Archbishop Leo Cushley officially launches this year’s St Margaret of Scotland Pilgrimage in Dunfermline ahead of the June 12 procession and Mass at St Margaret’s Memorial Church. See pages 4-5
No 5672 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday May 20 2016 | £1 March for Life moves Scots but not the RCM I Pro-life event a success even as controversy over time limits on abortion rages on, midwife Mary Doogan says By Daniel Harkins necessary to show that ‘as a movement, we are here to protect the most innocent in society with a loving THE ‘relentless energy of the pro-life move- and compassionate approach.’ ment’ was on full display in Birmingham last A brief speech was given by a woman who had Saturday as a delegation of Scots took part in been booked in for an abortion last year when she the thousands-strong march against abortion as came across the March for Life. She decided against the Royal College of Midwives announced its the abortion, and this year spoke to the campaigners support for allowing abortion to full term with- with her infant son by her side. Darren Hope said her out consulting members. account was emotional and motivating, and made the The fifth annual March for Life took place last march worth getting up at 4.20am for.Another mem- Saturday—ahead of the 50th anniversary of the ber of the delegation who has attended for the last Abortion Act 1967—having grown from a gather- three years said it was the best yet. ing of 70 people in 2012 to the estimated 2000 who took part on Saturday. Controversy Pro-life campaigners from Scotland, some as The March for Life took place as controversy young as 9, made an 18-hour long round trip to emerged around the Royal College of Midwives’ take part in the event that included speakers such support for removing the legal term limits on abor- as Ryan Bomberger from the US, who was con- tion. The RCM’s Chief Executive Cathy Warwick— ceived in rape; Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary chairwoman of abortion provider the British Bishop of Birmingham; and Canadian author and Pregnancy Advisory Service—said a campaign to IT IS THE MONTH OF MARY campaigner Stephanie Gray, whose father is Scot- decriminalise abortion had the union’s full support, tish and who sought out the Scottish delegation on a decision taken by the board without consulting A total of 500 children, parents the day. members. More than 20,000 people have signed an and friends gathered at Our Scottish delegation online petition against the decision. Lady’s grotto at Carfin, the The RCM previously supported NHS Greater National shrine to Our Lady in The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Glasgow and Clyde in its legal fight against mid- Scotland, to celebrate the Feast Scotland (SPUC Scotland) organised transport to wives Mary Doogan and Connie Wood, who were of Our Lady of Fatima on Friday the march for pro-lifers such as student Lily calling for the right to conscientiously object to par- May 13 with First Saturday (Scot- Kearns. “One thing that really stuck with me was ticipating in abortion in any way. Ms Doogan, who land) in preparation of the 100th when one speaker at the March made reference to was at March for Life, told the SCO that she was anniversary of the apparations of the words of Martin Luther King Jr on the impor- ‘absolutely convinced that the majority of midwives Our Lady of Fatima (right). Fol- tance of loving your opponents: ‘Whom we would would be opposed to the position’taken by the RCM. lowing the day-time celebrations change, we must first love,’” she said. “I’ve spoken to a few midwives and they can’t at Carfin, large numbers of the Teacher Katie Tennent agreed, saying that deliver- believe that [the RCM] has taken that position,” she Legion of Mary gathered there in ing a message of love, compassion and the precious- said. “It’s appalling. Midwives in general don’t want the evening for Mass and outdoor ness of life made her feel less isolated in her pro-life to be involved in politics—they just want to get on Marian Procession through the stance. “Giving a voice to the mothers and children and do their jobs delivering babies.” beautiful grounds of Our Lady’s who do not have one is a worthy cause and standing grotto (above). More on page 2 I SPUC Scotland reports, pages 10-11 PICS: TOM EADIE up against the injustice of abortion is both a needed and a necessary fight,” student Clare Deighan said, while fellow student Sarah Haire added that it was I [email protected]
SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected]
HgBTeZTeXg 1*-(3*."(& 9haYXe`_\aX 7JTJUUIFIPMZTJUFTBTTPDJBUFEX JUI4U. BSHBSFU ()PMZ. BUIFSBU1JUUFODSJFGG1BSLHBUFTGPSQSPDFTTJPO BTTBU4U. BSHBSFUT. FN PSJBM$IVSDI Q N Q N B N TUNX BSHBSFUEVOGFSN X XTUN BSHBSFUEVOGFSN MJOF!46/%": HN MJOFDPVL BJMDPN +6/& 2 PICTURE NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Our Lady of Fatima honoured
“SENSE the warmth of Our which were blest at the end of Her protection. So you must be Lady’s motherly love and Mass. Concelebrating with willing to accept the warmth of feel her protection.” These Bishop Toal were Fr Joe God’s love and to show it to oth- were the encouraging words McAuley, spiritual sirector of ers. As sons and daughters of of Bishop Joseph Toal of the Fatima Devotion in Scotland, God reach out to the people in Motherwell to the 500 chil- Fr Felix Adiele, chaplain to St your life and help them to let dren, parents and friends who Michael’s School, Dumbarton God’s love touch their lives.” gathered at Our Lady’s grotto and Fr John Peter Silvappan of Following the Mass, pupils at Carfin, the National shrine St Francis Xavier Parish, from St Michael’s School, Dum- to Our Lady in Scotland, to Falkirk. barton (left), performed a tw0- celebrate the Feast of Our Fr Francis McGachey, direc- act play, especially written for Lady of Fatima on Friday tor of Our Lady’s shrine at children. Our Lady Speaks at May 13. Carfin was MC at the Mass and Fatima. A full day of activities was later Organist at Rosary and The play is structured in two organised by First Saturday Benediction in the afternoon. scenarios where in one dialogue (Scotland), who invited six Bishop Toal urged those pres- a family of four are making their Schools to take part, including St ent to follow the example and way to Fatima in present time. Saviour’s Govan, St Michael’s the exhortation of Pope Francis Through their conversions much Dumbarton, St Benedict’s in showing mercy to each other. of the story of Fatima plus the Craigend, St Lucy’s Cumber- He reminded them that their social and economic realities of nauld, Our Lady and St Francis heavenly Mother, Mary, is hon- wartime Europe are revealed. Carfin and St Patrick’s Coat- oured under many titles and in Many of the adults present com- bridge. many shrines throughout the mented afterwards on the pow- Before Mass began, 24 chil- world. erful impact of hearing dren from the schools walked in “However, no matter which well-known truths articulated by procession into the church carry- one of these you visit—just like young children. ing the statue of Our Lady of Carfin today—you have a sense Fatima which came from of the warmth of Our Lady’s Fatima, and dozens of roses motherly love and are aware of PIC: TOM EADIE
LEGION OF MARY PROCESSION church, Howwood, Renfrew- shire had a special evening at THE Legion of Mary pro- 7.30pm last Friday, after con- the beautiful shrine of Our cession took place in the fessions were heard from Lady of Fatima which is in the evening of the feast of Our 6.15pm, and was followed by grounds of his Church. Lady of Fatima at the Mass. “The word Howwood has National Shrine of our The celebrations were held been synonymous with devotion Lady of Lourdes at in preparation of the 100th to Our Lady of Fatima for more Carfin grotto. anniversary of the apparations than 60 year,” Canon Dow said. The torchlight procession of Our Lady of Fatima.At the “We hope to revive interest in (right) took place with the new same time Canon Dow, parish honouring Our Lady here at statue of Our Lady of Fatima at priest of Christ the King Howwood on the 13.”
PIC: TOM EADIE ANNUAL WEST END CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION SPOTLIGHT ON TOPRAYFORVOCATIONSTO THEPRIESTHOOD
Corpus Christi Procession led by Fr Gerard Byrne, Fr Joseph Lappin and Fr Ross Campbell Sunday 29 May 2016 We are calling on Catholics and anyone of good will or interest to join in a Corpus Christi procession from
St Simonʼs Church, 33 Partickbridge Street, Glasgow G11 6PQ to St Paulʼs Church, 1213A Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch, Glasgow, G14 9UP.
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow visited St Dominic’s in Bishopbriggs on Sunday May 8 2016 to bless their The day will commence with a Holy Hour celebrated at 3 p.m. at St new Marian Grotto. Following the service,Archbishop Tartaglia took the time to meet with Parish Priest Fr Simonʼs followed by the procession leaving St Simonʼs at 4.30 p.m. Nicholas Monaghan, St Dominic’s altar servers and pupils from St Helen’s Primary School PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Holy Mass will commence at St Paulʼs at 6.30 p.m. followed by a light buffet in the Church Hall. FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Catholic life ‘extraordinary,’ Archbishop Tartaglia says
CATHOLIC life fully lived sented yourselves here for the is extraordinary, Archbishop Rite of Election on the First Sun- Philip Tartaglia told neo- day of Lent,” the archbishop phytes newly received into said. “Since then you completed the Catholic Church at a your preparation and, receiving Mass on Pentecost Sunday. the Easter Sacraments, have “It is extraordinary because become members of Christ and at the centre of it there is a of his body, the Church. And I unique and amazing person,” am even more happy to be with the Archbishop of Glasgow, you here today, reborn as you are and president of the Bishops’ in Christ and full of his new life Conference of Scotland, said in of grace, and to celebrate this St Andrew’s Cathedral. “He is Pentecost Mass with you.” Jesus. He is amazing and excit- The archbishop stressed to the ing, and he will make sure that neophytes that the Holy Spirit you are embarking upon the works in them as in others, and PIC: PAUL McSHERRY adventure of a lifetime. With said that, in their ‘unique and him beside you, your life will individual story of coming to always be an adventure.” Faith in Jesus Christ,’ the Holy The Mass celebrates men and Spirit has been active and contin- Chaplaincy opens for UWS, Paisley youth women who were Baptised at ues to be at work. Easter, Confirmed and made “You are the precious ones their Holy Communion, and and the stars of our parishes By Daniel Harkins the students are already setting up a said about the chaplaincy. “It’s a great those Baptised in another Chris- and our communities,” he told Catholic society.” thing and an exciting way to assist the tian community who have them, adding that the great A NEW Catholic chaplaincy for the He explained that although the UWS youth of the diocese.” entered into full communion with adventure ahead of them is to University of the West of Scotland had an interfaith chaplaincy, it hadn’t have The chaplaincy is now extending an the Catholic Church, have been let Jesus accompany them (UWS) and the youth of Paisley Dio- a Catholic chaplaincy until now because invitation for other young people to get Confirmed and received Holy through life. “As you go for- cese was opened on Sunday. of their diffuse campus and recent emer- involved, asking the young to give some Communion. ward, be open to the Holy Mass was celebrated for the first time at gence as a university. of their time ‘to keep the doors open,’ as “It was an emotional and Spirit and let the Holy Spirit fill St Mirin’s Chaplaincy by Fr Gerry McNel- He added that as the number of the uni- ‘we can’t do this without you.’ unique moment when you pre- you with his gifts.” lis, chaplain, with Frs Stephen Baillie and versity’s students grows the ‘Church Bishop Keenan previously told the SCO Frank Hannigan concelebrating. would grow with them.’ that Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell is Bishop John Keenan of Paisley, a for- The new chaplaincy is located on a sec- currently working on a plan for a chap- mer chaplain of Glasgow University, was ond floor at 45 High Street, Paisley, and laincy near the UWS Hamilton campus, among those in attendance for the occa- has five rooms: An oratory, a relaxing and a spokesman for Glasgow Archdio- sion. The bishop told the SCO in March room, a study room/computer room, and cese said they were actively pursuing a about the preparations being made for a a kitchen. plan for a new city centre chaplaincy that chaplaincy for the university, which also The chaplaincy was opened on Pente- would serve students of Strathclyde Uni- has a campus in Hamilton. cost Sunday, and, in his homily, Fr McNel- versity, Glasgow Caledonian University “I wanted to set this up in Paisley for all lis spoke about Pentecost as the birth of and the City of Glasgow College. the students of the diocese,” he said. the Church and now the birth of the new “We’ve raised funds for a space near the centre. campus for the next two or three years and “I’m absolutely delighted,’ Fr McNellis I [email protected] PIC: PAUL McSHERRY
Red card looming for Offensive Behaviour at Football Act, say opposition MSPs
THE Catholic Church in Behaviour at Football and “The merits and demerits of Labour MSP James Kelly after the ballot. geted by the Offensive Behav- Scotland has supported Threatening Communications the Offensive Behaviour Act are said before the election that he A Church spokesman previ- iour at Football legislation,’ new moves to review the (Scotland) Act 2012, after the now a matter of public record,” a would introduce a members bill ously told the SCO that the adding that ‘it is fair to suggest Offensive Behaviour at May 5 Scottish election resulted spokesman for the Bishops’ to scrap the act—which was cre- Church ‘does have a sympa- that the Offensive Behaviour Football Act. in the SNP Government losing Conference of Scotland said. ated to tackle sectarianism but thetic understanding for those at Football law has not Opposition parties at the Scot- its majority. With non SNP “The legislation has also been faulted by critics as being football supporters who feel tar- been helpful.’ tish Parliament have renewed MSPs opposed to the legislation, trialled in the courts. If it is now unworkable, badly implemented efforts to scrap the legislation, it is thought the law could now to be reviewed, Parliament is the and a restriction on freedom of formally known as the Offensive be scrapped or amended. right place for that to happen.” speech—a promise he reiterated $/%$ 72856 Six parishes become three 027+(5:(// JOE WALSH TOURS in Motherwell Diocese PILGRIMAGES DQQHPDULHFDLUQV#\DKRRFRXN ',2&(6$1 <($5 2) 0(5&< 520( 3,/*5,0$*(6 0RWKHUZHOO 'LRFHVH OHG E\ %LVKRS -RVHSK 7RDO MOTHERWELL Diocese Ambrose’s, with both churches LOURDES DAILY BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER amalgamated six parishes being maintained, and St Bene- £ ² 2FWREHU GLASGOW ARCHDIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE from ²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²²² into three on Sunday May 15. dict’s and St Clare’s in Easter- $UFKGLRFHVH RI 6W $QGUHZV DQG (GLQEXUJK Our Lady of Good Aid Cathe- house will become the new 15 JULY 2016 | 7 NIGHTS £ OHG E\ $UFKELVKRS /HR &XVKOH\ dral (below) and St Luke’s in parish of St John Bosco’s, com- 699 By Air from Glasgow pps inc Motherwell became the new prising both churches. ² 1RYHPEHU Led by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia WR EH LQ 5RPH IRU WKH FORVLQJ RI WKH +RO\ 'RRU LQ 6W 3HWHU¶V parish of Our Lady of Good Aid Motherwell Diocese asked for BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Cathedral, comprising the Cathe- prayers for the parishioners and 8 JULY | 7 NIGHTS £ from£699pp /285'(6 5(0$,1,1* $9$,/$%,/7< dral Church and St Luke’s clergy of the new parishes that By Air fromfrom EdinburghEdinburgh %< &2$&+ Church. St Bridget’s and St Fran- they ‘may be filled with the ² -XO\ ²1(9(56 /285'(6 $1' 3$5,6 cis of Assisi in Baillieston Holy Spirit to effectively pro- MEDJUGORJE DAILY BREAKFAST & DINNER ± -XO\ ²3$5,6 $1' /285'(6 becomes the parish of St claim the Gospel of Christ.’ %< $,5 £ ² -8/<²%$6(' $7 +27(/ $5,$1( 7 NIGHTS from£599pp By Air from Scotland BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB )$7,0$ 6&27/$1' 3,/*5,0$*( 72 )$7,0$ Ideas for your next Group Pilgrimage... 7+ $11,9(6$5< &(/(%5$7,216 ² $8*867 Lourdes | Fatima | Shrines of Italy | Holy Land | Medjugorje | Shrines of France | Shrines of Europe | Shrines of Spain | Way of St. James | Shrines of Poland | Shrines of Lithuania )8// '(7$,/6 21 $// 2) 7+( $%29( 21 5(48(67 JOE WAWALSHLSH TOTOURSURS | GLASGOW:GLASGOW: 01410141 530530 50605060 3$5,6+<287+ *5283 25*$1,6(56 | [email protected] 7$,/25 0$'( 3,/*5,0$*(6 %< $,5 $1' &2$&+ www.joewalshtours.co.uk &$// 12: )25 <285 4827$7,21 Follow us: Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages Bonded & Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 | ABTOT 5332 0HPEHU RI WKH +&&, 3DVVHQJHU )LQDQFLDO 3URWHFWLRQ 6FKHPH
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Secondary school students head to India to work with the disabled
By Daniel Harkins The charity was founded by a as an additional £10,000 dona- sufferer of polio who was able to tion to the charity. SENIOR students from five gain treatment and education On June 11, the hard work of Scottish schools are prepar- only because she was from a all the pupils will be rewarded ing for a trip to India next wealthy background, and wished when they travel to India for two month to help raise the pro- to provide similar help for the weeks, with each group visiting file of a charity that works disadvantaged. different parts of the country. St with disabled people. APD finds, educates and trains Aidan’s teacher Caroline S5 and S6 pupils from Trinity people with a variety of physical McHenry will be travelling out High School in Renfrew, St and mental disabilities. The char- for the third time with the pupils Ambrose in Coatbridge, St ity has a school in Bangalore and she said each experience is Aidan’s in Wishaw, St Mungo’s specifically for children with dis- different. “The pupils are really in Falkirk and St Columba’s in abilities. It runs sewing, comput- looking forward to it,” she said. Dunfermline will be flying off ing and horticulture projects to “It’s a fantastic experience, a life to India to work with the Associ- enable people to gain skills to get changing experience, for the ation of People with Disabilities into work, and maintains an young people involved. It builds (APD). urban outreach project which confidence, lets them see what The schools partnership with seeks out people with disabilities life is like for people in different APD was established eight in their homes and helps them countries.” years ago with the help of the get into education. Six S5 pupils from St Aidan’s Scottish Catholic International The Scottish pupils dedicated travelling to India have managed Aid Fund (SCIAF). a large part of their year to rais- to raise a total of £12,500 so APD work with people with ing the £1500 minimum each far to cover expenses and to disabilities to educate and train needed to cover the cost of make a donation. them so that they can work their the trip, as well as fundraising To prepare for the trip, the way out of poverty. People with for the charity and to bring pupils from each school have disabilities are often left on the APD visitors over to Scotland been taking part in meetings fringes of society in India, fac- from India. twice a week and have worked ing regular discrimination in a Pupils from Trinity High together to prepare various les- country with a caste system that (below) held charity nights, race sons to take out to India and divides people based on their nights, raffles and bake sales in teach to the children in the social status. order to raise their funds as well APD Schools.
St Ninian’s, Kirkintilloch, shortlisted as best school
ST NINIAN’S High School in Kirkintilloch has been nominated as one of the best schools in the United King- dom—the forth time they’ve received the honour in seven years. The school picked up two nominations in this year’s national awards ran by education company TES. They will compete against seven other schools—all from Eng- land—in the category, and are also nominated for a commu- nity and collaboration award. The school regularly collabo- rates with outside companies with the goal of giving children skills ship with Celtic FC, with youth facility. JackAitchison, 16, scored consistent success to a willingness that can be used when they leave players at the club transferring to on his debut for Celtic on Sunday. to try new things. “I think it’s school. For more than six years, St the school which is located near St Ninian’s was last nominated because we keep renewing our- Ninian’s have also had a partner- the club’s Lennoxtown training for best secondary school in 2014. selves and are always looking for Headteacher Paul McLaughlin new challenges and trying to be said they were delighted to be innovators,” he said. SPOTLIGHT ON nominated. “It’s just nice to reach “I think it’s that we never stand that stage,” he said. “It’s seriously still—we are always describing never been about winning. It’s ourselves as a school that is up for Bishop John Keenan of Paisley celebrated a Medjugorje 2016 about getting a message out to things. If someone comes along Mass of installation of five new canons 11th September staff saying we all work really and says to us do you fancy get- appointed to the Cathedral Chapter on Friday hard and we are now being recog- ting involved in something we May 13 in St Mirin’s Cathedral. The newly Departing from Glasgow nised at that level nationally. never say no.” installed canons are Fr Danny McLoughlin, Fr Whether you win or not is a dif- Schools across the UK are Eddie Cameron, Fr David Boyd, Fr Michael McMahon and Fr David Cotter £539 ferent matter—although it’d be invited to make submissions to nice to win this year!” the TES Awards each year. PICS: ROBERT WILSON Daytime flights Mr McLaughlin has been head- The winners will be teacher at St Ninian’s through all announced at a ceremony in Contact Roger Foster 01475 793 987 five nominations. He attributes the London on June 24. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5 June pilgrimage for St Margaret, who sought social justice through mercy
By Daniel Harkins until the late 16th century. It was revived in ated with St Margaret: the cave where she 1899 and continued until 1974. went for quiet prayer, the medieval Abbey ‘ST MARGARET of Scotland’ made Archbishop Cushley re-established the Church standing on the site of the Church an appearance at a 12th century Edin- pilgrimage last year at the request of the she founded, the site of her shrine and the burgh church last week to publicise the local parish in Dunfermline, St Margaret’s relic in St Margaret’s Church. second annual pilgrimage in honour of Memorial Church. Fr Chris Heenan, parish “We are looking forward to another great the Scottish queen and saint. priest, said that on his first appointment to day this year with pilgrims from Scotland Fife actress Katie Milne, 30, (left) played the parish he was struck by the number of and beyond joining us,” Fr Heenan said. the part of St Margaret at the launch event visitors coming to the church to pray at St “There will be a video link from the Church and was joined by Archbishop Leo Cushley Margaret’s relics, and decided to use the to the Carnegie Hall to accommodate the Pauline bookstore moves to of St Andrews and Edinburgh to kick start strong devotion and interest to raise aware- numbers anticipated. The format will be the preparations for the second St Margaret’s ness of the saint. same: the opportunity to visit the places Summer Pilgrimage to take place in Dun- associated with St Margaret, a chance to St Enoch’s Square, Glasgow fermline on Sunday June 12. “The summer pil- enjoy the space of Pittencrief park and Dun- “The summer pilgrimage in honour of St grimage in honour of fermline itself, and the procession at 3pm A BOOKSTORE run by the Margaret should be a fantastic family day— St Margaret should with the relics culminating with Mass at Daughters of St Paul is set that’s why we want to extend the invitation be a fantastic family 4pm. It is particularly appropriate that we to move locations after 40 to take part as far and wide as possible,” honour St Margaret, a saint noted for her years in Glasgow’s Royal Archbishop Cushley said at Edinburgh’s St day—that is why we works of mercy, in this Year of Mercy pro- Exchange Square (above). Margaret Chapel on May 10. “Last year’s want to extend the claimed by Pope Francis.” Pauline Books & Media will event was a tremendous success with num- invitation to take part In his homily at last year’s pilgrimage move to a new building next to bers attending far in excess of expectations as far and wide as Mass, Archbishop Cushley said St Margaret Maplin in St Enoch’s Square in and everybody having an enormously “ was a Christian leader who sought justice July. The bookshop celebrated enjoyable day. This year should prove to be possible. Last year’s through mercy and he compared the saint to 40 years on its current location even better.” event was a tremen- the Holy Father. “Pope Francis is someone on May 20, having moved to Ms Milne, dressed in the blue, white and dous success with who personally—and I know this because I the two-storey building after gold of St Margaret, said the saint was an numbers attending used to work for him—he is personally self seven years on Buchanan inspiration to today’s women. “St Margaret disciplined… he works hard at being a Street. is such a remarkable historical figure in far in excess of Christian… when you meet him and when St Angela Grant from the cate the love of Jesus Christ,” Scotland’s story as well as a fabulous role expectations and you see him he is someone who is filled Daughters of St Paul said the Sr Angela said. “And it’s model for young Scots today, especially everybody having an with the love of Jesus Christ,” he said. “I move was due to practical rea- important that our mission is in young women,” she said. “It’s an honour to enormously enjoy- think Margaret did that too. sons but also a desire to the midst of the people in the represent her here today.” “She was someone who went about trans- embrace the call for a new heart of the city.” St Margaret became Queen of Scots in able day.” forming this county in a generation and she evangelisation. The new build- She added that the move 1070 and is renowned for her devout Chris- Archbishop Leo Cushley of did it through mercy; she did it through ing will be on one floor, and would allow the store to assist tian piety and her charitable works towards St Andrews and Edinburgh love.” will include room for meetings, parents in helping children be the sick and poor while raising eight chil- Last year, parishes from across the arch- book launches and children’s nurtured in the Faith. dren of her own. She was declared diocese took part in the pilgrimage, and events. The Daughters of St Paul Patroness of Scotland in 1673. organisers are hoping that this year “Our priority as the Daugh- carry out evangelisation Following her Canonisation in June 1250 all Catholic parishes in Scotland will be ters of St Paul was to relaunch through communications and by Pope Innocent IV, and the transfer of her More than one thousand people, represented. the bookstore as a centre of media and last year celebrated relics to a new shrine in Dunfermline Catholics and non-Catholics, came” to the light where we could communi- their 100th anniversary. Abbey, an annual summer pilgrimage to town last June 28—surpassing the expected I [email protected] Dunfermline was established and continued number of 400—to visit the places associ- PIC: PAUL McSHERRY
… from 5A-7 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow … from 5A-7 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow move with us
PAULINE BOOKS & MEDIA Royal Exc hange S q
150th anniversary at historic St Mary’s
By Robert Wilson With the support of Fr Davidson and his successor Fr McKerrell, a new chapel THE community of St Mary’s in was built in Lochee. On Sunday May 13 Lochee gathered on May 13 with in 1866 the beautiful new church was Bishop Stephen Robson and priests christened Immaculate Conception of the of Dunkeld Diocese to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary. 150th anniversary of St Mary the To celebrate the long history of St Immaculate Conception. Mary’s and the milestone of the 150th Determination is a pivotal word to anniversary, the Catholic community describe the Catholic community pres- gathered together for Mass concelebrated ence in Lochee. The holy community by Bishop Robson to reflect on the good started off by having to walk over two achieved in the parish. 36 ST. ENOCH Square miles into Dundee to attend Sunday St Mary’s now stands a reminder of … customer friendly – everything on one floor Mass in St Andrew’s. the determination of the Faith and in lov- … convenient – easy access for wheel chairs and prams As the years went on the population of ing memory of all the people who gave … exciting – with regular events in a new meeting room the Catholics in the village increased and generously to build this church, and also … fun for children – a special, inviting space for little ones eventually they acquired a chapel within to bare witness to the Catholic Faith in … vibrant – featuring a stimulating range of products Wellburn but, with the rampant progress the community for the past 150 years. of the community, soon even that chapel Open mid-July PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY became too small. BRING THis VOUCHER AND RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT! WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Excludes periodicals, book tokens and gift vouchers. Expires 30th September 2016 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Holy Father Candidates for priesthood share their thoughts to visit
By Beth Thomson Now, however, we’ve asked publicly genocide to be ordained and the Church has TWO seminarians from publicly accepted us as candidates. memorial Aberdeen Diocese gave a remark- “I freely and happily said yes to the able insight into their thoughts next stage of my journey. But it’s not after being admitted to candidacy. necessarily the answer I would have in Armenia The Mass where Emmet O’Dowd given five or 10 years ago, while I was and Rafal Szweda (right) were recog- still working, or even when I had just nised as candidates, alongside entered the seminary. I don’t think I’d POPE Francis’trip toArmenia EmmanuelAlagbaoso fromArgyll and have been ready. in June will include a visit to the Isles, took place in the main chapel “There has been no particular for- the genocide memorial com- of the Scots College, and the celebrant mula to it getting this far. I was hap- plex in Yerevan, a monastery was Bishop Farrell. pily working in Inverness and around stop in the city of Gyumeri Emmet O’Dowd, of St Mary’s the north-east of Scotland. Having and a meeting with the presi- Inverness, said: “I have just been studied pharmacy at Robert Gordon dent. admitted as a candidate for Holy University I had no intention of leav- The Vatican released details of Orders. That means that, all going ing that and entering the seminary. the June 24-25 trip last Friday. well, in two years I will be ordained as There was no booming voice, no com- The visit comes a year after the a Catholic priest for the Diocese of pulsion to become a priest. Only Pope sparked a diplomatic inci- Aberdeen. Some people may think that slowly, as I worked in Inverness and dent with Turkey when he termed to become a priest all you do is think got involved in my parish, the idea of the Ottoman-era slaughter of about it, pray about it, go to the semi- becoming a priest came to me. It Armenians a genocide. nary, and seven years later you come stayed with me and grew and devel- Turkey’s foreign minister, back as a priest. oped over time. Mevlut Cavusoglu, said at the “Up to this point, my first five years, “I look at my married friends and I time that the Pope’s comments it has been ‘unofficial’. That is because am so happy they have found each were unacceptable. “Religious a seminary is not only a place where other, but I believe God is calling me offices are not places to incite you become a priest, but also a place to the priesthood. I gave an initial yes hatred and revenge with baseless where you try to figure out what God to that idea when I entered the semi- accusations,” Mr Cavusoglu said. wants you to do with your life. Several nary, and last Thursday was the right He also recalled Turkey’s ambas- friends I’ve made along the way have time for me to say yes again.” sador to the Holy See. left, realising God was asking them to Rafal Szweda, of St Sylvester’s, The new plan to visit the geno- do something else. It’s been as right for Elgin, added: “Today’s ceremony was cide memorial (below) on his sec- them to go as it has been for me to stay. very special for me, I felt very happy ond day is also likely to stoke “For us in the Scots College, we and moved. My heart was filled with tensions with Turkey. The Pope receive candidacy in our fifth year. We joy and peace when I was able to also plans to visit the Armenian stand up in front of a Bishop, our fam- express publicly my desire to serve Apostolic Church’s seat in Ech- ilies, our friends and fellow seminari- God.Aparallel that comes to my mind miadzin and will conduct a ans during Mass, and ask to be would be of the situation when a man Liturgy with Armenian Apostolic considered for ordination as priests. and woman publicly announce their Church leader Catholicos Garegin “We resolve to get ready to become engagement. II. Both are significant signs of priests to the best of our abilities, and “They are not married yet but they co-operation with the country’s we resolve to get ready to serve the have made a public commitment to do dominant Oriental Orthodox people in our parishes as best we can. so in the near future. If we can say that Church. The Bishop, on behalf of the whole a priest is, metaphorically speaking, The Holy Father’s visit will Church, then publicly and officially married to the Church and to God, then come just after the close of the accepts our request for candidacy. We admission to candidacy is like the pub- 100-year anniversary of the then begin the final leg of our prepara- lic announcement of the engagement Armenian genocide and during tions. between the candidate and God. the Year of Mercy, a significance “There are still two more years “I feel very humbled that the Holy not lost on the Armenian people, before we become priests, and there is Mother Church has honoured me by said Mikayel Minasyan, Armen- still no guarantee from either us or publicly confirming my vocation ian Ambassador to the Holy See. from the Church that this will happen. to priesthood.” The Armenian people have learned to be strong because of their history, Minasyan said, refer- ring to the genocide that occurred at the hands of the Ottoman SPOTLIGHT ON Pope’s remarks on role of empire during and after the First World War. women in Church clarified It left as many as 1.5 million Armenians dead. THE director of the Holy the early Church. The Pope said The ambassador also said the See’s press office said Pope understanding on the role of year has been a time to recognise Francis did not say in his female deacons in the early everyone who has supported the remarks to the heads of Church remained unclear and Armenians and raised awareness female religious orders and agreed with the sisters that it of the genocide, including Pope congregations that he would be useful to set up a com- Francis, who has recognised the intended to introduce the mission to study it. killings as religiously motivated. ordination of women and Fr Lombardi said that the During Mass on April 12 last even less the ordination of encounter was very encouraging year, Pope Francis referred to the women as priests. about women and in particular mass killing of Armenians by the Fr Federico Lombardi’s about consecrated women in Ottoman Turks, starting in 1915, statement followed the Pope’s Church life, including their role as a genocide, a term used in a widely reported remarks that he in important positions within the common declaration signed by wanted to set up a commission dicasteries where ordination is both St John Paul II and Supreme to study the question of female not implied. Armenian Patriarch Karekin II in deacons. The Holy Father’s Referring to the Pope’s remark 2001. remarks on deaconesses came about setting up a commission on during a question and answer the question of female deacons, session on Thursday last week Fr Lombardi said this had been with some 900 heads of female talked about within the Church in religious orders and congrega- the past. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and chief executive of the Scottish charity Mary’s Meals, named after tions who form part of the It arose from the fact that in Our Lady, met the Holy Father in Rome after his weekly general audience last week. Pope Francis offered International Union of Superi- the early Church there were strong words of encouragement. “Onwards! Onwards! Onwards!” the Holy Father said in Italian. “May God ors General. women described as deaconesses bless your work.” The Pontiff expressed great joy upon hearing that Mary’s Meals provides a daily meal in During the conversation, the who carried out certain tasks. school to more than 1.1 million of the world’s poorest children. Mr MacFarlane-Barrow, in centre of picture, Pope responded to several ques- Fr Lombardi said ‘we need to said: “Those forceful words of Pope Francis, spoken from the depths of his heart, will remain forever a tions, including one about what be honest’ when looking at the source of encouragement to me, and I hope for all of us in the Mary’s Meals family” prevented the Church from Pope’s remarks about being will- including women among the per- ing to set up a commission to manent deacons, just like during look again at this issue. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 7 Don’t be misled on Papal visits and travel The Prince of Wales PICTURE OF THE WEEK leaves at St Giles' THE letter from David Erskine—Caring Cathedral in Edin- Pope Francis needed by his flock (SCO burgh following the April 22)—makes a number of erroneous Kirking of the Scot- claims about the ‘enormous cost’ of the tish Parliament on Pope’s travels and suggests that the sums May 11 at which spent would ‘do a great deal to eradicate Archbishop Philip hunger.’ Tartaglis repre- In reality, the cost of a Papal trip abroad sented the Catholic is not ‘enormous’ and in fact such journeys Church.The Prince can often raise far more money than they of Wales then met cost. This is because when the Pope travels the party leaders— abroad on a chartered aircraft around 70 First Minster Nicola per cent of the seats are sold to journalists Sturgeon of the SNP, and media outlets at above cost price. Scottish Liberal Global news media companies are more Democrat leader than willing to pay for these places in order Willie Rennie, Scot- to have access to the Pope on his travels and tish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale, Scot- the opportunity for an in-flight press tish Conservative conference. Party Leader Ruth A number of such events have generated Davidson—in the global news headlines further justifying the Signet library in cost to the organisations involved. By this Edinburgh mechanism the cost of the Pope’s (surprisingly small) retinue is completely PIC: PA offset. Additionally, the Pope is normally the honoured guest of the country or territory he visits and usually does so at their invitation. As in all circumstances when someone invites a guest, it is the person issuing the invitation who bears the cost of the visit. Importantly, the travels of the Holy Father provide an opportunity for significant fundraising and charitable giving. When Pope Benedict XVI came to Scotland in 2010, the St Ninian’s Day pageant held along Princess Street in his honour, was co-sponsored by Marie Curie and Mary’s Meals who as the Church’s Charitable Cardinal Bo is an Burma have endured and how hopeful the partners raised significant sums from the inspiration to us all shoots of democracy are. But like any generous crowd of 125,000 who lined young plant, it needs shelter, support and a Edinburgh’s streets on that memorable day. WHAT a courageous and inspirational man watchful eye. The watchful eye of the In short, when Pope’s travel abroad, their Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Burma Universal Church and the world. ESTABLISHED IN 1885 trips do not drain the Church’s coffers, (Myanmar) is and what an honour for us I am disappointed that this visit to West rather, they draw attention to those in that he personally asked to start his UK at such an important juncture of his greatest need at very little expense. pilgrimage in Scotland. I was fortunate country’s development was not more Lastly, the writer’s suggestion to the Pope enough to attend a number of the events widely covered in the media. I hope the that he should ‘stay at home and care for organised by the four hosting charities for cardinal can take what he has learned here your flock’ seems not to appreciate, that his the Archbishop of Yangon’s visit. Like the in Scotland about interfaith dialogue back 1.2 billion strong flock are scattered across SCO, I remember his most powerful home with him to help united different Let life’s special moments every corner of the planet. message was given during his homily at the groups in his own country. Most will never manage a pilgrimage to Mass at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow. J McManus bring you closer to God Rome and for them an Apostolic visit will be What horrors the Church and the poor in GLASGOW a moment of enormous excitement and renewal. I pray that as long as the Pope’s schools, our cathedral, our charities, our EWS is, by its very nature, a mixture of ‘good’ and health permits he will continue to minister to Cherish you parish, school, community, country, church and faith, then ‘bad’—the tremendous success of this year’s March for his flock wherever they are. community and Faith we must celebrate them, and when better Life in Birmingham at the weekend tempered by the than on the milestone anniversaries. announcement that The Royal College of Midwives is Peter Kearney, I found a line in one of your stories from So if your parish or local school has an backing a campaign seeking to allow women to have DIRECTOR, last week to be very interesting: “What we upcoming anniversary then make the effort abortions up to nine months into pregnancy. SCOTTISH CATHOLIC MEDIA OFFICE cease to celebrate we will soon cease to to go along to any Mass or celebratory We all get weary, and can be tempted to switch off from evangelis- cherish.” I have always thought it event. It is important that we remember ing and engaging in public debate. We can, however, find inspira- CORRECTION: This letter was printed with N important that as a community Catholics those who have gone before us, and the tion—God at work—all around us, if we are only prepared to look and an unrelated and erroneous first paragraph celebrate their Faith and their history but work they did on our behalf. recognise it. A recent television commercial for a well known Scandi- last week. The SCO apologises for any could not put into words why it was navian furniture store, of all things, recently tapped into that vein confusion or embarrassment caused to important. But the Fr Rolheiser quote sums John Dugdale when it stated: “Enjoy the little things in life. Maybe they are really Peter Kearney, the SCMO or the Church it up. If we are to value our churches, our GLASGOW the big things.” The firm was of course paraphrasing US author Kurt Vonnegut who famously said: “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.” mainstay of Catholic away from the Church but a worse case scenario? Nothing In this week’s SCO we report on inspiring events all around us— An SOS on Catholic communication in our country: respectful friend. at all emerges, and Catholic from the Devotion to Our Lady of Fatima demonstrated at the communications The Scottish Catholic Observer Love it of loathe it, it is naïve news is left to the whim, National Shrine to Our Lady in Carfin and at Christ the King Church, newspaper. It seems no one to think that the potiential politics and agenda of the Howwood, Renfrewshire, on the feast of our Lady of Fatima to the St THE recent World Day of within the Church—laity or demise of our national Catholic mainstream press which, Margaret of Scotland pilgrimage planned in Dunfermline next month; Communication has got me clergy—is fighting for the newspaper, currently up for ultimately, as has been proven from the opening of the St Mirin’s Chaplaincy in Paisley to the sec- thinking about Catholic survival of our Catholic sale, will not be a tremendous time and time again, may ondary school pupils heading to India to work with disabled people communication in Scotland. newspaper be it through parish loss for our community should appear to play nice but through SCIAF partner the Association of People with Disabilities We are told by Pope Francis sales, personal promotion or it not find a buyer. I dread to ultimately has an axe to grind. (APD). And let’s not forget another best school nomination accolade and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia investment from the business think what would emerge in its The Scottish Church needs to for St Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch and pupil Jack Aitchison, of Glasgow to embrace digital community. Blogs, press place from the Church, what rebuild the confidence of the 16, scoring on his debut for Celtic FC on Sunday, nor the three new and social media and be releases and stories on the well-intended vanity project laity and the public after recent candidates for the priesthood at Scots College who were recently merciful in our defence and internet and in diocesan lacking independence, crisis and scandal. It needs all accepted by Bishop Farrell. promotion of our Faith. I think newsletters are all well and credibility or substance; or the friends it can get, and so, it It is all too easy, and understandable, however, that we all some- these are terrific ideas. What good but the SCO is and has worse what narrow ‘high appears, does the SCO. times allow life to wear us down for the announcement of parish clo- distresses me is what is always been a forum to bring church’ vehicle pandering to John O’Pake sures and the secularisation of society can be seen as a decline in faith. happening to the traditional everything together, a step the elite only emerges. The PERTH We may live in the first world but it is still not a utopia, many in our country are struggling even today with injustice and poverty. Indeed, things are sent to try us but it is often said that God does not send us G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements more than we can cope with. God gives us hope; God is hope, and This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO love, and mercy. G We all have special moments on our lives, big or small. We may not G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below see them for what they are at the time they occur but if we allow them to bring us closer to God, and give thanks, then they can last beyond a G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or your letter will not be used lifetime. Also, if we come to God with our troubles, He can comfort us and help ease our pain. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 8 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Please protect, develop our education A message of thanks and advice from the retiring director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service
syllabus for Religious Education for loudly proclaim their intolerance of par- pupils from P1 to S6, one which has New SCES director local ents who freely opt for Catholic educa- received the rare accolade of official BARBARA Coupar, coordinator of authorities, tion (where that choice is available endorsement from the Vatican and has religious education in Motherwell professional to them). attracted plaudits from Catholic school Diocese, was named as the new educational I am happy to compliment the secu- systems around the world. Much to the director of the Scottish Catholic bodies and to larist lobby for being well-organised and surprise of some, perhaps, we also Education Service (SCES) as the SCO the media.” media-savvy. I just wish that they would developed extensive programmes of went to press. Ms Coupar, display a more mature and respectful relationships, parenthood and sexual Ms Coupar, who is a member of the who started demeanour which might lend itself to health education for both primary and SCES executive board, will succeed teaching in reasonable dialogue, rather than insult secondary stages. These complement outgoing SCES Director Michael 1998 and and hyperbole. our religious education programmes in McGrath, who has been director since gained a I have enormously enjoyed the last 41 offering a vision of life which is inspired the organisation’s inception in 2003. Bachelor of Divinity in 1996 from years working as a teacher, above all by God’s love for all people and by “I wish to congratulate Barbara Glasgow University, said: “I am working with and for young people. I BY MICHAEL God’s call to relationship. Coupar on being chosen as the next honoured and delighted to have been loved being a head teacher, which, director of SCES,” Archbishop Philip appointed as the next director of the despite all the challenges which come McGRATH n February 2016 we launched advice Tartaglia, president of the Bishops Scottish Catholic Education Service. I with the job description, is still the best on how Catholic schools should Conference of Scotland, said. “I have hope that I can continue the positive job in the world. I am fortunate to have N May 2003 I was introduced to incorporate into their processes of no doubt that Barbara will continue to legacy that Michael McGrath has met many former pupils who have the media as the first Director of a evaluation and planning a clear focus on develop the excellent work of SCES built.” grown into fine men and women, some I which now has a very significant Mr McGrath, who will retire in July, new support service for Scot- school mission, identity, values and teachers and many parents. I am grateful land’s Catholic schools being set ethos. This will lead to schools address- profile both nationally and said he was ‘delighted that the to many colleagues across the country up by the Catholic Church. It was ing particular themes—such as ‘serving internationally for its work of bishops have moved swiftly to who have worked with me and offered strange to read reports of being dubbed the common good’ or ‘promoting supporting Catholic education in appoint Barbara as the next SCES me support and encouragement, partic- the new ‘Czar’or ‘Supremo’of Catholic Gospel values’—when teachers, stu- Scotland and for representing director.’ ularly in this most recent post as SCES schools,I as if I was being asked to run dents and parents discuss how their Catholic education to government, PIC: PAUL McSHERRY director. I wish everyone involved in an empire or a corporation. The reality Catholic school is Developing in Faith. Catholic education great success. In was somewhat less grandiose than these InApril 2016 we published Compan- learning. Scotland I sense that we are at a signifi- titles suggested. ions on the Journey, setting out a One of the most significant initiatives f course I also recognise that cant point when the tectonic plates of Now, as I anticipate retiring inAugust national strategy for promoting career- of recent years has been the introduction Catholic education continues to educational policy and governance 2016, my mind is drawn to thoughts of long professional learning (CLPL) for of the Caritas Award, established fol- face serious challenges in the structures may be starting to shift. I what has been achieved in 13 years and teachers in Catholic schools. The aim is lowing the UK visit of Pope Benedict Oyears ahead. The national teacher doubt if this will lead to the appointment what kind of platform has been estab- to offer more accessible opportunities XVI, and the Faith Award, named in recruitment crisis has particular impli- of any more ‘czars’ or ‘supremos.’ I lished on which a new SCES director for teachers who wish to develop the honour of Pope Francis. Provided for cations for Catholic schools across the hope that it will produce teachers who can build in the years ahead. While it’s knowledge and skills which will benefit pupils in secondary schools and primary country. We are working with partners are passionate about working with for others to comment on any successes their work in accompanying young peo- schools respectively, both awards to encourage young people to aspire to young people, helping to transform their or otherwise, I believe that a number of ple as they journey through key life encourage young people to demonstrate become teachers and school leaders. lives through learning. significant developments have affected stages, providing ‘witness’through their how religious faith can have a positive Teacher shortages haven’t reached the In the Catholic Church, in Scotland Scotland’s Catholic schools in these own lives of integrity, as Pope Francis impact on people—in their school, their catastrophic levels of the mid 1970s and beyond, I can see signs a renewed years. None of these has emerged from has encouraged them to do. Some teach- local community and in the developing when I entered the profession. But, with- commitment to formation in Faith, with the work of any single person. Each has ers may engage with aspects of theology world. The outcomes have included out concerted efforts to boost the profile young people—and those of us not so been the product of close collaboration which are directly relevant to pro- wonderful testimonies from young peo- of teaching as a rewarding and vital young—keen to develop their under- among teachers, head teachers, parents grammes of Religious Education. Oth- ple about their commitment to show career, we could end up back there. standing of the Catholic tradition and to and others who have generously con- ers will explore moral and ethical issues love to their neighbours, far and wide, I am sanguine, but not complacent, be authentic in their practice. For that, I tributed their time, their expertise and which affect young people in a world and to commit their talents to serving the about the likely continuation of attacks thank God and pray for blessings on all their enthusiasm to ensure that our work which is beset by moral and ethical chal- needs of others. These acts of service, on Catholic schools from the ‘usual sus- who minister in the Church. was focused on improving outcomes for lenges. I anticipate that it will be a major carried out by young people of all faiths pects.’ While remaining silent about all children and young people. priority for my successor to ensure that and none, are inspired by the Gospel and the evidence showing that Catholic I Michael McGrath is the retiring Just as Curriculum for Excellence teachers are encouraged and supported bear great hope for a world often char- school communities are successful, director of the Scottish Catholic was emerging we developed a national to engage in such on-going professional acterised by self-interest and greed. inclusive and effective, these critics Education Service, SCES
The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of MICHAEL McGRATH’S comments on CATHOLIC EDUCATION? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Challenges the Holyrood election results pose for the Church AS LARGE organisations go Hugh McLoughlin is in reality an oncoming train; ity that minority governments turing people’s talents and ondary education, so that all in terms of body count, than this wrecking ball that has bro- by definition have to make deals encouraging creative, analytical children and young people learn the Catholic Church there is ken loose and now swings free? to survive: deals, perhaps and thinking, investing in an educa- tolerance, respect, human rights, none bigger if we are talking Church must quickly reassess A minority government! even, with the devil. And since tion system that is accessible to equality, good citizenship, to on the grand scale, the the situation in light of the result With 63 SNP MSPs, First the Government’s ear, and all, celebrates diversity and nur- address and prevent prejudice worldwide Church Univer- of the Holyrood election. And Minister Nicola Sturgeon finds hence parliamentary schedule, is tures talent.’ and about healthy relationships sal, and few bigger if we are here we encounter a first and herself two votes short of an now open to offers, seductive Whereas IF the SNP had won through refreshed, age-appropri- being more parochial, as it very real concern. Amongst absolute majority. As of writing, whispers will quickly come an outright majority it could soft ate strategies and resources; were, and merely consider- those who find themselves at the evening of Communications from those who have Catholic pedal on pre-election promises 3. work towards every profes- ing our Scottish Catholic the very top of any organisa- Sunday, our Church leadership schools directly in their line to that unrepresentative but sional working with children Church. tion—the top tier and those is silent. Bishops are suppos- of sight. vocal group, now Ms Sturgeon being trained on equality, At either level, that sheer big- tasked with advising them— edly, and we hope, not worldly Make no mistake: Catholic can be held hostage by Patrick addressing prejudice-based bul- ness represents a huge problem there are two types of person: men and so may be excused education now faces a very real Harvie, the leader of the Greens lying, attachment, child devel- both for those at the very top of those who WANT things to hap- being not fully aware of the threat. And so, too, does the rest and a LGBT parliamentary opment and child protection. the hierarchy, who must decide pen, and; those who MAKE harsher realities of politics. Let of society if we don’t face up to activist. where to lead the Church, and things happen. us forget not the policy of Pope that threat. The easiest solutions Back in March, the First Min- Who among our Church lead- for the rest of us, who must Of course, and worryingly, St Pius X: “The politics of the to any problem Ms Sturgeon will ister said that she would: ership will show himself, or learn how to follow. Solving the there is all too often a third type: Church is—we don’t do poli- have when canvassing for exter- themselves, ready to make problems of the wider Church, Those who amidst titanic tics!” That is precisely why nal support on an iffy vote, and 1. ensure all new, guidance and things happen by way of moti- however, we shall have to leave wreckage wonderingly ask prelates have always sought the she will have such a problem and promoted teachers would have vating both the Catholic Faithful for another day because our “What the hell just happened?’ advice of, and, indeed, most likely sooner rather than to undertake training on equality and our fellow citizens to vol- local Church faces an immedi- And lest we sink beneath the employed, informed laymen. later, is to look to the two smaller so they are confident in tackling ubly and effectively oppose ate problem, clamouring for our waves, that plaintiff cry must be (and street-wise clerics.) parties, the Greens and the Lib- prejudice-based bullying; these incursions on the rights of attention. answered since, yes, it is being So the hierarchy should have Dems. In their manifesto, the 2. promote children’s health and parents? I am confident that Just like every other Scottish heard. What is this iceberg; this been quickly apprised of the Greens simply stated that they well-being right throughout where we lead, others will organisation, our Catholic light at the end of the tunnel that pending danger that is the real- will: “Put more emphasis on nur- early years, primary and sec- gladly follow. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 9 Beware the false secular utopia, BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA the French model teaches us all Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk SUN MAY 22 - SUN 29 Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Rome for the Year of Mercy. every week. By 2006, the fig- the country use some form of must life be in the Republic of ure was 4.5 per cent. In the ten psychotropic drug. Liberty, Equality and Frater- years to 2011, Catholic mar- nity that so many of its citizens ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY riages went from 40 per ent of study three years ago require such medication? all marriages in France to 29 by France’s National France’s prized secularity or Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh per cent, while in the same Drug Safety Agency laïcité, while succeeding in www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com period the number of priests A(ANSM) found that 32 per cent removing virtually all vestiges of fell by 2 per cent. of French people used such religion from public life appears SAT MAY 21 12PM Confirmations, Our Lady and St France is well on the way medications, either on a regular also to have succeeded very Andrew, Galashiels 4PM Visit to Traquair House. SUN 2PM towards a complete estrange- or occasional basis, making the effectively in removing religious Diocesan Union of Catholic Mothers’ Mass, St Catharine’s ment with religion in general French, the world’s top con- identity from its citizens private Convent, Edinburgh 5.45PM Confirmations, St Mary’s and with Catholicism in sumers of antidepressants. lives, in the process, stripping the Cathedral, Edinburgh. MON 7PM Confirmations, St Mary’s, particular. It seems the sleek pharma- lives of millions of them of Stirling. TUE 7PM Confirmations, St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh. So, has there been an explo- cies of Paris are beginning to meaning and purpose. But not all WED - THU Church of Scotland General Assembly, BY PETER sion or even an increase in the crowd out the city’s stylish of them. Edinburgh. WED 7PM Evening of Mercy, St James’, St ‘real happiness’ Marx pre- boutiques and cosmetics coun- Some are fighting for the Andrews. THU 6PM Beating Retreat, Holyroodhouse, KEARNEY dicted would follow such an ters, though all are in the busi- values which once under- Edinburgh. FRI 7PM World Youth Day fundraising evening, Gillis Centre, Edinburgh. abandonment? Au contraire, ness of promising of beauty, pinned the French nation. In there have been many conse- health and happiness. March 2013, more than million N 1843, the German quences, but an increase in Yet pharmacists reveal that people filled the streets of Paris BISHOP TOAL philosopher and econo- general happiness has not been their chic clientele crave to demonstrate against the mist Karl Marx claimed one of them. greater and greater quantities French Government’s decision Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk that religion was ‘the Currently, 57 per cent of of tranquilisers and sleeping to legalise same-sex marriage opium of the people’ In French children are born out of pills. So great is the French and ‘procreative rights’ for SUN MAY 22 PM Confirmations in St Paul’s, Hamilton. MON a critique of religion as a pur- wedlock, up from 37 per cent demand for calming and anti- homosexual couples. So great 10.30AM School visit to St Brigid’s PS, Newmains 1.30PM poseless and pointless 20 years ago, including the depressant medicines, accord- was the gathering that the crowd School visit to St Thomas’ PS, Wishaw 7PM Confirmations endeavor, Marx went on to four children of President Hol- ing to one report, that for the filled the Champs-Elysées in St Mary’s, Coatbridge. TUE 10.30AM School visit to St I Mark’s PS, Rutherglen 1PM Diocesan Safeguarding Meeting say: “The abolition of religion lande, who has never married. last decade the French on aver- between the Arc de Triomphe as the illusory happiness of the French youth are drifting age have consumed three times and the river Seine a sea of pro- in Diocesan Centre 7PM Confirmations in St Monica’s, people is the demand for their away from wine and increas- more of such drugs than testers some 6km long. Coatbridge. WED 7PM Confirmations for St Blane’s PS in St John Ogilvie’s, Blantyre. THU AM AGM of Primary real happiness. To call on them ingly replacing it with their neighbours in Britain and The French Government Headteachers in Hilton Hotel, Bellshill 7PM Confirmations in to give up their illusions about cannabis. Cannabis consump- Germany. completely ignored the protest St Patrick’s, Coatbridge. their condition is to call on tion among the 18–35 year The French are now and passed same-sex marriage them to give up a condition olds more than tripled between reported to be consuming laws anyway, but a movement that requires illusions.” the early 1990s and 2007. mood-altering drugs at a rate was born and the conscience of BISHOP GILBERT In other words, unless or France leads the world in the far greater than the rest of the many was stirred. until people completely aban- consumption of tranquillisers Europe and the US. “We The secularised, atheistic Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com don religion, they can never and has more pharmacies than already held the European dream of Marx so readily attain or achieve what Marx any other European country, record for alcohol consump- embraced by the French state SAT MAY 21 12PM Meeting and Mass for World Youth Day describes as ‘real happiness.’ almost double the number in tion,” Science and Life maga- has been profoundly damaging Pilgrims, Keith. 6PM French Mass, St Francis of Assisi, Marx was a German who spent the UK, which has a similar zine stated. to the physical, mental and Mannofield. SUN 9.30AM Confirmations, Holy Family, much of his life in London, population, Germany, with 82 “Now we have been pro- spiritual health of the people of Mastrick. MON 4.45PM Confessions for French Children, where he is buried, and will be million people, has 1700 fewer moted to become the most France. As a new Scottish Par- Bishop’s House. TUE 11AM Blairs Museum Management remembered most for the pharmacies than France. tranquilised country on earth.” liamantary session begins we Committee meeting, Blairs. 6.30PM Your Army influence his work had on Rus- Consumption of painkillers, Disturbed Health Officials can only hope that more Presentation, Beach Ballroom. WED 5.30PM Mass and sia, later, the Soviet Union yet, anti-depressants and tran- revealed.” aggressively secular measures blessing of chapel for Sisters of the Holy Family of the in some respects, it is in France quilisers sleeping pills and are not on its agenda. Needy, Aberdeen. THU-SUN Visit to Shetland (with Confirmations) and Fair Isle. that his diktats have been most other prescription medication hat exactly do so closely followed. has reached new heights many French men I Peter Kearney is director of In 1952, 27 per cent of according to recent figures and women wish to the Scottish Catholic Media BISHOP ROBSON Office French Catholics went to Mass showing one in three adults in escapeW from? How terrible Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk
SUN MAY 22 Parish Visit to St Patrick’s and Our Lady of Victories, Dundee. MON-SAT On Retreat. BISHOP KEENAN Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk
SAT MAY 21 11AM Paisley Synod session, Notre Dame High, Greenock. SUN 12PM Permanent Diaconate, St Joseph’s Clarkston. MON 10AM Holy Cross Croy and St Andrews Cumbernauld, school visit. TUE 7PM WYD prep meeting. WED School visits and confirmations in the evening. THU School visits and confirmations in the evening. FRI 6.30PM Jubilee for priests event, St Mirins Cathedral.
BISHOP NOLAN Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk SAT MAY 21 10AM Our Lady of the Assumption and St Meddan’s, Troon Confirrmation/First Communion. 6PM St Luke’s, Moffat, Mass. SUN 9.30AM Holy Trinity, Lockerbie, Mass 11.30AM St Teresa’s, Dumfries, Confirmation/First Communion. MON 1.30PM St Patrick’s Primary School, Auchinleck. TUE 4PM Colloquium on Catholic Approaches to Nuclear Proliferation and Disarmament, London. THU 9.30AM St Andrew’s Primary School, Kilmarnock. FRI 10AM St Joseph’s Primary School, Stranraer. BISHOP MCGEE Argyll & the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk SUN MAY 22 11AM Confirmations, St Mun's Ballachulish. MON Office Appointments. TUE Office Appointments. WED Office Appointments. THU Visit to House Of Prayer, WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Craiglodge, Dalmally. 10 LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE 11 Having the most powerful arguments may not guarantee success – sometimes it helps to let creativity lend a hand
WRITE TO LIFE land, this creative development is welcome more facts on abortion and up-to-date statistics and SPUC Scotland’s creative enterprise, WRITE to than ever. research. It has two interviews from women, one LIFE, has trialled since October 2015, yielding Motherwell Express, our first pro-life play, was a talking about post-abortion trauma and the other great results, and there are now exciting plans for resounding sucess when it was performed during the about having a child as a teenager and choosing life. the future. Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project’s festival, This talk has been developed over a long time, Joseph Biddulph, a life-long pro-life activist, reg- Lentfest, run by Stephen Callaghan. A girl named drawing on vast experience. Every statement is ularly contributes to WRITE to LIFE. His poem Monica boards a train having taken RU486, the backed up by fact. Invariably the pupils enjoy the ‘Conversations from a Bridge’, narrates a father’s “abortion pill”. Distressed and frightened, Monica talk. It fires their imagination and shows there are regret over pushing his daughter towards an abor- enlists the help of the compassionate Breda and the multiple factors that law makers in a democracy tion. This excerpt from his poem shows the power frosty Rose. In what becomes a race to save the need to consider. The idea that “my choice” is the that poetry from the heart has to reach out to hearts baby, the race to save humanity also is laid bare. new rule of law is shown to be a red herring. and minds. Many people who saw the play, including women Potential school speakers continue to express who are post-abortive, encouraged SPUC to make it interest in our training courses. Please get in touch And I freely admit it: I spoke of human rights, widely available online and we are in the process of if you would like to become involved. We are work- Her right to make this choice, my no-right to deter recording and developing this. ing on increasing the number of secondary schools her, Two for One is SPUC Scotland’s autumn 2016 to deliver our media talk to. And yet in retrospect her rights had all been clear play and is being developed. This play exposes the And violated, ere she reached the plight eugenics behind the drive to eliminate children who THE PATTER OF TINY FEET So dire for her: all her rights ignored have disabilities or congenital abnormalities. The We are continuing with our pilot of Tiny Feet and Before she ever reached the clinic’s door: play demonstrates the impact of abortion on hospital the feedback from the primary school is that the P6 Her right to protection, her right to unselfish love, staff, which is particularly poignant since the children have been enthusiastic throughout. Teach- Her right to be double-valued as she stood with Supreme Court judgement against Glasgow mid- ers are very interested in this resource and we are child: wives Mary Doogan and Connie Wood narrowed receiving a lot of requests to provide this resource to Her right to be supported, and not further trialled conscience rights in this area to a chilling degree. primary schools in 2016/17. With inquisitions, an iron fist in glove: Like Motherwell Express, however, Two for One The pack is full of information on how the baby’s The right to have me cuddle her, agree is ultimately about hope, change and courage. For senses develop, how the skin and brain grow, and “You both can stay with me.” the pro-life message is not about despair but joy. how the baby feeds and breathes in the amniotic Both these plays assist SPUC’s sister organisation sac. This is a great resource to prepare for biology It is essential that we develop a creative approach ARCH as they portray post-abortion trauma and and other sciences in first year at secondary school. within pro-life. Cultural relativism, which insists on how women and men can get help. Many people are We also provide speakers to give a one-off talk to there being no objective truth, is shutting down ethi- affected when a pregnancy ends up in abortion, primary 7 children on the development of the baby cal debate. Human rights ideology is yielding away including employees working in healthcare, grand- in the womb. Showing them a factual video which from an absolute right to life and establishing parents, siblings and friends. shows the baby dancing from 10 weeks in their alarming claims to a right to abortion. Freedom of We have an exciting collection of pro-life poems mother’s womb and their heart beating from 18 expression is being replaced with restrictions based and short stories that supporters have written and days. Invariably children are fascinated by the on individuals’ over-nurtured claims of being sent to us. We have plans for audio and video pre- beauty of creation and their own uniqueness. The “offended”. sentations of them in the future. Every Tuesday questions the children have are not only voluminous The story, the parable, has been around for cen- WRITE to LIFE posts a poem on SPUC Scotland’s but show insight and interest. turies as an effective tool, especially during times of Facebook page and on our website, www.spucscot- Why not get involved with WRITE to LIFE or persecution, as St John Paul the Great noted. The land.org. Have you liked our Facebook page? become a SPUC Scotland speaker? There are oppor- story is a vehicle which can convey both emotion tunities to talk in parishes, schools, clubs and spread and reason. It can tap directly into society’s innate SPUC SCOTLAND SCHOOL SPEAKERS the joy of the prolife message. Or perhaps you storytelling nature and help spread pro-life solutions “Education is simply the soul of a society as it would like to host an event and fundraise while pro- instead of the carnage of abortion. The opposite has passes from one generation to another,” as GK viding “info-tainment”? We are always happy to been happening, especially through the nation’s Chesterton put it. come and talk to your group on the facts of develop- soap operas, which have invariably deadened the In 2016 we have implemented a multi-media talk ment in the womb, the tragedy of abortion, and the nation’s conscience and subtly, through pro-choice on the protection of the unborn child for secondary creative solutions that we can together work storylines, altered moral convictions. schools. It is based on science and human rights towards. Please contact Rachel McKenzie by With devolution of the law on abortion in Scot- declarations which protect life. It provides basic emailing [email protected] Opposing abortion should not mean shutting anyone out Whether engaging in vigorous debate with political parties or reaching out to women in distress, pro-life activists should hold firm to their principles and let their compassion shine through, JOHNDEIGHAN of SPUCSCOTLAND reports
HE recent parliamentary election has a new sig- means that unborn children will lose any legal protection Many who give their support will be unaware that the party ties still happily support legal abortion. That is a challenge dren (SPUC) was “How much can I mix my activism with were involved in the decision to abort, it was she, and she was an 18-plus hour day, but well worth the trip. What nificance. The newly passed Scotland Act makes against the taking of their lives. has such dangerous views on the right to life and religious that needs to be faced. An effort to instil a firm understand- the abortion-recovery side of my work, and will I be putting alone, who gave her signed consent. This was her doing and strikes you is the fun and joy that everyone radiates. abortion law a power of the Scottish Parliament Political life in Scotland is undergoing a seismic shift. In freedom (they want to ban Catholic schools as well). ing of the Church’s teaching in families, schools, parishes off people seeking help?” I thought hard about that. But then as far as she’s concerned, the pain or the numbness she feels One person who noticed the joy was a young woman in and so the views of MSPs on this subject are very a pattern seen around the world, people are becoming disil- The lesson for those who want to see political parties and wider society is needed. someone reminded me that if a person is filled with pain are no more than she deserves. She’s silent because the baby crisis pregnancy who, while walking through Birmingham important. Following the launch of the ‘Don’t lusioned with politics as it fails to live up to the hopes holding to ideas that promote a better society is that they If the Green movement can take such a high profile in inside then the trigger is within them and that can be set off she knows she was carrying is no longer around to feel or last year, came across the March for Life and was struck by Stop a Beating Heart’ campaign key political leaders, invested in it. In Scotland our desire for change has resulted need to be more involved. So often public consciousness then so can the by anything in everyday life: what they see on TV; what they think anything. What right has she, then, to look for healing how joyous people were. She noticed a banner that made notably including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, stated that in a desertion from the Labour party. It must be hard for it is the small organisations like importance of human life, provided we hear on the radio; what they see walking down the street. and mercy? She is silent because she is terrified that the peo- her think about the abortion she was just about to have. After Tthey would not change the law on abortion. many of the stalwarts of Labour to understand the speed of the Green Party that most easily There’s an army of folk show the same determination to pro- For them to see pro-lifers may just be another reminder of ple she loves will reject her and not love her any more. She seeking help she cancelled her abortion. She stood on the This is at least a barrier to those who are determined to their demise and now many even question whether they can succumb to the ideas of very few out there, women and mote a good idea as they do a bad one. their pain—one among many others. So it’s also important, grieves the death of her child and no-one comes up to her to stage this year, holding her wee boy and thanking the crowd make abortion even more easily available. But unfortunately be a force in Scotland again. We shouldn’t lose hope that a people. We have less justification ARCH if you come across an angry person, to keep in mind that console or offer condolences. So what can we do? for their witness, which led her to choose life for her baby. there is a determined core of people in our society who, for sudden change could also occur in support of life. in complaining about what politi- men, who believe they may be hurting because of an abortion decision. Think If she tells you, cry with her. Offer her hope. And there is This is one of the many reasons why we march. It was so whatever reason, are grimly determined to expand the The big winner is, as we all know, the Scottish National cal parties do if we refuse to take Amid our pro-life activism, it is always now about how you can reinforce the idea that, although you hope. This is a wound that can be healed. We’re not here to moving to hear her speak and see how thankful she was for destruction of human life in the womb. Their influence can- Party, as it becomes the new establishment. But our voting the opportunities available to themselves to be important to be perceptive to those disagree with the act of abortion, you do not condemn any- condemn, we’re here to recognise the pain she’s feeling and the life of her baby. not be ignored. For example, it has led to the Royal College system allows minority groups to make breakthroughs as influence them. Democracy needs who may be post-abortive. I think most one for having one, as there are many difficult circumstances understand that and to be with her through that. Know the The march itself had a real buzz to it. Thousands walking of Midwives giving their support to proposals for abortion well and the Greens have benefitted from this. Their brand widespread participation by peo- beyond the limits of of us manage this well, but I under- that may have led them to that decision. It’s important to details of post-abortion recovery organisations like ARCH through the streets, singing and dancing and loving life. Of to birth to be legalised. is one that is favourably covered in all walks of life. Every- ple. Most of us can do some small stand how it feels to think “I don’t bear in mind that we are going to encounter people in our and maybe lead her towards Rachel’s Vineyard—a post- course, there was some opposition but undecided onlookers It is important to realise what a determined minority can body wants to be Green. Nothing seems as inoffensive as amount even if it is emailing a mercy, beyond help know the right thing to say” or “How day-to-day lives who have had an abortion. abortion recovery retreat for both men and women. They are could see who the aggressive side were straight away. achieve. Democracy works in such a way that those who are being Green. Who doesn’t want to look after trees, the envi- candidate or writing to a party, can I help this person?” I think the There’s a whole army of folk out there—mainly women, not alone and they don’t have to go through this alone. After the events of the day, some of our young folk spoke on the front foot in proposing legal change can eventually ronment and wildlife? expressing our views, when they look for voter input. right answer is to simplify it. Among the complications that but men, too—who are so riddled with sorrow, grief, pain If you or anyone you know has been hurt by abortion, call to Stephanie Gray, one of the speakers, who was very move step by step to their goal. Those who participate are Schools across Scotland have put great effort into pushing It is for that reason that the Bishops of Scotland called on surround any abortion, there is also a simplicity in how we and regret that they genuinely believe themselves to be ARCH today on 0845 603 8501. The helpline is available excited to meet us as her dad is from Glasgow. We had a the ones who will spread the ideas for good or for bad a ‘Green Revolution’. Thus young people in their idealism Catholics to be more involved in politics. That also comes can help. Most importantly, be yourself and be a friend. Your beyond the limits of mercy, beyond help. They are a silent Monday-Friday during office hours and every night of the good chat with her and sampled her Scottish accent before through the whole political system. have largely absorbed the notion that Green is an unalloyed with a need to be informed on the Church’s social teaching. greatest asset is to care for this person and let the compas- army; they live and move among us; they sit very close to us year from 7-10pm. Calls are charged at local rates. climbing back aboard our bus home. That is why we cannot ignore the fact that the Green party good. It is routine for Scottish schools, including Catholic This doesn’t prescribe political solutions but it provides the sion that you already have shine through. but because of an impenetrable wall of silence, they are also has embedded in its policies very radical abortion proposals. ones, to put great effort into gaining a Green Flag for their principles of right and wrong that must be adhered to by all Certainly a concern I had when I took up my unique role light years apart from us. The woman who has experienced March for Life I John Deighan is director of SPUC Scotland “We will push for abortion to be removed from the criminal schools. Unsurprisingly, then, when an election ballot paper people who want to act justly. Sadly, I know from experi- of working for both Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline abortion so wraps herself in silence that she is stuck in a On Saturday May 14 it was an early start for the Scottish justice system,” the party asserts in its manifesto, which has a Green party option it has a considerable attraction. ence that many who genuinely claim to be Catholics in par- (ARCH) and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Chil- fortress. She’s silent because, no matter how many people contingent heading to the March for Life in Birmingham. It I http://spucscotland.org/
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE 11 Having the most powerful arguments may not guarantee success – sometimes it helps to let creativity lend a hand
WRITE TO LIFE land, this creative development is welcome more facts on abortion and up-to-date statistics and SPUC Scotland’s creative enterprise, WRITE to than ever. research. It has two interviews from women, one LIFE, has trialled since October 2015, yielding Motherwell Express, our first pro-life play, was a talking about post-abortion trauma and the other great results, and there are now exciting plans for resounding sucess when it was performed during the about having a child as a teenager and choosing life. the future. Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project’s festival, This talk has been developed over a long time, Joseph Biddulph, a life-long pro-life activist, reg- Lentfest, run by Stephen Callaghan. A girl named drawing on vast experience. Every statement is ularly contributes to WRITE to LIFE. His poem Monica boards a train having taken RU486, the backed up by fact. Invariably the pupils enjoy the ‘Conversations from a Bridge’, narrates a father’s “abortion pill”. Distressed and frightened, Monica talk. It fires their imagination and shows there are regret over pushing his daughter towards an abor- enlists the help of the compassionate Breda and the multiple factors that law makers in a democracy tion. This excerpt from his poem shows the power frosty Rose. In what becomes a race to save the need to consider. The idea that “my choice” is the that poetry from the heart has to reach out to hearts baby, the race to save humanity also is laid bare. new rule of law is shown to be a red herring. and minds. Many people who saw the play, including women Potential school speakers continue to express who are post-abortive, encouraged SPUC to make it interest in our training courses. Please get in touch And I freely admit it: I spoke of human rights, widely available online and we are in the process of if you would like to become involved. We are work- Her right to make this choice, my no-right to deter recording and developing this. ing on increasing the number of secondary schools her, Two for One is SPUC Scotland’s autumn 2016 to deliver our media talk to. And yet in retrospect her rights had all been clear play and is being developed. This play exposes the And violated, ere she reached the plight eugenics behind the drive to eliminate children who THE PATTER OF TINY FEET So dire for her: all her rights ignored have disabilities or congenital abnormalities. The We are continuing with our pilot of Tiny Feet and Before she ever reached the clinic’s door: play demonstrates the impact of abortion on hospital the feedback from the primary school is that the P6 Her right to protection, her right to unselfish love, staff, which is particularly poignant since the children have been enthusiastic throughout. Teach- Her right to be double-valued as she stood with Supreme Court judgement against Glasgow mid- ers are very interested in this resource and we are child: wives Mary Doogan and Connie Wood narrowed receiving a lot of requests to provide this resource to Her right to be supported, and not further trialled conscience rights in this area to a chilling degree. primary schools in 2016/17. With inquisitions, an iron fist in glove: Like Motherwell Express, however, Two for One The pack is full of information on how the baby’s The right to have me cuddle her, agree is ultimately about hope, change and courage. For senses develop, how the skin and brain grow, and “You both can stay with me.” the pro-life message is not about despair but joy. how the baby feeds and breathes in the amniotic Both these plays assist SPUC’s sister organisation sac. This is a great resource to prepare for biology It is essential that we develop a creative approach ARCH as they portray post-abortion trauma and and other sciences in first year at secondary school. within pro-life. Cultural relativism, which insists on how women and men can get help. Many people are We also provide speakers to give a one-off talk to there being no objective truth, is shutting down ethi- affected when a pregnancy ends up in abortion, primary 7 children on the development of the baby cal debate. Human rights ideology is yielding away including employees working in healthcare, grand- in the womb. Showing them a factual video which from an absolute right to life and establishing parents, siblings and friends. shows the baby dancing from 10 weeks in their alarming claims to a right to abortion. Freedom of We have an exciting collection of pro-life poems mother’s womb and their heart beating from 18 expression is being replaced with restrictions based and short stories that supporters have written and days. Invariably children are fascinated by the on individuals’ over-nurtured claims of being sent to us. We have plans for audio and video pre- beauty of creation and their own uniqueness. The “offended”. sentations of them in the future. Every Tuesday questions the children have are not only voluminous The story, the parable, has been around for cen- WRITE to LIFE posts a poem on SPUC Scotland’s but show insight and interest. turies as an effective tool, especially during times of Facebook page and on our website, www.spucscot- Why not get involved with WRITE to LIFE or persecution, as St John Paul the Great noted. The land.org. Have you liked our Facebook page? become a SPUC Scotland speaker? There are oppor- story is a vehicle which can convey both emotion tunities to talk in parishes, schools, clubs and spread and reason. It can tap directly into society’s innate SPUC SCOTLAND SCHOOL SPEAKERS the joy of the prolife message. Or perhaps you storytelling nature and help spread pro-life solutions “Education is simply the soul of a society as it would like to host an event and fundraise while pro- instead of the carnage of abortion. The opposite has passes from one generation to another,” as GK viding “info-tainment”? We are always happy to been happening, especially through the nation’s Chesterton put it. come and talk to your group on the facts of develop- soap operas, which have invariably deadened the In 2016 we have implemented a multi-media talk ment in the womb, the tragedy of abortion, and the nation’s conscience and subtly, through pro-choice on the protection of the unborn child for secondary creative solutions that we can together work storylines, altered moral convictions. schools. It is based on science and human rights towards. Please contact Rachel McKenzie by With devolution of the law on abortion in Scot- declarations which protect life. It provides basic emailing [email protected] Opposing abortion should not mean shutting anyone out Whether engaging in vigorous debate with political parties or reaching out to women in distress, pro-life activists should hold firm to their principles and let their compassion shine through, JOHNDEIGHAN of SPUCSCOTLAND reports
HE recent parliamentary election has a new sig- means that unborn children will lose any legal protection Many who give their support will be unaware that the party ties still happily support legal abortion. That is a challenge dren (SPUC) was “How much can I mix my activism with were involved in the decision to abort, it was she, and she was an 18-plus hour day, but well worth the trip. What nificance. The newly passed Scotland Act makes against the taking of their lives. has such dangerous views on the right to life and religious that needs to be faced. An effort to instil a firm understand- the abortion-recovery side of my work, and will I be putting alone, who gave her signed consent. This was her doing and strikes you is the fun and joy that everyone radiates. abortion law a power of the Scottish Parliament Political life in Scotland is undergoing a seismic shift. In freedom (they want to ban Catholic schools as well). ing of the Church’s teaching in families, schools, parishes off people seeking help?” I thought hard about that. But then as far as she’s concerned, the pain or the numbness she feels One person who noticed the joy was a young woman in and so the views of MSPs on this subject are very a pattern seen around the world, people are becoming disil- The lesson for those who want to see political parties and wider society is needed. someone reminded me that if a person is filled with pain are no more than she deserves. She’s silent because the baby crisis pregnancy who, while walking through Birmingham important. Following the launch of the ‘Don’t lusioned with politics as it fails to live up to the hopes holding to ideas that promote a better society is that they If the Green movement can take such a high profile in inside then the trigger is within them and that can be set off she knows she was carrying is no longer around to feel or last year, came across the March for Life and was struck by Stop a Beating Heart’ campaign key political leaders, invested in it. In Scotland our desire for change has resulted need to be more involved. So often public consciousness then so can the by anything in everyday life: what they see on TV; what they think anything. What right has she, then, to look for healing how joyous people were. She noticed a banner that made notably including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, stated that in a desertion from the Labour party. It must be hard for it is the small organisations like importance of human life, provided we hear on the radio; what they see walking down the street. and mercy? She is silent because she is terrified that the peo- her think about the abortion she was just about to have. After Tthey would not change the law on abortion. many of the stalwarts of Labour to understand the speed of the Green Party that most easily There’s an army of folk show the same determination to pro- For them to see pro-lifers may just be another reminder of ple she loves will reject her and not love her any more. She seeking help she cancelled her abortion. She stood on the This is at least a barrier to those who are determined to their demise and now many even question whether they can succumb to the ideas of very few out there, women and mote a good idea as they do a bad one. their pain—one among many others. So it’s also important, grieves the death of her child and no-one comes up to her to stage this year, holding her wee boy and thanking the crowd make abortion even more easily available. But unfortunately be a force in Scotland again. We shouldn’t lose hope that a people. We have less justification ARCH if you come across an angry person, to keep in mind that console or offer condolences. So what can we do? for their witness, which led her to choose life for her baby. there is a determined core of people in our society who, for sudden change could also occur in support of life. in complaining about what politi- men, who believe they may be hurting because of an abortion decision. Think If she tells you, cry with her. Offer her hope. And there is This is one of the many reasons why we march. It was so whatever reason, are grimly determined to expand the The big winner is, as we all know, the Scottish National cal parties do if we refuse to take Amid our pro-life activism, it is always now about how you can reinforce the idea that, although you hope. This is a wound that can be healed. We’re not here to moving to hear her speak and see how thankful she was for destruction of human life in the womb. Their influence can- Party, as it becomes the new establishment. But our voting the opportunities available to themselves to be important to be perceptive to those disagree with the act of abortion, you do not condemn any- condemn, we’re here to recognise the pain she’s feeling and the life of her baby. not be ignored. For example, it has led to the Royal College system allows minority groups to make breakthroughs as influence them. Democracy needs who may be post-abortive. I think most one for having one, as there are many difficult circumstances understand that and to be with her through that. Know the The march itself had a real buzz to it. Thousands walking of Midwives giving their support to proposals for abortion well and the Greens have benefitted from this. Their brand widespread participation by peo- beyond the limits of of us manage this well, but I under- that may have led them to that decision. It’s important to details of post-abortion recovery organisations like ARCH through the streets, singing and dancing and loving life. Of to birth to be legalised. is one that is favourably covered in all walks of life. Every- ple. Most of us can do some small stand how it feels to think “I don’t bear in mind that we are going to encounter people in our and maybe lead her towards Rachel’s Vineyard—a post- course, there was some opposition but undecided onlookers It is important to realise what a determined minority can body wants to be Green. Nothing seems as inoffensive as amount even if it is emailing a mercy, beyond help know the right thing to say” or “How day-to-day lives who have had an abortion. abortion recovery retreat for both men and women. They are could see who the aggressive side were straight away. achieve. Democracy works in such a way that those who are being Green. Who doesn’t want to look after trees, the envi- candidate or writing to a party, can I help this person?” I think the There’s a whole army of folk out there—mainly women, not alone and they don’t have to go through this alone. After the events of the day, some of our young folk spoke on the front foot in proposing legal change can eventually ronment and wildlife? expressing our views, when they look for voter input. right answer is to simplify it. Among the complications that but men, too—who are so riddled with sorrow, grief, pain If you or anyone you know has been hurt by abortion, call to Stephanie Gray, one of the speakers, who was very move step by step to their goal. Those who participate are Schools across Scotland have put great effort into pushing It is for that reason that the Bishops of Scotland called on surround any abortion, there is also a simplicity in how we and regret that they genuinely believe themselves to be ARCH today on 0845 603 8501. The helpline is available excited to meet us as her dad is from Glasgow. We had a the ones who will spread the ideas for good or for bad a ‘Green Revolution’. Thus young people in their idealism Catholics to be more involved in politics. That also comes can help. Most importantly, be yourself and be a friend. Your beyond the limits of mercy, beyond help. They are a silent Monday-Friday during office hours and every night of the good chat with her and sampled her Scottish accent before through the whole political system. have largely absorbed the notion that Green is an unalloyed with a need to be informed on the Church’s social teaching. greatest asset is to care for this person and let the compas- army; they live and move among us; they sit very close to us year from 7-10pm. Calls are charged at local rates. climbing back aboard our bus home. That is why we cannot ignore the fact that the Green party good. It is routine for Scottish schools, including Catholic This doesn’t prescribe political solutions but it provides the sion that you already have shine through. but because of an impenetrable wall of silence, they are also has embedded in its policies very radical abortion proposals. ones, to put great effort into gaining a Green Flag for their principles of right and wrong that must be adhered to by all Certainly a concern I had when I took up my unique role light years apart from us. The woman who has experienced March for Life I John Deighan is director of SPUC Scotland “We will push for abortion to be removed from the criminal schools. Unsurprisingly, then, when an election ballot paper people who want to act justly. Sadly, I know from experi- of working for both Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline abortion so wraps herself in silence that she is stuck in a On Saturday May 14 it was an early start for the Scottish justice system,” the party asserts in its manifesto, which has a Green party option it has a considerable attraction. ence that many who genuinely claim to be Catholics in par- (ARCH) and the Society for the Protection of Unborn Chil- fortress. She’s silent because, no matter how many people contingent heading to the March for Life in Birmingham. It I http://spucscotland.org/
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Today’s youth—who are they really?
that are important to them. They present an inconsistent pic- ture: On the one hand, by and large, they are not going to church, at least with any regularity; they are not fol- lowing the Christian ethos on sexual- ity; they seem indifferent to and even sometimes hostile to many cherished religious traditions; and they can appear unbelievably shallow in their addiction and enslavement to what’s trending in the world of entertainment, fashion, and information technology. BY FR RONALD Looked at from one perspective, our kids today can appear irreligious, ROLHEISER morally blasé, and on a heavy diet of the kind of superficiality that charac- terises reality television and video SEMINARIAN I know games. More seriously still, they can recently went to a party also appear myopic, greedy, pam- on a Friday evening at a pered, and excessively self-interested. local university campus. Not a pretty picture. The group was a crowd But this isn’t exactly the picture. of young, college students and when They can also manifest a smugness between their cultural ethos and their suffer from our own bi-polarity: We he was introduced as a seminarian, as eneath that surface, in most and self-sufficiency that suggests little own fragile securities. The culture are mature, but far from wonderful someoneA who was trying to become a cases, you will find someone vulnerability and no need for guidance trumpets a certain ethos, liberation and likeable. This makes for some priest and who had taken a vow of who is very likeable, sincere, from anyone beyond themselves. from the timidities of the past, com- strange, paradoxical binaries. celibacy, the mention of celibacy soft,B good-hearted, gracious, moral, Hence their bi-polarity: Mostly they plete with a smugness that belittles So who is the actual young person evoked some giggles in the room, warm, generous, and searching for all want all the right things, but, too often, whatever questions it. But much of of today? Is it the person who is some banter, and a number of jokes the right things (without much help because of a lack of genuine guidance that smugness is actually whistling in wrapped up in his or her own world, about how much he must be missing from a culture that lacks clear moral and their addiction to the culture, they the dark. Deep down, our youth are obsessive about physical appearance, out on in life. Poor, naïve fellow! Ini- guidance and is fraught with over- aren’t making the kinds of choices that pretty insecure and, happily, this keeps addicted to social media, living out- tially, within this group of millenni- choice). The good news is that most will bring them what they more- them vulnerable and likeable. side marriage with his or her partner, ums, his religious beliefs and what this young people, at the level of their real deeply desire. smug in his or her own non-traditional had led to in his life was regarded as desires, are not at odds at all with God, Sexuality is a prime example here: aybe Louis Dupre, the retired moral and religious views? That, I something between amusing and piti- faith, church, and family. For the most Studies done on millenniums indicate philosopher who taught for believe, is the surface appearance. The ful. But, before the evening was out, part, youth today are still very good that most of them want, at the end of some many years at Yale, actual young person of today is warm, several young women had come, cried people and want all the right things. the day, to be inside a monogamous, capturesM it best when he says that good-hearted, generous, and waiting, on his shoulder, and shared about their But, that is not always so evident. faithful marriage. today’s young people are not bad, they waiting consciously for love and affir- frustration with their boyfriends’ Sometimes their surface seems to The problem is that they also are just not finished. mation, and waiting unconsciously for inability to commit fully to their trump their depth so that who they believe that they can first allow them- That’s a simple insight that captures God’s embrace. relationship. really are and what they really want is selves ten to 15 years of sexual a lot. Someone can be wonderful and This incident might serve as a para- not so evident. We see the surface and, promiscuity, without having to accept very likeable, but still immature. I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and ble describing today’s young people in seen there, our youth can appear more that practicing ten to 15 years of infi- Moreover, if you’re young enough, member of the Missionary Oblates of our secularised world. They exhibit self-interested than generous, more delity is not a good preparation for the that can even be attractive, the very Mary Immaculate. He is president of what might aptly be called a bi-polar shallow than deep, more blasé than kind of fidelity needed to a sustain definition of cool. the Oblate School of Theology in San character about faith, church, family, morally sensitive, and more reli- marriage and family. In this, as in The reverse is also, often times, Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at sexual ethos, and many other things giously indifferent than faith-filled. many other things, they are caught true: More than a few of us, adults, www.ronrolheiser.com
The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on BI-POLARITY? Send your points of view pages of the SCO are those of to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church
VICTOR Hugo was one of the the valuables. prisoner he is looking for: Jean that “to love another person greatest French authors, and Forgiven and treated gener- Valjean. is, indeed, to touch your face”. he died on May 22 in 1885. ously, Valjean decides to Les Misérables continues May we live in your love for- One of his most famous books change his life. with love stories and escapes, ever. has been made into a musical He can only break with the telling of the courage and the Amen. that has been performed across past, he feels, if people no struggle to improve the lives the world. longer know that he is a for- of all who are poor and HERE are the three inpsiring The book and the musical mer prisoner. deprived. one-sentence quotes: are called Les Misérables, He decides to take on a new Les Misérables is one of the The American poet, Walt telling of a thief—Jean Val- name, and moves to a small world’s most popular musi- Whitman, who died on May jean—who is released from town, where eventually he cals. The Finale includes these 26 in 1892, said: “In the faces being chained in a floating becomes mayor, and helps words: of men and women I see prison for 19 years. His people. “To love another person God.” imprisonment has taken away Because Jean Valjean has is to touch the face of God.” The musical of Les Mis- his sense of living as a human broken the law in not reporting The first part of our prayer érables has these words in its being. On his release, no-one regularly to the police, a is based on a prayer written by Finale: “To love another per- will help him because he is an policeman (called Javert) Victor Hugo, the author of Les son is to touch the face of ex-prisoner. Eventually a searches for him, year after Misérables: God.” priest invites him to have a year. The policeman happens A Church document says meal. Valjean leaves the house to arrive in the town where the We who weep come to you, that “The human person is the during the night, stealing what exprisoner has become the Lord, clearest reflection of God is valuable from the priest’s mayor, but he does not recog- because you always among us.” house. nise him. share our sorrow. Soldiers come upon him and One day there is an accident We who suffer come to you, Father, God of love, arrest him as he acts suspi- and someone becomes trapped knowing that you cure. as I come to recognise you ciously. They discover the under a runaway cart. Immedi- We who are afraid come to in the faces of those people valuables and take him back to ately the mayor lifts one end you, you have placed into my life, the priest. of the heavy cart with his because you smile on us. I ask that I may grow Wanting to give him a back. The policeman who sees We share in your life as the loving person break, a chance, the priest lies this knows of only one other because you share ours you call me to be. and says that he has given him man with such strength—the PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK and so we know, God of love, Amen WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 13 Catholic news from university EWTN PROGRAMMES faith by degrees campuses via the Scottish Network of Catholic Students SUNDAY MAY 22 EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 11AM 9PM REGINA CAELI WITH POPE FOOTPRINTS IN THE FRANCIS WILDERNESS 1PM THURSDAY The time has come to start SUNDAY MASS 5PM 1PM EWTN BOOKMARK DAILY MASS 5.30PM 5.30PM meeting with young Catholics EXTRAORDINARY FAITH EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 6PM 6PM THE WORLD OVER SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS 9PM CHRISTI MASS AND Michael Kearns looks at evangelisation for the SCOTTISH NETWORK SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME 10PM PROCESSION FROM ROME OF CATHOLIC STUDENTS in this month’s FAITH BY DEGREES column VATICANO 9PM MONDAY FOOTPRINTS IN THE 1PM WILDERNESS HIS is our final Faith by Degrees DAILY MASS 9.30PM 8PM for the academic year, to recon- EWTN LIVE FORGOTTEN HERITAGE: vene after summer. I hope that FRIDAY readers enjoy these monthly EUROPE AND THE EUCHARIST insights from Catholic students, 8.30PM 1PM and that a fuller picture is being drawn of a CATHOLIC ENLIGHTENMENT: DAILY MASS thriving area of the Church’s life in this GIFTS OF CATHOLICISM TO 5.30PM Tcountry. CIVILIZATION EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY Within the Scottish Catholic Network of 9PM 8PM Student (SNCS), there are a diversity of FOOTPRINTS IN THE THE WORLD OVER older, more established chaplaincies as well WILDERNESS 9PM as brand new, fledgling outfits, with others TUESDAY lying on the spectrum in between. What is 1PM WELCOME TO KRAKOW - HOME uniform, however, is that the story of student DAILY MASS OF WORLD YOUTH DAY 2016! Catholicism in Scotland in 2016 is becoming 5.30PM SATURDAY an unbridled success. I cannot stress enough EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY that in an age where ‘managing decline’ is 1PM often accepted as an inevitability for Chris- 9PM DAILY MASS FOOTPRINTS IN THE tians in Scotland, we are experiencing on 7PM WILDERNESS campuses something truly counter-cultural, "TSHIMANGADZO": THE STORY evangelistic and extraordinary. WEDNESDAY OF BENEDICT DASWA None of the following is unique to me; 1PM rather, it is becoming the template for suc- DAILY MASS 9PM cessful Catholic student formation all over 5.30PM IRREPLACEABLE the country. It became clear to me after start- ing university in 2013, that the chaplaincy was something speciaI. I had always been a weekly Massgoer and a proud Catholic, but having experienced what I have done since LAY READERS’ GUIDE then I look back and can only think of how impoverished my Catholicism would have remained if not for the chaplaincy. The rea- son for this is two-fold. Firstly, you are given an opportunity to grow in your Faith publicly and personally alongside others at a very asean holistic concept. If we want to re- SUNDAY MAY 22 similar stage. Evangelise Scotland’s youth, let’s properly Proverbs 8:22-3. Response: How great is This is an opportunity not replicated in teach them the Faith, in its uncompromised your name, O Lord our God, through all the many other situations I can think of. In most fullness and beauty. earth; Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15. parishes, we only see each other at Sunday And this is why focusing on our youth is Mass; in our Catholic schools, much of the such a pastoral priority. In an era where focus of daily life is naturally on the aca- every Diocese looks to reallocate and ratio- MONDAY demic subjects, and in any case teenagers— nalise its resources, many of us are now though very often in possession of an sible for coordinating the whole New Evan- happy to make a plea for youth and student 1st Peter 1:3-9. Response: The Lord keeps authentic, hopeful trust in God and love of gelisation project, that it is no accident that ministry to be one of the foundations upon his covenant in mind. Mark 10;17-27. neighbour—simply do not make God a talk- his dicastery deals primarily with catechesis which we will win souls back for Christ in ing point, for fear of ridicule, unwanted and with the Year of Mercy. You cannot sep- the 21st century. Jesus, as we know, ‘met debate, or offending the zeitgeist. arate, he said, Mercy, catechesis and Evan- people where they were’, and Pope Francis TUESDAY At the chaplaincy, however, you are in gelisation. None will work properly without has been clear about the Church needing to 1st Peter 1:10-16. Response: The Lord has daily contact with peers with whom you are the other two. Also in Rome, Cardinal go out from comfort and familiarity and onto made known his salvation. Mark 10:28-31. free to talk about football, exams, the best Muller, prefect of the CDF, made clear to us the streets if we are going to evangelise in club nights in Glasgow, tips on how to make young Scots that ‘doctrine is not a barrier to the modern age. The sad fact is that few a good confession, anecdotes about particu- our relationship with Christ; rather, it is a young people can now be found in churches. WEDNESDAY lar saints’ prayer power, interesting areas of necessary and constitutive element of that They are, however, in schools, colleges and Church teaching, whatever. Because young relationship.’ universities. 1st Peter 1:18-25. Response: O praise the people have a regular daily setting with their I can testify in the clearest possible terms To build up a future for the Church in Lord, Jerusalem! Mark 10:32-45. peers which has God as its basis and not just the reality of this on the ground. You will Scotland, we need to start with meeting this as some added cultural extra, this represents struggle to find in this country a ‘lapsed’ or generation where it is, to give as many the first complete normalisation and full agnostic young Catholic who has any seri- young people as possible—not just at the THURSDAY embrace of their Catholic faith. This is an ous understanding of virtually anything that established universities but everywhere—a 1st Peter 2:2-5, 9-12. Response: Come absolutely crucial step, the personal spiritual the Church actually teaches. A friend of setting where peer support and Faithful cat- before the Lord, singing for joy. Mark 10:46-52. development and formation takes off like a mine, highly intelligent, Catholic-school echesis will bring them back into those rocket from here. educated and who only eventually gave up churches and back to God. This is not a wing Secondly, to quote Pope Francis, ‘you can on Mass in their very late teens, recently and a prayer. It is, as the students in the net- FRIDAY not know Jesus without His Church.’ My refused to believe me when I mentioned to work’s societies can tell you, already a real- 1st Peter 4:7-13. Response: The Lord comes experience at university has given me, and them that the Church teaches that the ity. Let’s support and widen this successful my peers, a level of catechesis which I strug- Eucharist is literally Jesus’ body and not just model of Evangelisation as soon as we can. to rule the earth. Mark 11:11-26. gle to imagine could be better. This is blessed bread. On the flip side, the most absolutely critical if we want young people enthusiastic and devout of my peers that I I What do you think about this new who care about building up the Church. know are not just well catechised in a formal monthly section in the SCO? Have your say SATURDAY sense, but they are confident and personally on the Scottish Network of Catholic Stu- Jude 17, 20b-25. Response: For you my soul dents Facebook page at https://www. ast summer, on an SNCS pilgrimage very sure of the truth of what they believe. If is thirsting, O Lord, my God. Mark 11:27-33. in Rome, we were told by Archbishop Faith, hope and charity are eternal Truths, facebook.com/scotncs. This column will LFisichella, Pope Francis’ man respon- then let’s not shy away from eternal Truth resume after the summer. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 There truly is a balance of good in the world THAT’S LIFE finds the things that fill you full of joy and wonder do help counter when life really gets you down
I don’t have a care in the world. We are in our own stakes are higher. mother to 90 children. little world. Granted, at the sound of his mother’s A trip out with the pram is And then there is Bobby voice, he loses any interest he might have in me. fraught with danger. Even Schindler, the brother of Terri Each day he is more alert. If I have not seen him the simplest thing concerns Schavio (left), the woman for a couple of days I notice some little change. me. Will it rain or won’t it? who became the face of the By Mary I long for him to be able to smile so that I can The correct response is, he’s right-to-life movement in have confirmation that he does indeed like me. as snug as a bug in a rug, so America and who was legally McGinty Love will take a little longer. Until then, I have what does it matter? Still, I starved and dehydrated to enough for both of us. fret. Then there are the pot death in 2005. After a cardio- ICHOTOMY is the word that might The other side is much less pleasant. Suddenly holes that must be averted. respiratory arrest following an best describe my current state. On it’s as if there’s a big bad world out there with no Crossing the road is a feat of unexplained collapse in 1990 one hand there is the new grand- end of horrors just waiting to befall him. If only I navigation. Terri was placed on a ventila- mother who is still so high she could, I would shield him from all peril —real and Worst of all has got to be tor although she was soon able couldbe scraped off the ceiling, and the product of his gran’s vivid imagination. those inconsiderate drivers to breathe unaided. on the other, the latent neurotic who could yet turn who bump their cars up on A medical malpractice suit into a complete embarrassment to her entire fam- efore his arrival I would blithely stride the pavement for fear that another car might clip was won and awards were made to Terri and her Dily. In short, this grand-parenting lark is taking a along the pavements with no thought for their precious wing mirror. Meanwhile my beloved husband, Michael Schiavo. Despite the vigorous bit of getting used to. ragged paving stones. Occasionally and boy has to be wheeled on to the road around afore- opposition of Terri’s family, who would gladly Babies have a way of keeping you rapt, every- Bsometimes, not so occasionally, I would take a mentioned vehicle. Discourteous drivers on the have taken her home, Michael Schiavo, fought one knows that. When I am holding my grandson flier. If I fell, I fell. No big deal. These days the north side of the Clyde had better watch out, that’s successfully to have her feeding tubes removed. all I am saying. He, by then, was living with his new fiancée and stood to inherit money in trust for her care. After o the challenge now is to find the counterbal- 14 days she died a terrible death. Bobby’s testi- Gordius No 247 ance. Other than looking at photos of cute little mony of her final days makes harrowing reading. CROSSWORD puppies, I am contemplating all the good in the It is far removed from her estranged husband’s Sworld. There is plenty, of course, but recently two account which described her as ‘beautiful’ at people have particularly impressed me. the end. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Having read the obituary of Alex Timpson, the Bobby Schindler was unable to save his sister’s
7 8 wife of the chairman of the cobblers and key-cut- life, but at every opportunity he has challenged the ters, Timpsons, I was moved by her devotion to perception that death, following the removal of 9 10 helping others. While running a successful busi- food and hydration tubes, is peaceful and painless.
11 ness, her husband mirrored her deep social con- The idea that dying in dignity in such circum- cerns in his company. He instigated a policy of stances is a ‘patently absurd notion,’ he has said. 12 13 14 employing ex-offenders resulting in a reoffending His commitment to the pro-life cause has been First entry out the hat on FRI rate far lower than the national average. At home, unceasing. When he spoke recently at SPUC’s 15 16 17 MAY 27 will be the winner Alex was a force of nature. Unable to have more annual youth conference his fervour was 18 19 20 children, after the birth of her third baby, she undimmed and he enthused a new generation in adopted two and over the years she was foster their efforts. For that, we can give thanks. 21 22 Send your completed crossword entries—along with 23 your full name address and
24 25 daytime phone number—to CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 SUDOKU 26 27 28 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 29 30 31 32 6BT SIMPLE 33 34 35 1 4 5 8 The winner’s name will be 36 printed below. 4 7 9 3 965 8 7 12 3 4 37 4 783 9 5 2 6 1 The editor’s decision is final 1 1268 3 4 5 97 5 3 4 176 8 9 2 ACROSS MAY 13 SOLUTION 719 2 8463 5 1 Priests read daily of it - a heavenly place 4 8 to work! (6,6) ACROSS 6 8 295 4 7 13 7 Poisonous snake (3) 819 6 2 5 3 47 9 Latin American peasant (4) 1 Bad 3 Caterpillar 962831 10 Objects to one night's disturbance (6) 8 Sister-in-law 3 674 9 851 2 11 Why take in the point of what may be found with 9 Utilised 13 Broom 2 4 5 317 9 6 8 curds? (4) 15 Laconic 16 Cutlery 7 1 14 Legumes (5) 20 Grace Before Meals FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 15 Girl featuring in a Haka rendition (5) 16 For many years, he was dictator of Yugoslavia (4) 21 Tweet 23 Ate up 6 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 18 Small mammal (5) 24 Chick pea 25 Eugene AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 21 This Asian is repainting all Quebec interiors, to begin 27 Absr with (5) 5 8 1 7 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 Contribution to a meeting or discussion (5) DOWN WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 Evaluate a precious metal or its ore (5) 1 Baseball bat IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 24 Playthings (4) 6 293 25 Raced around a tree (5) 2 Despotic 3 Cheek IS APRIL 29’s SIMPLE SOLUTION 26 Ben is about to become a playwright (5) 4 Equator 6 Lisbon 29 Tree involved in oil exploration (4) 7 Rid 12 Pony Express MODERATE 24 A dagger for Mr Bogarde (4) 13 Being 14 Mouse 8 4 26 Popular beverage (3) 17 Etcetera 37 Hoppin' guitar arrangement for a different 18 Massage instrument? (7,5) 19 Relief 22 Taker 2 1 4 9 3 917 8 5 4 3 2 6 DOWN 23 Abuts 24 Cob 312 5 7 6 4 9 8 1 Perish (3) 9 3 194 6 8 2 7 5 3 2 Plant on which grapes grow (4) 7 6 1 4 3 5 982 3 They're edible? That's crazy! (4) 4 Type of chemical compound, such as rust (5) 3 4 5 6 832 194 7 6 5 5 Dickens character who makes a cigarette popular (5) 2 5 3 8 6 9 1 7 4 6 Every end of a fuzzy fruit (4) MAY 13 crossword 8 The 'poor luck' myth is dispelled where some pilgrims Jesie Steele, South Uist 279 46 23 8 1 75 landed (8,4) 5 327 9 1 8 4 6 9 Beautiful part of the UK where you may only glance 14 Lies out in the sun (5) 7 1 9 8 8 1 756 4 3 2 9 19 Synthetic material (5) 20 Wind up the cardinal, just a little amount (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 27 Red spot that makes part of a robin different (5) Scotland’s only national 7 8 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 28 Cohen may have a Biblical forename (5) AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 30 In the Bible, Jacob's brother (4) Catholic weekly newspaper 31 Reaction of shock or disbelief (4) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. 9 4 3 2 6 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 32 Notion (4) Registered at the Post Office WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 35 Brazil's most colourful city, in short (3) as a newspaper. 6 8 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS APRIL 29’s MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 15
MILL HILL MISSIONARIES CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES RECRUITMENT
th 150 Scottish National Mass R.C. Diocese of Galloway Anniversary In Honour of The Lady of All Nations The R.C. Diocese of Galloway has an opportunity for an experienced Accountant For all our friends, helpers, former students looking for a part time role. A day to celebrate Mission and the At Based in Ayr you would be working circa 21 150th Anniversary of the Founding Saint Mirin’s Cathedral, of St. Joseph’s Missionary Society hours per week, possibly over three days Incle Street, Paisley but with flexibility for the right person. 11.00 a.m. The Celebration of Holy Mass On Responsible for the in-house preparation of . will be led in Nazareth House chapel by accounting functions, the successfulcandidate His Grace Archbishop Philip Tartaglia for the role of Diocesan Finance Officer will Reception in the hall of Nazareth House Tuesday Evening the look after all aspects of the financial . management of the Diocese, which is a . Fr Michael Corcoran mhm, General Superior of 24th May, at 7pm registered Scottish Charity, SC010576, the Mill Hill Missionaries will be among the guests with an income of circa £4,000,000. and will speak about our missionary work Main Celebrant Further details and application throughout the world Mgr John Tormey available from S1jobs.com. Teas and snacks will be provided http://www.s1jobs.com/job/accountancy/ . Tea in the hall afterwards general-practice/ayr/618541284.html
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - CARFIN NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES - CARFIN
Saturday 28th May Please join us at the Grotto for a VIGIL OF THE FEAST OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST PROCESSION – CORPUS CHRISTI to mark the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Evening Prayer andBenediction7.30pm Christ (Corpus Christi) on Sunday 29th May at Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 3pm The Rosary each hour, on the hour A special invitation is extended to First Communicants and Confessions throughout the evening Night Prayer of the Church andBenediction11.30pm Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to attend A Plenary Indulgence is granted to all those who pass through the Holy Door of the Parish Church, ALL WELCOME having been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), receive Holy Communion and pray for the Intentions of Pope Francis. For more information visit www.carfingrotto.org For more information visit www.carfingrotto.org
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LONEY MacKINNON MURPHY PRAYER TO THE 21st Anniversary 21st Anniversary. Please pray for the repose BLESSED VIRGIN Treasured memories of our In loving memory of my dear of the soul of our dear O Most Beautiful Flower of dear brothers, brothers-in- husband, Donald, who died mother, Margaret, who died Mount Carmel, fruitful in the law and uncles, John, died May 20, 1995; also my May 21, 1989, also our dear splendour of Heaven, May 20, 1995, and Liam, brother-in-law and uncle, father, Thomas, who died Blessed Mother of the Son died May 25, 1995 ; also Donald Allan, who died on loved ones gone before and April 4, 1960. of God, Immaculate Virgin, May 9, 1995, and loved Eternal rest grant unto them, assist me in this my neces- after. ones gone before and after. O Lord. sity. O Star of the Sea, help On their souls sweet Jesus, Whatever else we fail to do, me and show me herein You have mercy. We never fail to pray for you Happy memories, kept forever, Inserted by your loving wife are my Mother. O Holy DONNACHIE Of days when we were all WEBB Mary, Mother of God, Queen 13th Anniversary Mary and family. together, 11th Anniversary of Steve, In loving memory of my dear of Heaven and Earth, I Each of us in our own way, devoted husband and loving mother, Alice, mother-in-law, humbly beseech You from Has special thoughts of MacLEAN dad of Oliver. grandmother and great- 8th Anniversary the bottom of my heart to them today, Your presence we miss, grandmother, who died May In loving memory of Katie succour me in my necessity. We often sit and reminisce, Your memory we treasure, 26, 2003. R.I.P. There are none that can And share a laugh or two, (nèe MacLeod), who died Loving you always, On whose soul, sweet Fondly telling stories, May 24, 2008, beloved wife Forgetting you never. withstand Your power. O Jesus, have mercy. Of things we used to do. of Donald, who died July 5, All our love Oliver and show me herein You are my Infant King, watch over her. 1995. Close in our hearts their Dolores. xxx mother. O Mary, conceived Inserted by Mattie and family. St Anthony, pray for them. memory is kept, Holy Family, pray for us. without sin, pray for us who To treasure forever and Inserted by the family. STEELE have recourse to Thee FOY never forget. Cherished memories of (three times). Holy Mary, I 9th Anniversary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Catherine Anne, loving wife, Precious memories of John, THANKSGIVING place this cause in your pray for them. mum and granny, who died dear husband, dad and hands (three times). O thank Inserted by all the family, 12 on May 21, 2015. GRATEFUL thanks to St grandad, who died May 23, you for your mercy to me Viewfield Road, Coatbridge. Loved and remembered Clare. – M. 2007. and mine. Amen. Say for They never die who live in every day. three days; publication the hearts they leave behind. McALISTER Len and boys, Daliburgh, GRATEFUL thanks to Our In loving memory of our dear promised. – A.M. Merciful Jesus grant John South Uist. Lady, the Sacred Heart, St parents, Angus John, died eternal rest. Joseph, St Anthony and St May 22, 2007, Agnes, died NOVENA PRAYER TO ST Inserted by the family. THOMSON Clare for all favours June 10, 1994; also our received. – A.O. JUDE sister, Catherine Woods, 22nd Anniversary May the Sacred Heart of HIGGINS died September 6, 1989 and Please pray for our darling In loving memory of Michael, MacNEIL GRATEFUL thanks to St Jesus be praised, adored, our brother, Alister, died daughter, Lynne Margaret a beloved son and brother, 20th Anniversary Jude, St Clare and St Pio. – glorified and loved through- August 25, 1974. Thomson, B.A. died May 21, who died on May 21, 2000, Precious memories of a A.F. out the world now and for- We miss them most who 1994, aged 22 years. aged 25 years. much loved mother and ever more. Sacred Heart of loved them best. We think about you every In our hearts you are always grandmother, Flora (Loll), Jesus have mercy on us. St Our Lady of the Isles, pray GRATEFUL thanks to Our there, who died May 21, 1996. day Jude helper of the hopeless, for them. Lady, the Sacred Heart, St Loved and remembered in There is so much we want to From all the family, Eriskay She lived for those she Pio, St Jude, St Anthony and pray for us. St Jude, great every prayer. say, and Fort William. loved, St Clare for all favours miracle worker, pray for us. God bless, from Mum, Dad, And those she loved We miss your laugh received. – A.P. Say nine times daily. - P.C Elizabeth, Stephanie, Patrick We miss your smile, MacDONALD remember. and John. We want so much to see 27th Anniversary Also remembering Loll’s In fond remembrance of my Brother, Iain, who died May The twinkle in your eyes. JENKINS husband, Donald (Domhnall 30, 1996. Love you always. In loving memory of our Eirisgeach), loving dad and Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh Mum, Dad, Karen and beloved father, granda and grandad of the family, who a Thighearna, Stephen and all her family. great-granda, Donald, who died May 23, 1989. Agus solus nach dibir died on May 22, 1978. Fois shiorruidh thoir dha a dearrsadh orra, TRAYNOR Queen of Heaven, pray for him. Thighearna, Gun robh am fois ann an In loving memory of Remembering also our loved Agus solus nach dibir sith. Kathleen McLaughlin, who ones gone before and after. dearrsadh air. Amen. Michelle and family. died on May 21, 1984, St Bernadette, pray for him. beloved wife of the late Remembered by his loving MacNEIL Peter Traynor, loving mother wife Ceit and family, Eriskay, 17th Anniversary of Rose, James and Benbecula, Canada and In loving memory of a dear Glasgow. mother, Margaret MacNeil, Catherine. Leanish, Isle of Barra, who R.I.P. MacDONALD died May 25, 1999. 14th Anniversary In our hearts you are always WALKER In loving memory of my there, 26th Anniversary beloved husband, Ronald, Loved and remembered in Treasured memories of a much loved father, grandfa- every prayer. dear husband, father and ther and father-in-law, who May she rest in peace. grandfather, Padruig Walker, died May 20, 2002. KEARNS, Jane Our Lady, Star of the sea, who died May 20, 1990. You are always loved and 55th Anniversary pray for her. Inserted by his loving wife remembered by all of us. In loving memory of Jane, Inserted by her loving family. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray Clara and family. who died May 21, 1961. for him. Those we love remain with us , Kathleen Inserted by his loving wife MURPHY WILSON For love itself lives on, Flora and family at home (née Holmes) 47th Anniversary And cherished memories and away. 1st Anniversary In ever loving memory of our never fade In loving memory of Kath- dear grandfather, John Because a loved one’s gone. leen, who died on May 24, McGUIGAN Wilson, died May 23, 1969, Those we love can never be 2015. Beloved wife of John, 34th Anniversary and also our dear grand- More than a thought apart, dear mother of Valerie and Please pray for the repose mother, Lexie Wilson, who For as long as there is memory Donna and grandmother of of the soul of our dear died July 23, 1979, and They’ll live on in the heart. mother, Marie, who died on David, Steven, Ryan and Alasdair MacInnes, died July Our Lady of the Wayside, May 17, 1982, also our dear Erin. pray for her. father, Brian, died March 7, Never more than a thought 26, 1988. R.I.P. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray 1968. R.I.P. away, St Martin de Porres, pray for for her. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Loved and remembered him. Your loving son Joseph and for them. every day. Inserted by all the family at daughter-in-law Betty. Inserted by the family. Inserted by her loving family. home and away. 18 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 Nigerian Holy Sisters arrive to help the needy of Aberdeen By Robert Wilson
ON APRIL 22 five members of the Holy Sisters of the Needy arrived in Aberdeen diocese to help support the cathedral and work in the deanery. The sisters are a reli- gious congregation of Niger- ian origin that strive to care for the less privileged and safeguard the rights of unborn children. The sisters were officially welcomed at Sunday Mass by Bishop Hugh Gilbert as well as Deacon Tony Schmitz and Fr Keith Herrera (right). “I welcome most warmly to the Cathedral and the Diocese the Holy Family Sisters of the Needy,” Bishop Gilbert said at the Mass of welcome. “They are beginning with us their first Scottish mission and I am confident the Holy Spirit and the Catholics ofAberdeen will help them pray and work among us to good effect.” Three members of the Sisters will be staying in Aberdeen to work in deanery and hopefully this first Scottish mission will blossom into more success in the future.
SPOTLIGHT ON
Ecumenicalism at Pluscarden Abbey THE RT REV Dr Angus 2 with his wife Marion and the dict Hardy, the Abbey’s Prior, The altar servers from St Patrick’s Parish in Kilsyth went for a little adventure recently. Accompanied by their Morrison, Moderator of the Minister of Aberlour (above). and Br Michael de Klerk, the parish priest Fr Daniel Doherty the group enjoyed a weekend retreat at Pluscarden Abbey. The group of General Assembly of the The Moderator had a pleas- Abbey’s cellarer. Pluscarden youths from the parish enjoyed their trip so much they even asked if they could come again Church of Scotland, visited ant visit and even received a Abbey is located near Elgin and Pluscarden Abbey on May tour of the Abbey by Fr Bene- can trace its history back to 1230. SCIAF success for pupils at St Bernadette’s Primary ST BERNADETTE’S Pri- presented with a cheque (right) mary School pupils had a of £1843.17 all raised by the pretty busy schedule during pupils from the school. Ms Lent with many great fundrais- McGrath was overcome with joy ing activities to raise funds for over the generosity of the pupils SCIAF. The P6/7 group at the and parents in raising the fantas- school in Tullibody led the tic amount especially for a charge for the charitable expe- school with only 112 pupils. rience by organising events “The St Bernadette’s commu- such as wearing their uniforms nity has always been generous back to front, dressing up as but this year’s fundraising has their favourite book characters, exceeded all expectations partic- and walking a sponsored ularly when you consider that mile for SCIAF. the Scottish Government will The whole school participated double our total, taking it to in the events and even some of £3684.34,” headteacher Mrs the parents got involved in all McElroy said. “Our children and the excitement. their families, led by P6/7, have On Monday April 25, Kath- made a real difference in the leen McGrath from SCIAF was lives of many people.” E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY MAY 20 2016 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 19
Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith
gave them the best possible food—bread and First Reading wine that He changed into His own body and Until the Lord comes, every time you eat this bread CHILDREN’S blood—His own good self. Then He told and drink this cup, you proclaim his death. A reading them: “Keep doing this. Continue to gather from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians and remember me as you share the bread 11:23-26 CROSSWORD 132 and wine which I leave you as my body and Brothers and sisters: I have already told you blood.” what the Lord Jesus did on the night He was The Eucharist is the way we continue to betrayed. And it came from the Lord himself. 1 2 3 4 5 6 gather and remember Jesus and let Him give He took some bread in his hands. Then after He us Himself as food to keep our hearts had given thanks, He broke it and said: “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this and healthy— that is, generous, joyful and brave 7 8 just like His heart. remember me.” After the meal, Jesus took a cup of wine in 9 Discussion his hands and said: “This is my blood, and with I Ask the children if they have ever been really it God makes his new agreement with you. 10 hungry or really thirsty. How did they feel? Did Drink this and remember me.” they feel like playing? Did they feel like doing The Lord meant that when you eat this bread 11 12 schoolwork? Did they offer to help with a task and drink from this cup, you tell about His death while their stomachs were growling? until He comes. 13 14 I Remind them that we all depend on food and The Word of the Lord 15 16 17 drink to give us energy and to refresh us so we Responsorial Psalm feel like doing things for ourselves and others. 18 19 I If we are hungry and thirsty what do we think 110:1, 3, 4 about? Getting something to eat and something R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of 20 to drink. Ask them what is their favourite food Melchizedek. and favourite drink (they will go back to this for The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right side, 21 22 the activity). until I make your enemies into a footstool for you.” Activities R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of ACROSS G Mat erials needed: Sheets of drawing paper. Melchizedek. 1 Sound like a dog (4) Crayons or coloured markers. Your glorious power will be seen on the day you 3 The Sahara is one (6) G 7 It protects your finger or thumb when Ask the children to imagine they are going to begin to rule. You will wear the sacred robes you are sewing (7) a pot-luck dinner with Jesus and his friends. and shine like the morning sun in all of your 9 Picked (5) Invite them to draw a picture of their favourite strength. 10 Grassy parts of gardens (5) food that they would want to bring to share. R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of 11 Most difficult (7) Most Holy Body Remind them of what we learn from Melchizedek. 13 Secret agent (3) and Blood of Christ Jesus’example: that when we share food with The Lord has made a promise that will never be 15 Rockets are launched into Outer _____ (5) others it is a way of sharing our life with them. broken: “You will be a priest forever, just like 18 Drink made from grapes (4) Ask them to think about what quality, what Melchizedek.” 19 Not imaginary (4) Reflection gift, they have that they know is good for other R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of 20 Go in (5) 21 It holds up a flower (4) JESUS knew that people feel more alive people. Perhaps people have told them what Melchizedek. 22 It may include a jacket and trousers (4) when they are enjoying a meal together. they like about them, admire about them, or Remind the students that holiday parties on what they do that makes others happy. If they Alleluia Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, the Fourth aren’t too shy about praising themselves, (R) Alleluia, Alleluia. DOWN of July, graduations, First Communions—all perhaps they will share some of the things that I am the living bread from heaven, says the 1 Glass containers of liquid (7) these are occasions for eating and drinking people have said about how them. Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. 2 A set-up of trains and tracks (7) and telling stories together as part of the fun. Then invite each student to write this quality (R) Alleluia, Alleluia. 4 Something like this can be plugged in (8) People often bring food to share at these somewhere on the picture of the pot-luck food. 5 Had fun, was entertained (7) Gospel 6 Not false (4) parties. One dish can’t feed everyone. But Tell them the picture can be a reminder that all of 8 Important person in the church (6) when all the food is set out together there is us have something to share which can make They all ate and were filled. A reading from the Holy 12 Pill (6) always more than enough. This is probably others’ lives better. Whenever we do that, we are Gospel according to Luke 9:11b-17 14 You put it on with a brush (5) part of the miracle that we hear about in remembering that Jesus is alive in us and in others. Jesus welcomed the people. He spoke to them 15 Appear (4) today’s Gospel. about God’s kingdom and healed everyone who 16 Insects that live in colonies (4) When Jesus shared the food that he and Prayer was sick. 17 Makes a mistake (4) the disciples brought, others shared the food Jesus, help us remember that God creates each Late in the afternoon the 12 apostles came to that they had brought along, too. And of us with something to share with others. We Jesus and said: “Send the crowd to the villages LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION everyone ate all they wanted. Jesus shows us know you don’t want people to have hurting and farms around here. They need to find a that when we share, other people will usually hearts or hungry tummies. We are your friends place to stay and something to eat. There is ACROSS 1 Window 6 Punch 7 Drink 8 Sneeze be more generous, too. and followers. Help us find ways to feed the nothing in this place. 10 Embassy 11 Sow 14 Sausages 15 Heal Jesus was good to people, and He knew we hungry and make hearts happy so all people will “It is like a desert!” Jesus answered. “You 16 Tease 17 Rod 18 Shot all need good food and the company of good remember that you are still with us doing good. give them something to eat.” But they replied: people if we are going to feel alive and well Amen “We have only five small loaves of bread and DOWN and happy and want to share the good things two fish. If we are going to feed all these 1 Waddle 2 Neighbour 3 Oak 4 Angels 5 Shoe of life with others. He also knew that we, his First Reading people, we will have to go and buy food.” There 6 Pansy 9 Escaped 12 Wallet 13 Ashes 14 Scar followers and friends, would need to be Melchizedek offered bread and wine. A reading from were about five thousand men in the crowd. strong and healthy in spirit if we are going to the book of Genesis 14:18-20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Have the people continue his work. King Melchizedek of Salem brought out some sit in groups of fifty.” They did this, and all the The Children’s Liturgy page is published It takes energy to be caring and to let bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most people sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and one week in advance to allow RE teachers people know that they are loved by God and High, and he said to Abraham: “I give you the the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and important to us. Jesus knew that we would blessing of God Most High, Creator of heaven blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and and those taking the Children’s Liturgy need really good food to give us that and of the earth. All praise belongs to God Most fish and handed them to his disciples to give to at weekly Masses to use, if they wish, energy—no junk food! High, who let you defeat your enemies.” Then the people. Everyone ate all they wanted. What So, when he gathered with His friends for Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. was left over filled twelve baskets. this page as an accompaniment to their His last meal with them before He died, He The Word of the Lord The Gospel of the Lord teaching materials
WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 20 SCOTTISH CHURCH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY MAY 20 2016
AST week we examined how there is a loca sacra, sacred places. This has led some to sug- strong probability that there was an early gest that a place with eccles in it may have been a diocese in Whithorn. There are a number central religious site, the centre of a larger adminis- of striking features about this. Firstly, we The first bishoprics trative region. If this is true, we may be looking at note that in what is often called Dark Age the equivalent of an episcopal seat, or at least the Scotland, there were no urban settlements as such. central administrative unit in a few much larger dio- The world below Hadrian’s Wall had had almost ceses: the sites are too far apart to denote parishes, Lfour centuries of integration into the Roman world. and these, as we have seen, did not arrive in the This included the growth of urban settlements of early era Scotland British Isles until much later anyway. around Roman garrison towns, York being but one With at least 27 such places in Scotland, it is perhaps example. Many of these towns dwindled or were DR HARRY SCHNITKER’S series on Scotland’ Dioceses more likely that they were the centres of a wider dio- even deserted some time following the Anglo-Saxon cese or dioceses. What is striking is that they are absent invasions, but their memory and infrastructure sur- questions the episcopal structure of the early church where the later monastic centres were founded. Only vived sufficiently for most of them to re-emerge to in what is now the Borders would there be an over- form the seat of English bishoprics when the mis- that St Columba came to a pagan world. What we do defined geographical dioceses anyhow. As for abbat- lap, courtesy of the mission from Iona to Lindisfarne. sion from Rome arrived in the sixth century. know is that there were many monastic founders, and ical control over bishops, this is one of the abiding The details of all this are rather lost in the mists of In the Roman Empire, the Christian bishop was a that some of these monasteries formed great families. myths of the so-called ‘Celtic Church’for which there time. The Welsh sources for the region concentrate civic figure. This was caused by the absolute cen- These had religious, but also secular aspects. St is no evidence at all. Having said that, there was very on the wars against the Anglo-Saxons. The latter left trality of the urbs—or city—in the Empire. It was Columba’s illustrious career is examined in great obviously some correlation between monasteries and very few written sources for their earliest years in the the pivot of Roman life. When the Empire began to detail in Thomas Owen Clancy and David Broun’s the episcopate. There are reports of religious com- British Isles. The Picts left nothing in terms of writ- decline, bishops were frequently the only authorities Spes Scotorum: Hope of Scots, where the political munities adjacent to Whithorn, St Andrews, to what ing. That leaves us with the Gaelic sources, and these left and often took over secular duties. None of this aspect of the Columban monastic family, which became the diocese of Dunblane and in the west at have little to tell about the peoples outside their was possible in Scotland. Indeed, for a Christian stretched into Ireland and the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom Kingarth on Bute. immediate sphere of influence. There seems to have community wishing to find a base for a bishop to of Northumbria, is well documented. This had seri- Clearly, the two institutions went hand-in-glove, been rather a large barrier between the various ethnic guide them, this was a real problem. It was a prob- ous implications on the effectiveness of St Columba; thus fitting into the wider pattern of Church expan- groups anyhow. St Bede barely mentions the Welsh lem that faced the Church as she expanded beyond simply put, his reach was confined to Dalriata and sion in Europe. Still, this was probably not the case Christians, and has little to say about their bishoprics. the boundaries of the old Empire. even there he had rivals. over all of Scotland, particularly not in those regions One such place was in Ireland, where Christianity He was, then, far from alone in his monastic that had once been controlled by Rome, situated south o were there bishoprics in what is now Scotland arrived from the old Latinised Christian communi- endeavours. There were competing monastic founda- of the old Antonine Wall on the Forth-Clyde isthmus. prior to the arrival of St Columba in the 6th ties in post-Roman Britain. As on the territory of tions on Eigg and Lismore, close to Iona, and founded The people there were now proto-Welsh speakers. century? I realise I keep on posing questions, modern-day Scotland, the island of Ireland was by Sts Donnan and Moluag. The discovery and From the sixth-century poem, Y Gododdin, describing Sand keep on evading them. The answer is that there bereft of urban centres, and would be for many cen- archaeological excavation of a long-lost monastery a war party from what is now the Edinburgh region must have been. Other than at Whithorn, there is a turies to come. We know that St Patrick, who was a at Portmahomack, on the Tarbert Peninsula north of marching south, we know that they were Christian. very good chance that there was a bishop resident at bishop, mentions monks and nuns in Ireland, but it Inverness, between 1996 and 2007 has contributed The warriors go to confession before the battle, the court at Dumbarton on the Clyde, the centre of a is unclear how he related to them. St Patrick was greatly to a more subtle understanding of the multi- and then receive Communion. From whom, is the post-Roman kingdom, whose King, Coroticus, was more likely to have been a bishop without a see, a faceted aspect of the conversion process. Its findings question. Was it a priest, or someone rather more mentioned by St Patrick as a Christian. missionary bishop. However, Irish bishops soon can be read in David Carver’s Portmahomack, elevated? To answer the question, we have to turn to When, somewhat later, St Augustine came from lived in, and were often the abbots of, monastic set- Monastery of the Picts. The rediscovered monastery one of the key pieces of evidence for the religious Rome, he convened a meeting with the indigenous tlements. These were often on tribal borders, and so forms a counterpoint to the monastery at Applecross history of these islands, the suffix ‘eccles’ in place Welsh clergy, and at least seven bishops came. Were functioned like an urban centre. on the west coast, which has long been known as a names. Eccles derives from Ecles, a bastardised any from what is now Scotland? Again, we do not Did this happen in Scotland? The answer is prob- centre of Christianity in the north-west, and which Latin used by the Romano-British population that know, but the synod was convened especially for ably yes. Our problem is that the Christianisation of was also operated independently from Iona. would mutate into the Welsh word eglwys. Both are North Britain, which included much of southern Scot- Scotland is a most obscure process. No serious his- Were any of these monasteries episcopal sees? Did based on the Latin ecclesia or church. land—once again, we must conclude that at least one torian these days would hold to the idea that a hand- the abbots exert greater power than the bishops? The Archaeologists have noted that the incidence of bishop in southern Scotland for this period is likely. ful of great missionaries came to a pagan country answer to both is a definite no. Bishops may have the word eccles is mainly contained in the Midlands, Once the political constellation of Scotland was set- and turned it Christian overnight: there is not a sin- been located in a monastery, but that was for political the North of England, southern Scotland, Fife and tled, after the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons had died gle modern historian, for example, who would argue and economic reasons. They did not have well- Angus. St Bede refers to the places called eccles as down, the situation would become a good deal clearer.
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