So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each TERHAD of you look not only to his own interests, but also PP 8460/11/2012(030939) to the interests of others. Have this mind among ISSN: 1394-3294 yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. Vol. 27 No. 38 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY Phil. 2:1-3 The world cannot afford a new cold war between China and the US EW YORK: The world is wards the clean up of the planet. taking a “very dangerous For his part, in a speech that various ana- lysts have described as “good cop”, Xi Jin- Ndirection”: that of a new ping said that his country wants to defend Cold War between China and the multilateralism; that by 2060 it will reduce United States. carbon emissions; that it will use dialogue The warning and negotiation to “reduce the differences” comes from the UN between nations. Secretary General, Diana Fu, who teaches political science at Antonio Guterres the University of Toronto, described the spec- (pic) who two days tacle of the two General Assembly speeches ago, at the opening as “bullies duking it out on the stage of the of the United Na- United Nations”. tions General As- “The American bully, personified by sembly, warned all Trump, is ostentatiously attacking its rival countries of possible by stigmatising it as a global virus,” she said. future tragedies and “The other is attacking its opponent by pay- divisions. ing lip service to multilateralism while actu- This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ally playing by its own rules.” the large hall is empty and the speeches of An example of how similar China and the over 100 heads of state, plus other personali- United States really are can be seen from one ties, are taking place via video. fact: neither intends to participate in an alli- Without directly mentioning Beijing and ance for the production of an anti-COVID Washington, Guterres said that “Our world vaccine that can be distributed to the world cannot afford a future where the two largest (and especially to poor countries). Three days economies split the globe in a great fracture US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping. (SCMP photo) ago, the WHO proposed a global scheme for — each with its own trade and financial rules at all costs”. global warming. the production of future vaccines, which 156 and internet and artificial intelligence capaci- A few days ago, the video interventions of The US president lashed out at China ac- nations have joined. Neither the United States ties”. the two leaders — Donald Trump and Xi Jin- cusing it of letting COVID-19 spread with its nor China have so far joined. Both superpow- He added: “A technological and economic ping — revealed their profound disagreement silence and its influence on the World Health ers prefer to first secure the vaccine for them- divide risks inevitably turning into a geostra- on many aspects: from international coopera- Organisation and also accused it of being the selves and then distribute it to “friendly coun- tegic and military divide. We must avoid this tion, to the management of the pandemic, to most polluting country and of doing little to- tries”. — AsiaNews Chinese Catholics angry over book claiming Jesus killed sinner HONG KONG: Catholics in mainland China “I want everyone to know that the Chinese said that distorting the original text itself “is are upset about the distortion of a Bible story Communist Party has always tried to dis- against morality and the law, so how can we in a school textbook, which claims that Jesus tort the history of the Church, to slander our teach professional ethics with this book?” Christ stoned to death a sinner woman in order Church, and to make people hate our Church,” “It is a sad social phenomenon in mainland to respect the law of the time. his post said. China,” he added. The textbook, published by the government- Mathew Wang, a Christian teacher at a vo- Paul, a Catholic in mainland China, said that run University of Electronic Science and cational school, confirmed the content but said several such distortions of Christian life and Technology Press, aims to teach “professional the textbook content varies from place to place history keep happening but Christian protests ethics and law” to the students of secondary within China. will have no impact. vocational schools. Wang added that the controversial textbook “The same pattern has been repeated every The book quotes the story of Jesus forgiving was reviewed by the Textbook Review Com- year but the Church has never fought back or the sins of a woman who committed adultery mittee for Moral Education in Secondary Vo- received the respect and apology it deserves,” from the Gospel of John. But it has a changed cational Education. said Paul. ending. Part of the cover page of the school textbook that Wang said that the authors had used a wrong Kama, a Catholic who manages the social The crowd wanted to stone the woman to has caused a row in China. (UCA News photo) example to justify Chinese socialist laws. media account of a Catholic group, said the death as per their law. But Jesus said, ‘Let But if the law could only be executed by men The authors of the book, some Catholics textbook's content violates religious beliefs, the one who has never sinned throw the first without blemish, the law would be dead,” the said, want to prove that the rule of law is su- and authors and publishers must publicly cor- stone.’ Hearing this, they slipped away one by textbook said. preme in China, and such respect for law is es- rect it and apologise. one. A parishioner who uploaded the textbook on sential for a smooth transfer to socialism with “We hope that Church authorities will come When the crowd disappeared, Jesus stoned social media said the distortion was an insult to Chinese characteristics. forward and speak up for the Church,” Kama the sinner to death saying, “I too am a sinner. the Catholic Church. A Catholic priest who refused to be named said. — ucanews.com 2 Forum / Reflection HERALD September 27, 2020 Sabah shows the way hatever the outcome of the Sa- more sustainable alternatives to the contro- bah state election this weekend, Sunday Observer versial Papar dam for its water needs.) Wone thing was clear in the weeks Meanwhile, two rarely used words have leading up to it: Malaysians badly crave By been highlighted over social media, which greater inclusiveness built on a celebration would seem quite apt for our times: defen- of unity in diversity. Anil Netto estration (to jettison someone or something Many thought the country had made that out of the window) and snollygosters. [email protected] breakthrough in 2018 with a change of Defenestration informally means “the government ushering in a new, more inclu- action or process of dismissing someone sive nation. Whichever direction the pendulum none of the name-calling and derogatory from a position of power or authority”. But then the pendulum swung right back swings – towards greater inclusiveness or remarks that we have come to expect from Snollygoster is a US slang word for “a earlier this year, when political defectors the pushback to the divisive ethnoreligious the real MPs. shrewd, unprincipled person, especially a toppled the then-ruling coalition from pow- politics – there is something else happen- How did this happen? Maybe these politician”. er. It was back to the old divisive politics ing. With each swing of the pendulum, we young people have been exposed to alter- Let’s combine these two cute words into based on race and religion. The pushback are being elevated to a higher level of con- native education systems: home schooling, one sentence: It is time for a defenestra- – the swinging back of the pendulum to the sciousness. private schools, vernacular schools, inter- tion of the snollygosters who unethically old politics – had actually begun soon after Call it the working of the Spirit. national schools. Maybe they picked up manipulate racial and religious sentiments the change of government in 2018. We can see evidence of this from the the sense of interconnectedness from their to divide the people for political gain. This But in the weeks leading up to the Sa- awakening of the young people – and not own spirituality in their respective faiths. can be done periodically through elections. bah election on Sept 26, the pendulum was just those behind new political parties. Or perhaps their interactions on social And while we are at it, let’s throw out swinging back to a more inclusive direc- Recently, while Parliament was under media have shown them that whole world of the window the divisive politics of race tion. Many Malaysians, including those in lockdown, we witnessed youths coming is one, and we all have more in common and religion. the peninsula, were captivated by the more up with a brilliant initiative: Parliamen than what divides us. Who knows? Whichever way the pendulum has swung inclusive, rich, multicultural way of life in Digital. It was not just the way they quietly Whatever the case, these young people in the Sabah election, have no doubt: we Sabah – and its neighbour, Sarawak. pulled off this stunning digital experiment. — and now the Sabahans — have given are being lifted bit by bit to a new realm, as A more inclusive Malaysia once again It was also their confidence and their belief us hope that a new Malaysia is indeed pos- the whole of Creation groans in birth pangs seemed possible. East Malaysians appear that they were doing something positive sible. Many of us are now looking to East to produce a more inclusive, interconnect- to be less prone to divisive politics. They for the nation. Malaysia to show us a new way forward as ed way of life. are still holding out, despite the peninsula And it showed. The debates that they a nation – minus the corruption, the “frog”, With that, the hope of a new, more inclu- brand of ethnoreligious politics creeping conducted were of high quality. The del- the land grabs and the environmentally dis- sive Malaysia remains and will one day be into north Borneo since the 1990s. egates respected one another. There was astrous policies. (Yes, Sabah has to look at realised. Twenty-sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time: The Eternal Offering his Sunday we are treated to one of the to open the gates of heaven.” That is beauti- Tmost beautiful passages in the Bible. It is fully concrete, the way that a little child can Reflecting on our Sunday Readings found in the Letter of St Paul to the Philip- understand. For us adults, we develop this pians. Paul begins by telling us to be kind, thought into: He came to instil the spiritual concerned with those for whom we are called 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time than with ourselves. and loving, and merciful to each other. We are within us so that we can be united to the Eter- Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28; to put the interests of others above ourselves. nal. As a priest, I have had times when I’ve been Philippians 2:1-11; Then he tells us about Jesus. He says that we “Be like Him,” St. Paul says in the first treated rather poorly and have come close to should have the same attitude in life as Jesus reading. “Serve others. Stop being selfish. saying, “This I don’t need. Let them figure Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32 had. He was forever God, but he did not re- Look at others as more important than your- out how to handle this without me.” There gard this as something to be grasped. Instead, self.” This is difficult. So much of our society are times that I want to pack up and go home. to fill the world with new reflections of God’s He emptied Himself of His Divinity. He be- pressures us to think that the world revolves Then I have to ask myself, “Why am I here in love. And yes, it is an important part of par- came a human being. More than this, He be- around our wants and needs. However, it does the first place?” I often have to remind myself enting to bring children up to respect author- came a slave for all of us. And He obeyed His not. The world is the Lord’s. that I am a priest, and that the people need a ity, but for their sake, not for the parents’ sake. Father for our sake, even when this obedience With the Grace of God, we can do the work priest. When I realise that, I am far more open Finally, I am sure that every single person led to His death on the cross. of God. But this is work, and work is hard. to letting God work through me. has been confronted with the choice of serv- Then we have a Christological hymn: Be- Work takes time and strength. Work means I am sure you have had similar experiences. ing God or receiving the proper respect he or cause of this God has bestowed on Him the exhausting ourselves to be understanding, I am sure that every married person has had she feels due. We cannot serve God when we name that is above every other name; so that in your case, of your husband or wife, your to be more concerned with caring for his or are concerned about how we are treated by at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, children, your parents. In my case, the people her spouse than with how he or she has been others. both in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, God calls me to serve. Recently, a seminarian treated by that same spouse. One snaps at Matthew 16:24: “If anyone would come af- and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is said to me that it must be draining to serve as a the other, and the other has various choices: ter me, let him deny himself, take up his cross Lord, to the Glory of God the Father. priest. I told him that it is only draining when retaliate and snap back, employ the old clas- and follow me.” We know that this means It is difficult for us to explain our belief you really do the work correctly, putting all of sic passive aggressive behaviour known as accepting our suffering so the world can be in Jesus. Jesus is so much more for us than yourself into it. It is really the same for every- the silent treatment, sulk, or say, “I’m sorry filled with sacrificial love, and the Kingdom Christology, the study of Christ. Jesus is not one here. For all of us, doing the work of the for my part in this,” and look for something of God might grow. But we usually just rel- just a dogma of the Church, an intellectual Lord means emptying ourselves for others. to do together to change the subject and ease egate this and parallel passages to the way doctrine. He is a living Person. We have a per- It also means doing everything we can to the upset. Certainly, the silliest words ever ut- that we handle crises, perhaps a diagnosis of sonal relationship with Him. We go through stay away from all that could hurt us. It takes tered by Hollywood were from the old movie, cancer, the death of a spouse or some other our days speaking to Him and listening for work to control our temper. It takes work to Love Story, “Love means never having to say such crisis. Today’s second reading is more Him to speak to us. We know that He is the be spiritual in our homes. It takes work to turn you are sorry.” No, love means always hav- expansive. It directs us to take up our cross in eternal Son of the Father, the Word of God a house into a place of prayer, a little church. ing to say you are sorry. However, that takes our daily lives. It tells us that to follow Christ present from the beginning of creation. That This is the work of Jesus, who humbled Him- humility. Pride and marriage cannot co-exist, we have to change our attitude in life to be is not how we relate to Him, or He to us. He is self for others, for us. at least not peacefully. Nevertheless, through like His. our closest friend, our deepest Love. We look Like the two sons in the Gospel, we are humility you can be like Jesus for each other. We have to be like the One who humbled at the Cross and are amazed at the extent of called to work in the Father’s vineyard. The I am also sure that every parent has had Himself. This is difficult. It is difficult- be His Love for us. vineyard is your house and my house. The to swallow hard when their children have cause pride is so deeply rooted in each of us. He is God, and yet He became one of us. vineyard is your life and my life. The vine- said something thoughtless. Pre-teens and But through the Grace of God we can conquer More than that, He became a slave for us. yard is that place where others are reaching teenagers can get snarly or develop an atti- pride. We can be the people that God needs Jesus came to serve us. He came to free us out to us, seeking the love of Christ in us. tude. Parents know that they have to be more us to be for His Kingdom. Christ is the vic- from the grasp of materialism. He came to re- They long for Jesus. And they can find Him. concerned with caring for the children than tor. With Him we can conquer all that holds new the quest for the spiritual within us. He They can find Him within us, within us as for their own feelings. Parents do not bring us back. And so we pray to the Father in the came to restore us to that place in creation that Church and within us as individuals. children into the world so they can have little Third Eucharistic prayer, “May He make of we deserted out of pride and selfishness. We For God to work through us, we have to people telling them how wonderful they are. us an eternal offering to you.”— By Msgr sometimes tell the little children, “Jesus came take on the humility of Christ and be more They have children to expand their love and Joseph A Pellegrino HERALD September 27, 2020 Home / Pastoral 3 Logo for Regional Catholic Bishops’ Malaysian Bishops

he Malay- Tsian Bish- Conference has a new logo ops’ Confer- KUALA LUMPUR: The regional The centrality of both logos is the nei, red is one of the colours of Sin- ence logo is Catholic Bishops’ Conference of cross encircled by the shepherd’s gapore, and blue is for Malaysia. built around Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBC- staff. Here too, the shepherd’s staff a national MSB), at their recent conference in The cross stands for Jesus our symbolises a journey of faith lead- emblem, August 2020, adopted a new logo head, our life, who connects us and ing to Christ, the source and centre. the hibiscus for both their Conference and for makes us one people of God. — By Charles Bertille flower, as we fully become the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of The shepherd’s staff symbolises he secretariat for both the Con- Malaysia. the role of the bishop who, like a Malaysian Church. Tferences has moved to the Arch- The nine stigmas represent the nine The purpose of a logo is to answer Christ must lead by service, be a diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kuala the question, “What do we stand father to all, protect and rescue, and dioceses of Malaysia, connected and Lumpur, and is no longer at Majodi. morphing into the shepherd’s staff, for?” govern with integrity and wisdom. This is the new address and email: It is to identify; and thus to give a Both logos are circular, to em- The Regional Bishops’ Confer- showing a path or journey leading to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Christ — who is the centre and source stamp of authority. phasise that the Conference encom- ence (CBCMSB) logo builds on Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBC- The logo will be the visual face of passes the whole nation/s, working the same elements to show oneness of all life and ministries. MSB) This has special significance as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, for the wholeness of her peoples, and solidarity as a Conference, yet c/o Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre reflecting meaning and purpose. protecting, caring for all life and be- introduces distinction of the three we now journey together — people, (APC), priests, religious, bishops — from the The meaning is about community ing compassionate to all. countries — Malaysia, Singapore, No. 5 Jalan Robertson, — we the people of God — and pur- The soft curves symbolise Asian Brunei — represented by the three nine dioceses towards the Pan-Malay- 50150 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA sian Pastoral Convention in 2026. — pose is what we stand for together ways that are non-rigid and being circles and distinct colours. Email: [email protected] — building God’s Kingdom. approachable as bishops. The colour yellow represents Bru- By Charles Bertille

Diocese of Keningau Pastoral letter on Sabah’s State election Dear brothers and sisters in Christ , any political party and its candidates. pose of our lives (Gen 1:26, Proverbs his campaign on these three princi- needs first to resign from his ministry We Sabahans are busy but cautious But as Christians we must always be 1:17); b) Always have care and re- ples will be able to responsibly carry so as not to bring division to the com- for the Sabah DUN general election vigilant so that the spirit of unity, loy- spect for all people regardless of race, out his leadership and service to the munity he serves. this coming Sept 26. As Catholic alty and happiness is not to be put at religion and ethnicity, (Matt 25:40); people and should be supported. We pray for God’s guidance and Christians, we need to adopt an at- risk. We need to pray for tahe Holy c) Always have care and respect for We the leaders of the people – protection throughout the campaign titude of caring and concern for the Spirit guides us because He is the one this world, God’s creation and our the Catechists, the Chairman and and on polling day so that we are pro- political situation, the future of our who unites us, enlightens our minds, common home (Gen 1:31). If these members of the MPP (PCC), KWK tected from the forces of evil. country and the people of Sabah. We and enables us to live in harmony criteria are adhered to and fought (Women’s League/CWL), Youth, May we carry out our duties and need to be sensitive and involved in even though we may have different for by the future leaders of the State Zone, KUK (Catholic Community), responsibilities together towards the determining the future of ourselves political inclinations and preferable Government that will be formed, we BECs, Priests and Religious – need nation and the country. Vote wisely. and our children by carrying out our candidates. will not lose vision, despite the very to remember that our role is to unite responsibilities through voting on In the time and situation of the elec- tempting money politics. the people we serve. That is why we God’s People Walking Together in Sept 26. tion campaign, let us carry out our re- I am confident that each of us vot- are advised by the Church to be wise the Unity, Loyalty and Holiness of During this election campaign, sponsibilities by considering the qual- ers when under the guidance of these and not openly campaign in favour of Jesus Christ. many unfavourable things can hap- ity of the elected candidates, based on three principles, will be able to carry any political party candidate. Lead- pen if we are to resort to emotional the following: a) Always be aware of out our responsibilities wisely when ers must be neutral. If a leader of the and human abilities. It is a fact that the Presence of God the Creator with we cast our vote. I am also confident community wants to campaign for +Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong we have the right to support and elect us, since He is the origin and pur- that every candidate who had rooted any candidate and political party, he September 19, 2020

Diocese of Diocese of Malacca Johore MJD News Update #9 Penang Updated Guidelines Greetings of Joy, Mercy and Hope! sions, Formations and Meetings may The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ come”. Any pastoral or social ac- place of St Francis Xavier, with resume in consultation with the Parish be with you. tion must begin with a gesture of Church of St Peter being the old- Pursuant to the Dec 31, 2020 extension Priest. 1.0 A Thought for the Week: “including”. A caring Christian or est church? of the Recovery Movement Control Or- l Parishioners who are 70 years and Called to Participation, Called to a Church is warm and welcoming. From the year 1558 till 1972, the der, please be informed of the updated above, and children who are 12 years Community Worship Welcome the forced, the fleeing Malacca Johore Diocese (MJD), guidelines for the Diocese of Penang with and below, although not encouraged, are Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect and the forgotten. They are Jesus, in name, as a territory and as a dio- effect from Oct 1, while consciously and not to be prohibited from attending. This of the Congregation for Divine forced to flee. cese was so different from what diligently maintaining the current Standard includes those from diverse nationali- Worship and the Discipline of the This weekend’s second collec- it is today. MJD was governed Operating Procedures are already in place. ties. Sacraments, said “virtual” services tion is for the pastoral care of mi- by foreign bishops, apostolic pre- These include limiting the number of at- l The various places of worship are still cannot compare to, and cannot re- grants and refugees. fects and apostolic vicars from tendees to one third of the venue capacity, subject to additional conditions imposed place, personal participation in the 2.2. Next Sunday, Oct 4 is the Goa, Macau, Siam and Singapore undergoing temperature screening and reg- by the State authorities. Please check liturgy. He reminded the faithful to Launch of the five-year plan, under the Portuguese and French istration before entering for contact tracing, with your respective states and districts. ‘return to the Eucharist with joy’, with the theme Protect Our Earth, Missionaries. It was only in 1972, downloading the MySejahtera application Parishes are encouraged to proceed with proper safety protocols dur- Protect Our Children, initiated by when Singapore split from the (which is compulsory), proper sanitisation with the above guidelines, following the ing this pandemic. This is a return the Creation Justice Commission. Metropolitan Archdiocese of before and after gathering, adequate physi- requirements of the Standard Operating to the normality of Christian Life, There will be a live broadcast from Malacca-Singapore, that the local cal distancing from one person to another Procedure already in place. It is strongly where the church building is rec- St James Chapel, MAJODI Centre DIOCESE OF MALACCA JO- and refraining from any in-person partici- advised that the congregation of each es- ognised as HOME; the liturgy as at 8:00am. While we keep safe and HORE with the first local bishop, pation if feeling unwell or prone to illness. sential gathering should be done in a crea- summit and font of all power; the stay safe, it is also time to SAVE. Rt Rev James Chan, was estab- As a safety measure, the Ministry of tive, inclusive and bridge-building way, return from fasting to rediscov- lished. (By then, KL and Penang 2.3 Let the BECs begin with the Health continues to urge the avoidance of considering the common good of all. ering the Eucharist. This return were already dioceses in 1955). October Rosary Month, may our the 3Cs – Crowded Places, Confined Spac- I wish you God’s blessings as we gradu- must be accompanied by purified So, the choice of Johor Bahru, FOCUS be “to humble ourselves es, Close Conversation and the frequent ally make a conscious effort to accept this hearts, renewed amazement, in- with Church of the Immaculate and pray” for peace in the world practice of the 3Ws – Wash Hands, Wear new normal of resuming our lives as a creased desire to meet the Lord, Conception (CIC) as the first -ca and peace in our hearts. Facemasks, Warning on the prevailing ex- community with the guidance of the Holy and a wish to be with the Lord and thedral, by the first local bishop istence of COVID-19. Spirit, while embracing in prayer those to witness the Lord. The message 2.4 The 2020 Sabah state election was a strategic consideration, not Having said that, the below guidelines, who are still unable to be present. is simple: Come Home! Return takes place tomorrow, Sept 26. a historical one. although being implemented, will con- “Be Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, to the Community! Celebrate His Pray for the people of Sabah to stantly need to be reviewed in consultation Faithful in Prayer” (Roman 12:12) elect a government that is clean, Mercy! God bless you. with the local authorities, depending on the Be Disciples of Hope just and inclusive. situation in the different states and respec- 2.0 Announcements for the Sincerely in Christ, Week: 3.0 Questions & Queries? tive districts. 2.1 On Sept 27, the world and the Why is the Malacca Johore Dio- Bishop Bernard Paul l Daily Masses, Funerals, Weddings, Church will be celebrating World cese Headquarters located in September 25, 2020 Baptisms of Adults, and Confirmations Day for Migrants and Refugees. Johor and not in Melaka, the site in churches may resume. Rt Rev Sebastian Francis The challenge before us is to “wel- of first Catholic presence, resting Click here to watch the video l Catechism Classes, the Rite of Chris- Bishop of Penang tian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ses- September 21, 2020 4 Home HERALD September 27, 2020 Our Lady of Sorrows, Hope in time of pandemic PENANG: The COVID-19 pan- The grace of God will empower us the ecstasy of discovering love in demic did not stop parishioners of to reconcile, just as it helped Mary life, helping us grow in experiences. the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows endure her sorrows,” he said. “Do we show pity to people who (City Parish) from celebrating their A multilingual Mass was cel- may still be in darkness and search- parish feast this year. ebrated on Sept 13 by Fr Labrooy, ing for light, those not embraced by The theme Our Lady of Sorrows, with Msgr Aloysius Tan (parish love and beyond redemption, or are Hope in Time of Pandemic was re- priest) and Fr Ryan Innas Muthu as we inflicting pain on others because flected throughout the liturgical cel- concelebrants. Another Mandarin we feel righteous?” he asked the ebrations held from Sept 11 to 18. Mass was celebrated by Msgr Tan congregation. The statue of Our Lady of Sor- the same day. Fr Labrooy shared that the Tri- rows was moved to an outdoor In his homily, Fr Labrooy urged umph of the Cross and Mary’s sor- shrine for the first time in recent parishioners to surrender all their rows are signs of love which depict years to enable parishioners to con- needs to God and to put their focus God’s intention to redeem mankind duct personal prayers and devo- on Christ as their only source of despite their sins. tions. hope in these challenging times. Parish priest Msgr Aloysius Tan On Sept 11, the Mandarin Mass From Sept 14 to 18, parishioners shared that the sorrows of Mary was celebrated by Msgr Stephen Fr Simon Labrooy blesses the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows with incense. participated virtually in the Seven provided strength and inspiration Liew. It coincided with the 16th models tonight, Mother Mary, and solemn Benediction. Sorrows Rosary Devotion whiich to mankind suffering from the pan- Death Anniversary of former parish the late Fr Julien, who placed their Fr Labrooy touched on the ele- was streamed live on the City Par- demic. priest Fr Arthur Julien. trust in God and continued the mis- ment of forgiveness which was the ish Facebook and YouTube page, to “Through her own grief and sad- Msgr Liew shared in his homily sion of hope in the world,” he said. Gospel message, adding that forgiv- pray for an end to the pandemic and ness, Our Lady best understands all that trusting in Christ as our Saviour Fr Simon Labrooy was the main ing others is a process of “setting the for those suffering from its effects. our anxieties through this COV- and giving hope to others is part and preacher of the English (Sunset) prisoner (ourselves) free”. The actual feast was celebrated on ID-19 outbreak. May we never parcel of the Catholic faith. Mass on September 12 which took “When we forgive others, there is Sept 15, with Fr Labrooy describing cease to ask for her unfailing inter- “We remember two great role place after the Novena devotion and wholeness and meaning in our lives. the agony of losing something and cession,” he said. — By Aaron Lim Forty-two baptised and confirmed at St Ignatius Church KELANA JAYA: The English- and Fr Wong also reminded the newly member that the resurrected Christ is Bahasa Malaysia-speaking RCIA baptised and confirmed that faith always with us. Christ is our truest, (Rite of Christian Initiation of did not stop at Baptism. Baptism is most reliable, closest, most powerful Adults) 2019/2020 candidates were only the beginning of faith, which is and most sacred friend. In closing, baptised and confirmed on Satur- a journey which requires us to expe- Fr Wong wished our new Catholics day, Sept 5, at a Service Rite in St rience discovery and growth in life. happiness and steady growth in their Ignatius Church (SIC). The Rite After baptism, we have the respon- journey of faith. was celebrated, under exceptional sibility to strive to live our Christian The Service Rite was live- circumstances, by SIC parish priest faith. Through our words and deeds, streamed on Youtube to enable all Fr Andrew Wong CDD and Assis- we influence those around us who family members and friends of the tant Parish Priest Fr Lawrence Ng have not yet known God. In other candidates who were unable to attend CDD. A total of 42 candidates were words, we need to work harder to to view the ceremony from home. baptised and confirmed while eight resist secular temptations and not to On the same day at the 6.00pm Mass candidates received the Sacrament assimilate secular values. in SIC, these neophytes participated of Confirmation. Being baptised, Fr Wong added, in the Sacrament of Eucharist and re- In his homily, Fr Wong shared did not mean our journey of faith ceived their first Holy Communion. Fr Lawrence Ng, CDD baptises an Elect. that adult baptism is usually held would be smooth sailing. But when The entire congregation welcomed during the Easter Vigil. The current facing challenges and pain, we would them into the community. The RCIA ond Assistant Parish Priest Fr Martin Sept 12, 24 candidates were baptised COVID-19 pandemic has necessi- overcome them with a new perspec- Team would like to thank Frs Wong Then CDD was also present during and confirmed (including one from tated a special situation with the per- tive and a new attitude. When we are and Ng church ministries, sponsors, the event. the Bahasa Malaysia RCIA). An- formance of the three Scrutinies, and down, we will recall our enthusiasm godparents and parishioners for ex- At the RCIA Rite of Baptism and other eight candidates received the the rite of Baptism and Confirmation during our baptism and let this fire tending their prayers to make the cel- Confirmation for Mandarin RCIA Sacrament of Confirmation. — By being performed together. ignite us again. We also need to re- ebration a memorable one. SIC Sec- 2019/2020 candidates on Saturday Shaun Chan Sabah parish re-opens for physical classes KOTA KINABALU: The St Simon all teachers are involved. We’re Catholic Church, Likas, welcomed supporting each other and praying back some 45 catechism students together.” on Sept 20. Two students, when asked, said The parish coordinator, Theresa they were happy to be back. Ham, thanked God that they were “I feel great,” said Emerald Di- able to reopen during the extended simon. Recovery Movement Control Or- Another student, Bethanysha der (RMCO) period. Nicholas, said she feels happy to “It’s really God’s perfect timing be back even with the strict SOPs. for us to re-start Sunday school at “It’s been a while since I last at- this time as most of the parents and A makeshift classroom in the parish hall with strict observation of social distancing. tended class, so it’s good to have students have already adjusted to church before attending class in the students. “The emotion is mixed,” Audrey some sense of normalcy.” following SOPs (standard operat- hall.” “We are truly grateful to God for Fung said. “We are very concerned Meanwhile, another student, ing procedures) in their respective Theresa said the students brought gathering us together once again about the spiritual growth and de- Sandrine Sulit, said that although schools and are already well-disci- their own breakfast and ate at their and we pray that we will continue velopment of our students. she was fine about the reopening of plined in complying with such re- respective seats. to love and support one another as “We welcome the reopening of Sunday School, she was also quite quirements,” Theresa said. “They were very disciplined and we endeavour to further our jour- Sunday School. But at the same apprehensive after not attending “With our SOPs in place, we it was odd to see them so quiet. ney of faith together as a commu- time, we also feel apprehensive classes for a while. started our first classes (last - Sun “All catechists from Year 1 to nity of believers in the parish of St. because we’re not sure how to go “I’m not that excited but I’m fine day) for pre-Confirmation (Year Year 10 were present to support the Simon Catholic Church, Likas.” about it in the most effective way. coming back because it’s been a Nine) and Confirmation class students and one another,” she said, Meanwhile, one of the catechists “One thing that is good is that while,” she said, adding that she (Year 10). Students also joined in adding that the next class will be on who was present said she had we’re doing it as a team. Even hoped she could recall what she celebrating the Sunday Mass with Sept 27 for Year Seven (13-year- mixed feelings about the reopening though it’s only two classes (pre- had learned in previous lessons. — their parents and family in the main old) and Year Eight (14-year-old) of Sunday School. Confirmation and Confirmation), By Audrey J Ansibin, CS HERALD September 27, 2020 Home 5 Formation House for FSIC sisters TAMBUNAN: History was cre- ters.” So, they went to inspect it ated for Keningau Diocese when and found that it was only a small a new Formation House for the project, and asked Sr Germaine Franciscan Sisters of the Immacu- for a bigger project. late Conception (FSIC) was re- Sr Germaine proposed the cently completed this month for building of the convent. Thus, “a the temporary professed sisters group of 59 people from all over journeying towards their final the world, mostly students, stayed profession. in Tambunan for two weeks. They Synonymous with the spiritu- started building the foundations ality of St Francis of Assisi that of the convent on Dec 8 and com- emphasises a life of prayer and pleted them in two weeks,” said love of nature, the new develop- Mother Frances. ment, called ‘Greccio Convent’, Raleigh International complet- is located in the middle of the vast ed the foundations of the building green fields of Kg Toboh, Tambu- as agreed, and the building itself nan. was completed by contractors ap- Bishop Cornelius Piong said pointed by the FSIC council. this positive development of the Mother Frances emphasised the Church is a blessing of God’s par- Bishop Cornelius Piong carrying out the Rite of Blessing for Greccio Convent. purpose of the convent. “We will ticipation in the diocese and also ters who are on their final journey ence,” Bishop Piong advised. people on how the UK-based Ra- take the temporary professed sis- of Toboh parish, the Holy Cross towards taking their perpetual He said this at the Eucharis- leigh International came into the ters away from active apostolate Church. vows. The convent sisters will tic Celebration and blessing of picture to kick-start the building (and place them here) to study, re- “This moment in history today not be involved in any parish ac- the convent on Sept 17 which of Greccio Convent. flect and pray. It is also an added for the FSIC congregation is a tivities but will dedicate their time coincided with the Feast of the “In December last year, Raleigh spiritual strength for the parish blessing to Toboh and Keningau fully to discernment and prayer. Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi. International approached Sr Ger- because they will really have the Diocese. A few years after the “With the FSIC sisters liv- Assisting him at the Mass were maine Angkangon, coordinator time to pray for the diocese, espe- diocese was established, I felt that ing here and praying, I hope the Msgr Gilbert Engan, Toboh par- of Rumah Kanak-Kanak Bondulu cially for the people here.” we needed a praying community,” people will turn their gaze to this ish priest, and Fr Giovanni Sugau, Toboh, and said, “We want to The convent has six rooms with shared the bishop. place and receive inspiration and CSE of Kaingaran. help… do you need any help?” double decker beds which can ac- Greccio Convent is built solely guidance. Use this opportunity to In her speech, Mother Frances “Sr Germaine said “Yes, we commodate up to 15 people at a to house temporary professed sis- really be a channel of God’s pres- briefed the small audience of 30 need to repair the teachers’ quar- time. — By Linda Edward, CS Children receive their First Holy Communion Act of Spiritual communion can now be sung KUALA LUMPUR: The ‘Act of with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Par- Spiritual Communion’ was sung ish Media Ministry. during the recent feastday celebra- I took about a day to work on tions of the Chapel of Our Lady of the melody in August 2020. I then Good Health. The prayer had been sought the help of my younger put to a melody by Stella Maris, a brother, Benedicto Giovanni Don talented vocalist. Bosco to transcribe it and record it. From Indonesia, Stella Maris, Once that was completed, she who is residing in Malaysia with began to write the lyrics of the her husband and her son, belongs song in Bahasa Melayu – Doa to the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Sambut Komuni Secara Spiritual. Jesus. Having an interest in music “I was inspired by a singer online and especially talented in singing who sang the song in Bahasa Indo- and composing melodies, Stella nesia.” shared some great insights into Stella then created a video clip the life of composing and what for the Spiritual Communion Song The communicants with Fr Martin Arlando. it means to connect with others in English and Bahasa Melayu and PENANG: After much anxiety warm the hearts of others so they them until the end of time. through the songs she creates. shared it among her friends and fel- due to the closure of the churches would be a beacon to them. Fr Martin said that normally, “The urge to receive the Holy low parishioners. She also upload- because of the pandemic, 17 chil- The third item, a band aid plas- this would be a time for exams in Eucharist, which I missed during ed the video of her composition on dren in Year 4 at the Church of ter, was given to let them know the school calendar year. Many this COVID-19 lockdown, has to her YouTube channel Stella’s Divine Mercy (CDM) received that they needed to help bind, heal would come to ask for blessings made me to do something different Music where she received many this second sacrament of initiation and sooth the wounds of others. to do well, as the results had im- in response to my desire,” shared positive comments. — By Cecilia into the Catholic faith on Sept 20. The fourth item was a mirror portant consequences: winning Stella in a recent telecom interview Grace Robert The five catechists managed to to remind them to look at them- a scholarship, entering a good prepare them despite being unable selves and see if they were a Jesus school of higher learning, or find- to meet with the students face to to others by bringing comfort and ing a good job. face. Parish priest Fr Martin Ar- peace. At the end of Mass, each com- lando remarked that he was pleas- The fifth item consisted of two municant received a certificate antly surprised at the prepared- petition prayer cards to remind and in return they gave Fr a bless- ness and the serious intentions of them to constantly pray for the ing. One of them, Madeleine the children when he heard their well being of others. Lim, prepared a video presenta- first confession the day before. The sixth item was a five-cent tion to thank Fr Martin. In it she Fr Martin had also prepared a coin. This coin nowadays is as reviewed all the past events in missionary kit for the first Holy though of little value. It is a re- church that she had shared with Communicants. In it were seven minder of the five wounds of Je- him. She ended by calling him a symbolic items. sus and also to always be humble. miracle worker for the work done The first were two cotton ear The last item was a wooden at CDM as he would be leaving buds for them to ensure their ears cross, a reminder to carry the the parish soon. It was a most would be open to listen clearly to cross for others. All the items touching tribute that left Father the Word of God. To do this, they were designed to help them live speechless. had to pick up and read the Bible out a missionary life by being Je- The children were also present- regularly. sus to others. He reminded them ed with a custom made bookmark The second item consisted of a that in all their challenges of be- by the catechists as a memento box of matches with a tea candle. ing Catholics, they should know of this celebration. — By Dr These were intended to light and that Jesus would always be with Ivan Filmer A videoclip of Stella Maris singing the Act of Spiritual Communion. 6 Home HERALD September 27, 2020 Understand other religions to foster unity KUALA LUMPUR: A better un- Earlier, in his speech when open- derstanding of each others’ religion ing the Forum, Federal Territories can help foster unity, say several Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr religious leaders at a Rukun Ne- Edmund Santhara, said Malaysians gara forum on Sept 20. should understand their own reli- “I hope we can change our views, gion and that of others. as religion can unite the people and “This will bring better under- the nation,” said Archbishop Julian standing and respect among the Leow Beng Kim, chairman of the communities, resulting in stronger Christian Federation of Malaysian. unity,” he said. “All religions teach the better- He cited efforts to curb the ment of society, but at times, prob- spread of COVID-19 as an exam- lems arise due to interpretation. ple of where Malaysians had united “Conflict arises when individu- to and adhered to the government’s als or groups fail to better under- rules with open hearts, despite re- stand the religious practices of oth- strictions imposed on gatherings at ers,” he said at the Forum. Several religious leaders at the Rukun Negara forum on September 20, 2020. houses of worship. He added that understanding the discuss matters rationally. this responsibility should be shoul- Buddhist Association of Malay- The Rukun Negara was insti- religious practices of one’s neigh- Malaysia Hindu Sangam assis- dered by all Malaysians. sia charity and welfare department tuted by royal proclamation on bour could help avoid tension and tant secretary, Gowri PS Thangaya, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd head, Ven. Sing Kan, reminded Merdeka Day, 1970, as a means to foster unity. said that the principle of belief in Asri Zainul Abidin said there may Malaysians to avoid using divisive foster unity among the races in the “What is important is that we God should not merely be recited be disagreements with each other’s words or resorting to hate speeches country, following the wake of the can practice our respective reli- as part of the Rukun Negara. beliefs, but it is important to have and lies where religion in con- May 13,1969, racial riots. gions while respecting others,” he “It must be inculcated in the lives respect for one another’s religion. cerned. Several programmes and events said, citing the Forum as an ex- of Malaysians at a tender age, and “In the national context, there “We must develop the right are being held to mark the occasion ample of a place where religious it should begin not in the schools must the space for one to practice speech, which is constructive and this year. — By Martin Carvalho, leaders are able to sit down and but at home,” she said, adding that his or her own religion,” he said. beneficial towards unity,” he said. The Star Special prayers held for the Sabah state elections PENANG: City Parish together that it has been a particularly chal- with the Penang Diocesan Bahasa lenging time for Sabahans, who Malaysia Apostolate organised a had to endure increasing numbers special Mass on September 22 to of COVID-19 infections and politi- pray for the Sabah state elections. cal instability. Close to 40 persons were present “It is during this critical point at the occasion held at the Church of time that we need leaders who of Our Lady of Sorrows, with a are able to understand the needs of predominantly Sabahan crowd all citizens and unite them to fight who came to show solidarity to against this crisis,” he said. their beloved state. Msgr Tan reflected on Micah 6:1- The Mass was animated by Saba- 8, which was chosen specially for han parishioners together with the the Mass, where the Lord freed his Prayer of the Faithful recited in the people from Egypt and they were different ethnic languages across no longer enslaved. the state. “Likewise, we pray for Sabah to Sabahan parishioners attend the special Mass on September 22, 2020. Parish priest Msgr Aloysius Tan be freed from all negative elements polling day to pray unceasingly and spreading love and truth to combat ence FSIC, as well as their team, presided over the Eucharistic cel- and for her leaders to act justly, ask for the Blessed Virgin Mary’s hatred and fake news being spread for organising this special event. ebration together with Fr Simon love mercy and walk humbly in intercession for those involved in presently. The Mass concluded with the Labrooy from College General as God’s way,” he said. the election process. In assuring his prayers for the congregation present standing firm concelebrant. Msgr Tan also urged those who He also reminded those pre- faithful in Sabah, Msgr Tan thanked in singing Sabah Tanah Airku, the In his homily, Msgr Tan reflected were unable to return home for sent to be messengers of peace in Sr Noemi Mejia FSIC, and Sr Flor- state anthem. — By Aaron Lim Praying for the sick like St Pio IPOH: St Michael’s Church (SMC) ten the names of those who needed One of the founding PPG his wounds. celebrated the novena and feastday prayers. members, Evelyne Yeoh, wrote a “I want to thank Padre for his Mass of St Pio of Pietrelcina, Sept These pledges were offered up at thanksgiving letter to St Pio, which love and presence, and for guiding 19. the feastday Mass. was read out during the novena on us through our work at the PPG. The Mass was celebrated by The actual feast of Padre Pio, Sept 24. “The last time I experienced this SMC parish priest Fr Anthony known as the saint with the Stig- In her letter, she thanked St Pio fragrance was ten years ago, and I Liew. mata of Christ, falls on Sept 23. for his intercessions of the sick, hope St Pio will continue to guide It also marked the 15th anniver- St Pio had a special love for the which resulted in healings and mir- me as I serve,” she said. sary of the formation of the Padre Holy Mass, and for him, this was acles for the community. SMC parish priest Fr Anthony Pio group at SMC. the reason why he was so com- “I felt a sense of peace and thank- Liew said in his homily that taking The PPG group provides support mitted and devoted to praying for fulness as I prepared the script that part in the prayer for the sick dur- for people with cancer, stroke and those in sin and those inflicted by accompanied the booklet for the ing the novena to Padre Pio and the terminal illnesses, irrespective of suffering. feastday Mass. Mass was an invitation to get into race or religion. His example has inspired many “I meant to write only a few lines a closer relationship with the saint The feastday Mass was preceded to follow in his footsteps: to be at because there have been countless and with God. by nine nights of novena prayer, by the service of the sick with faith writings about St Pio. By being part of a large pray- SMC’s Padre Pio group and parish- and prayer, and to seek the inter- “But I suddenly felt an overpow- ing assembly for the sick bound ioners, individually in their homes, cession of St Pio, to alleviate their ering floral fragrance, which envel- together in a spirit of devotion at 8.30pm from Sept 10-18. suffering. oped me like perfume all the while and charity, SMC can reflect -Pa Early in September, parishioners As such, the sick, the elderly and I was writing. dre Pio’s relationship with Jesus were given pledge cards, together people with other problems are of- “It only stopped when I was fin- Christ, he added. with a novena booklet, to pray in fered up during each PPG novena ished with the script. “I always treasure these moments The pledge cards were offered during union as a community of SMC. and Mass at SMC every Thursday “I recognised it as Padre Pio’s every Thursday, when I spend time the feastday Mass. On each pledge card was writ- at 5.00pm. odour of Sanctity, that came from praying for the sick,” he said. HERALD September 27, 2020 Asia 7 Thái Bình celebrates new Sacred Heart Seminary THAI BINH, Vietnam: The Diocese allowed again. However, officially it of Thái Bình (northern Vietnam) is could take in only six seminarians per building a new major seminary that year, even though the diocese has had can accommodate up to 300 seminar- up to 40 candidates annually. ians. In 2008, the previous bishop of Thái On Sept 7, nearly a hundred semi- Bình, Msgr Phanxicô (Francis) Xaviê narians participated in a celebration to Nguyễn Văn Sang, managed the ex- mark the beginning of the school year ceptional feat of getting permission to and the foundation of the new semi- train 25 candidates who are now dea- nary, dedicated to the Sacred Heart. cons and will be ordained priests next Government authorisation for the December. construction of the facility was ob- Fr Đaminh (Dominic) Đặng Văn tained thanks to the mediation of Bish- Cầu, 58, is the rector of the new Sa- op Phêrô (Pierre) Nguyễn Văn Ðệ of cred Heart Seminary, which can ac- Thái Bình, and constitutes an impor- commodate between 200 and 300 tant step for the local Church. students. The previous seminary was closed The Catholic Church in Vietnam is in 1970-1971 because of the ongoing divided into 27 dioceses, and current- Vietnam war. The government kept it ly has 11 major seminaries and 2,824 Seminarians attend a special Mass opening the new academic year at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Thai Binh city closed until 2008, when teaching was seminarians. — AsiaNews on Sept 7, 2020. (Asianews photo/giaophanthaibinh.org) In first ever, a woman religious to lead China: Eight new priests for Diocese of Beijing the Catholic Education Association BEIJING: Eight deacons of the arch- newly ordained, about a hundred MANILA: For the first time in its diocese of Beijing were ordained to priests, seminarians and as many history, a woman has been chosen the priesthood Sept 23, the feast of Sisters of St Joseph (the diocesan to lead the Catholic Education the Apostle St Matthew. The cere- congregation) were allowed to enter, Association of the Philippines mony was presided over by the bish- for a total of about 300-400 people. (CEAP), the largest organisation op of the capital, Msgr Giuseppe Li In addition to Beijing, the priests of Catholic schools in the country, Shan, who also celebrated the 13th came from different dioceses: Tian- which, between primary and sec- anniversary of his episcopal ordina- jin, Hebei, Gansu, Shanxi, Shaanxi, ondary, colleges and universities, tion. Jiangxi, Heilongjiang. has over 1500 institutions. The rite took place with great so- The eight deacons are: Giuseppe In recent days, in a “virtual” lemnity in the North Cathedral (Bei- Long Quanbing, Paolo Lu Xiaowei, congress held remotely due to the tang), the church of the Most Holy Giuseppe Kangshuo, Giovanni Ji- COVID-19 pandemic, the board Saviour, which was recently reno- ang Liequn, Giuseppe Hu Po, Paolo of directors elected Sr Marissa vated externally and internally. Due Feng Pengji, Giuseppe Zhang Song- Viri, belonging to the Congrega- to the anti-pandemic rules it was not song and Matteo Ren Xugui. tion of the Religious of the Bless- possible to keep the church open to Forty-one priests have been or- ed Virgin Mary, as president. everyone. dained during the 13 years of Msgr Up to now Sr Viri has held the In addition to those directly in- Li Shan’s pastoral leadership of the position of CEAP vice-president CEAP’s newly elected president, Sr. Marissa Viri, RVM. volved, the family members of the diocese of Beijing. — ICN and will take the place of Fr Elmer tions in the Philippines founded advance and promote the teaching Dizon, from the archdiocese of in 1941. It now has more than function of the Catholic Church. San Fernando, who has headed 1,524 member-schools. It is a vol- It contributes towards the attain- the institution since September untary organisation which oper- ment of the objective “the total de- last year. The nun, who has long ates through regional educational velopment of the human person,” been active in the field of educa- associations located in the 17 re- through a Catholic orientation in tion, is also the current president gions of the country. The CEAP accordance with the norms of the of the University of the Immacu- represents the interests of Catholic Church, consistent with national late Conception in Davao. educational institutions in nation- development goals as expressed The swearing in ceremony took al and international fora, fosters in the Philippine Constitution. The place on Friday Sept 25, in the unity of action with other organi- CEAP promotes religious instruc- context of a closed-door event sations in educational matters; tion as an essential element of to avert the danger of contagions ,and assists members, particularly Catholic education, thereby con- from the new coronavirus. those in mission areas to achieve tributing towards character forma- CEAP is a national association common and specific aims. tion and citizenship building. — of Catholic educational institu- The CEAP is commissioned to AsiaNews Eight new priests with Bishop Giuseppe Li Shan. (AsiaNews photo) Vatican Cardinal Tagle recovers from coronavirus MANILA: Cardinal Luis Antonio the rector, Fr Gregory Gaston, as COVID-19 after flying from the Evangelisation of Peoples. Tagle, the head of the Vatican’s saying that the news was “a great Rome to Manila. After his positive test, more than evangelization congregation, has joy for the whole Church.” Tagle “has no symptoms and 30 priests and staff at the college recovered from the coronavirus, “God wants him to continue will remain in isolation in the went into quarantine as a precau- the Philippine bishops’ news ser- serving in the Vatican’s office for Philippines, where he is,” said tionary measure. All of them test- vice said Sept 23. the Missions, to bring God’s Good Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy ed negative for COVID-19. Tagle overcame the virus 13 News of love, joy, peace, justice, See press office. Tagle was the first known Vati- days after testing positive for forgiveness and reconciliation — Tagle is the archbishop emeritus can department head to have test- COVID-19, reported CBCP News, all of which the world needs in a of Manila and the current presi- ed positive for the coronavirus. which is overseen by the media special way these days,” he said. dent of Caritas Internationalis, a He was the second Rome-based office of the Catholic Bishops’ The 63-year-old cardinal tested global Catholic charity network. cardinal to test positive after Conference of the Philippines. positive for coronavirus Sept 10, Tagle had been staying at the Rome’s vicar general, Cardinal The news service said that but was asymptomatic. Pontificio Collegio Filippino Angelo De Donatis, was hospital- the cardinal’s recovery was an- The Vatican confirmed Sept since he arrived in Rome in Feb- ized for COVID-19 in March. De nounced by the Pontificio Colle- 11 that the Filipino cardinal was ruary to take up his new role as Donatis has made a full recovery. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. gio Filippino in Rome. It quoted swabbed and tested positive for prefect of the Congregation for — CNA 8 World HERALD September 27, 2020 Italians vote “Yes” to UN still needed to downsize Parliament ROME: Despite the COVID-19 ment, reform-minded ethos. pandemic, Italians turned out in Nicola Zingaretti, the leader of the large numbers for the referendum. centre-left Democratic Party which is respond to the hopes They were voting to approve a law part of the government coalition, said that amends the Italian constitution the victory of the “Yes” vote opened and which had already been passed the way for a season of reform. in parliament. Specifically, the law The referendum was held along- reduces the number of lawmakers side several key regional elections. of the world’s people from 630 to 400 in the Chamber of Here the results were seen as a boost Deputies and from 315 to 200 in the for the Democratic Party but a set- NEW YORK: The Holy See has ex- on weapons and might. It has fed the Senate. It means the total number of back for Matteo Salvini’s rightwing pressed its support for the United Na- starving, built homes for the home- parliamentarians will be cut from the League Party. tions, urging it to continue respond- less, committed itself to the protec- present 945 to 600. Salvini, a former Interior Minister, ing to the “undiminished hopes of tion of our common home, and has The referendum had cross-par- had been hoping to make big gains, the peoples of the world”. Vatican advanced a world of integral human ty support but had been strongly especially in Tuscany which has been Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Pa- development. pushed in particular by the Five Star ruled by centre-left parties for over rolin made the exhortation in a state- The Vatican’s top diplomat said, Movement which is the main party 50 years. But the results showed that ment during a virtual high-level meet- “The UN has striven to champion in Italy’s governing coalition. Five the League and a rightwing ally only ing on Monday to commemorate 75 universal human rights, which also Star says the reduction will stream- managed to score a victory in the re- years of the United Nations this year. include the right to life and freedom line parliament, reduce corruption gion of Marche in central Italy. The UN was officially established of religion, as they are essential for and save hundreds of millions of eu- In addition to the regional poll, on Oct 24, 1945, when the UN Char- the much-needed promotion of a ros in salaries and expenses. In a post Italians were also voting in local ter was ratified by a majority of its world where the dignity of every on Twitter, Five Star had said the bill elections to choose over 1,000 may- signatories, including the five perma- human person is protected and ad- would save the country one billion ors. nent members of the Security Coun- vanced.” It has tried to “end war and euros over 10 years. The regional election was seen cil. United Nations Day is celebrated Cardinal Parolin addressing the conflict, to repair what violence and virtual high-level UN meeting. However, critics had argued that as a test for the government over its on 24 October each year. strife have destroyed and to bring the move would weaken democracy handling of the pandemic. Italy was Since 1964, the Holy See has had have addressed the General Assem- opposing sides to the table so that, and increase the influence of lobby- the first European country to issue a the status of a Permanent Observer bly, “urging this noble Institution to together, diplomacy and negotiation ists in parliament. lockdown and was an early epicentre State at the UN and has had a Per- be a ‘moral centre’ where every coun- may win the day”. The vote was originally scheduled of the virus. manent Observer Mission at the UN try is at home”. “It is where the fam- Cardinal Parolin also pointed out for May but was delayed due to the However, in recent weeks the headquarters in New York. ily of nations convenes and where the that the UN has not always lived up to pandemic which has killed more country has avoided, up to now, see- The theme of the meeting, which international community — in a spirit its name and ideals, and has harmed than 35,000 people in Italy. ing a very sharp spike in the number featured many world leaders was, of human fraternity and solidarity — itself whenever particular interests Five Star said the referendum’s of cases, unlike many of its European The future we want, the United Na- advances together with multilateral have triumphed over the common outcome showed voters still re- neighbours. — By Susy Hodges, tions we need. solutions to global challenges.” good. Hence, it needs to revitalise its sponded to the party’s anti-establish- Vatican News Invoking the founding ideals of the The cardinal said the COVID-19 original spirit, in line with the Char- UN, Cardinal Parolin, in a video link- pandemic has made it clear that we ter’s principles and purposes, within up, noted that for the past 75 years, cannot go on thinking only of our- the context of a changing world. the peoples of the world have turned selves or fostering divisions. We Diplomats representing their coun- to it as a source of hope for world need to work together to “overcome tries, he said, also need to seek the peace and harmony among States. the world’s worst plagues, mind- common good in good faith through They look up to it for an end to con- ful that the burden carried by some genuine consensus and compromise. flict and strife, greater respect for the necessarily affects humanity and the Despite all this, Cardinal Parolin dignity of the human person, the alle- whole family of Nations”. stressed that the UN, “where the peo- viation of suffering and poverty, and Commending the world body’s ples of the world unite in dialogue the advancement of justice. accomplishments over the past 75 and common action, is needed as The Vatican’s top official, after the years, Cardinal Parolin said it has much today as ever to respond to the Pope, pointed out that the Holy See protected and served international undiminished hopes of the peoples has supported and taken an active role law, and promoted a world based on of the world”. — By Robin Gomes, within the UN. Successive Popes the rule of law and justice rather than Vatican News Constitutional referendum in Italy. (Vatican News) Pandemic could undo progress in children’s rights VATICAN: Kailash Satyarthi has global total. Nearly 16 per cent of government spending to protect been rescuing children from slav- adolescent girls aged 15-19 are cur- national interests and the global ery and trafficking for the past four rently married. economy,” he warned, “little has decades. He fears that the pandemic, While the prevalence of girls get- been allocated to protect the 1 in 5 which is wreaking havoc on the In- ting married before age 18 has de- children who live on $2 per day or dian economy, is pushing millions clined from 47 per cent to 27 per cent less.” Without urgent action now, he of people into poverty, with families between 2005-2006 and 2015-2016, said, “we risk losing an entire gen- forced to put their children to work to UNICEF considers it is still too high. eration”. make ends meet. According to government esti- If the world gave the most mar- “The biggest threat is that mil- mates, more than 10 million workers ginalised children and their families lions of children may fall back into engaged in the informal and unpro- their fair share, which translates to slavery, trafficking, child labour, and tected labour market lost their jobs 20 per cent of the COVID-19 re- child marriage,” said Satyarthi. during the prolonged lockdown from sponse for the poorest 20 per cent of He and Pakistan’s Malala the end of March to early June, push- humanity, he said, the results would Yousafzai were jointly awarded the Pope Francis receiving Kailash Satyarthi in the Vatican on Nov 16, 2018. ing them deeper into poverty. be transformative. 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, “for their (Vatican News photo) With more mouths to feed and the In a recent statement, Laureates struggle against the oppression of such as brick kiln operating, carpet- Satyarthi founded in 1980, has so far inability to make ends meet, pressure and Leaders for Children, which children and young people and for weaving, garment-making, domestic rescued more than 90,000 children is building on families to give away Satyarthi founded in 2016, warned the right of all children to education”. service, food and refreshment ser- from slavery, including bonded la- their girls in marriage. that COVID-19 could turn the clock The United Nations children’s vices (such as tea and food stalls), bourers, and helped in their success- Childline, a children’s helpline, back a decade or more on progress fund, UNICEF, estimates there are agriculture, fisheries and mining. ful reintegration, rehabilitation and said there was a 17 per cent increase made on the issues of child labour, 152 million children — 64 million “Once children fall into that trap education. in distress calls related to early mar- education, and health for hundreds girls and 88 million boys — in child they can be pulled into prostitution Earlier this month, his organisa- riage of girls in June and July this of millions of children. labour globally, accounting for al- and can even be trafficked easily ... tion backed by police, rescued doz- year compared to 2019. “I cannot be satisfied even if one most one in ten of all children. this is another danger which govern- ens of girls during a raid on a shrimp According to Satyarthi, the pan- single child is enslaved,” said Sat- While rates of child labour have ments have to address now,” Sat- processing unit in western India. demic has exposed and exacerbated yarthi. “It means there is something declined over the last few years, yarthi said. He believes sexual abuse UNICEF estimates at least 1.5 the deep inequalities faced by the wrong in our policy, in our economy, about 10.1 million children are still of children is also on the rise due to million girls under 18 get married poorest families, who are the least in our society. We have to ensure in some form of slavery in India. the pandemic. in India, which makes it home to the equipped to protect themselves in that not a single child is left out,” Across India, child labourers can The Bachpan Bachao Andolan largest number of child brides in the times of global crisis. he added. — By Robin Gomes, be found in a variety of industries (Save Childhood Movement), which world, accounting for a third of the “However, despite unprecedented Vatican News HERALD September 27, 2020 World 9 English, Welsh bishops say use conscience on COVID-19 vaccine MANCHESTER, England: The ter of the “prudent judgment of con- accept such a vaccine, some may in bishops of England and Wales have science.” good conscience judge that they will made a U-turn on the morality of “Research toward and use of an not.” using a COVID-19 vaccine derived ethically sourced vaccine is the goal “If the choice is made to not re- from aborted fetuses, telling Catho- which we desire,” said the statement ceive this vaccination, then the per- lics it is now a matter for their own from the bishops’ Department for son must make other provisions to consciences. Social Justice. mitigate the risk of harm to the life or A document published Sept 24 on “If this is not achievable and wide- health of others and to his or her own the website of the Bishops’ Confer- ly available for all people, the Church life and health.” ence of England and Wales qualifies recognises that there may be ‘grave The statement says the bishops an initial instruction issued July 30, reasons’ for using a vaccine which is have received clarification from the which had strongly suggested that developed from cell lines associated British government that some insti- Catholics could not conscientiously with the unethical exploitation of the tutions were using cell lines derived object to using such a vaccine. Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington Bishop Paul Mason human remains of an aborted child in from abortions as part of their re- The July instruction said the for Life, given to resolve a contro- Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington the past,” it said. search into a possible vaccine. Church “regards Catholics as having versy in Italy in 2017, that “all clini- of Westminster, lead bishop for life “The prudent judgment of con- It said the government acknowl- a prima facie duty to be vaccinated, cally recommended vaccinations can issues, and Bishop Paul Mason of science will depend on responsi- edged the moral difficulties for not only for the sake of their own be used with a clear conscience and the military diocese, lead bishop for bilities to others, as well as personal Catholics posed by tissue derived health but also out of solidarity with that the use of such vaccines does not health care. health and protection of human life,” from aborted fetuses and had given others, especially the most vulnera- signify some sort of cooperation with The new statement says, however, the statement continued. assurances that no new fetal tissue ble.” It said the bishops supported the voluntary abortion.” that the use of an abortion-derived It added that while “many may in was being obtained. — By Simon opinion of the Pontifical Academy The statement was signed by COVID vaccine was instead a mat- good conscience judge that they will Caldwell, CNS Pope Francis appoints Maltese bishop as secretary general of Synod of Bishops VaATICAN: Pope Francis appointed synods on the family in 2014 and law, and is a pianist, having studied tary of the Congregation for Bish- a new secretary general of the Synod 2015, the youth synod in October at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred ops, as well as secretary of the Col- of Bishops. 2018, and the Amazon synod in Oc- Music under the late Cardinal Do- lege of Cardinals. The Holy See press office said tober 2019. menico Bartolucci. From 1971 to In this latter role, he acted as secre- Sept 16 that the Pope had named Born in Qala, Malta, Grech was 1973 he studied at the Pontifical Ec- tary of the 2013 conclave. At the end Maltese Bishop Mario Grech to the ordained a priest in 1984 at the age clesiastical Academy to become a of the conclave, the newly elected post after accepting the resignation of 27, for the Diocese of Gozo. Vatican diplomat. Pope Francis gave Baldisseri his red a day earlier of Cardinal Lorenzo He was one of two authors of the Baldisseri served in numerous zucchetto, indicating that he soon Baldisseri, who had served as secre- Maltese bishops’ controversial pas- nunciatures, including those to Gua- would be made a cardinal. tary general since 2013. toral guidelines on Amoris laetitia, temala, El Salvador, Japan, Brazil, The Pope appointed him to the Grech, the emeritus bishop of which stated that divorced and re- Paraguay, France, Zimbabwe, and College of Cardinals on Feb 22, Gozo, was appointed pro-secretary married Catholics, in certain cases Haiti. 2014. general of the Synod of Bishops on and after “honest discernment,” In 1992 he was consecrated a bish- The Synod of Bishops was cre- Bishop Mario Grech Oct 2, 2019, serving alongside Bald- could receive Communion. op and appointed apostolic nuncio to ated in 1965 by Pope Paul VI, who special synods. isseri. He was also one of two Maltese Haiti, which had just experienced a charged the synod with encourag- The synod that took place in Oc- The Italian cardinal said at the time bishops to speak out against divorce coup. He later served as apostolic ing close union between the pope tober 2019 was a special Synod of of the appointment that Grech would and in defense of the Christian view nuncio to Paraguay, India, Nepal, and the world’s bishops, to “ensure Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian re- assume the full position of secretary of marriage in 2010. and Brazil. that direct and real information is gion. general when his own mandate ex- Pope Francis named him a mem- In Brazil, Baldisseri achieved an provided on questions and situations Following that synod, the pope pired. ber of the Pontifical Council for Pro- agreement regulating the juridical touching upon the internal action of stressed that “synodality is an eccle- One of Grech’s main tasks will moting Christian Unity on July 4 this status of the Church which is now the Church and its necessary activity sial journey that has a soul that is the be preparing for the forthcoming year. a model for every religious group in the world of today.” Holy Spirit.” synod on synodality, scheduled for Baldisseri was born in 1940 in the wishing to forge an agreement with Ordinary synods take place every “The practice of synodality, tradi- Oct 2022. He took part in last year’s Italian town of Barga, and in 1963 the Brazilian state. In securing the three years on issues voted upon by tional but always to be renewed, is Amazon synod. was ordained a priest, while still only arrangement, Baldisseri had to coor- synod delegates elected or appointed the implementation in the history of Baldisseri, who turns 80 on Sept 22 years of age, for the Archdiocese dinate with 11 different ministries of from each continent, and from cer- the People of God on the way, of the 29, has been secretary general of the of Pisa. the Brazilian administration. tain Vatican offices. There have been Church as a mystery of communion, Synod of Bishops since September He holds a license in dogmatic After this achievement, Benedict 15 ordinary synods to date. There in the image of the Trinitarian com- 2013. In that role, he has led the two theology and a doctorate in canon XVI appointed him in 2012 secre- are also extraordinary synods and munion,” he said. –– CNA Quebec religious leaders decry heightened coronavirus restrictions on houses of worship QUEBEC: Religious leaders in has not been open to “direct and doing everything necessary to put in nos and food courts. As of Sept 22 there are now five the Canadian province of Quebec constant contact” with religious lead- place measures that ensure the pro- “We also ask that a frank and open regions within Quebec designated are speaking out against tightening ers — a situation the coalition called tection of the health of their faithful," channel of communication be estab- by the government of Canada at the COVID-19 restrictions in certain “disappointing and unacceptable.” Bishop Rodembourg wrote. lished between us and government “orange level,” including Montreal, areas, which they say treat worship In a Sept 21 statement, Bishop “In these troubled times, thou- authorities. We are not asking for a meaning some public gatherings in- services more strictly than physically Christian Rodembourg of Saint-Hy- sands of Quebeckers find comfort privilege. We present ourselves as cluding public worship have a lower comparable entities like cinemas and acinthe, president of the Assembly of in the practice of their religion and a partners and simply wish to be con- limit. theaters. Catholic Bishops of Quebec, wrote source of resilience that benefits the sidered fairly by the government,” In private homes, a maximum of Quebec’s Minister of Health and on behalf of the group that churches entire population. Whatever one may the religious leaders wrote. six people will be allowed, with an Social Services on Sept 20 issued a in the province ought to be treated think of it, spirituality and the search The Interfaith Consultation Table exception that more people can be health order limiting attendance at like auditoriums, cinemas, and theat- for meaning have an essential place brings together Catholic, Anglican, present as long as they come from no indoor worship services to 50 people ers, which are allowed to host up to in human life. This service to the Evangelical, Jewish, and Muslim more than two families, and that each in most regions of the province, and 250 people at a time. community seems necessary to us in representatives in the province, as family lives together in a home, CTV to 25 people in some regions, such as “In many ways, the sanitary meas- order to help our faithful get through well as the Canadian Centre for Ecu- News reported. Montreal and Quebec City. The new ures put in place in places of worship this health crisis.” menism. The highest designation for regions restrictions are in response to a recent exceed government requirements, The religious leaders also took um- Cardinal Gérald Lacroix of Que- is red, but no regions have yet reached rise in COVID-19 cases in the region. with the result that to date, to our brage or the fact that the Health Min- bec added Monday that “We are do- that level, Global News reported. A coalition of Quebec religious knowledge, no outbreak has taken ister’s announcement “once again ing more than what is asked of us, The province as a whole has had leaders, the Table interreligieuse de place in a place of worship. In these places places of worship and bars in because we really want to avoid any 68,000 coronavirus cases and 5,800 concertation, says the government difficult times, religious leaders are the same category,” along with casi- participation in this pandemic." deaths. — CNA 10 Editorial HERALD September 27, 2020 HERALD An encyclical for all September 27, 2020 Taking care of the brothers and sisters sick, learning what it ratelli tutti is the title Pope While waiting to know the contents of the document, there has been Francis has chosen for his new some discussion about the title and how to translate it inclusively. An encyclical – dedicated, as we F encyclical, though, is per se a universal text, and Pope Francis truly read in the subtitle, to “fraternity” and means to love “social friendship”. The original Italian wants to speak to the heart of each and every person. The Holy See o say someone is incurable is not synonymous with “un- title will be used, without being trans- Press Office announces that the text will be published Oct 4. Tcareable”. This is the key to understanding the Letter from lated, in all the languages in which the one, inclusively, and in no way exclu- “the façade of those stereotypes with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Samaritanus document is published. The first words sively. which we camouflaged our egos,- al Bonus the topics of which is “the care of persons in the critical of the new “circular letter” (this is the We live in a time marked by war, ways worrying about our image, has and terminal phases of life”. meaning of the word “encyclical”) poverty, migration, climate change, fallen away, uncovering once more that Before the common loss of conscience regarding the value come from the great St of Assisi, whose economic crises and pandemic. Recog- (blessed) common belonging of which of life and amidst public debates often conditioned by individ- name Pope Francis chose. nising a brother or sister in everyone we we cannot be deprived: our belonging as ual cases that make the news, the document clearly underlines We are waiting to know the contents meet and, for Christians, recognising the brothers and sisters.” The central theme that “the uninfringeable value of life is a fundamental princi- of the encyclical which the Successor of face of Jesus in the other who suffers – of the upcoming papal letter is “blessed ple of the natural moral law and an essential foundation of the Peter addresses to the whole of human- these responses reaffirm the irreducible is our common belonging”, which in- legal order”. Therefore, “we cannot directly choose to take the ity and which he will sign on Oct 3 at dignity of every human person created deed makes us brothers and sisters. life of another, even if they request it.” the Saint’s tomb. There have been some in the image of God. They also remind Fraternity and social friendship, the From this point of view, nothing new is presented in Sa- good discussions about the title and its us that no one can ever emerge from the themes indicated in the subtitle, point to maritanus Bonus. The Church’s teaching has, in fact, repeat- meaning. Since it is a direct quotation present hardships alone, one against the what unites men and women: a neces- edly said no to any form of euthanasia or assisted suicide, and from St Francis (taken from the Admo- other, the global North against the glob- sary affection established between peo- has explained that food and hydration are vital necessities to nitions, 6, 1: FF 155), the Pope has ob- al South, the rich against the poor or any ple even if not close blood relatives. The be guaranteed to the sick person. The magisterium has also viously not changed it. But the formu- other excluding differentiation. relationship must be expressed through expressed its opposition to so-called “aggressive medical lation of the title in no way intends to On Mar 27, at the height of the pan- kind deeds, forms of assistance, works treatment” because, in the case when imminent death is una- exclude women, that is, more than half demic, the Bishop of Rome prayed for of justice and generous action in times voidable, “it is lawful according to science and conscience to of the human race. the salvation of all in an empty St Pe- of need – a disinterested affection to- renounce treatments that provide only a precarious or painful On the contrary, Francis chose the ter’s Square, in the pouring rain, accom- wards other human beings, regardless extension of life”. words of the St of Assisi to initiate a panied only by the sorrowful gaze of the of any difference or affiliation. For this The Letter, therefore, re-proposes now what the most re- reflection on something he cares about Crucifix of St Marcellus and the loving reason, all readers should be able to un- cent Pontificates have taught. This is necessary due to ever very deeply: namely, fraternity and so- gaze of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, derstand the title Fratelli tutti with the more permissive legislation in this area. The novelty lies in cial friendship. He therefore addresses protector, health and salvation of the absolutely inclusive connotation that the pastoral tones that can be heard in the passages that cover all his sisters and brothers, all men and Roman People. is intended. — By Andrea Tornielli, the accompaniment and care for patients in the final phase of women who populate the earth: every- “In this storm,” Pope Francis said, Vatican News their lives. Taking care of these persons cannot, in fact, ever be reduced to the medical perspective only. It recommends a “choral” presence so the patient can be accompanied with af- fection, the presence of loved ones, appropriate and propor- The CDF and euthanasia tionate treatments, and spiritual assistance. References to the family are significant, for the family “needs help and adequate he Vatican’s doctrine congrega- refused to sign. At a recent Vatican invalid, generating widespread confu- resources”. State governments need to recognise the “family’s Ttion, for decades feared for its in- press conference, Joshua McElwee of sion and unintended consequences. primary, fundamental and irreplaceable social function…pro- vestigations into theologians, is start- the National Catholic Reporter asked Cardinal Ladaria is, like the Pope, viding resources and structures to support it”, the Letter states. ing to flex its muscles once again. Cardinal Luis Ladaria, the Prefect of a Jesuit, and is more loyal to Francis Pope Francis recalls that the family “has always been the clos- One of the sea changes of the Pope the Congregation for the Doctrine of than his predecessor, Cardinal Ger- est ‘hospital’”. Today, too, in many parts of the world, hospi- Francis era has been the diminishing the Faith, about the Fr Flannery case. hard Müller, who claimed his role was tals are the privilege of the few, and they are often far away. influence of the Congregation for the The cardinal defended the congrega- to “provide the theological structure” In addition to reminding us of the many cases discussed in Doctrine of the Faith, the former Holy tion’s actions, stressing that it had for the pontificate because Francis is the media, Samaritanus Bonus helps us look at the witness of Office of the Inquisition. done “everything possible” to dia- “more pastoral.” those who suffer and those who care for them, to the many It began when the Pope told a group logue with the Irish priest. Fr Flannery Nevertheless, Ladaria is steeped in testimonies of love, sacrifice, dedication toward the terminally of religious three months after his disputes this. CDF culture and not a natural reform- ill or people in coma or other states of unconsciousness, as- election not to worry if the CDF asked Anyone who has been subject to a er. The word in Rome is that Archbish- sisted by their mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren – ex- them questions. “Explain whatever CDF investigation will attest to the op Giacomo Morandi, the secretary of periences lived daily in silence, often amidst a thousand other you have to explain,” he told them, psychological and emotional toll that the CDF, is increasingly influential. It difficulties. “but move forward.” the process exacts. was his signature on the Fr Flannery In his autobiography, Cardinal Angelo Scola recounts an The forthcoming constitution for the The Fr Flannery case is part of a document. episode that happened years ago: “In the course of a pastoral Roman Curia intends to solidify these wider picture of a CDF which doesn’t Along with doctrinal matters, the visit in Venice one day, while I was leaving a sick person’s changes by placing the Congregation, seem on-message with a pontificate CDF’s responsibilities include pro- house, the local pastor pointed out a gentleman with a dis- the oldest institution in the Vatican and focussed on dialogue, discernment and cessing clerical sex abuse cases and creet air, more or less my age. Three weeks prior, his seriously once known as La Suprema, behind a opening the processes of reform. helping tackle the abuse crisis. disabled son, who could not speak or walk, had died. It was new department for evangelisation in At the press conference where Car- But there is now an urgent need to this father who had lovingly taken care of him for over thirty order of precedence. This went down dinal Ladaria was asked about Fr make it clear what the CDF is for. years, assisting him day and night, comforting him with his badly inside the Palazzo Sant’Uffizio, Flannery, he was presenting a new Rather than demanding that priests constant presence. The only time he would leave was Sunday the CDF’s imposing 16th-century document on euthanasia. The strongly- sign statements, might the congrega- morning when he would go to Mass. Facing that person, I felt headquarters. worded text describes euthanasia and tion be more usefully employed in a certain embarrassment, but, as often happens with priests, Now the CDF is striking back. The assisted dying as “homicide” while promoting a deeper understanding of I felt it my duty to say something. ‘God will reward you’, I Pope may have curtailed the CDF’s adding that the sacraments should be Catholic teaching and – if being the babbled, a bit out of it. Smiling broadly, that father responded, powers but he has not yet been able withheld from those planning to end Church’s doctrinal police is to be part ‘Your Eminence, in reality I have already received so much to reform its doctrinal rigidity and in- their lives. of its role – bringing into line those from the Lord, because He made me understand what it means quisitorial culture. While the document understandably groups who brazenly reject the Second to love’ ”. The most striking example is the reiterates Church teaching, and has Vatican Council? — By Andrea Tornielli, Vatican News case of Fr Tony Flannery, a popular some rich passages on accompanying The CDF has to find its place with- 73-year-old Irish Redemptorist. The the sick and the dying, the language is in the missionary, outward-focussed CDF has told Fr Flannery that he can of the culture-warrior variety. Church that Francis sets out in his HERALD — The Catholic Weekly only return to public ministry if he The Euthanasia document came a manifesto document Evangelii Gaud- Jointly published by the signs a document assenting to Church few days after the congregation sent a ium. Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, teaching on women priests, homosex- letter to the German bishops, warning One possible reform for the CDF Diocese of Malacca Johore, Diocese of uality, same-sex marriage and gender that proposals in the 2019 ecumeni- could be to no longer have a prefect, Penang and Diocese of Keningau theory. cal document “Together at the Lord’s which could make it less of an empire Editor: Fr Lawrence Andrew, SJ HERALD, 5, Jalan Robertson, 50150, KL The priest was suspended in 2012 Table,” to allow Catholics and Protes- and closer to the mission of the Pope. Tel: 03-20268290/20268291; after raising questions about the priest- tants to share communion, were unac- Not having a prefect would also be a Fax: 03-20268293 hood, women’s ordination and same- ceptable. And over the summer, the return to tradition. Until 1968, that ti- Online: www.heraldmalaysia.com. sex marriage – although he hadn’t CDF ruled that baptisms performed tle was reserved to the Roman Pontiff. E-mail: [email protected] written about gender. Fr Flannery has using the incorrect form of words are — By Christopher Lamb, The Tablet HERALD September 27, 2020 Focus 11 Necessary teaching in light of legislation on euthanasia Your Eminence, why is this new document from the Con- Cardinal Luis Ladaria (pic), the Prefect gregation on the theme of the of the Congregation for the Doctrine of end of life necessary? the Faith, describes Samaritanus bonus Cardinal Ladaria: At the conclu- as “a necessary document” in light of sion of the 2018 Plenary Session new regulations and increasingly lax laws of the Congregation for the Doc- on euthanasia, assisted suicide and end- trine of the Faith, with regard to of-life provisions. In an interview with the study of doctrinal and pastoral Vatican News, Cardinal Ladaria explains questions concerning the accom- the reasons for the new document. paniment of the sick in the critical and terminal phases of life, the fa- creasingly permissive international functions of the body, together with thers suggested the expediency of civil law on euthanasia, assisted psychological and spiritual accom- a document that would deal with suicide and end of life provisions. paniment, is an inescapable duty. this, not only in a doctrinally cor- The opposite would, in fact, consti- rect manner, but also using strong Does the letter Samaritanus tute an inhumane abandonment of pastoral tones and comprehensible bonus contain anything new? the sick person. Samaritanus bo- language, in keeping with the pro- And if so, what is new? nus insists from beginning to end gress of the medical sciences. The document offers an integral on this integral dimension of care. It would be a question of deepen- approach to the human person, to In this sense, the document returns ing, in particular, the themes of ac- suffering and illness, and to caring several times to the fact that pain is companiment and care of the sick for those in critical and terminal existentially bearable only if there from a theo-logical and anthropo- phases of life. A caring that, in turn, is a reliable hope. And such hope logical point of view, focusing also cannot be reduced to the medical or can only be communicated where on some relevant ethical issues psy-chological perspective alone, there is a hopeful “choral” pres- Incurable does not mean un-care-able. (Vatican News photo) involved in the proportional-ity of but takes the form of caring for the ence around the suffering patient. as such is fragile and vulnerable ferent actions to be taken in the therapies and concerning conscien- whole person in need. Because—as — opens the space to the ethics of situation of “incurable” disease: in- tious objection and the accompani- is said well in the first paragraph of Why does the document state caring. Exercising responsibility curable is never synonymous with ment of the terminally ill. the text—the care of life is the first that “incurable” is never syn- towards the sick person means en- “uncare-able.” The Church never In light of these considerations, responsibility that the doctor expe- onymous with “uncareable”? suring their care until the end: “to ceases to affirm the positive mean- and although the Church’s teaching riences in the encounter with the The Letter appeals to a universal cure if possible, always to care,” ing of human life as a value already on the subject is already contained sick person. It is not reducible to human experience: one in which said John Paul II. It is a contempla- perceptible by right reason, which in well-known magisterial docu- the ability to heal the sick person, the question of the meaning of life tive gaze that is suggested, that is, a the light of faith confirms and val- ments, a new organic pronounce- since its anthropological and mor- becomes even more acute when holistic gaze, looking at the person ues in its inalienable dignity. To ment of the Holy See on the care of al horizon is broader: even when suffering looms and death ap- as a whole, that allows a broaden- affirm the sacredness and inviola- people in the critical and terminal healing is impossible or improba- proaches. As already pointed out, ing of the notion of care. This in- bility of human life means to not phases of life seemed opportune ble, medical and nursing accompa- recognition of the fragility and tention to always care for the sick disregard the radical value of the and necessary in relation to today’s niment is an inescapable duty. The vulnerability of the sick person — person, the document reads, offers freedom of the suffering person. — situation, characterized by an in- care of the essential physiological even if, at its root, the human being the criterion for evaluating the dif- Vatican News A cardinal says he’s open to women’s ordination; a priest who did so remains suspended VATICAN: One of the world’s most nal watchdogs. their pie-in-the-sky version of reli- influential cardinals recently admit- Mind you, Flannery was not sus- gion. ted that he is “open” to the idea of pended solely because of his support We should not forget to mention ordaining women to the Catholic for women’s ordination. He was that Jesus never ordained anyone priesthood. also canned for questioning other and he never said much about sex, “I am not saying that women have Church teachings and disciplines certainly not about homosexuality. to become priests; I just don’t know. over the years. At least that’s what is recorded in But I’m open to it,” said Cardinal So in addition to submitting to the Gospel accounts. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ in an in- the statement that “a baptized male Father Flannery is not the only terview published Sept 13 on the alone receives sacred ordination Catholic, nor is he the only ordained website of KNA, the German Catho- validly”, as the price for returning presbyter to probe the Church’s lic news agency. to ministry, the CDF has also gen- teachings on these issues. There Hollerich is a high-profile cardi- erously offered him the chance to are even bishops and cardinals now nal with international stature due submit to three other doctrinal for- who are doing the same. to his position as president of the mulae. Needless to say, the 73-year- Fr Tony Flannery, CSsR Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ Commission of the Episcopal Con- He is to affirm that “homosexual old Redemptorist has no intention ferences of the European Union Faith (CDF) are going to press Pope joined him, including the president practices are contrary to the natural of signing the CDF fidelity oaths, (COMECE). He’s also archbishop Francis to have Cardinal Hollerich of the German episcopal conference, law”; that unions other than mar- which – quite frankly – seem like of his native Luxembourg. recant and force him to sign a fidel- Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg. riage between a man and a woman something from an era and type of So his views matter. ity oath similar to the one placed be- Is the pope going to try to muzzle “do not correspond to God’s plan practice we thought the Church was But just a few days after he com- fore Father Flannery. them, too? Would he suspend them? for marriage and family”; and that moving beyond with the election of mented on women priests, Tony They’d better move quickly. In Rethinking Church teaching on “gender theory is not accepted by Pope Francis and the publication of Flannery – the Irish Redemptorist just a few weeks the 62-year-old human sexuality Catholic teaching”. his vision for ecclesial renewal and who was suspended from priestly Jesuit will mark the first anniversary It’s important to remember that He says he’s never expressed any reform, Evangelii gaudium. ministry in 2012, primarily for his of getting his red hat. Tony Flannery’s case goes back to views on so-called “gender theory” Tony Flannery has a few more support of women’s ordination – Or what about those German bish- 2012 when Benedict XVI was still and is confused as to why that issue things to say on these topics and revealed that the Vatican had sent ops who have also called for open pope and the late Cardinal William is in his CDF file. Who wouldn’t be? others. him a series of doctrinal proposals discussion on ordaining women to Levada was the CDF prefect. It’s pretty ironic that Flannery was You can find them in his new in July (via his superior general) to the priesthood? There are several of But, no matter who is sitting on suspended because he raised ques- book, which will be on the book- which he would have to “submit” as them. Peter’s Chair, evidently there’s an tions about these issues in a popular shelves October 10th. It’s called, a first step towards “a gradual read- Some, like Bishop Gebhard Fürst ethos and set of protocols so in- column he used to write in a maga- From the Outside: Rethinking mission” to public ministry. of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, have long grained in the people at the old Holy zine called Reality. This was prob- Church Doctrine. — By Robert One wonders if the men at the stated their support for women’s Office that they still see it as their ably too much for churchmen who Mickens, LCI (https://internation- Congregation for the Doctrine of the ordination. And recently more have mission to be inquisitors and doctri- tend to see “reality” as a threat to al.la-croix.com/) 12 Varia HERALD September 27, 2020 God is Happy …

hristianity, Judaism and Is- God is happy. How can God not never thought of God as “relaxed”. ure up, to be good enough, to not lam ultimately all believe be? If God is perfect oneness, Surely, with all that’s happening in make God unhappy, and to earn Cin the same God. Interest- perfect goodness, perfect truth, our world, and surely, with all the God’s approval and affection. But ingly, too, in the popular mind perfect beauty and perfect fullness betrayals, large and small, in our of course, we can never be good they also all tend to conceive of in every way. How then can God lives, God must be tense, frustrated enough, never measure up, and God in the same way, namely, as not be perfect happiness? An un- and anxious. It’s difficult but easier so it’s natural to believe that God male, celibate and not particularly happy God would not be God, for to picture God as smiling (at least is never really happy with us and happy. such a God would be lacking the sometimes), but it’s exceedingly never really happy at all. Well, the gender of God is not power to make Himself (pardon difficult to picture God as relaxed, In theory, of course, we know something we can ever concep- the pronoun) happy. Not a minor as not being tense about all that’s better. We tend to have a healthier tualize. God is neither male or inadequacy for God. So a perfect wrong with us and our world. concept of God theoretically; but female, nor some androgynous God is also a perfectly happy God. Here’s my journey in grappling the heart is not so easy to bring mix of gender. So how can we But that’s a metaphysical state- with that. I was wonderfully bless- onside. It’s hard to feel inside my- conceptualise God’s gender? We ment. We can still ask, is God hap- ed in my religious background. self that God is happy, happy with can’t, pure and simple. Classical- py emotionally and is God happy Fr Ron Rolheiser From my parents and family, us, happy with me. It has taken me ly, we’ve spoken of God as male, with us? Mustn’t God frown at is like the loving parent of a little through the parish community I seventy years to realize, accept, even as we know that this isn’t ex- times and shake his head in dis- child, forever luring us forwards, grew up in, through the Ursuline take consolation in, and finally actly true because we affirm, dog- appointment at our behaviour? delighting in our energy, wanting nuns who taught me in school, bathe in the fact that God is happy. matically, that God is ineffable, in- Surely God can’t be happy with a us to flourish, saddened when we you couldn’t have ordered a more I’m not sure what pulled all the capable of ever being captured in lot that goes on in our world? God act in ways that bring unhappiness ideal faith milieu. I experienced triggers inside me that helped me any concept. That also holds true can’t be happy in the face of sin? to others and to ourselves, but un- faith and religion being lived out make that shift, but the fact that for our notion of God as celibate, Well, just as in every other thing derstanding of our weakness rather in real life in a way that gave it God is happy comes to me now as not having a wife. How mascu- about God, there are things here than angry and unhappy. credibility and made it attractive. whenever I’m praying wholeheart- linity and femininity interrelate in we cannot comprehend. However, Julian of Norwich, the famed My seminary training and theo- edly, nakedly, and sincerely. It’s God is also ineffable, incapable of this much must be affirmed, both mystic, describes God this way: logical studies strongly reinforced also what comes to me when I look being conceived of, but we know from what’s deepest in revelation God sits in heaven, smiling, com- that. But, all that time, underneath, at the saints in my life, those men God is not simply a male celibate. in our scriptures and from the tes- pletely relaxed, his face looking there was a picture of a God who and women whom I most look up But what about that other popu- timony of countless good people: like a marvellous symphony. When wasn’t very happy and who smiled to in faith, who reflect the face of lar notion, namely, that God is not God is happy! God is not habitual- I first read this passage some years only when the occasion merited it, God for me. They’re happy and particularly happy, especially with ly disappointed with us, frowning ago, I was taken aback, both by the which wasn’t very often. The con- relaxed, not perpetually frowning us? at our weaknesses and sending the concept of God as smiling and by sequence of that in my life was an in displeasure. — By Fr Ron Rol- Here we have a clear answer: majority of us to hell. Rather, God the image of God as relaxed. I had anxious attempt always to meas- heiser, all rights reserved Subsidiarity means everyone has a role in healing society ope Francis said Wednesday, that everyone has, especially the Sept 23, that he is worried that least,” Pope Francis said. Plarge pharmaceutical compa- The Catechism of the Catholic nies are listened to more than front- Church states that, according to the line healthcare workers in pandemic principle of subsidiarity, “a com- recovery and that the Catholic prin- munity of a higher order should not ciple of subsidiarity is the solution. interfere in the internal life of a com- “When a project is launched that munity of a lower order, depriving directly or indirectly touches certain the latter of its functions but rather, social groups, these groups cannot should support it in case of need and be left out from participating … help to coordinate its activity with the wisdom of the humbler groups the activities of the rest of society, cannot be set aside. Unfortunately, always with a view to the common this injustice happens often in those good.” places where huge economic and The Pope underscored that the geopolitical interests are concen- awisdom and contribution of in- trated,” Pope Francis said Sept 23. dividuals, families, associations, “Let’s think of the grand finan- businesses and the Church were all cial assistance measures enacted by needed to revitalise society. countries. The largest financial com- “The principle of subsidiarity al- panies are listened to rather than the lows everyone to assume their own people or the ones who really move role in the healing and destiny of so- the economy,” the Pope said in Vati- ciety,” he said. can City’s San Damaso courtyard. Religious freedom and freedom “Or let’s think about the cure for of expression are a critical compo- Pope Francis greets people attending his general audience in the San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican Sept 23, 2020. the virus: the large pharmaceutical nent that allow for these voices to be (CNS photo/Vatican Media) companies are listened to more than heard, according to the Pope. the healthcare workers employed “In some societies, many people spoken about the importance of soli- bottom’ should be encouraged. How “On the one hand, and above all on the front lines in hospitals or in are not free to express their own darity and the common good. This beautiful it is to see the volunteers in moments of change, when single refugee camps. This is not a good faith and their own values, their own week he noted that subsidiarity and during the crisis. The volunteers individuals, families, small associa- path. Everyone should be listened ideas: if they express them freely, solidarity were both needed for the come from every part of society, tions and local communities are not to, those who are at the top and those they are put in jail. Elsewhere, es- good of society. volunteers who come from well-off capable of achieving primary objec- who are at the bottom, everyone.” pecially in the Western world, many “This path of solidarity needs families and those who come from tives, it is then right that the highest Pope Francis explained that the people repress their own ethical or subsidiarity,” he stressed. “In fact, poorer families. But everyone, eve- levels of society, such as the state, principle of subsidiarity was neces- religious convictions. This is no there is no true solidarity without ryone together to emerge. This is should intervene to provide the nec- sary in these situations to ensure the way to emerge from the crisis, or at social participation, without the solidarity and this is the principle of essary resources to progress.” best solutions. Subsidiarity is the least to emerge from it better,” Pope contribution of intermediary bodies: subsidiarity.” “For example, because of the idea, deeply rooted in Catholic tra- Francis said. families, associations, cooperatives, Another important component of coronavirus lockdown, many peo- dition that the authority closest to a The Pope’s reflection on subsidi- small businesses, and other expres- subsidiarity, the Pope explained, is ple, families and economic entities local need is best suited to tackle the arity was part of his series of weekly sions of society … This type of that those with a higher responsibil- found themselves, and still find issue. It is opposed to all forms of catecheses, launched in August, on participation helps to prevent and to ity look out for the good of those themselves, in serious trouble. Thus, collectivism and sets limits for state Catholic social teaching. Entitled correct certain negative aspects of without adequate resources. public institutions are trying to help intervention. Healing the World, the Pope’s mes- globalisation and actions of coun- “After the great economic de- through appropriate interventions. “To emerge better from a crisis, sage at his Wednesday audiences fo- tries, just as it is happening regard- pression of 1929, Pope Pius XI ex- On the other hand, however, soci- the principle of subsidiarity must be cuses on the COVID-19 pandemic ing the healing of people affected by plained how important the principle ety’s leaders must respect and pro- enacted, respecting the autonomy in light of Church teaching. the pandemic.” of subsidiarity was,” Pope Francis mote the intermediate or lower lev- and the capacity to take the initiative In previous weeks, Francis has “These contributions ‘from the said. els.” — By Courtney Mares, CNA HERALD September 27, 2020 13 Greenland is melting and islands are disappearing loathe the cold and love the In recent years, scorching heat- warmth. Who doesn’t? I grew up waves have killed thousands of peo- Iin Ireland where spring and winter ple. In 2019 alone, 1,500 people died were always very cold. in France from the heat, and many In the 1950s, central heating was more elsewhere. The warm weather rare. We stayed warm by burning coal is enticing more people to go out of in open grates and used kerosene oil their safe homes to visit the cooler in a heater. beaches, resorts and parks and they Many a night, we children huddled are being infected with coronavirus. around the coal fire or heater trying Plants, birds and nature are re- to stay warm while doing our home- sponding as the climate gradually work. We suffered painful chilblains, warms and changes and more spe- itching and swelling of the toes due cies are in danger of extinction. We to the cold. humans are destroying nature and We burned coal and oil, fossil fu- changing the planet with our irre- els and never knew we were adding sponsible lifestyles. We must change carbon dioxide to the atmosphere to renewable energy sources more and warming up the planet. Our fam- quickly and save the planet and our- ily’s contribution to global warming selves and the next generation. was minuscule, but with millions of In the Philippines, where I have homes, factories and furnaces, trains been living since 1969, I can really and tractors, power stations and ships feel and notice how the climate has The iceberg floating near the city of Amassalik, Greenland. (Shutterstock/Ekaterina Shlikhunova) and vehicles all over the world burn- changed since I first arrived. There branded subversive criminals and Greenland is like ice cream in a mi- tury, wiping out beach property and ing these fuels, the CO2 accumulated are higher temperatures, stronger and many are killed as they defend their crowave. The extremely rapid melt inundating low-lying cities. over the past 200 years and the planet more frequent typhoons, landslides, environments and ancestral lands. there is causing concern around the It’s not all gloom and doom. We got steadily warmer. loss of harvests, fewer water resourc- The multinational corporations are in world. “What we’re seeing in Green- can’t reverse the present trend and Many people refuse to believe the es and the spread of diseases. The cahoots with local and national elite land is exceptional. It’s a wake-up damage, but we can halt it. Some science and continue to burn coal deforestation of the past 50 years has politicians. They are behind the envi- call,” Penn State climatologist Luke say let’s go vegetarian and save the and oil in power stations and vehi- left only about 3 percent of the origi- ronmental injustice and destruction. Trusel said. planet. We can pressure governments cles. This pumps more CO2 into the nal rain forest. Trees are still being Hundreds of Aeta indigenous peo- In the latest heatwave in July, it to replace coal and oil-burning plants atmosphere that continues to create a felled by irresponsible mining, palm ple were evacuated recently in San was estimated that as much as 12 bil- with renewable energy power sources thick warm blanket around the earth. oil plantations and illegal loggers. Marcelino, Zambales, due to military lion tons of ice melted in Greenland. like solar and wind, geothermal and The sun beats down and makes the That is accelerating global warming. action against suspected communist This August more than 60 percent of wave power to generate electricity. planet like a hot oven or a greenhouse Those Filipino heroes defending rebels. At the Preda Foundation, we Greenland’s surface ice was calcu- The introduction of electric cars from which the heat cannot escape nature and the environment are be- responded and hurried to bring food lated to be melting in temperatures of can be accelerated if governments because of the greenhouse gases. We ing killed; 46 have been murdered relief packs to 177 people. Eighty of 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. So, we provide tax breaks and for a set time are, you could say, cooking ourselves in recent years. Indigenous people them are members of our Aeta organ- can expect that many more low-lying provide free recharging stations for to death like lobsters in a cooking pot. are suffering from land grabbing, are ic farmers association from whom we atolls and islands will meet a watery electric car owners. We can plant mil- buy mangos at high Fair Trade prices end. lions of trees to absorb the CO2. Here and share cash bonuses and imple- Global warming is melting the per- at the Preda Foundation we plant ment community projects with them. mafrost in Canada and Siberia and mango tree saplings with the Aeta They plant thousands of mango tree that has already released millions of indigenous people in Zambales eve- saplings annually. tons of methane gas into the atmos- ry year. Last year we planted 3,968 The melting of the ice caps and phere. mango trees. This year we will plant Greenland are raising sea levels that Methane is a more deadly green- 2,000 as our budget and donations al- are sinking islands and will flood house gas than CO2 and has a global low. coastal communities in the future. warming potential (GWP) 84 times We can all do something to save Low-lying Manila will be inundated greater. the planet and reduce warming. We in the future. The inhabitants of the Add to this the methane released can recycle plastic, plant trees and Carteret Islands of Papua New Guin- by the billions of cattle in the world flowers; eat less meat, and eat more ea were evacuated and transferred and we have a disaster in the mak- vegetables. We can make our next ve- to Bougainville Island. The same ing. The most shocking truth is that hicle electric and urge governments to is happening in Micronesia and the this warming is almost irreversible. change to renewable energy sources. Solomon Islands, once Pacific Ocean Climate activists are trying to hold it We can save the planet and the low- paradises, have become the watery below a two-degree increase. Even lying islands for the next generation if graves of departed communities. then, sea levels will reach unprec- we all work together. — By Fr Shay However, the rapid melting of edented heights by the end of the cen- Cullen, ucanews.com Ice in Greenland is melting at an alarming rate. (UCA News photo/Kristina Gain) COVID-19/UNICEF Over half the world’s student population unable to return to school “Today, almost nine months since sending 1.6 billion students home.” to the lessons of millions of chil- tal health is affected” and they are The executive director high- the coronavirus outbreak started, “Millions of these children were dren, as “nothing short of a global “more vulnerable to child labour lighted that in Senegal, schools 872 million students – half the fortunate enough to learn remote- education emergency.” and sexual abuse.” have spaced-out classroom chairs world’s student population – in 51 ly — online, through radio or TV During the press conference She also noted that “that beyond to keep distance between students. countries are still unable to head broadcasts, or otherwise.” she also shared another alarming learning, schools provide children While in Rwanda new classrooms back to their classrooms.” However, she added, “UNICEF statistic: The UNICEF chief said with vital health, immunisation and are being built and more teachers Those were the startling figures data shows that, for at least 463 her agency recently surveyed 158 nutrition services, as well as a safe are being recruited. relayed by UNICEF Executive Di- million children whose schools countries about their school reo- and supportive environment.” She pointed out, “Before the pan- rector Henrietta Fore at a joint UN- closed due to COVID-19, there was pening plans and found that 1 in 4 Ms Fore called on governments demic, the world was already fac- ESCO, UNICEF and WHO press no such thing as ‘remote learning’.” countries had not put a date in place to prioritise the re-opening of ing a learning crisis — in terms of conference in New York. The reason for this, she ex- for allowing schoolchildren back to schools when restrictions are lifted. both access to, and the quality of, Giving details on new updated plained, was because at least one- the classroom. “We’re urging them,” she said, education for every child. school-related public health meas- third of the world’s schoolchildren Speaking about the devastating “to look at all the things that chil- “If we don’t take action now”, ures in the context of the corona- were unable to access remote learn- consequences of prolonged periods dren need – learning, protection, Ms Fore stressed, “this crisis will virus, she said, “At the height of ing when COVID-19 shuttered of school closures on the lives of physical health, mental health – only deepen. And children will pay the COVID-19 pandemic, schools their schools. children, the UNICEF Director said and ensure the best interest of every the highest price of all.” — Vatican closed their doors in 192 countries, Ms Fore described the disruption among other things, “their men- child is put first.” News 14 COVID-19 HERALD September 27, 2020 Pandemic chokes migrant workers’ cash flows to poor Asian countries he economic data since the on- of COVID-19 cases accounted for set of the Covid-19 pandemic nearly 32 per cent of the total interna- Tis now overwhelming — Asian tional migrant stock. They sent an es- nations are all suffering sharp rever- timated 37 per cent of all remittances sals in economic growth that are in globally to their countries of origin some cases the worst since the Asian in 2019, according to the Migration financial crisis of the late 1990s. Data Portal. According to Allied Market Re- In recognition of the problems that search, the Asia-Pacific digital - re the pandemic has caused for migrant mittance market garnered US$49.85 workers and the health sectors in the billion in 2018 and was expected to nations they work in, some conces- generate $269.78 billion by 2026 — sions are belatedly being made by without the effect of the coronavirus. some governments, most recently The government of the region’s with the Philippines allowing some largest economy, Indonesia, last health workers to travel to their coun- week finally bowed to the stark real- try of employment. ity of the situation — supercharged But it remains early days in meas- by its increasingly devastating wave Dubai is one of the locations for some of Bangladesh’s 10 million migrant workers who are mostly employed in the uring the real impact; without a vac- of coronavirus infections and deaths Middle East. (UCA News photo/Karim Sahib via AFP) cine, the world is only at the begin- — and forecast that its GDP would had held. healthcare. They are forced to live in the wake of the pandemic. ning of the COVID journey. It is contract this year by about 1.7 per “In the wake of the pandemic, cramped living quarters, with poor Indeed, according to the IMF, re- hotspot nations which can do the cent, the first such retreat since the many foreign workers lost their working conditions, which puts them mittances largely fell from March, most to improve the plight of migrant Asian financial crisis more than two jobs, and reports were widespread at higher risk of contracting the virus. then started to stabilise in May before workers and help ensure that remit- decades ago. of newly laid-off foreign employees This was born out in Singapore when picking up. The pattern was broadly tances continue to flow back into the But there is another, less visible stranded in host countries without the its second wave of COVID-19 broke in line with the stringency of virus developing world. economic hole being torn in many means to return home,” the Interna- out in vast migrant worker dormito- containment policies in advanced The wealthier countries have all countries in the region: a plunge in tional Monetary Fund wrote on Sept ries. countries where strict measures were been hit hard economically but re- remittances from the millions of mi- 11. In April, the World Bank forecast put in place in March and slowly re- main relatively better off than poorer grant workers who travel to other na- Migrants, many of whom are un- that remittances would fall by 20 per- laxed from May. It is from advanced countries and better positioned to re- tions — some to other destinations in documented, often face a heavier cent in low and middle-income coun- and middle-income countries, after cover. Perhaps they could ensure all Asia, others further afield, especially burden than local workers when they tries. The COVID-induced oil price all, where the money flows back to migrants have access to healthcare the Middle East — to earn more lose their jobs. They often lack ac- shock has driven sharp economic poorer nations which provide work- and basic goods and services. money to send to their families. cess to social safety nets or stimulus contractions and fiscal deteriorations ers. It would be a worthwhile eco- These workers often come from checks that provide a cushion for worldwide, including in the Gulf, It’s also worth remembering that nomic insurance for both sides of very poor backgrounds. Their fami- their local counterparts. This is espe- which is a major source of remittanc- migrant workers play an important the migrant worker equation and lies rely absolutely on remittances cially the case for the undocumented es for the Asia-Pacific region. role in the response to COVID-19 by help to maintain the remittance flow and are facing increased poverty as or those on temporary work visas. An added problem was the increas- dint of their work in critical sectors. that is so essential to so many soci- migrant workers return home and/or Another issue is that many migrant ing chance of deportation as coun- As of Sept 4, emigrants from the eties across the Asia-Pacific. — By are unable to return to the jobs they workers have limited or no access to tries tightened immigration rules in 20 countries with the highest number Michael Sainsbury, ucanews.com Church joins Myanmar’s battle against second COVID-19 wave o one in Myanmar expected Tightened restrictions in Yangon Next two weeks are critical Na second wave of COVID-19 The authorities tightened COVID-19 State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to hit the impoverished nation as restrictions in Yangon, the former has expressed gratitude to healthcare cases had been relatively low for capital with over 5 million people, as workers and volunteers helping at the nearly five months. cases have skyrocketed in the region. quarantine centres as they exert great However, a locally transmitted Residents from all townships in efforts to the best of their abilities. infection was reported in conflict- the Yangon region have been under “We will be satisfied with our tired- torn Rakhine state on Aug 16 and a stay-at-home order effective from ness in the future when we have gained since then cases have risen on a Sept 21 and private organisations success after our strenuous struggle,” daily basis, spreading to commer- and company workers are instructed Suu Kyi said in a video briefing on the cial hub Yangon and other cities to work from home. COVID-19 situation on Sept 21. across the country. Factories have been closed for two “Our understanding that victory was Kayah state, a remote and weeks from Sept 24 while business- achieved through our collaborative ef- mountainous region with a small es such as pharmacies, gas stations forts would turn into a great strength population, so far remains free and banks are allowed to operate as for us,” she said, adding that the gov- of the virus since Myanmar con- usual. ernment has set aside S$750 million as firmed its first case on March 23. Authorities cut the quarantine pe- a contingency budget to fight the con- As health officials struggle to Medical staff take a swab sample from a woman to test for the coronavirus riod at government-run facilities to tagion. contain the second wave of infec- at a clinic in Insein, Yangon, on Sept 21. (UCA News photo via AFP) one week from two weeks to make Historian Than Myint Oo said it is tions, the Church has stepped up ment center. serving since April saving a young space for primary and secondary no exaggeration to say the next two sending young men and women “Our volunteers are serving on woman’s life as she attempted sui- contacts as cases have been surging weeks are critical for Myanmar’s fu- to the front line to help healthcare the front line and fear of being in- cide at a quarantine centre. in Yangon. ture. workers. fected with the virus doesn’t deter On April 27, MCC established Furthermore, authorities have ar- “If the lockdown doesn’t work and On Sept 5, the Myanmar Coun- their willingness,” said Shwe Lin. a volunteer team to help in the ranged temporary hospitals to ac- virus spread accelerates, Myanmar cil of Churches (MCC) called on Yangon regional government is containment and treatment of commodate around 5,000 people in could face economic disaster given the member churches to send volun- providing food and lodgings for COVID-19. Yangon. country’s other challenges. It’s any- teers, planning to send around 200 the volunteers. In May, several Catholic youths Rakhine state, a conflict-torn -re one’s guess where that might lead,” he youths. Among the Christian volun- joined the MCC-organised pro- gion where there is active fighting tweeted on Sept 21. Saw Shwe Lin, vice-president teers, some are IT technicians and gramme to serve at hospitals and and thousands of internally displaced Myanmar is considered the most of the MCC, said young men and some are doing their Ph.D thesis. quarantine centers in Yangon. persons, has also been under lock- vulnerable among the 11 countries in women have actively participated Church leaders say they appre- The national team led by Car- down and curfew since mid-August. Southeast Asia along with Cambodia, in church-run volunteer programs. ciate their energetic and active dinal Charles Bo of Yangon has Myanmar had reported 6,471 con- Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Currently, 118 Christian volun- participation as they face many called on Catholics to join local firmed cases including 100 deaths Timor-Leste, according to a UN report. teers are at the COVID-19 medi- challenges in the hospitals and authorities and church teams in and 1,445 recoveries as of Sept 22. Myanmar’s fragile public health cal center in Phaung Gyi on the quarantine centres on a daily ba- the prevention, control and treat- According to the latest data, over system has all but collapsed due to outskirts of Yangon, while another sis. ment of the pandemic by contrib- 963,700 people have died out of mismanagement by the military over 40 are in South Okkalapa hospital Shwe Lin cited the example of a uting donations, serving as volun- more than 31 million confirmed cas- the last six decades. — By John Zaw, and Hlaing quarantine and treat- Christian volunteer who has been teers and saying prayers. es worldwide. ucanews.com HERALD September 27, 2020 Children 15 LittleLittle CCatholicsatholics’ CCornerorner

Dear children, Use every second letter to fill in the blanks and find In today's Gospel reading, out the answer! Our Lord tells the parable of the two sons whose fa- ther asked them to help in the vineyard. The first son told his fa- ther he wouldn’t help, but then he changed his mind and did what he was asked. The second son said he would help, but he didn't. In the end it doesn't matter so much if we say we are going to do what's right. What is important is that we do it. We call ourselves Chris- tians because we believe in Jesus and the Church He gave us, but we are real- ly only Christians if we do what He says. ACROSS Sometimes we decide not 3. A place where grapes are grown to obey God.But if we are 5. The number following one sorry afterwards and do 6. A statement proven or accepted as accurate what is right, God will not 7. An adult male look at the bad things we did. On the other hand, if we DOWN do good things and then 1. A person’s male children change to doing bad things, 2. A male parent then we have decided to 4. To perform a job or task turn away from God, and 5. To have an opinion or idea about something we will be punished for our sins. WORK MAN THINK Love TWO TRUTH FATHER Aunty Eliz VINEYARD SONS Elijah’s Sanctuary Read 1 Kings 17:2-4 find out how God protected and provided for the prophet Elijah: Let's Then, can you find the hidden object in this picture? Colour Bible blanket candy steak birdhouse bread Elijah hiding wineskin birdseed bag campfire glass of ice water

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. (Matt 21:31) HERALD

Social BEC Communication (1976) (1996)

Dialogue Formation (1976) (1976) INTEGRAL EVANGELISATION Poor Unity (1976) (1976)

Family (1996) Youth (1986) YOUTH YOUTHSeptember 27, 2020 Calling Young People to be courageous missionaries PENANG: In Christus Viv- Inspired by this excerpt from location, age or gender. Young it, Pope Francis spoke to Christus Vivit, Penang Dioc- people are very encouraged to young people about be- esan Youth Network (PDYN) carry the torch. ing courageous mission- launched its first online testimo- M.O.M consist of two series, ny project, namely Monday of the Beatitudes Series and the aries, “…Why should we Empowerment Series. Concen- not speak of Jesus, why a platform where trating on beatitudes; the heart should we not tell others everyone can testify of Jesus’ preaching (CCC 1716), that He gives strength in to their real-life the Beatitudes Series will be based on the scriptural passage life, that we enjoy talk- faith experience Matthew 5:1-12. The testimo- ing with Him, that we or encounter with nies given by those who have benefit from meditat- Jesus, loudly and said ‘yes’ for this series will be ing on His words? Young openly posted to social media, namely people, do not let the Instagram, WhatsApp, Face- the Open Mic’, in short: M.O.M. book and Youtube, for everyone world draw you only into Why ‘Mic’? A ‘Mic’ or ‘micro- to participate in listening and things that are wrong phone’ is a tool to magnify and reflecting. and superficial. Learn to amplify a voice. To do that is the Meanwhile, the Empower- swim against the tide, main goal of M.O.M which sym- ment Series is a live online learn how to share Je- bolises a platform where every- sharing via ZOOM in which the one can testify to their real-life participants will be able to par- sus and the faith He has faith experience or encounter ticipate in the sharing given by given you. May you be with Jesus, loudly and openly. our special guests, and in turn, moved by the same irre- ‘Loud’ and ‘open’ in a sense of will be given a chance to share sistible impulse that led testifying courageously. their own faith testimony. The Saint Paul to say: Woe to On the other hand, M.O.M registration for the Empower- is also regarded as ‘Open Mic’ ment Series will be open soon, me if I do not proclaim because this project welcomes so stay tuned and have a fruit- the Gospel (1 Cor 9:16).” testimonies from everyone, re- ful reflection from our on-going (CV 176) gardless of their geographical M.O.M testimonies! — PDYN Youth of St Stephen gather to pray for the care of creation KUCHING: In conjunction with PYM members. and Creation,” she said. Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the Par- On behalf of PYM St Stephen, Let’s not stop serving the Lord ish Youth Ministry (PYM) of St Stephanie thanked all those who until the day we gather in His King- Stephen took the initiative, with helped with the prayers. She said she dom. As God said: “Therefore, my their parish priest Fr Peter Liston, believed that many were touched dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. to organise a Holy Hour. About 120 and have missed the moments with Let nothing move you. Always give parishioners, with the majority be- God through Holy Hour, especially yourselves fully to the work of the ing youths, joined this Holy Hour. during this time of pandemic COV- Lord, because you know that your It was also live streamed through ID-19. “God is smiling seeing us labour in the Lord is not in vain. Youths participate in the Holy Hour. a YouTube channel by one of the gather in prayer for Mother Nature Amen! — chadyouth.wordpress HERALD September 27, 2020 Youth 17 Remain steadfast in your faith and follow Jesus closely SEREMBAN: The Church of the Visitation is the second parish after the Church of the Assumption in the diocese to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. Seventy-five students received their sacrament from Archbishop Julian Leow on Aug 30 at 2.00pm. Concelebrating were Parish Priest Fr Xavier Andrew and Assistant Parish Priest Fr Kenneth Gopal, OCD. The Eucharistic celebration was attended only by one sponsor/god- parent and the parents of each stu- dent. The parish’s media team live- Confirmands with Archbishop Julian Leow, Frs Xavier Andrew and Kenneth Gopal, OCD. streamed the Mass so that family Archbishop Leow added in his closely”. participated in today’s celebration. “I hope you will be a faithful Ma- and friends who were not allowed homily: “This does not mean that Parish Priest Fr Xavier Andrew More than that, I want to thank the laysians, and will be loyal to our to attend could also witness this you end your classes in receiv- addressed the parishioners, saying parents and the godparents who king and country, but most of all, to special celebration. ing the Faith. The world outside is “We praise God for everything that have taken responsibility for your the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.” At the beginning, Archbishop Ju- more challenging. As an adult, ‘a He has given us. Today, I want to child. Lastly, this is not the end but With that, Archbishop Leow re- lian Leow addressed the parishion- change of behaviour can only hap- thank the catechists, especially the the beginning of adulthood.” quested the national anthem, Nega- ers to pray and offer the candidates pen with a change of mindset’ said ones who taught the candidates in At the end of the celebration, raKu, be sung followed by the final to the Lord that they might be faith- Archbishop Leow. “Confirmands, this short period of time, for their Archbishop Leow addressed the hymn. ful disciples, and that they might be as you continue your journey of life hard work. Together with Fr Ken- confirmands once again as it was It was indeed a beautiful and convinced of following Jesus even and faith, may you remain stead- neth Gopal and myself, we would the eve of Merdeka. He said as we spirit filled Eucharistic celebration. more closely from today. fast in your faith and follow Jesus like to thank the ones who have celebrate 63 years of independence. — By Sabrina Smith Online campus: adapting to the new norm Campus students share y studies have been home, l automatically think that I am on holi- how their studies have “Minterrupted since the day. Lack of sleep made me sleepy when I been interrupted by COVID-19 pandemic. When joined the online classes, and I couldn’t focus the COVID-19 pandemic. our lecturer informed us that when the lecturer taught. It also made me lose we were going to have on- interest in my favourite subject. line classes / online teach- “My greatest obstacle was restricted access inal year is always intimidating for most of ing, I notice that my sleep- to the Internet. The Internet is essential for “Fus. I still vividly remember the first day I ing habits changed because students in online class / discussions. When Charlene, entered as a freshman. Time has flown. It is the I always used to sleep late power outages happened in my kampung, University of Tunku time for farewell. Well, technically my farewell MELVIN, and now I can’t sleep at all. they impacted the telecommunications tower, Abdul Rahman, Sg Long was 2019. The last semester for a Marketing stu- UNIMAS, Kuching “Maybe this happened which would prohibit me from entering the dent is an obligational internship. The end of our because when I get back online classes.” he COVID-19 pan- studies means we would need to move out from “Tdemic made my the umbrella of being a student. classes be taught online. “Graduating during a pandemic Not being able to be in is the worst. I was completing he pandemic has affected my among the group; the workload class listening and partici- my internship when the pan- “Tstudies both positively and was shared between the group. pating is tough. The real demic hit and I needed to work negatively. Now? There is no physical lab any- life experience is different from home as an intern. It “I used to doze off easily in class. more. We engineers have to con- and better when compared was thrilling initially, but I was always late for class, my con- duct the lab by using simulation. to looking at the computer soon miscommunications centration was weak, and I would We have a poorer understanding screen. and breakdowns happened. consistently shift to “daydreaming of the topics. The lab is now indi- “It is also hard to focus There were many chal- mode”, without even realising it. Yes, vidual, you have to complete eve- on online classes as there lenges I faced, unlike oth- Cynthia Chuah, I could not sit and listen attentively to Marcus Lai, rything on your own, and you have are constant interruptions ers who worked under the UTM Johor. Final Year my lecturer for even 20 minutes. Curtin University, Miri to learn how to run the simulation, throughout, be they in my supervision of the superior Student “With every lecture going online, which takes so much extra time to environment or technical back in the office. I could learn better. I can revise the same lec- learn! I almost went mad last semester because issues. “This impacted me, especially my grade for the ture numerous times. I could pause the lecture, of the lab work. “To sum it up, the pan- internship. Often, I would need to respond to a lot when I feel that the lecturer was going too fast. “With everything going online including the demic has taken away the of challenges independently. I was tense and lost, The online recording helped me a lot. exam, I feel that the online exam is getting more essence of learning in per- plus unsure about the future. “I love group studying. During the pandemic, difficult too. The syllabus feels different from son, something technology “We could foresee the difficulty when it came I was not able to be in one. We could discuss the exercises given by the lecturer.” may never catch up with.” to job searching as many firms had frozen hiring, as businesses were not performing well during the pandemic. Not long ago, there was an article re- was hoping to have my first semes- own home sounds nice until you get used to my tasks and having a garding the employment rate being approximate- “Iter on campus and get the college it and it was difficult to focus when I could healthy lifestyle was an- ly zero for recent graduates. My heart sank when experience my friends have been telling smell food from the kitchen and know my other aspect I struggled I read it. On top of that, I couldn’t attend Mass and me about, but things did not go as I had comfy bed was waiting for me. I guess try- with. the absence of the Holy Eucharist to fuel my spirit hoped. I started my first year in tertiary ing to stay focused with all these distrac- “I am truly grateful to have made my heart restless and anxious. education completely online so there was tions was challenging. Having a study-life completed my semester “One night I decided to sit and pray. The next no “college feel”. I prefer to have a face- balance was another challenge. My classes and I am finally having day, I received a text from a member of the cler- to-face discussion, but with online lectures would start of 10.00am and end at 3:00pm classes on campus. It gy, who then connected me to a BEC. The next and tutorials, together with a weak Wi-Fi with breaks in between. After my classes, was by far the most chal- connection interrupting classes and pres- I would be busy with assignments, home- lenging and demanding week, I started attending Masses and volunteered Matthew Anthony, in a soup kitchen. Everything is back on track. It entations made things much worse. work, quizzes, and revision which would period but it was when Foundation in Business is brilliant how God makes things work in life. “Having classes in the comfort of your end around 2:00am. Trying to complete I learned the most.” Brickfields Asia College Amen!” To be continued in the next issue 18 HERALD September 27, 2020 OBITUARY Thanksgiving Prayer

I am so grateful and thankful to our own St Pope John Paul II for his intercession to our Lord for prayers answered. Dr William Lau, advocate With an ever-grateful heart. — Irene

for interreligious dialogue m e m o r i a m KUALA LUMPUR: Rtd Capt Dr William Details of the wake and funeral are as Lau Boon Kin, a founding member of the follows: 15th Anniversary Archdiocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Wake In Loving Memory of Department (AEID) passed away on Sept 24. Venue: Funeral Parlour, Church of the He was 74. Holy Rosary, 10, Jalan Tun An ardent advocate for interreligious re- Sambanthan 50470 KL lations, Dr Lau’s involvement in the area of Date: Saturday, Sept 26 ecumenism and interreligious dialogue com- (from 1.00pm onwards) menced way back in the early 1990s with the Sunday, Sept 27 formation of AEID in 1992 under the purview (from 10.00am onwards) of Anthony Soter Cardinal Fernandez (who was then the Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur). Funeral Mass AEID was later elevated to Archdiocesan Venue: Church of the Holy Rosary, Ministry of Ecumenical and Interreligious Jalan Tun Sambanthan, KL Affairs (AMEIA) where he ably served as its Date: Monday, Sept 28 chairperson from March 2004 to 2008 and 11.00am – and thereafter to worked very hard to establish relations with laity as well as adherents of other religions in DBKL Crematorium, Cheras many leaders of other religions and organised Malaysia. for cremation. many interreligious sessions during his tenure He had also presented talks on various A. J. STELLUS as chairperson. He also served as the Selan- management, economics and interreligious Source: Communications & Media Relations gor branch chairperson of the Malaysian Con- subjects to several public and private organi- Office, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur Departed: 30th September 2005 sultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, sations including NGOs, professional bodies Condolences Acha, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism and headed and institutions of higher learning in Asia. His Grace Most Rev Julian Leow and the It’s God’s will you be away from us, the Parish Ministry of Ecumenical & Inter- In recent years, he took a step back and lim- clergy of the Archdiocese extend their In life, we wish you were here, religious Affairs of the Church of the Holy ited his involvement due to illness. His loss is deepest condolences to the family of the To hear your voice, so dearly missed, Rosary when it was first formed. deeply felt by Christians and non-Christians late Rtd Capt Dr William Lau Boon Kin Your face we see, in memory we tear, A leading human resource management alike, who are equally passionate in promot- in this time of loss and are united with and industrial relations consultant, trainer and ing ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. them in prayers and support. Surely one day we will meet, author, Dr Lau was active in community ser- The late Dr William Lau leaves behind his Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and And, grieve no more, vice and the promotion of world peace and wife Margaret, daughter Theresa, son Aaron, let light perpetual shine upon him. May for our Lord will hear. international understanding for many years. son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sib- his soul, and the souls of all the faithful He helped conduct and presided over several lings, nephews, nieces and a host of relatives departed, through the mercy of God, rest Missing you forever and always interreligious formation programmes for the and friends to mourn his loss. in peace. - the Stellus clan HERALD September 27, 2020 Saints of the Week & Short Readings 19 St Wenceslaus Daily Short f saints have been falsely characterised as ebration of the feast of Saints Cosmas and Da- Reading “other worldly,” the life of Wenceslaus mian. On the way to Mass, Boleslav attacked Sunday, September 27 stands as an example to the contrary. He his brother, and in the struggle, Wenceslaus was I (Ezekiel 36:25-27) stood for Christian values in the midst of the killed by supporters of Boleslav. political intrigues which characterized 10th- Although his death resulted primarily from I shall pour clean water over century Bohemia. political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as you and you will be cleansed; Wenceslaus was born in 907 near Prague, a martyr for the faith, and his tomb became a I shall cleanse you of all your son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grand- pilgrimage shrine. He is hailed as the patron of defilement and all your idols. mother, Ludmilla, raised him and sought to the Bohemian people and of the former Czecho- promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his slovakia. I shall give you a new heart, mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. and put a new spirit in you; I Ludmilla was eventually murdered, but rival Reflection shall remove the heart of stone Christian forces enabled Wenceslaus to assume “Good King Wenceslaus” was able to incarnate from your bodies and give you leadership of the government. his Christianity in a world filled with political a heart of flesh instead. I shall His rule was marked by efforts toward unifi- unrest. While we are often victims of violence put my spirit in you, and make cation within Bohemia, support of the Church, of a different sort, we can easily identify with and peace-making negotiations with Germany, his struggle to bring harmony to society. The you keep my laws and sincere- a policy which caused him trouble with the call to become involved in social change and in ly respect my observances. anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav political activity is addressed to Christians; the Feastday: September 28 Monday, September 28 joined in the plotting, and in September of 929 values of the Gospel are sorely needed today. — (Jeremiah 15:16) invited Wenceslaus to Alt Bunglou for the cel- Patron Saint of: Bohemia franciscanmedia.org When your words came, I de- voured them: your word was Sts Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael my delight and the joy of my ngels — messengers from God — appear heart; for I was called by your Afrequently in Scripture, but only Michael, name, Lord, God of hosts.. Gabriel and Raphael are named. Tuesday, September 29 Michael appears in Daniel’s vision as “the (Genesis 28:12-13) great prince” who defends Israel against its en- emies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s Jacob had a dream: a ladder armies to final victory over the forces of evil. was there, standing on the Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devo- ground with its top reaching to tion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The heaven; and there were angels Church in the West began to observe a feast hon- of God going up it and coming oring Michael and the angels in the fifth century. down. And the Lord was there, Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel’s standing over him, saying, ‘I visions, announcing Michael’s role in God’s plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter am the Lord, the God of Abra- with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who con- ham your father, and the God sents to bear the Messiah. of Isaac.’ Raphael’s activity is confined to the Old Testa- Reflection Feastday: September 29 Wednesday, September 30 ment story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Each of the archangels performs a different Sts Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are Tobit’s son Tobiah through a series of fantastic mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel the Patron Saints of: (Wisdom 7:13-14) adventures which lead to a threefold happy end- announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that Death Police Officers inexplicable events were due to the actions of What I learned without self- ing: Tobiah’s marriage to Sarah, the healing of Germany Radiologists interest, I pass on without re- Tobit’s blindness, and the restoration of the fam- spiritual beings has given way to a scientific Grocers ily fortune. world-view and a different sense of cause and serve; I do not intend to hide effect. Yet believers still experience God’s pro- St Gabriel is the Patron Saint of: her riches. For she is an in- The memorials of Gabriel and Raphael were Broadcasters added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 tection, communication, and guidance in ways exhaustible treasure to men, revision of the calendar joined their individual which defy description. We cannot dismiss an- St Raphael is the Patron Saint of: and those who acquire her win gels too lightly. — franciscanmedia.org The Blind feasts to Michael’s. God’s friendship, commended as they are to him by the ben- Feastday: September 30 e fi t s o f h e r t e a c h i n g . St Jerome Patron Saint of: ost of the saints are remembered for Librarians Scholars Thursday, October 1 Msome outstanding virtue or devotion Translators (Song of Songs 8:7) which they practised, but Jerome is frequently Love is something that no remembered for his bad temper! It is true that used in the Church. flood can quench, no torrents he had a very bad temper and could wield a In order to be able to do such work, Jerome vitriolic pen, but his love for God and Jesus prepared himself well. He was a master of drown. Were a man to offer all Christ was extraordinarily intense; anyone Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldaic. He began the wealth of his house to buy who taught error was an enemy of God and his studies at his birthplace, Stridon in Dalma- love, contempt is all he would truth, and Saint Jerome went after him or her tia. After his preliminary education, he went to purchase. with his mighty and sometimes sarcastic pen. Rome, the centre of learning at that time, and He was above all a Scripture scholar, trans- thence to Trier, Germany, where the scholar in Friday, October 2 lating most of the Old Testament from Hebrew. him was very much in evidence. He spent sev- (1 Corinthians 7: 32-34) Jerome also wrote commentaries which are a eral years in each place, always trying to find He who is unmarried is uncon- great source of scriptural inspiration for us to- the very best teachers. He once served as pri- cerned with God’s claim, ask- day. He was an avid student, a thorough schol- vate secretary to Pope Damasus. ar, a prodigious letter-writer and a consultant to After these preparatory studies, he traveled ing how he is to please God; a monk, bishop, and pope. Saint Augustine said extensively in Palestine, marking each spot woman who is free of wedlock, of him, “What Jerome is ignorant of, no mortal of Christ’s life with an outpouring of devo- or a virgin, is concerned with has ever known.” tion. Mystic that he was, he spent five years a fearless critic and all the usual moral prob- the Lord’s claim, intent on holi- Saint Jerome is particularly important for in the desert of Chalcis so that he might give lems of a man. He was, as someone has said, ness, bodily and spiritual. having made a translation of the Bible which himself up to prayer, penance, and study. Fi- no admirer of moderation whether in virtue or came to be called the Vulgate. It is not the most nally, he settled in Bethlehem, where he lived against evil. He was swift to anger, but also Saturday, October 3 critical edition of the Bible, but its accept- in the cave believed to have been the birthplace swift to feel remorse, even more severe on (Exodus 23: 20-21) ance by the Church was fortunate. As a mod- of Christ. Jerome died in Bethlehem, and the his own shortcomings than on those of oth- Behold, I send an angel before ern scholar says, “No man before Jerome or remains of his body now lie buried in the Ba- ers. A pope is said to have remarked, on see- you, to guard you on the way among his contemporaries and very few men silica of St Mary Major in Rome. ing a picture of Jerome striking his breast with for many centuries afterwards were so well a stone, “You do well to carry that stone, for and to bring you to the place qualified to do the work.” The Council of Trent Reflection without it the Church would never have can- which I have prepared. Give called for a new and corrected edition of the Jerome was a strong, outspoken man. He had onized you” (Butler’s Lives of the Saints). — heed to him and hearken to his Vulgate, and declared it the authentic text to be the virtues and the unpleasant fruits of being franciscanmedia.org voice. Universal: Respect for the Planet’s Resources We pray that the planet’s resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner. Download the Click To Pray updates now. THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY September 27, 2020 The Church in Iraq needs new male and female vocations BAGHDAD: “Emigration and in- It is regrettable that priestly and and feelings. So that, ultimately, stability” have led to a “drastic” de- monastic vocations have dropped one’s life becomes light and full of cline in priestly and monastic voca- drastically in our Church in recent meaning. tions, both male and female “in our years due to conditions that have Here I would like to cite Isaiah, in Church,” says Cardinal Louis Raph- fuelled emigration and [political this passage, where he says: “Then ael Sako, Primate of the Chaldean and social] instability, as well as the I heard the voice of the Lord say- Church, in a message to the faithful, criticism addressed to the Church ing, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will especially young men and women. and the multiple pressures to which go for us?’ ‘Here I am,’ I said; ‘send In his statement, the prelate ex- young people are subjected. me!’” (Isaiah 6:8). plores the value of the priesthood or Ours is a Church that is going The first place in which the- vo consecrated life, encouraging fami- through a real crisis of vocations. cation is born and strengthened is lies to respond to God’s call. “There There is a great shortage of numbers precisely that of the family. Parents is a shortage in numbers and types, and types, both inside and outside should take care to implant this sub- both inside and outside Iraq," he Iraq. Everyone is looking for priests, lime goal of faith in the hearts of writes. monks and nuns. their daughters and sons, and nurture Cardinal Sako in priestly ordination ceremony. (AsiaNews file photo) The “first place” where faith On the occasion of the beginning it through prayer and contemplation pastor of his people, or a monk, or and a partner, especially in difficult is discovered and deepened is the of the current academic year 2020- of the testimony of people and the one of their daughters may become a times. The strength of the Church family. For this reason, parents are 2021, I turn to our young people, great examples of which the Bible Sister or a nun. is in people like Christ, who are a tasked with instilling the seed of faith men and women, to invite them to speaks. [They should] Observe how The responsibility for participat- source of great love, joy, spirituality, and “nurture it through prayer and be generous for the love of Christ, they closely followed Jesus and joy- ing in vocations also lies with our vision, wisdom and courage, so that contemplation”. the Church and society, so that they fully served him. bishops, priests, monks and nuns. God may use them to spread good- Starting with the Chaldean pri- can dedicate their lives to serve their At the same time, it is equally im- This is why I urge them to organise ness. –– Asia News mate’s appeal, AsiaNews plans to brothers and sisters. portant to speak about the experience spiritual activities and make use of report on the issue of vocations in Whoever loves gives himself in of priests full of God, whom they the media, old and new, to develop Louis Raphael Sako Chaldean Pa- Iraq, with two more in-depth articles everything. This gift is an act of deep know or see. Perhaps, this way, God their vocations. triarch of Baghdad and president of in the coming days. Here is Patri- and conscious love, which takes the will allow one of their children to re- Our society simply needs a priest, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of arch Sako’s message: whole being, thought, memory, heart spond to the vocation and become a a Father, a friend, a teacher, a mentor Iraq Carlo Acutis beatification will China, still no ‘yes’ to Vatican agreement be a 17-day celebration in Assisi BEIJING: For the second time in improve bilateral relations. There is ROME: Assisi is celebrating the be- for the night before the beatification. recent weeks, the Chinese Foreign good communication between the atification of computer programming The vigil, called “My Highway to Ministry has praised the provisional two sides. China holds a sincere and teen Carlo Acutis in October with Heaven,” will be led by Archbishop agreement between China and the positive attitude towards advancing more than two weeks of liturgies and Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia Vatican, but has said nothing about relations with the Vatican side. We events that the bishop hopes will be and Auxiliary Bishop Paolo Mar- its renewal. welcome exchanges between the an evangelising force for young peo- tinelli of Milan, in the Basilica of St This is what has emerged from two sides with an open attitude.” ple. Mary of the Angels, which contains the routine Foreign Ministry press The response clearly lacks any- “Now more than ever we believe the small church were St Francis conference in Beijing, given by thing new, as if the pending need that the example of Carlo — a bril- heard Christ speak to him from a spokesman Wang Wenbin. for renewal of the agreement did not liant internet user who loved to help crucifix: “Francis, go and rebuild my At one point, a reporter asked: exist. the least, the poor and the misfits — Church.” “China and the Vatican extended Just two weeks ago another can unleash a driving force for a new The beatification of Carlo Acutis the agreement on the appointment spokesman, Zhao Lijian, was simi- evangelizing momentum,” Bishop will take place at the Basilica of St of bishops. What significance does larly cautious in his statements, Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi said Carlo Acutis. (CNA photo/carloacutis.com) Francis at 4.30pm on Oct 10. Car- this have for relations between the which again did not contain a firm at the announcement of the schedule Two of Assisi’s other churches will dinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the two sides? With the Vatican having “yes”. of events. be hosting exhibitions on Eucharistic Vatican Congregation of the Causes “diplomatic ties” with “the Republic In contrast the constant expres- Beginning Oct 1, the tomb of Car- miracles and Marian apparitions, of Saints, will offer the Mass. The of China” now, what effect will this sions of “hope” in agreements re- lo Acutis will be open for veneration subjects that Acutis had attempted to limited number of seats for this event extension have on the possible es- newal “at the end of September” for 17 days from 8.00am to 10.00pm spread devotion to by creating web- have already been reserved. But tablishment of diplomatic relations expressed on the Vatican side – to allow as many people as possible sites. These exhibitions, in the Cathe- the city of Assisi is setting up large between China and the Vatican? mainly through many anonymous to make a prayerful visit. Acutis’ dral of San Rufino and the Cloister of screens in several of its piazzas for Wang Wenbing’s response was personalities – is striking. More tomb is located in Assisi’s Sanctuary the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels public viewing. very general and the standard re- authoritative, the Secretary of State of the Spoliation, where a young St respectively, will run from Oct 2 to With tickets to the beatification it- marks rolled out on similar occa- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Sept 14, Francis of Assisi is said to have cast Oct 16. self limited due to Italy’s coronavirus sions to describe the relationship declared: "Our intention is that [the off his rich clothes in favour of a poor Acutis was aged 15 when he restrictions, the bishop of Assisi said between Beijing and the Holy See. agreement] be extended, I think it habit. died of leukaemia in 2006, offering he hoped that the extended period “The provisional agreement be- will continue to be adopted ad ex- The Oct 1-17 period of veneration his suffering for the pope and the of veneration and numerous events tween China and the Vatican on perimentum as has been done in is flanked by Masses in the sanctu- Church. would allow many people to be close the appointment of bishops,” he these two years, in order to verify its ary — a fitting way to honour Acutis, The October celebration of his be- to “young Carlo.” said, “has been working smoothly efficacy”. who was known for his deep love for atification will include several youth “This boy from Milan, who chose since it was reached two years ago, Moreover, Cardinal Parolin spoke the Eucharist, never missing daily events, including a virtual gathering Assisi as his favorite place, under- thanks to the concerted efforts, and of “October” as the period for re- Mass and Eucharistic adoration. of Italian young people Oct 2 entitled stood, also following in the footsteps Catholicism in China has witnessed newal, also because the agreement Churches throughout Assisi will also “Blessed are you: A school of happi- of St Francis, that God must be at sound development. The two sides signed on September 22, 2018, en- offer adoration of the Blessed Sacra- ness.” the centre of everything,” Sorrentino will maintain close communication tered into force a month later. — By ment each day. A youth prayer vigil is also planned said. — By Courtney Mares, CNA and consultation to continuously Wang Zhicheng, AsiaNews