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I DID IT GOD’S WAY ALIVE!NO. 268 OCTOBER 2020 | NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION | WWW.ALIVE.IE | PAGE 2

CORK GOES CLASSICAL PAGE 3

‘BABY BOXES’ NOT AN ANSWER TO HOMELESS BIRTHS PAGE 3

ope’s Quay in Cork has been the Novitiate Phouse for the Order of Preachers in Ireland (The Dominicans) for the best part of ninety years and it recently welcomed four TRIPLETS BORN AT new men as novices: Broth- 22 & 23 WEEKS THRIVING THE ‘QUAY’ ers Philip, Desmond, Sean and Mark. The Novitiate is PAGE 6 the first step on one’s jour- ney towards priesthood with the Dominicans. “Their year in St Mary’s will be a time for deepening their relationship with God, finding out more about TO IRELAND’S the Irish Dominicans, the Order’s spirituality and mission, and discerning their vocation to Domin- ican Religious Life,” commented their Novice A WAKE-UP Master Fr. Philip Mulryne. CALL TO COMPLACENT PREACHERS CHRISTIANS PAGE 9 RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION – UK REPORT SHOULD BE A WAKE-UP CALL TO IRELAND BACK PAGE

• The content of the newspaper ALIVE! and the views expressed in it are those of the editor and contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Irish Dominican Province. 2 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020 I did it God’s Way Pope Francis gets the ‘green’ light Photo: © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com.

Sadie Robertson.

JACK WALSH not produce shame. I am not the poster child of purity. We both had LIAM O’CONNOR The Vatican explains that the Prayer, as Head of the Catholic a past, but when we met we made Audience with the Pope consists Church, he will impart his Papal adie Robertson, actress and it clear that we desired to see what of small teachings and readings Blessing upon the crowd which New York Times best-selling taly is on Ireland’s Covid-19 travel mainly in Italian but also in Eng- God’s plan was.” also extends to loved ones that are author, told her fans after green list and so Catholics will be lish, French, German, Spanish, S “People ask how do you know sick and suffering. He blesses any her recent marriage to Christian delighted to learn that the Holy Polish, Portuguese, and some- when someone is the one? I have I religious articles such as rosary Huff, that they did it God’s way. Father’s Papal audiences have got times other languages depending “I have felt shame in dating rela- heard it said and I’ll repeat it - ask a green light also. Papal Audience on groups visiting. beads that people have brought tionships when I was doing it my yourself is that person helping you: are held to give pilgrims and visi- Also, at the Audience the Holy with them for the purpose of the way - I did not feel shame when I Helping you get closer to God and tors the chance to ‘see the Pope’ Father will pray together with blessing. It is an all ticket affair, did it God’s way. God’s plan does be a better person?” and receive the Papal Blessing. those attending. At the end of the however, tickets are free. Our Lady Statue of Christ of Guadalupe profaned in Poland JACK WALSH PAT MULLIN

n the night of July 28th, LGBT activ- ur Lady of Guadalupe was responsi- ists profaned a historic statue of ble for the conversion of Mexico to OChrist standing in front of the Basil- OCatholicism following Her appari- ica of the Holy Cross in Warsaw, Poland. tions to a shepherd boy, Juan Diego, which The statue was draped in symbols repre- started on 1st December 1531. As a result, senting LGBT ideology. A manifesto was Mexico became Catholic thus snuffing out also placed beneath the statue, stating, the practice of human sacrifice which was among other things, that ‘this city (Warsaw) prevalent amongst the tribes of that coun- belongs to us’. try. Some experts believe that Mexico was The incident resulted in tensions flaring. converted to Catholicism at that time, by Concerned Catholics have volunteered to attacking a pro-life campaigner who was Our Lady, to compensate for the Protes- watch over and guard local churches. Mean- vocal about his traditional views on marriage. tant reformation initiated by Martin Luther while, an LGBT activist known as ‘Margot’ The arrest in turn sparked further protests by King, at Wittenberg University in October has been arrested by the police for physically LGBT activists. 1517. Abortion is also human sacrifice and is now being carried out in the modern world. Zachary King, a former Satanist in However, the Christians could not look America, who converted to Catholicism, Mary. It is a statue showing her pregnant, Indian Christians to the authorities for support. The police has said that he has “performed many carrying the Son of God. It is a holy place in refused to file a report, instead telling the satanic rituals in abortion clinics.” He also which we can venerate Our Lady, Patron- are increasingly horrified Christian families to convert or declared that “abortion is a blood sacrifice ess of the Unborn, and to pray for both the flee. The incident is a clear portrayal of the to the Devil.” unborn child and for those mothers who helpless increasingly desperate situation of Chris- Because Our Lady appeared in a preg- have or may be considering aborting God’s tians in India who are often left without nant state, carrying the son of God, she gift to them. JACK WALSH adequate protection. is reverenced as the patroness of unborn It is in close proximity to the centre of children. Scientists agree that the stars the city, a 5-minute walk from the ILAC as displayed on her mantle during one of Centre, and 10 minutes from Henry St. The July 28th article in the Christian Post her apparitions coincide exactly with their Luas red line goes past the front door. This reports an attack on 6 Christian fami- position in the constellations in the sky on Church is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Alies by Hindu extremists in Jharkhand December 1531. It is uplifting, reinvigorating and is a glo- state, India. The Hindus demanded that the In the Dominican Church, in Lower rious opportunity to venerate Our Lady in Christians convert to Hinduism and when Dominick St, Dublin 1, there is a statue of Her role as Patroness of the Unborn. they refused they were tied up and beaten. OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 3 ‘Baby Boxes’ Cork Goes Classical not an answer to Homeless Births

JACK WALSH

he hope is that eventually all new parents in Ireland Twill be given a free baby box with things like blankets, nappies, clothes and other essentials. This is welcomed by Aontú’s Cork North- West representative Becky Kealy, but she says it is not an answer to homeless births. “Fine Gael have released a cho- reographed, cheesy clip about baby boxes, a party-sponsored cam- paign advert, which does not paper over their shameful record on Aontú’s Cork North-West LIAM O’CONNOR ering in the Academy’s oratory classical junior cycle curriculum, homelessness and homeless births representative Becky Kealy. to pray the Divine Office of the before continuing to the con- in Ireland,” says the young UCC Church (a collection of psalms and ventional two-year Irish leaving graduate. essentials at Capuchin Day Cen- ater Dei Academy recently canticles). certificate senior cycle,” explains Aontú says it wants to see an tres?” continues Ms Kealy. opened its doors, marking Music and art are of great impor- board member and secretary of Irish society that is more com- According to Focus Ireland’s Ma new era in Catholic sec- tance in a classical education, and the Academy Rosarie O’Leary. passionate, more welcoming, and most recent statistics there are ond-level education in Ireland. each of the ten students in this “If you know a boy or girl who more protective of mother and currently 8,728 people homeless The school, located in Cork city year’s class are introduced to these may be interested in enrolling for child – born and unborn. across Ireland. This figure includes centre, delivers a classical Catholic arts through hands-on practical the Mater Dei Academy, email “What is compassionate, Chris- adults and children. The number curriculum where all subjects are work and theory. The students [email protected] for tian or welcoming for mothers and of homeless families has increased bound together by a shared under- study theology and philosophy in our free enrolment pack.” their children about being forced by 232% since July 2014, when the standing of God’s central role in addition to the languages, science Mater Dei Academy is not a to give birth to their child homeless monthly figures started being pub- the human experience. and mathematics. fee-paying school and is solely on the streets? What is right about lished. Almost one third of people Each day at Mater Dei begins “The Academy plans for stu- supported by voluntary contribu- hours-long queues of women for in emergency accommodation are and ends with the students gath- dents to complete its four-year tions and benefactors. nappies, baby formula and other children. HSE’s priority is abortion An Evening Praying for JACK WALSH Healing and Peace recent inquiry by Carol Nolan TD has shown that the HSE has spent €2.9 Carol Nolan TD. St Martin Pray for Us Amillion in 2019 on payments to med- ical practitioners who provided abortions. Deputy Nolan highlighted that there “is In contrast, just €84,600 was spent on the very clear evidence that the provision of abor- Join us every Saturday evening Midlands Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Ser- tion ‘services’ are being prioritised at every vice which offers help and support not only level. Financially, structurally and politically, to people facing challenging pregnancies but the entire focus within the health service is 5pm Penitential Service – also those who have been psychologically on ramping up the delivery of abortion infra- the healing hand of Confession damaged through abortion experiences. structure.” 5:30pm Evening prayer – Australian Archbishop challenges controversial vaccine with music LIAM O’CONNOR 6pm Mass – the healing power of Holy Communion

he Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony 6:45pm Prayer ministry – Fisher, as well as Orthodox and Angli- individuals will have the Tcan prelates have written to the opportunity to be prayed with. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressing concern about the Government’s support for a vaccine which was developed using cells from an aborted baby. The Gov- ernment intends to make the AstraZeneca vaccine free for all. Ominously, Morrison has warned that he will strive to make the vaccine “as manda- tory as possible”. People who refuse it may be 353 21 4502267 [email protected] targeted with measures such as the denial of www.dominicanscork.ie state benefits. Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher. 4 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020

be “reviewed” when the Covid-19 threat passes. Abortion pill at home killed two women in UK: To ensure that women do not die, the Minister for Health has a duty to immediately put a halt to Minister Donnelly must change law now unsafe ‘home abortions’. If, unlike many of our politicians, you care NIAMH to certify how many weeks preg- so-called ‘DIY abortions’ - the pro- about both mother and child, UÍ BHRIAIN nant the woman is. An ultrasound cess of posting out abortion pills please call or email your local TDs may be required, and can be cru- to pregnant women without face- now and ask them to put an end to cial to determine if the pregnancy to-face consultations or physical the practise. You can also call Min- ne of the is ectopic. An undiagnosed ectopic examinations. ister Stephen Donnelly’s office on first meas- pregnancy can be life-threaten- Given the clear and tragic warn- (01) 201 7300 and ask him to stop Oures taken ing, she said, pointing out that the ing from Britain the government ‘home abortions’ by Simon Harris during the Covid- HSE’s own website had made the must urgently address this issue in Every abortion is a tragedy, 19 crisis was to put the lives of need for these precautions clear Ireland, before a woman and her ending the life of a child and deny- unborn children further risk before Minister Harris decided to baby both die in this country also. ing real choices to women in need. by allowing “home abortions” - allow abortion pills to be taken at Stephen Donnelly of Fianna Putting women’s lives in danger meaning that women could get the home, outside a supervised medi- Fáil is now Minister for Health. with ‘home abortions’ shows just abortion pill in the post without cal setting. He has allowed the practise to how uninterested in women’s having been examined or having Her warning was prescient. In continue, saying only that it will rights our government really is. a face-to-face consultation with a Britain, which also allowed for doctor. ‘home abortions’, we know that While the rest of the country was two women have died after taking worried sick about the coronavi- abortion pills at home, as Maria rus and saving lives, then-minister Horan reports on page six of this Harris was occupied with making month’s ALIVE! sure that it would be even easier to A leaked “urgent” email sent access an abortion. His move flatly by a senior chief midwife at the Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly. is an exciting new media platform contradicted the assurances both NHS in England told of the “esca- he and Leo Varadkar gave during lating risks” of the trend towards abortions. for Life, Faith, Family & Freedom the referendum that abortion pills home abortions – using the ‘pills The leaked email revealed that would only be prescribed by a in the post’ service that is run by women have attended emergency doctor after a consultation. UK abortion providers including departments after taking abortion At the time, Mary Fitzgibbon, BPAS and Marie Stopes. pills at home because of ruptured Be part of it! of Nurses and Midwives for Life, The shocking revelations about ectopic pregnancies, “major resus- told Gript News that prescribing the deaths of the two women were citations for major haemorrhage” Call 01 8730465 to donate the abortion pill by video con- made at the UK Court of Appeal, and also “the delivery of infants up ference would be an unsafe and when a case brought by Christian to 30 weeks gestation”. Challenge the consensus retrograde move. She explained Concern argued that the gov- So we know that women’s lives, that a visit is required to confirm ernment’s ‘DIY’ home abortion as well as those of their unborn See www.gript.ie the pregnancy, and, importantly, policy was facilitating dangerous children, are being endangered by

Common sense from Rugby The Union on Trans People in Sports Dominicans he World Rugby Union to the World Rugby Council con- Truth has only has said that people who sidering the matter later this year.” Twere born male but have The World Rugby report says now changed gender cannot take there was at least a 20 to 30 per One mode of Being part in women’s rugby, because cent greater risk of a player being peer-reviewed research showed “a injured if she is tackled by a trans clear safety risk” to women in the woman. It adds that players who contact sport. went through male puberty are The Union, who will vote on the “stronger by up to 50 per cent, 30 issue at an international meeting per cent more powerful, 40 per in November, would be the first cent heavier, and about 15 per cent international sports federation to faster”. issue a prohibition of this kind. The inclusion of transgender Rachel McKinnon. World Rugby said it had under- athletes in women’s sports has taken a review of its guidelines in been the source of significant con- Women’s rights groups have light of the latest peer-reviewed tention in recent years. An athlete also supported World Rugby’s research, and that it was commit- called Rachel McKinnon, who had potential ban. Dr. Nicola Williams, ted to “ensuring a safe and inclusive been born and lived as a man until director of Fair Play for Women, playing environment at all levels of the age of 29 before transitioning said: “World Rugby must really be the game”. and deciding to enter women’s commended for their bravery and In a statement to BBC Sport, it cycling where a 6 foot, muscular, integrity, for tackling this head added: “The latest peer reviewed 14 stone frame gave considerable on and following a science-based research confirms that a reduction advantage. McKinnon took Gold approach”. of testosterone does not lead to a in the Women’s World Cham- In Australia, Tasmanian Senator "The high-minded man must care more proportionate reduction in mass, pionship cycling. The woman Claire Chandler, said that “Wom- muscle mass, strength or power. who took the bronze in the 2018 en’s sport was invented for people for Truth than for what people think." These important determinants race, American Jennifer Wagner, of the female sex and any sugges- of injury risk and performance said afterwards that the race was tion that it is somewhat provocative - Aristotle remain significantly elevated after ‘not fair’. or controversial to articulate this testosterone suppression.” Aussie rules player, Hannah view I think is pretty ludicrous”. “This presents a clear safety risk Mouncey, was also born a male, However, transgender activ- when transgender women play but now plays on women’s teams, ists say they will fight to have the women’s contact rugby and this where the considerable advantage decision overturned. Against that, Vocations Director - Fr Colm Mannion OP position is reflected within draft of male muscle and strength allows women say they will also fight Mobile: 086-0864420 | Email: [email protected] guidelines that are currently out Mouncey to crush the female oppo- for women’s sports to be open for stakeholder consultation prior sition. and fair. OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 5

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Questions and Answers with Fr. Mike I can’t focus at we are at Calvary! O at the Available now at Knock Shrine Bookshop Mass. I try, but Holy Mass, heaven has come Q my mind wan- to us!), then our involve- www.knockshrine.ie/online-shop ders. Why is this? ment is completely changed. A: This is a great ques- You can imagine how easy tion, and it is something that it is to keep focus during the I imagine every person who Mass as a priest. He realizes has ever been to a Catho- that he is offering up the lic Mass has experienced. I great once-for-all sacrifice think the main problem is of Jesus as well as offering that we are human. That is to be aware of that wind and himself with Jesus. say, we have human brains. where we are on the lake and But what about everyone The human brain is not where we are headed. else in the pews? Well, you static; it is constantly work- To be sure, there is defi- might know this, but when ing. Even while we are nitely a clearing of the mind we were baptized, we were sleeping, our minds are and calming one’s thoughts baptized into the priesthood moving from one thought down. But the goal is not of Christ. This means that all to the next. It makes sense numbness; the goal is atten- Christians are called to offer then to realize that I actually tiveness to whatever God is the sacrifice and to be the cannot concentrate on one doing. And in the holy sacri- sacrifice. Therefore, while thing for an hour (if by con- fice of the Mass, God is doing the priest is praying the centrate on one thing I mean something incredible. When Eucharistic Prayer (as only have one thought). we go to Mass, it is vitally a ministerial priest can), the Our thoughts are more like important to understand entire congregation is sup- a string of pearls, each pearl what is happening. If we do posed to be united with each coming one after the other. not know, the Mass will be word he speaks. The entire We must realize that there is either an unnecessary relic congregation is supposed to always going to be something of the past or an interesting be exercising its priesthood going on. There is always diversion. and offering up the Son to going to be another distrac- At the heart of the Mass the Father with the priest. tion because there is always is the fact that Jesus’ saving Still more, all baptized Chris- going to be another thought. action of pouring his life out tians at that Mass are called The challenge is to direct to the Father is made pres- to be pouring themselves out your thoughts in the path you ent. His body, blood, soul and with the priest and with the would like them to go. divinity are made present in Son to the Father. Therefore, to settle into the Eucharist. The Eucharist Many people reading this prayer, even at Mass, will is an action; it is the action of will have children and may Including a foreword by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, this new volume of essays takes the look less like a perfectly God the Son pouring himself have a difficult time “getting reader on a journey through the life and thoughts of Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th Pontiff . placid pond and more like out in love to God the Father. anything” out of the Mass. sailing a boat on that lake. If we understand this, and Remember, while the words To use an analogy, God’s if we understand that this is of the holy sacrifice of the ALIVE! IS OFFERING A FREE COPY WITH EVERY grace is the wind that moves, not figurative or symbolic Mass are essential, the Mass DONATION OF €50 OR MORE. but we on the sailboat must language (at the Holy Mass, is an action. 6 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE IRISH SEA and yet this is to be made a perma- just how many friends in nent set-up in the UK? high places the abortion Some weeks ago, I wrote to my industry has, from a judge local MP about the need to raise DIY abortions set to the issues of the deaths of these who defends abortion pills two women and have yet to receive that have killed women, a reply. I also wrote to a number to the government who of pro-abortion journalists in The easily changed from become permanent in UK Guardian to ask when they were going to investigate these two one stance to another MARIA HORAN reported abortion provider Marie Departments due to significant women’s deaths. Again, no reply. overnight, as well as Stopes’ ‘cattle market’ conditions pain and bleeding; ruptured ectopic It would appear that those in the those who celebrated in 2016) was already aware of the pregnancies and an emergency public sphere are so anxious to the legalisation of DIY he UK Mirror newspaper ran ‘escalating risks’ from the pills-by- resuscitation for a major haemor- protect abortion “rights” that even abortion during COVID- a recent feature stating that post scheme which had led to an rhage. One child appears to have dead women must not be allowed 19 including the Royal Thome abortions for women abortion task-force meeting during been murdered during lockdown, to get in the way but are simply col- who are up to 10 weeks pregnant the previous week. having survived a DIY abortion and lateral damage. College of Obstetricians are set to become permanent in the case is being investigated by the Christian Concern raised very & Gynaecologists and She discusses the two Britain following their ‘success’ police. In 2007, 66 babies were left valid concerns about the UK’s the Royal College of women’s deaths, which during lockdown. Dr. Jonathan to die after botched abortions in the undemocratic DIY abortion ser- Midwives. Lord, of abortion provider Marie involved one being found UK, so this is already commonplace. vices which were introduced as a Stopes UK, said: “Thanks to tele- at home and the other The unnamed midwife admits last-minute U-turn during COVID- medicine, women have been able dying quickly at hospital that there is a need to better under- 19 to be in direct contravention of As Andrea Williams, chief execu- the 1967 Abortion Act, despite the tive of Christian Concern, said: “The to access the timely, high-quality from sepsis. There was stand the outcomes of the women care they deserve. Had this not seeking these [abortion] services Conservative government’s previ- leaked email is a sickening admis- been available the consequences also a ‘near miss’ where a and the balance of risk is challeng- ous promises that this would not sion that those running abortion could have been catastrophic.” This woman who had received ing as there is no previous data for occur. Lady Justice King refused services in England have elevated remark is astounding in its dishon- abortion pills decided to comparison. She clearly admits to to consider evidence that women ideology over women’s safety … esty, considering that thanks to go for a scan to discover an appalling litany of failings that were dying from DIY abortions and This further confirms the inherent said that she would give her reasons a leaked email through Christian she was 32 weeks demonstrate the dangers of DIY danger of DIY abortions and shows Concern, we now know two women abortions, and which pro-lifers have ‘later’ but this has not yet happened. how ideologues who show little con- in the UK have died from DIY pregnant. been warning against for years. So cern for women – and no concern The fact that the UK abortions during the lockdown. In here is a head midwife admitting for babies – have captured NHS the midwife’s email dated the 21st Other complications included: that there are many flaws in the cur- abortion law has been so England as well as the providers of May she admits the CQC (who women attending Emergency rent “abortion pills-by-post” system easily circumvented shows and professional bodies.”

NEWS FROM STATESIDE tal arguments put forward by the abortion ‘rights’ movement: That our society should be ready to make Triplets born at 22 tremendous sacrifices on behalf of ‘My body, my choice’ the weaker and more vulnerable in order to ensure that they remain & 23 weeks thriving healthy and stay alive.” and the coronavirus Continuing, he notes the about- turn that has come about in this DEREK RYAN omy, then the mother – and only discussion, one that ultimately but- the mother - should have the right tresses the argument of the pro-life to choose whether to do so or not. lobby. “Suddenly, “my body, my riting for LifeSite News, Right now, all of society is being choice” is being characterized as a Jonathon Van Maren, asked to place restriction on bodily selfish argument only utilized by people who care nothing for the vul- Wfrom the United States autonomy – by the wearing of nerable in society. Suddenly “bodily raises a very pertinent issue in an facemasks, restricting personal autonomy” is a cheap excuse to live age of the tyranny of bodily auton- movements and maintaining social as you please while others suffer so omy when it comes to abortion distancing, with the primary aim that you can exercise your freedom while many in the same camp dis- of protecting others who are vul- while you neglect your responsibili- miss the argument when it comes nerable to the virus from becoming ties to those around you. Suddenly, to the coronavirus issue. infected . no price is too high to save the lives The argument usually goes that “Regardless of your political opin- of those who cannot save them- because of the unborn child’s ion on the lockdowns, mandatory selves. Financial considerations, DEREK RYAN 1.47 pounds and Rowan followed dependence on the mother, and masks, and business shutdowns, restrictions on bodily autonomy, shortly after at 1.08 pounds. that carrying the child unwillingly these actions highlight a principle personal liberty—all must be sacri- According to UVM’s website, it infringes the right to bodily auton- utterly at odds with the fundamen- ficed to protect the weak. iveAction.org reports on had only been in the last year that the incredible story of Cian, the hospital even began attempt- LDeclan, and Rowan DeShane, ing to resuscitate and treat babies U.S. sends pointed response to the United Nations who were born extremely pre- born at 23 weeks or less. But as mature with a small chance of more premature babies prove DEREK RYAN nize any “right to abortion.” The warranted. For instance, the Chi- survival. They were also born in they are capable of surviving United States is disappointed by nese Communist Party is currently two different years. — even when born at 21 weeks — and categorically rejects this trans- directing the use of forced abor- “When my water broke, I burst more hospitals and doctors are n August 11, 2020 the US parent attempt to take advantage of tion, forced sterilization and forced into tears because I didn’t think stepping up to help them. As the mission to Geneva sent a the COVID-19 pandemic to assert birth control in Xinjiang. These are they could survive being born team prepared for the arrival of Ostrongly worded response to the existence of such a right. This actual human rights abuses … so early,” their mother Kaylie the triplets, Hannah Jackman, UN entities claiming to work on dis- is a perversion of the human rights One of the reasons that the United explained. “All of the decisions RN, was ready and eager to help. crimation against women and girls system and the founding principles our care team made saved all of “It seemed like there were States and others increasingly see and violence against women. They of the United Nations. my babies.” dozens of healthcare workers in the UN’s human rights system as call the UN’s suggestion that alleged And this is not just our opinion… Cian was born first on Decem- the delivery room, all in yellow utterly broken is the tendency of ‘undue restriction to accessing abor- We are particularly disappointed ber 28, 2019, at just 22 weeks and gowns, awaiting three tiny tri- tion under Covid-19’ as bizarre and that you have chosen to waste its self-appointed guardians to six days. He is one of the youngest plets,” she said. “I was one of inexplicable. It followed: the limited time and resources of label certain policy preferences as babies ever born at the Univer- them, and I remember my heart “As United Nations human rights your mandates on such spurious “rights” — a practice that devalues sity of Vermont Medical Center feeling like it was leaving my mandate holders, you are undoubt- allegations, rather than focusing the entire human rights enterprise and he weighed just 1.08 pounds. chest as I watched Cian’s parents edly aware that international your energies on areas where your and leads to absurd outcomes such Five days later, on January 2, sob and pray. I wanted a miracle human rights law does not recog- attention is most appropriate and as the above-referenced letter… 2020, Declan was born weighing for this family so badly.” OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 7

Another example would be the special day for Saint Nicholas on Liturgical Calendar for Ireland 2020 December 6th. This may be cele- brated as an optional memorial, as PHILIP JOYCE with emphasis on religious printed would be Saint Joseph on March a feast-day in the Diocese of Galway requirements. 19th, the birthday of Saint John or as a solemnity in Galway City. Eoin O’Keefe took responsibil- the Baptist on June 24th, Saints A feast-day is deemed appropri- aster Sunday ity for the ‘Ordo’ from 1938 until Peter and Paul on June 29th and ate for celebrating the Dedication Anno Domini 1984, including its transition into Ireland’s Primary Patron, Saint of Rome’s Lateran Basilica on E2021 will fall English in 1972 as the ‘Liturgical Patrick, on March 17th. November 9th. on April 4th. This Calendar for Ireland’. Until 1978, Celebrated as feasts are days ded- This tome also includes con- information – and much, much it had been edited by the Reverend icated to the other apostles, to the cise descriptions of relevant saints more – is included in the 2019/20 Priest Deans of Maynooth College. evangelists, the three archangels, lives, universal and Irish. The latter Liturgical Calendar for Ireland. From that year on, the editorial Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Sep- provides a means of ‘soft’ evange- Published by Veritas Publica- responsibility fell to the late Very tember 29th) and saints related lisation through sharing with the tions since the latter part of the Reverend Brian Magee, CM, Parish to specific dioceses, such as Saint secular media such events as the 20th century, this booklet is to be Priest of Sunday’s Well, Cork City. Fachtna of Ross (August 13th) or special day for Saint Cecelia, patron found in virtually every Sacristy in This very able County Armagh Saint Laurence O’Toole of Dublin of musicians (November 22nd). Ireland and owned by anyone who native had vast experience of teach- (November 14th). The Liturgical Calendar for Ire- requires – or is interested in – day- ing liturgy at a number of Catholic The three main levels of liturgical land is filled with an abundance to-day information on designated colleges in Ireland and, from 1978 celebration are solemnities, feasts of varied information from a spe- Lectionary Readings for every day until his death in August 2003, he and memorials and do not indicate cial prayer for grandparents to the of the Church year. worked with Veritas Publications, any variation in the importance of monthly special prayer intentions gical Calendar for Ireland is Liturgy being the forms of public becoming the editor of the Liturgi- those celebrated. Rather, the dif- of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Dubliner, Father Patrick Jones. services officially prescribed by – cal Calendar for Ireland from 1984. ferences signify appropriateness of Truly a worthwhile purchase for Apart from providing references in this case – the Catholic Church, Father Magee bridged many gaps an aspect of a person’s life or rele- anyone who wishes to increase this Calendar is an easy-to-refer- in available liturgy literature and for ‘Ordinary Week’ Masses, this vance to a location. their daily knowledge of liturgi- ence ‘per diem’ of so many aspects was a pioneer of liturgical video pocket-sized book, also gives inval- Most major events in the life cal matters. Between nine and and possibilities regarding the material. One of his projects was a uable ready-to-hand information of our Lord are celebrated as ten thousand copies come on the public celebration of Mass. video version of the Stations of the on major Solemnities such as the solemnities. An exception would market every year before Advent. Known as the ‘Ordo’, or ‘Order’, Cross employing art pieces from Easter Triduum and Christmas, be the Transfiguration which is Veritas roots are with the a version in Latin was published Saint Vincent’s Church in his Sun- those specifically celebrating the a feast-day on August 6th. The Catholic Truth Society of Ireland, since 1830 by James Duffy & Co. day’s Well Parish. Father Magee’s lives, earthly and eternal, of Jesus Assumption of the Blessed Virgin founded in 1899. Veritas opened with premises in Westmoreland last resting place is in a shared and His Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th is a solem- its shop in Middle Abbey Street, Street, Dublin. That company was grave with fellow clergy at Saint Mary, and celebrations of the lives nity whereas the Presentation of Dublin in 1928 and has a number founded in the early 19th century Finbarr’s Cemetery, Cork City. of saints. the Blessed Virgin on November of outlets throughout the country, by Monaghan-born Mr. Duffy The current editor of the Litur- Among the latter, as Solemnities, 21st is designated as a memorial. since.

to do that which he must do to be left in peace and The Greengrocer society grows in Ireland to survive. As is the nature of politics, they may RAY KINSELLA I wouldn’t be too sure. These not be around when the were late in the day and are highly conditional. Much damage had strains on our social econ- he re-open- already been done, as individual omy become too great. ing of countries were impelled to take But the children who have schools has T Photo: Martin Kozák. (back) responsibility for respond- returned to school, will. brought the illu- ing to a pandemic for which, as sion of normality to our country. Bloomberg have pointed out, the For Catholics, the message is: After all, what’s better and more EU was ‘woefully unprepared’. families are what our lives are normal than seeing little ones An Irish economy that’s ‘flat- about. Not politics, not the EU, and older children return to the lining’ has been manoeuvred but family. Where God is excluded business of books and school bags between the rock of a massive from our present politics, God – lunches and learning – drop- increase in borrowing/debt and must be made doubly welcome offs and pick-ups. Families are the (very) hard place of an equally in the heart of our families. The the hinge of a healthy society – massive and wholly disproportion- ethos and governance of our the pivot of a robust economy. ate increase in our net payments schools is of special importance to And their relationship with school into the EU. Bear in mind that families – it is where the work of should be an unequivocally posi- the EU is now being ruled by the parents in the formation of chil- tive and sacred one. Václav Havel, a Czech playwright, writer and politician. Strong and by the Frugal. Mean- dren in their faith – and in the By this measure, the “reopen- while, we are being ruled by a All of this is happening God for that – bear the burden of virtues that bind a healthy society ing” is an illusion. There is a sense coalition that between them were of ‘gratitude’ to government that care of an economy now on life together – are reinforced. It is an against the backdrop of responsible for a boom and a crash is part of a growing culture of support, and with an uncertain ethos that must be protected. Par- political stasis where two and the debacle of the National dependency, which is unhealthy. prognosis. It is tough for many of ents cannot look to government jaded parties, emphati- Children’s Hospital. Children are returning to an expe- the businesses that have reopened to do this for them – this Govern- rience of school radically different cally rejected by voters six and respect to them. But consider What pass for political ment is in a different ‘space’. to anything that this, and preced- months ago, have ‘done a for a moment the ones that are values are enforced by More than ever before, families ing, generations have known – and deal’ – think about it – to in limbo – the closed shop fronts need to embed in their children ‘multi-cultural progres- with more to come. Children, of stay in power with a small in the heartland of Ireland and independence from the tyranny sives’ who lack either course, ‘get on with it’. economically naive minor- those businesses who, whether of social media. Parents need to But that is not an option for they know it or not, are among the knowledge of, or respect reflect quietly and prayerfully on ity party, in a ‘Programme adults or for a functioning democ- billion euro write-downs already for, history. They have not how to strengthen their resilience, for Government’ that is racy. Not least for parents. The provided for by the banks. acquainted themselves, their preparedness, in mitigat- longer-term impact of ‘social dis- completely economically The true impact of un- and under ing the consequence of what is or have forgotten, Vaclav tancing’ – of school as a “No Go” detached from where employment and of the burden of unfolding in our suddenly strange Havel’s parable of the zone for parents and grandparents Ireland – and the EU – debt repayment will not be fully new world. There is the sense that and all the rest of what seems to apparent until next year. The hope Greengrocer – where an young Catholic mothers in par- are mired. be made up as we go along – is for young adults and schoolgo- individual living within a ticular, leaving their children back not something that should be ers is that the scale of the impact system must live a lie, to to school or perhaps for the first passively accepted. Clever – and The children who entered the will be mitigated by the EU’s €750 time considering homeschooling, expensive – slogans are no substi- school gates this week will – all billion EU Recovery Fund and its hide that which he truly ‘get it’. No surprise there – after tute for facts and truth. unbeknownst to them, and thank 7-year Budget. believes and desires, and all, it’s all in the Gospels. 8 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020 Belgian dystopian future

THE coming to Ireland soon YOUTH FORUMWITH SPECIAL GUEST EILÍS MULROY excuse for ignorance. The Belgian poll reminds us that where the value of human life is consistently Try being a young Catholic recent diminished, even being born will poll of not be enough to protect you, espe- read the Youth Forum by Mary it isn’t right. But what can I say? They just see the side of me that I Ahealthcare cially if you are a newborn child Scott Boras and Áine Kirby every If I say I am against abortion let them. The side that says I don’t professionals with an illness. month and I am jealous. I am everyone says ‘what about rape mind. I laugh along with the talk. I in Flanders, Belgium, found that What was once a nightmare sce- envious of their courage to share or incest?’ I know the answers but When I hear someone taking the 89.1% of physicians surveyed nario – ending the lives of newborn their faith. I think I am younger they don’t just come out. name of Our Lord in vain, I feel supported the introduction of babies – has arrived at the point than they are. I am just finished And the referendums made bad. It hurts me. And I apologise in infanticide for babies with non-fa- where it is now entering main- secondary school and I am wait- everyone very aware of all these my heart. But I don’t say anything. tal conditions. ing for my Leaving Cert results. subjects. All the people around I think people will laugh. When This would involve directly stream medical debates. We must But that is not why I am writing. me supported Yes for everything. I hear of my friends taking drugs, administering a lethal combina- resist with every cultural, politi- The results are the past. Some were angry when I said I I don’t say anything. I don’t say tion of drugs to end the life of a cal and legislative resource at our I am envious of Mary and would vote no. They don’t care anything when people talk with newborn child. This is another disposal the advancement of State Áine because they are not afraid. why I would vote no. They just bad language. Or when they make dark and barbaric development in medicine that panders to the latest Maybe I am envious because they don’t want me to vote no. They get jokes about pervert priests. I the extension of abortion logic. It ‘pro-choice’ whim and jettisons the are old enough know I should leaves even those immersed every time-honoured medical tradition to be strong. I say something. don’t have that But it is what strength. I know young people that schooldays believe now. are supposed to be In school we the best days but I didn’t learn any- am not sure. They thing about the were not bad. But Catholic church. I felt like a fish out Nothing really. of water. We did religious I am a Catho- studies and I lic. I know that. I think I know have never had a more about doubt about that. Hindus than I do But as a teenager, about Catholics. being Catholic But probably I is lonely. There don’t because are not many. I am the only one so angry. One girl, who likes other all I learn about Catholics is not day in the right to life battle, grasp- of ‘First Do No Harm’. in my year at school that goes to girls, shouted at me: ‘what about really much and not really what ing for words. Those who highlight the potential Mass I think. I don’t see anyone my right to get married?’ I learn at home. So I know how Yes, we are familiar with extreme for such atrocities as the introduc- else there. I wear a Scapular but And they all say ‘my body, my little my friends know because arguments. Yes, we recognise that tion of infanticide within our health I hide it sometimes. No one is choice’. Nothing else matters now. all they learn is in the school and for very many ‘doctors’ the child, service cannot be accused of scare- really mean about it. But it gets I am glad I am finished in Sec- everything else is on the inter- both inside and outside the womb mongering. In the lead up to the me attention I don’t want because ondary School. I hope I go to net from the news that only tells is a ‘product’ of no real value. But abortion referendum in 2018, sup- the other students know what it college. Maybe there I will meet one side of the story. And even the latest development is some- porters of abortion dismissed every means to be Catholic. They ask some other people who share that side of the story is not really thing that should cause real alarm claim from the pro-life side as far- me if I am against abortion. Do I the faith. It is hard when you are honest too. about how degraded the practice of fetched and untrue. It was a deeply think gays should not be allowed young. To hold on the faith. I feel It is easier to fit in if I hide my modern medicine has become. dishonest strategy, but they were to marry? like life would be easier if I did not faith under a bushel. I see already The two-patient model of mater- pushing an open door as the main- The last few years were very dif- have it. I could fit in more easily. I how people think any opinion I nity care which recognises the stream media accepted everything ficult. I know that it is not possible wouldn’t be on the outside. have is ‘because of religion’ and unique and irreplaceable value of to say abortion is ok. But I know But I am not on the outside too that I am dismissed. I hope when both mother and unborn child has they said without question. people in my class that have had much. I have friends. I am not I get to university it will be better. been undermined for years now. Two years on from the referen- abortions. And they are young. a reject. But I am not me. The I want to be me. But I don’t want Throughout that period of time the dum, it is clear for anyone who And I understand why but I know friends don’t really see all of me. to be me. unborn child has been consistently bothers to look that the claims hidden from view. Its dignity and made by the pro-life side are, inherent worth has been denied sadly, already coming to pass, not and its claim on our compassion least with the huge increase in the has been eroded. Under these con- number of abortions taking place. The Brown Scapular The Problem ditions how long was it ever going There is a small window of to take before the same ‘logic’ was opportunity before ghastly prac- wear a Brown Scapular every of Pain ruthlessly applied to newborn tices like ‘after birth abortions’ day. In the year 1251, in the town hurt my foot. That is physical babies, perhaps only minutes, or infanticide become openly of Aylesford in England, Our I pain. When I have to hid my hours or days old? embraced here. We need to take Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock, Ifaith, I feel pain inside also. There is no point in pretending full advantage of this time, with a Carmelite. She handed him a Everyone suffers from what I that such proposals will not make conviction and without apology. brown woollen scapular and said, can see. In some form or other. their way to these shores, or that There is no destination or jour- “This shall be a privilege for you I know it is not a new question. the medical establishment in this ney’s end for the pro-abortion side. and all Carmelites, that anyone But why does God allow suffer- State will somehow be unique in They will keep going undeterred dying in this habit shall not suffer ing? I don’t have the answer but resisting the calls for such ‘choice’ and keep expanding the grounds eternal fire.” I wear the scapular I read the small book by C.S. to be secured as a ‘right’. In this for ending innocent human life if inside my clothes. It is soft and Lewis, The Problem of Pain. I sense what we are witnessing in warm and it is my way of carrying wool without a plastic casing and didn’t find the answer in the Belgium is in fact a heart-breaking permitted to do so. The latest poll my faith with me. We are told by should not be pinned to clothing. book but one thing right at the window into the future of Euro- results from Belgium presents an simply wearing the Scapular, we It is worn over the head, under end that made some sense is pean and Irish abortion debates. opportunity for us to drive this can tell Our Lady every moment of one’s clothes, with one square of that suffering offers the oppor- The Belgian poll should now frightening but irrefutable point the day that we venerate her, love wool hanging on the chest and the tunity for heroism. It does not make it abundantly clear where we home. her and trust in her protection. other on the back. Pictures are explain it for me but there is are headed as a society if a radical The Carmelites website tells us not necessary’. I recommend that something right about it. change of hearts and minds does Eilís Mulroy is a spokesperson that ‘the scapular must be 100% everyone wears one! not happen. There is no longer any for the Pro-Life Campaign. FAITH AGENDA OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 9

Lord becomes simply “a nuisance”. ried toward a great bridge that has A wake-up call to complacent Christians Christian entertainment does collapsed. Without hope, the best not have the vulgarity and nihilism they can do is try to “enjoy the n his new book, Church of Cow- clergy and laity have conformed to that’s common in secular music, he ride.” ards, Matt Walsh of the Daily secularist culture. notes. A chapter on “the false virtues” IWire examines the condition of He faults the casual way many However, it has its own prob- takes a look at various notions that Christianity in the US. He presents people dress and behave at Sunday lems: it seems that “a Christian Christians have come to accept from the surrounding anti-culture, a very disturbing picture, yet much Mass, the endless noise that never song must always have an upbeat feel, and end on a happy note. including theories of “acceptance”, of what he says is also true of the allows “a moment of contem- Every song must be Easter. There “positivity”, “welcome”, “non-judg- Church in Ireland. plation” and priests who give “a can never be a Good Friday.” mentalism” and “tolerance”. Many Christians, he argues, do sermon that sounds like a pep talk Chapter by chapter the author A weakened sense of evil accom- not even know what it takes to be from a high school counsellor.” peels away layers of complacency panies this. “In a world drenched a follower of Christ and a faithful that blind us to Christ’s demands in sin, we may develop the general member of his Church. HOLLYWOOD and turns the “couch potato into impression that sin cannot be that Walsh, a Catholic with a young If half of America’s Christians the new paragon of virtue.” big a deal... family, wants to shatter our com- had half the faith and courage of Homosexuality, he writes, “is “Everyone is out there sinning. placency and get us to face the Christians in Iraq, “things would probably the issue, more than any Sin is totally normal, casual, a part reality of Christian compromise change overnight,” wrote Walsh. other, where even faithful Chris- of everyday life. It can’t be all that and disintegration so that we may “Hollywood would crumble tians wish to find some sort of bad, can it?” take our religious lives and mission because we would refuse to watch harmony between the Christian We recognise a few “big deal” seriously. its filth. view and the worldly view.” But “no sins like murder and rape but it We might expect western Chris- “The university system would such harmony is possible.” costs us nothing to call them out. tians, as a result of their faith, to be turned on its head because we Much of the damage done to the have a different way of viewing life would refuse to feed our children to not think that being a Christian ATHEISM Church in the past 70 years was than unbelievers, a different way of it... we would refuse to vote for any should require work. He exposes the flaws in the and is self-inflicted - due to bad judging and acting. politician who supported laws that Rarely does Jesus come first in “spiritual but not religious” ideol- theology, diluted catechesis, loss of But Walsh could find little evi- undermine and destroy life and the our lives. But “once we’ve made ogy and highlights the despair at confidence in the Gospel. dence of this, even when it came family.” something else a greater or equal the core of atheism. Walsh examines little of this in to major issues like reverence for Most Christians today, he holds, priority to Christ in our lives, we’ll Atheists are like passengers who detail, but he does indicate a way God, justice for unborn babies, sex- “do not bother with spiritual pro- find that Christ’s share rapidly know their train’s brakes have forward for those who want to truly uality, voting and economics. Both gress.” That is work, and they do declines from then on.” And the failed and that they are being car- follow Christ. Wiping out men’s role in the family Some babies ur society, obsessed with TRAUMA more equal the irrational liberal But if your dad walked out on you Oagenda, is deeply engaged when you were a child, your appre- in a project to destroy the family, ciation of fatherhood is likely to be than others the role of parents and particularly deeply distorted by the betrayal. the very notion of fatherhood. So also, if your birth cert gives he Business Post reports Freedom, autonomy, we are your dad’s name as “Sperm that over the past 18 months

told, must be extended as widely Photo: Eugenio Hansen, OFS. Donor” or “Danish Sperm Sup- TTusla, the child & family as possible, including to children plier”, or if your father now claims agency, deemed 127 unborn chil- of an ever younger age. We must to be a woman. dren “to be at risk of significant “listen” to them. Their “rights” and In this kind of environment harm” and placed them on its child demands must be respected. both boys and girls learn that men protection notification system. The biggest obstacle for liberals ‘do not stick around’. Boys learn to Being on the system means that in imposing this vision is the natu- be irresponsible in a relationship a plan has been devised to make ral concern parents have to protect and girls learn not to expect com- sure the babies are protected. their children. So everything pos- mitment from men. Barnardos boss Suzanne Con- sible must be done to reduce their So why would either of them want nolly told the Post that “the usual role as parents. marriage? Better to have a cool, reason unborn babies are placed Let the state take over, as far as Caricature of Frederick Nietzsche, loose relationship, with an easy out, on the system is substance abuse possible, the family role. The idea who said there are no rules for as more and more young people by the mother. of the state paying couples, espe- human life, no absolute values, no are deciding - as modelled by the “When a woman becomes preg- cially mothers, to let strangers certainties on which to rely. messed-up celebrities they admire. nant and it is known that she has a substance abuse issue, it is vital rear their babies is one stage in Thanks to the multi-pronged But a society of feckless fathers that services engage quickly... implementing this agenda. attack on the family vast num- does even deeper harm to chil- Again, the state, under the cover dren. It cuts them off from any “There will need to be medical bers of young people now grow of education, wants to decide how real understanding of God’s oversight in terms of the mother’s up in single-parent homes, almost “explicit” the sex training given fatherly love. and baby’s medical needs... and always with the father missing. to children must be, regardless of Indeed, the Our Father only in order to minimise the risk to Gustav Vigeland: ‘Foetus’. parents’ wishes. And few people care to ask what alienates these young people from her baby.” But for liberals it is marriage impact it has on girls as well as God, adding to the emptiness and On the scale of risk to unborn many people voted for it. Many that does most to hinder children’s boys when their father has taken hopelessness of their lives. This, it babies, where does abortion people defend it or participate in autonomy. Hence the state’s off. Especially when many of their seems, is the best our post-Chris- figure? Does being torn limb from it. We cannot pretend we don’t eagerness and its range of initia- friends’ fathers have done the tian society has to offer. Hey, limb by a killer doctor count as know what is happening. tives to destroy marriage. same. pothead, pass the joint. “significant harm”? Some unborn Our outrage at others’ wrong-do- babies are clearly more equal ing, past or present, lets us feel than others. virtuous while we ignore our own The German people, at least failings and sins. from 1940 on, knew what was Catholic education is truth-centred University students Sophie happening in the concentration Scholl, aged 21, and her brother ducate Together has opened for education raises some major in Jesus Christ and the truth about camps. But it was out of sight, so Hans, 24, stood against Hitler, several new schools, “wid- issues. But that’s for another day. our calling as God’s children. they didn’t need to care. Eening access,” it said, “to Catholic education, on the other In a relativist age it aims to The abortion slaughter happen- knowingly putting their lives at equality-based education.” hand, is truth-centred. It aims to foster in young people the reali- ing in many of our hospitals today risk. They were caught and were “Equality-based” is a slogan that communicate the truth in maths, sation that they can know what is is as horrendous and as evil as beheaded. fits well with the spirit of the age grammar, geography and so on. true, and to give them a passion- what happened in Auschwitz. We face no such danger. Why, and with the agenda of today’s Above all, it hands on to students ate desire for truth. This is the best It too is out of sight, but we then, are we silent? We need to secularist religion. However, the the truth about God’s self-revela- preparation for life that any child know what is happening. And we ask, what am I prepared to do to notion of “equality” as a basis tion, his love for us made known can have. know it is evil. We know. Indeed, end the evil of abortion? 10 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020 WORDS OF WISDOM

I must immerse myself ever more Eucharist and the sacraments, is an It is not, therefore, the individual MONTHLY deeply in the words of the Church encounter between Christ and the — priest or member of the faith- Meditations with my prayer, with my life, with Church” (n. 1097). Therefore it is ful — or the group celebrating the my suffering, with my joy, and with the “total Christ”, the whole Com- liturgy, but the liturgy is primarily my thought. It is a process that munity, the Body of Christ united God’s action through the Church transforms us. with her Head, that is celebrating. which has her own history, her How do we pray? I therefore think that these Thus the liturgy is not a sort of rich tradition and her creativity. reflections enable us to answer the “self-manifestation” of a commu- This universality and fundamental question we asked ourselves at the nity; it means instead coming out n last week’s Catechesis I began the relationship with the Lord is openness, which is proper to the outset: how do I learn to pray, how of merely “being ourselves”, being talking about one of the special the relationship that gives light to whole of the liturgy, is one of the do I develop in my prayer? Looking closed in on ourselves, and having sources of Christian prayer: the all our other relationships. This reasons why it cannot be conceived I at the example which Jesus taught access to the great banquet, enter- sacred liturgy which, as the Cat- communion of life with the Triune of or modified by the individual us, the Pater Noster [Our Father], ing into the great living community echism of the Catholic Church God is possible because through we see that the first word [in Latin] in which God himself nourishes community or by experts, but must states, is “a participation in Christ’s Baptism we have been incorpo- is “Father” and the second is “our”. us. The liturgy implies universality be faithful to the forms of the uni- own prayer addressed to the Father rated into Christ, we have begun to Thus the answer is clear, I learn and this universal character must versal Church. in the Holy Spirit. In the liturgy, all be one with him (cf. Rom 6:5). to pray, I nourish my prayer by enter ever anew into the awareness The entire Church is always Christian prayer finds its source […] But let us not forget: it is addressing God as Father and of all […] present even in the liturgy of the and goal” (n. 1073). Today I would in the Church that we discover praying-with-others, praying with In this we must bear in mind smallest community. For this like us to ask ourselves: in my Christ, that we know him as a living the Church, accepting the gift of and accept the logic of God’s Incar- reason there are no “strangers” in life, do I leave enough room for Person. She is “his Body”. This cor- his words which gradually become nation: he made himself close, the liturgical community. In every prayer and, above all, what place poreity can be understood on the familiar to me and full of meaning. present, entering into history and liturgical celebration the whole in my relationship with God does basis of the biblical words about The dialogue that God establishes into human nature, making him- Church takes part, heaven and liturgical prayer, especially Holy man and about woman: the two with each one of us, and we with self one of us. And this presence earth, God and men. The Christian Mass occupy, as participation in will be one flesh (cf. Gen 2:24; Eph him in prayer, always includes a continues in the Church, his Body. liturgy, even if it is celebrated in a the common prayer of the Body of 5:30ff.; 1 Cor 6:16f.). The indis- “with”; it is impossible to pray to So, the Liturgy is not the memory place and in a concrete space and Christ which is the Church? soluble bond between Christ and God in an individualistic manner. of past events, but is the living expresses the “yes” of a specific In answering this question we the Church, through the unifying In liturgical prayer, especially the presence of the Paschal Mystery of community, is by its nature catho- must remember first of all that power of love, does not cancel the Eucharist and — formed by the lit- Christ who transcends and unites lic, it comes from all and leads to prayer is the living relationship “you” and the “I” but on the con- urgy — in every prayer, we do not times and places. If in the celebra- all, in unity with the Pope, with the of the children of God with their trary raises them to their highest only speak as individuals but on tion the centrality of Christ did not Bishops and with believers of all Father who is good beyond meas- unity […] Praying means raising the contrary enter into the “we” emerge, we would not have Chris- epochs and all places. The more a ure, with his Son Jesus Christ oneself to God’s heights, through a of the Church that prays. And we tian liturgy, totally dependent on and with the Holy Spirit (cf. ibid., necessary, gradual transformation must transform our “I”, entering the Lord and sustained by his cre- celebration is enlivened by aware- 2565). Therefore the life of prayer of our being. into this “we”. ative presence. God acts through ness of this, the more fruitfully will consists in being habitually in Thus, by participating in the I would like to recall another Christ and we can act only through the authentic meaning of the lit- God’s presence and being aware of liturgy we make our own the lan- important aspect. In the Cate- and in him. The conviction must urgy be made present. it, in living in a relationship with guage of Mother Church, we learn chism of the Catholic Church we grow within us every day that the God as we live our customary rela- to speak in her and for her. Of read: “In the liturgy of the New liturgy is not our or my “doing” but Pope Benedict XVI, General tionships in life, with our dearest course, as I have already said, this Covenant every liturgical action, rather is an action of God in us and Audience, Saint Peter’s Square relatives, with true friends; indeed happens gradually, little by little. especially the celebration of the with us. Wednesday, 3 October 2012

the high priest of old, but everyone who is in Christ has The Episcopal SIRACH: CONTINUED access to God and to holiness. The high point is when the Ordination of FR. JOSEPH all, “Do not be ashamed of the high priest emerged from the BRIODY law of the Most High and his holy place to bless the people: Fr. Paul Dempsey as covenant (42:2).” We should Photo: John Mc Elroy. “Then Simon came down never be embarrassed about and lifted up his hands over Bishop of Achonry our relationship with the Lord Wisdom the whole congregation of or afraid to bear witness to Part 27 Israelites, to pronounce the him. Christ speaks of this too! he Episcopal Ordination of Bishop blessing of the Lord… and Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry Archbishop Neary placing the mitre on the irach 40:1-11 offers a Sirach 44:1-15 praises the they bowed down in worship took place in the Cathedral of the head of Bishop Dempsey during the cermony. profound reflection on great ones of Israel, a poem T … to receive the blessing from Annunciation and Saint Nathy, Bal- anxiety and fear—the that has entered into the to them on the shore. He sees things dif- S the Most High” (50:20-21). laghaderreen, Co Roscommon, on Sunday yoke weighing on humanity. Catholic Liturgy: “Let us now ferently! He sees an opportunity in the This shows us what is going 30 August. Archbishop Michael Neary of His vision reflects the view of sing the praises of famous moment. He invites them, challenges them on when, at the beginning Tuam was the Principal Consecrator, and original sin and the plight of men, our ancestors in their to “Put out into the deep water…” of Luke’s Gospel, Zechariah His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus humanity expressed in Gen- generations…” Chapters 44-50 “We’re all familiar with the story and are taken up with the praise of the priest emerges to give Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, and what happens, but we must be careful not esis 3. Human worries and the blessing but is unable to Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare & Leighlin, fears extend to everyone, from the illustrious ones leading to to reduce this to Jesus simply asking them Simon the high priest around complete it. (He was struck were the co-consecrators. to try again! He wasn’t telling them to try king to pauper: “Hard work 200 BC (50:1-24). Simon died dumb.) At the beginning of Father Vincent Sherlock, Parish Priest again, he was inviting them, asking them, was created for everyone, and a few years before Ben Sirach Luke’s Gospel the blessing of Kilmovee, Co Mayo, in the Diocese of challenging them to go farther out into a heavy yoke is laid on the chil- wrote his book. A high point remains incomplete. At the Achonry, preached the homily during the unchartered waters. He wanted them to dren of Adam … Perplexities is the description of Simon end of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus Ordination Mass. He said, “Coming to us go beyond what was familiar and safe to a and fear of heart are theirs, presiding at a Temple liturgy— himself completes the bless- from Newbridge, might we take that very place they had never gone before! Not only and anxious thought of the day the daily offering or the Day ing that was left undone. It name to locate you in the faith journey of that, dropping their nets in that deep place of their death. From the one of Atonement. Describing the is Jesus who replaces, ful- our diocese. You are and will be a NEW involved more work, more energy, more who sits on a splendid throne splendor of Simon the high fils, and perfects the Old BRIDGE – a bridge between what has been effort than staying by the safe shoreline. to the one who grovels in dust priest, Sirach writes: “How Testament priesthood. Com- and what is to come, a bridge between “Surely this must resonate with us in the and ashes … there is anger and glorious he was, surrounded pare Luke’s account of the what has been lost and what is to be found, Church today. Perhaps we have become envy and trouble and unrest, by the people, as he came out ascension of Jesus (into the a bridge between Heaven and Earth, satisfied with the shoreline, the place that and fear of death, and fury of the house of the curtain. sanctuary of heaven) with the between God and His people.” is familiar and safe? Or do we hear that and strife. And when one rests Like the morning star among passage quoted above: “When Introducing his episcopal motto Bishop call of Christ in a renewed way today to the upon his bed, his sleep at night the clouds…” (50:5-6). he had led them out to the Dempsey explained, “When a priest is Church; “Go out, go out into the deep…” confuses his mind. He gets Sirach clearly rejoiced in vicinity of Bethany, he lifted appointed bishop, he normally chooses a “We can all agree that this is not an easy little or no rest; he struggles in the splendor of the Liturgy. up his hands and blessed motto, it is something that gives a focus to task, we too like the disciples can find our- his sleep…” The curtain was probably that them. While he was blessing his ministry. I chose “Duc in Altum,” mean- selves wearisome, fearful, tired. But it was Chapter 42 lists various separating the most sacred them, he left them and was ing “Put out into the deep.” It is taken from in the midst of all these struggles, that very matters which bring shame. place, the veil of the Temple taken up into heaven. Then Luke 5:4. In that passage, Peter and the moment that Jesus appeared and called his Sirach advises that one torn when Christ died. The they worshiped him and disciples were wearisome, fed up, tired… disciples! He doesn’t stand at the shore- should never sin just to save tearing of the veil at Christ’s returned to Jerusalem with perhaps a bit like ourselves at this time! line calling to us from a distance, he has face or to look good. Most of death indicates that not only great joy…” (Luke 24:50-52). But it is in that very moment Jesus appears climbed into the boat with us! OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 11

Priests are now not so lined and ostracised because of much fathers but parish their age. To feed the poor, cloth Spiritual Fatherhood facilitators. No longer are the naked or visit the imprisoned are commendable acts. But those EADAOIN MARIA of their vocations by modern medi- they shepherds of souls

de San Salvador. who walk, march or speak up for

ocrity? - by laity wishing to run the carefully tending to the Photo: Arzobispado those truly poor are ostracised - the show, or the destructive influence spiritual needs of their unborn, small defenceless, impov- church that suffers no per- of bad feminism. Men are becom- flocks but backbenchers erished based on the whims of secution but enjoys the ing obsolete. The Homer Simpson in their priestly vocations, their parents. They are the poor, “A support and the privileges stereotype is becoming the norm, rejected, whose lives are violently of the things of the earth - beware!! propagated by helicopter parents bowing to the needs of This is not the true church of Jesus raising dependant man-babies others to “participate” ended in the name of choice. Christ. A preaching that does not stuck in a selfish arrested adoles- in the liturgical life “Those who have a voice must speak for the voiceless.” Oscar point out sin is not the preaching of cence, perpetuated by a dominant of the Church. the gospel. A preaching that makes trend of women’s rights going Romero sinners feel good, so they are full circle subjugating men in the Abortion is trumpeted as being secured in their sinful state, betrays family and in the Church. No wonder priests wish to a woman’s right, yet it is men, our the gospel’s call.” Oscar Romero Men, through their families or marry and have children of their Archbishop Óscar Romero in 1978 spiritual fathers who we need to The world laments lost father- their flocks, are required to lay own as their priestly, shepherd- on a visit to Rome. wage war on this great evil, like ing, spiritual fatherhood is being hood. Watching “Romero” last down their lives, figuratively and Saint Oscar Romero. It is these robbed from them by the modern The saint died fighting for night I was struck by the portrayal literally, for those spiritually and men we need to take to the pulpits, misunderstandings of vocation, of strength, the strength of the materially dependant on them. the rights of those who even reluctantly, and preach to saint’s leadership, the fatherly pro- We live in a mixed-up Catholic gender roles, fatherhood and had little. Our Lord said bring about an end to this atrocity, tection he displayed by the end of world where everybody wants to motherhood. As a lay woman, a at risk to themselves. the movie leading up to his mar- be somebody else. Women want busy mother of a big family of small you will always have the “A church that doesn’t provoke tyrdom. He did, as Christ did, lay to be spiritual fathers rather than children, I need my priest to be a poor among you but you any crisis, a gospel that doesn’t down his life for his friends, his spiritual mothers. Priests want spiritual father, to minister to my will not always have me. spiritual children, his flock. Oscar to get married and have children needs, in order for me to fulfil my unsettle, a word of God that Romero was at first a reluctant of their own because let’s face it, vocation as a wife and a mother. doesn’t get under anyone else’s But who are the poor in Ireland skin, a word of God that doesn’t reformer but became the Shepard who would blame them, as their It was this fatherhood who faced down the wolves. spiritual fatherhood is being dis- today? In modern western society touch the real sin of the society in How many men, fathers of fami- mantled by the banal trend of that led to the martyrdom there is a great poverty. A whole which it’s being proclaimed, what lies and spiritual fathers are robbed political correctness. of Oscar Romero. section of our population is side- Gospel is that?”

know, nor want, joy or Is our peace. There is no beauty, no order, no harmony to look for in God’s creation. God Alien? There is no betterment for DR. BÉNÉDICTE man to achieve by grace SAGE-FULLER and virtue.

I started to wonder about how hat a much “Gnosticism” there may year. be around us, covertly penetrat- WNoth- ing our minds, our behaviours, ing seems certain anymore, we moving us away from God’s love barely dare making plans a week for us - planting anxiety in our or two in advance. Everything hearts by physically disconnect- around us has changed. In July, ing us from His Creation. we went back to sectioned off The technological virtual soci- churches, kept apart from each ety certainly does not make us other. Now, we cover our God- more joyful, does it? Do our given faces when we meet Our teenagers know the simple joy of Lord in the Eucharist. We worry human conversation with friends, about our jobs, and if not for us, without seeking the thrill of social for our neighbours. Very anxious media? Can we still see a pure and times indeed. And yet, there are frank smile on a stranger’s face? still the things that were, are, and What about our food habits? will always be: like educating our Execution of Mani, as depicted in the Shanameh, an Iranian epic. Pre-cut apples in a bag, shipped children. And now more than half-way around the world are so ever, our task is to educate them since before Christ became Man, also impregnated with it, understand it. The gnostic Alien easy, aren’t they? But we miss out to Life, not to fear and anxiety. and the Catholic Church identified God is the exact mirror image such as Existentialism. on connecting the apple tree in Last February, I met with a very it very early on as profoundly anti- of Our Father, who made us in an Irish orchard with the fruit we insightful colleague at the univer- Christ, anti-God, anti-Life. His image, who made the world, The core of gnostic belief can be eat. We are losing our deep, har- sity. This was not a Zoom meeting, the universe, and who loves us explained as being an ontologi- monious, beautiful connection we were face to face, and the coffee Gnosticism has this infinitely to the point of sending cal rejection of all things material with God’s creation, and, sadly, was real. We talked about his ideas extraordinary ability to his own Son to redeem us. Before as being demonic. The cosmos, with one another. on the roots of what is destabilis- speaking through various philos- surface throughout the the earth, and human bodies and Being a Catholic is to love Jesus ing our society, and he advised ophies and perverted Christian ages, to penetrate existing souls are made by demons. In the Christ’s Incarnation, and our own me to read a book about Gnosti- heresies, Gnosticism rejected the philosophical or religious human soul, according to gnos- flesh and bones: God made us cism. It was a tough read, on many Antique Greek wisdom of con- tic doctrine, there is the spirit, with soul and body, in a world we accounts. Complex, extremely systems and to pervert templating the Cosmos as being a spark of the unknown, the can touch, see, smell, hear and detailed, and offering a disturbing them. Manicheism and the source of harmony and order unknowable, the remote, the for- taste - not virtual beings with a explanation about the deeply sub- which man thrives to reach by the Cathar religions are eign god, and that spark is trying spirit. We are forgetting that He versive essence of Gnosticism. living virtuously. It is an incredibly attractive, probably the best-known to get back to the Alien God. So all gave us five senses to apprehend suave doctrine, which catches the examples of gnostic per- that is material is evil, and to be For the Gnostics, the His World and to love it. Do we imagination with beautiful poetry. versions of Christianity. loathed and rejected. world and the cosmos still love the body God gave us? There is an essential dichotomy Do we still want to LOVE LIFE? It offers a captivating fantasy But arguments are made are chaos, and the Gnos- imagery and an explanation for between creation (by demons) This is today’s educational chal- the world, for being, and for suf- to say that prevalent and the Alien God. There is no tic soul is very fearful, lenge. This is the only way to fight fering. Its main tenets have existed modern philosophies are order to Creation as we, Catholics, anxious, sad. It does not off fear and anxiety. 12 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020 FAITH AND REASON

otheistic nation from being culturally assimilated by its pagan neighbours. Can God’s laws change? Conversion works through social ties, SCRAPS and these are commonly begun when DEREK RYAN COLUMN Social distancing, Old Testament style you share food with new people. If Jews can’t eat the same food they’ll tend to DR. PAUL DELANEY is much, much more than we deserved. eat and live by themselves. This generosity transforms things. The Mosaic Law was a protective Covid-19 The Temple used to be the physical wall: social distancing, Old Testament o you like cheeseburgers? place where God was especially present. style. But a wall works two ways. It he coronavirus But now that God walks his earth, it’s in also inhibits pagans from converting to has brought many Now imagine your trusted his human body that Divinity is espe- Judaism. changes to he face of D T family G.P. said you could never eat a cially present, and his human blood is By the time of Christ there were the Church we encounter. cheeseburger again. Hanging out with the sacrifice that takes sins away. What about 1 million Jews in Palestine, but Pews are pushed together friends at McDonalds, watching them need then for the Temple, the Old Tes- another 8 million dispersed through- or tied off with ribbons dig in, might become a bit of a sore tament sacrifices of sheep or goats or out the Roman Empire. The majority of or string. The Holy Water fonts are dry. Parishioners spot. In fact, soon you might need a the priests who offered them? these were Gentiles attracted by mon- are wearing face coverings for the most part. The Priest new set of friends. But how about the cheeseburger otheism. After all, one all-powerful wears a plastic visor. There are plastic hand sanitisers all Years later his son inherits the prac- law: why was it there and why should God makes a lot more sense than the over the Church, some where we expect to the find the tice and tells you it’s fine! Have all the it change? In Rodney Stark’s excellent Bronze Age soap opera of Zeus, Aph- Holy Water, some beside the altar. We all sit apart from cheeseburgers you want! Wouldn’t book The Triumph of Christianity he rodite & Co. (and who created them?) each other and nod a Sign of Peace from afar. There are you be wondering at this contradictory gives one reason: But this majority were “virtual” Jews large yellow stickers on the floor of the Church and signs advice? Who’s right, and are they really “Surprisingly, when sociologists took known as God-fearers: they did not on your way in reminding to stay two meters apart. Holy related? fully embrace Judaism Communion is received only in the hand, standing rather If you’re finding 10 because the food laws, than kneeling, sometimes even while sitting. Commandments diffi- marriage restrictions Whether you agree or disagree with the usefulness or cult, spare a thought for etc. would have dis- necessity of these changes, they are with us. They have Jews keeping the whole tanced them from their been with us a few months, and they are probably going Law of Moses… it has friends and family. Half to be around for a few more months at least. 613! Here’s one: in, half out. The science and politics aside, these aspects are gradu- You shall not boil a The infant Church is ally becoming embedded into the rubric of experience of kid in its mother’s milk small in numbers and the Mass. As well as washing his hands to ‘wash away my – traditionally under- vulnerable. Suddenly iniquity’, the Priest now sanitises his hands with an alcohol stood as God saying all these God-fearers based anti-bacterial. Donning a face-mask while preparing Jews should keep meat are told they can be of distribute Holy Communion, the priest interrupts the and dairy separate. So full members of God’s normal routine with this addition to his vestments. no cheeseburgers, for people without having As of yet, none of these actions seem very liturgical, 3,000 years and count- to leave their family none seem to be tending towards the sacred. Although ing. There are many and friends. It was like possibly necessary, they visibly drag the Liturgy down other kosher food laws, God had been stacking rather then raising it up. All of these new innovations sit e.g. not eating pork. dry wood for centuries incongruously with the rubrics of the Liturgy. It is time to Other laws concern and now he had lit the consider, if these are to remain with us, how the impact correct worship: how to construct the the trouble to actually go out and watch spark: many joined. on the sacral can be minimised and how they can be Tabernacle where God dwelt which conversions take place, they discovered The change was beneficial, but adopted to elevate the Mass. became the Jerusalem Temple; which that doctrines are of very secondary was it right? The Book of Maccabees animals can be offerings for sin; and importance in the initial decision to describes Jews being tortured to make how an Old Testament priest should convert. One must, of course, leave them eat pork. They died for the Law. Irish Times sacrifice them to God. Others concern room for those rare conversions result- Isn’t it unfair for God to then change moral behaviour, e.g. the 10 com- ing from mystical experiences such as the goalposts? mandments. Paul’s on the road to Damascus. But But if he hadn’t, only one small ethnic and the After over 1,000 years of Jews obey- such instances aside, conversion is pri- group would become children of God ing Moses’ Law, the Apostles decided marily about bringing one’s religious through baptism, with the vast majority Magdalene that converts no longer had to obey it. behaviour into alignment with that of of humanity outside for fear of separa- That’s why we eat cheeseburgers and one’s friends and relatives, not about tion from friends and family. Does that Laundries worship on Sunday, not Saturday. How encountering attractive doctrines. Put strike you as where God is leading the can God’s laws change? Shouldn’t one more formally: people tend to convert race he made? ecently the Irish Times ran a very lengthy piece on sign of the true God be consistency? to a religious group when their social When the Messiah commanded “Go the life of Mary Gaffney who lives in St Vincent’s Partly, it’s due to God’s extreme gen- ties to members outweigh their ties to into all the world and preach the gospel Rconvent in Cork, after spending nearly all her life erosity. He could have delivered us from outsiders who might oppose the con- to the whole creation” it was time for in institutions run by the nuns – either the Sisters or the Evil One, then ruler of this world, version, and this often occurs before a missionary religion. Like our Covid Daughters of Charity. The piece paints a very bleak pic- by sending a powerful angel to trample a convert knows much about what the laws it was provisional, good to obey ture, but what is more disconcerting are the comments Satan underfoot. Instead he sent one of group believes.” while there, but there for a purpose till from readers on the Irish Times Facebook page. The level the Trinity, One equal to Himself. This Kosher food prevents a small mon- its purpose was accomplished. of vitriol, but also ignorance, of the readers towards the Nuns is hard to fathom. It is not unexpected. But none, nor the Irish Times writer, stop to consider what the alternative was in Ireland in 1945. No one else was step- GIVE – a book that challenges the narrative about charity ping up. The nuns admit there were mistakes. But, just DEREK RYAN as the McAleese report into the Laundries tells, there is 30 years of experience in the charity a much more nuanced story that is not allowed out. The sector to examine the role of philan- sisters receive all this hate because they showed up. No thropy in today’s world; celebrating the one else did. There is no alternative history. There is no n his new book, GIVE, Magnus Mac- innate goodness of people and exploring NGO that took on the work. No secular or humanist insti- Farlane-Barrow issues a heartfelt how acts of charity can enrich the lives of tution. The State itself was almost absent. Society didn’t Iplea for a better understanding of those giving as much as those receiving. care. All those that comment – their grandparents were true charity and the positive role this “We tend to feel a little jolt of joy society at the time. If you don’t show up, you don’t fail. can play in our lives, while refusing to when we share something; and the idea You don’t get the blame. That is the story of the history of shy away from the difficult questions of a hungry child now eating because Ireland untold. Someone should write the story of those and criticisms facing charities today. of our gifts makes us happy. But some who didn’t bother to show up instead of the incessant Magnus said: “This is a book that of the more profound changes take challenges various stereotypes about longer to appear for the giver and the demonisation of those who did – conveniently forgetting Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder charity and aid and grapples with ques- all the good that was done and focussing only on the mis- of Mary’s Meals and author or new receiver too. And some of them are all takes. It is said history is written by the winners. It seems tions around the current identity crisis book - GIVE the more wonderful because they were the winners are those who didn’t show up. that organised charity faces. not forseen.” “It signposts a personal journey that to a life of deeper joy with a greater might sometimes be a little bit uncom- sense of purpose and meaning.” Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, [email protected] fortable and not without risk, but leads In the book, Magnus draws on almost founder of Mary’s Meals CULTURE OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 13

go raibh an bás i ndán dó go luath is dúirt le Naomh Colmcille ; ‘Ba Naomh mhaith liom a bheith ar an chéad duine le bás a fháil ar an oileán seo faoi chúnant nua an ríocht Odhrán Dé’. D’fhreagair Colmcille, ‘Tab- harfaidh mé an ríocht sin duit, PÓL Ó MEÁDHRA is ina theannta sin, geallaim duit nach bhfaighidh an té a ghuíonn chugam aon ní uaim go dtí go nguíonn sé chugat freisin’. Deir- aolaíodh Naomh Odhrán i tear go bhfaca Colmcille diabhail gceantar ina bhfuil Co. na agus aingil ag troid thar anam Mí sa lá atá inniu ann, ar S Odhráin sula ndeachaigh sé suas deireadh an 5ú haois. Ba de shli- ar neamh. ocht Chonall Gulban, rí Gaelach, a Ainmníodh an séipéal is sine bhunaigh ríocht Thír Chonaill sa ar Í Cholm Cille i ndiaidh Naomh 5ú haois. Tá Gulban thar a bheith Odhrán. Chomh maith leis sin tábhachtach i stair Chríostaíocht Mainistir Íona. tugtar Reilig Odhráin ar an reilig na hÉireann mar gurb é an chéad máguaird mar chuimhne air. fágtha sa lá atá inniu ann ach Sa bhliain 563, bhí sé i measc uasal in Éirinn a bhaist Naomh Roghnaigh na Lochlannaigh é fothracha agus reilig. Níos lú ná an dáréag a chuaigh in éineacht Pádraig, rud a chabhraigh go mar phátrún ar chathair Phort aon chiliméadar ó na fothracha tá le Naomh Colm Cille chuig Oileán mór leis na huaisle Gaelacha eile Láirge i 1096 agus roghnaíodh a iompú ina gCriostaithe. Lean a tobar le sruth beag ag sileadh as Í as cósta na Alban. Cé gur oileán ina dhiaidh sin é mar phátrún na sliochtach, Odhrán, leis an obair agus claí cloiche timpeall air. Tá an iarghúlta é , ba chuid lárnach deoise. Is díol suntais é gur roghn- chun an Chríostaíocht a chur chun tobar tiomnaithe d’Odhrán. Bíonn den ríocht Gaelach cumhachtach, Image courtesy of St Barnabas aigh Lochlannaigh Phort Láirge Orthodox Mission Kenya. i measc na nGael agus i measc oilithreacht bhliaintiúil ar an 15ú Dál Riata, é. Ba ríocht é seo lena mar phatrún na lonnaíochta sin. mhuintir na hAlban araon. Lúnasa ina léitear an tAifreann. n-áiríodh oirthuaisceart na hÉire- Tá an cuma air gur d’eascair an agam féin chun an naoimh ion- Bhí Odhrán ina chónaí ar Dertear go bhfuil leigheas in uisce ann agus codanna d’iarthar na deabhóid a bhí acu dó ón obair taigh seo. Spreag mo mháthair, an tobair do shúile atá tinn. Is é hAlban. Is trí chumhacht na feadh breis agus daichead bliain mhiseanach a rinne sé lena chom- Esther Uí Mheadhra, an deabhóid i gceantar darb ainm Leatracha, Naomh Odhrán naomhphátrún ríochta seo a scaip an Gaela- hlochlannaigh le linn dó a bheith seo ionam. Leigheasadh í siúd, i dTuaisceart Thiobraid Árainn, pharóiste Bhéal Átha Gabhann, chas tríd an Alba uilig. Is tríd an ar Oileán Í. Cuireadh roinnt trí idirghabháil Naomh Odhran, mar a bhfuil an paróiste Béal Átha Contae Thiobraid Árann. Tá muin- gcumhacht spioradálta Mhainistir mhaith lochlannach ar an oileán Gabhann anois. Ba ann a bhun- tir Thiobraid Árainn thar a bheith Oileán Í a scaip an Chríostaíocht céanna thar na blianta. ó thinneas a bhí uirthi agus í ag aigh sé mainistir sa bhliain 520. bródúil as oidhreacht Odhráin is tríd an tír sin. I dtaca liom féin thug mé Odhrán iompar clainne lena céad leanbh. Deirtear go raibh suas le 3,000 tugtar ‘Cill Odhráin’ ar go leor de Go gairid i ndiaidh dó teacht mar ainm do dhuine de mo mhic Is é an 27 Deireadh Fómhair lá scolaire ag staidéar ann tráth. Níl na bailte fearainn sa chontae chun an oileáin, bhraith Odhrán mar gheall ar an deabhóid atá féile Naomh Odhrán.

ALIVE! FILM REVIEW it was the series that followed, 5 seasons and ALIVE! BOOK REVIEW 76 episodes, that is the jewel in the crown. OF THE MONTH OF THE MONTH “Friday Night Lights” centres on the rural town of Dillon, Texas, where winning the state football championship is prized above Friday all else. Coach Eric Taylor guides a high school football team through pressure-filled Holistic seasons while dealing with struggles relating Night Lights to his own family. The interactions between the team members, current and former Healing: players, supporters, coaching staff and reg- (2006-2011) ular townsfolk address many of the issues A Christian Approach facing small-town America. DENISE RICHARDS The series is easy watching, compelling, by Fr. Pat Collins heart-warming and to an extent, heart wrenching, at times. While the football is DEREK RYAN aving stumbled across a recommen- central to the story, the real stories are the dation to read the book ‘Friday Night characters that face everyday challenges in Lights’ by H.G Bissinger, as it cre- H family, community and school. The stories r. Pat Collins became somewhat of an ated some controversy on how it addressed, develop in a very human way, underpinned and highlighted, the issue of race and class overnight sensation after he appeared in a non-judgmental manner, by the faith division in a Texas town where High School Fon The Late Late Show discussing what American Football dominates the weekly that is important to a Texas town. At a time is often presented as the paranormal, exor- conversation. From an Irish perspective, the where religion and faith gets little to no cism, which is discussed in his earlier book fascinating issue is far from identity politics, exposure in Hollywood or Netflix, except Freedom from Evil. The reality from a sen- but the fact that tens of thousands would in a derogatory manner, how faith is pre- sory perspective of the observer can be much sented throughout Friday Night Lights, is more mundane than what is presented in flock to watch high school kids play sports The book provides a genuinely inter- under the bright lights on a Friday night. If refreshing, and although not central, it is films such as The Omen, but it is not easy to you think GAA brings community together, not hidden away. get past the perception the Hollywood film- esting scriptural journey through healing it doesn’t compare with the unifying specta- When it is extremely difficult to find com- based possession. while not omitting to discuss the practi- cle of high-school football. pelling teenage television that is not overtly In his newest book, Holistic Healing: cal steps involved. For many, the idea of The book led to watching the film, starring sexualised, Friday Night Lights, available on A Christian Approach, Fr. Pat once again healing, and charisms, may seem some- Amazon Prime, is well worth a binge watch. Billy Bob Thornton, which disappointed, but engages in a subject often misunderstood thing affected, but Fr. Pat removes that and dramatized as a spectacle akin to the perception with a very grounded discus- mass gatherings in the US where preachers and gospel singers are raising the roof as sion of what it is, what it involves and an people are dramatically healed. interesting history of how it came to be par- From this perspective, the book disap- tially sidelined as the Church became more points, because Fr Collins takes what is structured in the early centuries. almost an excessively humble approach to his If for nothing else, the book is worth a read subject, not quite downplaying, but certainly to better understand the faith itself, but also avoiding any sense of the dramatic in discuss- for the frequent biographical insights into the ing healing from a Christian perspective. At the same time, given the number of healings life of Fr. Pat as he explored his own vocation that Fr Pat is able to discuss, it is surprising for healing and his own personal challenges, that he has not gained celebrity status. to arrive where he is today. 14 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020 CLASSIFIEDS ONLY €5 for Beautifully €1 per word; Box No. €3.00 extra illustrated Christmas Cards! BREDA: 01 404 8187 Only €5.00 (Stg £4.00) per A Pocket ACCOMMODATION packet of 7 including p&p Catechism on ADOPTION & foster tracing. So you (7 different cards per pack) The Eucharist MEDJUGORJE apartment, bright, spacious, want to trace your birth mother or Deepen your nice view, all mod cons, available to rent. Tel: father? Family tree tracing. Text on inside of each card: 07522 706446. understanding Help is only a phone call away. Tel: Your intentions will be included in 087 216 8883. 24 hrs. 7 days. of Mass. MEDJUGORJE apts to rent. Lifts, balconies, a special Christmas Triduum • 150 questions kitchen. John 087 149 6338. of Masses. THINKING about a vocation? 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This way of life includes a vow justify yourself? Hurt feelings and hurt pride may affect your life far more than you realise. time and full time earnings available, email of celibacy. We have members throughout [email protected] or phone Anita 087 062 4108. Ireland and worldwide. Email: caritaschris- This booklet might set you on the path to healing and freedom. [email protected] Tel: Aine @ 086 400 2414 DO you suffer from aches and pains? Why or Veronica @ 086 866 0384. Website: €2.00 (+50c p&p) per copy or 6 copies for €10.00 (post free) not call and find out about our amazing sup- www.ccworldinfo.org plement called Move? Phone Anita 087 0624108 or email [email protected] THANKSGIVING The Dumbag Letters Church Art These letters radiate the joy, the hope, Calendars WATERFORD, volunteers needed to help MEDJUGORJE THANKS to St. Jude for distribute Alive!, please. A little help once endless favours received. PD. the breadth of vision and the meaning in 2021 a month. Tel: Breda 01 404 8187 or Julie life which come from the Catholic faith. 2 for €5.00 086 059 6051 and leave a message and tel GRATEFUL thanks to the prayer to the number. Thank you. Virgin Mary, (Mount Carmel). Novena to An ideal gift for young people. (Stg £4.00) Sts. Claire, Joseph, Jude, and Anthony for including p&p €4.00 (£3.50) per copy NOVENA favours received. AK.

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LIVES OF THE SAINTS lips and as St. James said, the man himself of the world, and I mean that he could physically do for the who governs his tongue is a perfect the world in the evil sense, that movement God had chosen him to man. He was impersonal in his love world which we pledge ourselves serve. He said at one point prior in that he loved all, saw all others to combat, with the flesh and the to the onset of dementia, “I have DOROTHY DAY around him as God saw them, saw devil. There is another sense of the done all I can; let the younger men Christ in them.” world — “God so loved the world,” take over.” PART 41: PETER MAURIN by suffering and sacrifice - and in In those last five years he put the and “God looked at the World and Dorothy was absent from New the last five years of that life, a par- final touches - or let his Creator put found it was good” — and Peter was York when Peter died. Before eter Maurin, co-founder with ticularly intense surrender to the the final touches - to the saintly life an apostle to this world. He loved she left she spoke to him, in what Dorothy Day of the Catho- will of God. Dorothy described him which would, in 2010, lead to the people; he saw in them what God turned out to be the last time, Plic Worker Movement, was as a St. Francis of modern times. petition to the Holy See that he too meant them to be, as he saw the about the death of a co-worker 20 years older than the woman “He was used to poverty as a peas- be recognised by the Church as a world as God meant it to be, and whose funeral she had to attend he inspired to set up this radical, ant is used to rough living, poor saint in Heaven. loved it.” and to whom Peter was very close. almost revolutionary, Christian food, hard bed, or no bed at all, In her reflections on Peter’s last Peter was ill for the last five When she said to him, “Now you initiative. Dorothy in her later dirt, fatigue, and hard and unre- years, Dorothy described his total years of his life, debilitatingly will have someone waiting for you years described her life as falling spected work. He was a man with self-surrender: “The fact was he ill. It seemed that he may have in heaven,” his face lit up in a radi- into two parts - her pre-conversion a mission, a vision, an apostolate, had been stripped of all. He had had a stroke in his sleep. Finally, ant smile. He had not been able to part and her Catholic part. In that but he had put off from himself stripped himself throughout life; his mind began to fail and Doro- smile for months. On her way back latter part Peter Maurin was a piv- honors, prestige, recognition. He he had put off the old man in order thy’s consolation was that before from that funeral Dorothy received otal force. was truly humble of heart. Never to put on the new. He had done that happened he had peacefully a message telling her of Peter’s Peter’s entire life was one marked a word of detraction passed his all that he could do to denude accepted that there was no more peaceful death. OCTOBER 2020 ALIVE! | 15

CROSSWOPRIZERD CROSSWORDN O. 247• July 2020 CRYPTIC CLUES: €25 for the first correct entry out of the bag. Entries before Wed, 14th October 2020. Kids Corner €25 One entry per family. Winner & answers next month. NO. 247 Dia dhaoibh a pháistí, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The days are getting shorter and COLOURING COMPETITION - WIN €10 199 the weather is getting colder. You will need to start wearing your warm, cosy jackets again. 8 9 Did you know the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion and 10 11 each year the month of October is dedicated to the most Holy Rosary? The Holy Rosary is a prayer in which we meditate on the life of 12 13 14 Jesus. 15 16 Because of the mission that

Mary received from God, her life 17 18 19 20 was closely tied to Jesus. Mary’s Immaculate Heart was always focused on the life of her son Jesus. When we pray the Rosary, we are 21 22 asking Mary to pray for us that we might be more focused on the life of Jesus. 23 24 Slán go fóill, Aisling

ACROSS DOWN ✃ 1. Pass our green, say (6) 1. Bottle© of ArgonEMMANUEL found in café (6) PRESS DID YOU KNOW? 4. Stick to present publicity? (6) 2. Giving money when the learner is finishing (7) The first book ever printed 8. Phones for jewellery (5) 3. Put out around the South East to annoy (5) was the Catholic Bible. In 1455 9. I have nothing in Venus perhaps to make you 5. Old Irish leader brings back staff to mature (7) Johannes Gutenberg printed the jealous (7) 6. First woman given the go ahead to awaken (5) 10. Collapsed after fan diet went wrong (7) 7. Followed Sue in the end (6) Bible on his newly invented print- ACROSS 11. Fifty one for example go east to Belgian city (5) 9. BackingDOWN singer Don in a muddle (9) ing press using movable types 1. Pass our green,12. say This (6)subject is mostly about Peggy O’Hare (9) 13. I get blokes1. Bottleto run around of Argon stone pillar found (7) in café (6) made from metal. 4. Stick to present17. publicity? Sounds as if (6)you’ll find calmness after this bit (5) 14. Youth leader2. Giving got the wages money he longed when for! the (7) learner is finishing (7) 19. Firmly establish that I am going to factory (7) 15. Reps I’d upset by creature on the web! (6) 8. Phones for jewellery21. Princess (5) to get in somehow after slimming! (7) 16. Be strong,3. rightPut in outthe room around (6) the South East to annoy (5) 9. I have nothing in22. VCosmeticenus perhapsship? (5) to make you 18. Chose 5.from theOld selection Irish leader(5) brings back staff to mature (7)

jealous✃ (7) 23. Shoot again! (6) 20. Directly6. opposite First bear! woman (5) given the go ahead to awaken (5) 10. Collapsed after 24.fan A Man’sdiet day?went (6) wrong (7) 7. Followed Sue in the end (6) 11. Fifty one for exampleSOLUTION go TO east SEPTEMBER to Belgian CROSSWORD: city (5) 9. Backing singer Don in a muddle (9) NAME 12. This subject is mostly about Peggy O’Hare (9) 13. I get blokesSEPTEMBER to run around stone pillar (7) ACROSS: 1. Short wave 8. Irate 9. Minor 10. Needy 13. Pine 15. Lion CROSSWORD WINNER: 17. Sounds as if you’ll16. Precede find calmness 17. Ergo 18. Naff after 19. Creasedthis bit 20 (5) Sash 22. Spot 24. Stork14 . Youth leader got the wages he longed for! (7) ADDRESS Vera Rooney, 27. Reach 28. Abate 29. Monastery. DOWN: 1. Slain 2. Open 3. Tale 19. Firmly establish that I am going to factory (7) 15. RepsPairc I’dMhuire, upset Newbridge, by creature on the web! (6) 4. Army 5. Ennui 6. Displeasure 7. Grandfather 11. Element 12. Dresser 21. Princess to get in somehow after slimming! (7) 16. Be strong,Co. Kildare.right in the room (6) 14. Epoch 15. Lends 21. Swarm 23. Peaky 24. Shin 25. Onus 26. Kate. AGE 22. Cosmetic ship? (5) 18. Chose from the selection (5) 23. Shoot again! (6)NAME 20. Directly opposite bear! (5) 24. A Man’s day? (6) Return to ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin 24. ADDRESS

CAN YOU UNSCRAMBLE THESE SAINTS NAMES? SEPTEMBER COLOURING COMPETITION WINNER: FUATINSA Emma Beyaert, Solutions to June Crossword: TELEPHONE AGUSUTSU Riverwood Park, Castleknock, Dublin 15. Across: 1. Short wave 8. Irate 9. Minor

LKUE

FAUSTINA, AUGUSTUS, LUKE. AUGUSTUS, FAUSTINA, ANSWERS: Age 6. Solution to ALIVE!10. Needy St. 13.Mary’s Pine 15.Priory, Lion 16.Tallaght, Precede Dublin 24. 17. Ergo 18. Naff 19. Creased 20 Sash 22. Spot 24. Stork 27. Reach 28. Abate DUMBAG WRITES... LETTERS FROM A MASTER TO A TRAINEE29. Monastery. TEMPTER Down: 1. Slain 2. Open 3. Tale 4. Army 5. the parish wants toEnnui do the6. Displeasurepriest’s 7.And Grandfather women too,11. as long as we work for him andElement no man 12. wants Dresser 14.keep Epoch them 15. dupedLends into thinking Everybody wants to be somebody else to be a priest? 21.Vocations Swarm 23. are Peaky they 24. Shinare less25. Onusthan men, because they are, thank goodness. They Women want to be men - some plummeting still 26.and Kate. there is a their nature is different, they Smithers, are souls - eternal souls longing of them. Women want to be queue for a space on the parish too will never know their worth. he great problem with for God, souls who were endowed masculine, a lot more of them - to council. And no one realises the As mothers, sisters, friends, society these days is that with a nature by the Master. If we be heads of their household, to be two are linked. The men, the grandmothers, aunties and everybody wants to be keep them distracted with rubbish the bread winner, to be the boss. priests, the would-be vocations, daughters, souls created with T are too busy being emasculated somebody else. No one is happy, they’ll never think to find him. And More of them still want to be great beauty and dignity will be by our warped feminist agenda to everyone is distracted with stuff it’s working. priests. And a lot more of them lost if we keep them focused on all know their worth. - ideologies and materialism. These souls, souls to whom God are emasculating the priesthood this nonsense. As priest, as fathers, as servant There is no space to know God gave a human nature, man and through parish councils and they I mean - who rules in heaven leaders, they should be dying to woman he created them. They’re don’t know it. How dare those over all the priests, popes, saints - no space to even know one’s themselves to give life to their and angels? The mother of God, a self. Everyone is looking forward mostly miserable. They all want men ‘assume all the power’ in the families, communities and parishes. to the weekend, to their next to be something else. God gave Church? What about us, they say? That they are irreplaceable and as woman. It is so easy to make them holiday, to that gadget or item of them their nature that through Yet they don’t realise God is calling long as we use the women to beat forget things like this. clothing arriving from amazon or this nature in the Grace of the them as women through their them down, they’ll never know their eBay. Clicking and scrolling the Church they would find their way feminine nature back to him. But worth. They’ll never realise their Your disgracefully, days away. back to him. But Smithers we did they’ll never hear that call if we full potential through their nature The masses don’t know how a fantastic job of laying all of this keep them all distracted. as the men God created them fearfully and wonderfully made to waste. Isn’t it funny how everyone in to be. Dumbag 16 | ALIVE! OCTOBER 2020

while their Rome literally burns. aims to help, are extremely reli- belief (FoRB) central to its culture, gious, while Ireland is the opposite. policies and international opera- Religious Persecution – As part of the World tions. If such a call were made in Humanitarian Summit The report states “this is Ireland, it would not only be DFAT UK Report should be a discussions, the Irish not about special pleading but also many of the NGOs that government organised a for Christians, but making would recoil in horror such is the up a significant deficit. cultural antipathy toward religion. wake-up call to Ireland consultation with different As Ireland takes it place on the ‘stakeholders’ and There is a sense that for UN Security Council, the clear members of the public a number of reasons we recommendation to the FCO is DAVID REYNOLDS or Uzbekistan, where were invited to attend have been blind to this equally applicable and the Irish Christians are denied Government should seek a Security and consult. A number issue – and those reasons the right to pass on the Council Resolution to call on all he Anglican Bishop of Truro, of these that wanted to would certainly include governments: Rev Philip Mountstephen, faith to their children, or engage happened to be post-colonial guilt … “a. ensure the protection and secu- Trecently completed a report places like North Korea it’s about ensuring that rity of Christians, and other for the British Foreign Office into African diaspora who where Christians are sent Christians in the global faith minorities, in their respec- the persecution of Christians tried to raise the issue tive countries; around the world. Very little was to gulags. In Pakistan of Christian persecution south have a fair deal … b. facilitate the establishment heard about it in the UK and noth- Christian girls are groomed it is an equality issue. If of security and protection ing at all here in Ireland. but their views were and trafficked into sham arrangements for Christians, The aim of the report, along with unwanted and they were one minority is on the marriages, and suffering and other faith minorities, analysing the situation of Chris- receiving end of 80% of strategically excluded within the legal and governance tians in a number of countries forced conversion. from the process because religiously motivated structure of their respective where violations of their rights in The list is long. discrimination it is simply countries; the form of murder, torture and they raised uncomfortable c. permit United Nations observ- displacement is well known, is also not just that they should When has the Irish Minister truths that did not fit with to look at the response of the Brit- receive so little attention.” ers to monitor the protection for Foreign Affairs spoke out with the narrative that was ish Foreign Office to assess whether and security arrangements some anger at the religious perse- it is suitable and appropriate given sought. for Christians and other faith cution of Christians? Where in any And along with this, “this is the situation. minorities in their respective Irish foreign policy is religious free- also about being sensitive to dis- The British Foreign & Common- countries.” dom highlighted as an area worthy The Truro report notes “the crimination and persecution of all wealth Office (FCO) is essentially of protection? Or an area of con- significant cultural knowledge minorities. Because the Christian As the report states, the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cern? The Irish government will in the awareness and practice of faith is perhaps the one truly global and the UK dept for Overseas Aid lack of expressed concern reply that they focus on ‘need not religion in society in the United faith it has become a bellwether (UKAID) was recently re-absorbed creed’ but the reality is, and recog- Kingdom which witnesses have for repression more generally. If is due to a ‘certain post- into the FCO, just as Irish Aid sits nised in the Trulo report, that this suggested is increasingly evident Christians are being discriminated Christian bewilderment, under Foreign Affairs (DFAT) here. blindness toward religious (Chris- The investigation was launched in if not embarrassment, tian) identity when every other 2019 and designed to be independ- about matters of faith, identity is prioritised, is damaging ent and objective. For that reason, and resulting in a significant lack of and a consequent failure the findings in many areas can rea- awareness or sympathy toward the to grasp how for the vast sonably be applied to the DFAT plight of Christians. here in Ireland. majority of the world’s In Ireland, for sure, there is The report makes for horrifying a sense that because Christian- inhabitants faith is not reading but the situation is well ity was the dominant religion for only a primary marker of known to readers of the ALIVE! so long, that it is impossible to while those actually working in identity, but also a primary fathom that in other parts of the the Irish Dept of Foreign Affairs world, it is a minority religion, con- motivation for action (both seem oblivious. The report notes tinuously persecuted in the most for good or ill)’. It is this “In some regions, the level and horrific ways possible. This may be nature of persecution is arguably depreciation in value of a reason for the blindness, but it is coming close to meeting the inter- religious freedom that is not an excuse. Working for DFAT national definition of genocide”, and Irish Aid is a well paid career, a growing blindspot in the “The eradication of Christians and with many perks and bonuses, developed world. other minorities on pain of “the especially when working overseas, sword” or other violent means and these professionals have a was revealed to be the specific and Irish diplomats and aid workers responsibility to act professionally. stated objective of extremist groups no longer value religion and thus Unfortunately, it would seem Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon and Bishop Philip Mounstephen. in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, north-east no longer understand how intrin- that DFAT and Irish Aid is blind Nigeria and the Philippines”, “in sically valuable it is to the faithful. when it comes to the horrendous in the culture of the Foreign Office against in one context or another Syria the Christian population has They forget that the first pilgrims crimes against Christians or vic- Network. Given the centrality of you can be confident other minor- declined from 1.7 million in 2011 to to America were escaping perse- tims of religious persecution. The religious belief to the vast major- ities are too.” below 450,000 and in Iraq, largely Irish Aid overseas aid strategy talks ity of the world’s population and The report provides a wake-up cution and looking for religious through the ‘ethnic cleansing’ of about gender equality and climate communities this poses a particu- call to the British FCO, but it freedom. They forget that masses ancient Christian communities change and all sorts of rights in lar challenge for British diplomats should do the same for Ireland. of people continually move in order from the Nineveh Plains, Chris- depth, but only once makes a refer- seeking to operate between these To the credit of the British, they to escape persecution but also to tian numbers have slumped from ence to religious persecution as one two worlds.” have taken the steps of doing this find freedom to practice their faith. 1.5 million before 2003 to below among many others. Certainly the same should be said review. In Ireland, the government They do not leave all that they have 120,000 today”, “Extrajudicial This is to be expected in an aid of an increasingly secular Ireland remains in thrall to the deChris- behind lightly, or because their killings and the enforced and invol- sector that is dominated by secular and that the government should tianisation of the country and the faith is of little value. They do it untary disappearance of Christians humanists who have little time for make a concerted effort, instead of narrative of Christian persecution because it is fundamental, and a are also widespread”. religious belief. All involved in the recruiting gender studies experts, cannot be entertained in the cur- secularised western world, which Along with this there is aid sector scramble to affirm that strengthen religious literacy in rent secularising climate where still controls the humanitarian aid they are non-religious and that DFAT, recruit those that under- religion, Catholicism in particular, systems, cannot understand this. It the ‘social’ persecution religion has no bearing on their stand religion rather than those cannot be considered a victim of is why religious freedom is down- where Christians work. Even the faith-based organ- anathema to it. Instead of trainings any kind – it has to be portrayed as graded in Europe to being of lesser are systematically isations struggle to stand firm on ‘inclusion’ that ends up focusing the malign force in order to clear importance than other perceived marginalised in places and are seduced by the need to be on LGBTQI+ and gender and disa- the path for its marginalisation. rights with politicians and activists seen to be saying the right things bility, consider specific training on The report recommends in the empowered to push religion to the such as India, ‘structural’ on inclusion, intersectionality and religion, given that the vast major- strongest terms that the FCO margins as it is antithetical to their persecution in China LGBTQI+ as a top priority, fiddling ity of the countries where Irish Aid should make freedom of religion or own secularising belief systems.

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