on the Family. discussion about what changes if any will come first in everything we do.’ Turning to “We are in a better position has been charged following a The Bishop’s of Scotland concelebrated come from the synod. the synod, he said we must uphold what we as a result of parts of this ruling,” complaint relating to an alleged Mass in the Glass Chapel last Sunday at the Bishop Toal began his sermon by reading believe, the truth, the message of Jesus he said. “Those implementing incident and is the subject of a beginning of the national gathering. Bishop an inter-faith statement urging support for Christ, and prayed that ‘the ears of those the scheme will have to tread report to the procurator fiscal. Joseph Toal of Motherwell was principal refugees, amid increasing numbers of people attending the synod may be opened to the more carefully in the light of It would be inappropriate to celebrant with Archbishop Philip Tartaglia arriving in Europe fleeing poverty and war. spirit of God and their tongues may express today’s judgment. But this is not comment further.” and Bishops John Keenan and William He addressed the publication of the God’s truth.’ enough. That’s why our Trustees Nolan and Bishop Emeritus Maurice Taylor. McLellan Commission report into safeguarding, will be actively considering an I [email protected] October 4 will see the start of the Synod of saying it ‘reminds us children must always I [email protected] appeal to the Supreme Court.”

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Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) Scottish Registered Charity No: SC012302. Company No: SC197327. Call 0141 354 5555 œÀ ÛˆÃˆÌ www.sciaf.org.uk/refugee ,i}ˆÃÌiÀi` "vwVi\ £™ *>ÀŽ ˆÀVÕÃ] >Ã}œÜ Î È ° SCO 8 NEWS/FEATURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Pilgrimages, even those that involve groups travelling in their hundreds, can remain very personal experiences, as LE DOMHNALL IAIN MACCARMIC discovered this year in Lourdes, France How I meet St Margaret on pilgrimage Scottish parishes called to RE you going to Lourdes this year? How often has this question been asked? Invariably, and God willing, the help refugees in many ways answer in my case is usually in the affirmative. That is, as long as I am able to, of course. Some people tend to I Continued from page 1 After an appeal from Fr Willie Boyd, a be a bit curious as to what one actually does, apart from vigil was held for refugees in Irvine praying, when at Lourdes. However, this time, and on a personal European leaders have been on Saturday. Candles were also lit in note, I am curious as to how the statue of Queen Margaret of St Mary’s Church grappling with the reality of Scotland arrived at Lourdes. After all, July 20 this year was the 85th PIC: PETER DIAMOND A refugees amid mounting public anniversary of its inauguration. It stands proudly on the southbank of outrage as thousands of “Above all please keep our Le Gave, that beautiful and fast flowing river, and approximately migrants arrived in Germany displaced migrant and refugee 100 metres west of the ‘Le Piscines.’ and Austria and even more brothers and sisters, who are in My curiosity actually centres on how, when and why, such a reached Europe’s borders. dire need and danger, in your beautiful effigy of our famous Queen and Saint, got there in the first In Britain coverage increased prayers,” he said. “As well place. My inquisitiveness got the better of me as I could not find the following a photo of a drowned as those who are seeking to necessary information anywhere, so a little local research at Lourdes Syrian toddler, Aylan Kurdi, respond with the compassion was befitting. Meanwhile, I would like to attempt to answer the question whose family had attempted to of Christ.” that is always being asked of me. What does one do at Lourdes? I escape to Europe. In the face of The Scottish Catholic think it’s appropriate to refer to the pastoral theme for Lourdes this intense political pressure, Prime International Aid Fund (SCIAF) year; Joy of Mission. Minister David Cameron has has launched an emergency The Joy of Mission, simply put, warrants a temporary withdrawal pledged the UK would resettle appeal to help thousands of from one’s every day pursuits, for the purpose of meditation, and ‘thousands more’people from the refugees in and around Syria indeed amendment. Therefore, in my opinion, the general purpose, refugee camps in the countries and those fleeing into Europe. essentially, is for the pilgrim to travel, (invariably from all corners of bordering Syria. Working as part of the Caritas the globe), to that most sacred hamlet at Lourdes, the Grotto of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia family of Catholic international Massabielle, purposefully to feel the fragrance of sanctity. of Glasgow said that the UK aid charities, SCIAF is already In my case, and being from Uibhist a Deas (South Uist), it is with needs to be ‘a safe haven’ for giving food, medical care and the Glasgow Archdiocesan Pilgrimage that we travelled. This journey refugees seeking to enter Europe. shelter to homeless families in of faith essentially, is to renew fervor with the faithful, and that He criticised the ‘mean-spirited Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. includes the fundamentals of Christian life. and unhelpful’ approach Britain Alistair Dutton, SCIAF’s There is so much to tell about a Lourdes Pilgrimage. For example: has adopted so far, and said the director, said the crisis was a the mystery of the Grotto, pilgrims with outstretched arms, motionless response of Prime Minister result of ‘the wars in Syria and and serene in prayer. The statue of Our Lady, with flickering candles David Cameron so far consisted the wider region destroying the at her feet and the crowds moving about or kneeling on the space of a ‘welcome but vague promise lives of a generation of innocent below. Holy Mass being offered constantly on the altar within the to allow in more desperate people people. Only a political solution Grotto, and in many languages. There is the daily procession of the fleeing chaos.’ will deliver the peace and stability Blessed Sacrament, and the blessing of the sick pilgrims. The “In my view the refugees they need to return home.’ experience of the high stations of the Cross, on that severe and jagged crisis is a test, not of political “Until then, we must do range, Espelugues Hill. There is also the underground basilica of St shrewdness, but of common whatever we can to care for Pius X and of course the busy Accueil Notre-Dame, to name humanity,” the archbishop those whose lives are being torn but a few. stated. “What is happening in apart, whether they are in the diocese would secure the services of the eminent and the Mediterranean, Calais and Middle East or Europe,” he said. ourdes opened my eyes to the international character of the distinguished French Sculptor, Monsieur Arthur Gueniot, to represent other access points is an affront “SCIAF is already giving food, Church. It helped me to see where I stood. It’s just an experience in sculpture, the effigy of Queen Margaret of Scotland and be placed to human dignity.” medical care, accommodation one never forgets. Besides, there is also a time for fun and at Lourdes. The archbishop signed a joint and counselling to people still Lrelaxation. This time we managed not one, but three climbs to the In 1929 this magnificent statue was completed and subsequently statement with the Moderator of trapped in Syria and thousands of village of Bartres. This was ostensibly due to the superfluity of one erected in the domain of Lourdes. The bronze statue measures at 2.5 the Church of Scotland and refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. or two individuals in our group. Bartres is approximately 2 miles metres in height and is elevated on a marble plinth. The Saint is Scottish Muslim and Jewish Our sister agencies in Europe north of the domain of Lourdes. wearing a crown and is appropriately and marvellously embellished leaders pledging to work are helping many more who Walking this rugged and winding road is truly a challenge, with with royal attire. She holds in her left hand, that famous Holy-Rood together to form a coordinated have crossed the Mediterranean. temperatures at 35 degrees plus. On reaching three-quarters of the or Crucifix, reputedly containing the relic of the ‘Wood of the Cross’ support network for refugees. Please do whatever you can to way, one is so greatly impressed on looking back to experience an (and after which her son, King David I built Holyrood Palace, Bishop John Keenan of Paisley help us respond to this dreadful over-view of the ‘Paps of the Pyrenees’ and the triple Basilica; scene Edinburgh). The sculptor’s name is engraved on the base of the wrote to all his parishes last situation.” of many pilgrims, and miracles, settled at the foot of these beautiful statue. The following words are inscribed on the marble plinth: weekend and said he would be mountains. Bartres is where Bernadette spent much of her early life “Saint Margaret hosting a summit of ‘politicians, I People can make donations to as a shepherdess, with The Bergerie and the original parish church Queen and Patroness Church leaders and Aid SCIAF’s Refugee Crisis Appeal where she attended, still in existence. It is without doubt an of Scotland providers’ to look at how they by calling 0141 354 5555 or enchanted place with a sleepy atmosphere. Pray for us could ‘welcome refugees and online at www.sciaf.org.uk Regretfully, space forbids the enumeration of all that makes the 1929” help make a home for them in pilgrims’ stay at Lourdes memorable. The following information was elicited from the, General the longer term.’ I [email protected] Secretariat, at Lourdes: On Sunday July 20, 1930, as part of the Scottish eturning to the mystery of the statue of St Margaret of National Pilgrimage, Mgr McDonald, Archbishop of St Andrews and Scotland and the difficulty in acquiring information as to how primate of Scotland, assisted by Mgr Carly, Bishop of Galloway, and What is your parish doing to help? it got to Lourdes and when! many priests, performed the Solemn Benediction and inauguration of RQueen Margaret of Scotland, also known affectionately as the St Margaret’s statue in the presence of 450 pilgrims and 20 sick ‘Pearl of Scotland’ because of her patience and charitable standing, pilgrims, representing five Scottish diocesse. Also present were 80 Please share you stories, photographs and ideas on helping was born in Hungary in 1046 AD. It was by providential fortuity for English pilgrims well pleased that the mission was finally accomplished. refugees with the SCO to inspire others. Write to Editor, the Scottish Nation that she landed in Scotland as a consequence of Interestingly, the love of Scotland for St Margaret is increasing, Refugees, The Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo the invasion of England by the Normans in 1066. She is one of the and more and more pilgrims find their way to her shrine. Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT; email [email protected] or call best known and loved women from Scottish history. The St Margaret of Scotland statue is the only permanent national the newsroom on 0141 241 6107/6103. Consequently in the late 1920s, it was decided that in recognition symbol of any nation within the domain of Lourdes, a significant and as a mark of respect for their beloved Patroness, Edinburgh Arch- tribute indeed. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

PICTURE OF THE WEEK LETTER OF THE WEEK

Some images stay strengthen themselves to with us, always, as combat his wiles. They simply do key issues fall into every trap he lays. And yet we have been given THERE was an extraordinary everything we need to put the photograph taken in 1990s of a enemy to flight—a prayer life, vulture that landed near a the sacramental life of the starving Sudanese child on the Church, a community of verge of starvation, waiting for believers and so on. her to die so it could devour her. The photographer, Kevin When it was published it Carter, won a Pulitzer prize but became a symbol of famine in was always haunted by the Africa, moving many to event because whilst he had outrage, others to pity and shooed away the vulture charity. afterwards, he failed to When I look at it though, I see intervene to save the child. something else. The child, weak As Christians how can we and helpless, is quite unaware of intervene to rescue from death the danger lurking behind it, it those around us, who whilst has other concerns. And most of they may appear happy, the people on earth are very successful and productive are much like this helpless starving devoid of the true life in God, child, not through famine or spiritually emaciated and living lack of any means of preserving in the shadow of a merciless their physical life but because creature, lying in wait to take they are starved of the means to possession of them at death. We strengthen themselves too may be haunted by what we against their very real and fail to do to prevent that. dangerous enemy. Perhaps prayer and bold As our societies become witness to what we believe increasingly godless, the people would be a start. are easy prey for the enemy of their souls. They don’t know they have an Stephen Clark enemy, they don’t know how to PHILIPPINES

Ian Duncan Smith was well warned of Time for lay elders in the ing a more active involvement in the danger to life in welfare reforms Catholic Church? decisions. Dr McLellan comes from a background of the Church of Scotland AS A Catholic as well as a benefit claimant on ESA, I THE McLellan report, good and where lay elders seem to have a for- ESTABLISHED IN 1885 think in the light of recent reportage in the secular press, important as it is, will not be the cata- mal input to appointments and busi- as Iain Duncan Smith calls himself a Catholic concerning lyst for many of the necessary ness decisions of parishes. Would this the suicide rates as a result of his welfare and sanctions improvements within the Church model be worth exploring? There was policies, I thought it was a time a letter I wrote to him in unless there is a fundamental refresh a time when our priests were out and 2013 was made public, in which I warned him that his from the top down on how we operate. about and recognised in local commu- policies would lead to suicides and a break down in mental It is obvious there is a need for a nities, frequently seen visiting family health. I also warned him he was on the way to Hell! proper business approach, conse- homes. Today it's almost as if they I have been proved right in everything I wrote at the quently higher levels of expertise are in hiding. Focus on families, time, in that what I foresaw has actually transpired. must be used. Improved communica- Where are the Evangelists! Jonathan tion is an essential requirement and John Halpin priests and vocations EDINBURGH can only be achieved by the laity hav- EAST KILBRIDE

HERE was a great deal of speculation and controversy I love the Church, as my the Faith in it entirety. Well I love God and Ecumenical trouble on surrounding the extraordinary synod on the family last husband, but like it all? my Faith, as I love my husband. But there marriage and family year and it seemed the secular press were determined to are things I do not LIKE about my use this internal forum of frank and open discussion within I WAS at Sunday Mass on August 23 and husband, things I encourage him to work OUR local Episcopalian denomination are the Church as a catalyst to fan the flames of potential sat seething, listening to a reading that on and improve for the better. That goes for hosting a pro-Palestinian event to which I schism regardless of whether there were or weren’t any sparks actu- prompted me to leave the Catholic Church the Church too. It would be a cheap shot would normally attend. However, recent ally flying. It is, after all, difficult to focus on the need to support the in my teens and has been a thorn in my for me to comment on the mess than men pronouncements by Episcopalians in the family,T in all its forms, from the secularisation of society without side ever since, women shall obey their have been making of our Church in recent media and the like make me hesitate. In being sensationalist. Here in Scotland, however, the Named Person husbands as the Lord, as their fathers. The times, what I will say is that I am hugely particular there was a comment article in bill is creeping ever closer to undermining family and life, just as reading itself is of its time, for that society. encouraged by Pope Francis highlighting the Herald by the Provost of Glasgow changes to laws on marriage and adoption have done before and the Yet priests persist, and this time was no the need for a more prominent and Cathedral in praise of homosexual sex. He push for assisted suicide attempted to do. It is also difficult to focus exception, in following it with the homily influential role for women in the Catholic went on about joyfully taking part in a gay on the many strands of family and marriage on the synod agenda that says we must not be cafeteria Church. pride event and how same-sex marriage when headlines scream of ‘divorce’and ‘homosexuality’to the exclu- Catholics, picking and choosing the parts was great. sion of all else. that suit us, but we must accept and love NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED He then went on to call for the This year’s synod will follow the upcoming World Meeting on prosecution of people and charities that Families in Philadelphia in the US. Pope Francis, who speaks frankly do not support homosexual sex; the and from the heart, is likely to reiterate his belief in improving pas- Where is the proof of priests your, second chance, to out the compulsory teaching of homosexual sex toral care for all Catholics—including those whose personal circum- without compassion? compassionless, harsh priests by producing education; the compulsory hiring of openly stances are deemed irregular by Church teaching—at the meeting and some concrete evidence of the insinuations practising homosexuals in schools and again at the synod. This is Christian not a doctrinal crisis, although it IF KEVIN McKenna is going to point the being made in your article. This was a piece so on. seems some either will or fear it to be such. Will Pope Francis’s pon- finger at 'harsh' priests (SCO August 21, on I would have expected to see in a secular In view of this turning of the Gospel tificate lead to a Third Vatican Council? Who can tell? If it did would the Association of Separated and Divorced newspaper by a disgruntled Catholic. teaching upside down—ignoring all that be a bad development? Catholics) I would have been much happier Lynn Murray Christian teaching for the last 2000 In the meantime, we must remember that mercy and compassion if he had got his hands dirty and named and EDINBURGH years—a complete ignorance of the are not reserved only for those who partake of the Sacraments and, as shamed them 30 years ago. I’ve never met meaning and purpose of human sexuality I we prepare for the coming Jubilee of Mercy beginning in December, these Scottish priests without ‘compassion’ I EDITOR’S NOTE: As part of the SCO’s communi- feel that I cannot attend any functions or perhaps it is with mercy in our hearts we should pray for the synod who mistreated women, just as their cation mission in the spirit of new evangelisa- events at which this denomination is participants, including Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow. The ‘violent’ ‘alcoholic’ husbands did. I'm tion, contributors look at many issues, including represented. national pilgrimage to Carfin last Sunday for the success of the synod sorry, this was too Eastenders for me. the difficult ones, respectfully bringing informed was an ideal start. And then he started on about gay insight as it is preferable to tackle such matters B McKenna Catholics. Really? Well Mr McKenna, now’s within our community than in the secular press. DUMBARTON his month sees vocations awareness week arrive but in families, parishes and diocese throughout Scotland programmes, Masses G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements and dedicated staff focus all year round on fostering and nur- turing vocations. In September the SCO aims to shine a light on voca- G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO T tions by exploring the work that is taking place here. We would G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below encourage all to take time out from the noise of modern life to listen for God’s voice, to pray for guidance in the direction of life and to G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or your letter will not be used think and pray about vocations and how we can support our priest and religious as they support us, both spiritually and practically. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Family life: Difficult but wonderful Very few of us belong to, or indeed know, the perfect family but those ties bind the fabric of society

peace’ and, in any case, the peace is often far from kept. People will either keep pushing their point onto us to gain acceptance or they'll judge us anyway, with the classic line ‘Well, I know you think this is wrong…’ I get that quite often—accused of being judgemental, having made no judge- ment at all.

s one of my favourite expressions goes, ‘God, give me the strength’ Which takes me neatly onto my final point: prayer. BY SR ROSEANN GodA will, and always does, give us the strength. All we need to do is put our REDDY trust in his loving mercy and in his constant care for all of us. The thing I find about prayer is that T THE end of this month, it covers every base. Let me explain Sr Andrea and I are what I mean. When I want to pray going to Philadelphia to about/for someone or some attend the World Meeting situation, it’s not just about saying the of Families. I am beyond words. It's also about engaging with myself with excitement (whatever that the Lord and asking him for wisdom, means!) strength, courage, charity or whatever AWe don’t usually go to events like thinking, but never quite saying, the from hell—like The Waltons (above) for the instability and lack of security it is I need to deal with the situation. these but a combination of the offer to most annoying phrase ever: “Well, merged with the Little House on the that is often, although not always, part So, a typical prayer would be ‘Lord, I stay with some religious sisters via a what can you do? That’s life.” Truly, I Prairie, listening to Val Doonican, may of less permanent relationships. know that I am weak and that I feel mutual priest friend and the stash of want to harm people who say that to he rest in peace. (Google them if Marriage, mum and dad, stability and hurt by this person and their disregard dollars that I’ve had since my 50th me. I don’t, but I really want to! you’re too young to get the references.) security all matter. My big worry, which for you, but help me through my loving birthday (people are always so kind Usually this phrase comes up when Those were the days, but those days I am sure many of you share, is that response to their situation to be true to and want to give us presents, so I people are talking about their nearest really are far gone. experience tells us that those who suffer you but also to guide them to peace asked for dollars so that we could one and dearest and I really do know exactly most as a result of family breakdown and joy in their life. I believe, Lord, day go to the March for Life in how they feel. What can you do when digress. My point is that, despite are the children; and for their sake we that with you all things are possible.’ Washington—providentially this came your grandchild announces they’re all its brokenness and all its failings, must do whatever we can to defend the It’s not just a request to help them and up first. I love God’s providence.) moving in with their ‘partner,’ or your the family—mum, dad, children, family at both a national and personal their situation, it’s a genuine plea to Anyway, I can't wait. brother outs himself as being gay, or Igrandparents and extended relatives—is level. So how do we do that? Well, one help me understand and do the right I think part of the reason that I’m so your child suddenly gives up practising still the building block and foundation step, one person, one situation at a time. thing, not so that I feel better, although excited is that we’ll be among a body their faith because it’s all mumbo jumbo, of our society. Every marker, every At a national level, get involved with usually I do, but so that the person of people who celebrate the gift of or your wife/husband of many years piece of research I have ever seen, pro-family organisations, sign their involved will see that I love them, but family.My hope is that it will re-energise decides they want to ‘find themselves’ points to the fact that children do better petitions, read their articles, become I love the Lord and his plan for their and encourage us to keep doing all we and is leaving you? Family can be very on every level if they are part of a aware, make a donation. Do whatever life more. can to support and fight for the family difficult and the answers to what can be traditional family unit. And my life you can do—but do something. So if we want to see the Lord’s plan when we get home. Over the past few done are often long and complicated, and work experience have borne this At a personal level? Speak the truth for the family flourish again in our years we have seen so much change but the one thing I’m certain of is that out over these past 30+ years. in love and give witness by your life. wonderful country, pray, hope and with regard to the family and, I have doing nothing is never an option. Does that mean that those outwith Always leave a door open but never don't worry—and act. to admit, I’m weary. I’m so tired of I imagine very few of us belong to, this model of family are somehow compromise what you know to be true. trying to defend the family that I’m or indeed know, the perfect family. I ‘lesser’people? Of course it doesn’t, but No-one really respects someone who I https://gospeloflifesisters. almost at the stage where I hear myself think they would be the neighbours there is all too often a price to be paid gives in on their principles to ‘keep the wordpress.com/

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of SR ROSEANN’S comments on FAMILY? Send your points of view to pages of the SCO are those of the SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Abortion and Forgiveness: What is Pope Francis really saying?

IT WAS a surprise to see on Alongside this, we can set what hard-hearted and final rejection consciously and deliberately the Canon Penitentiary. So, a the news recently that, during Bishop the Church teaches in the Catechism of God’s offer of salvation commits this particular sin, he or penitent who is seeking the forthcoming Year of of the Catholic Church: “There is and grace. she not only offends God, and reconciliation with God and the Mercy, the Pope had given Hugh no offense, however serious, that So, as for other sins, so for wounds the life of the Church, but Church after an abortion requires priests ‘permission to absolve the Church cannot forgive. There abortion, the forgiveness of sins also incurs what is called an both absolution from the sin and from the sin of abortion’. Gilbert is no one, however wicked and has always been available. It is ecclesiastical censure. Abortion is remission of the censure. Because guilty, who may not confidently available to the un-Baptised the taking of an innocent human of this, the matter often had to be Surely they had that already? hope for [forgiveness], provided through Baptism and to the life and therefore a violation of referred to the bishop or his But the impression given was of Confession with a sincere heart his repentance is honest. Christ Baptised normally through the the fifth commandment. delegate, even after absolution that hitherto abortion had been in order to obtain reconciliation who died for all desires that in Sacrament of Penance. It is a grave sin, as the Pope had been granted by the priest (cf a kind of unforgivable sin. with the Father. For this reason too, His Church, the gates of As a Psalm says: “It is He [the mentions. So, the Church has c 1357). What the Pope is saying Now, or at least during the I have decided, notwithstanding forgiveness should always be Lord] who forgives all your guilt, attached to it the censure of is that, during the Year of Mercy, Year of Mercy, it would be anything to the contrary, to concede open to anyone who turns away who heals every one of your ills, automatic excommunication any priest can grant to a penitent possible for those who had to all priests for the Jubilee Year from sin.” (982). who redeems your life from the (c1398). It is important to add who is truly contrite and seeks had an abortion to be absolved the discretion to absolve of the The mercy of God is available grave, who crowns you with love that the censure is only incurred forgiveness both absolution from by the Church—a novelty not sin of abortion those who have always, everywhere and to and compassion.” (Ps 102:3-4) if the person is aware of its the sin of abortion and the available before. procured it and who, with everyone whose heart is turned to What then is the Pope referring existence at the time of committing remission of the censure, if it was This is a reminder of how far contrite heart, seek forgiveness the Lord in sincere repentance. to here? What is being offered in the sin (c1323/2). incurred. He can act on behalf of we have to go in making our for it. May priests fulfil this great Such is the power of Christ’s this Year of Mercy? In the early Church, the the bishop. Many bishops have (sometimes complex) Catholic task by expressing words of Passion. The world always has a Here we need to distinguish administration of penance was already granted this faculty to the beliefs and practices known in the genuine welcome combined with list of ‘unforgivable sins.’ Christ two things: restricted to the bishop. Following priests of their dioceses. The Pope world of the media. a reflection that explains the does not. The Church does not. I Absolution from sin that, even now the remission of a is granting it to all, as a sign for What did the Pope actually gravity of the sin committed, Doesn’t, though, the New Testament I Remission of a censure. censure is reserved either to the the Year of Mercy of the ‘true and say? Here are his key words: besides indicating a path of mention an ‘unforgivable sin’ In order to underline the local bishop or to the Bishop of generous forgiveness of the Father “The forgiveness of God cannot authentic conversion by which to (Mt 12:31) – ‘blasphemy against seriousness of certain sins, Church Rome, the Pope. who renews all with his presence.’ be denied to one who has obtain the true and generous the Holy Spirit?’ Yes, but that can Law can attach a canonical penalty In the case of abortion, remission repented, especially when that forgiveness of the Father who only be our deliberate refusal to to them. These are called censures. is reserved to the local bishop or I Bishop Gilbert is bishop of person approaches the Sacrament renews all with His presence.” accept mercy and repent. It’s the This means that if someone his appointed delegate, known as Aberdeen WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

… to the eventual project.” W So if you think you can IRE have what it takes to amuse D I the notoriously stone faced N Pope Francis visit www.JokeWithThePope.org

An SCO diary GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG TO MARK Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to the US, people will be able to share a joke with the Pontiff in a novel charity campaign. Celebrities such as Bill Murray, Conan O’Brien, and David Copperfield have joined the cause and recorded jokes already. Even Jesuit Fr Jim Martin has welcomed the Pope with a recorded joke about a Franciscan and a Jesuit who reach the pearly gates. The website for AN ITALIAN-born nun who submissions is sponsored by confronted Billy the Kid, the Pontifical Mission calmed angry mobs, and Societies, and it goes live this helped open New Mexico weekend, Oblate Fr Andrew territory hospitals and schools Small, director, said. On that could be on the route to date, people can visit sainthood. JokeWithThePope.org and Supporters of the woman select one of three causes: known as the ‘fastest nun in Needy children in Argentina, the West,’ Sr Blandina Segale homeless people in Ethiopia (above), presented their case or hungry people in Africa. before the Archdiocese of Santa Then, they assign a written Fe at a ceremonial ‘first inquiry’ joke or record a joke and last week. The public inquiry, assign it to that cause. headed by former Archbishop “For those that are Michael Sheehan, was aimed at Absence of balance and accuracy comedically challenged, you determining if there was enough hit a button and it spits out a evidence to move her case joke for them,” Fr Small said. through the largely secret “We have a lot of original process at the Vatican. will be the downfall of newspapers jokes.” Witnesses said Sr Segale The funniest participant will fought against the cruel be chosen at the end of the treatment of American Indians S SOMEONE newspaper or online news site, media. Welcoming the kind campaign to receive the and sought to stop the who spends a that sort of troublesome, old- gesture, she pointed out: “It’s first-ever official title of trafficking of women as sex great deal of his fashioned journalism is a time not that I think that he’s for gay honorary comedic adviser to slaves. They also testified that t i m e r e a d i n g consuming business. families.” Journalists approaching the Pope, and his or her in death, Sr Segale has newspapers and the Vatican Press Office were cause will receive a $10,000 helped cancer patients and watching or listening to the he recent story about reminded that the letter was donation. poor immigrants who have output of the media I confess I a number of Italian ‘not in support of teachings that As fun as JokeWithThePope prayed to her for help. may have become completely children’s books, including A went against church doctrine.’ sounds, its larger aim is to Sr Segale, a nun with the inured to the tropes and one titled Piccolo Uovo (Little T So far so good, a ‘thank you’ point people toward the Sisters of Charity of techniques they often use. Egg), which included animal note clearly isn’t an endorsement Pontifical Mission Societies’ Cincinnati, came to Trinidad, Eye-catching headlines are characters in different ‘family’ or an affirmation of any kind new Missio app, which will be Colorado, in 1877 to teach generally deemed a necessity arrangements, being banned and shouldn’t be read as such. relaunched in English on poor children and was later by all newspapers these days by the new Mayor of Venice Unless you’re the editor of The Monday. Other language transferred to Santa Fe, where —not just tabloids as was once Luigi Brugnaro, is typical. BY PETER Guardian newspaper, in which versions will follow. she co-founded public and the case—driving readers to The mayor and others accused case, it is. In a banner headline The new app will allow Catholic schools. During her your paper or your website the book’s Italian author KEARNEY last month, the paper claimed: ‘open-source philanthropy.’ time in New Mexico, she has become an increasingly Francesca Pardi of promoting “Pope Francis sends letter People can choose from worked with the poor, the desperate quest for editors a pro-homosexuality gender praising gay children’s book.” dozens of projects in Africa, sick, and immigrants. She and owners. first foreign trip to Brazil, the theory and removed the book The Pope hadn’t actually sent Asia and Latin America. also advocated on behalf of Lurid and exaggerated Pope told journalists on board along with around 50 others any letter and he hadn’t actually Besides supporting them Hispanics and Native headlines do exactly that, but the Papal plane: “If someone is from the city’s schools. Outrage praised any gay book, but then financially, they can share Americans who were losing at a price: credibility. In the gay and he searches for the followed with 250 authors the truth doesn’t really get a information about the project their land to swindlers. long-term the almost rabid Lord and has good will, who demanding that their works look in when there’s a chance with friends through social Her encounters with Old desperation of newspapers to am I to judge?” This may seem also be removed from schools of an eye-catching headline. media channels or organise West outlaws later became grab readers’ attention works like an utterly uncontroversial and libraries in a gesture of The conscious decision of a an event or other action in the stuff of legend and were against them, as one-by-one thing to say and would appear solidarity with Pardi. generation of editors to their community to help the subject of an episode of readers scan the text that to be in conformity with While the dispute raged, the constantly mislead their readers support the project. the TV series Death Valley accompanies the headline and Church teaching. Yet headlines author sent a parcel of children’s has exacted a heavy toll. “You will be able to Days. The episode, called The realise that they don’t match. around the world immediately books to the Pope in June. The In the course of the past year, communicate with the project Fastest Nun in the West, Sadly, the Mark Twain pronounced that Church teaching collection from her publisher, sales of The Guardian have leaders directly,” Fr Small focused on her efforts to save injunction: “Never let the truth had changed and the Pope was included seven or eight books fallen by almost 5 per cent, added. “For instance, a parish a man from a lynch mob. get in the way of a good story,” making up doctrine off the which dealt with lesbian, gay, while in Scotland the drop has with a twinning project can But her encounters with has been taken to heart by too cuff. Neither of these assertions bisexual and transgender issues. been double that. Its Sunday keep in touch with the project’s Billy the Kid remain among many editors too many times were true. It was accompanied by a letter sister paper The Observer has process all year long.” her most popular and and left many once respectable Soon after the Pope’s from the author. lost 8 per cent while for the Project leaders must well-known Western frontier newspapers looking shallow airborne comments, a gay man As per standard protocol in Daily Record the annual fall is answer some questions to put adventures. According to one and superficial. In the longer in France told his local response to gifts, an official at 11 per cent as it continues to their project on the Missio story, she received a tip that term, it will probably also newspaper he had received a the Secretariat of State replied haemorrhage readers. Nothing platform. But people who The Kid was coming to her leave them bankrupt as readers reassuring phone call from the saying: “His holiness is grateful however comes close to the support a project can also town to scalp the four doctors desert their fantastical claims Pope. Again the headline writers for the thoughtful gesture and catastrophic collapse of the once place it on the app. who refused to treat his in search of accurate journalism had a field day: “Pope Francis for the feelings that it evoked, proud and influential Scottish “If you’re Mary in Milwaukee friend’s gunshot wound. Sr elsewhere. Phones Gay Catholic To hoping for an always more institution, The Scotsman. It who has a twinning project Segale nursed the friend to Reassure Him About Sexuality” fruitful activity in the service has shed over 80 per cent of its you, Mary… can put up a health, and when Billy went to he media treatment of screamed one. The Vatican of young generations and the readers in the nine years since project in Haiti,” as long as she Trinidad to thank her, she Pope Francis has been a subsequently completely spread of genuine human and 2006. In the absence of balance can satisfy the criteria, Fr asked him to abandon his case in point. Accurate denied the claim, insisting the Christian values,” and accuracy the self-inflicted Small said. “It goes through violent plan. He agreed. Tand fair reporting of his Pope had not phoned the man A very innocuous and decline looks set to continue. the church’s secure financial Though the Canonisation comments and views are rare, in question. Checking with the appropriate response you might transfer mechanism, process is rightfully a long exaggerations and inventions, Vatican Press Office might have think. The author Francesca I Peter Kearney is the director of the Scottish Catholic Media particularly through the Papal one, St Blandian of the Wild sadly, are the norm. In 2013, been a good idea, but in the Pardi certainly did and made ambassadors in each country West could be in the offing. while travelling back from his fast-paced world of the modern the response available to the Office. Part two next week.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

(Left) Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow are seen here at the hospice celebrations with Sr Rita Dawson with Provost Una Walker from East Dumbartonshire and other dignatories. (Above) The congregation at the celebrations take part in an excercise to break the chains of trafficking. (Below) An earlier year’s Moonlight Walk PICS (LEFT AND ABOVE): PAUL McSHERRY

T’S been a time of celebration at St Margaret of the sick poor. of Scotland Hospice. After months of When the service was complete, guests and preparation and hard work, the Hospice dignitaries headed to the front of the building to see marked the 200thAnniversary of our foundation a new statue of St Margaret of Scotland being of the Religious Sisters of Charity by the unveiled by Archbishop Tartaglia and Archbishop FUNDRAISING IN 65TH YEAR OF Venerable Mary Aikenhead, and our own 65th Emeritus Mario Conti. Afterwards, guests made the anniversary, in a memorable day in Clydebank. most of a barbecue and refreshments, with the ISupporters, staff, patients and dignitaries gathered option of mingling in the Education Centre, for a special service in a temporary marquee that had heading back to the marquee to enjoy some easy been put up to accommodate up to 500 guests. listening music from the Rhythm Kings or walking Archbishop Philip Tartaglia and Archbishop round to the car park stage for some folk-rock from Emeritus Mario Conti celebrated the Mass, while band Really Jiggered. guests included senior local politicians and Hospice Many visitors, staff and volunteers also returned patron and broadcasting star Peter Martin— to the marquee in the evening for a ceilidh, where undeterred by a heavy downpour which thankfully organisers had a well-earned chance to let their hair had cleared up by the time the service began. down after all the hard work they had put into “It was fantastic. I thought we were going to need preparing for the day and making sure it ran Noah’s Ark here at one point because of the rain, it smoothly.At the ceilidh, Councillor Denis Agnew was that heavy,” Mr Martin said after the Mass. and Councillor Marie McNair confirmed a motion ST MARGARET’S “And of course what a great service. Over and above had been unanimously agreed at a Council Meeting that, the one thing I feel when I come here is that I held earlier that day to admit Sr Rita as a Freeman don’t do enough, because there’s people involved of West Dunbartonshire. This great honour will be who do way, way more than I do. officially celebrated at a civic reception to be held at In a special report from MICHAEL McCARTNEY, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank, looks “The people here work with a tremendous amount a later date. Everyone in the hospice is delighted. of passion and compassion. People I speak to of any In what has been a hugely important period at St back on its 65th anniversary celebratory Mass, its fundraising walk at the weekend Midnight Walk, denomination say there is a real care provided here Margaret of Scotland Hospice, the hospice history and real sense of dignity. room was also updated with a new graphical poster and ahead to its Sapphire Ball because the efforts to keep this special facility open never take a break “That’s the key to it all here, they really, on an to reflect changes to the hospice and its surrounding individual basis, make people feel not only cared for area in the six years since the room was created. but wanted in their absolute hour of need.” And a new hospice website—featuring news and events feeds which change on a daily basis, as well one of the most popular and sociable hospice hospice. We also wish to acknowledge the support After completing the route, the ladies were guests the chance to mingle and take part in a he service itself featured speeches from as updated sections on the Hospice, its staff and the activities since it was first held in 2013. received from Aggreko for this event and the many presented with a medal and enjoyed refreshments ‘tombola twist.’ A delicious four-course meal then Congregational Leader Sr Mary Christian, unique care it offers patients—has been launched. Almost 500 walkers donned colourful outfits and volunteers who are helping to support it.” are also provided, including a barbecue. follows before the night really gets going with Hospice Chief Executive Sr Rita and Go to www.smh.org.uk to see more. light-up headgear to bring a real energetic vibe to The walk, which measures exactly 5k, started at musical performances from local band the Singer TChairman Professor Leo Martin, as well as a last year’s event—which raised more than £40,000 Great Western Retail Park before moving along ith the walk completed, attention over the Swingers and former Pop Idol winner Michelle procession of the flags in which guests learned about s always, the sense of celebration during a for hospice funds—and with hundreds of early Great Western Road and returning from the upcoming weeks will turn to our biggest McManus. the auction, raffle, tombola or silent auction. for 10/12 people. There is an Early Bird Table each of the countries in which the Sisters of big event at the hospice quickly changes to registrations received, we are hopeful that even Kilbowie roundabout. night of the year, the Hospice Annual “This is a very special annual ball for the “The Sapphire Ball is an ideal occasion to bring Discount' of £650 for a table of 10. Please book by Charity serve. focus and determination aimed at ensuring more took part this year. To encourage more children to take part, the entry WBall. This year’s event, the Sapphire Ball, was an hospice, as we celebrate our 65th year, and it is a family, friends, colleagues or clients together. We September 25, 2015. Attendees were also asked to lift a paper chain in theA next big day in the calendar gathers as much “We're delighted with the number of registrations age for this year was been lowered to six years old. easy one to name given that it's 65 years since the night we are all looking forward to,” Sr Rita said. look forward to seeing you on the night.” To purchase tickets or for further information, their seated rows, before breaking it to symbolise support as possible. we have so far but there is always a rush before the All children taking part must were accompanied by Hospice opened its doors. “Over that time we have touched the lives of many Tickets are still available to individuals and please contact the hospice fundraising department the ongoing worldwide battle to end modern day And typically, another major event was just deadline so we are well on our way towards last a responsible adult. Taking place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on thousands of patients and their families and friends. companies looking to support the excellent work of on 0141 435 7018. Tickets can be bought online at slavery and human trafficking. around the corner—in this case one of the biggest year's figure,” Sr Rita said. The event included some musical entertainment from Saturday, October 24, the ball is sure to have an “But we can only continue to do so with the amazing the hospice. Every penny spent goes towards www.eventbrite.co.uk—search for St Margaret of And Archbishop Tartaglia delivered a sermon fundraisers of the year, the Ladies-Only 5k Midnight “It's a really enjoyable night out. The great thing 10.30pm, hosted by radio personality Steve McKenna, added sparkle to it for 2015. efforts of our supporters. We will be very grateful if ensuring we continue to provide the highest Scotland Hospice and click on annual ball. commemorating the history of the Sisters of Charity Walk. It took place at the weekend on Saturday, about it is the enjoyment that the ladies get from followed by a warm-up session with a qualified gym Hosted by hospice patron Peter Martin, the event you could support the Sapphire Ball by attending the standard of care. movement and their unique vow to work in service September 5, 2015. The Midnight Walk has become taking part, whilst raising much needed funds for the instructor as the build up to the walk continues. will begin with a champagne reception, offering event, sponsoring a donation or providing a prize for Individual tickets are £75 and tables are available I http://www.smh.org.uk/ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

(Left) Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow are seen here at the hospice celebrations with Sr Rita Dawson with Provost Una Walker from East Dumbartonshire and other dignatories. (Above) The congregation at the celebrations take part in an excercise to break the chains of trafficking. (Below) An earlier year’s Moonlight Walk PICS (LEFT AND ABOVE): PAUL McSHERRY

T’S been a time of celebration at St Margaret of the sick poor. of Scotland Hospice. After months of When the service was complete, guests and preparation and hard work, the Hospice dignitaries headed to the front of the building to see marked the 200thAnniversary of our foundation a new statue of St Margaret of Scotland being of the Religious Sisters of Charity by the unveiled by Archbishop Tartaglia and Archbishop FUNDRAISING IN 65TH YEAR OF Venerable Mary Aikenhead, and our own 65th Emeritus Mario Conti. Afterwards, guests made the anniversary, in a memorable day in Clydebank. most of a barbecue and refreshments, with the ISupporters, staff, patients and dignitaries gathered option of mingling in the Education Centre, for a special service in a temporary marquee that had heading back to the marquee to enjoy some easy been put up to accommodate up to 500 guests. listening music from the Rhythm Kings or walking Archbishop Philip Tartaglia and Archbishop round to the car park stage for some folk-rock from Emeritus Mario Conti celebrated the Mass, while band Really Jiggered. guests included senior local politicians and Hospice Many visitors, staff and volunteers also returned patron and broadcasting star Peter Martin— to the marquee in the evening for a ceilidh, where undeterred by a heavy downpour which thankfully organisers had a well-earned chance to let their hair had cleared up by the time the service began. down after all the hard work they had put into “It was fantastic. I thought we were going to need preparing for the day and making sure it ran Noah’s Ark here at one point because of the rain, it smoothly.At the ceilidh, Councillor Denis Agnew was that heavy,” Mr Martin said after the Mass. and Councillor Marie McNair confirmed a motion ST MARGARET’S “And of course what a great service. Over and above had been unanimously agreed at a Council Meeting that, the one thing I feel when I come here is that I held earlier that day to admit Sr Rita as a Freeman don’t do enough, because there’s people involved of West Dunbartonshire. This great honour will be who do way, way more than I do. officially celebrated at a civic reception to be held at In a special report from MICHAEL McCARTNEY, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank, looks “The people here work with a tremendous amount a later date. Everyone in the hospice is delighted. of passion and compassion. People I speak to of any In what has been a hugely important period at St back on its 65th anniversary celebratory Mass, its fundraising walk at the weekend Midnight Walk, denomination say there is a real care provided here Margaret of Scotland Hospice, the hospice history and real sense of dignity. room was also updated with a new graphical poster and ahead to its Sapphire Ball because the efforts to keep this special facility open never take a break “That’s the key to it all here, they really, on an to reflect changes to the hospice and its surrounding individual basis, make people feel not only cared for area in the six years since the room was created. but wanted in their absolute hour of need.” And a new hospice website—featuring news and events feeds which change on a daily basis, as well one of the most popular and sociable hospice hospice. We also wish to acknowledge the support After completing the route, the ladies were guests the chance to mingle and take part in a he service itself featured speeches from as updated sections on the Hospice, its staff and the activities since it was first held in 2013. received from Aggreko for this event and the many presented with a medal and enjoyed refreshments ‘tombola twist.’ A delicious four-course meal then Congregational Leader Sr Mary Christian, unique care it offers patients—has been launched. Almost 500 walkers donned colourful outfits and volunteers who are helping to support it.” are also provided, including a barbecue. follows before the night really gets going with Hospice Chief Executive Sr Rita and Go to www.smh.org.uk to see more. light-up headgear to bring a real energetic vibe to The walk, which measures exactly 5k, started at musical performances from local band the Singer TChairman Professor Leo Martin, as well as a last year’s event—which raised more than £40,000 Great Western Retail Park before moving along ith the walk completed, attention over the Swingers and former Pop Idol winner Michelle procession of the flags in which guests learned about s always, the sense of celebration during a for hospice funds—and with hundreds of early Great Western Road and returning from the upcoming weeks will turn to our biggest McManus. the auction, raffle, tombola or silent auction. for 10/12 people. There is an Early Bird Table each of the countries in which the Sisters of big event at the hospice quickly changes to registrations received, we are hopeful that even Kilbowie roundabout. night of the year, the Hospice Annual “This is a very special annual ball for the “The Sapphire Ball is an ideal occasion to bring Discount' of £650 for a table of 10. Please book by Charity serve. focus and determination aimed at ensuring more took part this year. To encourage more children to take part, the entry WBall. This year’s event, the Sapphire Ball, was an hospice, as we celebrate our 65th year, and it is a family, friends, colleagues or clients together. We September 25, 2015. Attendees were also asked to lift a paper chain in theA next big day in the calendar gathers as much “We're delighted with the number of registrations age for this year was been lowered to six years old. easy one to name given that it's 65 years since the night we are all looking forward to,” Sr Rita said. look forward to seeing you on the night.” To purchase tickets or for further information, their seated rows, before breaking it to symbolise support as possible. we have so far but there is always a rush before the All children taking part must were accompanied by Hospice opened its doors. “Over that time we have touched the lives of many Tickets are still available to individuals and please contact the hospice fundraising department the ongoing worldwide battle to end modern day And typically, another major event was just deadline so we are well on our way towards last a responsible adult. Taking place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on thousands of patients and their families and friends. companies looking to support the excellent work of on 0141 435 7018. Tickets can be bought online at slavery and human trafficking. around the corner—in this case one of the biggest year's figure,” Sr Rita said. The event included some musical entertainment from Saturday, October 24, the ball is sure to have an “But we can only continue to do so with the amazing the hospice. Every penny spent goes towards www.eventbrite.co.uk—search for St Margaret of And Archbishop Tartaglia delivered a sermon fundraisers of the year, the Ladies-Only 5k Midnight “It's a really enjoyable night out. The great thing 10.30pm, hosted by radio personality Steve McKenna, added sparkle to it for 2015. efforts of our supporters. We will be very grateful if ensuring we continue to provide the highest Scotland Hospice and click on annual ball. commemorating the history of the Sisters of Charity Walk. It took place at the weekend on Saturday, about it is the enjoyment that the ladies get from followed by a warm-up session with a qualified gym Hosted by hospice patron Peter Martin, the event you could support the Sapphire Ball by attending the standard of care. movement and their unique vow to work in service September 5, 2015. The Midnight Walk has become taking part, whilst raising much needed funds for the instructor as the build up to the walk continues. will begin with a champagne reception, offering event, sponsoring a donation or providing a prize for Individual tickets are £75 and tables are available I http://www.smh.org.uk/ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Jesus’ eyes reveal God’s ineffability

human thought, is somehow perfect masculinity and perfect femininity all at the same time. It’s a mystery beyond us. But while that mystery can’t be grasped with any rational adequacy, we can know it intimately, and indeed know it so deeply that it’s meant to be the most intimate of all knowledge in our lives. It’s no accident that the Bible uses the verb ‘to know’ to connote sexual intimacy. There are different ways of knowing, some more inchoate, intuitive, and intimate than others. We can know God in a radical intimacy, BY FR RONALD even as we cannot conceptualise God with any adequacy.And that’s also true ROLHEISER of all the deep realities in life, we can know them and relate to them intimately, but we can never fully understand them. OD, as I understand him, is not very o where does that leave us with well understood.” God? In the best of places! We Acolleague of mine, are not on a blind date, struggling now deceased, was Sto develop intimacy with a complete fond of saying that. It’s a wise comment. stranger, with an unknown person who Anyone who claims to understand could be benign or malignant. God God‘G is deceived because the very first may be ineffable, but God’s nature is Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, once, in scintillation of diverse beauties was so dominated and gathered up into itself dogma we have about God affirms that known. Divine revelation, as seen a mystical vision, saw all of this hidden complete, so captivating, and also so all the others, was indecipherable. I God is ineffable. That means that we through nature, as seen through other inside the eyes of Jesus. Staring at a swift that I felt it touch and penetrate simply could not tell whether it can know God, but never adequately religions, and especially as seen painting of Jesus on a church-wall one all my powers simultaneously, so that denoted an indescribable agony or a capture God in a concept. God is through Jesus, spells out what’s inside day, Jesus’ eyes (above) suddenly the very core of my being vibrated in superabundance of triumphant joy.” unimaginable and can’t be circumscribed God’s ineffable reality. And what’s became transfigured and this what response to it, sounding a unique note To sum up, God can’t be deciphered, and put into a mental picture of any revealed there is both comforting Teilhard saw: “These eyes, which at of expansion and happiness. circumscribed, or captured in human kind. Thank goodness too. If God beyond all comfort and challenging first were so gentle and filled with pity “Now while I was ardently gazing thought; but, from what can be could be understood then God would beyond all challenge. What’s revealed that I thought my mother stood before deep into the pupils of Christ’s eyes, deciphered, we’re in good, safe hands. be as limited as we are. in the beauty of creation, in the com- me, became an instant later, like those which had become abysses of fiery, We can sleep well at night. God has But God is infinite.Infinity, passion that’s the hallmark of all true of a woman, passionate and filled with fascinating life, suddenly I beheld our back. In the end, both for humanity precisely because it’s unlimited, can’t religion, and in Jesus’ revelation of the power to subdue, yet at the same rising up from the depths of those as a whole and for our own individual be circumscribed. Hence it can’t be His Father, takes us beyond a blind time so imperiously pure that under same eyes what seemed like a cloud, lives, all will be well, and all will be captured in a mental picture. Indeed, date into a trustworthy relationship. their domination it would have been blurring and blending all that variety I well, and every manner of being will we don’t even have a way of picturing Nature, religion, and Jesus conspire physically impossible for the emotions have been describing to you. Little by be well. God is good. God’s gender. God is not a man, not a together to reveal an ultimate reality, to go astray. And then they changed little an extraordinary expression of woman, and not some hybrid, half- a ground of being, a creator and again, and became filled with a noble, great intensity, spread over the diverse I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and man and half-woman. God’s gender, sustainer of the universe, a God, virile majesty, similar to that which shades of meaning which the divine member of the Missionary Oblates of like God’s nature, is intellectually who is wise, intelligent, prodigal, one sees in the eyes of men of great eyes revealed, first of all penetrating Mary Immaculate. He is president of inconceivable. We can’t grasp it and compassionate, loving, forgiving, courage or refinement or strength, but them and then finally absorbing them the Oblate School of Theology in San have no language or pronoun for it. God, patient, good, trustworthy, and beautiful incomparably more lofty to behold all... And I stood dumbfounded. For Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at in a modality beyond the categories of beyond imagination. and more delightful to submit to. This this final expression, which had www.ronrolheiser.com

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on GOD’S INEFFABILITY? Send your points pages of the SCO are those of of view 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

MOTHER Teresa, passed away Inspire us to live in such a Britain’s radar early-warning and Winston Churchill, the in September 1997. She worked way that the light of Christ may stations were a very great help. war-time Prime Minister, said with the poorest of the poor in shine through us, bringing love The first heavy attack took of the Royal Air Force: “Never Calcutta,in north-eastern India. and warmth and happiness to place on July 10, 1940, and in the field of human conflict She talked of what inspired those who share our lives.Amen. then wave after wave of was so much owed by so her: “What is the Good News, fighter-escorted bombers many to so few.” the Gospel? It is that God SEPTEMBER 14 marks the attacked the ships and the September 15 is known loves you, that God carries you death in 1851 of Arthur harbours of the south coast, as as Battle of Britain Day, tattooed on the palms of His Wellesley, the Duke of well as the airfields. The acknowledging that Britain hands, that even if a mother Wellington, a famous soldier Battle of Britain had begun— would have been invaded should forget her own child, and prime minister. the first battle to take place sooner or later if it had not God will not forget you.” When Wellington died, only in the skies. been for the courage and skill (Isaiah 49: 15-16) Prime Minister William One night, a single German and sacrifice of the RAF pilots. On September 12, 1997, a Gladstone wrote to one of the bomber lost its way and 9-year old Romanian boy Duke’s sons. In the letter he jettisoned its bombs—they Lord Jesus, we can understand received a letter from Mother said that Wellington had been landed on London, which had your feelings when your friends Teresa, posted just before her outstanding—not because of not previously been hit. In abandoned you and left you death. In that letter, Mother his talents, which were fairly retaliation, British bombers alone when times were difficult. Teresa wrote: “I pray for you, ordinary ones—but because of attacked Berlin the following We ask that we, too, may have Patreascu, that you may the extraordinary use that he had night. Hitler was so outraged strength and courage in the become more and more like made of those ordinary talents. PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK at the attack on his capital city, difficult times that we will face. Jesus and be the sunshine of that he switched the Luftwaffe’s Inspire us to live in such a his love to everyone.” Lord, as I offer you all that is prevent him taking over other The British Royal Air Force bombing away from the English way that we are prepared to be ordinary and everyday in my countries. By the summer of would, first of all, have to be airfields to London itself. one of only a few, willing to God our Father, for each life, I ask you to give me the 1940, only the English Channel destroyed. Germany’s Air Force Although this was a tragedy for make sacrifices and stand up individual it is as though his or power of your Spirit that I may stopped the Germans invading —led by Hermann Goering— London, it gave an opportunity for what is right. her name is written on the do the ordinary things of life in Britain. Hitler’s invasion had over 2600 planes. The for the RAF to build themselves Lead us to work well with palm of your hand. an extraordinary way. Amen. plans—called Operation RAF under Air Chief Marshal up again and then destroy many others and help bring out the Lead us to grow in the faith Sealion—were put into effect, Sir Hugh Dowding, had less more German planes on their best in one another, and readily that your love for each person IN 1939 several nations were and men and boats were than a quarter of that number way to London. The British thank those who contribute to is without limit or condition. at war with Hitler, to try to assembled, ready to invade. —no more than 650 planes. had been very close to defeat, our lives. Amen.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 9PM 1PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, LIVE SUNDAY MASS NEVER BACK 5PM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17 EWTN BOOKMARK 1PM 6PM LIVE DAILY MASS THE WORLD OVER 8PM 8PM EWTN LIVE EWTN AND GREAT BRITAIN 9PM 9PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME NEVER BACK 10PM FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 LIVE VATICANO 1PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14 LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 5.30PM LIVE EWTN MASS EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 9PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL SERRA: EVER FORWARD, 8PM NEVER BACK THE WORLD OVER TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15 9PM 1PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, DAILY MASS NEVER BACK 5.30PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH 9.30PM COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL LIFE ON THE ROCK 9PM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 SERRA: EVER FORWARD, 1PM NEVER BACK LIVE EWTN MASS WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16 7PM 1PM MARIAN APPARITIONS-OUR LIVE DAILY MASS LADY OF LA SALETTE 5.30PM 9PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH CONVERSATION WITH God calls us to be faithful COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL CARDINAL DOLAN In the latest article in our spirituality series, a BENEDICTINE MONK from PLUSCARDEN ABBEY explains what God wants from all of us LAY READERS’ GUIDE

T THE brothers’ table know failure; Pharaoh will harden his heart, there should always be A SPIRITUAL says God, and he will not let the Israelites go. reading...” so writes St In obedience to God’s commands, therefore, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Benedict in Chapter 38 of REFLECTION Moses inflicts a series of plagues on the land Isaiah 50:5-9a. Response: I will walk in his Rule for Monks. of Egypt, to which Pharaoh responds with Reading accompanies our meals at Pluscarden, hardened heart and steadfast refusal. the presence of the Lord in the land of the at both lunch and supper. Listening to a book Eventually, in His own time and in His own living. James 2:14-18. Mark 8:27-35. ‘Awhile eating is much better than watching way, God Himself frees the people of Israel: television or surfing the internet or even having instituted the Passover, which looking at Facebook. Of course, it helps if foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, He brings MONDAY it’s a good book and if it’s well read. An English the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, out of Numbers: 21:4-9. Response: Never forget Spring, the recently published memoirs of slavery. This is their Exodus. It is their the English Cardinal Archbishop, Cormac liberation and it is God’s work; it is not Moses.’ the deeds of the Lord. John 3:13-17. Murphy-O’Connor, has proved to be much In the period leading up to this great act of more interesting than I had originally ignored (or, even worse, misrepresented and divine deliverance, however, even though expected. One passage, near the beginning, condemned) by Anglicans and then Catholics Moses has been commanded by God to TUESDAY caught my attention: “Looking back on those —Newman was no stranger to failure. And inflict one plague after another on the land Hebrews 5:7-9. Response: Save me, O early years in the priesthood [in Portsmouth yet, throughout it all, he remained faithful of Egypt, he meets without success. Pharaoh Lord, in your love. John 19:25-27. in the 1950s], I am conscious of how immature to God. has hardened his heart and refused to let the I was in many ways. I had unrealistic hopes Roderick Strange—a former rector of the Israelites go. No matter, God did not call and expectations. I was increasingly Pontifical Beda College in Rome—has written Moses to be successful, He called him to be WEDNESDAY conscious of what Mother Teresa once said: about Newman in a monograph subtitled A faithful. And so he was, and his people were ‘God has not called me to be successful— Mind Alive; he has this to say about the freed from slavery. Exodus 32:7-14. Response: I will sing forever He has called me to be to be faithful.’” Christian response to failure: “The essence of your love, O Lord. Matthew: 9:35-37. of the Crucifixion is not wood and nails, but ome three and a half millennia later, in od has not called me to be defeat... Newman knew intimately that the north east of Scotland, miles from successful—He has called me to defeat which lies at the heart of Crucifixion, the nearest metropolis, in a restored THURSDAY be faithful.” These words, quoted and his dark hours can alert us to recognise Smediaeval monastery, the monks of Pluscarden Timothy 4:12-16. Response: Great are by‘G Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, might when we too are being tested. Everyone goes Abbey come together seven times a day and the works of the Lord. Luke 7:36-50. equally well have been spoken by another through such a crisis... In these times of once at night to worship God and to sing His English Cardinal, from another century: crisis, when defeat seems heaviest, fidelity praises. And for this reason: Our firm Blessed John Henry Newman, from the is the key. As Jesus even on Calvary conviction that God has called us here, to 19th century. commended Himself into His father’s hands, give up everything to follow Christ, to live FRIDAY Newman knew failure from personal so was He raised from the dead.” together in community (somehow; by the Timothy 6:2-12. Response: How happy experience—when he failed to realise his Throughout the trials and tribulations of power of the Holy Spirit really), to serve one are the poor in spirit: theirs is the Kingdom promise at Oxford as an undergraduate, when his long life, Newman remained faithful to another in fraternal charity. He has not called his father went bankrupt and he undertook to God. Sacred Scripture would have furnished us to be successful—in the eyes of an of Heaven. Luke 8:1-3. support his family, when his hopes for a him with examples of fidelity, such as the unbelieving and materialistic world, we are Catholic university in Ireland were first unwavering witness of Moses. Early on in eminently not—He has called us to be faithful. raised and then dashed (against the rock of the Book of Exodus, God tells Moses that He It has ever been thus. Today, for Christians SATURDAY the Irish bishops), when his editorship of The will bring His people—the Israelites—out of in a hostile secular environment, it is good Timothy 6:13-16. Response: Come before Rambler ended almost as soon as it had the land of Egypt, that He will free them for us to be reminded of this truth: “When the Lord singing for Joy. 8:4-15. begun, when he was misunderstood and from slavery. But first of all, Moses must defeat seems heaviest, fidelity is the key.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Parenting: Preparing children for the world THAT’S LIFE looks at how family life as seen on TV can never be as complex and challenging as really being a parent up a conversation that does not interest me in the or those of my age and older, we remember slightest so I just let them get on with it. Some kind when the TV was a box with a convex lens of deal has been brokered with BT. They get full and a wooden frame. It was turned on only access to the televised games and we save money. Fafter the daily paper had been consulted to see if As for my viewing preferences, ‘cooncil telly’ there was anything of interest. My mum wouldn’t By Mary feeds my thrice-weekly Coronation Street habit. miss Brian Walden’s Weekend World after Mass on As long as I’m conversant with the goings-on in a Sunday and, other than the news, my dad’s viewing McGinty Weatherfield I’m quite satisfied. habits were limited to Dad’s Army and Match of Then there’s the occasional drama that grips the Day on a Saturday night. That came on before me and Downton’s final series due to be aired Parkinson, which I wasn’t allowed up for, and T WAS finally time to take action after years soon. after Googie Withers in Within These Walls, which of complaining that there’s never anything I took the decision to cut back on TV when I I was permitted to watch although it did once give on the telly. Hundreds of channels and not a realised I was giving my favourite shows too much me a nightmare. thing worth watching yet the telly-viewing space in my head. There I was in the local shop, As an only child I was fascinated by the sibling hours are creeping up. The SKY subscription picking up a pint of milk and a plain sliced loaf, in relationships in Little House on the Prairie and had to go. a queue that would do justice to an execution, and The Waltons. I had planned to model my own I hadn’t expected Himself to agree so readily as all I could think of was whether Rita in the Kabin future mothering on Ma Inglis and Mama Walton. theI reason we got it in the first place was for him was managing on her own or if Norris was taking Well, that didn’t exactly go to plan. Occasionally I eldest son and father of four under-fives had and his bhoy to watch the games. time out from his meddling to give her a hand. If go rogue with choices I probably shouldn’t admit inappropriately touched four of his sisters and a By and large they’re watching matches they’ve this doesn’t make any sense to you then you’re not to. My family used to ridicule me when I watched family friend when he was a young teenager. already seen in real life but to ask would be to open a Corrie watcher and for that I salute you. the good God-fearing—if extreme—Duggar family Repentance, atonement and a spell in a Christian in 19 Children and Counting (above right). Way rehab centre followed and he was believed to be back in the days when Michelle and Jim-Bob were back on the straight and narrow. He even had an parents of a mere 15 children it was the simple influential platform as a spokesman for a Christian maths that intrigued me. How do you shop and family values group in Congress. But now he has CROSSWORD Gordius No 211 cook for such a large crowd and how many confessed to adultery and an addiction to pornography machine-loads get washed each day? And what’s for which he has again admitted himself to rehab the ratio of paired to partnerless socks? saying he is ‘the world’s biggest hypocrite.’ 1 2345 678 I lost interest in the fundamental Baptist You couldn’t fail to feel compassion for the Arkansas clan because, increasingly it became less Duggar parents who live exemplary, albeit rather 9 about family life and more of ratings-winning- peculiar, lives in the service of God. They did the 10 11 money-spinning reality show. The story of how an best they could for their children but they made a abnormally large family traverses the normal path fatal error. It was naïve to think that they could of family life was lost. For all their deeply held keep the world at bay by home-schooling their 12 13 14 15 Christian convictions they sold themselves to the brood and dressing their daughters as if they lived First entry out the hat on FRI highest bidder. And now the Duggars’ show has in another age. A big part of parenting is 16 17 SEPTEMBER 18 will be the been cancelled and family life is a bit of a adequately preparing children for the wider world. winner train wreck. If we can teach them to be in the world but not of 19 20 18 Earlier this year news broke that Josh (27), the the world we will have set them on the right path. 21 22 Send your completed crossword entries—along with 23 24 your full name address and SUDOKU 25 daytime phone number—to CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 26 27 28 29 30 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 31326BT SIMPLE 33 34 5 1 The winner’s name will be printed below. 7 8 4 6 7 9 31 5 2 3 5 1 2 6 4 7 9 8 35 36 The editor’s decision is final 631 9 2 279 83 56 4 1 1 6 2 5 7 9 4 83

ACROSS 3 89 1 64 572 1 Member of an order that upset the racist? Nice (10) SEPTEMBER 4 4 6 7 9 6 Mark on the skin from an old wound (4) SOLUTION 4 7 568312 9 10 Mimicking (5) 631 925 8 7 4 11 Curvy French saint? (4,2,3) 2 3 12 Rustic food worker (7) ACROSS 5 2 9 1 4 7 38 6 15 The wife of a rajah (5) 1 Mug 3 Firing squad 7 8 4 36 2 9 1 5 17 This flower got up (4) 8 Cousin 9 Vicinity 1 845 18 Prepare for publication (4) 10 Often 11 Tough FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 19 Musical composition about the lack of fishing equipment (5) 13 Bosom 15 Oatmeal 539 24 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 21 Maid found in strange taverns (7) 16 Breadth 20 Dirty AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 23 Power, strength (5) 21 Colic 23 Swing THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 24 Riot broken up by a small group (4) 24 Benjamin 25 Artist 8 25 The French bachelor returns to the first victim (4) 26 Water lilies 27 Hid WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 26 One who puts money aside for a rainy day (5) IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 27 How the place is distinctive (7) 5 2 33 Brainpower (9) DOWN IS THE SEPT 4 SIMPLE SOLUTION 34 It might hinge on what comes from the horse's 1 Microscopic mouth (5) 2 Gauntlet 3 Feign 35 The world’s longest river (4) MODERATE 36 A fine, to Billy Budd, is very dramatic (5,5) 4 Inverse 5 Shift 6 Unique 7 Day 4 6 3 DOWN 12 Highlighted 13 Bland 6 4 8 9 1 3 27 5 1 Pack in many a sheepish type (4) 14 Marry 17 Devilish 7 6 4 567 1 4 2 8 3 9 2 Trembling with cold (9) 18 Arsenal 19 Planet 2 3 9 8 7 5 6 4 1 3 Rims, peripheries (5) 22 Chair 23 Serfs 24 Bow 4 Relating to the French-speaking people of 2 1 8 9 543 7 6 1 8 2 Louisiana (5) 5 Not at home (4) 452 7 3 8 9 1 6 7 Imperial measure found on a bicycle? (5) AUGUST 28’s crossword 1 3 5 8 16 2 5 4 9 7 3 8 About making it—it’s fun! (10) competition winner was: 1 6 2 5 4 7 3 9 8 9 Flood of raging water; downpour (7) Richard Boyle, Plains 13 This shrub would love to be in beer (4) 8 73 2 8 43 9 26 1 5 7 14 Goes in transit (7) 7 9512348 6 16 Leave for every military assignment (10) 20 Tale about the right artist in indigenous 3 7 5 surroundings (9) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 21 It might surprise you to begin before the French (7) Scotland’s only national AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 22 With which we breathe and smell (4) 6 58 AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 27 Absolutely necessary (5) Catholic weekly newspaper 29 Paddy finds some cardinals a Eucharistic plate (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 30 Huge river in Africa (5) Registered at the Post Office 925 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 31 Expensive (4) 32 You might hear this bird (4) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 241 THE SEPT 4 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

Scottish Catholic Charismatic Renewal Feast of St Pio of National Conference 2015 Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) "Let your light shine for all" Matt 5,16 23rd September 2015

Blessed John Dun Scotus Mass will be celebrated to mark the Church Speakers Feast Day of Padre Pio 270 Ballater Street, on Wednesday 23rd September CharlesandSueWhitehead Glasgow G5OYT at 7.30pm (entry by dona on) in Sacred Heart Parish, Bellshill Fri9thOct,7pm-10pm Contact: Ged Farrell Novena Prayers and the Rosary at 7pm Sat10th,11am-6.30pm followed by Holy Mass. +447793370910 Vigil mass at 5.30 At the end of Holy Mass there will be an celebrated by opportunity to venerate First Class relics Novena to Our Lady sccrenewal.wix.com/conference2015 Bishop John Keenan belonging to Padre Pio Tea/ Coffee in Hall ALL WELCOME Untier of Knots The Sisters of the Gospel of Life St. John the Evangelist Church, Barrhead invite you to a Tuesday 15th September at 7pm Catholic Charismatic Renewal led by BishopJohn Keenan Glasgow Monthly Mass for Life At Blessed John Duns Scotus Church 270 Ballater Street, Glasgow, G5 0YT To advertise Celebrant: Father John Gannon a church or public notice Wednesday September 16th please contact on Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm Friday 18th at 7pm & Saturday 19th at 10am Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet Maire Élise Khoo September 2015 up with pro-life friends on gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com 0141 241 6105

Opinions of advertisers are not necessarily those held by The Scottish Catholic Observer (Teas and coffees provided. Please bring a packed lunch for Saturdays) ALL SODALITIES WELCOME For further information phone: 07800 717949 EXPERTSERVICES VOCATIONS

NOVENA TO G EORGE P. R EILLY JERICHO “The ST. JOHN PAUL II Painter and Decorator Do you feelthat Compassion of Jesus.” 3 0 Years of Experience God is calling Free Estimates you to the Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Refuge for Victims of Missionary 07974379811 Domestic Violence, Priesthood Supported Accommodation 01698 822215 Then we TUESDAYS AT 7PM can help for the Destitute, the ST. PATRICK’S, SHIELDMUIR TERRY SPECIALIST you Distressed, and all being 71 SHIELDMUIR STREET LUNDIE IN ‘passed by on the other side.’ WISHAW TOOTH WHITENING Contact: A COMMUNITY OF 15th Sep – John Paul II Man of Peace (Canon N. Carey) The AND Denture COSMETIC MEN OF PRAYER FOR 22nd Sep – John Paul II The Pastor of the world (Fr J. Grant) DENTURES Technician (founded 1970) 29th Sep – John Paul II Friend of the Youth (Fr M. Delaney) Have your own natural teeth High quality Dentures made with OUR TIMES whitened. Monitor your own shade good quality private teeth and Vocation info from 6th Oct – John Paul II Man of our Lady(Monsignor change by this new safe method. quality denture base material. The Vocations Director T. Millar) Home visits can be arranged. A beautiful natural appearance SMA FATHERS Bro Patrick Mullen, 13th Oct – John Paul II Son of Poland (Fr M. Łękawa) SAVE YOURSELF £££’s made for the individual. The Jericho Society, TELEPHONE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION St Theresaʼs Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, 16th Oct at 7.30pm - Music Concert by Martin Aelred 18 ASHBURTON ROAD, KELVINDALE, GLASGOW G12 Clarendon Place, Dunblane Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY

in honor of St John Paul II Telephone 0141-334 1883 02559 Perthshire FK15 9HB Scottish Charity SC016909 18th Oct at 3.00pm – Installation of Relic of Tel: 01505 614669 John Paul II by Rt. Rev Bp. Joseph Toal Email: [email protected] [email protected] 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS DALY FLANAGAN MacCORMICK 14th Anniversary 34th Anniversary In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of our dear brother-in-law, Allan, who McSHANE In memory of John mother, gran, great-gran and died Happy 60th Birthday to our Flanagan, who died sister-in-law, Elsie, who died September 15, 1995. Charlie and Anne on September 12, 2001. September 16, 1981. We cannot bring the old September 16, 2015. Quietly today your memory Sadly missed. days back, Lots of love from all the family. we treasure, Father Joseph When we were all together, Missing you always, forget- Kentenich, pray for him. The family chain is broken ting you never. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Inserted by Alfie. now, Our Lady of Knock, pray for But memories live forever. her. CAMPBELL GORMAN LEONARD Inserted by Farquhar, Katie Inserted by her loving family. In loving remembrance of 29th Anniversary 28th Anniversary and family, Ormiclate, South Uist. our dearly loved brother, Of your charity, please pray In loving memory of my Angus, who died on April 18, DELANY for the repose of the soul of beloved wife, and our 2006, and whose birthday 5th Anniversary Father Peter Gorman, mother, Jessie, who died on falls on September 14. In loving memory of assistant priest of St September 10, 1987. R.I.P. Always in our hearts and in Frances, loving mum, Columbkille’s, Rutherglen, You’re always close beside our prayers. who died on September 15, grandma and great- grandma, who sadly died on me in everything I do, Inserted by Katie Mary, 1986. September 11, 2010. Whatever else I fail to do,I Catriona, and our Sacred Heart of Jesus, have We only wish that we could families, Benbecula and mercy on him. never fail to pray for you. say, Ashbourne. Inserted by Deacon Tom, Deep in our hearts your We’re going to see our mum Bridie, Pauline and Caroline. GEARY, Anne memory is kept, today, To love, to cherish, and To hear her voice, to see her 2nd Anniversary In loving memory of wife, never forget. MEMORIAM smile, St Martin and St Pio, pray for To sit and talk with her mother and grandmother, her. awhile, BECK who died peacefully on Inserted by her loving 8th Anniversary To be together in the same September 15, 2013. old way, husband Pat and sons Neil In loving memory of my We only wish we could see beloved son and brother, Would be our dearest wish and Mitchel, Airdrie. you once more and hear John Patrick, who died today. September 15, 2007. Time passes, memories your voice. We think of you in silence, stay, St Maria Goretti, St Thomas, We make no outward show, Loved and remembered Our Lady of Lourdes, pray McSHANE every day. Remembering our dear But what it meant to lose for her. you, Inserted by Isabella, Joan, mammy, granny and great- James, Bernadette and Inserted by her husband MacDONALD granny, Mary, who died July No one will ever know. St Patrick, pray for him. families. Frank and children Frank, Please pray for the repose of 10, 2002, and whose Brendan, Marie and Martin the soul of our dearly birthday occurs on St Joseph, pray for him. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray DOUGLIS and the rest of the family. beloved father, Iain MacDon- September 15. 13th Anniversary ald, of Eriskay. O Mary we crown Thee with for him. “Do not let your hearts be In loving memory of Patricia May he be united in peace blossoms today, Dearly loved and sadly troubled, I have gone to missed Anne, who died on with our dear mother Rona. Queen of the Angels and prepare a place for you.” September 12, 2002. MacCORMICK Queen of the May. Mum, Jack, brothers and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Our Lady of Fatima, pray for 20th Anniversary Inserted by the family. sisters. for them. R.I.P. her. In loving memory of my dear Inserted by the family. husband, father and grand- OATES MacDONALD CANNING father, Allan MacCormick, Colin, a dearly missed son, Remembering with love our DOUGLIS dear sister, Margaret, who Anniversaries who died September 15, brother, uncle and dad, died Please pray for the repose of 13th Anniversary died December 25, 1947 In loving memory of my dear 1995. September 16, 2002. and whose 80th birthday the souls of our beloved We sat beside your Ours is but a simple prayer, father, Daniel, who died friend Patricia Anne, who occurs on September 3, died on September 12, bedside, God bless and keep you in October 2, 1968. Also our 2015. Also her parents, 2002. Our hearts were crushed His care. beloved mother, grand- Daniel and Catherine Oates. Inserted by lifelong friend and sore, mother and great-grand- Deep in our hearts you will Always remembered in our Mary Quinn. We did our duty to the end, mother, Grace, who died always stay, thoughts and prayers. ‘Til we could do no more, Loved and remembered St Bernadette, pray for them. September 4, 1994. HART On whose souls, sweet FAGAN In tears we watched you every day. Little Flower of Jesus, pray 1st Anniversary 8th Anniversary Jesus, have mercy. sinking, Mum, Dad and family. for them. Treasured and precious Treasured memories of Eternal rest grant unto them, We watched you fade away, Sally, Irene, Jim and memories of Hughie, a much O Lord. Tommy, a much loved And though our hearts were MacDONALD Raymond and the late John, loved husband, father, Inserted by all the husband and special dad breaking, Remembering with love Peter and Daniel. grandfather, great-grandfa- family. We knew you could not stay; ther, brother and uncle, who and granda, who died Colin, my very dear nephew, September 13, 2007. You left behind some aching who died September 16, RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM died on September 10, 2014. St Michael, pray for him. hearts, 2002. We have loved him in life, Inserted by his loving wife That loved you most sincere, Lord Jesus, grant Colin We never shall and never eternal joy. Let us not forget him in Lily and all his family. death. will, Dolina. Inserted by his loving family. Forget you, father dear. HENRETTY Inserted by his loving wife McELENEY 64th Anniversary Isabella and Please pray for the repose of To place an Of your charity, pray for the family, at home and away. – the souls of our dear mother repose of the soul of our 13 Torlum, and granny, Mary, who died father, William F. Henretty, Benbecula. on September 15, 1997, and intimation Precious memories silently our dear father and granda, COULTAS who died suddenly on 11th Anniversary September 13, 1951. kept, Dan, who died on December Of a dad I loved and will 16, 1997. DARROCH Precious memories of my Call: 0141 On whose soul, sweet never forget. Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant In loving memory of Fr dear husband, John, who Jesus, have mercy. Francis Darroch, who died died on September 16, 241 6106 Always remembered and them eternal rest. Compassionate Lord Jesus, September 11, 2009. 2004. sadly missed. Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Always Remembered. grant him eternal rest. Michael, Margaret, Joan, St Joseph and St Roch, pray for him. Loving wife Angela and 120 Gala Street, Fiona and Matthew, for them. Patricia and Family. family. Riddrie, Glasgow. Balivanich, Benbecula. From the family. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacINNES MORRISON THANKSGIVING GRATEFUL thanks to Our PRAYER TO THE In loving memory of my dear In loving memory of our dear Lady and St Joseph of BLESSED VIRGIN husband, and dear dad, father and grandfather, Cupertino for prayers O Most Beautiful Flower of Hughie, who died Donald Peter, who died on NOVENA PRAYER TO ST answered. – D.B. Mount Carmel, fruitful in the September 13, 1989. September 2, 2001, our dear JUDE splendour of Heaven, Fois shiorruidh thoir dhá a brother, John Morrison, who May the Sacred Heart of O DEAR ST JOSEPH OF Blessed Mother of the Son Thighearna, died on September 17, Jesus be praised, adored, CUPERTINO, who, by your of God, Immaculate Virgin, Agus solus nach dibir 2002, and our dear mother glorified and loved through- prayers, did seek from God assist me in this my neces- dearrsadh air. and granny, Lexy, who died out the world now and for- that you should be asked at sity. O Star of the Sea, help Inserted by his loving wife on February 13, 2010. ever more. Sacred Heart of your examinations the only me and show me herein You Katie and The many things you did for propositions you knew, pray Jesus have mercy on us. St are my Mother. O Holy daughters Ishabel and us, that I too, like you, may suc- SULLIVAN Jude helper of the hopeless, Mary, Mother of God, Queen Catriona. In your kind and special way, 22nd Anniversary ceed in the examination for of Heaven and Earth, I Give us memories to treas- pray for us. St Jude, great With treasured and loving which I am preparing. In humbly beseech You from ure, miracle worker, pray for us. McKENNA memories of my dearest return I will make you known the bottom of my heart to 11th Anniversary of Jean As we think of you each day. Say nine times daily. – T.R. and cause you to be husband, Archie, who was succour me in my necessity. McKenna, who died Eternal rest grant unto them invoked; publication prom- born into Eternity on There are none that can September 13, 2004. O Lord, September 14, 1993, Feast BLESSED VIRGIN MARY ised. Thank you for the years we And let perpetual light shine withstand Your power. O of the Exultation of the Cross. you who can find a way show me herein You are my shared, upon them, Our Lady of Medjugorje, when there is no way, please NOVENA to St Therese of The love you gave, the way May they rest in peace. mother. O Mary, conceived Queen of Peace, pray for him. help me. Repeat six times the Little Flower. you cared, Inserted by the family. Saint Therese, the Little without sin, pray for us who Inserted by his ever loving and publication promised. – have recourse to Thee Deep in our hearts your wife Alice, Cardonald, G52. Flower, please pick me a memory is kept, MURRAY M.G. rose from the heavenly gar- (three times). O thank you Too dearly loved to ever forget. Treasured memories of for Your mercy to me and TOCHEL den and sent it to me with a As time goes by Agnes, dear mum and DEAR HEART OF JESUS mine. Amen. Say for three Third Anniversary message of love. Ask God to without you, grandma, who died Dear Heart of Jesus in the days; publication promised. Remembering Terry, a much grant me the favour I thee And days turn into years, September 17, 2009. Thanks also to the Sacred loved husband, dad and past I have asked you for implore and tell Him I will They hold a million memories, Six years have passed since Heart, Our Lady, St Martin, grandad, who died many favours, this time I ask love Him each day more and And so many silent tears. that sad day, St Pio, St Anthony, St Jude September 15, 2012. you for this special one more. Eternal rest grant unto her, When the one we loved was and all other great saints for Always in our thoughts and (mention favour), take it The above prayer plus 5 Our O Lord, called away, great favours received. prayers. Dear Heart of Jesus, and Fathers, 5 Hail Marys and 5 And let perpetual light shine The blow was hard, the Glory Be’s must be said on 5 Publication promised. Our Lady of Knock, pray for place it within Your broken upon her, shock severe, successive days before 11 him. heart where your Father May she rest in peace. We little thought the end was a.m. On the 5th day, the 5th BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Amen. near. sees it, then in his merciful set of prayers having been you who can find a way Our Lady of Lourdes, pray In tears we saw you sinking, WATSON eyes it will become Your 12th Anniversary completed, offer one more when there is no way, please for her. And watched you fade away, favour, not mine. Amen. Say In loving memory of my set – 5 Our Fathers, 5 Hail help me. Repeat 6 times Your loving family. God knows how much we for three days, publication Marys and 5 Glory Be’s. and promise to publish. - miss you, dearly beloved brother, Walter Watson, and sister, promised. – A.W. Publication promised D.K. McKEOWN As it dawns six years today. Loving memories of Annie Eternal rest grant unto her O Margaret Johnstone, who (née Logan) who died Lord, died on September 10 and September 14, 2001. Loving And let perpetual light shine September 13, 2003, also mother and grandmother. upon her, my brother-in-law, Peter When a mother breathes her May she rest in peace. Johnstone, whose last farewell, Loved and remembered anniversary occurs on The blow is more than every day. September 21. R.I.P. tongue can tell, Your loving family. On whose souls, sweet Home seems quite another Jesus, have mercy. place, PAWLAK When the Sanctus Bells are Without the smile of a In loving memory of ringing, mother’s face. Zygmunt, who died And the priest bows low in Resting where no shadows September 15, 2005, prayer, fall, beloved husband of Mae, And at the holy altar, In perfect peace they await loving dad of Wanda and I will be praying for you us all. Irena, father-in-law, grandpa there. SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Forever in our thoughts and and great-grandpa. Will those who think of them prayers. Our lips cannot speak how today, Your loving family at home we loved him, A little prayer to Jesus say. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 and away. Our hearts cannot tell what Inserted by sister Jean. We want you to experience the benefits of having to say, Venerable Margaret Sinclair MacKINNON But God only knows how we pray for them. The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and In loving memory of our miss him, to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making much loved dad and In our home that is lonely WATT grandad, George today. 2nd Anniversary you this excep&onal offer, which has gone down a storm with readers MacKinnon, who died Our Lady of Czestochowa, Precious and loving who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s September 15, 2010. pray for him. memories of our dear Aunt na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Sadie, who died September mercy on him. 16, 2013. Always in our thoughts and You left us quietly, 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £5 will never be forgotten. Your thoughts unknown, Return with cheque to:Scosh Catholic Observer, Inserted by Donald, Angus, You left us memories, Justina, Christabel and We are proud to own. 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone families. Take her in Thine arms O Lord, 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card And love her just for us. MARTIN Ever remembered. Name: 3rd Anniversary of Joan Your loving family. Veronica, who died Address: September 7, 2012. WILSON Please remember her in 14th Anniversary your prayers. In loving memory of our dear Eternal rest grant unto her, father, John Wilson, who Email Address: O Lord. died September 12, 2001. May she rest in peace. Forever in our hearts. Telephone Number: Inserted by her nieces and Inserted by John, Angela, This offer is only available to new subscribers & can only be used once nephews and their families. Gerard and Karen. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk Thomas Marin SAT SEPT 12 7PM “The Following” at St Maria Goretti’s. MON 1PM Organist Mass with Priest Jubilarians in St Andrew’s Cathedral (Founded 1926) 6PM Reception for Catholic Universities, Clyde Street. TUE 12PM Funeral Directors Meeting with Seminarians. WED 6PM SCIAF Reception at & Memorial Consultants Parliament. FRI 9.30AM Meeting of the SCIAF Board. SAT 7PM 60th Traditional service and values Anniversary of St Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society. A sign that we care Cantor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Funerals carried out the way ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY Available for weddings YOU want them Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh and funeral services — We sell Dignity Pre-Paid Funeral Plans — a straightforward way to gain peace of www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Listen online at: mind for you and your family. T&RFUNERAL O’BRIEN DIRECTORS We guarantee that the money you pay SAT SEPT 12 10.30AM Ecumenical Reference Group – Day of www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk for your Plan is held in a secure and ESTABLISHED 1890 independent trust fund . Reflection, New Mains. SUN 12PM National Youth Pilgrimage walk No one else has access to this money from Haddington to Nunraw. TUE 10AM Mass 40th Anniversary of T. 01698 325 493 until it is needed. St Marie’s Primary School, Kirkcaldy. WED 9AM Holyrood High It is our business to care. Every member of staff is School Feast Day Mass, Edinburgh 5.30PM SCIAF – 50th dedicated to deliveringthe best service possible—with Anniversary Reception, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh. FRI professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity. Thomas 9.45AM SCIAF Board Meeting, Glasgow. Dignity Caring Funeral Services We are members of the arin National Association of Funeral Directors To aadvertise:dvertise: FUNERAL DIRECTORSM & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS 62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX BISHOP TOAL 0141 014 12416105 2416105 Tel: 0131 556 7192 Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 SAT SEPT 12 10.30AM Ecumenical Recollection Day, Pastoral East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow Centre, Newmains PM Diamond Jubilee Mass for Sr Carmel (Poor Tel. 0141- 778 1470 MEMORIAM CARDS Clares) St Bride’s, Bothwell. SUN 3PM Mass for Knights of St Columba Pilgrimage to Carfin. TUE 10.30AM Scottish Catholic Heritage Collection Trust, Bishop’s House, Aberdeen. WED 5.30PM Holyrood Reception, Scottish Parliament Building. THU 12PM Reference Group Meeting, Curial Offices Glasgow 7PM 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass for St Brendan’s, Motherwell. FRI porteousfunerals.com 9.30AM SCIAF Board Meeting. An Independent Catholic Family Funeral Directors Raised within the Catholic faith, with extensive experience BISHOP KEENAN in arranging and conducting Catholic funeral services. Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk We specialise in creating funerals that reflect your specific wishes and beliefs. SUN SEPT 13 2.30PM Mass of Thanksgiving at Craig Lodge for We will guide and support you in personalising your The Year of Mercy. MON 7PM Vocations Mass in St Mirin’s service, while still embracing the time-honoured traditions Cathedral. TUE 7PM Novena of Our Lady untier of knots in St of Roman Catholic funeral liturgy. John’s, Barrhead. WED 11AM Primary 7 Vocations Mass in St Contact us at any of our branches Mirin’s Cathedral 6PM Parliamentary Reception for SCIAF. THU 7PM Catechesis at St John’s, Barrhead. Fri 9AM Sixth Year Conference in St Mirin’s Cathedral Halls. Juniper Green Branch - 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 Leith Branch - 72-72 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB - 0131 554 1113 BISHOP NOLAN Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors - 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988 Order easily online at catholicprint.co.uk Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk For a brochure and free samples phone MON SEPT 7-WED SEPT 16 Rome, Conference for newly ordained bishops. THU 7PM St Brendan’s, Motherwell, 50th Anniversary of FOLLOW THE SCO ON 01610161 873 7457 the foundation of the parish, Mass. TWITTER: SCO_NEWS

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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

I What usually happens when you or someone The Word of the Lord else does this? CHILDREN’S I What would you say about what Jesus means Responsorial Psalm when He says: “Whoever receives one child 122:1-2, 8-9. CROSSWORD 98 such as this receives me; and whoever receives (R) Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you. me, receives not me, but the one who sent me?” It made me glad to hear them say: “Let’s go to the house of the Lord!” 1 2 3 4 Activity Jerusalem, we are standing inside your gates. G Have a worksheet with these words (below) (R) Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you. 5 and meanings for each child. Ask the children Because of my friends and my relatives, I will to match the word to the meaning by drawing a pray for peace. 6 line from one to the other. It could be used for And because of the house of the Lord our God, I class or for homework. You might find it helpful will work for your good. to read the reading from James before asking (R) Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you. the children to tackle this worksheet. 7 8 9 G Righteous being willing to yield to others Alleluia G Peaceful living life with honourable Thessalonians 2:14. 10 and right deeds (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 11 12 G Gentle being honest and fair in all God has called us with the Gospel, to share in actions the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13 G Merciful without sin (R)Alleluia, alleluia. G Goodness being pleasant acting— 14 planting seeds of peace Gospel G 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time Pure kindness in response to All who wish to be first must make themselves the 15 another who needs servants of all.Areading from the Holy Gospel according forgiveness to Mark 9:33-37. 16 Reflection Jesus and His disciples went to His home in AS WE read the Gospels we can see the way Prayer Capernaum. After they were inside the house, Jesus lived when He was on this earth. We see Dear Jesus, we want to be persons that follow Jesus asked them: “What were you arguing ACROSS that He was kind, loving and full of mercy your way of living every day. Please help us to about along the way?” 1 Where people play with drivers and toward others. care about others and always treat them with They had been arguing about which one of putters (4,6) Let’s think about today’s reading where respect. Amen. them was the greatest and so they did not answer. 6 It brings people to hospital in an Jesus says: “If anyone wishes to be first, he After Jesus sat down and told the twelve emergency (9) shall be last of all and servant of all.” It almost First Reading disciples to gather around Him, He said: “If you 7 Three feet, or a playspace at school (4) seems that He is saying we shouldn’t be first at The harvest of justice is sown in peace by those who want the place of honour, you must become a 8 Humans (6) anything, and so we shouldn’t try hard at our make peace. A reading from the book of the letter of slave and serve others!” 11 Having too much weight (3) lessons or things like that. That isn’t, of course, James 3:17-18. Then Jesus had a child stand near Him. He 12 Removes dirt (6) what Jesus means. If we think about what Brothers and sisters, the wisdom that comes put his arm around the child and said: “When 14 The number of sides in a triangle (5) happens when we always try to be first and from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, you welcome even a child because of me, you 15 The time of darkness (5) brag about it, we realise it does not make for a sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. welcome me. And when you welcome me, you 16 Cosy (4) peaceful atmosphere among those around us. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they welcome the one who sent me.” And if we are arguing about who is the greatest, will harvest justice. The Gospel of the Lord. DOWN it makes others feel uneasy about their own 1 You might pour this over your dinner (5) selves. It is important for us to figure out why 2 Science room (10) we find ourselves needing to think we are more 3 Chilly (4) important or better than others. Jesus wouldn’t 4 Slumbering (8) be thinking that way, would He? (Pause a 5 Heavenly messenger (5) minute, let the children think.) 9 Late part of the day (7) Now let’s think about Jesus taking a child 10 A movie is shown on this in the cinema (6) and putting His arms around them. Usually a 11 Go and bring back (5) little child is not concerned about being first or 13 They followed the Pied Piper (4) wanting to be more important than others, are they? So, what would that tell us about what Jesus is saying and our wanting to think LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION ourselves more important or better than others? (Pause to think.) Could Jesus be telling ACROSS us that everyone was made by God and 1 Classroom 7 Elbow 8 False 9 Throw 11 Heated therefore, we are to love and respect others, no 14 Throne 17 Mean 18 Ordered 19 Toe matter who they are or what they can do? So when Jesus says: “Whoever receives one child DOWN such as this in my name, receives me; and 1 Chestnut 2 Amber 3 Sew 4 Officer 5 Milk 6 Grey whoever receives me; receives not me but the 10 October 12 Twenty 13 Donkey 15 Harp 16 Eden one who sent me,” we try to understand that what Jesus wants is that we receive Himself and the Father as well as all other people into our The Children’s Liturgy page is lives and hearts. published one week in advance to Discussion allow RE teachers and those taking I Why do you think the disciples didn’t want to the Children’s Liturgy at weekly answer Jesus when He asked them what they were arguing about? Masses to use, if they wish, this I Do you sometimes argue with someone about page as an accompaniment to their being smarter, or better than they are or that you are able to do something better than they can? teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CATHOLICISM & ISLAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 A widening of Faith and a changing relationship DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of Islam and Catholicism, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM looks at Christian nations’ failed attempts to encircle the Islamic nations

OR most of the medieval period, the contact of Catholicism with Islam was confined to the Middle East and North Africa. Europe is a peninsula of Asia, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Sailing techniques for most of this period allowed Christians to cross the Mediterranean, navigate the BalticF and North Sea and sail for Iceland, Greenland and the fishing banks of Newfoundland, but not beyond. To the east lay the vast plains of Asia, itself almost sea-like. It has to be admitted that the traditional view of the European Middle Ages as a static society has been vastly overstated. Medieval people travelled far more than commonly known. It has been estimated that one in every three travelled on long- distance pilgrimages, for example. Medieval peasants moved house, at least where legally permitted. In England, one can trace families moving from Devon in the south, via EastAnglia to Yorkshire in the north. Overland travel certainly saw some reach beyond the Islamic frontier. Famously, there was the journey by Marco Polo (1254-1324), who worked his way across the Asian landmass and made it to Beijing. He was not the only European to manage this feat, and whereas Polo’s journey was inspired by the search for profit, other journeys to China were inspired by the Church. A first mission led by Fr John of Montecorvino (1247- 1328) followed hard on the heels of the Polo journey. Montecorvino opened a Catholic church in 1299 and another in 1304, both close to the imperial palace. For a while, there were a number of Catholic dioceses in China and there seems to have been good relations with the Imperial court. This, of course, suited the Papacy, whose geopolitical dream was an encirclement of Islam. However, to the dismay of the missionaries, there were already Muslims at the court, and, in the longer term, Chinese traditional religions like Buddhism proved to be too impervious to the lure of either monotheistic faith. For those early travellers beyond the known frontier with Islam, the enormous eastwards spread of that faith came as a deeply unpleasant surprise. Marco Polo’s negative comments on Islam have been a subject of discussion recently (they are seen as ‘Islamophobia,’ a rather odd anachronism, or as confirming the ‘evil’ of Islam, which is what Polo believed it to be, of course!). There is a simple reason for his negativity—through the long and hard travels he came to realise the enormous effort that would be required to carry out the Papal dream of encircling Islam. south of Cape Bojador, effectively for the southern 1330s, he found the cities grown rich on their trade by Muslims. However, in Malacca, as in East hemisphere, in the Bulls Dum Diversas (1452) and in gold, ivory and slaves. Kilwa went into decline Africa, the Portuguese discovered yet another n the centuries that followed, new technology Romanus Pontifex (1455). In return, they expected just as the Portuguese were arriving. They managed major Muslim population. Although Islam had allowed Christian Europe gradually to expand the Portuguese to carry the Faith beyond the lands to conquer some of the Muslim cities, but never arrived later here than in either India or East its horizon. It has become politically incorrect controlled by Islam. quite ousted them altogether. Portuguese ships also Africa, it was well-established by the time the Ito speak of the voyages of discovery, on the This did not stop the Portuguese trading with forced the entrance to the Gulf of Persia and Portuguese arrived. grounds that what Europeans ‘discovered’ had Muslims, or Muslims trading with the Portuguese. seriously disrupted the trade through the Red Sea. already been discovered by others. This is true, but as early as 1445 a first feitoria or trading post was Effectively, they caused the trade routes—in he encirclement had certainly failed. it loses sight of the fact that to contemporary opened on an island off Mauritania. By the 1460s, existence since Antiquity—to collapse. Portuguese, or Spanish explorers for that Europeans, these voyages were, in fact, discoveries. the Portuguese reached beyond the world of Islam In India, the Islamic presence had begun in the matter, had sailed across the Atlantic and European horizons rapidly expanded from the when they reached the Gulf of Guinea. Farther seventh century, and for some years, the far north- Tbeyond driven by various motives: trade, curiosity mid-1300s onwards. south, on the mouth of the River Congo—which west had belonged to the Umayyad Empire. and piety. It is no coincidence that the two nations The chronology is familiar. In 1344, the they reached in 1482—a Catholic African Kingdom Gradually, a mosaic of Hindu and Islamic states most closely associated with the earliest voyages Portuguese laid claim to the Canaries off the came into being, and by 1488, the southern point had come into being, with the most powerful Muslim of exploration were Spain and Portugal. Both were Moroccan coast, although these were already of Africa had been rounded. entities based on the Kabul area. By the 13th born out of the Reconquista, which in Spain known to the Genoese, and were later taken by The dream of the encirclement and bypassing of century, the wealthy Delhi Sultanate had come into actually came to an end with the conquest of Spain. After a half-century of stasis, Madeira (1420) Islam seemed to become a reality, until the being, which even survived the ravages of the Grenada in 1492, long after the voyages along the and the Azores (1427) were reached. In 1434, the Portuguese ships reached East Africa. By 1500— Mongol invasions of Tamarlane. However, it was African coast had begun. As seen, they were feared Cape Bojador, where the Sahara reaches the so before the Spanish reached the Americas—they seriously weakened; in India the Portuguese did originally part of a move to conquer Morocco and Atlantic, was passed. Defeats of Portugal’s realised that most of the East African coast was, in not encounter a major Islamic power. That was, then to circumvent the Islamic world and to encircle attempts to conquer Islamic Morocco intensified fact, in the hands of Islam. A strong Muslim however, to arise by the later 16th century, when it. Neither circumvention nor encirclement proved the maritime expansion, as the monarchy began to presence also became swiftly apparent when they the Moghul Empire joined Persia, the Ottomans completely successful. The Islamic world had see the sense of the Papal geopolitical dream. reached India (above), and subsequently in south- and Morocco as one of Islam’s major powers. powerful empires, which were more than a match The Portuguese Navy had begun in response to east Asia. The trade routes between the Arabian Finally, in south-east Asia, the Portuguese for the Europeans. However, for the Catholic the emergence of the country from Islamic rule. It Peninsula, and particularly Oman, and East Africa reached Malacca in 1511. There, they captured the Church, it meant that Islam no longer boxed it into would now become the main weapon in the ongoing long predated Islam. Through them, Islam had key trading emporium for Islamic Far Eastern a small corner of the world. This ‘breaking out’ war of Portugal with the world of Islam, and would reached and settled on the East African coast. trade. At Malacca the trade routes from China, occurred just as in the northern heartlands the carry the fight to and beyond Islam.As for the Italian Muslims mostly lived in city states, nominally Java, Persia, Oman, Japan and Bengal came Reformation created new borders. By 1550, the city states, trade and faith went hand-in-hand. The ruled by the Sultan of Kilwa. When the Islamic together. Suddenly, Portugal created a Christian relationship between Catholicism and Islam had Papacy granted Portugal a monopoly on trade traveller, Ibn Batute, reached East Africa in the presence in what was a trade network dominated entered a new chapter. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER VOCATIONS 23 Call to love must be answered with love DAN McGINTY gives an insight into Pope Francis’ reflections on vocations during the World Retreat of Priests

OPE Francis gathered a moment of great holiness even priests and deacons if you are in mortal sin, because from across the world he forgives you there because it in Rome this summer is a dialogue of love. And then as he celebrated the you go to the poor priest World Retreat of Priests. It was confessor to have your chimney only the third such retreat cleaned, isn’t that right? But to undertakenP in Catholic Church, be able to sing to the Lord who and while it provided an never forgets, since the day he opportunity for those clergy to said to you, you aren’t blind rest and renew themselves in a men, you are friends, you said I spirit of reflection, it also was your friend; what a beautiful presented Pope Francis with the gesture, Lord.” chance to speak about following a vocation to the priesthood. Christ-centric focus Describing the call to the life Pope Francis also used the of a priest as ‘a call of love,’ retreat to highlight the way in which must be ‘answered with which, for a seminarian, Christ love,’ Pope Francis said: “The should be at the centre of their call to the ministerial priesthood, lives as they discern and follow before anything else, is a call of a vocation. He spoke of how love. Our response is a response those answering a call to the of love. It’s true, none of us, priesthood must show their love from the moment of giving our of Jesus in their daily lives, first answer, had a total rectitude sharing Him with others and of intention, there was always making Him a part of everything rectitude of intention, but there that they do. were always secondary things “It is a call of love that is that, if love lasts, are purified in answered with love,” Pope Francis time. It is the path of holiness said. “I told the seminarians in through love. Jesus’ call to you, Naples that if Jesus isn’t at the to us, is a call of love.” centre of their lives, that they should wait to be ordained, that is like those doctors of the law Pope Francis—pictured above with Advice they should not be in a hurry. I newly ordained priests in the Vatican that are described in chapter 23 —said that answering God’s call to Speaking to the priests that were say it to you deacons who are here. of Matthew to whom with anger, follow a vocation means answering gathered in front of him, the “When a man or a woman falls with truth, with acuteness, Jesus a call to love FRANCISCAN Pope gave his advice for those in love they never stop talking says the compliment ‘hypocrites.’ following a call to the life of about their loved one, his/her Please, let there be no duplicity MISSIONARIES a priest. name sprouts naturally several of heart, not duplicity of life, hypocrisy, may there be mercy, OF ST. JOSEPH “I will ask you a question, but times a day. The same happens may there be love and not may there be tenderness.” don’t answer out loud,” he said when the priest is enamoured of Are you called like Francis of Assisi to them. “When you are alone, Jesus, it is noted, it is recognised, when you are tired, when you even if he is as tired as a floor to live the Gospel radically? are overwhelmed by temptations, cloth, but he has something that Cistercian Monks when some of you fall in love, is a love which he transmits. Want to know more? are you able to go to the “With the sensus fidei that the Tabernacle and sing to the Lord? People of God have, which Email Sister Noel – Do not answer, but don’t forget according to the council is the worst moments, when you infalibile incredendo, is able to [email protected] have even fought with the Lord, recognise immediately when a Do you feel called to seek God as a Cistercian monk within a www.fmsj.co.uk or when you were unfaithful to priest is enamoured of Jesus or Reg. Charity no. 1135474 the Lord, don’t be afraid, when he is an employee of a Community, living in prayer and work, in a spirit of silence? approach the Tabernacle and fixed schedule or attached to the sing to him again. letter of the law. A priest who Write: Novice Director, Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, Haddington, EH41 4LW Scotland “In all those moments say to ‘functionalises’himself and is like Email: [email protected] Tel: 01620 830 223 the Lord I am rubbish, look what an employee of the municipality, Website: http://www.nunraw.com.uk (Scottish Charity No. SC 022611) I did, see what I suffer, see what ends up crazy, he shouts at I’m going through and say to people, mistreats them, he lacks him, but you had consideration, love, the call of love. DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD IS and let the tears fall. That will be “A priest attached to the law CALLING YOU TO THE MISSIONARYPRIESTHOOD? Thinking about Life Choices? THEN WE CAN HELP YOU JERICHO The Society of African Missionaries (SMA Fathers) Next “The is an international group of Missionary Priests. Compassion of Today we are active in Liberia, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia, Vocations Jesus.” Tanzania, South Africa and other African countries working as Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., partners in the rapidly growing Church. Feature will Refuge for Victims of be in our Domestic Violence, WILL YOU Supported Accommodation JOIN US? October 16 for the Destitute, the Send the coupon for Distressed, and all being more details editon. I wish to know more about our ‘passed by on the other side.’ about the work of the lifestyle To book a A COMMUNITY OF SrFranceswill help you choose Society of African Missions MEN OF PRAYER FOR space contact OUR TIMES (founded 1970) what’s right for you! Vocation info from NAME...... AGE...... advertising Bro Patrick Mullen, visit: www.sistersofnazareth.com ADDRESS...... The Jericho Society, ...... Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, email: [email protected] @sconews Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY POSTCODE...... Please print clearly and send to: ScottishCharity SC016909 .co.uk Tel: 01505 614669 mobile: 07906 372 786 FR. PATRICK McGUIRE Email: SMA, St Theresaʼs, Clarendon Place [email protected] Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 9HB WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 24 SYNOD ON THE FAMILY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11 2015 Tackling the challenges facing marriage The fifth part of AIDAN MICHAEL COOK’S series on the 2015 Synod on the Family looks at the issues affecting marriage

ARRIAGE is a partnership of the the marriage really existed in the first place. The many marriages are declared null but that so many whole life, an indissoluble Church examines the marriage in detail to see if marriages are null; not that so many decrees of nullity covenant of unity and fidelity. The any of the essential elements of marriage were are granted but that so many are sought. denial of that covenant in divorce lacking when consent was exchanged. has been one of the most destructive A marriage can have appeared on the surface to he challenge and opportunity that this issues to affect marriage and family in recent be valid, but in fact lacked something needed for it presents is one that the Church must seize. years. Good women are scared to get married for to be a marriage. If the tribunal finds this to be the We must improve preparation for and fearM of being abandoned and left to raise their family case, it issues a decree of nullity, which simply Tdiscernment to marriage for those considering it, alone; good men are scared to get married for fear finds the marriage null—it states that the marriage and we must improve support for those already of having their children unjustly taken from them, never really existed. married. We need to take divorce off the table, not while being milked for every last penny. There has In such cases, it would go against truth and justice to ignore it but to remove it as an option, which, been a critical loss of faith in marriage. to pretend that the marriage exists and to hold the admittedly, is easier said than done. Divorce is not a new issue, of course, but since couple to a bond by which they were never actually We must also improve our support of those Christ confronted the hardness of men’s hearts and SYNOD ON THE FAMILY bound. They are therefore free to marry, or, all else who are victims of separation and divorce—the restored the indissolubility of the covenant, it was an being equal, pursue any other vocation. abandoned spouses and children in need of love issue that Christendom had more or less overcome barrier to receiving Holy Communion, and is But the Church recognises that people live out and consolation, and help in rebuilding their lives. —barring the occasional Henry VIII. Now, it is certainly not the basis on which to judge the state apparent marriages in good faith, truly believing them Those separated spouses who are in the wrong back with a vengeance. Last year in Scotland, there of someone’s soul. Even those spouses at fault are, to be valid, and so does not deny the reality of what should be encouraged to seek forgiveness and to were about 28,000 marriages, and about 9000 like the rest of us, sinners in need of repentance they experienced. An apparent, but in fact invalid, repent, with the help of God’s grace. divorces. That’s one divorce for every three and mercy. marriage is called putative until both parties become This week, Pope Francis announced a new weddings—not exactly an encouraging figure. Nonetheless, married people do have a duty to certain that it is null. In terms of moral obligations dur- process for cases looking at the nullity of a mar- The divorce of their parents has traumatised persevere in married life unless there is some ing that period, it is as though it had been a real mar- riage. The idea is not to make annulments easier many young people, and destroyed their trust in legitimate reason, such as grave physical danger. riage. For example, children born of a putative to obtain, but to make judgments easier to obtain: marriage. Why get married in the first place when Separation is always serious, and a failure, and so marriage are considered legitimate. the same decision should be reached, but the it will only end in divorce? The witness of many the Church encourages couples not to divorce but Yet a decree of nullity is not the Church’s answer will come more quickly. As the lives of marriages in recent decades has been of failure, to seek forgiveness, to stay together and make the preferred solution. If a couple believe that their mar- those involved are effectively on hold, it is and of the hurt of those involved. The damage has marriage work. The Church also encourages riage may not be valid, there are various ways to get important that the truth about the validity of their been not only to the couple, but to their children wronged spouses to grant forgiveness and, where everything straightened out, to make up for whatever marriage be reached as quickly as possible. . too, and has drowned out the beautiful, loving possible, to end the separation. was originally lacking. This is the Church’s prefer- Divorce is an issue that attacks the very heart of witness that marriage should be. In effect, divorce ence where possible—not that the couple should sep- marriage and family. The challenge for the Church has turned marriage into little more than cohabitation, he same is true of annulment, where the arate, but that they should stay together and work is to reject it completely while welcoming those the extra commitment serving merely to amplify tribunal judge is to encourage the couple to things out. The preferred solution is not to abandon affected by it. Neither can be allowed to overwhelm the pain of separation. sort through the legal and practical difficulties the existing relationship, but to fulfil it and make it a the other. The link between the two seems to be It should go without saying that while divorce Tand continue married life together. But annulment real marriage. found in the recognition that many people are is a scourge, divorcees are not. Many are innocent is not divorce. The word ‘annulment’ actually Some people suggest that it is a scandal that so innocent victims of divorce, and in preaching parties unjustly abandoned, who would have been gives the wrong impression, as it suggests that the many marriages are declared null. It seems rather to be repentance to those at fault. All these challenges willing to work at reconciliation, and who are need process makes a marriage null, that a marriage that the combination of two separate, but linked, scandals: come out in the Synod’s headline issue of Holy of the love and support of the Church community. used to exist no longer does. In fact, the goal of the the number of invalid marriages, and the number of Communion for the divorced and remarried, to As we will see next week, divorce in itself is not a process is simply to find the truth about whether broken marriages. The scandal is not so much that so which we turn next.

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