Reaction to CONFERENCE EAST KILBRIDE INDEPENDENCE AND RADIO church in comment in boosts for UK’s modern the SCO. Liturgy. top three. Pages 9 and 11 Page 2 Page 3

No 5544 YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SUPPORTS THE YEAR OF FAITH Friday November 15 2013 | £1 Pope Francis calls A MEETING OF FIRSTS for ‘concrete’ help for the Philippines I Vatican donates close to £100,000 to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, as charities launch emergency appeals By Ian Dunn

POPE Francis immediately called on Scottish Catholics to send ‘concrete aid’ to survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan after it killed tens of thousands of people and left millions homeless in the Philippines last weekend. The Holy Father repeated this call on Wednesday, asking Catholics to engage in the ‘real battle in favour of life’ by helping the Philippines. In Scotland, SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal to help victims of the catastrophic storm, which ravaged the island nation with 150 mph winds, and is working with its partners on the ground, Cari- tas Philippines, to help emergency aid reach people who have been made homeless by the storm. Aid to home to several dioceses, though two were hard- the Church in Need (ACN) has also promised help est-hit—Borongan Diocese and Palo Archdiocese. for people devastated by the typhoon. In Borongan, which was the typhoon’s first land- First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed newly installed Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh Early estimates suggest that at least 10,000 peo- fall, a UNESCO heritage church was razed and to Bute House on Tuesday. After the meeting, the archbishop said: “It was a pleasure to meet the First Minister again, having only had the briefest word with him on the day of my Episcopal Ordination. I look forward ple died after the typhoon hit, although many of about 85 to 95 per cent of the homes in the parish to working with him and with all in government and parliament, with a view to promoting the peace and the victims may never be found. More than 80 per were also destroyed. prosperity of all in society, authentic human rights, including the right to religious freedom and worship, cent of the population of the Philippines is “In Borongan, we have no concrete reports and the integral human development of those excluded and most in need wherever they may be.” Catholic and the Pope said at his Angelus on Sun- because all communication lines are down and all Mr Salmond said that the Catholic Church has played a pivotal role in the history and formation of the day that he wanted all Catholics to pray ‘for these power lines are down,” he said. “In Palo, in which is nation, and ‘it has an equally important part in Scotland’s future.’ brothers and sisters and let’s try, also, to make our situated the city of Tacloban, about 10,000 people are “I warmly welcome Archbishop Cushley to Bute House and I’m sure this will be the first of many success- concrete help reach them.’ estimated dead. Much church infrastructure was ful meetings,” the First Minister added. “I look forward to building on the strong and respectful relationship “I wish to express my closeness to the people of destroyed, including the cathedral of Palo and the between the Scottish Government and the Catholic Church in Scotland and working with Archbishop Cush- the Philippines and that region that has been hit by important shrine of Santo Nino. But the priority is ley as he begins this new period of service among the people of Scotland.” a terrible typhoon,” he said. “Unfortunately, the rebuilding the lives of people and not buildings.” PIC: PAUL McSHERRY victims are many and the damage is enormous.” SCIAF Appeal Aid In Scotland, Lorraine Currie, head of international The Vatican has made an initial donation of $150,000 programmes for the Scottish Catholic International (close to £100,000) for the relief efforts through the Aid Fund (SCIAF), said the scale of the disaster Assisted suicide bill will fail again Pontifical Council Cor Unum. The money, sent was hard to understand but the charity’s emer- through the local churches hardest hit by the storm, gency appeal would make a vital difference. MARGO MacDonald has Ms MacDonald’s last effort, allowing, there was never a was earmarked to support ‘assistance for the displaced “This is a major disaster which will require a huge launched her latest attempt to said he believed she would fail clear choice,” he said. “And and those impacted by the flooding.’ humanitarian response over a prolonged period,” she legalise assisted suicide in again in having assisted suicide now you have a situation in Bel- The Pope also sent a telegram to Philippine Presi- said. “Work is already underway to get emergency Scotland, but the pro-life legalised in Scotland. gium where they are looking at dent Benigno Aquino saying he was ‘deeply pained supplies to the survivors of this devastating storm. campaign group that helped “We believe that when people allowing the euthanasia of chil- by the destruction and loss of human lives.’ In the SCIAF is working through our sister agencies on the to defeat her last time have a clear choice on this issue, dren. So it’s vital that we have a message, he also encouraged civil authorities and res- ground to get aid to people as quickly as we can. believes she will fail again. they reject any change in the full public debate about this, so cue workers in their efforts and prayed that God There is an urgent need for clean water, food, tem- Ms MacDonald, the Independ- law,” he told the SCO. “So we people are fully informed.” would offer ‘the nation strength and consolation.’ porary shelters, hygiene kits and medicines. ent Lothians MSP, was due to think we will again be success- The Philippine Catholic bishops have called for unveil her new Assisted Suicide ful in preventing assisted suicide I Continued on page 2 a novena of prayer and emergency aid for the vic- I Continued on page 7 (Scotland) Bill on Thursday, less being legalised in Scotland.” tims and their grieving families. Mgr Pedro Quito- than three years after her last bill Mr Cook said that in coun- rio, media director of the Catholic Bishops’ I Donate to SCIAF’s Philippines Typhoon on the subject was overwhelm- tries, such as Belgium, where Conference of the Philippines, said the funds Emergency Appeal by visiting www.sciaf.org.uk/ ingly rejected by MSPs. euthanasia and assisted suicide raised during the novena, which started on Mon- typhoon or calling 0141 354 5555. Aidan Michael Cook, the are legal, they had been intro- day and runs until November 19, will be channeled campaign officer for Care not duced piece by piece. to the crisis region through Caritas Philippines. I Support ACN’s efforts by calling 020 8642 8668 Killing, the cross party cam- “Often, people were not He said the region where the typhoon hit is or visit www.acnuk.org/donate paign group that helped crush entirely clear on what they were

             




    2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church events

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 to now? The New Evangelisa- I Catholic Charismatic tion and Beyond, Fr Willie Renewal Glasgow event—Day McFadden, 7.30pm-9pm, of Renewal. Guest speaker: Fr Immaculate Conception Hall, Stephen Hannah, Calton Her- Maryhill, Glasgow. itage and Learning Centre, 423 London Road, Glasgow, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21 10.30am-4.30pm. Tea and cof- I Glasgow Faith Forum fee provided, bring a packed Talks—The Sacraments of the lunch. For more information Church: The Life of Christ in contact Anne on: 07436 114 us, by Fr Ross Campbell, 052 or 0141 328 4120. Glasgow University. I The place of Reason in This is a talk for young peo- Belief, a talk by Fr John ple aged 16-25. Turnbull Hall, Keenan, chaplain and parish Glasgow University Catholic priest, Glasgow University, at Chaplaincy. St Ninian Institute, Dundee, For more information check 10am. Book at out glasfaithforum on Face- http://www.rcdod.org.uk/index. book or email glasgowfo- php/education/st-ninian-insti- [email protected]. Talk begins tute at 7.30pm followed by refreshments SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17 I Choir Workshop to rehearse FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 music for Advent and Christ- I Craig Lodge Advent retreat mas, St Mary’s Cathedral, for 11-15 year old. Runs until Aberdeen, 1pm-3pm. Sunday 24. Musica Sacra Scotland event hits the right note I Knights of St Columba MONDAY NOVEMBER 18 clergy dinner. I By Martin Dunlop (Main) Fr Guy Nicholls at the Musica Opening of Credo: An exhi- sity’s Catholic chaplaincy, Sacra Scotland Conference last to work alongside established bition of art inspired by the SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23 Turnbull Hall, and, in addition musical performers, including I Saturday at Glasgow University. Nicene Creed. Special exhibi- SPUC Education Pro- Archbishop Philip Tartaglia to an address from Archbishop (Inset) Charles Cole,Archbishop Charles Cole, director of the tion to close the Year of Faith, gramme, St Peter’s Church, of Glasgow joined a high Tartaglia, featured a number of Philip Tartaglia and James Schola Cantorum at the London including work by Peter How- Aberdeen. Talk by Leonora- turnout of Church musicians, speakers, including renowned MacMillan at the event Oratory and deputy organist at son, at AGAP Gallery, St Maria Blackhall, SPUC educa- clergy and laity for the Catholic composer James PICS: PAUL McSHERRY Westminster Cathedral, Fr Guy Patrick’s Church, Anderston, tion officer. launch of Musica Sacra Scot- MacMillan, one of the driving Nicholls, director of the Blessed Glasgow. Mon-Fri, 8am- The event begins at land, a conference focused forces behind Musica Sacra time, as could be seen in the John Henry Newman Institute 4.30pm, Wed, 8am-6pm, Sat 11.45am. While tea and coffee on Music in Catholic Liturgy, Scotland. astonishingly high turnout. We of Liturgical Music at Birming- and Sun, 10.30am-1pm. The will be provided, those attend- last Saturday. “There is obviously a great will continue to offer all the ham Oratory, and Rebecca exhibition is on until Saturday ing are asked to please bring a Musica Sacra Scotland has hunger and thirst in the Scottish support we can to the Church in Tavener, creative director of December 14. packed lunch with them. been designed to meet the needs Church for Liturgy and music these matters, and the Scottish Cappella Nova. I Mass for the Catenians, of diocesan clergy and parish- that is prayerful, pastoral and Bishops can count on our full The conference concluded TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19 3pm, St Andrew’s Cathedral, ioners and offer learning oppor- appropriate to Catholic require- commitment and energy. We with the celebration of Vigil I Year of Faith Talks—Where Glasgow. tunities for Catholic Church ments and practice,” Mr have made a good start.” Mass at Glasgow University’s musicians at all levels. MacMillan told the SCO. The event included a discus- Memorial Chapel E-mail [email protected] The inaugural conference “Musica Sacra Scotland seems sion at lunchtime. Conference was held at Glasgow Univer- to have come along at the right participants had the opportunity I [email protected] Doubts assisted suicide will be legalised Church on the airwaves I Continued from page 1 have received Mr Cook added that the scope on the thanks to Radio Alba of this bill was narrower that Ms matter, MacDonald’s previous effort. coupled A NEW internet-based radio “We don’t have the full text of with the station for Scottish Christians the bill yet,” he said. “But the continuing was launched earlier this consultation suggests it will only public month. cover assisted suicide from those interest, Radio Alba is providing lis- with terminal physical illnesses, stimulated teners with the opportunity to which is narrower than her last in part by share in morning prayer of the bill, however, this still involves some feast day for each day of the ending people’s lives deliberately high-pro- month and will benefit schools and as we have seen elsewhere, it file state- as well as every day Christians. would be just the beginning.” ments in The new initiative springs rial,” Mr Kelly said. Under Ms MacDonald’s plan, favour of the general principle of from Glasgow Archdiocesan Since November 1, the station Scotland would become the first assisted suicide, indicates to me a Music Committee’s wish to has been offering morning prayer part of Britain to change the law, consistent level of support for ‘promote liturgical prayer and at 8am, repeated on the hour until which currently leaves Scots individuals suffering a terminal to give another dimension to 11am. A schools’morning prayer, open to prosecution for culpable illness or condition, for whom religious celebrations.’ involving primary school children homicide if they help someone life becomes intolerable, to have Hugh Kelly, part of the team from the Glasgow area, is also end their life. the legal right to request help to behind the new radio station, aired at 9.15am each morning. “Since the defeat of my origi- end their life before nature noted that Glasgow Churches As well as providing an nal proposal in December 2010, decrees,” Ms MacDonald Together sponsors Radio Alba, opportunity for short reflections the volume of correspondence I (above) has said. Churchgoers, members of the Catholic hierarchy, clergy, religious and which features input from the on topics of interest and on the school children were among those who paid their respects to all those city’s St Mungo Singers, directed psalms and Scripture, Radio affected by conflicts at Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day events by Mgr Gerry Fitzpatrick. Alba hopes to ‘offer reflections EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL earlier this week. Many churches participated in Remembrance Sunday Initially, the station will on the liturgical calendar and events, which were followed on Monday, Armistice Day, with a two-min- broadcast on an events basis, notable anniversaries, giving a The perfect Christian present utes’ silence remembering all those who have lost their lives in conflict. with the first live-show planned voice to people who might oth- The First World War officially ended on the 11th hour on the 11th day of for November 30, the feast day erwise not be heard.’ Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 the 11th month of the year, 1918, Armistice Day. Millions of people stop of Scotland’s patron saint. what they are doing at 11am on November 11 each year to remember the “We hope to have a wide I There are a number of ways for our special offer millions of people killed in wars, particularly the two World Wars. range of programmes for St to tune into Radio Alba. For Pictured is a veteran and parishioner of St Matthew’s Church, Bishop- Andrew’s Day and we look for- more information on the project, SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY briggs, paying his respects to his comrades at a Remembrance Sunday ward to providing a service to visit Radio Alba’s website at: event in the town PIC: PAUL McSHERRY those who will use this mate- http://radioalba.org/ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Catholics asked to urge MSPs Architectural accolade for St Bride’s to reject same-sex ‘marriage’ SCOTTISH Catholics have islation was a threat to religious By Ian Dunn been asked to urge their freedom. MSPs to reject same-sex “There are not enough safe ST BRIDE’S Church in East Kilbride ‘marriage’ as it moves guards in it, and it could well has been voted one of the UK’s best closer to becoming law. mean people who don’t want to modern places of worship. The Scottish Government’s redefine marriage will face dis- The church landmark has been named Marriage and Civil Partnership crimination,” he said. “It is in the top three of the Best Modern Bill will be debated by Parlia- suggested safeguards could be Churches architecture competition run by ment on November 19 after a still be put into the bill at a later the National Churches Trust, the Ecclesi- majority of MSPs on the equal stage but there’s no guarantee astical Architects and Surveyors Associa- opportunities committee last that will happen.” tion and the 20th Century Society. week endorsed the bill. Campaign group Scotland for St Bride’s (right) was choosen from more Some members, however, Marriage has also renewed its than 200 entries UK-wide, and is the only were either not convinced by call for safeguards in the legisla- church in Scotland to make the top three the bill, or had concerns that it tion to protect those opposed to it. places of worship judged to be the best lacked adequate protections. “The Scottish Government’s sacred spaces built in the last 60 years. St The legislation still needs to go promise of sufficient safeguards Francis Xavier’s Church in Falkirk, how- through three stages of voting have been shown to be hollow,” ever, also made the top ten, coming in at at parliament before a spokesman said. “Real safe- number six. other winners. The judges also described St Francis becoming law. guards set out in amendments to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby “Archbishop Welby put it very well at the Xavier’s as having ‘a most unusual and John Deighan, parliamentary the legislation are required to presented the awards at a ceremony held ceremony when he said: ‘Churches are arresting exterior.’ officer for Scotland’s bishops, protect the rights and civil liber- at Lambeth Palace last week. The top places of Joy,’ we get joy from our Faith, Mgr Phillip Kerr, parish priest at the said it was vital that Catholics let ties of the majority of Scots who place was awarded to St Paul’s Church, and Churches should reflect that. The archi- Falkirk church, said this acknowledgment their representatives know they don’t support this law. No one Bow Common, London, and silver went to tecture of churches should reflect that.” was a ‘tremendous tribute to the vision of did not want marriage redefined. who supports the law as it stands St Mary’s RC Church, Lancashire, with St Fr Ness also said he was very hopeful the people who built St Francis Xavier’s “We cannot underestimate should be discriminated against. Bride’s taking the National Churches Trust that the award would allow the parish to in 1961.’ the importance of telling your At home in the workplace and in Bronze award. secure much needed funding to carry out Luke March, chairman of the National MSP you do not want this bill schools, declaring a belief in tra- Fr Owen Ness, St Bride’s parish priest, an essential programme of renovations. Churches Trust, said all the churches in the to become law,” Mr Deighan ditional marriage should always was at the award ceremony and said it was The judges said St Bride’s was ‘a tour top ten were very impressive. said. “It is wrong in principle be permitted and respected.” a great honour for the parish. de force of powerful form.’ “As a nation, we are rightly proud of our and we need to be strong in In England and Wales, the “It was very good news, for us, but also “A seemingly unforgiving massif (sic) magnificent heritage of historic churches,” principle against it.” Marriage (Same Sex Couples) for the whole Church in Scotland, I think,” of brick revealing carefully considered but Mr March said. “But there are also many He also warned that the leg- Act was passed into law in July. he said. “I think the church is a phenomenal sparely created details that relate very well exciting churches which have been built in architectural asset for Scotland and many to the function of building as a post-Vati- the last 60 years designed for the changing people at the awards ceremony expressed a can II church,” they wrote in their report nature of religious Liturgy and practice and MP causes controversy in Dundee strong interest in coming to see it in person.” “There is nothing here out of place.” reflecting modern architecture and design.” He also said there was a tremendous St Bride’s Church was designed by archi- CONTROVERSIAL MP George loway made personal allegations ‘sense of unity’ between St Bride’s and the tects Andy MacMillan and Isi Metzstein. I [email protected] Galloway sparked angry scenes in about a number of prominent peo- his hometown of Dundee last week, ple, including First Minister Alex when he told a large crowd at the Salmond, Deputy First Minister WhitehallTheatre that anti-Catholic Nicola Sturgeon, SNPdonor Brian Archbishop to visit school under threat of closure violence would become more com- Souter, Tony Blair—despite pay- mon in an independent Scotland. ing £12 a ticket. Mr Galloway has By Martin Dunlop mary School, in the neighbour- time with primary four pupils who is president of the Bishops’ The Respect Party MP for previously stated his belief that ing town of Bearsden. currently preparing to make the Conference of Scotland. Bradford West was back by the ‘there’s an historic crossover ARCHBISHOP Philip St Joseph’s parents strongly Sacrament of Confirmation— “We are absolutely delighted Tay to speak about his opposi- between Scottish nationalism and Tartaglia of Glasgow is object to the council’s proposals Archbishop Tartaglia said it is that Archbishop Tartaglia has cho- tion to Scottish independence as anti-Irish-Roman Catholicism’and today set to visit pupils at and are campaigning vigorously to ‘always a pleasure’ to visit sen to visit St Joseph’s and see the part of his ‘Just Say Naw’ tour. suggested Catholic schools would a Milngavie Catholic pri- retain the presence of a Catholic school communities. fantastic work that the school is Things became particularly be threatened by independence. mary school threatened primary school in Milngavie. “I am especially glad to be able doing at first hand,” Laureen heated when a number of audience “My own experience of growing with closure. The Catholic Church to visit the school community of McIntyre, chairwoman of St members tried to shout Mr Gal- up as a Roman Catholic in Scot- East Dunbartonshire Council responded to the local authority’s St Joseph’s, which has been sub- Joseph’s parent council, said. loway down when he began talk- land has led me to fear independ- last month closed its public con- recent consultation by stating that ject to such uncertainty recently “The archbishop has already ing about Celtic manager Neil ence in Scotland,” he said earlier sultation on its Primary School its representatives are ‘willing to to offer them some words of sup- written to East Dunbartonshire Lennon ‘living in fear,’should the this year.“Of course, most Scottish Improvement Programme, a engage positively with East Dun- port and encouragement to keep Council expressing his ‘grave dis- Yes campaign win next year’s ref- people are not swivel-eyed, loyalist programme that includes plans bartonshire Council on any pro- up the good work in the school appointment’ with their proposals. erendum. However, Mr Galloway sectarians but there are a large to close St Joseph’s Primary posal that retains a Catholic and in the community,” he added. His decision to make a personal responded in typically robust style. number of them.Alarge six-figure School and send pupils to a new primary school in Milngavie.’ St Joseph’s parents have visit underlines the strong com- A significant number of the large number, and if I were living in school, an amalgamation on the Speaking ahead of his visit— expressed their gratitude for the mitment of the archdiocese to audience walked out during the Scotland as a Roman Catholic I present site of St Andrew’s Pri- during which he will spend support of Archbishop Tartaglia, keep St Joseph’s in Milngavie.” show—during which Mr Gal- would be worried about that.”

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Ayrshire efforts in Malawi seen first hand Malawi pupils performed alongside St Stephen’s Primary School and By Beth Knight-Townsley musicians from the Royal Scottish A GROUP of pupils and staff from St National Orchestra at Mary’s Meals’ Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats learned a great deal from visiting a open day in Glasgow last Sunday small town in Malawi called Mzuzu last month. The group travelled to Malawi from Octo- By Martin Dunlop ber 4-13 and visited St Peter’s Secondary School in Mzuzu, which Bernadette McFad- TWO schoolgirls from Malawi stole the shown on Sunday den, a former teacher at St Matthews’s now as Mary’s Meals charity celebrated its annual day for sup- working at St Benedict’s High, has helped porters at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. St Matthew’s build links with. Joyce Mtepa and Vanessa Litta, pupils of Jacaranda School for “As a school community we are Orphans, were special guests and star performers at the event extremely proud of our ongoing partnership alongside Marie Da Silva, founder and president of their school, with our sisters and brothers in the parish of which is situated in Limbe, Malawi. St Peter’s in Mzuzu, Malawi,” Stephen Col- Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and chief executive of ligan, St Matthew’s headteacher, said. “This Mary’s Meals, took the opportunity to inform the charity’s sup- partnership goes to the heart of the Catholic porters that their generosity is now helping to feed more than values which we as a school community are 800,000 children in poor communities around the world. trying to instill in our young people. The “I thank all the people who do such incredible things for Mary’s partnership was originally started by Meals,” Mr MacFalane-Barrow said. “I believe our work is the fruit Bernadette McFadden a Maths teacher who of prayer, and I thank everybody who prays for us and our work.” worked in St Peter’s School for a year and In an event that was streamed live on the internet, he mentioned has continued to go from strength to the incredible lengths that so many people go to in support of Mary’s strength. This is now our third visit to St Meals, and there were more than a few gasps from the audience Peter’s, Mzuzu as a school group and we when he highlighted that one of his second cousins is currently have also organised and supported two Malawi. “Secondary education in Malawi is St Matthew’s Academy pupil Amy Chambers is walking from the Lanarkshire town of Blantyre to its Malawian groups of pupils and teachers from St not compulsory and has to be paid for,” the given a helping hand upon arrival at Mary Martha namesake to raise funds for the Dalmally-based charity. Orphan Centre in Malawi Peter’s on visits to Scotland. We are hoping diary records. “A young person can leave The Mary’s Meals founder also thanked ‘with all my heart’ the to have another group from St Peter's come primary school in Malawi and never return ‘quiet givers’ who are ‘like gold for us.’ in the near future.” to education, or do so later.” had brought over from Scotland. They spent In a short question and answer session with the Mary’s Meals The St Matthew’s group was accompa- Fr Philip later took the Scottish teachers time with six new mums in the post natal Day host, BBC journalist and broadcaster Shelagh Fogarty, Mr nied throughout the visit by local Malawian and students to the Mary Martha Orphanage, ward and gave them packs with clothes for MacFarlane-Barrow paid tribute to the inspirational legacy of priests Fr Philip and Fr Edmund. Group a safe place where orphaned children can go their new babies. Mother Teresa, who often spoke about ‘giving until it hurts.’ members were welcomed to the town by and get food, speak to other children in the The school raised funds before the trip and He also highlighted the words and teaching of Pope Francis, Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza of Mzuzu, who same circumstances and seek advice from decided to split the money raised between buy- who has been ‘very striking’ in his message of creating a Church celebrated Mass for them. older members of the community. The Scot- ing books for St Peter’s Secondary; giving for the poor, since his election as leader of the world’s Catholics The group was given a tour of the area tish group played games with the children at money for food at the Women’s Development in March. around St Peter’s parish before visiting the the orphanage and gave gifts that they had Centre (that helps widows and orphans; buy- Joyce and Vanessa, both very assured in the arts of singing and school. Group members said they were brought over from Scotland. ing more cooking and eating utensils for the dancing, then performed two songs alongside pupils from Glas- shocked at the lack of electricity, computers The groups also visited a small village Mary Martha Orphanage and to providing gow’s St Stephen’s Primary School and musicians from the Royal and whiteboards at St Peter’s but said class called Joto. This was off the beaten track and blankets and mosquito nets for two wards at St sizes were smaller than they had expected. the houses and roads were in a state of dis- John’s Hospital. They were impressed at the amount of sup- repair. The pupils and staff got the chance to St Peter’s Secondary donated a large plies the school had, some of which had try out various jobs in the village, such as African painting for St Matthew’s Academy been given by St Mary’s Primary School grinding maize. at a farewell assembly. The pupils said good- in Largs and St Mark’s Primary School The group returned to St Peter’s School bye and thanked everyone at the farewell in Irvine. later in the week and followed the school’s Mass that was celebrated for them. They were taken into the staffroom, which timetable. Classes started at 7.30am and fin- “It is very difficult to put into words all until 2009 was the smallest classroom, to ished at 2pm. The students conducted sur- that our trip to Malawi meant to me,” Mrs meet the teachers. The group also visited veys to compare the fitness and religious Lennoon, a St Matthew’s RE teacher, said. Marymount Secondary, the top Catholic education in students from Scotland com- “It truly was an amazing, life changing and girls’ school in the area, and Lucalazi Sec- pared to Malawi and they also carried out grace filled experience.” ondary. The St Matthew’s community pays two activities to compare life in the two the fees for 27 pupils at Lucalazi. countries. I Beth Knight-Townsley, from Our Lady’s A diary kept by students from St While in Malawi, the group visited to St High School, Motherwell, reported on this Matthew’s during the trip revealed how dif- John’s Hospital where they donated story while gaining work experience in the ferent education is for young people in syringes, catheters and bandages that they SCO’s Glasgow newsroom. All roads lead to Rome

A GROUP of 50 pilgrims, covering all corners of Aberdeen Diocese, recently enjoyed a Year of Faith pil- grimage to Rome. Led by Bishop Hugh Gilbert, the pilgrims took in Pope Fran- cis’ general audience as well as visiting the Eternal City’s four basilicas: St John Lateran, St Mary Major, St Paul Outside the Walls and St Peter’s. A team of four 17-year-old pilgrims, currently taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, was among those who traveled to Rome from Aberdeen, including Chloe ing people, learn so many new Bishop Stephen Robson recently helped staff and pupils at Sacred Heart Pri- Munro, who, as part of her things and have a really great mary School in Grangemouth kick off a year of golden jubilee celebrations. award’s programme, chose to time,” Chloe said. EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Canon Leo Glancy, the local parish priest, joined Bishop Robson in celebrating ‘focus on the activities of In addition to the basilicas, the Mass, which included a special blessing for primary three and four pupils, who learning about a different cul- Aberdeen pilgrims traveled to St Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. are preparing to make the sacraments of Confession and First Holy Communion ture and service to others.’ Benedict’s Monastery and the 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. during this school year. Officially opened on October 22, 1963, the school was “I felt apprehensive about monastery of his twin sister, St Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. originally founded in 1901 in Kerse Road, before staff and pupils moved to their spending a week away with Scholastica, just outside the town Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] current premises in August 1963. Sacred Heart headteacher Mary McCreery people I had never met before, of Subiaco. “The two-hour drive for free monthly posted programme guide and and her staff are looking forward to hosting a number of golden jubilee events especially people of another from Rome was worth it to see over the coming weeks and months visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. generation, but I had no idea the two beautiful abbeys,” Chloe PIC: PAUL McSHERRY that I would meet such amaz- said. “St Benedict’s Abbey was WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Mother praises school work in late son’s name

A MOTHER who lost her son for the first time. to cancer earlier this year has “We were delighted to do this praised the community of St for the first time in October, Luke’s High School, Bar- when Niamh Byrne received the rhead, after more than £2000 Michael Connor Award, along was raised for Sarcoma UK. with a book token, from Rachel Teresa Connor, mother of Woods, Michael’s cousin, at our Michael Connor, a former pupil annual Senior School Awards of St Luke’s, who died in Janu- Ceremony,” Ms Scott said. “The ary, said she would like to thank event was attended by Teresa and ‘everybody for their tremendous many other family members, and support and for raising awareness reminded us again of the lasting of Sarcoma’ following her impression Michael has made on son’s death. all of us.” At the end of Michael’s It was not only at St Luke’s funeral, which was held at St High School, however, that John’s Church, Barrhead, a spe- Michael Connor made a lasting cial collection took place, which impression. During his sixth was organised by staff and pupils year, Michael also attended at St Luke’s. As a result of the nearby Mearns Castle High collection and subsequent dona- School, where he studied tions, including funds from a Advanced Higher History under race night organised by Fr Eoin the tutelage of John McGowne. Patten, St Luke’s former school Inspired by Michael, Mr chaplain, more than £2400 was McGowne recently ran the Great raised for Sarcoma UK. Scottish Run 10K in Glasgow Patricia Scott, St Luke’s head- and raised more than £500 for teacher, said that Michael was Sacroma UK in the process. ‘an outstanding young man, and “Michael was simply one of our school community was dev- the most intellectual pupils I astated by his loss last year.’ have ever taught, if not ‘the’ “Michael had an incredible tal- most,” Mr McGowne said. “He Music to the ears of Mary’s Meals ent for a number of subjects, also had a wry sense of humour. I English and History in particular, was never sure when he was and achieved three Advanced winding me up or when he was Scottish National Orchestra. (Above) Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow and Marie Da Silva, founder and presi- Highers in his sixth year at St being serious... He is greatly The girls, both experiencing their first-ever trip out of Malawi, dent of Jacaranda School for Orphans, Limbe, Malawi, with Jacaranda pupils Luke’s as well as representing missed by all who knew him.” spoke of being on a plane for the first time and visiting the cinema Joyce Mtepa and Vanessa Litta and Shelagh Fogarty at Mary’s Meals’ Open our local community at the Scot- Day at Glasgow Royal Cocert Hall. (Left) The audience at the open day Sarcomas are rare cancers that in Scotland, where they enjoyed the new film musical Sunshine on PICS: PAUL McSHERRY tish Youth Parliament,” she said. develop in the muscle, bone, Leith, which led to the schoolgirls performing an impromptu ren- The headteacher added that nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood dition of The Proclaimers popular hit, I’m Gonna Be (500 miles), Michael’s mother had also vessels and the fatty and fibrous much to the enjoyment of the audience. recently, the singer Celine Dion. offered to sponsor an award in tissues. Sarcomas make up one Both girls said it is their wish to become nurses when they are Joyce and Vanessa then closed the afternoon’s programme, per- her son’s honour, which was per cent of all cancer diagnoses older. Vanessa said she wants ‘to help sick people,’ while Joyce said forming, once again, with pupils from St Stephen’s. recently presented at St Luke’s in the UK. she would like ‘to help my sick mother.’ Mary’s Meals is currently providing 822,142 children in 16 coun- Ms Da Silva then spoke about the growth of Jacaranda School for tries across the world with a daily meal in their place of education. Orphans and expressed her gratitude for the support of Mary’s This year, the charity has also sent out almost 59,000 backpacks, Meals and all the charity’s supporters. full of essential items such as toothbrushes, pens and pencils, to Further musical performances were led by Ailie Marks, fundrais- schoolchildren. Many of these backpacks have been filled by school ing support officer at Mary’s Meals, who was joined by pupils from pupils, churchgoers and Mary’s Meals supporters from across Scot- St Anne’s Primary School in Glasgow, in singing Got You At The land. Start, a song she wrote herself. Sunday, however, belonged to Joyce and Vanessa, who won the Daniel Adams, Mary’s Meals head of fundraising in the UK and hearts of all those who filled the Royal Concert Hall. Those in atten- Ireland, then introduced the online launch of Child 31, a documen- dance were delighted to see, first-hand, the joy and hope Mary’s tary film charting the work of the Scottish charity in coming to the Meals can bring to those less fortunate. aid of some of the world’s poorest children. The film has been backed by a host of celebrities, including, most I [email protected] for Aberdeen Diocese Knights end year on a high

By Tom Knight

KNIGHTS of St Columba from across the country were joined by members of the Scottish Church hierarchy at their recent supreme council, PIC: PAUL McSHERRY which was held at Clyde- bank’s Beardmore Hotel on The knights’ supreme banquet knights’ pilgrimage to Iona ear- was also the pilgrimage to Iona. situated at the top of a hill, cling- “I thoroughly enjoyed the the first weekend of was held on Saturday evening, lier this year, which marked the “The weather was not good, ing to the forested cliff. With pilgrimage to Rome, the trip November. with Bishop Joseph Toal, Arch- 1450th anniversary of St though, in fact, it was the first panoramic views all round it was was spiritually uplifting and I During the meeting, the bishop Emeritus Mario Conti, Columba’s arrival on the island. time I had seen horizontal rain!” absolutely breathtaking.” feel I learnt a lot about myself knights presented a cheque for Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine The bishop also spoke about he remarked. The knights’ The Rome pilgrimage also and also communicating with £14,000 to Catholic charity Aid and Bishop Malcolm McMahon next year’s Extraordinary Synod supreme council also brought provided an opportunity for the others,” Chloe said. “I enjoyed to the Church in Need for its of Nottingham joining many on the Family, and praised the the presentation of reports, elec- group to take in the historic chatting to the older members Save the Saveable campaign, more guests, including Mgr energy displayed by Pope Fran- tions and plans made for the city’s famous landmarks and of the group... and also announced that their Andrew McFadden, the senior cis since his election in March. year ahead. Director Charlie many tourist attractions, with “Rome wasn’t the first pil- next two-year national action Catholic chaplain to the Royal In reply, Supreme Knight Ron McCluskey, from Glasgow, was the picturesque Trevi Fountain grimage I have been on project will be focused on rais- Navy, in attendance. Lynch said that, despite the Scot- elected as Deputy Supreme proving to be a big hit with the and it certainly won’t be ing funds for Mary’s Meals In his after dinner speech, tish Church having a ‘difficult Knight and John Brennan from younger pilgrims in particular. the last!” charity. Bishop Toal spoke of the year,’ one of his main memories Moodiesburn joined the board. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 Pope Francis’ fresh focus on marriage and family life

FOCUS by Ian Dunn of Persons of the Same Sex;’ the ‘Education of The Bishops’ Conference of England and Children in Irregular Marriages;’ ‘Openness of Wales put the questionnaire online in late Octo- BY CALLING next year’s Extraordinary the Married Couple to Life’ and the ‘Relation- ber, on the SurveyMonkey site, leading to news General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops ship Between the Family and the Person.’ stories about ‘polling’ Catholics for their opin- on the family and distributing an advance The first question of the consultation asks: ions and suggestions. The bishops of Belgium global questionnaire on divorce and remar- “Describe how the Catholic Church’s teachings also put the survey online while Scotland’s bish- riage, cohabitation, same-sex unions and on the value of the family contained in the Bible, ops decided to distribute the questionnaire to contraception, Pope Francis has caught the Gaudium et Spes, Familiaris Consortio and other parishes via each diocese. world’s attention. documents of the post-conciliar Magisterium is Archbishop Baldisseri said that pastors were The Holy Father wants to know more about understood by people today? What formation is expected to provide summaries of the views and the state of marriage and the family in the given to our people on the Church’s teaching on experiences of parishioners, and that their find- Church, but he is looking for facts to shape pas- family life?” ings would be ‘channeled’ in turn through toral care—not views on Church teaching— It also asks: “What critical situations in the national bishops’ conferences for ultimate con- ahead of the 2014 extraordinary synod on the family today can obstruct a person’s encounter sideration by the synod. family, which was not originally scheduled. ing guidelines in the pastoral care of the person with Christ?” He also said that individual Catholics are also While preparations for a two-part synod now and the family. Cardinal Erdő said that the preparatory docu- welcome to communicate their views directly to include an assessment of Catholics’ feedback via The process of requesting input from around ment and questionnaire that bishops’ conferences the synod's offices at the Vatican, for considera- a worldwide survey, next year’s meeting will the world ahead of a the synod beginning is not have been asked to distribute are geared toward tion by his staff during preparation of the synod’s focus, in the main, on Catholic doctrine and not in itself new. The previous synod on the New finding pastoral solutions for the modern chal- working document, which should be published on current public opinion, Vatican officials clar- Evangelisation, held in 2012, also asked bishops’ lenges to the family, not altering Church teaching. in May 2014. ified last week. A meeting the following year will conferences to encourage discussion of topics “The document contains, as well as a general address more specifically on pastoral care. related to evangelisation and summarise their presentation on the matter, various essential bib- Concerns “Certainly the doctrine of the Magisterium findings. The extraordinary synod itself is lical and magisterial quotations on the theme as Italian Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto, must be the basis of the common reasoning of ground breaking, as it is only the third of its kind well as a questionnaire on the main challenges special secretary of the 2014 gathering, was the synod,” Cardinal Peter Erdő of Esztergom- The extraordinary synod is set for October 5- regarding the family,” the cardinal said. asked if the consultation process might encour- Budapest, Hungary, said at a Vatican news con- 19 next year and will focus on The Pastoral Chal- As the synod’s relator, the cardinal will syn- age a ‘rift’ between Catholics who accept or ference last Thursday. “It is not a question of lenges of the Family in the Context of thesise the remarks and recommendations of his reject controversial Church teachings. public opinion.” Evangelisation. The bishops present and the fellow bishops in two speeches during the gath- “Listening so openly naturally means running Holy Father will discuss pastoral responses to the ering, which Pope Francis has called for Octo- these risks,” Archbishop Forte said. “What we Synod problems of divorce and same-sex ‘marriage,’ as ber 2014. know in the Church is that there is an ultimate ref- This synod of bishops on the family has a two- well as other challenges to the health of families. Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, the synod’s erence point, which is the discernment of Peter.” staged itinerary. After the Extraordinary General general secretary, sent bishops’conferences around The synod will document any such disagree- Assembly in 2014—intended to define the cur- Questionnaire the world a preparatory document last month that ments as honestly as possible, he said, and ‘pro- rent state of these matters and to collect the bish- The 39 questions in the Vatican survey ahead of included a 39-item questionnaire asking about the pose to the Holy Father the questions and ops’ experiences and proposals in proclaiming the synod form part of a preparatory document promotion and acceptance of Catholic teachings possibilities that open up.’ and living the Gospel—and an Ordinary General that addresses such topics as ‘Pastoral Care in on marriage and the family, and cultural and social Assembly that will be held in 2015 to seek work- Certain Difficult Marital Situations;’ the ‘Union challenges to those teachings. I [email protected] Holy Father’s historic Russian meeting could pave the way for Church re-unification

POPE Francis is to meet Bolshevik Revolution to pub- Holy Father to visit Russia, Another dispute between the Communism, the Eastern Rite general warming between the Russian President Vladimir licly profess religious faith—to Russian diplomats have churches concerns the fate of Catholics took back many sites, western and eastern branches of Putin next week, an the Orthodox Church—and has recently suggested. many church properties that leading to a rise in tensions. Christianity in recent months. encounter that could pave the several times advocated ending Popes Benedict and John Soviet leader Joseph Stalin The Russian Orthodox On March 20, Ecumenical way towards re-unification the long spilt between the two Paul II had standing invitations ordered confiscated from East- Church, which has resurged Patriarch Bartholomew became between the Vatican and the major Christian churches. from the Russian Government ern Rite Catholics, who wor- since the collapse of the Soviet the first worldwide spiritual Russian Orthodox Church. Mr Putin and the Pope will but could not go because they ship in an Orthodox liturgy but Union, has some 165 million leader of Orthodox Christians Russian-Vatican relations hold their first meeting on received no matching invitation swear allegiance to Rome. members in former Soviet to attend a Papal inaugural have been fraught since Soviet November 25, a Vatican from the Orthodox Church. Stalin gave the Catholic republics including Russia and Mass since the Great Schism times but Mr Putin is the first spokesman said last Thursday. Pope Francis would need the property to the Russian Ortho- other states. split western and eastern Chris- Kremlin leader since the 1917 Mr Putin could invite the same to go to Russia. dox Church, but after the fall of There have been signs of a tianity in 1054.

VIEW FROM THE VATICAN

A touching image of Pope Francis tenderly embracing a severely disfigured man in St Peter’s Square has gone viral and been viewed millions of times around the world. Pope Francis kissed and blessed the man, whose face was covered in boils, after his general address at the Vatican last Wednesday. The Pope laid his hands on the head of the sick man, who is believed to be suffering from the rare disease Neurofibromatosis, and closed his eyes in prayer. Earlier in his address at the Vatican, Pope Francis asked the crowd to pray for a sick little girl that he had just met

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 7

Typhoon survivors St Peter’s relics to be placed on public display year term. Archbishop Kurtz, NEWS ROUNDUP who had been vice president, need urgent help comfortably won the votes of a THE Vatican is planning an Pope appoints new majority of his fellow US bish- I Continued from page 1 unprecedented public dis- Bishop of Plymouth ops in the election. The runner- play of the relics of St Peter, POPE up was Cardinal Daniel “I would urge everyone to as the Year of Faith comes Francis DiNardo of Houston, who was give whatever they can to sup- to a close. has then elected vice-president. port the people in the Philippines The display was announced appointed Archbishop Kurtz has a mas- as they try to survive over the by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Mgr Mark ter’s degree in social work, coming days and recover in the the president of Pontifical O’Toole took care of his brother with longer term.” Council for the New Evangeli- (right) as Down syndrome and said the SCIAF is part of the interna- sation, in an article appearing the new ‘most important time’ of his tional Catholic charity network in the Vatican newspaper Bishop of Plymouth. life was the 12 years he served Caritas Internationalis. Fr Edwin L’Osservatore Romano. He will succeed Bishop as pastor in a parish. Gariguez, executive secretary of The Apostle’s remains will Christopher Budd, who has Caritas Philippines-NASSA, said leave the Vatican Grotto for the served the diocese in the south UN Vatican official his homeland ‘really needs all the celebrations, but exact details of England since 1986. calls for peace talks help we can get.’ are not yet clear. The bishop-elect served as SPEAKING last week to a UN “It’sthe first time the Philippines The archbishop said the personal secretary to Cardinal session in New York, the Vati- has experienced a disaster of this veneration of the relics at the during excavations of the expresses and that always Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and can’s permanent observer said magnitude,” he said. “We couldn’t Vatican was a fitting way to necropolis (above being visted needs to be repeated,” he then, from 2008, as rector of that international leaders imagine a storm of this size hitting conclude the Year of Faith on by Pope Francis) under St Peter’s stated, adding that ‘the Faith Allen Hall, the seminary of should ‘spare no effort in facili- the Philippines. The casualties are November 24. Basilica in the 1940s near a lives principally of adoration.’ Westminster Archdiocese. Mgr tating negotiations between the increasing day by day. There are The archbishop’s office organ- monument erected in the fourth Pope Francis will visit the O’Toole said he was hugely Palestinians and the Israelis.’ dead bodies everywhere. People ised many of the Year of Faith century to honour St Peter. monastery of the Camaldolese honoured by the appointment. The goal of such talks, Arch- are traumatised. The most urgent events, and he said millions of No Pope has ever declared monks on the Aventine Hill, “I am deeply humbled that bishop Francis Chullikatt needs are for food and water.” pilgrims marked the Year of the bones to be authentic. How- located in ancient Rome, and is the Holy Father, Pope Francis, (above) said, should be ‘to Faith by making a pilgrimage to ever, after scientific tests were an order which ‘conjugates’ the has appointed me the new secure through negotiation and Typhoon St Peter’s tomb and renewing conducted on the bones in the life of prayer and work ‘in a Bishop of Plymouth,” he said. reasonable compromise two Haiyan struck the coastal their profession of faith there. 1950s and 60s, Pope Paul VI peculiar way’ through their “Recognising that I am a sinner viable and stable states which provinces of Leyte and Samar on “The culminating sign of the said in 1968 that the ‘relics’ of service to the poor. who experiences the love and give each of the parties inde- Friday. It was one of the most year will be the exposition for St Peter had been ‘identified in On November 23, the Pope mercy of the Lord Jesus, I pendent and secure states for powerful storms on record to the first time of the relics tradi- a way which we can hold to be will meet with Cathechumens embrace with my whole self their peoples.’ make landfall. Hundreds of thou- tionally recognised as those of convincing.’ inside St Peter’s Basilica. The this deeper call to service in Archbishop Chullikatt made sands of people had been evacu- the apostle who gave his life Archbishop Fisichella also Year of Faith will conclude on His Church.” his remarks in an address to a ated before the typhoon hit, but for the Lord here,” he said. revealed that as a symbol of Sunday November 24 with the session on the UN’s Relief and many evacuation centres were “The faith of Peter,” encour- faith and in anticipation of the Pope celebrating Mass at St New president of US Works Agency for Palestinian unable to withstand the onslaught. aged the archbishop, “therefore close of the year dedicated to Peter’s Square. bishops’ conference Refugees (UNRWA). He The typhoon then headed will confirm once again that the this virtue, Pope Francis has Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI ARCHBISHOP Joseph Kurtz pointed out that the Catholic west, sweeping through six cen- door for encounter with Christ chosen to travel to a cloistered instituted the Year of Faith, of Louisville, Kentucky, has Church has a special interest in tral Philippine islands and into is always open and waits to be monastery on November 21 for running from October 11, 2012 been elected president of the the plight of Palestinians Vietnam and southern China, crossed with the same enthusi- a moment of prayer. until November 24, 2013, dur- US conference of Catholics because of the ‘ever- shrinking where there were also fatalities. asm and conviction of the first “The union between action ing his Pontificate with the aim bishops. He succeeds Cardinal presence of traditional Chris- believers.” and contemplation is one of the of fostering a fresh momentum Timothy Dolan of New York, tian communities in the very I [email protected] The bones were discovered cardinal points that the Faith in the New Evangelisation. who has just concluded a three- birthplace of Christianity.’

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

Independence is a sore point The past must guide experiences—to cut through among the Faithful us for the future the party politics. Even if we think our faith communities HUGH Dougherty has hit on an extremely I CAN see it now, the party have suffered under the Union, sore point among Catholics in Scotland, ESTABLISHED IN 1885 political outrage over Hugh it does not automatically mean supporters and opponents of independence, Dougherty’s concerns over that breaking away holds all the Scots and immigrants, alike (SCO Nov 1). Catholicism and the fate of answers. The Scottish National Party is a relatively minorities, particularly the Irish There are many different young and inexperienced political party in and immigrant groups, should opinions, and I for one would power and it has not successfully proven its Scotland become independent like to hear all the arguments skill, aptitude or commitment, as yet, in (SCO November 1). It may and concerns before making a dealing with the complex and persistent Same past as Hugh substituted ‘Scotland’ for ‘this land’—a even park a division within the decision. Who am I to judge problems of sectarianism and anti-Catholic Dougherty, different future? subconscious nationalism before I even Faithful, those who honour the another man’s opinion? If I bigotry in this country. Nor, for that matter, reached my teens or was aware that there Scottish and Irish roots of our disagree it does not mean his is has any other political party before it. I AM saddened by Hugh Dougherty’s was a Scottish National Party! Faith and those who would wrong, or has no right to put It could be argued that the Nationalists article in The Scottish Catholic Observer of There has never been any attempt to say have us pretend our Church has forward his argument. I am have taken the biggest steps forward with November 1. The attributes I share with that sectarianism does not exist, SNP no debt to answer with our proud of being Scottish, but I an ‘anti-bigotry’ bill but, unfortunately, that him are that I also was born in Scotland, attempts to have the Act of Succession, or Irish and Scottish ancestors. don’t want pride to come piece of football-orientated legislation is and am proud of my Irish heritage and Settlement—never remember the correct The fact of the matter is all before a fall. proving to be a farce, and a dangerous one Catholic Faith. Unlike him, I became a title —abolished have fallen on the stony of us can only guess as to what I do not want a leap of faith at that. member of the SNP in my early 30s, 47 Westminster ground; this will continue as our lives will be like if to adversely impact on my Many opponents of Scottish years ago, before there was any word of Westminster is really just the English Scotland becomes independent, Faith. independence have a different grasp of oil, never mind Braveheart—the latter Parliament continuing. As a comment on and we have to make an H Burns history to the enthusiastic students who phenomenon designed to make money, not that there are still 26 Church of England informed guess—based on our HAMILTON take to the streets of Edinburgh, painted nationalists! As to his remark about same bishops in the House of Lords and blue, enthused by idealistic concepts of sex marriages I also was completely taken successive kings and queens have retained freedom change in the Braveheart vein. For aback, as moral issues were not seen as the title Fidei Defensor a title given to many of others, views are tempered by political, and not discussed; this may be a Henry VIII by the Pope just before Henry Valid concerns, but stark form by the (now experience, some of which has been bitter. generation thing. Considering that the started on his marriage merry go round. not on independence historical) football matches And we must not overlook the fact that policies are adopted by the Westminster We cannot change the past but we can between Celtic and Rangers. even some supporters of the current Parliament and widely adopted throughout take lessons from it, and a lot of I HAD to scribble down a few But none of this really intruded Scottish Government are NOT in favour of the world, it is my belief that we were ‘principles’ are rooted in politics and thoughts on Hugh Dougherty’s on my professional, family or an independent Scotland. trying to build in safeguards for religious money, and have very little to do with article in The Scottish Catholic social wellbeing (except, of The SNP must move past this single communities. religion. Observer on November 1 2013. course, when Celtic lost!). issue if it wishes to govern, as part of the Mr Dougherty also has a rather confused Two further points: the Orange Order is I’m from the same post war Mr Dougherty may have UK or alone. view of Scottish history, conflating campaigning for a ‘No’ vote, wonder why, ‘baby boom’ generation and valid concerns, but the threat Just because concerns that pull against Braveheart, which was about Wallace, and and I personally am delighted to see Sir down the years have had some doesn’t lie with independence. the tide, such as Mr Dougherty’s, are not a Norman French power struggle, his way Charles Gray joining the ‘Yes’ campaign. experience of anti-Catholic The real threat to Catholicism convenient or fashionable does not make of dismissing Robert the Bruce and Sir Charles is a highly respected retired bigotry coming originally from and other religions is the them any less valid. Bannockburn, but Scottish history was not Labour politician and a practising Catholic. a council house in darkest unstoppable growth of We all have the right to stand up for what taught in schools, so he can be forgiven for It is to be hoped Mr Dougherty can Lanarkshire. I had the dubious secularism and political we believe in. that. I was not taught that history either. reconsider as things evolve. distinction of being the first correctness across all Mr McPake However I do vividly remember that when Jim Lynch Catholic from any diaspora to developed European societies. RUTHERGLEN singing Faith of our Fathers we boys EDINBURGH be employed in the offices of Gay ‘marriage’ is one of the the Clyde Alloy group after consequences of this tide, and qualifying as an accountant in of course such marriages are A ‘No’ vote is a vote for Hugh Dougherty’s position is Ponder the arguments on the early 1970s. My already law in England and oppressive policies not sustainable independence appointment was of course a Wales (no UK protection there, direct result of nationalisation then). The Vatican at least is IT WAS disappointing to read (SCO Nov HUGH Dougherty’s reasons for voting no I AM surprised that Hugh Dougherty which had the incidental, but clear on this real threat. I’m 1) that Hugh Dougherty intends to vote in the referendum next year (SCO Nov 1) intends voting ‘No’ in the referendum beneficial, effect of removing therefore confident that a vote ‘No’ in the referendum. must be taken to task. To vote no incase a (SCO November 1); especially due to his the old anti-Catholic senior of either Yes or No in the A ‘No’ vote is in fact a ‘Yes’ vote. It newly independent Scotland will not concerns for the continuing problems for management regime from much referendum next year will be signifies agreement with the sectarian Act attempt to tackle and confront anti the Irish diaspora. Of course there are still of the Scottish steel industry. I entirely neutral with regard to of Settlement state. Should any of his, or -Catholic behaviour is not a sustainable the difficult situations which somehow still may have subsequently the concerns raised in the my, children or grandchildren marry position to hold. The sectarian UK Act of have to be endured, but are they reason experienced some veiled article. anyone remotely in a succession to the Settlement is the main reason anti-Catholic enough to support even more difficulties as religious bias at other times and My worry with Mr British Crown then that person would be problems are still prevalent in Scotland provided by Westminster? in other industries during my Dougherty’s comments is that immediately excluded from the today. It is from being part of the UK for It’s hardly worth repeating them; he career. they play on the deep historical succession. The act makes this very clear the previous 300 years that has led to the knows them well enough, yet he seems to However, I saw nothing to fears of the Catholic and states that if a Royal marries someone situation we have regarding religious forget how his forebears managed to create compare with my parents’ community in Scotland without ‘in communion with the see or Church of hatred against Catholics in Scotland today. a substantially free Ireland and his son in experience in the 1930s, which any real contemporary evidence Rome, or should profess the popish Also it is not a legitimate Christian position Australia will surely be aware of how that I suppose demonstrates the or analysis to support the religion, or marry a papist, they should be to take whereby voting no next year will country, with many others, declared for obvious truth that societies can validity of these fears. I very excluded.’ ensure that weapons of indiscriminate mass independence. I have decided to vote ‘Yes,’ change and evolve. much hope that Scottish A ‘No’ vote next September signifies destruction will be kept pretty close to most but in understanding that the debate My three children, now also Catholics, along with fellow acceptance of second class citizenship of people reading this article. As an continues and that many people will still be in their 30’s, are working as a Scots, will be persuaded to vote the ancient regime. Time to go homeward English-born Catholic (with Irish undecided, surely the sensible thing to do doctor, accountant and engineer on the respective economic and and think again, Mr Dougherty? grandparents) who was schooled and lives is to ponder the arguments. and deo gratias have not social arguments for the future Alan Clayton in Scotland I will be voting ‘yes’ next year. Mr Dougherty’s ‘perhaps I’m paranoid'’ suffered any disadvantage as benefit of Scotland as a whole. ARGYLL Paul Stewart speaks volumes.He should recall names Irish Catholics in Scotland. Finally, I have to say that the WHITBURN like Wheatley, McGovern, Gallacher, all Many from the Irish Catholic intervention by Alex Salmond’s Catholics, but with Keir Hardie. Kirkwood, diaspora now occupy positions and the Scottish Government in Maxton and their like yearned for Scottish at the highest level of Scottish the Grangemouth fiasco was Irish Catholics should relate freedom, it is the most natural thing in the Home Rule. society and any residual most welcome. to independence world for me as a Scot who is proud of his Charles Gray barriers to advancement have If we had been entirely Irish heritage to want what most of Ireland CHRYSTON been removed in my lifetime. reliant on Westminister, might I REALLY thought the views held by have, a country of our own. Where we Of course, as a Catholic, I still Grangemouth have gone the people such as Hugh Dougherty (SCO decide what happens with our money... and can’t become king, but there same way as our great Scottish November 1) were long gone, sadly that is we don’t spend millions on weapons of The indepedence debate has again this is UK legislation. steel industry (which brings me not the case. I am a Catholic of Irish mass destruction; where the NHS remains a long way to go Bigotry, of course, continues back to where I started)? background who has been a member of the a public service and our young adults can to permeate certain aspects of James Devine SNP since I was teenager. Never in that go to university without paying fees. HUGH Dougherty’s concerns (SCO Nov Scottish society as evidenced in BISHOPBRIGGS time have I come across bigotry or Mr Dougherty, you can hold your views, 1) about independence, the treatment of sectarianism within the party. and I wish you well when you sit round the faith communities and immigrants shows Mr Dougherty may see independence as table with the real bigots who also prefer life just how far both campaigns have to go Recall six counties at County Cavan supported, a threat, however, is it not somehow ironic under the union flag rather than the Saltire. before next September. referendum Michael Collins and his life that Mr Dougherty finds himself firmly in Andy Simpson H Thomson long regret was that the six the same camp as the Orange Order who NEWTONHILL GLASGOW LIKE Hugh Dougherty (SCO counties had been stolen also claim independence is a threat to Nov 1) I am proud of my Irish [via decisions made in] them? I take it he and other Catholics who G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements history and Catholic Faith, but I London! think like him will take to the streets along G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily am just as proud of my Scottish We mustn’t let a with their new found comrades in the shared by SCO background and at the Westminster Government get Orange Order should Scotland dare to G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address Referendum I, and all my away with anything like that upset the establishment and vote ‘Yes?’ G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or family, will be voting ‘Yes’ to this time. My grandfather fought for Ireland's your letter will not be used independence. Felix Patrick McCabe My father, who was from BISHOPBRIGGS WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 Have faith in independence vote The Kirk and the Scottish Government are our allies, not our enemies, in battle against secularism

NLIKE my esteemed col- how responsible for their own poverty league Hugh Dougherty, and that a socially just Scotland must I have yet to make up my always help the most vulnerable in our mind on whether to vote midst. The Labour Party in Scotland Yes or No to an inde- too, believes in these values and we pendent Scotland. In his piece two are blessed that Scotland’s two main weeks ago, Hugh stated boldly that he parties have an equal commitment to Uwould be voting for Scotland to remain curbing poverty and, more impor- in the Union as he felt that Catholics tantly, the causes of poverty. may become more vulnerable after But when I look towards England I independence. In doing so he painted a am genuinely distressed to see this picture of my country that I simply wonderful and great country gripped don’t recognise. by a malaise from which it will not Although I have yet to decide I do recover any time soon. Parties of the know that I am far more likely to vote BY KEVIN McKENNA extreme right such as the BNP and Yes than I was two years ago and the UKIP are on the rise across the border fate of the church one way or another preying on the fears and insecurities of will not, in all probability, be a key parts business also known as stem cell poor people. Instead of targeting the factor in my decision. research I fundamentally support the corrupt Westminster politicians, dis- I reject the notion held by many right of gay couples to get married. All honest bankers and the greed of the Christians that we ought to adopt a I ask for in a modern democracy is that energy cartel they blame immigrants haughty attitude to the chaotic world Catholics and Christians are not sub- and asylum seekers. As the descendant of secular politics. This holds that it ject to discrimination and that we are of Irish immigrants myself I stand doesn’t matter which party gains free to campaign on moral issues. I shoulder to shoulder with immigrants, power or which system of government also firmly believe that all my secular- refugees and asylum seekers and we choose because they are basically ist, humanist and outright atheistic believe that we have a duty to help all hostile to the beliefs of the Catholic friends will not be denied entrance to them. Scotland is not full up. Church. This is a simplistic and irre- the kingdom of heaven on account of The Labour Party has acquiesced in sponsible attitude for any Christian to their wretched unbelief. And I am glad this social malady. Indeed it’s a long adopt. At its heart there is a suggestion that Pope Francis appears to agree with time since I as a Catholic, have felt that Catholic doctrine should help me if reports of some of his recent comfortable in the so-called party of form part of our legislature. This view comments are accurate. If I make it the people. Labour has shamelessly is most often espoused in the context there myself I reserve only the right to mined the Catholic vote in Scotland of the debates about abortion or same demand a large Bacardi from them (in giously aggravated assaults on The Scottish Government’s support of the and given nothing back in return. At Papal visit (pilgrims above) speaks volumes sex ‘marriage.’ heaven all the Bacardis are large) and Catholics occur with greater frequency of its respect for the Catholic Church party conferences it refuses to enter- Let me state here unequivocally that the right to say: “I told you so.” than those on people of other faiths. tain the notion of a pro-life stall while I believe absolutely in the separation Despite its declining numbers, the Culturally and socially the Orange the wretched Harriet Harman is given of the Church and the secular state. We Catholic Church still exerts an impres- Order is a spent force in this country free rein within the party to bully and live in a multi-cultural society of many sively disproportionate influence in the and its leadership has adopted a far treated as our enemies but as our allies intimidate new MPs into always vot- faiths, many of them as ancient and affairs of Scotland. Our Catholic more benign attitude to the Church of in the battles against the forces of mili- ing against any alteration in the abor- beautiful as our own and it is right that schools remain intact and the First Rome in recent years than was perhaps tant secular humanism. These are the tion laws. The very least we would no single religion should receive Minister, the SNP’s Alex Salmond, previously so. Many church-going real enemies of every Christian as they expect of them is to retain their tradi- favourable treatment. I do not want (like Jack McConnell one of his Protestants feel alienated in modern, will not be satisfied until every last ves- tional commitment to social justice. Scotland to turn out like the Republic Labour predecessors) has stated often post-Christian Scotland and have felt tige of Christianity is wiped from pub- Instead though, they are the same Lon- of Ireland. The Catholic Church that this will continue to be the case on like strangers in their own country as lic life. That though, is another column don-centric party of big business and abused horribly its preferential posi- his watch. Mr Salmond has also made the traditional pillars of their existence for another time (if I am spared)… illegal wars that Tony Blair turned tion in Irish society and, in light of strenuous efforts to ring-fence Catholic have all been rocked and shaken. The them into. Cardinal O’Brien’s fall from grace and adoption agencies from any legal Church of Scotland is riven with schism s a Christian I am pleased with The difference between Scotland institutional abuse allegations, we in action stemming from the new equality over gay clergy, the Conservative and the Scottish nationalists’ sense and the rest of the UK at this moment Scotland should be thankful that simi- legislation. Unionist party is almost extinct in Scot- of priorities. They are in the is the difference between ‘Come to me lar arrangements don’t apply here. land and events at Rangers FC have Amidst of building a Scottish society all ye who are heavy burden’d and I As a Christian, my own attitudes nlike Hugh Dougherty, I have resembled a train crash in slow motion. underpinned by very Christian ideals will set you free’ and ‘Come to me all have shifted slightly over the years. no fear of extreme elements of The Orange Order, the Church of Scot- of social justice and inclusion. They ye who are heavy burden’d and I will For instance while I am opposed to all the Orange Order and nor am I land, the Free Kirk (including Continu- recognise that most of the weakest and stop your benefits.’ I know which forms of abortion and the human spare Utoo perturbed about the fact that reli- ing and Presbyterian) ought not to be poorest in our society are not some- country I want to live in. The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of KEVIN MCKENNA’S comments on independence? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Next year’s referendum is about democracy, not identity

I READ with interest Hugh ern Scottish society. problem—a problem that the ernment with independence, to illegal wars by Westminster. Dougherty’s comments on next By Bob Doris Independence will allow all SNP Government is tackling where policies reflect the We will also ensure that we year’s independence referen- of us to decide what kind of head on. We will not tolerate wishes of the people of Scot- meet our international obliga- dum [in the SCO Novemver 1]. SNP MSP society we want to live in. It is sectarianism. Whatever Scot- land, or bad government from tions on overseas aid. I, too, am proud of my Catholic of course the case that the UK land’s constitutional status is, Westminster which gives us That is the kind of society Faith and indeed Irish her- people living in Scotland who has entrenched anti-Catholic we want a country where policies we reject. that the vast majority of Scots itage—and I’ll be voting Yes in are best-placed to make the discrimination at the heart of its everyone can fulfil their poten- Scotland easily pays its own want. It means having the best next year’s referendum, and decisions about Scotland. constitutional arrangements in tial, regardless of religion, race, way within the UK, yet we are of both worlds with an inde- will be campaigning hard for We have a wide range of the Act of Settlement—and has age, gender or creed. witnessing our budget being pendent parliament and a rela- everyone in Scotland to do identities in modern Scotland— rejected every opportunity to A Yes vote will enable the slashed, as well as the cruelty tionship of equality with our likewise. Scottish, British, English, Irish, abolish it. people of Scotland to build a of UK welfare cuts, such as the friends and neighbours in these What is important to Pakistani, Chinese, Polish, With a modern written con- more prosperous and fairer bedroom tax. islands. remember—and what I feel Mr French and many more, includ- stitution, an independent Scot- country—with the government However, with independ- The people of Scotland are Dougherty forgets—is that the ing faith groups—and as a land will throw this injustice to we always choose—and a soci- ence, we can decide govern- on an exciting journey. Inde- referendum next year is about nation we can and do celebrate our Catholic community into ety that reflects the values, ment economic and welfare pendence is the broad, inclu- democracy, not identity, and all these many identities. We don’t the dustbin of history where it aspirations and principles of policy in Scotland. sive and positive choice for of us living in Scotland will be have to choose one over the belongs. economic and social justice we A Yes vote will free Scot- Scotland, in which all of our asked: “Should Scotland be an other—and this diversity all However, there is no doubt vote for. The choice is clear— land of nuclear weapons and identities can be reflected and independent country?” It is the contributes positively to mod- that sectarianism remains a Scotland can have good gov- ensure we are never dragged in celebrated.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

who was elected in March, W grew up as a supporter of IRE Argentine club San Lorenzo in Science’s unknown mysteries D I his native country. Mr Blatter N wrote to the Holy Father saying ‘we have learned that Your Holiness is a passionate expose the errors of atheism An SCO diary follower of our sport and of a club nicknamed “The Holy CATHOLIC children (and Team” no less.’ indeed the Faithful of all ages) Many football fans may may be interested to learn hope than Pope Francis will that Pope Francis has been confront the FIFA President immortalised in Lego form. about the long standing The unofficial LEGO allegations than Financial minifigurine bears (right) mismanagement and a surprising corruption have been resemblance to the Holy endemic at FIFA during Father. It was originally his time in charge. made for a Catholic That may be too minifigure fan, and much to hope for, is intended to but the Pope be a should hope BY PETER respectful Mr Blatter tribute to the does not KEARNEY leader of engage him the Church. about his However other AST month, the it’s provoked passion: Nobel Prize in so much interest that women’s suspenders. Physics was the UK based Prior to becoming awarded to Profes- husband and wife involved in football sor Emeritus Peter team who run the website administration, Mr Blatter Higgs, formerly of Edinburgh, www.minifig.me are now earned the unlikely honour of University, ‘for the theoretical offering it for sale at becoming president of the discovery of a mechanism that L the bargain price of World Society of Friends of contributes to our understand- £13.99 online. Suspenders. ing of the origin of mass of As yet, there is no word on subatomic particles.’ The ‘dis- whether the Pope Francis GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG covery’ of this particle, minifig will make a surprise quickly christened the ‘God cameo in the forthcoming CATHOLIC couples who have Particle,’ by the media, Lego movie… recently celebrated their brought the eponymous physi- marriage vows can request cist worldwide recognition and GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG special tickets to a VIP with it much excitement in the section at the Wednesday global and, particularly, the VENEZUELA’S opposition general audience and get the Scottish media. leader Henrique Capriles held chance to greet the Pope, Now, it is probably fair to a private meeting in Rome receive his blessing and be say that the vast majority of us with Pope Francis last week given a unique rosary for do not know what the Higgs and sought his mediation in newlyweds. particle is, and it is a fair bet the South American nation's The personal papal meeting that within this category you tumultuous internal politics. Mr for newlyweds has been can include the majority of Capriles still refuses to handled differently over time. journalists who have written or recognise the legitimacy of For a few years, couples were spoken about it. We are how- President Nicolas Maduro after stuck behind the same ever enthralled with the idea Pope Benedict XVI looks through a narrowly losing an April election waist-high barricades as other that a scientist working in our which attempts to explain the able. Put another way, we to replace socialist leader Hugo VIP guests. That usually midst might have discovered absence of temperature dispar- don’t know everything. Sci- microscope during a visit to the Vatican Observatory Chavez, who died of cancer. meant a mad crush for a something, anything, of global ities across the universe; the ence is prepared to accept that The nation of 29 million people Papal handshake, and what significance. So we watch and theory of ‘dark matter,’ which things which can’t be seen or remains polarised between should have been the moment marvel. is defined as something which detected can still have their Faith,’ such as the Trinity, even anti- and pro-government for a perfect picture Despite its seemingly spiri- can’t be perceived or measured existence proved by the meas- though we cannot know or factions, with the sides sometimes became a tangle tual title, the ‘God particle’ or in any way but whose pre- ured reactions of other understand the underlying insulting each other daily and of jutting arms, skewed veils Higgs boson to give it its full sumed existence helpfully bodies affected by them— reality of it. Although it is preparing to square off again in and mussed hairdos. Pope name does not conclusively papers over a large number of which is in fact a rather spiri- inaccessible to reason alone, December’s local elections. Francis has gone back to prove the existence of God. theoretical cracks in our tual formulation! that should not deprive us of “The word of the Holy Father having newlyweds come up Rather it conclusively proves knowledge; and ‘dark energy,’ Faith or undermine our beliefs. for our beloved Venezuela is two-by-two to get a personal the existence of the inexplica- an invention designed to ll in all, these messy We have grown up believing dialogue,” Mr Capriles, 40, who greeting and blessing after he ble. It is in effect a proof of explain why far from slowing realities are a real, if however that such situations is the governor of Miranda delivers his catechesis. doubt. Though lauded by sci- down from the moment of the not fatal, blow to athe- do not exist in the measurable state, said in a series of Tweets To get tickets the couple ists and humanists who have ence, and by many atheists Big Bang, the expansion of the A and empirical world of sci- from Rome. “We have asked must have been married in a who are all too eager to use universe actually appears, invested so much of their ence. They do. They always for his mediation via the church Catholic church within two any scientific discovery or counter intuitively, to be energy in the primacy of what have. Faith and science are if possible.” The Vatican months of the audience they development as a nail to be speeding up. might be called ‘scientism,’ the far more compatible and closer confirmed last Wednesday’s want to attend and they need hammered into the coffin of They are all far from satis- false creed which asserts that to one another than we might meeting, without giving details. to send a request for newlywed religion, it does in fact present factory ‘fixes.’ The so-called we can measure and know think. As the campaign over tickets and seating to: a problem for science. ‘scientific’ explanation for the everything and that everything Scotland’s independence [email protected]. Professor Higgs and his col- beginnings of the universe is can be fully explained, there- t is worth taking a moment referendum becomes The request needs to include leagues proposed this particle far from the neat and mathe- fore there is no need or place to read once again the cita- increasingly bitter, perhaps a the name of the church where as a way to explain the exis- matically exact calculation for a creator or deity. tion, which the Nobel Prize similar call from Alex Salmond the wedding took place, the committee presented to Pro- tence of mass, since without it, which many assume it to be. With the ‘discovery’ of I to the Holy Father is in the date of the wedding, the name science can neither explain Since the media narrative we Higgs boson the jury is now in, fessor Higgs. They praised him offing… of the priest who married them, why matter has mass, nor why are constantly exposed to pro- and the verdict is clear: we for the ‘theoretical discovery and the full name of the bride poses rigorous scientific cannot and do not know every- of a mechanism that con- it sometimes behaves as it GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and groom. does. By postulating that this method as the universal thing. There is a great deal tributes to our understanding.’ A wonderful wedding bonus particle exists, that problem is panacea to all our doubts and which is unknowable and inex- In the end he may not have dis- FIFA President Sepp Blatter is for any couples getting solved by presuming the exis- questions, a dependable calcu- plicable and will always be. covered anything other than a to have a private audience married this winter! tence of another, heretofore lus which will always be able This is terrain on which the neat way of papering over our with Pope Francis. Mr Blatter, unseen or unknown entity. to explain every particular of Church speaks with vast expe- ignorance of subatomic parti- who is Catholic, will meet the our origins and existence, the rience. The area of doubt or cles. Pope in Rome his isn’t the first time fact that it does nothing of the mystery, understood as that If we are willing to recog- on that science in general sort, comes as a bit of a shock. which is beyond human under- nise, quite rightly, his lifelong November and cosmology in partic- That so many theories have standing, is very often where, struggle to explain a temporal 22. Tular has had to come up with a had to emerge to fill gaps in according to Church teaching, mystery, we should at least do The ‘workaround’ to explain the our knowledge is in itself an humanity finds itself. the same for generations of Pope, inexplicable. Among them: acknowledgement of the As Catholics we understand theologians who have tried to ‘Guth’s theory of inflation,’ unknowable and the unprov- the concept of a ‘mystery of do the same with the spiritual.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NOVEMBER 15 2013 NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

Christmas is a very special time of year for sharing memories and thinking of those nearest and dearest to us. Light Up a Life is a very important event in the hospice calendar

ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE offers readers the opportunity to sponsor a Christmas tree light— Light up a life this Advent and don’t miss the Christmas bus

T MARGARET of Scotland Hospice was the first pice. The multi-professional team comprises of nursing and various activities. Without them we would not be able to do hospice to open in Scotland. It was established by medical staff, physiotherapists, pastoral care staff, counsellors, all we do. Whilst for many Christmas is a time for happiness the Sisters of Charity in 1950. It is also the largest, complementary therapists and occupational therapists. and joy, it is also a time of sadness for those who have lost a with 58 in-patient beds—St Joseph’s Ward has 30 Bereavement and grief are natural processes and many peo- loved one. ‘Light Up a Life’ is a support to those people.” beds for patients receiving palliative care and the ple find their own way through their loss with the support of Mary Aikenhead Centre has 28 beds for frail elderly with com- family and friends. Nevertheless some people will experience Don’t miss the bus plex medical, nursing and end of life needs. difficulty in adapting and will benefit from the support of oth- In the pre-Christmas period, from Friday November 29 until SThe hospice touches the lives of more than 500 people a ers outside their extended family and friends. The Hospice Car- Tuesday December 24, volunteers and staff will be getting into year, helping those who are living with a life-limiting illness itas Bereavement Support Service provides bereavement their stride with one of their most ‘fun’ fundraising activities— and their families and carers. support, counselling and art therapy provided by a team of the Christmas Bus. Finding that a partner, close friend or family member is ter- qualified, experienced and specially trained staff and volun- The Christmas Bus is a major annual fundraising event for minally ill is never easy to deal with and when the word teers. St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and generates a substantial ‘hospice’ is mentioned, the stark reality of the situa- amount of money towards the running costs of the hospice. It tion really hits home. But anyone who has expe- Christmas is an integral part of the hospice’s fundraising calendar, eagerly rienced care, or visited a loved one in a Christmas is a very special time of year for sharing memories awaited by young and old alike as we tour our local commu- hospice, will know exactly why they are and thinking of those nearest and dearest to us. Light Up a Life nities in the weeks leading up to Christmas. so important. is a very important event in the hospice calendar. It provides We hire an open top bus (and driver) and decorate the bus the opportunity for members of the public to sponsor a Christ- with Christmas lights and Christmas figures—Christmas music Life mas tree light dedicated to the memory of a loved one or in is also played whilst the bus is touring the areas. Volunteers A hospice is not about death; it is honour of someone dear to them. help to collect either at the weekend street collections or house about living life to the fullest. In 2013, as in previous years, the Christmas tree in the -to-house in the evenings. In addition to in-patient care, grounds of the hospice will have more than 2000 lights shin- The volunteers and staff enter the spirit of the occasion by the hospice provides a range of ing out. Many lights are in memory of a loved one who has dressing up in festive costumes—which create an extra fun day services including comple- died in the hospice although everyone is invited to participate atmosphere for those who experience the Christmas Bus com- mentary therapies, out-patient and to make a donation to secure their light for their loved one. ing into their community. clinic, the Edwina Bradley Day The special ‘lighting up’ service takes place at the hospice At weekends when the bus is parked in Glasgow or at a Hospice, offering a range of activ- on the first Sunday in Advent. This year, the service is on Sun- shopping centre, children and adults/guardians are able to ity including energy conservation day December 1 at 6.30pm. This is a special time for family come on board the Christmas Bus to visit Santa and his helper, and breathlessness management and friends to gather to remember those whom they have loved adding an extra special touch of Christmas magic while help- sessions, art therapy and and lost. The Light Up a Life Christmas tree will remain lit ing a very good cause. hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy and until Monday January 6 2014. The Christmas Bus will be touring East and West Dunbar- occupational therapy are “Christmas at the hospice is always a very special time for tonshire and Glasgow’s West End, in addition to Glasgow City available for Edwina Bradley Day the patients, visitors and staff,” Sr Rita Dawson, chief execu- Centre and Braehead Shopping Centre. Hospice, outpatient and all hospice tive at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, explained. patients. “It is a time of preparation, activity and reflection. It is also I Contact the hospice on 0141 952 1141 or 0141 435 7018 Our approach to providing care is a time of giving and we find people are very supportive of the for further information or to request a Light Up a Life order holistic, taking into account the work we do here. form. uniqueness of the individual and the “We take this opportunity to thank everyone who spiritual, physical, psychological and will support us this year, those who have supported us in I Write to the hospice at: St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, social needs of both patients and the past and those who will continue to support us in the East Barns Street, Clydebank, G81 1EG. Telephone 0141 952 their carers. New Year. 1141 or fax 0141 951 4206. A multi-professional team approach “We rely greatly on the generosity of the public, not only in to providing care is undertaken within the hos- terms of money, but also in the time they give to support our I Visit the hospice website at http://www.smh.org.uk/

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NOVEMBER 15 2013 NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13

Christmas is a very special time of year for sharing memories and thinking of those nearest and dearest to us. Light Up a Life is a very important event in the hospice calendar

ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND HOSPICE offers readers the opportunity to sponsor a Christmas tree light— Light up a life this Advent and don’t miss the Christmas bus

T MARGARET of Scotland Hospice was the first pice. The multi-professional team comprises of nursing and various activities. Without them we would not be able to do hospice to open in Scotland. It was established by medical staff, physiotherapists, pastoral care staff, counsellors, all we do. Whilst for many Christmas is a time for happiness the Sisters of Charity in 1950. It is also the largest, complementary therapists and occupational therapists. and joy, it is also a time of sadness for those who have lost a with 58 in-patient beds—St Joseph’s Ward has 30 Bereavement and grief are natural processes and many peo- loved one. ‘Light Up a Life’ is a support to those people.” beds for patients receiving palliative care and the ple find their own way through their loss with the support of Mary Aikenhead Centre has 28 beds for frail elderly with com- family and friends. Nevertheless some people will experience Don’t miss the bus plex medical, nursing and end of life needs. difficulty in adapting and will benefit from the support of oth- In the pre-Christmas period, from Friday November 29 until SThe hospice touches the lives of more than 500 people a ers outside their extended family and friends. The Hospice Car- Tuesday December 24, volunteers and staff will be getting into year, helping those who are living with a life-limiting illness itas Bereavement Support Service provides bereavement their stride with one of their most ‘fun’ fundraising activities— and their families and carers. support, counselling and art therapy provided by a team of the Christmas Bus. Finding that a partner, close friend or family member is ter- qualified, experienced and specially trained staff and volun- The Christmas Bus is a major annual fundraising event for minally ill is never easy to deal with and when the word teers. St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and generates a substantial ‘hospice’ is mentioned, the stark reality of the situa- amount of money towards the running costs of the hospice. It tion really hits home. But anyone who has expe- Christmas is an integral part of the hospice’s fundraising calendar, eagerly rienced care, or visited a loved one in a Christmas is a very special time of year for sharing memories awaited by young and old alike as we tour our local commu- hospice, will know exactly why they are and thinking of those nearest and dearest to us. Light Up a Life nities in the weeks leading up to Christmas. so important. is a very important event in the hospice calendar. It provides We hire an open top bus (and driver) and decorate the bus the opportunity for members of the public to sponsor a Christ- with Christmas lights and Christmas figures—Christmas music Life mas tree light dedicated to the memory of a loved one or in is also played whilst the bus is touring the areas. Volunteers A hospice is not about death; it is honour of someone dear to them. help to collect either at the weekend street collections or house about living life to the fullest. In 2013, as in previous years, the Christmas tree in the -to-house in the evenings. In addition to in-patient care, grounds of the hospice will have more than 2000 lights shin- The volunteers and staff enter the spirit of the occasion by the hospice provides a range of ing out. Many lights are in memory of a loved one who has dressing up in festive costumes—which create an extra fun day services including comple- died in the hospice although everyone is invited to participate atmosphere for those who experience the Christmas Bus com- mentary therapies, out-patient and to make a donation to secure their light for their loved one. ing into their community. clinic, the Edwina Bradley Day The special ‘lighting up’ service takes place at the hospice At weekends when the bus is parked in Glasgow or at a Hospice, offering a range of activ- on the first Sunday in Advent. This year, the service is on Sun- shopping centre, children and adults/guardians are able to ity including energy conservation day December 1 at 6.30pm. This is a special time for family come on board the Christmas Bus to visit Santa and his helper, and breathlessness management and friends to gather to remember those whom they have loved adding an extra special touch of Christmas magic while help- sessions, art therapy and and lost. The Light Up a Life Christmas tree will remain lit ing a very good cause. hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy and until Monday January 6 2014. The Christmas Bus will be touring East and West Dunbar- occupational therapy are “Christmas at the hospice is always a very special time for tonshire and Glasgow’s West End, in addition to Glasgow City available for Edwina Bradley Day the patients, visitors and staff,” Sr Rita Dawson, chief execu- Centre and Braehead Shopping Centre. Hospice, outpatient and all hospice tive at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, explained. patients. “It is a time of preparation, activity and reflection. It is also I Contact the hospice on 0141 952 1141 or 0141 435 7018 Our approach to providing care is a time of giving and we find people are very supportive of the for further information or to request a Light Up a Life order holistic, taking into account the work we do here. form. uniqueness of the individual and the “We take this opportunity to thank everyone who spiritual, physical, psychological and will support us this year, those who have supported us in I Write to the hospice at: St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, social needs of both patients and the past and those who will continue to support us in the East Barns Street, Clydebank, G81 1EG. Telephone 0141 952 their carers. New Year. 1141 or fax 0141 951 4206. A multi-professional team approach “We rely greatly on the generosity of the public, not only in to providing care is undertaken within the hos- terms of money, but also in the time they give to support our I Visit the hospice website at http://www.smh.org.uk/

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 STRONG IN FAITH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013

A weekly discussion chaired by young strong in faith Catholic students DISCUSSION: Is youth ministry isolating young people and leaving them lost when they outgrow it?

I DON’T think it isolates young people, but I do believe that there comes a point where there is little or nothing available for the inbetweeners. Not without serious searching, anyway. Mo Frances PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK

I THINK that too often it facilitates a pro- THE Polish scientist, Marie ‘Orion.’The Orion Constella- tracted spiritual adolescence instead of really Curie, and her husband tion is easy to recognise as it preparing young people for adult Catholic (Pierre) discovered two new is shaped like the letter ‘H.’ life, and, of course, this leads to problems elements which they called Rigel is the star at ‘the bot- when they outgrow it. polonium and radium. The tom right’ as we look at the Gerald Bonner elements were radioactive. constellation. It is 900 light- Marie Curie’s work in years away from us. In other I THINK we have to get back to the idea that radioactivity was of great words, it is so far away that it all of us need more than just Sunday Mass, benefit in medicine. It was takes light 900 years to reach not just young people. We need groups for discovered that cancerous us, and light travels at everyone—single people, married people, cells could be killed by the 186,000 miles per second. people with kids, people who are retired, use of small amounts of So, when we look at Rigel, male groups, female groups and so on. radioactivity—such as from we are actually seeing it as it As we go through life our needs change. It radium)—without seriously was 900 years ago—we are would be impractical to have so many efforts damaging nearby healthy seeing it as it was at the time in every parish but they could be organised tissue. of William the Conqueror! at a diocesan level. Opus Dei does great The Curies refused to work with this sort of thing and I used to get patent—to own with the God our Father, open our eyes a lot out of their evenings of recollection for intention of making profit to the wonder of all your students. from—their work and dis- creation—from the beauty ChrisMcLaughlin coveries, saying that: “Physi- of all that is close to us, to cists should always publish the fascination of far-away I Have your say at http://www.facebook. their researches completely. places on our own planet com/scostronginfaith If our discovery has a and far beyond. commercial future, that is a Heighten our awareness, circumstance from which we deepen our understanding, should not profit. If radium is and extend our horizons that to be used in the treatment of we may have respect for all Food for thought on our youth ministries disease, it is impossible for that is around us and dis- us to take advantage of that.” cover your Kingdom deep By Aidan Michael Cook Marie Curie—born in within us. Amen. November 1867— became THIS discussion was world-famous, and was ONE of the early Christian prompted by an article by awarded two Nobel Prizes. writers was called Eusebius, an American Presbyterian Unaware in those days of the and he died about the year pastor who found that the dangers of radioactivity. She 340AD. He wrote these children in a church with died from radiation poisoning words which we will make significant youth ministry at the age of 65. our prayer today. were more likely to leave after high school, and less Lord, there is so much that I May I be no-one’s enemy and likely to be integrated into don’t know and I ask you to God’s friend. the community. inspire me with a thirst for May I never quarrel with Of course, the term ‘youth knowledge. those nearest me but, if I do, ministry’ covers a wide range I pray, too, for wisdom that I may I be reconciled quickly. of visions and realities, and so may use my knowledge well. May I never plot evil please do not take this as an I give thanks for many against others and if anyone attack on all youth ministry, but people I have never met plots evil against me may I simply as a look at some of the whose knowledge and escape unharmed and challenges we all face. understanding have been without the need to hurt One problem in Scotland has passed on to me. anyone else. been that youth ministry I ask that I may benefit May I love and seek and became tied in a particular way from their work and experience achieve only what is good. to Catholic schools, and so for and may contribute, in turn, May I desire happiness for those who did not attend to the well-being of others. all and may I envy no-one. Catholic school, or who moved Amen. May I never find pleasure on to a different high school, at the misfortune of someone nothing was available. And ABRAHAM Lincoln was who has done wrong to me. even for those who did all their elected US President in this May I gain no victory schooling in the Catholic sys- month in 1860. that harms either me or my tem and persevered in their In one of the biographies opponent. faith, once they left school they of Lincoln we can read that May I reconcile friends found themselves suddenly in a he and a friend were walking who become angry with one great void, as though the blan- in the countryside one night. another. ket had been pulled away from needs to be more interaction So perhaps what are needed are the wider Church. But it also Lincoln turned his eyes to May I, insofar as I can, give under their feet. between the generations. To groups that bring young people falls to the wider Church to make the clear night sky and all necessary help to those In recent years, some efforts some extent this will be solved together but within a broader sure that there is something for named some of the stars. He who are in need and never have been made to make a start simply by renewing parish life context. One good example of young people to move on to. said to his friend: “I feel that fail a friend in trouble. at bridging the gap. Often this as a vibrant community will this is the Legion of Mary which Youth ministry can never just I am looking in the face of May I respect myself and has taken the shape of young naturally bring people together. foresees a system of junior be a way to keep young people God. I can see how it might always keep in control of adult groups, so that there It is true that it can be a great groups involving real and occupied or entertained, or be possible for someone to myself, being gentle in can be a long progression of joy and benefit to spend time substantial activities but also even simply keep them in look around on earth and not attitude and never letting age-related groups: from chil- with other young Catholics of preparing young people for full church. Rather, it should be the believe in God, but I cannot circumstances make me dren’s group to youth group to our own age, but there is a membership of an adult group. ‘milk’ that builds them up for conceive how anyone could angry with others. young adults group to young danger of this becoming self- So what is clear is that youth ‘solid food’ (1 Cor 3:2)—and if look up into the heavens and May I never discuss the professionals group. centred and inward looking, of ministry should be integrated it doesn’t move them on to say there is no God.” wicked or what they have But simply handing people seeing the Church as serving with the wider apostolate of the solid food then it has failed, Throughout the winter done wrong, but know good on from one age-group ministry young people (above) rather Church. Youth ministry is not and if we do not provide solid months, we can see in the people and follow in their to the next does not solve all the than as helping young people to an end in itself, but should food then we have all failed as night sky the set of stars called footsteps. Amen. problems. It seems that there love and serve the Lord. prepare young people for life in a Church. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN NOVEMBER 17 1PM 9AM LIVE DAILY MASS NEW SERIES: THE SACRED 9PM HEART OF JESUS WITH FR SISTERS OF ST CLARE BERNARD MCGUCKIAN SJ KOKSTAD, KWAZULU-NATAL 11AM THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21 LIVE ANGELUS WITH POPE 1PM FRANCIS LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM 7.30PM LIVE SUNDAY MASS MY COUNTRY, MY FAITH: 2.30PM IRELAND CATHOLICISM 8PM 5PM EWTN LIVE EWTN BOKMARK 9PM 5.30PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, OCTAVA DIES NEVER BACK 6PM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 THE WORLD OVER LIVE 1PM 8PM LIVE DAILY MASS ENDS OF THE EARTH 8PM 10.30PM LIVE THE WORLD OVER VATICANO 9PM 11PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, LIVE BENEDICTION NEVER BACK MONDAY NOVEMBER 18 9.30PM 1PM LIFE ON THE ROCK How faith conversations LIVE DAILY MASS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23 9PM 1PM BEACONS OF LIGHT LIVE DAILY MASS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19 7PM 1PM VISION OF FREEDOM can help light up our lives LIVE DAILY MASS 9PM 9PM SERRA: EVER FORWARD, This week, in our series on spirituality, FR JAMES CRAMPSEY SJ from the DOMINICAN SISTERS OF NEVER BACK HAWTHORNE—CONGREGATION 9.30PM Lauriston Jesuit Centre speaks of the need for interreligious dialogue OF ST ROSA OF LIMA REBUILDING THE FAITH: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 20 UKRAINE—LVIV SEMINARY

etween Diwali and Hanukkah, we find Pope Francis gestures as he receives a gift from a member of the World Jewish Congress during a A SPIRITUAL ourselves in Scottish Interfaith Week private audience at the Vatican earlier this year (November 24-December 1). We will LAY READERS’ GUIDE REFLECTION allB be receiving a letter from Archbishop Conti and encouraged to take the opportunity to follow the example set by our Holy Father, book together. In fact the only book written Pope Francis, to reach out to our neighbours by the Pope when he was Archbishop of and to recognise all people of faith as our Buenos Aires was with Rabbi Abraham Sko- brothers and sisters. We will be asked to pray rka. The Pope didn’t write him a letter to cel- SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17 that people of faith might work together for ebrate the great autumn Jewish feasts but Deuteronomy 30:10-14. Response: Seek peace in our world and in our country. invited him to come to Rome. You might wonder whyArchbishop Conti is Rabbi Skorka has described the experi- the Lord, you who are poor, and your writing so many letters on this subject. The first ence of visiting Francis. hearts will revive. Colossians 1:15-20. answer is that he is the chair of the Scottish “I eat with him at breakfast, lunch and din- Luke 10:25-37. Bishops Committee for Interfaith Dialogue ner every day,” he said. “He cares for me, and IGHTING a candle is something (www.interreligiousdialogue.weebly.com). controls everything regarding my food to shared and enjoyed across the The second answer is that he is writing a make sure it is all kosher, and according to MONDAY world’s cultures. The candles on a covering letter to accompany the letters of my religious tradition. These are festive days, Exodus 1:8-14, 22. Response: Our help is birthday cake create an atmos- the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dia- and I have to say certain prayers at meals and, in the name of the Lord. Matthew: 10:34-11. phere which remains even when logue.After the Second Vatican Council’s doc- I expand the last prayer and translate it. He the candles are blown out. When we light a ument Nostra Aetate (In our time), Pope Paul accompanies me together with the others at candle in church, its flame continues to VI delegated this council to write on his table—his secretaries and a bishop—and TUESDAY Lflicker after we have gone, bearing witness behalf the greetings to people of other faiths they all say ‘Amen’ at the end.” Exodus 2:1-15. Response: Seek the Lord, to a relationship between God and ourselves. on the occasion of their major feasts. “We are dreaming of travelling together to you who are poor, and your hearts will The Easter Vigil with its Paschal candle pro- It is probably no surprise that Pope Francis Israel soon, and the Pope is working on this claims the triumph of light over darkness, has taken a bit of a lead in this area himself. subject,” the Rabbi continued. “I dream of revive. Matthew 11:20-24. and we share in that proclamation as our He decided he would write the letter to Mus- embracing him at the Kotel, or Wailing Wall, small candles are kindled and held up. lims on the occasion of Id al-Fitr (the end of and I will accompany him to Bethlehem, in WEDNESDAY Other faiths also express God’s triumph the fast of Ramadan). In this letter he referred the Palestinian territories. His presence can Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12. Response: The Lord over darkness through the symbol of light. to what he had already said in March to the help a lot at this moment when the peace Probably most familiar to us will be the Jew- Vatican diplomatic corps: “It is not possible talks are starting again.” is compassion and love. Matthew 11:25-27. ish festival of Hanukkah, which has the to establish true links with God, while ignor- Both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities familiar symbol of the seven-branched can- ing other people. Hence it is important to have invited Pope Francis, and the Ecumeni- THURSDAY dlestick called the menorah. This feast is cel- intensify dialogue among the various reli- cal Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew, Exodus 3:13-20. Response: The Lord ebrated in late November or early December. gions, and I am thinking particularly of dia- wants the Pope to celebrate the 50th anniver- However, I received a copy of a letter this logue with Islam. At the Mass marking the sary of the historic meeting of his predecessor, remembers His covenant forever. Matthew week, which was sent from Archbishop beginning of my ministry, I greatly appreci- Athenagoras, with Paul VI in Jerusalem. The 11:28-30. Emeritus Mario Conti to the Hindus of Scot- ated the presence of so many civil and reli- Vatican has now announced that this visit will land for the feast of Diwali, another great gious leaders from the Islamic world.” Then take place in March 2014. festival of light. Before I came back to Scot- addressing directly his Muslim audience, he Conversations in faith are something we FRIDAY land a few years ago, I spent a number of said: “With these words, I wished to empha- are being encouraged to pursue. We know that Exodus 11:10-12:14. Response: The cup years in Southall, a part of West London near sise once more the great importance of dia- sometimes it is difficult to start up a conver- of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Heathrow, which is well-known for its multi- logue and cooperation among believers, in sation with people we don’t know. As it hap- Lordʼs name. Matthew 12:1-8. religious and multi-ethnic population. Our particular Christians and Muslims, and the pens the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in own Neerday celebrations usually involve need for it to be enhanced.” Glasgow (www.iscglasgow.co.uk) is currently about 15 minutes of light putting darkness to offering a series with this title where Sister SATURDAY flight, but on the feast of Diwali in Southall, t is fairly well-known that Pope Francis Isabel Smyth SND has a series of six conver- Exodus 12:37-42. Response: Great is His darkness is chased by light for virtually the has a good friend who is a Rabbi. They sations with people of different faiths. Con- love, love without end. Matthew 12:14-21. whole night! are good enough friends to have written a versations like this help chase the darkness. I WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 THAT’S LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 Praise our parents, don’t patronise them THAT’S LIFE looks at the trials and tribulations associated with parenthood, in particular the crucial role mothers play

ing problem. Yes, selective deafness, they call it.

he day a woman gives birth to her first baby she ushers new life into the world and begins By Mary a new life of her own. Wonderful as it is, before Tlong she meets with maternal guilt. Old hands like me look back and wonder why we ever let ourselves McGinty get in a tizzy about choices of no consequence. The culture secretary, Maria Miller, felt the wrath CREAMING weans, dirty nappies, a of mothers’groups last week when she launched an house like Annaker’s midden. That’s the otherwise commendable study into workplace dis- life of a stay-at-home mother with a crimination against pregnant women and working bunch of under-fives. Not pretty, not mothers. “Women are not an optional part of the glamorous. workforce,” she said. “And are at the heart of the Like the horrors of childbirth, it is a well-kept economic recovery.” More guilt for mothers. secret. And just as well. That elegant, serene young I am loath to knock any politician who, against womanS with the happy, gurgling child in the baby come out the other side. Her laundry basket is empty deprived body caves in just as dawn breaks. parliamentary pressure, voted for a reduction in the food adverts or in lifestyle features in glossy maga- and she never wakes to last night’s dishes. The hand- I was lucky with my first baby and I sailed through abortion limit, but mothers should not bear the zines (above right) is how you imagine it before you some husband looking on is a far cry from the addled the first months. Her night-time antics—and they responsibility of restabilising the economy. And it try it out and how you remember it when you have spouse who rises to the challenge when your sleep- were plenty—were compensated for by her sunny dis- is not just the Tories—apparently Ed Miliband position and her propensity for day-time naps, during referred to families in which one parent stays at which I napped alongside her. Himself came home to home as ‘last century.’ Far better, the mothers’ a contented baby and dinner on the table. I basked in groups say, that Mrs Miller and her colleagues direct reflected glory as our little one was praised for her their efforts at getting young people in to work. CROSSWORD Gordius No 117 beauty and her good nature. I must have done some- Couples should be able to make the decision as thing right, I reckoned, to have such a perfect child. to whether the mother—or father—is going to stay A year and a bit later and bovver boy arrived on at home without interference from the state. Child- 1 2 345 678 the scene. That happy scene when he took his first care costs are prohibitive and women find that even step on his first birthday is a memory etched on in well-paid jobs they are working simply to keep 9 my heart. I wish I had enjoyed the moment more, their jobs open. And it is not just in the pre-school 1011 for as it turned out that is all it was—a moment. years. While children are celebrating the start of the Within days of donning his shiny new shoes he summer holidays their parents are yearning for the was scaling straight walls. The occasional sedate new school term and a break from the worries of afternoon watching Mary Poppins only fuelled his providing suitable care for their brood. 12 13 14 15 First entry out the hat next imagination and soon he was ramming a broom up Mothers who do not work outside the home should 1617 TUESDAY will be the winner the unswept chimney a la Bert. Our pleas to desist be supported in their choice. As Cardinal Mermillod fell on deaf ears. Well that was how his indulgent said: “Amother is a person who can take the place of 18 1920 gran would spin it—the wee soul must have a hear- all others but whose place can be taken by none.” Send your completed 21 22 crossword entries—along with 2324your full name address and daytime phone number—to 25 SUDOKU CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 26 27 28 29 30 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 31 32 6BT SIMPLE 3334The winner’s name will be 7 2 4 13 printed next week 2 4 9 6 2 4 37 5 1 89 3 7 8 29 1 546 35 36 The editor’s decision is final 5 3 1 86 9 1 5 86 4 3 27 7 3 9 65 8 4 2 1 ACROSS 68 1 429 7 5 3 1 Father finds a popular assassin an analgesic (10) LAST WEEK’S 7 8 1 6 Is in debt (4) SOLUTION 495 213 7 8 6 10 Folded sheet of paper (5) 2 8 7 1 95 6 34 11 How might one's pal create a manifestation of the 2 3 9 Holy Spirit? (9) ACROSS 524 6 8 3 91 7 12 Informal turf accountants (7) 1 Pea 3 Godchildren 1 9 3 746 2 8 5 15 Ancient Greek famous for his Fables (5) 8 Oilcan 9 Vigilant 9 5 4 17 Lie next to a broken tuba (4) 10 Lithe 11 Eider FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 18 But this letter might be C, D or F! (4) 13 Grass 15 Avarice AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 19 The accountant takes a trashcan to the hut (5) 16 The Book of Job 9 5 1 7 21 Split costs, or travel in clogs? (2,5) 21 Croak 23 Fired AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 23 Flinch (5) 24 Bassinet 25 Caruso 6 2 4 3 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 24 Looks like we are the ones to carry the burden (4) 26 Shepherdess 27 Nil WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 25 Identify a mean set of characters (4) 26 Of little weight (5) 1 6 8 2 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 28 Look down on; accord no respect (7) DOWN IS THE NOV 8 SIMPLE SOLUTION 33 It provides upkeep for a cutter! (5,4) 1 Problematic 34 Draws closer (5) 2 All at sea 3 Grape 35 Mediocre (2-2) 4 Caveman 5 Loire MODERATE 36 Len’s armada goes around a fiery lizard (10) 6 Rwanda 7 Net 3 95 8 12 Rock and roll DOWN 13 Gecko 14 Sahib 7 1 6 594 2 8 3 1 Make whiffs of smoke; swell up (4) 17 Overturn 18 Ejected 2 1 8 5 9 3 2 681 5 7 4 2&27d The proceeds of crime are in the galleon, sitting 19 Mousse 22 Keith 458 3 2 7 1 9 6 awkwardly (3-6,5) 23 Flags 24 Bus 3 Criticise a Marian shrine (5) 8 6 1 8 9 25641 3 7 4 Pass into disuse (5) 3 247 168 59 5 The information they pick up is sound (4) 7 Not DS, but ds, these unwanted plants! (5) Last week’s winner was: 7 4 645 7 39 8 1 2 8 Drowsy feeling (10) Rosemary Murray, Lanark 5 7 3 8 6 2 914 9 Slight wound that makes one withdraw from the race (7) 2 4 9 7 5 1 63 8 13 Preposition seen in Mandarin tomes (4) 6 1 4 14 Showed respect to an officer (7) 156 8 493 72 16 The wolf sneaks around with unique creations (10) 2 38 20 May musicians not sit when playing on this rostrum? (9) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 21 “Well-bred,” refined (7) AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 22 West End show with a disorganised cast (4) Scotland’s only national 3 8 967 27 See 2 down Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 29 Actor with only a walk on part (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 30 Did Columbus sail it in spilt paint? (5) Registered at the Post Office 9 2 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 31 Cheese that's an accident of fate? (4) 32 Employer of a tool or object (4) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 14 3 THE NOV 8 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES EXPERTSERVICES

LEGION OF MARY The Sisters of the Gospel of Life SCOT-COVER invite you to a THEWAYSIDE RE-UPHOLSTERY Monthly Mass for Life CLUB CENTRE At Our Lady of Consolation Church Freephone: 0800 389 8084 FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED Inglefield Street, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7PZ Suites and church kneelers re-covered. BY HOMELESSNESS Celebrant: Fr Billy McMahon For quality and expertise, all types of upholstery work undertaken - CHRISTMAS Priests wishing to concelebrate please bring Alb contract, commercial and domestic. FESTIVITIES Wednesday November 20th 2013 www.scotcover.co.uk Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm Please help to make this Christmas a special one for our guests.We will be offering our usual services for Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet the festive period. up with pro-life friends These will include: gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com DalyFamily Business Garage With Over 30 years Doors Experience • Free food and entertainment throughout the festive period INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS & • Christmas dinner and party MAINTENANCE OF ALL GARAGE DOORS • Christmas presents Community of the Risen Christ Free estimates & advice • Hogmanay lunch Eveningof Renewal 24 Hour • Hogmanay party Call Out Theme: Evangelisation In addition, Mass will be celebrated on Christmas TEL: 01355 261601 Eve and also at the close of year on Hogmanay. 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MARRIAGE FOY McGEEHAN 39th Anniversary In loving memory of Mar- In loving memory of John garet and Rose McGee- CAMPBELL – GILLESPIE Foy, our dear father, who han, beloved daughters, Married in St Margaret died November 15, 1974. sisters, aunts and great- Mary’s Church, Glasgow, R.I.P. aunts, who died November by Mgr James L. MacNeil, Will those who think of our 14, 1990 and November on Saturday, July 20, 2013, 17, 2010. R.I.P. Alasdair Martin Campbell dad today, The many things you did and Lynne Gillespie. A little prayer to Jesus say. for us, Alasdair Martin is the eldest St Martin de Porres, pray In your kind and loving son of Neil and Michelle for him. KELLY BROWN CASEY ways, Campbell, 2 Kilerivagh, Isle Inserted by his loving Loving and happy In loving memory of my In loving memory of our Give us memories to of Benbecula. daughters Julie and memories of our much loving wife, mother and dear father, Joseph, who treasure, A wonderful day. Angela. loved son and brother, grandmother, Mary, who went home to God on As we think of you each Deo Gratias. Anthony, who died on died on November 19, November 20, 1970; also HUGHES day. September 24, 2009, and his dear wife, and our 2007. In loving memory of our whose 31st birthday occurs darling mother, Helen, DEATH It was a sudden parting, dear aunt, Rose, who died on November 20. whom God also called Too bitter to forget, November 15, 1996. Eternal rest grant unto him, home on July 18, 1997. MacLEOD Those who loved you Treasured memories. O Lord, Heavenly Father, please Peacefully at home, Isle of dearly, Our Lady of Lourdes and And let perpetual light grant that our darling Barra, on Tuesday, Octo- Are the ones who can’t St Joseph, pray for her. ber 22, 2013, George shine upon him. forget. parents may now be united May he rest in peace. in Heaven, glorifying God, Inserted by Miriam, Ian and (Seoras Mhicheil Iain We often sit and think of Richard. Chalum) aged 64 years, Remembered always. you, their Creator and Inserted by Mum, Dad, And think of how you died, Redeemer, and may the beloved husband of Mar- KELLY garet, loving stepfather, Kathleen and Kevin. To think you could not say Holy Spirit of love, peace and joy unite us all until we Remembering with love our grandfather, great-grandfa- goodbye, dear parents, Catherine, are one in God’s presence McGREECHIN ther, brother, brother-in-law Before you closed your who died on November 14, forever. 8th Anniversary and uncle. A friend to eyes. 1982 and James, who died many. Your life was one of kindly Inserted by their loving In loving memory of a dear daughter Sheila and the July 5, 1996. Also our dear So sorely missed. deeds, husband and father, Fran- family. sister, Mary Brown, who Fortified by Rites of Holy A helping hand for others cis, who died on November died November 19, 2007. 21, 2005. Church. R.I.P. needs, O gentlest heart of Jesus 5 Allasdale. Sincere and true in heart COLE As we loved him in life, In loving memory of our have mercy on them. and mind, We will not forget him in dear father, Gerry, who St Antony, pray for them. Beautiful memories left death. died on November 19, From all the family. 100TH BIRTHDAYREMEMBRANCE behind. Let perpetual light shine 1968. The blow was hard, the upon him, REILLY/TONAGH McSHANE On whose soul, sweet shock severe, May he rest in peace. In memory of Edward and Remembering with love, Jesus, have mercy. Amen. Margaret Reilly (McDonald) our loving daddy, granda To part with one we loved Good St Anne and St so dear, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray and their very good friends, and great-granda, John, Patrick, intercede for him. for him. James and Gertie Tonagh who died on January 15, Our loss is great, we’ll not Inserted by his sons complain, St Anthony, pray for him. (Meston), who would all 1994, and whose 89th Michael and James. Inserted by his ever loving have been 100 this year, birthday occurs on But trust in God to meet again. wife, family and 2013. November 17. grandchildren. Inserted by the Reilly You’re always close beside Two tired eyes are us, sleeping, Family. MacINTYRE In everything we do, Two willing hands are still, The one who worked so 22nd Anniversary. You were our greatest In loving memory of my BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE hard for us, McCARRON treasure, beloved husband, our dear God’s gift to us was you. Is resting at God’s will. 11th Anniversary of my GIBBONS Our family chain is broken, dear husband, Mick, who father and grandfather, The family. Angus, who passed away Lily (née Reynolds), much Nothing seems the same, died November 19, 2002. on November 19, 1991. loved wife, mum and But as God calls us one by We did not know that Eternal rest grant unto him, special gran, whose RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM one, morning, O Lord, birthday we remembered The links shall join again. DONNELLY What sorrow that day And let perpetual light on November 14. O’DONOGHUE Husband Jay, sons John 7th Anniversary would bring, shine upon him. “Mum, although I really Please remember in your Antony, Jim Martin, Treasured memories of my When a heart of gold May he rest in peace. miss you, in my heart I prayers the Very Reverend Stephen, daughters dear husband, Terry, dad, stopped beating, Inserted by his loving wife know that you are at Patrick Canon Kathleen, Geraldine, papa and great-grandad, We could not do a thing. Mary and family. peace.” O’Donoghue, who died on grandsons Antony, who died November 21, May he rest in peace. Elizabeth and Phil. xx November 19, 1995. Matthew, Luke, David Jay, 2006. Inserted by his loving wife, MacINTYRE “Gran, always remember Sacred Heart of Jesus, granddaughters Laura, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray Kathleen, son, daughters Cherished memories of a our wee special times, just grant him eternal rest. Clare Francesca, Natalia. for him. and grandchildren. dear friend and neighbour, us.” From all at Our Lady and Also daughters-in-law Loving wife Pat and all the St Joseph’s Church, family. Michael, died November Lucy and Hannah. xx Angela, Angie, Laura and McCARVILL Glenboig. 16, 1980. R.I.P. son-in-law Dave. 10th Anniversary Prayers and Masses are all DUNN Of your charity, please pray 5th Anniversary I can give, for the repose of the soul of MEMORIAM BURNS Please pray for the repose These you shall have as Loving and happy memo- of the soul of Joe, a loving Terence Joseph (Terry), long as I live. BENSON ries of our mother, Mar- husband, father, uncle, who died November 15, Mary Ann, 8 West Gerinish. Treasured memories of garet Currie Burns, who grandfather, brother, 2003, devoted husband, Jack, who died November died November 16, 1978, father, son, brother and 18, 2009. brother-in-law and father- also our father, William in-law, died November 21, uncle. Place Your Intimation Eternal rest grant unto him, Announcing, Burns, who died January 5, 2008. O Most Sacred Heart of Remembering, O Lord, Thanking 1985. St Faustina, pray for him. Jesus, have mercy on him. Births, Marriages, And let perpetual light Deaths,Anniversaries shine upon him, Sacred Heart of Jesus, we Jesus I trust in You. Immaculate Heart of Mary, May he rest in peace, place all our trust in Thee. Always in our thoughts and St Joseph, St Pio, pray for Amen. Our Lady of Medjugorje, prayers. him. pray for us. Inserted by his brother Jim, Sadly missed by Jean and Inserted by Angela and To place a Family Announcement Contact family. Inserted by the family. family. on behalf of the family. Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

McLAY MacRURY O’BRIEN SCOTT RELIGIOUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PRAYER TO THE Please pray for the repose 1st Anniversary In loving memory of my 7th Anniversary BLESSED VIRGIN of the souls of my parents, In loving memory of our dear mother, grandmother In loving memory of my O Most Beautiful Flower of Margaret McLay, who died dear father, father-in-law, and great-grandmother, dearest husband, Adam, Mount Carmel, fruitful in November 7, 1995, and grandfather and great- Margaret, died November dad, papa and brother, the splendour of Heaven, 18, 1980. John McLay, who died on grandfather, Neil, who died who died November 14, Blessed Mother of the Son Deep in our hearts your of God, Immaculate Virgin, November 20, 1963. on November 14, 2012. 2006. memory is kept, assist me in this my neces- Eternal rest grant unto Just a prayer from the To love, to cherish, to Treasured memories will sity. O Star of the Sea, family who loved you, them, O Lord, never forget. last forever. help me and show me Just a memory fond and And let perpetual light Sacred Heart of Jesus, May he rest in peace. herein You are my Mother. shine upon them, true, have mercy on her. Inserted by Mary and O Holy Mary, Mother of May they rest in peace. In our hearts you will live Inserted by the family, family and sister Catherine. God, Queen of Heaven Amen. forever, Glasgow and Australia. and Earth, I humbly Because we thought the BANCEWICZ — Pam McNeill. SMITH ANTHONY beseech You from the bot- world of you. 27th Anniversary Mary, Joseph and tom of my heart to succour Fois shiorruidh thoir dha. MacLEAN In loving memory of my Desmond, the family of Fr me in my necessity. There Our Lady of the Isles, pray 8th Anniversary beloved husband, and our Tony Bancewicz, late are none that can with- for him. stand Your power. O show In loving memory of our dearest dad, Brian, who Parish Priest of Corpus Inserted by his family at me herein You are my dear father, Iain, who died died on November 19, Christi, Scotstounhill, wish home and away. mother. O Mary, conceived November 19, 2005; also 1986. to thank Archbishop Philip remembering our beloved (11 East Gerinish). Tartaglia, Archbishop without sin, pray for us who May he rest in peace. have recourse to Thee mother, Mary Ann, who Emeritus Mario Conti, Inserted by Norah, Michael (three times). Holy Mary, I died February 22, 1996. MOONEY Bishop Emeritus Joseph In loving memory of our and Gerard. Devine, Mgr Paul Conroy place this cause in your Sweet are the memories hands (three times). O silently kept, dear father, John, who died VG, Canon George PUGH TAGGART thank you for your mercy to Of the parents we loved November 21, 1991, also In loving memory of our Bradburn, Canon Nicholas In loving memory of our Rowan and Fr Charles me and mine. Amen. Say and will never forget, our dear mother, Bridget, dear parents, Katie, who dear mother, Patricia, who Kane for all their support for three days; publication We will hold them close who died October 4, 2002, died November 19, 2006, died on November 15, and attendance at Fr promised. – E.K. within our hearts, and our dear brother, John, and John, who died August 2010. Also our dear father, Tony’s Requiem Mass in St And there they will remain, who died August 21, 1992. 27, 1982. POWERFUL NOVENA On their souls, sweet In the shelter of Thy John, who died on Sep- Ninian’s, Knightswood. To walk with us throughout Grateful thanks also to the Of Childlike Confidence Jesus, have mercy. Sacred Heart, tember 20, 1973. (This novena is to be said our lives, many priests who In the shelter of Thy Dear Jesus, may they rest, Eternal rest grant unto at the same time, every Until we meet again. concelebrated and to all Sacred Heart, We love them much, them, O Lord, hour, for nine consecutive Our Lady of Lourdes and family and friends for the Dear Jesus, may they rest, But still we know, And let perpetual light hours – just one day). O St Joseph, pray for them. Mass cards and Sympathy We miss them much but Thy Holy will is best. shine upon them, Jesus, who hast said, ask Inserted by Seumas, Iain cards received. We owe a Inserted by your loving and you shall receive, seek still we know, May they rest in peace. great debt also to the Little Ruairidh and families. family. and you shall find, knock Thy Holy will is best. Amen. Sisters of the Poor, St and it shall be opened to Our Lady and St Francis, Their loving family. Joseph’s, Robroyston for MacLEAN REYNOLDS you, through the interces- pray for them. their exceptional care of Fr In loving memory of my 52nd Anniversary sion of Mary, Thy Most Inserted by Mary, Margaret TEEVIN Tony during his stay with dear brother and uncle, Please pray for the repose Holy Mother, I knock, I and all the family. 14th Anniversary them and particularly to Iain MacLean, who died of the soul of our father, seek, I ask that my prayer Sister Anne and her staff. November 19, 2005; also Hugh Reynolds, who died Treasured memories of my be granted (make your MOUNT Thanks also to Deacon my parents Marsali November 16, 1961. beloved sister, Kathleen request). O Jesus, who Cherished memories of Tommy Kelly for his great MacLean, died December St John Ogilvie, pray for (Greene), died November hast said, all that you ask Charlie, much loved hus- him. friendship and assistance 2, 1994, and James 13, 1999, and her hus- of the Father in My name, band, dad, grampa, great- Inserted by his family. band, Gerry, died August 3, in Corpus Christi, to the He will grant you through MacLean, died January 1, grampa and father-in-law, Archdiocese of Glasgow 1963. R.I.P. 1997. the intercession of Mary, died November 19, 2008. RICE for their assistance with Lonely is the home without Missed more every day. Thy Most Holy Mother, I God took the strength of a Treasured memories of my funeral arrangements and humbly and urgently ask them, Maureen. mountain, dear dad, our grandad and to T and R O’Brien Funeral Thy Father, in Thy name, Life to us is not the same The majesty of a tree, great-grandad, Gerry, died Services for their profes- that my prayer be granted WATSON All the world would be like The warmth of a summer November 17, 1998; also sional and efficient (make your request). O In loving memory of my Heaven sun, my dear mum and our services. Jesus, who hast said, dear brother and uncle If we could have them back The calm of a quiet sea, gran, Cathie, died July 21, Holy Mass will be offered Heaven and Earth shall for the intentions of all. again. The generous soul of 1991. David Watson, who died pass away but My word Remembering you both is St Joseph and St Martin de nature, November 21, 2002. shall not pass, through the easy, Porres, pray for them. The comforting arm of We did not know that intercession of Mary, Thy Inserted by Annag, Ronnie We do it every day, morning, Most Holy Mother, I feel night, Missing you both is the THANKSGIVING and family. The wisdom of the ages, What sorrow that day confident that my prayer heartache, shall be granted (make The power of the eagles would bring, GRATEFUL thanks to Our That never goes away. your request); publication MacLELLAN flight, When a heart of gold Lady of Mount Carmel for Catherine and David. promised. In loving memory of our The joy of a morning in Quietly today your memory stopped beating, prayers answered. – dear mother, Janet, who spring, We could not do a thing. J.McK. we treasure, NOVENA TO ST CLARE died on November 16, May he rest in peace. The faith of a mustard Missing you always, forget- Say nine Hail Mary’s for 1983, also our dear father, seed, ting you never. Our Lady of Lourdes and DEAR HEART OF JESUS Dear Heart of Jesus in the nine days with a lighted Donald Allan, who died on The patience of eternity, Sharon, Tracey and St Joseph, pray for him. candle; publication prom- December 4, 1975. Also The depth of a family need. families. past I have asked you for Inserted by his family. many favours, this time I ised. our sister, Mary, who died When God combined these ask you for this special one November 27, 2006. qualities, (mention favour), take it Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh When there was nothing To place an Dear Heart of Jesus, and a Thighearna, more to add, place it within Your broken intimation Agus solus nach dibir He knew his masterpiece heart where your Father dearrsadh orra. was complete, sees it, then in his merciful Inserted by their loving And so He called it Dad. eyes it will become Your Call: 0141 family at home and away, St Charles, pray for him. favour, not mine. Amen. 330 North Boisdale, South Loving wife Margaret and Say for three days, publi- 241 6106 Uist. all the family. cation promised. – A.F. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 MEMORIAM CARDS BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS BISHOP GILBERT Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com

ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA SUN NOV 17 9.30AM Confirmations, Our Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk Lady, Star of the Sea and St Drostan, MEMORIAMCARDS Fraserburgh. SAT 23 7PM Welcome to SUN NOV 17 12NOON Installation of Fr international students with the African Choir, designed & printed to your exact requirements St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen. we can produce order of service for Requiem Masses Anthony Gallagher as parish priest of St and also design and print jubilee cards, bookmarks, Catherine’s, Balornock. MON 18 7PM and acknowledgment/thank-you cards Confirmations, St Augustine’s, Milton. TUE 19 BISHOP CUNNINGHAM please call for full details of the personalised service we can provide 7PM Confirmations, St Roch’s. WED 20 Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk 10AM Visit to Low Moss Prison, 0141 569 4724 • 07818 645 863 mobile Bishopbriggs; 7PM Confirmations, St Maria Goretti’s. THU 21 7PM Confirmations, St BISHOP ROBSON Joseph’s, Milngavie. FRI 22 Knights of St Memorare Memoriam Cards Ltd Columba, clergy dinner. SAT 23 3PM Mass St Andrews and Edinburgh Full-Colour Traditional Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, for the Catenians, St Andrew’s, Cathedral. Single Cards, Acknowledgement and Bookmark Cards For your free sample Pack posted by 1st Class Mail, simply ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY FIND AND LIKE THE Telephone 0141 812 4491 Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh 50% Off selected cards SCOTTISH CATHOLIC You can speak with Margaret until 9.00 P.M Every day including all weekend * www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com Please visit our web site. http://www.memorare.co.uk OBSERVER PAGE ON Never beaten on price, quality or delivery, we come highly recommended. Now in our 12th year. MON NOV 18 4PM Meeting of Gillis FACEBOOK Management Committee, Gillis Centre. WED 20 7PM Confirmations, Sacred Heart and St Organist TO Anthony’s, Armadale. THU 21 7PM Confirmations, St Paul’s, Muirhouse, & ADVERTISE: Edinburgh. FRI 22 4PM Meeting with FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH Provincial of Society of Jesus, Gillis Centre. CATHOLIC OBSERVER AT Cantor 0141241 SAT 23 8PM Edinburgh Garrison Officers’ SCO_NEWS ON TWITTER. Mess, St Andrew’s Dinner Night, Great Hall, Available for weddings Be first to find out the 6105 Edinburgh Castle. latest news and funeral services Listen online at: advertising BISHOP TOAL www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk @sconews Argyll and the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk HTTP://WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK T. 01698 325 493 .co.uk SAT NOV 23 Confirmations, Benbecula.

Gift Subscription and please send a subscription for the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package (SCO & Magnificat) Scotland’s National Catholic Newspaper 3 months £24 6 months £45 12 months £84 name address More than a Newspaper postcode Tel No: email: Christmas Gifts for all the Family from (name) Wondering what to get the friends and from (address) family for Christmas? from (postcode) Give the gift that will help those close to you to grow in Faith message for greetings card (no more than 20 words)

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A gift of please send a Magnificat subscription for The Scottish Catholic Observer 1 year (13 issues) £38 1 year (13 issues incl. Lent & Advent) £41 for 2014 only £55 name address A yearʼs subscription to Magnificat is £38 postcode Starting in January 2013 (13 issues) Tel No: email: Sent with your own message from (name) from (address) from (postcode) What about those who live away from Scotland? message for greetings card (no more than 20 words) Keep them in touch with the Catholic news in Scotland by sending them The Scottish Catholic Observer. Missionary Subscription Scottish Missionaries across the world look forward to please send an SCO subscription for receiving their copy of The Scottish Catholic Observer each 13 weeks £15 26 weeks £30 52 weeks £55 week. Would you consider donating one to a missionary as a name Christmas gift? We currently have 15 Missionaries looking for address postcode a subscription to the SCO. Tel No: email: FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S PAGE 21

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

paper with triangular points of a crown and Brothers and sisters, Christ is exactly like God, small circular embellishments between each who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, CHILDREN’S triangle. Use this cardboard template to create superior to all creation. Everything was created and cut-out paper or cardstock crowns for by Him, everything in Heaven and on earth, each student in the class. everything seen and unseen, including all forces CROSSWORD 7 G Give a blank paper crown to each student. and powers, and all rulers and authorities. G Ask the students to decorate their crowns All things were created by God’s Son and not with jewels but with symbols and/or everything was made for Him. God’s Son was 1 2 3 4 5 pictures inspired by Jesus. before all else and by Him everything is held G Tap e the crowns together and let the together. He is the head of His body, which is children wear them back into church. the Church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that He would be above 6 7 8 Prayer all others. Dear Jesus, thank you for being our King and The Word of the Lord our Saviour. In your name we pray. Amen. Alleluia 9 First Reading Mark 11:9, 10. 10 11 Reflection/Discussion The anointed David king of Israel. A reading from the (R) Alleluia, alleluia. G Preparation: Place various pictures of second book of Samuel 5:1-3. Blessed is the one who inherits the kingdom of 12 13 Jesus throughout the room. Use many Israel’s leaders met with David at Hebron and David our father; blessed is the one who comes different styles and show many different said: “We are our close relatives. Even when in the name of the Lord. 14 aspects of Jesus. Saul was king, you led our nation in battle. (R) Alleluia, alleluia. G Directions: After you have read through And the Lord promised that someday you the readings with the class ask them to take would rule Israel and take care of us like a Gospel a few minutes to walk around the room shepherd.” Lord, remember me when you come into your looking at the various pictures of Jesus. During the meeting, David made an kingdom. A reading from the Holy Gospel according 15 After they have had a chance to look at all agreement with the leaders, and asked the to Luke 23:35-43. of the pictures, ask them to stand by the Lord to be their witness. Then the leaders While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, one they like the best. poured olive oil on David’s head to show that the leaders insulted Him by saying: “He saved ACROSS he was now the king of Israel. others. Now He should save Himself, if He 1 He’ll guide you safely across the road (8,3) I Which picture of Jesus do you like best? The Word of the Lord really is God’s chosen Messiah!” 6 Going on horseback (6) Why? The soldiers made fun of Jesus and brought 7 Fishermen use them (4) I Responsorial Psalm Di scuss the different depictions of Jesus Him some wine. They said: “If you are the king 9 The Lagan or Shannon, perhaps (5) in the various pictures. 47:1-2, 7-8. of the Jews, save yourself!” (R) God is King of all the earth. Above Him was a sign that said: “This is the 10 Took a break (6) THROUGHOUT the Gospels we are shown All of you nations, clap your hands and shout King of the Jews.” 13 Where you put your rubbish (3) different ‘pictures’ of Jesus by the way He joyful praises to God. One of the criminals hanging there also insulted 14 You add in raisins etc when you bake it is described and the titles He is given. He is The Lord Most High is fearsome, the ruler of Jesus by saying: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save (5,4) Mary’s son, God’s Son and is called the Son all the earth. yourself and save us!” 15 Places to go for a meal out (10) of Man. He is also called the Lamb of God. (R) God is King of all the earth. But the other criminal told the first one off: Other titles He is given and roles He has are God is ruler of all the earth! Praise God with songs. “Don’t you fear God? Aren’t you getting the DOWN brother, healer, friend, teacher, saviour and God rules the nations from His sacred throne. same punishment as this man? We got what was 1 She’s in Tomb Raider (4,5) ultimately king. (R) God is King of all the earth. coming to us, but He didn’t do anything wrong.” Most of you have seen the film, The Lion Then he said to Jesus: “Remember me when 2 Woman (4) King. In it, Simba sings a song called, I Just Second Reading you come into power!” 3 Not guilty (8) Can’t Wait To Be King. He is obviously not The Father has taken us into the Kingdom of His beloved Jesus replied: “I promise that today you will 4 If you make a mistake writing with this, imagining it to be like Jesus as king in Son. A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians be with me in paradise.” you can rub it out (6) today’s Gospel. Simba and most of us think 1:15-18. The Gospel of the Lord 5 Paintings and other creative works (3) being a king is about being able to do 8 People you don't know (9) whatever you want, whenever you want to 11 Noises (6) do it and not having to listen to anyone. It is 12 You can read it, write on it or wrap about having power, servants, riches, and the best of everything. presents in it! (5) Jesus as king is not anything like that. Jesus 13 Started (5) is the kind of king who rules by example and by being a servant to the people. He is the LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION kind of king who wants the best for his people ACROSS and will do anything, including die, to make 1 Schoolbag 6 Red 7 Lamb 8 Snore 10 Extra sure they have it. We want to follow Him and do as He asks not because of His power or 11 Fridge 13 Rifle 14 Poland 15 Visitors wealth but because He loves us and inspires us to want to be like Him. DOWN 1 Silver 2 Hamster 3 Lion 4 Green 5 Adam and Eve Activity 8 Sardines 9 Otter 11 Frog 12 After G Materials needed: Pre-made paper crowns or cardstock, scissors, colouring materials, tape. G Create a royal crown template on heavy A4 The Children’s Liturgy page is published cardboard. Fold the cardboard in half one week in advance to allow RE teachers lengthwise then make a series of triangles down the fold of the card board. Open the and those taking the Children’s Liturgy at cardboard and trace a small circle using a weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this penny where each of the triangles meet at the page as an accompaniment to their fold. Cut out the outside of the triangles and the circles so that you end up with a strip of teaching materials

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7R¿QGRXWPRUHRUWRVXSSRUWWKH Thomas Marin 1926 work of the charity, call us on: Four generations later, his words are just 0800 02 888 40 as important to our family business today. email [email protected] or visit our website Thomas Marin www.childbereavementuk.org INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS 62-64 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192 or 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) Charity No in England and Wales 1040419 and Scotland SCO42910 www.thomasmarin.co.uk WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23

PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

A colourful celebration of World Mission Sunday at St Alphonsus’

By Dan McGinty priests concelebrated Mass, bringing with them their missionary experiences from countries such PARISHIONERS of St Alphonsus’ Church in as Cameroon, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Repub- Glasgow joined forces as a parish community lic of Congo, the Philippines and Mexico. and turned the church into a festival of colour The international flavour of the celebration was as they launched their joyful celebrations on reinforced as the parishioners of St Alphonsus’ World Mission Sunday. attended in their own national dress, showing the The St Alphonsus’ community brought together unity of so many different cultures and nationali- different nationalities and cultures for the celebra- ties under a single parish, and Fr Ian Bathgate SX, tion (above right), highlighting the creative ways parish priest, spoke of how the offertory proces- Clubbing together for charity at St Columbkille’s in which they work together to celebrate their sion ‘highlighted the creative ways in which we brother and sisterhood as children of God. can work together to build God’s Kingdom.’ PUPILS from St Colum- raising money for breast cancer with support staff (above) host- The church was decorated with the flags of 20 Following the Mission Sunday celebrations the bkille’s Primary School, awareness, spreading news of ing a Pink Ladies night, and countries, while the Mass featured eight different congregation gathered together in the porch in the Rutherglen, helped to make the ‘Pink for a Pound’ cam- putting the money raised languages, from Italian and Krio to Igbo and spirit of fellowship—even enjoying two Mission Sun- a huge contribution to char- paign in the school. towards the pupils’ campaign. Hebrew, reflecting the diversity of the parish of St day cakes, baked especially for the occasion (above). ity as the school’s media Pupils at the school raised the All in all, more than £1200 Alphonsus’ but reminding the congregation of The parishioners of St Alphonsus’ will now look club helped raise awareness funds by dressing in pink for was raised for breast cancer their universality and their call to be one, despite back on the creativity,diversity,joyfulness and univer- for the fundraising efforts in the day, turning the school into awareness and the budding their variety of different backgrounds. sality of Mission Sunday as their efforts for the world the primary. a riot of colour as they aban- media group at St Columbkille’s In recognition of the efforts of missionary priests celebration of the missionary dimension of the Church The school’s media club, fea- doned their usual uniforms for wasted no time in announcing on the celebration of World Mission Sunday the today help sustain them throughout the Church year. turing pupils Reiss, Paul, Geor- the day in the name of charity. the fruits of their efforts before altar of St Alphonsus’was adorned with the colours gia and Courtney, helped The staff at the school also turning their attention to the of the Missionary Rosary, while six Xaverian I [email protected] publicise the efforts of pupils in supported the efforts of pupils, school’s future projects. AN ARTICLE FROM THE SCO ARCHIVES .....1950s.....1960s.....1970s.....1980s.....1990s.....2000s..... Debating how well Catholic teachers teach

THIS week, we delve back Scotland should review the fac- was due the generation gap; to the year 2003, where the ulty of education at the university this generation were no longer top story reported in the as they believed that the faculty connecting with the Bible com- Scottish Catholic Observer was not providing enough depth pared to other generations in a decade years ago was that and adequacy of training. the past 50 years. However, the head of the department Mr Conroy was quick to teachers in Catholic schools in of education at Glasgow defend the Faculty of Education Scotland were still extremely University, James Conroy, at Glasgow University as he felt committed to teaching the believed that many of the that ‘any perceived inadequacy Catholic children of Scotland young Scottish student was not the fault of the faculty the teachings of the Bible, just teachers did not believe in but rather reflected instead the from a new and exciting all aspects of change in Scottish society.’ prospective. the Church’s teaching, “The department of RE in The issue of how teachers comments that provoked Glasgow University is always should teach in Catholic schools much debate. prepared to work with others to is an issue that is still an impor- Mr Conroy aired his views in remedy any perceived deficien- tant one for the Church. Pope a letter written and published in cies in the general religious and Francis had this to say this year Archbishop Tartaglia joins staff and pupils in celebration The Tablet earlier in November theological education of teach- on the moral teachings of the in response to an article written ers, both pre-service and in-ser- Catholic Church when he was of four decades of education at St Fillan’s Primary School by the National Conference of vice training,” he added. in conversation with the Italian Priests and Permanent Deacons Mr Conroy felt that the Jesuit priest Fr Antonio Spo- PUPILS and staff of St Fillan’s The pupils made sure to give lagher and Deacon John Cairns, of Scotland (NCPPDS) who changes in social policy and the daro: “The dogmatic and moral Primary School in Glasgow the archbishop a warm welcome and all three were welcomed to were concerned that the new lessening of the stigma attached teachings of the Church are not were joined by a special guest to the school, and the St Fillan’s St Fillan’s by headteacher Mrs student teachers ‘were coming to religious teaching led to all equivalent. The Church’s as they celebrated another choir were on hand to enhance Penman (above with pupils). to the classroom without Catholic teachers being more pastoral ministry cannot be landmark in the history of their the celebration of the anniver- After Mass the archbishop adequate grounding in the open with students about what obsessed with the transmission school. sary Mass through their own tal- showed his gratitude both to the doctrine and dogma that they they really think, rather than of a disjointed multitude of doc- Archbishop Philip Tartaglia ents, singing throughout and school choir and to the altar should be passing on to the what the Bible has to say. The trines to be imposed insistently. was the honoured guest at the adding to the celebration of the servers, who assisted in making the next generation.’ Church was quick to emphasise Proclamation in a missionary school as St Fillan’s marked school’s jubilee. celebration such a wonderful occa- The NCPPDS also criticised that the Bible should be taught style focuses on the essentials, their 40th anniversary with a Archbishop Tartaglia was sion for the St Fillan’s community. Glasgow University. They felt as the priority. on the necessary things.” jubilee Mass. assisted by Canon Peter Gal- PIC: PAUL McSHERRY that the Bishops’ Conference of Mr Conroy said this change STEPHEN EDWARDSON E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN MCGINTY AT [email protected] 24 SCOTTISH CHURCH SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 2013 Glasgow bishop’s role in Scotland’s freedom DR HARRY SCHNITKER continues his series looking at the Church’s historic SCOTLAND AND THE CHURCH place in Scottish life by analysing the role it played in Scottish independence

HE Wars of Independence are part of died falling off a cliff at Kinghorn in Fife in 1286. claimants to the Scottish Crown, Robert the Bruce Scotland’s national myth. It was during He left a young granddaughter, Margaret, as heir, and Edward Balliol. Wishart was ignored, but soon this period of existential threat to the who was in Norway at the time of his death. A his wisdom was proven, when Edward invaded nation that a group of men rose up who regency council was installed, composed of four and conquered Scotland in 1296. ‘fought and died’ for the country, and men, two of whom were bishops: William Fraser of Most of the Scottish nobles bowed to the who, ultimately, managed to regain national inde- St Andrews and Robert Wishart of Glasgow. They inevitable, but its Church did not. Wishart and the pendence. It is an attractive story, and its appeal may successfully negotiated English recognition of Scot- Stewart of Scotland rose in 1297, but surrendered beT measured by the success of a film like Brave- land’s separate status under the Treaty of Salisbury soon after. He then supported the uprising of William heart, which resonated with people across the world. of 1290. It stipulated that Margaret would marry Wallace, and managed to persuade Pope Boniface The reality of the period is far more complex King Edward I of England’s son, but that Scotland VIII to proclaim, in June 1299, that ‘it may indeed than this narrative has it. The contest was one and England would remain separate entities. have come to the knowledge of your royal highness, between two visions of Scotland. One held that it Both bishops signed the treaty with the other two that from ancient times the realm of Scotland formed part of the lands subject to the King of Guardians, known, in French, as ‘Guillaume de belonged rightfully and is known still to belong to England. Now, this did not mean it was regarded as Seint Andreu et Robert de Glasgu evesques, Johan the Roman Church and is not feudally subject to the an English province, but rather that the King of Comyn et James Seneschal de Escoce, gardeins du kings of the realm of England, nor to you...it is not England was the ultimate sovereign in Scotland, reaume de Escoce.’In an age when national identity lawful for you to dominate it by force and to subju- just as he was in Ireland or on the Isle of Man. The and language are frequently merged, it is startling to gate it to your rule, to the prejudice of the Roman other vision held that Scotland was an independent see that the correspondence between the two camps Church and of no small number of people.’ monarchy, subject to none. was in French. Indeed, French was the language of Pope Boniface’s support proved short-lived, but The latter notion was seriously refined during the state in both England and Scotland at this time. Wishart refused to submit, and was amongst the conflict, culminating in the idea of an elective king- first to back the 1306 uprising of Robert the Bruce. John Comyn is killed by Robert the Bruce before the ship as expressed in the Declaration of Arbroath, illiam Fraser had been a stalwart of the He absolved Bruce after the claimant had mur- high altar of the Greyfriars Church in Dumfries. Bruce which stated that Robert the Bruce could be King of regime of Alexander III, whom he had dered his Comyn opponent in the kirkyard in was excommunicated for his actions but was absolved by Robert Wishart, the Bishop of Glasgow Scots only if he defended the interests and freedoms served as Royal Chancellor. He had been Dumfries, and had ignored Rome’s excommuni- of the Scots. With ‘the Scots,’ the Declaration did activeW in seeking an alliance with France to counter cation of Bruce. Wishart actively participated in not refer to all those living in Scotland, but rather the English threat to Scotland. Franco-Scottish co- the conflict. He led the siege of the castle of Cupar same level of detail for the prelates, but the English what historians like to refer to as the ‘body politic,’ operation was nothing new. As early as 1215, in Fife, and used the wood, given by the English Lanercost Chronicle tells us in no uncertain terms namely those aristocrats and noblemen who influ- Alexander II had invaded England in support of the crown for the restoration of Glasgow Cathedral, what importance the clergy held during the war. enced the policies of the Scottish Crown. Dauphin’s attempt to overthrow King John. for the war effort. “In like manner,” the historical text says, “evil This is not to say that the wars did not impact Although the attempt failed, Alexander marched as priests are the cause of the people’s ruin, so the on almost everyone in Scotland. Frequent raids, far south as Dover, and a treaty which resulted from ishart’s counterpart in St Andrews was ruin of the realm of Scotland had its source within destruction of towns and villages and the burning of the invasion had secured the Anglo-Scottish border. William de Lamberton, who had worked the bosom of her church...for with one consent crops caused devastation all over Scotland, and in When Margaret died almost as soon as she closely with Wishart in Glasgow before both those who discharged the office of prelate, most of northern England as well. We have to recall arrived on Orkney in September 1290, Fraser hisW elevation to St Andrews. He owed his promo- and those who were preachers, corrupted the ears that this was a conflict lasting for almost a century, remained in the Council of the Guardians of Scot- tion to William Wallace, who saw in Lamberton a and minds of the nobles, and commons...stirring whilst in the 15th and 16th century it resumed with land. As the English threat increased, he went to man who would support his own quest to evict the them to enmity against the king [Edward I] and intermittent incursions and battles. France in 1295, and signed what became known English Crown from Scotland. Lamberton, in turn, nation [England].” We have seen in the previous instalments of this as the Auld Alliance, the three-centuries long mil- was responsible for introducing James Douglas, The wars were to cost the Scottish Church dear, series that the Church in Scotland had been instru- itary and political alliance between France and Bruce’s great ally, to Bruce. Like Wishart, he used though. All the energy of its prelates was directed mental in shaping the notion of the Scottish king- Scotland against their common enemy. Fraser died funds from his diocese to support the Scottish war towards war, and not towards spiritual develop- dom. It was equally important in the fight to refute there, and it would be his successor, William de effort, first by Wallace, and then by Bruce. He ment. The nation became invested with a secu- the claim of the English crown over the country. This Lamberton, who would take over his role as main- worked to maintain the alliance with France, and larised sanctity, and the Church came to be was already the case in the 12th century, and the tra- stay of those opposed to English governance. crowned Bruce king; all of this whilst all the clergy regarded as a national institute. The implications dition was maintained subsequently. Blessed Fraser’s co-signatory of the Treaty of Salisbury of Scotland remained excommunicated. for the Reformation period were to be profound. Clement, the Dominican Bishop of Dunblane, for was Robert Wishart. Wishart was the main oppo- Both Wishart and Lamberton were captured However, at the same time, the Scottish Church example, sat in the regency council of the young nent of Edward I’s claim to overlordship of Scot- after the Battle of Methven in 1306 and spent a had assisted enormously in thwarting the design of Alexander III, and there proved to be a formidable land. This he maintained even when the rest of the long period in English captivity. This did not end the English Crown to incorporate Scotland into its opponent of English royal influence on the kingdom. Scottish body politic accepted the claim in order the involvement of the Church in Bruce’s attempt realm. This, too, was to have profound implica- However, the real test came after Alexander III to ensure peace in the civil war between the two to expel the English, however. We do not have the tions for the future. That made by man is temporary, that made by the Father is not

DIGITAL imaging has done time when the Church became churches to meet the demand. significant. I have a great love for been told by members of various much for the movie industry. dislocated from the reality of peo- Since then the picture has altered. my own home parish of St John’s parish communities that I have Believability has come a long ple’s lives and paid the price. Numbers are contracting and in Cumnock. This is our ‘family’ served ‘my family built this way since the black and white Fr Eddie There are lessons to be learned sometimes at an alarming rate. We parish. What about the greater church!’ I would be very wealthy images of Fay Wray and King from history. The temptation for are now in a period of re-examin- need? It is at this point that we all and probably retired. Kong. It is easy nowadays to McGhee every generation is for that gener- ing the reality of our parish com- become resistant to change. That As we approach the end of the be captivated by the com- ation to imagine that what they munities and how they can best be is why the Gospel that we listen to Church’s Liturgical year it does no pletely non existent. When the and the 700th anniversary of the have invested in, is unique and served. In my own diocese of Gal- this week is so very important. harm to reflect on the year just cameras swept over the Colos- Battle of Bannockburn, Stirling permanent. How wrong can we loway there are currently 23 priest Jesus is pointing out to His dis- gone. Much more importantly we seum in panoramic splendour, I Castle still looks impressive. It be? It seems like only yesterday serving 43 parish communities. ciples the folly of putting faith in must as the question: “Where do we was there, absorbing the glory dominates the skyline and speaks that the great new power station at On the face of it this may not look bricks and mortar. Some would go from here?” It is a question that that was Rome and preparing of permanence. Of the castle that Inverkip would solve all of our too dramatic until the age profile say that Jesus was being prophetic is not going away any time soon. to witness Maximus defend dominated the skyline in the time power needs. We all watched with of the clergy is taken into account. in this moment and speaking We can put our heads in the sand his honour in Gladiator. of Bruce, how much remains? a sense of awe as the now redun- As I head towards my 67th birth- about the destruction of the Tem- and pretend all is well. On the other The Colosseum, for all of its That which we build may have a dant power station and its stack, day I find myself more or less in ple in Jerusalem. This may be the hand we can begin to ask really broken magnificence, is a ruin. degree of permanence but time is which dominated the costal sky- the middle of the group of 23. case, but it is much more likely important question and be unafraid The Empire that was Rome and always conqueror and change line at Inverkip, crumbled and dis- This is not promising. that He is inviting His disciples to to take difficult decisions. We can ruled the world, is long gone. inevitable. Human history is the appeared in a cloud of dust. The difficulty in trying to move realise that nothing that we make hear the words of Jesus echo this Colosseum and Forum stand history of ebb and flow. Once Architects build dreams. Human forward as a diocese and as parish is permanent. He is challenging week in our heads and hearts and cheek by jowl and the world where communities lived and experience builds reality. communities, is not that we can’t them to put their faith in God realise that He is speaking to us. He passes by, from moment to flourished and died, there is moor In the aftermath of the Second face the reality, everyone knows rather on the things that their own is inviting us to put our faith in a moment, awestruck by the faded land and little evidence of society World War, the Church in Scot- the difficulties, it is our personal hands and their own ambitions loving Father who will never aban- magnificence or completely indif- thriving. Our nation is liberally land moved into a period of and deeply emotional attachment have built. It is easy to become don us rather than in the things that ferent, intent on more modern sprinkled with the ruins of many almost unparalleled growth. By to our parish communities. This is trapped by the concept of perma- our hands have made. Quite a chal- ambitions. Tourism, rather than the abbeys. They speak of a time the middle of the 1970s that both a strength and a weakness. nence, particularly in the case of lenge. Are we willing to let go? emperor, is the great beneficiary. when the Church was at the very growth seemed to have peaked. Loyalty to the faith community ‘what we have built.’ I wish I had As we edge towards June 2014 core of life. They also speak of a Every diocese had built new that helped form and shape us is a pound for every time I have I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK