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No 5289 Cardinal O’Brien travels to Haiti with SCIAF Page One year on from earthquake disaster His Eminence visits country 3

No 5397 www.sconews.co.uk Friday January 7 2011 | 90p Egyptian bombing was a ‘vile gesture’ Pope Benedict XVI condemns New Year’s Day bomb blast outside a Christian church in the country

By Martin Dunlop POPE Benedict XVI has condemned a bomb blast outside a Christian church in Egypt that killed 23 people on New Year’s Day, calling it a ‘vile gesture.’ The Holy Father spoke out against the attack after his weekly Angelus blessing on Sunday January 2, the day after his World Day for Peace message called for religious freedom and tolerance that came in the wake of widespread violence against Christian minorities before and during the Christmas period. “This vile gesture of death, like that of putting bombs near to the houses of Christians in Iraq to force them to leave, offends God and all of human- ity,” the Holy Father said. He added that the attack was part of a ‘strategy of violence that targets Christians,’ and which has neg- ative repercussions on the entire population as well as offering prayers for the victims and their families. Bomb in Egypt The car bomb explosion, outside the Saints Coptic Christian Church in Alexandria in the first minutes of the New Year on Saturday, killed at least 23 peo- ple and injured almost 100 more as worshippers gathered to celebrate. The suspected suicide attack was the largest in a decade aimed at the country’s Coptic Orthodox Christians, who form 10 per cent of Egypt’s 79 mil- lion people, and led to protests and increased tension between Christians and Muslims in the country. Call for peace The attack in Egypt took place on the same day that the Holy Father gave his message for the 44th World Day for Peace—dedicated to religious free- dom and intolerance—in which he said Christians are the most persecuted religious group. A Coptic Orthodox woman cries during a January 3 The Pope deplored the ‘absurd’ violence in his of his predecessor Pope John Paul II when he con- “At present Christians are the religious group prayer service for her relatives who were victims of the Angelus address at the Vatican on St Stephen’s voked the first World Day of Prayer for Peace in which suffers most from persecution on account of New Year’s Day bombing outside an Orthodox church in Day. Assisi in 1986. its faith,” the Pope said. Alexandria, Egypt “It was with great sadness that I learnt about the “Whoever is making his way toward God cannot “Many Christians experience daily affronts and attack on a Catholic Church in the Philippines dur- fail to transmit peace, and whoever builds peace often live in fear because of their pursuit of truth, ing the celebrations for Christmas and also against cannot fail to draw nearer to God,” the Holy Father their faith in Jesus Christ and their heartfelt plea homes of Christians in Baghdad left two people Christian churches in Nigeria,” he said. said. for respect for religious freedom. dead and 13 more wounded. “The earth is once again stained with blood as “This situation is unacceptable, since it repre- The attacks were in an area of the city close to we have seen in other parts of the world.” Extracts from the Pope’s Message for the sents an insult to God and to human dignity; fur- Our Lady of Salvation Church, where al-Qaeda mil- World Day for Peace, page 13 thermore it is a threat to security and peace.” itants laid siege in October, killing 68 worshippers. Hopes for summit The Pope also called on political leaders and all Thousands of Christians have since fled to The Pope also used his New Year’s Day message Cardinal Keith O’Brien sees hope in the people of goodwill not to give up when faced with northern Iraq, fearing further attacks. to announce his plans to invite religious leaders darkness, page 3 ‘the negative force of egoism and violence’ and not Violence aimed at Christian minorities elsewhere from the world’s major faiths to gather in Assisi to to become jaded into thinking that conflict, which in the world also occurred during the Christmas ‘solemnly renew the commitment by believers of Bishop Peter Moran’s Justice and Peace puts lives and the future at risk, is inevitable. period. Six people were killed in attacks on church- every religion to live their religious faith as a serv- message, page 9 es in northern Nigeria on Christmas Eve and six ice to the cause of peace.’ Widespread violence people were wounded by a bomb in a Catholic He said that the interfaith gathering—to be held Editorial, see page 10 The final days of 2010 saw further violence against Church on the island of Jolo in the Philippines dur- in October in the birthplace of St Francis—is to Christians in Iraq as bombs planted close to the ing the celebration of Christmas Day Mass. mark the 25th anniversary of the ‘historic gesture’ [email protected]

THE FOUNDER OF FIRST ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP CONTI Mary’s Meals, bishops received and Celtic FC is recognised in into the Church manager Neil the New Year at Westminster Lennon pay tribute Honours List Cathedral to St Margaret’s Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 ANGLICAN CONVERTS CATHOLICS HONOURED CATHOLICS HOSPICE ANNIVERSARY visit www.sconews.co.uk

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Donate online: www.smiletrain.org.uk OR call: 0870 127 6269 Registered Charity No. 1114748 © 2011 The Smile Train. A healthy diet during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects and clefts. Eat a healthy diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables and foods fortified with folic acid. The U.K. Government recommends women should take sufficient levels of folic acid (400 micrograms/day) during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects and reduce the risk for cleft lip and palate. When folic acid is taken one month before conception and throughout the first trimester, it has been proven to reduce the risk for neural tube defects by 50 to 70 per cent. Be sure to receive proper prenatal care, quit smoking and drinking alcohol and follow your health care provider’s guidelines for foods to avoid during pregnancy. Foods to avoid may include raw or undercooked seafood, beef, pork, poultry, delicatessen meats, fish that contain high levels of mercury, smoked seafood, fish exposed to industrial pollutants, raw shellfish, eggs, soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk, pâté, caffeine and unwashed vegetables. For more information, visit www.smiletrain.org.uk Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER NEWS 3

Cardinal offers reasons for hope in New Year message CARDINAL Keith O’Brien working age adults in Scotland has used his New Year mes- live in absolute poverty. More sage to say the past decade pervasive than these damning has seen British society statistics are the levels of spiritu- ‘lurch from one disaster to al and moral poverty... leaving another’ but counselled there only a minority of our population was still reason for hope. actively, involved in the practice The cardinal used the miracu- of their religious beliefs.” lous survival of the trapped The cardinal said that one Chilean miners last year as an news story in particular over the hopeful example. However he past year had given him hope. began his message by acknowl- “Throughout August, Sept- edging that ‘the dark days of win- ember and the beginning of ter can seem to overwhelm us.’ October for a total of 69 days, 33 “As 2011 approaches, it does miners in Chile were trapped not seem like a full 10 years since over half a mile beneath the the joy and hope of the new mil- desert in the San Jose mine. In lennium,” he said. “As we look darkness and often in pain for over these past 10 years or so those 69 days they did not see the there seems to have been an light of day,” he said. “They did, ebbing from a high tide of hope. however, see the light of God. Many of us remember the com- During that time they had a key ing of our new Scottish spiritual leader; Jose Henriquez.” Parliament, of the Jubilee Those events showed us all First anniversary of Haitian earthquake Campaign, of the Millennium what truly mattered in life, the car- Development Goals, and of dinal suggested: “God, communi- Cardinal Keith O’Brien to visit Caribbean island one year on with SCIAF representatives Make Poverty History.” ty, family, friends, all matter so However since then, the cardi- much—and miracles happen By Ian Dunn today, Friday January 7, and will visit sev- Women pass the destroyed Cathedral of Our nal said, Britons had not been daily. We need the positive good eral SCIAF funded projects in and around Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince, inspired by those positive events. news; and we must feed ourselves CARDINAL Keith O’Brien will pray Port au Prince including temporary camps Haiti. The island is struggling to recover “I know that each and every with hope and spread it. “We with survivors of Haiti’s devastating where he will meet with survivors and aid one of you at times must feel a should face the New Year with earthquake when he visits the country workers. He will also attend a First said the charity was doing all it could to certain despondency when you hope and promise knowing that this week to mark the first anniversary Anniversary Mass Commemoration in help those affected by the earthquake. consider the world in which we the human spirit, when illuminat- of the disaster. Port au Prince where he will pray with sur- “The situation in Haiti remains extreme- live now compared to the world ed by the light of God can never Cardinal O’Brien (above), who is trav- vivors and offer his condolences to those ly difficult as hundreds of thousands of in which we would like to live,” be diminished.” elling with Paul Chitnis, SCIAF’s chief who lost family members and loved ones. people continue to live in temporary he said. “In our own society executive, said he was making the journey During the visit Cardinal O’Brien will camps,” he said. “Many people in Port-au- amidst great plenty, 21 per cent of I To read the full message, visit to show his solidarity with those who had also meet senior members of the Catholic Prince have not only lost family members our pensioners and one quarter of http://www.sconews.co.uk/opin suffered so much. Church in Haiti including Papal Nuncio and loved ones but also their homes and our children live in relative ion/cardinal-obriens-new-year- “I am travelling to Haiti so that I can see Bernardito Cleopas Auza, and representa- livelihoods. This makes it extremely diffi- poverty; while 10 per cent of message/ the good work that is being done by tives of the Haitian government. cult for many survivors to support them- SCIAF to help survivors and also to stand Last year’s earthquake struck the island selves and rebuild their lives. SCIAF has in solidarity with those who are suffering nation on January 12 and left 230,000 peo- been working in Haiti since 1986 and will so much at this time,” he said. “We cannot ple dead and 1.5 million homeless. continue to work with local partners to Thomas Marin James Scott imagine the scale and depth of suffering Hundreds of thousands of people are still support as many people as possible. Independent Funeral Directors Funeral Directors that the people of Haiti have experienced living in temporary camps due to the “To date we have helped to provide “Stay local... keep it in the Your local Independent Funeral Director over the last 12 months. widespread destruction of property and the clean water, tents, blankets, food, hygiene family... offer a prompt Over eighty years of “The devastating earthquake and out- huge task of rebuilding the affected areas. kits and ‘cash for work’ to people living in and personal service 24 giving undivided attention, break of cholera has made an already ter- the camps,” Mr Chitnis said. “We are also hours a day... make it 24 hour care and a level of service rible situation in a very poor country even Scottish Support helping to rebuild an agricultural training second to none. The only independent, worse. Aid agencies such as SCIAF and Generous Scots donated £1.2 million to centre and providing seeds and tools to affordable.” family-owned business in the area. others are doing their utmost to help sur- SCIAF’s Haiti Earthquake Appeal, includ- enable people in the rural areas that were Thomas Marin 1926 Let our family look after your family vivors work towards a better future.” ing £75,000 from the Scottish affected to grow food and generate an Three generations later, his words are just Government, which helped to pay for income for themselves.” as important to our family business today. 314 Portobello High Street, Meeting survivors clean water, food, medicine, hygiene kits, Edinburgh EH15 2DA 62-64 St Mary Street, Tel: 0131 556 7192 or Tel: 0131 669 6333 Cardinal O’Brien will arrive in Haiti tents and longer term support. Paul Chitnis I [email protected] Edinburgh EH1 1SX 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) or 0131 669 1285 (24hrs) 7 Bridge Street, Musselburgh EH21 6AA Tel: 0131 665 6925 Leading Scots Catholics honoured by Queen www.thomasmarin.co.uk www.thomasmarin.co.uk TWO leading Scottish Mary’s Meals are involved in Magnus Catholics have been recog- many partnerships with Catholic MacFarlane- nised in the Queen’s New schools and parishes across Barrow, 42, said he was Year honours list. Magnus Scotland and on behalf of the ‘humbled’ to MancuniaMancunia MacFarlane-Barrow was Catholic Community of Scotland receive the OBE awarded an OBE for his I offer him my warmest congrat- for his work services to the Mary’s Meals ulations.” with Mary’s charity; while Gerard Eadie The cardinal was also effusive Meals was given a CBE for his in his praise for Mr Eadie, who PIC: PAUL PILGRIMAGESPIL 2011011 services to the glazing he has known for many years. McSHERRY industry. “I have known Gerard Eadie Cardinal Keith O’Brien was for over 45 years, first as a pupil among the first to congratulate who, together with his brother both men on their achievement. George, attended St Columba’s Mr MacFarlane-Barrow, 42, High School in Cowdenbeath said he was ‘humbled’ to receive where I taught as a Maths and the OBE. “I feel that the honour Science teacher between 1966 is a recognition of the hard work and 1971,” he said. “I have been of everyone who has been pleased to watch their success in OLIVERʼS involved in the Mary’s Meals business and commerce since Boulevard & Drumry Taxis journey,” he said. then. I am aware of some of the Drumchapel Cardinal O’Brien said the voluntary and charitable work 24 Hours Service - Cars for all occasions award was very well deserved. which Gerard is involved in and Radio Controlled Cars - All Calls Monitored “It is also very fitting that am delighted that this has now SINGLE PASSENGERS TRAVEL SAFELY Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow been given the public recogni- who founded Mary’s Meals tion it rightly deserves.” 0141-944 8111 0141-944 7374 should be recognised for the Also honoured was Scottish 0141-944 8222 0141-944 4079 tremendous work he has done Labour MP for Aberdeen South 0141-944 8333 0141-944 8444 NEWNEW BROCHUREBROCHURE NNOWOW AAVAILABLEVAILABLE and continues to do in countries Anne Begg, 55, who has been Tel:Tel: 01610161 779090 66838838 in desperate need around the made a dame for her services to e.mail:e.mail: [email protected]@mancunia.com world,” he said. “I know that disabled people. NO BOUNDARY CHARGES web:web: wwww.mancunia.comww.mancunia.com 4 NEWS SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 Terminally-ill bishop vows to continue on with his ministry First Anglicans received into Church BISHOP Michael Evans of East Anglia has pledged to Three former Church of England bishops finalise conversion at Westminster Cathedral continue his ministry despite being given just By Dominic Lynch Catholic convent after being told to leave weeks to live. their house at Walsingham Abbey. Bishop Evans, 59, has THE first Anglicans were received One of the nuns, Sr Wendy Renata, said fought terminal prostrate can- into the Catholic Church, under the she felt ‘fantastic’ after being formally cer for five years and informed ordinariate offered by Pope Benedict welcomed into the Catholic Church. the people of his diocese at XVI, at an historic celebration at “I’ve wanted to do it for years. I’ve weekend Masses that his can- Westminster Cathedral on New finally done it,” she said. cer has now progressed. Year’s Day. A statement from East Anglia Three former Anglican bishops were Further conversions Diocese said that the bishop is, amongst the priests, former nuns and In the next few weeks, the next groups of however, keen to fulfil a very worshippers from around 20 Church of clergy and worshippers are set to be full diary of commitments as England parishes who converted to received into the Catholic Church, which is well as all his other duties and Catholicism last Saturday and received due to announce the precise timetable for has asked parishioners for their Holy Communion at the cathedral. the launch of the ordinariate this month. prayers and thanked them for Andrew Burnham (right), former bish- Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of their care and support. op of Ebbsfleet, Keith Newton, former Canterbury, has expressed his regret at “As I live now under the bishop of Richborough and John the resignations of Anglican clergy and shadow of death, my prayer is Broadhurst, former bishop of Fulham, are warned that challenges lie ahead as they very much that of St Paul, that remain very much in my expected to be ordained as Catholic set up their new churches, with many per- I may know something of the thoughts and care. As I am sure priests next weekend. ishes left without priests. power of Christ’s resurrection you understand, I am able to Church, over the coming months. Bishop Hopes said he understood the and a share in His sufferings,” do very little, and will need to Leading the way Bishop Alan Hopes, auxiliary bishop of Anglican archbishop would be feeling Bishop Evans said in a letter rely on others. Please can I ask The three bishops have been key to Westminster Diocese, oversaw the wel- unhappy but ‘I know too that he under- read out at East Anglian you to limit any expressions of orchestrating the move from the Church come on Saturday and said that opposition stands that we are all on a journey of churches last weekend. care to prayer for now, rather of England and advocating the ordinari- to the ordination of women bishops was faith, and sometimes our paths take stan- “Rather than resign, I would than anything else to which I ate, which they described as an ‘answer one of the main reasons for the priests’ res- dard routes.’ like to continue among you as cannot respond.” to their prayers.’ ignations from the Church of England. “And if you truly believe that you have your bishop and the father of The diocese of East Anglia The Vatican project was introduced in “Most of them have been journeying, found fullness of truth in the Catholic our diocesan family until this covers Cambridgeshire, 2009 to welcome disillusioned Anglicans seeking the fullness of truth, and they Church, there is nothing you can do about stage of my life ends. Greater Peterborough, Norfolk into the Catholic Church and around 50 found it in the Catholic Church,” he added. it,” Bishop Hopes said. “You have to “I do not know how long and Suffolk. clergy are expected to join the ordinari- Two of the bishops’ wives were also become a Catholic.” that will be. I am most grateful Bishop Evans is the third ate, which allows them to maintain a dis- confirmed as Catholics at Westminster Bishop Hopes, himself a former for the ways you have cared cleric to head the diocese that tinct religious identity and spiritual Cathedral, alongside three former Anglican Anglican convert, was received into the for and so prayerfully support- was founded in 1976 and was heritage within a section of the Catholic nuns who were forced to take refuge in a Catholic Church in 1994. ed me in recent years. You appointed in 2003.

He had been receiving treat- Archbishop Nichols urges those struggling for Faith to reach out NEWS IN BRIEF ment for cancer and died peacefully on January 2 at hos- ARCHBISHOP Vincent strengthened our Faith and CATHOLIC WORKERS PROTEST pital in Shropshire. He is sur- Nichols, leader of the restored so much of our confi- OVER WIKILEAKS DETAINMENT vived by his wife, Jacqui, his Catholic Church of England dence. Indeed, faith in God is CATHOLIC workers from the son Will and daughter, Lily. and Wales, has urged those not a problem to be solved but communities of St Francis struggling for Faith to reach a gift to be discovered afresh, House, Oxford and Giuseppe CLOSURE OF CATHOLIC out and accept the out- and a gift which serves the Conlon House, London, protest- COLLEGE BEGINS stretched hand of God. deepest good of our society.” ed on the feast of the Holy THE closure of a 200-year-old In his homily at midnight The archbishop added that Innocents (December 28) in sol- Catholic college began at the Mass on Christmas Eve at ‘there are other strong indica- idarity with the imprisoned US end of last year at the same Westminster Cathedral the arch- tions’ to support this conviction. soldier Bradley Manning and in time as a petition was submit- bishop (right) said that ‘this holy “Opinion polls conducted resistance to the continued war ted calling for the closure to night is as important as ever.’ both before and after the Holy in Afghanistan at the gates of be forestalled. “On this night there will be Father’s visit, indicated clear Northwood HQ in London. Organisers of a campaign to many sharing Joseph’s struggle trends in public opinion,” he A preliminary vigil was held save Ushaw College, near for faith,” Archbishop Nichols said. “After the visit, there before the protest, which saw a Durham City, said its ancillary said. “May they, too, reach out were more people insisting that large group form an expanded activities, including its confer- and accept the outstretched the spiritual dimension of their blockade of the entrance to the ence and tourism work, were to hand of God coming to us in lives is really important. There Northwood HQ (home of the per- cease on New Year’s Eve, the child so as to be close to us were far more people saying manent joint headquarters) and, ahead of the seminary closing in our vulnerability.” that they wanted to give more for 90 minutes, read the names of in June. In a petition to Reflecting on the visit of lives and want to give more underground stream,” the arch- time to their family and close Afghan and British war dead. Archbishop Patrick Kelly, of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK, time to their family and close bishop said. “Largely invisible, relationships, and a significant Bradley Manning is a US sol- Liverpool, and college trustees, the archbishop said that it relationships. the stream nurtures so much majority agreeing with the dier being held in solitary con- the campaign organisers write: restored the confidence of “The marvellous scenes dur- fertile growth on a rocky land- message of the Holy Father finement having been accused “We are also mindful of the Catholics. It has also made ing the apostolic visit of Pope scape, and only every now and that aggressive secularism is to of leaking confidential material immense contribution that people value the importance of Benedict in September suggest- then, bursts out in a glorious be resisted as it minimises val- to the WikiLeaks website. Ushaw College has made in the the spiritual dimension of their ed that faith in God is like an and reassuring sight. The visit ues crucial for our well-being.” past 200 years to the cultural, CATHOLIC ACTOR PETE educational and religious histo- POSTLETHWAITE DIES ry of the north of England, par- Deacon says girl was cured watching Cardinal Newman Beatification CATHOLIC actor Pete ticularly as the alma mater of Postlethwaite, who earned an many thousands of Catholic THE man whose miraculous syndrome, which is perhaps one “The doctors say all of a sud- investigation by a panel of med- Oscar nomination for his role priests.” healing helped secure the of the most painful of all diseases, den the pain stopped and the ical experts. This miracle was in In the Name of the Father, The online petition has beatification of Cardinal John and there’s no cure.” mother said she could witness crucial to the Vatican’s decision has died aged 64. attracted more than 200 signa- Henry Newman has said a The girl had been watching the healing take place,” he said. to Beatify Cardinal Newman. Mr Postlethwaite was born to tories since it was posted. young girl was cured of a life- the ceremony on television. Deacon Sullivan was suffer- Deacon Sullivan was among a Catholic family in Warrington, St Cuthbert’s Seminary threatening illness while “Her mother asked me to ing from a ruptured spine when 55,000 people present when Pope northwest England and starred in moved to Ushaw College watching the Beatification pray for her daughter, who has he decided to pray to Cardinal Benedict XVI Beatified Cardinal many films, including The Usual from revolutionary France in ceremony. been in hospital for two years,” Newman after seeing a televi- Newman in a ceremony at Cofton Suspects and The Lost World: 1808. There are currently only “There was a young girl who he told the Tablet magazine. sion programme about him. He Park Birmingham on September Jurassic Park, before being 26 seminarians, and trustees was healed from a very serious ill- He prayed for her during the then made an astonishing 19 of last year during the Papal recognised with an OBE in began consultation on closure ness, actually during the Mass,” Mass and her mother called him recovery and the healing was visit to the UK. A second mira- 2004 for his services to drama. in mid-November. Deacon Jack Sullivan said. “She and said during the Mass all of confirmed by the Vatican as a cle is required for the Church to had reflex sympathetic dystrophy the pain stopped. miracle following an eight-year recognise him as a saint. REFRESH YOUR FAITH BETWEEN MASSES Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER NEWS 5 Hearty thanks for hospice’s work Celtic FC manager Neil Lennon and Archbishop Mario Conti pay tribute to St Margaret’s By Bill Heaney CELTIC Football Club manager Neil Lennon joined staff and supporters who had a great deal to give thanks for when Archbishop Mario Conti celebrated the 60th anniversary Christmas Mass at the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank. Scotland’s Shadow Health Minister Jackie Baillie brought tidings of comfort and joy to the Christmas day celebrations Papal award for the ‘inspiration’ when she reconfirmed Labour’s pre- Christmas pledge to sustain 30 continuing for Iona’s beloved house of prayer care beds at the hospice—which are cur- rently under threat—should the party win By Martin Dunlop Surplus from the sale of her the Scottish Parliament elections in May. London flat provided the finan- BISHOP Joseph Toal of cial starter for the Colmcille Special celebrations Argyll and the Isles recently Trust, which she founded to The Christmas Mass has become an presented the Papal Bene prepare for the Catholic house annual event at the hospice. Merenti medal to the of prayer. Archbishop Conti congratulated Sr Rita Celtic FC manager Neil Lennon with Archbishop In the letter Mr Gray said: “Should woman who inspired the During this time Ms Burn- and her staff on their ‘tremendous’ work Mario Conti and Sr Rita Dawson at St Margaret’s Labour win the Scottish Parliamentary building of the Catholic Murdoch bought a house near for people of all denominations in Greater Hospice PIC: BILL HEANEY Elections in May 2011 and form the Scottish house of prayer, Cnoc a Bunessan, Mull, where she Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. Government, we will provide the funding Chalmain, on Iona. stayed with her two beloved After the celebration Sr Rita Dawson, in this life. Of course, money is impor- necessary to sustain the continuing care beds Mary Burn-Murdoch was sheltie collie dogs. From this the chief executive, offered her thanks to tant—and this hospice gives excellent at St Margaret’s Hospice. This is a matter presented with the medal by the base she could keep a close eye the chaplains, board of directors, staff, value for money to the public from the which has been approved by Labour’s bishop on Monday December on the developing house of volunteers and friends who have support- money it receives.” Shadow Cabinet. Our commitment to fund- 27 at St Joseph’s Care Home in prayer, which was officially ed and sustained St Margaret’s through- She added that the money and the sup- ing the continuing care beds is absolute.” Edinburgh (above). opened by the then Archbishop out the year. port St Margaret’s receives from the gen- Archbishop Conti said he was always Later in the week, in which O’Brien in spring 1997, the This year, Sr Rita said, was an impor- eral public in the form of generous gifts impressed by the support shown to the she celebrated her birthday, 1400th anniversary year of the tant one for the hospice, which has had to and donations is ‘essential to sustain the Hospice by the local community in West Cardinal Keith O’Brien also death of St Columba on Iona. face up to serious threats to its funding services we provide.’ Dunbartonshire and he thanked Provost paid a visit to Ms Burn- Over the years many people, from the Scottish Government and NHS Denis Agnew and MSPs Jackie Baillie Murdoch at St Joseph’s where Catholic and others, have Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Labour pledge and Gill Paterson for all the support he brought her the gift of a enjoyed and been blessed by “The hospice celebrated its 60th Sr Rita said that a letter from Iain Gray, shown. They were ‘willing to help where Papal medal and Rosary from the hospitality and spirituality anniversary in 2010 and we continue to the Labour leader in the Scottish and when they can.’ Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to of the Cnoc a Chalmain house. experience many challenges, none more Parliament, pledging his party’s commit- More than 100,000 people in the West Scotland on September 16 In 2005 Ms Burn-Murdoch so than the constant threat of the removal ment to secure the future of the 30 con- of Scotland have signed a petition in sup- (below). sold her house in Mull and of our continuing care beds,” she said. tinuing care beds in the hospice had been port of the St Margaret’s Hospice cam- Brought up in Currie, moved to a house in Iona vil- “We have to persuade government and a campaign breakthrough and ‘a great paign to retain government funding for Midlothian, both of Ms Burn- lage. Sadly she was unable to politicians of all shades of opinion that surprise for all our supporters and all who the 30 continuing care beds at the hos- Murdoch’s parents had roots not stay there for long as at the end money is not the only thing that matters serve the hospice in so many ways.’ pice. only in the Edinburgh area but of the year she suffered a also in Western Scotland. Close stroke and went to Edinburgh contact was maintained with to live with the community of cousins in Iona and she was a the Little Sisters of the Poor at regular visitor to the island. St Joseph’s, where her sister She long harboured dreams Margaret is a regular visitor. of a post-Reformation, Ms Burn-Murdoch’s pres- Catholic centre being re-estab- ence is, however, very much lished in Iona and following still felt in Iona at the house of SPOTLIGHT ON... her retirement—from working prayer where her earlier dream as a physiotherapist in has been wonderfully fulfilled. London—moved to Edinburgh. BOTTOM PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Archbishop Mario Conti joined in the Glasgow Churches Together’s Carols for Peace 2010 celebration held at the City Chambers on Sunday December 19. The St Mungo Singers, Rutherglen Salvation Army Band, Glasgow Archdiocese Arts Project (AGAP) and a youthful South Side Fiddlers group joined together for a celebration of music and song, which included a sketch performed at the crib by Hannah Charles and Stephen Callaghan, director of AGAP PIC: PAUL MCSHERRY

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St Aloysius’ College is a highly successful, Catholic independent school for pupils aged 3-18 that balances an academic education with an emphasis on service to others. For over 150 years, the College has been dedicated to educating young people, seeking to develop the whole person and the gifts and talents of every child. Entry to Kindergarten – Assessments week commencing 24 Jan Entry to P1 – Assessments week commencing 17 Jan 0141 332 3190 [email protected] Entry to P2-P7 – Assessments Sat 22 Jan, 9.30am 45 Hill Street Glasgow G3 6RJ

TRCP Registered Entry to Senior School – Entrance Examination Sat 22 Jan, 9.30am www.staloysius.org Registered Charity No. 230165 6 NEWS FEATURE SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 Assisting Armenia in its time of great need We take a look at the Church’s relationship with Armenia during the country’s earliest days and the genocide at the hands of the Turks

By Canon Bernard J Canning (Main) The Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan, Armenia and (inset) Pope Benedict XV who sought to assist the Armenian THE 20th century is said to have been one people in their time of need that spilt most human blood in history against the Catholic Church. Armenia suf- fered as among the first nations in 1900 when the Turks slaughtered seven bishops, Armenian Genocide. The Holy See had concern 120 priests, 47 nuns and 30,000 people. for the fate of the Armenians, which hung in the Mexico, the most Catholic country in the balance. Vatican representatives made every world since the 16th Century, came second effort to rally political and material support for with the slaughter of 300,000 including the new republic. They showed solidarity with priests and religious with advent of com- humanitarianism in natural response towards a munism and free masonry. struggling people beset with so many false A hundred million died from communism friends and true enemies. with 50 million in China and the Boxer Pope Benedict XV, known as the Pope of Rebellion—thought to be the origin of Boxing Charity, made several offerings to the Day squeezing out St Stephen’s Day. Russia Armenians in their time of need. Pope Leo XIII killed 25 million, Nazism 20 million and 7000 opened the Vatican and Propaganda Archives to in Spain in three years. China continues to this the public and Pope Benedict XVI extended day its persecution in rather subtle fashion as do them to 1939, the last year of the Pontificate of Burma, Cuba, North Korea, Vietnam and other Pope Pius XI. lands. Christ said the Church as a quasi-mark There are 12 chapters in Mario Caolla’s cov- would be persecuted to the end of time. ering the involvement of the Holy See in attempts to assist Armenia. There are 125 refer- Persecution of the press ences to the Holy See’s work directly and indi- Catholic publications numbering 53 were sup- rectly. Mr Carolla produced Vatican Diplomacy pressed by January 1949, giving an idea of the and the Armenian Question: The Holy See’s importance of the Catholic press and the value Response to the Republic of Armenia 1918-1922 of the apostolate of the written word. translated from the Italian by Cynthia Quilici In 1941 the Nazis in Auschwitz murdered published in 2010 by Taderon Press by special Conventual Franciscan priest Maximilian arrangement with the Calouste Guulbenkian Kolbe—declared a saint by Pope John Paul II— Foundation. because of his writing in the Catholic Press. Four By April 24, 1915, the Young Turks began the weekly papers with a circulation of 426,000, frightful Armenian genocide costing over one almost half a million readers suppressed; 31 million lives in a few years. Pope Benedict XV monthly publications with 294,000 circulations with four giving circulation of 12,000 showing a Fighting for Armenia appealed in personal letter to Sultan Mohammed and nine with no reply suppressed; seven bi- joint total of 881,000 close on a million and The fledging republic of Armenia came into V to save the Armenians. His attempt to help monthly religious with 149,000 circulations and allowing for the 14 non-returns the overall total being in 1918, in the wake of the Russian them was his Note to the Leaders of the no returns for one publication; five quarterlies exceeds the million. All were suppressed. Revolution, the First World War and the Belligerent Peoples of August 1, 1917.

Church faults all sides over the anti-Catholic Act of Settlement By Ian Dunn a member of the Royal family from marrying a Catholic. THE Catholic Church in “It is difficult for a govern- Scotland believes that neither ment at any level, Westminster the coalition government nor or Holyrood, to assert that sec- the opposition is fully com- tarianism is wrong when the act mitted to repealing the anti- perpetuates it,” he added. Catholic Act of Settlement. Tom Greatrex MP for “Neither the present govern- Rutherglen and Hamilton West, ment nor its predecessors showed has accused Scottish Secretary any sign of repealing it,” Peter Michael Moore of failing to Kearney, director of the Scottish raise concerns over the Act of Catholic Media Office, said. Settlement in the way previous “Frankly, we still think the act, Scottish secretaries have done. apart from being unjust, is ulti- “Michael Moore’s two imme- mately a serious barrier to tackling diate predecessors were both problems like sectarianism and active in getting the government anti-Catholic bigotry in Scotland. to address this issue. While it is Mr Kearney made the com- largely symbolic, it does go to ment following an accusation by the heart of the kind of society the Labour Party’s Shadow we are,” Mr Greatrex said. Scotland Office Minister of a “Michael Moore appears to have ‘dereliction of duty’ by the coali- done absolutely nothing to keep tion government for not giving this on the agenda and, given the sufficient consideration to rep- role that he has, it is a dereliction ealing the act, which that forbids of duty.” St Brendan’s, Yoker, help keep Christ in Christmas FOR INTERNATIONAL AND VATICAN A FANTASTIC total of £3000 On the last Sunday of afford blankets and many peo- their project will save the lives NEWS, SEE PAGES 23 AND 24 was raised by the Advent proj- Advent a cheque for £3000 ple sleep next to a fire. This of many orphaned children. ect Keep Christ in Christmas was presented to John Fox, presents many dangers in itself Fr Paul McAlinden, St at St Brendan’s parish, Yoker. who, along with his wife and many children incur Brendan’s parish priest, is pic- As part of the campaign Jacqueline, runs the Eva painful burns, which can lead tured above with some of his EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 parishioners were encouraged Demaya Clinic in Malawi. to inflammation and, in some parishioners presenting the Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. to exercise moderation in terms The Yoker parishioners were cases, become life threatening. cheque to Mr Fox. 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. of the giving of material gifts made aware of the cold nights Blankets are given to Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. and were asked to ‘buy a blan- endured by the many people of orphans whose carers cannot I Anybody wishing to buy a Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] ket’ for an orphaned child in northern Malawi throughout afford to buy them and the blanket can contact Josephine for free monthly posted programme guide and Malawi as a gift to give to several months of the year. parishioners of St Brendan’s Smith by email at: visit www.ewtn.co.uk formoreinfo. their family and friends. Few people in this area can hope that the £3000 raised by [email protected] Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCHOOLS 7 Schoolchildren serve up a real Christmas cracker As our Christmas competition closes for another year, we take at look at the winning entries and the prizes that they won

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In our over 10s category Lucy Cain (1) from St John’s Primary School in Edinburgh won a complete set of the fiction series, Dragons In Our Midst, while Martin Harvey (2) of Our Lady and St Francis Primary School in Carfin took the runner-up prize, which is the first two books in the same series. In our under 10s category, Daniel Hepburn (3) from St Margaret’s Primary School in Dunfermline, won a set of the Good Green series of books, while the runner-up was Erin Renfrew (4) from St Charles’ Primary School in Newton, who will receive a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress. PRIZES COURTESY OF LION HUDSON 8 COMMENT SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 There is no calling like God’s calling A priest’s vocation is a precious spiritual gift but, as FR GRAEME BELL explains, God has a unique plan for each and every one of us which, if followed, will lead to a life that is full of suprises and blessings

T WAS cold outside but warm inside. That might sound more like the beginning of a Christmas tale than a story of the begin- ning of one’s vocation. But either one is the story of the gift of God, of Christ IJesus, who defines every vocation. A gift can contain many surprises, and so can every voca- tion. It was only two degrees outside the parish church of St Winnings on December 27, 2000, when I was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Maurice Taylor. The cold weather was one of those odd details I still remember con- cerning the greatest day of my life, the day I said yes to God and fully embraced His calling for me in life. Despite the freezing cold, I could not have felt warmer in my heart, knowing that with God’s grace I was answering a call that others had helped me hear and discern. Little did I know then, much less earlier in my life, where God would take me once I said yes. I am not unique, nor are our priests and reli- gious, in receiving a call from God. In fact, He calls all of us to a specific vocation in life. Unfortunately, today many of us have lost the sense of vocation and the prayer needed in order to discern the special gift God wishes to give each of us. So many people now confuse voca- tion with one’s profession. But a vocation whether to the priesthood, the diaconate, reli- gious life, or the married or single state, is so much more. It is a mystery. It is a call from God, and it is His choice. It comes from Him and is His gift. God also desires to give this gift to us through the Church, and there it grows and is fulfilled. I have to admit that I might not have recog- nised God’s call if not for the prayers, example, and wisdom of a number of people in my life. To these and many others I am eternally indebt- ed.

think the environment of the home first influences every vocation. Certainly the Istrong witness of parents in a loving and committed marriage does much to teach chil- dren about sacrificial love, the heart of every joy of the priests who were such a part of my grateful He has been the one calling the shots in Mark Speitel, an Amercian seminarian, prays during a vocation. For those who feel a calling to the faith journey in life. my vocation. candlelight procession, during a camp in Pennsylvania priesthood or religious life, the example of their designed to help young men learn more about the parents’ love for each other offers a beautiful any of you have heard the jokes that if s I experience the joy of ten years in the priesthood and their vocation image of the heavenly bridegroom’s love for the you want to make God laugh, tell Him priesthood, I am so very grateful to the Church and the bride’s love for Christ. I am so Myour plans for the future. I think God Amany who have inspired me by living each day (Matthew 2:2). Every vocation is a gift grateful to my family, for their special role in might still be laughing about the plans I envi- their own vocation in a perpetual jubilee of joy. and a mystery. Don’t be afraid of the ‘tidings of preparing me for my vocation as a priest. sioned for myself when I first answered His call They have helped me recognise ‘His star’ rising great joy’ that God offers each of us, called by I am also very grateful for the example and to the priesthood. All I can say is that I am so before me so I might ‘worship Him’ faithfully name (Isaiah 45:3).

What do you think of FR GRAEME BELL’S comments on vocations? Send your points of view to the SCO Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT Or e-mail [email protected]

Italians to protest againist Christian persecution in Pakistan

ITALIAN protestors are to dent cannot act until the sen- amendment of the controver- Parliament at the initiative of demand for revocation of the take to the streets of Rome JUSTICE tence is confirmed by a higher sial law, and prayer vigils for Sherry Rehman, the Muslim woman’s sentence and her to send a message of soli- court, a process her lawyer peace, justice and harmony. Parliamentarian in the ruling immediate release, emphasis- says could take two to three In this context, in Italy, party and president of the ing its full support to all the darity to Asia Bibi, the PEACE years. ‘politicians from all parties, the Jinnah Institute, and hence different organisations, which Pakistani woman who was On December 24 last year Catholic world and other reli- they call for the success of the in Pakistan are committed to sentenced to death for Christian mother of five chil- radical Islamic groups brought gious communities, and Italian work by the Special the abolition or revision of the blasphemy. dren, is the first woman sen- thousands of Muslims out on civil associations mean to Commission, requested by blasphemy law, to defend Parliamentarians, Catholic tenced to death for the crime to the streets of Pakistan to express their full solidarity with President Zardari, who, under human rights, and to reaffirm priests and representatives of of blasphemy in Pakistan. Asia protest against the release of Asia Bibi and her family, and the leadership of Minister for the right to freedom of Italian civil society have spent her second Christmas in Asia Bibi, described as ‘a support those in Pakistan who Minorities, Shabhaz Bhatti, will thought, conscience and reli- announced a demonstration to Jail in Sheikhupura (Punjab blasphemous woman,’ and are making efforts to try to prepare a draft of the compre- gion, enshrined in articles 18 be held in the Italian capital on province), where she has been against any proposed amend- remedy this injustice,’ reads a hensive revision of the contro- and 19 of the Universal January 26. for a year and a half. ment to the law on blasphemy. statement by the Italian organ- versial legislation.” Declaration of Human Rights, It will be called Italy for Asia The Pakistan President Christian groups in Pakistan isers of this month’s protest. The January 26 event aims: to which Pakistan is a signato- Bibi: freedom, justice and Zrrdwai has said he would be have announced peaceful The organisers say: “The “to send Asia Bibi and her ry, and which calls for an human rights. willing to pardon her, but a marches in solidarity with proposed revision of the blas- family a message of solidarity immediate moratorium on all Asia Bibi, the 45-year-old court has ruled that the presi- women and support for the phemy law, already tabled in and closeness, reiterating the executions in the country.” Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER COMMENT 9 Feed your mind and spirit with new reading materials THERE’S some rhyme and reason to how I select my reading material. I check Fr Ronald reviews, I try to be alert to what gets mentioned when friends Rolheiser and colleagues talk literature, and I deliberately set myself a one of America’s best novelists. diet that balances spiritual Perhaps my favorite read this books, novels, intellectual whole year. essays, and select biographies. Nonetheless, invariably, some Donald Miller, A Million of the best books I read each Miles in a Thousand Years. A year are stumbled upon by wonderful apologetics for faith accident. I ascribe to the theory and for a desire for something that the book you’re supposed beyond the simple sweetening of to be reading at a given time life. Recommended to parents to finds you. give you your college-age kids. What books found me this year? Here are some that stood out. Sue Monk Kidd, The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, A Novels Woman’s Journey from Christian Sebastian Barry’s, The Secret Tradition to the Sacred Feminine. Scripture, is a brilliant piece of A very, very challenging account writing. It takes time for the of why a woman of deep faith tension to build, but it is worth and Christian commitment, and a the wait and the language is art. gifted writer, has left the Church.

Barbara Kingsolver’s, The Spiritual books Lacuna, is in the mode of W H Vanstone, The Structure several of Kingsolver’s other of Waiting. A truly brilliant, deep books, fictionalised history, with study of the Passion of Jesus and her genius as a story teller what it can teach us about everywhere evident. waiting. This book deeply influenced Henri Nouwen. Toni Morrison, A Mercy. Morrison has already won the Bill Plotkin, Soulcraft, Crossing Nobel Prize for literature and this into the Mysteries of Nature and book, like her others, shows why. Psyche. Written from a naturalist Not always an easy read, she never rather than a faith perspective, this is, but many of her paragraphs are book might be disturbing to some, constructed like paintings to be but contains many psychological looked at again and again. insights that can be very helpful in understanding how the soul AS Byatt, The Children’s Book. journeys. Byatt is perhaps the foremost Religious freedom can novelist in the English language Autobiographies and today and will, no doubt, one day biographies win the Nobel Prize for literature. Doris Lessing Under My Skin, The Children’s Book, like all her Volume One of my Autobiography, novels, is dense and not easy to to 1949, and. Walking in the read, not just because it is over Shade, 1949-1962, Volume Two of prepare a path to peace 600 pages long, but because it my Autobiography. The first two mixes history, art, architecture, volumes of Lessing’s politics, economics, oppression, autobiography are written as befits At a time when many Christians worldwide are being persecuted for ideology, mythology, love, sex, a Nobel Prize winner: They not abuse, and family life in a way only tell Lessing’s story, they also their beliefs, BISHOP PETER MORAN calls for greater religious freedom that unsettles a settled mind. Life, give the reader a feel for English as she lays it out, doesn’t move and African culture and politics EAR Brothers and Sisters in gious truth is distorted by extreme sectari- As Christians worldwide are being persecuted for along clear, easily defined moral during nearly half a century. An Christ, at each New Year, our anism or fundamentalism—and again, this their faith (above), Bishop Peter Moran has called lines. Any easy concept of history, adult Diary-of-Anne-Frank. hopes rise—for health, for does happen in this country and elsewhere. for greater religious freedom to smooth the path morality, family, or sex, will to peace in his letter for the January 2 Day of Catherine of happiness, and importantly, Religious freedom is also in danger if Prayer for Justice and Peace unravel as you read her. Don Brophy, for peace. So the Church religious truth is not well known, or is Sienna, A Passionate Life. If you Dcelebrates a World Day of Peace, with a known but is ignored in practice—and this Don DeLillo, Point Omega. If know next to nothing about theme chosen by the Pope. This year’s is a challenge that can touch ourselves as you want a textbook on Catherine of Sienna, and I didn’t theme is: religious freedom—the path to Catholics very closely. Pope Benedict XVI, during his recent postmodernism, this is your book. when I purchased this book, this peace. visit to our country, spoke of ‘those who is a good place to start. It’s the Religious freedom means being free to want the voice of religion silenced, or Colm Toibin, Brooklyn. A story most recent biography of a truly search for the truth and free to live by it. The freedom to seek treated as a purely private matter; those of a young woman emigrating exceptional woman. Researchers have discovered truth in every who want festivals such as Christmas cele- from Ireland to New York a specialist field, from petrochemicals to religious truth, to brated privately, in case they offend other generation ago. This story has Lorna Crozier, Small Beneath archaeology and from astronomy to laser make it our religious beliefs; those who want prominent been told before, but not always the Sky. I may be biased because surgery—and these discoveries, these Christians to put their beliefs aside when as warmly as Toibin tells it. the author is from Saskatchewan truths, have freed humanity from many belief, and to live by they speak publicly or vote.’ (my roots as well) and sets her sufferings and limitations. “On the contrary,” he said, “faith and Jane Urquhart, Sanctuary Line. story there, but this is a good The truth can indeed make you free but it, is basic to the reason can and should each help the other I’ve never read a Jane Urquhart piece of writing which, among reaching the truth about the human body human dignity of each to reach the full truth. Religion is not a book that’s disappointed me and other things, shows how the or the physical world is not enough. There problem for legislators to solve, but a vital this one doesn’t either, though it prairies help shape a soul. is an over-arching truth about who we are, individual contributor to the national conversation.” did for a while. A slow, plodding whose world this is and what is our des- Discrimination which suppresses reli- diary of young woman, it saves Nora Ephron, I Remember tiny here and hereafter—in other words, gious freedom is obviously wrong; but its major tension and revelations Nothing and Other Reflections. religious truth. e are called on to spread the political correctness, which is over-sensi- until the end and, then, The author of When Harry Met The freedom to seek religious truth, to Good News, never bullying or tive about expressing our faith, is danger- Urquhart’s gift as a story-teller Sally is approaching 70 and make it our religious belief, and to live by Wusing force, but always respect- ous too. Both are a threat to justice, and breaks through. offers a very witty account of it, is basic to the human dignity of each ing other people’s religious freedom. This therefore to genuine peace. growing older. Beyond the wit individual. Genuine religious belief cannot means knowing our own faith and continu- There is much to think about as we cele- Books of essays and the fine writing, this book is be imposed; it has to be chosen, freely, ing to improve our knowledge—maybe by brate the World Day of Peace, and pray for Mary Gordon, Circling My a wonderful challenge to our because we believe it to be the truth. reading, maybe in parish discussion ‘religious freedom—the path to peace. Mother. A brilliant series of innate grandiosity that likes to This freedom is in danger if religious groups, and certainly by thinking it With best wishes for a peaceful New Year essays about her mother from mask itself as seriousness. truth is suppressed or constantly through and praying about it. It also means in 2011 ridiculed—as does happen in some coun- spreading our Faith by good example and tries, sometimes including our own. loving persuasion in the hope of convinc- Bishop Moran is the president of the Due to ill health, Fr Eddie McGhee’s column is This freedom is also in danger if reli- ing others of ‘what they are missing.’ Justice and Peace Commission on hiatus. It will return in due course 10 COMMENT SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011

Christian persecution is real, not a complex OUR secular society all too often dismisses those of Faith as having a ‘persecution complex.’ To put it in such a way that all will understand, Catholics SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER in Scotland do not have a chip on their shoulders. There is OR the most fortunate of us the joy of good reason, even in this day Christmas still burns brightly even as we take and age, to be concerned down the Nativity and put away the Christmas about religious freedom, and a decorations for another year. 2011 is upon us lack there of. and for many families this week was about Cardinal Keith O’Brien Fgoing back to school, returning to work and getting back spoke before Christmas of the in to the routine. This all too often seems like a gloomy need to uphold ‘freedom of prospect as it can be difficult to hold onto the good news of religious expression,’ warning Christmas. The ‘dark days of winter’ can indeed, ‘seem to politicians gathered at overwhelm us,’ as Cardinal Keith O’Brien said in his New Westminster Cathedral, Year message. London, of the dangers of And the recent wave of violence against Christians in failing to do so. many places throughout the world reveals that darkness: a And whether we are dealing very different burning message and a horrific rather than a with anti-Catholic happy Christmas for victims. On St Stephen’s Day Pope sectarianism in our country or Benedict XVI condemned attacks on churches in Nigeria the dreadful violence against and the Philippines. It is estimated that 32 people were killed Christians that is fresh in our and 74 wounded after a series of Christmas Eve bomb blasts minds from the Middle East, in the Nigerian city of Jos. Six people were also wounded on Nigeria and the Philippines Christmas Day when a bomb went off in a church during over Christmas, turning the Mass on the Philippine island of Jolo. Then New Year other cheek is not an option. brought further violence against Christians in the form of According to Pope Benedict fatal bombings outside a church in Egypt and again in the XVI, Christians are one of the already troubled Iraq. most persecuted religious The Holy Father’s message for the World Day of Prayer groups today and violence for Peace flags up that Christians suffer more religious per- against us is ‘an offense secution than any other group. “Sadly, the year now ending against God and all has again been marked by persecution, discrimination, terri- humanity.’ PICTURE ble acts of violence and religious intolerance,” he said in the May Smith OF THE message released prior to the most recent outbreaks. HAMILTON Hope, however, shines out of the darkness. The Holy Father has called a summit of world religious Change is something WEEK leaders to discuss how they can promote world peace. The to embrace meeting is to take place in Assisi, the birthplace of St HUGH McLoughlin’s article Scottish singer Susan Boyle made a special visit to St Bennet’s, the home of Cardinal Keith O’Brien, over the Francis, in October and marks the 25th anniversary of a sim- on the changes coming within Christmas period. Ms Boyle’s visit rounded off a year which saw the succesful release of her second album ilar summit called by Pope John Paul II. the leadership of the Church and included performances at Bellahouston Park on the day of the Papal visit to Scotland. Cardinal O’Brien And the greater part of Cardinal O’Brien’s New Year mes- in Scotland was a thoughtful and Ms Boyle are seen here at the crib in St Bennet’s Chapel PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Hope shines out of the darkness all around us this New Year Hope shines out of the darkness all around us this New sage was about finding hope even in darkness and timely reminder of how and despair. Just as the trapped Chilean quickly time passes, even if to the Papal visit and those miners did last year and the Haitians who he did not go as far as to who attended in the review of survived a devastating earthquake on predict Bishop Vincent the year. After all, how often January 12, 2010 continue to strive to do. Logan’s early departure. does the Pope visit Scotland? So if we want to keep Christ in our However, change is not Mrs Burns hearts throughout the winter months something to be feared, rather Letters BY E-MAIL and all year, consider creating a new is should be embraced. It is SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT routine of hope and prayer rather than the only constant in this life. [email protected] A proud day for falling back into a hopeless one. It While the Church thrives on the Old Firm takes resolve, and a conscious effort, and benefits from its tradition I AM not someone to confuse but that is what New Year is all about. and continuity, pillars put in football and religion but, in place and supported by our there was a note in the new series on the Church and light of recent troubles in ood news for St Margaret of own Bishops’ Conference, Newsletter; ' Speak to God the Second World War begins Scottish football and Scotland Hospice over the when the time comes for our before Mass, speak to God in this week’s SCO anti-Catholic sectarianism Gfestive season came in the senior clergymen to rest then during Mass, speak to emerging at the SFA, I was form of a pledge of political support every effort should be made to everyone else after Mass.’ I DO not often have time to very proud of the supporters from Scottish Labour Party leader Iain afford them this after their Michael Dolan read a newspaper cover to who turned out for the Old Opinion Gray. It is also a clear indication that the years of hard work. EDINBURGH cover and therefore I usually Firm derby on January 2 and race is well and truly on for votes in the run With the new Apostolic focus on the news headlines managed to set aside their up to the Scottish Parliament election on May 5 nuncio to the UK in place, Reading between and move on. During the differences to perfectly and that all parties should expect, quite rightly, to be change may comes sooner the festive headlines Christmas holidays this year, observe the minute’s silence judged on their actions and not just their words. than any of us think. IT TOOK me a while to find however, I found myself to mark the 40th anniversray R Hughes an Observer at the back of the browsing through the festive of the Ibrox disaster. EDINBURGH Church at Christmas. I hope Observer and enjoying not On a different note, thank that this is a good sign that only the review of the year you for the Celtic charity I WAS counting my blessings, they were in demand. I look but also the fiction (a genuine series in the SCO in not my bills thankfully, this forward to James Barclay’s surprise and bonus). I realise December. SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER Christmas and I realise what a Christmas story each year and in my haste last year I missed Mr Thomson tremendous year 2010 was for Uncle Fred did not an excellent series on Our MOTHERWELL Catholicisim in Scotland. disappoint. I was sad to see Dr Lady and I won’t be doing MAIN SWITCHBOARD Pope Benedict’s visit was the Harry Schnitker’s series on that again. Many thanks. Keep Interest in the Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 icing on the cake, something I the Blessed Virgin come to an up the good work. ‘miracle’ grave never thought I would see end as I greatly enjoy his Iain McCauley I WOULD be very interested EDITOR again in my lifetime. I wish writing. Will he be LIVINGSTON to hear from any reader who Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 the Scottish bishops all the contributing anything else? knows of a hymn which [email protected] best for 2011 and keep them M Murray I ENJOYED the Christmas includes the words ‘they came in my thoughts and prayers EAST KILBRIDE SCO but would have liked to and were cured at the miracle DEPUTY EDITOR for the changes that are to EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr Schnitker’s have seem more space given grave…’ My father, Patrick Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 come. Murphy who was born in [email protected] Charles O’Donnell 1916, used to sing it about a PAISLEY SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or grave in Boston, REPORTER style requirements Massachusetts. I believe it Martin Dunlop—Tel: 0141 241 6103 Mass is a time to This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views was the grave of a priest. I would especially like the [email protected] speak to God expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO THERE has been some debate If you would like to share your opinion, send your words of the hymn. SUB-EDITOR of late, about the need for correspondence to the above address Patricia Gray silence in church. 6 MYERS COURT Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, I was at a Mass in address, and phone number or your letter will not be used DUNFERMLINE [email protected] Staffordshire last year, and FIFE COUNCIL KY12 0XF Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER MUSIC COLUMN 11

ancient Roman Canon— house of ill-repute, but God Eucharistic Prayer I—and until preserved her modesty. St the reform of the General Ambrose speaks of her double SINGING IN PRAISE Roman Calendar in 1970, one martyrdom: for God and for of only two saints to have two holy purity. feast days—the other being St The other propers for St John the Baptist. Agnes’ Mass celebrate her tri- OF ONE OF OUR FAITH’S Ever since the Middle Ages umph over her foes, and record she has been depicted as a her prize of heaven’s glory. lamb, on account of her name The offertory—textually and resembling the Latin agnus, and melodically—seems particular- even now two young lambs are ly appropriate to honour a mar- brought to the Pope on St tyr who has rightfully received Agnes’ feast day to be blessed so much attention throughout by him. Their wool which is the history of the Church. It is used to knit the pallia—the written in the fourth mode MARTYRS black and white garments which Canon Jeanneteau notes which he—and all metropolitan is related to the Greek dorian In our fortnightly music column, we look at the music archbishops in communion with mode—for them the most per- him—wear round their necks. fect of the modes, showing the associated with the feast of the martyred St Agnes Agnes was, in all likelihood, most internal organisation and only in her early teens when she being the most contemplative St Agnes is one of the Church’s HIS year we— the importance of spending gave up her life for Christ, and earliest martyrs and is associated of all: ‘Behind her the virgins unusually—cele- time with God in prayer, in died during the bloody persecu- with the symbol of the lamb shall be led to the king; her brated the Feast of imitation of Our Lord Himself, tions of the Emperor Diocletian friends shall be brought to you the Holy Family by recalling—in the commun- (244-311AD). The introit for Office hymn by St Ambrose with gladness and joy, they immediately after ion chant—the dialogue her Mass depicts her as a virtu- Agnes beatæ virginis records. shall be led into the temple of celebratingT the birth of Jesus between Christ and His Mother ous and courageous girl who Here was a young girl who the king, the Lord.’ himself. We reminded our- when His parents found Him preferred the things of Christ to would rather die than kindle selves of the importance of sta- after having been lost for three any pleasure of this fleeting the flame of a pagan altar, and I Fr Gerard Byrne is the co- ble family life—the importance days. Just as the young Jesus world: “The wicked have lain in thus recognise any other God ordinator of a weekly (Ordinary of which is increasingly forgot- found time to spend in the tem- wait to destroy me, but I have but the God of Jesus Christ. Form) Latin Mass in the Glasgow ten in our times—we rejoiced ple courts, so we ought to fol- understood your testimonies, O What courage from one so University Chaplaincy (Sundays, in Jesus’, Mary and Joseph’s low His example and ‘seek Lord. I have seen that all things young. What willingness to die 4pm). He is the director of the example to us of great holi- God in His holy temple,’ His are finite, but your command- for Jesus’ sake. How indeed Schola Glasguensis, a small ness, and reminded ourselves Fr Gerard Byrne Holy Church, for it is in the ment is indeed perfect.” God ‘chose what the world choir dedicated to the study and that for every year of His pub- Church —and particularly in It is written in the second considers weak to put wordly performance of the Church’s lic ministry our Blessed Lord the Mass— that we ‘gaze upon Church mode—there are power to shame.’ No wonder patrimony of liturgical music. He spent three days with His fami- texts right from the words of the beauty of the Lord’ and eight—which the great French there have been so many also runs the Associates of the ly in Nazareth. the introit: “God is in His holy gain a foretaste of the ‘one Gregorian chant scholar Canon hymns and prayers written in Schola Glasguensis for anyone However, as well as remem- place. It is God who makes thing we ask of the Lord’— Jean Jeanneteau tells us praise of St Agnes, and beg- interested in learning to sing the bering the Holy Family of men dwell in unity in His eternal life. ‘expresses a sort of content- ging her intercession. chant. They rehearse on Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we house; He gives power and ment and a sort of security; ... Wednesday from 7-8.45pm in also pondered the fact that strength to His people.’ ater this month we will sad, but without uneasiness or rudentius, in his tribute to Our Lady of Lourdes parish, through Baptism in Jesus Another important theme— celebrate St Agnes—one despair.’ This seems highly the young saint, tells us Glasgow. For more details con- Christ we are all members of in so far as the Mass has a Lof the earliest Roman appropriate for the girl who Pthat as a punishment for tact Fr Byrne on schola_glasgu God’s holy family. Indeed, this ‘theme’ aside from the Paschal martyrs, one of only eight went to her death ‘with a smile not worshipping the pagan ensis@ hotmail. co.uk or call idea is present in the Mass mystery of Christ Jesus—was women to be mentioned in the on her face,’ as the splendid deities Agnes was taken to a 0141 882 1024.

he returned to Edinburgh to during the festival. He also formed by the pupils, then pastoral care of migrants and OBITUARY work in the Inland Revenue, helped with the Georgian House Philip himself wrote versions of OBITUARY refugees. He was recently where he was soon to meet the in Charlotte Square and particu- Little Red Riding Hood and appointed to the Pontifical PHILIP JAMES KERR love of his life, Nancy Howden. larly enjoyed the kitchen there. Aladdin for performance by the Council for the Pastoral Care of MAY 1, 1923—DEC 10 2010 They were not to marry until He had previously been active staff. These pantomimes were Migrants and Itinerants. PHILIP James Kerr was born July 17, 1952 in St Andrew’s in St Patrick’s scout troop, the then adapted for use at Holy Within the Commission for on May 1, 1923—at that time Church, partly because in 1947 local St Vincent de Paul Society, Cross, along with a third, Pastoral Life, Bishop Grech the feast of SS Philip and he decided for a number of rea- the Lay Apostolate movement as Cinderella, although this was was also responsible, on behalf James in the Roman rite—the sons (with Nancy’s full support) it developed immediately after never performed. All three pan- of the Bishops of Australia, for ninth and last child of John to train for the teaching profes- the Second Vatican Council, and tomimes included some of the youth ministry. He was also a Kerr and Mary O’Donnell. sion at Edinburgh University the Scottish Catholic Marriage routines written by his brothers member of the Bishops’ He was baptised month in St and Moray House College of Advisory Service. previously, but with additional Commission for Mission and Patrick’s Church, Cowgate, Education. Nancy and he had Now he gave much service material by Philip. He also par- BISHOP JOSEPH GRECH Adult Faith Formation and was Edinburgh and his early educa- two children, Philip born in within his parish of Holy Cross ticipated in parish concerts— DEC 10, 1948—DEC 28 2010 a member of the International tion was received in St Ann’s 1956 and Caroline born in 1964. as an extraordinary minister of who can forget his Jeannie JOE Grech was a bishop of Catholic Charismatic Council school. In 1930 his family left a On graduating, Philip taught Holy Communion and as co- Monteith (the car conductress) the people, loved by young representing Oceania. two-roomed flat in 10 St John’s mathematics for a term at Astley ordinator of the readers. He was with butterfly strips on his nose and old. A generous, warm A much sought-after interna- Hill for the luxury of a new Ainslie Secondary before join- also very involved in deepening after walking into a glass door? and passionate man of God tional speaker and preacher, detached house at 7 Orchard ing in 1951 the staff of his alma friendships with the local con- The family had lived in he will be remembered as a Bishop Grech was particularly Place, thus becoming parish- mater where he taught gregations of Christians of Trinity since 1965. He was pre- great leader of the Catholic committed to the Charismatic ioners of St Andrew’s parish, Mathematics for 15 years. In other traditions. deceased by his wife Nancy in community of Sandhurst, of Renewal movement and interna- Ravelston. Philip’s education 1966 he became deputy head at In 1985 on the retiral of 2007—due to this and for rea- the Catholic Church in tional priests’ retreats. He was a then took place at Holy Rood St Francis’ primary in Cardinal Gray as Archbishop of sons of mobility Philip and his Australia and internationally. much-loved champion of young School (the primary department Craigmillar, transferring in 1968 St Andrews and Edinburgh he daughter Caroline moved to a He died on Tuesday December people and was keenly involved of Holy Cross Academy) of to the same post at St David’s, was awarded the Papal award ground floor flat just off Crewe 28, in Melbourne’s St Vincent’s in many World Youth Day cele- which he was dux in 1935, and Pilton. In 1970 he became head- Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. Philip’s Road in early 2010. hospital after the recurrence of a brations across the world. then his secondary education teacher of St David’s, at that Christian faith as part of the On Saturday December 4, on blood disorder, aged just 62. Bishop Grech was also the took place in the academy itself, time by far the largest Catholic Catholic Church was central to returning from morning Mass In 2001, The Most Reverend spiritual leader of the diocesan which he left in 1940 with the primary school in the city. He his life, and whilst he cherished Philip suffered a fall in the car Joseph Angelo Grech was pilgrimage to the canonisation Higher Leaving Certificate. He served there for 14 years, doing the past he was always open to park of his new flat and was appointed sixth Bishop of the of St Mary of the Cross was unsure what he would do in much to sustain and develop a new ideas, if they made sense. taken to hospital for treatment. Sandhurst Diocese whose cathe- MacKillop. He was a prominent adult life, but he certainly was school community of faith and Philip continued to entertain Unfortunately complications dral is in Bendigo. leader in Bendigo and was also not going to be a school teacher. social concern in the midst of family, friends and parish- arose and he died in hospital on Born in Malta, he was the eld- well known in Australian diplo- Philip undertook various much deprivation in the sur- ioners. As a young boy he Friday December 10, in the est of three children. After com- matic circles. office jobs, latterly in the Civil rounding area and in supporting would sit and watch his older presence of both his children. pleting the first four years of Bishop Grech was proud of Service, before volunteering in the work of Catholic education brothers practise their routines, His funeral Mass was cele- studies for the priesthood in his Maltese heritage and equal- 1942 for military service in the throughout the St Andrews and and he learnt them himself. brated in Holy Cross Church, Malta, he arrived in Australia in ly proud to be an Australian, the Royal Air Force. He received Edinburgh Archdiocese. After some time Johnny and Edinburgh, on Friday December 1971. He completed his last four wonderful blend of these cul- lengthy training in Canada On his retirement in 1984 Michael his two eldest brothers 17—his son Mgr Philip Kerr VG years of studies at Corpus tures manifested in his charac- before being commissioned to Philip spent even more time —known as the Brothers Rex— was principal celebrant assisted Christi College in Melbourne ter. He was very close to his serve as a navigator in Bomber pursuing his various interests brought both Vincent and Philip by over 20 priests from the arch- and was ordained priest in 1974. family, who still live in Malta, Command. He greatly cherished and in assisting in the work of into some routines, and the act- diocese and Cardinal Keith In 1999 he was appointed auxil- and visited them each year. His the comradeship of RAF life, but the Church. Having been ing bug grew. He performed O’Brien presided and led the iary Bishop of Melbourne before Aunt Tess and Uncle Jim, who his conscience was later troubled brought up in the Old Town of regularly in a concert troupe on final commendation. Thereafter becoming Bishop of Sandhurst live in Australia, were like par- by the great loss of life and dam- Edinburgh Philip knew much his return from the RAF. Early his body was laid to rest in At the time of his death he ents to him, and they were at his age which was inflicted, in about the history of the city, and in his tenure at St David’s there Mortonhall Cemetery. May he was a member of the Bishops side when he died. which he had played a part. for many years served as a vol- was a period of Gilbert and rest in peace. Commission for Pastoral Life He is survived by his brother On being demobbed in 1946 untary guide on the Royal Mile Sullivan operettas being per- MGR PHILIP KERR VG with special oversight for the Carmel and his sister Rosette. 12 PAPAL MESSAGES SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER PAPAL MESSAGES 13

Christmas Eve homily, St Peter’s Basilica, Rome of goodness in men and has given them strength to overcome the tyranny of might. Holy Father says that Christians Dear Brothers and Sisters This child builds his kingdom in every generation “You are my son, this day I have begotten you” with from within, from the heart. But at the same time it are the most persecuted group this passage from Psalm 2 the Church begins the is true that the ‘rod of his oppressor’ is not yet bro- liturgy of this holy night. She knows that this pas- ken, the boots of warriors continue to tramp and the World Day for Peace message sage originally formed part of the coronation rite of ‘garment rolled in blood’ (Is 9:4f) still remains. So the kings of Israel. part of this night is simply joy at God’s closeness. Pope Benedict XVI has said that The Holy Father The king, who in himself is a man like others, We are grateful that God gives Himself into our the lack of religious freedom for releases a dove for becomes the ‘Son of God’ through being called and hands as a child, begging as it were for our love, Christians is unacceptable and Peace at the Vatican installed in his office. It is a kind of adoption by implanting his peace in our hearts. But this joy is undermines efforts to build God, a decisive act by which he grants a new exis- also a prayer: Lord, make your promise come fully peace around the world. tence to this man, drawing him into his own being. true. Break the rods of the oppressors. Burn the The Holy Father stated this in The reading from the prophet Isaiah that we have tramping boots. a message released for the 44th just heard presents the same process even more Let the time of the garments rolled in blood come World Day of Peace on January clearly in a situation of hardship and danger for to an end. Fulfill the prophecy that ‘of peace there 1. The theme for his message is Israel: “To us a child is born, to us a son is given. will be no end’ (Is 9:7). We thank you for your Religious Freedom, the Path to The government will be upon his shoulder” (Is 9:6). goodness, but we also ask you to show forth your Peace. Installation in the office of the king is like a sec- power. Establish the dominion of your truth and “At present, Christians are the ond birth. As one newly born through God’s per- your love in the world the ‘kingdom of righteous- religious group which suffers sonal choice, as a child born of God, the king ness, love and peace.’ most from persecution on embodies hope. On his shoulders the future rests. “Mary gave birth to Her first-born son” (Lk 2:7). account of its faith,” the Pope He is the bearer of the promise of peace. In this sentence St Luke recounts quite soberly the said. On that night in Bethlehem this prophetic saying great event to which the prophecies from Israel’s The Pope highlighted in par- came true in a way that would still have been history had pointed. Luke calls the child the ‘first- ticular recent attacks on unimaginable at the time of Isaiah. Yes indeed, now born.’ In the language which developed within the Christians in Iraq ‘which contin- it really is a child on whose shoulders government sacred Scripture of the Old Covenant, ‘first-born’ ues to be a theatre of violence is laid. In him the new kingship appears that God does not mean the first of a series of children. and strife as it makes its way establishes in the world. This child is truly born of The word “first-born” is a title of honour, quite towards a future of stability and God. independently of whether other brothers and sisters reconciliation.’ He noted that It is God’s eternal Word that unites humanity with follow or not. So Israel is designated by God in the religious freedom is ‘an achieve- divinity. To this child belong those titles of honour Book of Exodus (4:22) as ‘my first-born Son,’ and ment of a sound political and which Isaiah’s coronation song attributes to Him: this expresses Israel’s election, its singular dignity, juridical culture.’ Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting the particular love of God the Father. on power of a single group, can and the leaders of nations should Father, Prince of Peace (Is 9:6). Yes, this king does The early Church knew that in Jesus this saying Extracts cause enormous harm to soci- therefore renew their commit- not need counselors drawn from the wise of this had acquired a new depth, that the promises made to “Religious freedom expresses eties. Fanaticism, fundamental- ment to promoting and protect- world. He bears in himself God’s wisdom and Israel were summed up in Him. Thus the Letter to what is unique about the human ism and practices contrary to ing religious freedom, and in God’s counsel. the Hebrews calls Jesus ‘the first-born,’ simply in person, for it allows us to direct human dignity can never be jus- particular to defending religious In the weakness of infancy, he is the mighty God order to designate Him as the Son sent into the our personal and social life to tified, even less so in the name minorities; these do not repre- and he shows us God’s own might in contrast to the world by God (cf 1:5-7) after the ground had been God, in whose light the identity, of religion. The profession of a sent a threat to the identity of self-asserting powers of this world. Truly, the words prepared by Old Testament prophecy. meaning and purpose of the per- religion cannot be exploited or the majority but rather an oppor- of Israel’s coronation rite were only ever rites of The first-born belongs to God in a special way son are fully understood. To imposed by force. States and the tunity for dialogue and mutual hope which looked ahead to a distant future that and therefore he had to be handed over to God in a deny or arbitrarily restrict this various human communities cultural enrichment. Defending God would bestow. None of the kings who were special way as in many religions and he had to be freedom is to foster a reductive must never forget that religious them is the ideal way to consoli- greeted in this way lived up to the sublime content ransomed through a vicarious sacrifice, as St Luke vision of the human person; to freedom is the condition for the date the spirit of good will, of these words. recounts in the episode of the Presentation in the eclipse the public role of reli- pursuit of truth, and truth does openness and reciprocity which In all of them, those words about divine sonship, Temple. The first-born belongs to God in a special gion is to create a society which not impose itself by violence but can ensure the protection of fun- about installation into the heritage of the peoples, way, and is as it were destined for sacrifice. is unjust, inasmuch as it fails to “by the force of its own truth”. damental rights and freedoms in about making the ends of the earth their possession In Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross this destiny of the Seeking a truth in Christ take account of the true nature In this sense, religion is a posi- all areas and regions of the (Ps 2:8) were only pointers towards what was to first-born is fulfilled in a unique way. In His person of the human person; it is to sti- tive driving force for the build- world.” come as it were signposts of hope indicating a He brings humanity before God and unites man without our having to ask what use it can serve. in song that they extolled God’s heavenly glory. So Himself. He who created the world is the same one God who desired to share in our history constantly fle the growth of the authentic ing of civil and political socie- future that at that moment was still beyond compre- with God in such a way that God becomes all in all. God’s glory, from which all beauty derives, caus- this angelic song has been recognised from the ear- who called Abraham and revealed his name to encourages us in our own commitment to that his- and lasting peace of the whole ty.” Religious freedom hension. St Paul amplified and deepened the idea of Jesus as es us to break out in astonishment and joy. Anyone liest days as music proceeding from God, indeed, as Moses: “I am who I am… the God of Abraham, tory, for all its contradictions. It is a source of hope human family. “Finally I wish to say a word to Thus the fulfillment of the prophecy, which firstborn in the Letters to the Colossians and to the who catches a glimpse of God experiences joy, and an invitation to join in the singing with hearts filled Isaac and Jacob… a God merciful and gracious, for everyone whose dignity is offended and violat- “For this reason, I implore all Beyond hatred an prejudice the Christian communities suf- began that night in Bethlehem, is both infinitely Ephesians: Jesus, we read in these letters, is the on this night we see something of His light. But the with joy at the fact that we are loved by God. abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (cf. Ex ed, since the one born in Bethlehem came to set men and women of good will to “Despite the lessons of history fering from persecution, dis- greater and in worldly terms smaller than the first-born of all creation the true prototype of man, angels’ message on that holy night also spoke of Cantare amantis est, says St Augustine: singing 3:14-15; 34:6). God does not change; He is Love, every man and woman free from the source of all renew their commitment to and the efforts of states, interna- crimination, violence and intol- prophecy itself might lead one to imagine. It is according to which God formed the human creature. men: “Peace among men with whom He is belongs to one who loves. ever and always. In Himself He is communion, enslavement. building a world where all are tional and regional organisa- erance, particularly in Asia, in greater in the sense that this child is truly the Son of Man can be the image of God because Jesus is pleased.” The Latin translation of the angels’ song Thus, down the centuries, the angels’ song has unity in Trinity, and all His words and works are May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in free to profess their religion or tions, non-governmental organi- Africa, in the Middle East and God, truly “God from God, light from light, begot- both God and man, the true image of God and of that we use in the liturgy, taken from St Jerome, is again and again become a song of love and joy, a directed to communion. The Incarnation is the cul- the Land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis faith, and to express their love of sations and the many men and especially in the Holy Land, a ten not made, of one being with the Father.” man. Furthermore, as these letters tell us, he is the slightly different: “Peace to men of good will.” song of those who love. At this hour, full of thank- mination of creation. When Jesus, the Son of God and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful God with all their heart, with all women of good will who daily place chosen and blessed by The infinite distance between God and man is first-born from the dead. In the resurrection He has The expression ‘men of good will’ has become an fulness, we join in the singing of all the centuries, incarnate, was formed in the womb of Mary by the coexistence. May the comforting message of the their soul and with all their mind work to protect fundamental God. I assure them once more of overcome. God has not only bent down, as we read broken down the wall of death for all of us. He has important part of the Church’s vocabulary in recent singing that unites heaven and earth, angels and will of the Father and the working of the Holy coming of Emmanuel ease the pain and bring con- (cf. Mt 22:37). This is the senti- rights and freedoms, today’s my paternal affection and in the Psalms; He has truly ‘come down,’ He has opened up to man the dimension of eternal life in decades. But which is the correct translation? We men. Yes, indeed, we praise you for your glory. We Spirit, creation reached its high point. The ordering solation amid their trials to the beloved Christian ment which inspires and directs world also witnesses cases of prayers, and I ask all those in come into the world, He has become one of us, in fellowship with God. must read both texts together; only in this way do praise you for your love. Grant that we may join principle of the universe, the Logos, began to exist communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle this Message for the 44th World persecution, discrimination, acts authority to act promptly to end order to draw all of us to Himself. This child is truly Finally, it is said to us that He is the first-born of we truly understand the angels’ song. It would be a with you in love more and more and thus become in the world, in a certain time and space. East; may it bring them comfort and hope for the Day of Peace, devoted to the of violence and intolerance every injustice against the Emmanuel God-with-us. His kingdom truly stretch- many brothers. Yes indeed, now he really is the first false interpretation to see this exclusively as the people of peace. Amen. “The Word became flesh”. The light of this truth future and bring the leaders of nations to show them theme: Religious Freedom, the based on religion. In a particular Christians living in those lands. es to the ends of the earth. of a series of brothers and sisters: the first, that is, action of God, as if He had not called man to a free is revealed to those who receive it in faith, for it is effective solidarity. May it also be so for those in Path to Peace.” way, in Asia and in Africa, the In the face of present difficul- He has truly built islands of peace in the world- who opens up for us the possibility of communing response of love. Christmas Day 2010 Urbi et Orbi a mystery of love. Only those who are open to love Haiti who still suffer in the aftermath of the devas- chief victims are the members of ties, may Christ’s followers not encompassing breadth of the holy Eucharist. with God. He creates true brotherhood not the kind But it would be equally mistaken to adopt a Verbum caro factum est (The Word became flesh) are enveloped in the light of Christmas. So it was on tating earthquake and the recent cholera epidemic. A sacred right to life religious minorities, who are lose heart, for witnessing to the Wherever it is celebrated, an island of peace arises, defiled by sin as in the case of Cain and Abel, or moralising interpretation as if man were so to speak (Jn 1:14) that night in Bethlehem, and so it is today. The May the same hold true not only for those in “The right to religious freedom prevented from freely professing Gospel is, and always will be, a of God’s own peace. This child has ignited the light Romulus and Remus, but the new brotherhood in able to redeem himself by his good will. Both ele- Incarnation of the Son of God is an event which Colombia and Venezuela, but also in Guatemala and is rooted in the very dignity of or changing their religion by sign of contradiction. which we are God’s own family. ments belong together: grace and freedom, God’s Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in occurred within history, while at the same time tran- Costa Rica, who recently suffered natural disasters. the human person, whose tran- forms of intimidation and the “Let us take to heart the This new family of God begins at the moment prior love for us, without which we could not love Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim scending history. In the night of the world a new May the birth of the Saviour open horizons of scendent nature must not be violation of their rights, basic words of the Lord Jesus: when Mary wraps Her first-born in swaddling Him, and the response that He awaits from us, the the message of Christmas: God became man; He light was kindled, one which lets itself be seen by lasting peace and authentic progress for the peoples ignored or overlooked. God cre- freedoms and essential goods, “Blessed are those who mourn, clothes and lays Him in a manger. Let us pray to response that He asks for so palpably through the came to dwell among us. God is not distant: He is the simple eyes of faith, by the meek and humble of Somalia, Darfur and the Ivory Coast; may it pro- ated man and woman in His own including the loss of personal for they shall be comforted … Him: Lord Jesus, who wanted to be born as the first birth of His son. ‘Emmanuel,’ God-with-us. He is no stranger: He hearts of those who await the Saviour. If the truth mote political and social stability in Madagascar; image and likeness (cf. Gen freedom and life itself. Blessed are those who hunger of many brothers and sisters, grant us the grace of We cannot divide up into independent entities the has a face, the face of Jesus. were a mere mathematical formula, in some sense it may it bring security and respect for human rights in 1:27). For this reason each per- “There also exists—as I have and thirst for righteousness, for true brotherhood. interplay of grace and freedom, or the interplay of This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it would impose itself by its own power. But if Truth Afghanistan and in Pakistan; may it encourage dia- son is endowed with the sacred said—more sophisticated forms they shall be satisfied … Help us to become like you. Help us to recognise call and response. The two are inseparably woven surpasses even our most daring hope. First of all, is Love, it calls for faith, for the “yes” of our hearts. logue between Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and may right to a full life, also from a of hostility to religion which, in Blessed are you when men your face in others who need our assistance, in together. So this part of the angels’ message is both because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an And what do our hearts, in effect, seek, if not a it advance reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. spiritual standpoint. Without the Western countries, occasionally revile you and persecute you and those who are suffering or forsaken, in all people, promise and call at the same time. God has antici- event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, Truth which is also Love? Children seek it with May the birth of the Saviour strengthen the spirit acknowledgement of his spiritu- find expression in a denial of utter all kinds of evil against you and help us to live together with you as brothers and pated us with the gift of His Son. heard and touched in the person of Jesus of their questions, so disarming and stimulating; of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the al being, without openness to the history and the rejection of reli- falsely on my account. Rejoice sisters, so as to become one family, your family. At God anticipates us again and again in unexpected Nazareth! Being in His presence, observing his young people seek it in their eagerness to discover Church in mainland China, that they may not lose transcendent, the human person gious symbols which reflect the and be glad, for your reward is the end of the Christmas Gospel, we are told that a ways. He does not cease to search for us, to raise us works and hearing His words, they recognized in the deepest meaning of their life; adults seek it in heart through the limitations imposed on their free- withdraws within himself, fails identity and the culture of the great in heaven” (Mt 5:4-12).” great heavenly host of angels praised God and said: up as often as we might need. He does not abandon Jesus the Messiah; and seeing Him risen, after His order to guide and sustain their commitments in the dom of religion and conscience but, persevering in to find answers to the heart’s majority of citizens. Often these “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace the lost sheep in the wilderness into which it had crucifixion, they were certain that He was true man family and the workplace; the elderly seek it in fidelity to Christ and His Church, may keep alive deepest questions about life’s forms of hostility also foster Peace is a gift from God among men with whom he is pleased!” (Lk 2:14). strayed. God does not allow Himself to be con- and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the order to grant completion to their earthly existence. the flame of hope. May the love of ‘God-with-us’ meaning, fails to appropriate hatred and prejudice; they are “The world needs God. It needs The Church has extended this song of praise, founded by our sin. Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn 1:14). “The Word became flesh.” The proclamation of grant perseverance to all those Christian communi- lasting ethical values and princi- inconsistent with a serene and universal, shared ethical and which the angels sang in response to the event of the Again and again he begins afresh with us. But He “The Word became flesh.” Before this revelation Christmas is also a light for all peoples, for the col- ties enduring discrimination and persecution, and ples, and fails even to experi- balanced vision of pluralism and spiritual values, and religion can holy night, into a hymn of joy at God’s glory ‘we is still waiting for us to join Him in love. He loves we once more wonder: how can this be? The Word lective journey of humanity. ‘Emmanuel,’ God- inspire political and religious leaders to be commit- ence authentic freedom and to the secularity of institutions, to offer a precious contribution to praise you for your glory.’ We praise you for the us, so that we too may become people who love, so and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how with-us, has come as King of justice and peace. We ted to full respect for the religious freedom of all. build a just society.” say nothing of the fact that com- their pursuit, for the building of beauty, for the greatness, for the goodness of God, that there may be peace on earth. St Luke does not can the eternal and almighty Word become a frail know that His Kingdom is not of this world, and yet Dear brothers and sisters, ‘the Word became ing generations risk losing con- a just and peaceful social order which becomes visible to us this night. The appear- say that the angels sang. He states quite soberly: the and mortal man? There is only one answer: Love. it is more important than all the kingdoms of this flesh:’ He came to dwell among us; He is Religious freedom tact with the priceless spiritual at the national and international ing of beauty, of the beautiful, makes us happy heavenly host praised God and said: “Glory to God Those who love desire to share with the beloved, world. It is like the leaven of humanity: were it lack- Emmanuel, the God who became close to us. “The exploitation of religious heritage of their countries. levels. Peace is a gift of God and Pope Benedict XVI blesses himself during Mass at St in the highest” (Lk 2:13f.). they want to be one with the beloved, and Sacred ing, the energy to work for true development would Together let us contemplate this great mystery of freedom to disguise hidden Religion is defended by defend- at the same time a task which is Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve (left) and blesses But men have always known that the speech of Scripture shows us the great love story of God for flag: the impulse to work together for the common love; let our hearts be filled with the light which interests, such as the subversion ing the rights and freedoms of never fully completed. A society those gathered in Rome after his Urbi et Orbi on angels is different from human speech, and that His people which culminated in Jesus Christ. good, in the disinterested service of our neighbour, shines in the stable of Bethlehem! To everyone, a of the established order, the religious communities. The lead- reconciled with God is closer to Christmas Day (above right) above all on this night of joyful proclamation it was God in fact does not change: He is faithful to in the peaceful struggle for justice. Belief in the Merry Christmas! hoarding of resources or the grip ers of the great world religions peace...” 14 THE CHURCH IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 Caught between two of the greatest evils DR HARRY SCHNITKER begins an extensive new SCO series looking at the role played by the Catholic Church during the Second World War THE CHURCH IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR

WOULD like to begin this new series with a look back to last year, and to the event that, for Catholics, will be the abiding memory of 2010: the visit of the HolyI Father to Scotland. In his first address of the visit, Pope Benedict XVI broached a subject that has very personal meaning to him. Referring to the Nazis, he said: “I also recall the regime’s attitude to Christian pastors and religious who spoke the Truth in love, opposed the Nazis and paid for that opposition with their lives.” In a previous series for the SCO, I have already explored the heroic wit- ness of Catholics during the darkest days of a dark century, the saints who embraced martyrdom, or who had it foisted upon them by the evil regimes that haunted mid-20th-century Europe. The Holy Father was referring to one of these regimes, that of the Nazis. He was, of course, quite right to highlight the heroic suffering of Christians who opposed that regime on the grounds that it was incompatible with the teachings of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. I hes- itate to write this, but the Pope’s critics were also right when they highlighted the wrongs committed by members of the Church in the period. The history of the role of the Church during the war years is a highly complex one. For every edifying story one can find stories of evil-doing, of Catholics who abandoned the core of their beliefs and embraced the devil, sometimes in the mistaken belief that it would further the cause of the Faith. The Holy Father knows this and has, on other occasions, highlighted the fact that, at times, evil resides within our Church. Pope John Paul II, on the eve of the new millennium, exhorted Catholics— and Catholic historians in particular— While the Apostolic Nuncio to Germany cloud the issue. The Catholic Church is Archbishop Orsenigo. All this seems to may have to work with a regime, but to face up to the mistakes and wrongs during the Second World War, Archbishop a transnational body, indeed, is the damn him. However, one also needs to one does not have to approve of it. caused by the Church in the past. Cesare Orsenigo (above with Adolf Hitler transnational body, and Her history is see Archbishop Orsenigo as the repre- Clearly Archbsihop Orsenigo did not However, this should not be done at and Joachim Von Ribbentrop) has been destroyed by a nationalistic approach sentative of a Church that played for approve and his actions have to be the expense of recognising that which widely condemned for his relationship with to the past. time in order to survive. judged from the perspective of the the Nazis, the situation in which he, and was good, as Pope Benedict did on his the Church, were operating in was complex Again this may easily be illustrated at Church which he served. Somehow, visit to Scotland. This is a difficult and multi-faceted the hand of an example. Archbishop is letters, which are currently though, many seem to think that it was debate, made all the more difficult by Cesare Orsenigo was the Apostolic nun- being made available by the incorrect for the Church to look after the enormity of the subject and the fact deployed with a caption suggesting that cio in Germany. As such, he was the HVatican, reveal that his main its own interests first. This is distinctly that there is not a single historical sur- the Pope had the support of the Nazi official representative of both the concern was the preservation of a odd, for it is a moral criteria never used vey of the Church’s role in Europe dur- regime. Others still go even further: Vatican and the Catholic Church in that diplomatic link to the Nazi regime. To for other players of the period. ing the war. ever since the obviously fictional 1963 country during the Nazi regime. him, this was necessary to allow Few would criticise Winston play by the Protestant German author, Archbishop Orsenigo’s reputation is not Vatican instructions to reach the Churchill for working with Stalin, a t is also a subject hijacked by those Rolf Hochhuth, the epitaph of The the best: a few pictures of him with German Episcopate, and he knew from man every bit as evil as Hitler, in order with an agenda. Let me illustrate Deputy has been used to taint the Pope. Adolf Hitler and a damning comment first-hand experience in Poland what to secure the survival of Britain. Nor Ithis at the hand of an example, one On the other hand, Pope Pius’s by the heroic President of the German happened when this was no longer fea- should he be criticised. Survival is also to which I will return in a future article. champions are not above over-empha- Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal sible. It was through Archbishop what the Church fought for, and, like Of all the aspects of the Church dur- sising his virtues, or, at the least, Konrad von Preysing, have served to Orsenigo that the Pope’s instructions Prime Minister Churchill, Pius XII was ing the war, none has become more ignoring his shortcomings. His stance ruin his name. This is not totally unde- for a co-ordinated opposition to the well aware of the dangers posed by the debated than the role played by the towards the Polish Government in served if seen from a German perspec- Nazi’s euthanasia programme were other great evil of the era, Communism. war-time Pope, Pius XII. There are exile, partly inspired by his well- tive: his lack of backbone caused the relayed to the German bishops, an This meant that any consideration of many in the Church who consider the founded fear of Communism, was German bishops and their flock much opposition that proved remarkably the role played by the Church in the Pope to have been a saint. In stark con- anything but heroic. trouble. It was even worse in Poland, efficient. period needs to bear in mind that Pius trast, others view him as, at best, cow- This series, then, will be an attempt where Archbishop Orsenigo became This fact highlights one significant was caught between the devil and the ardly and, at worst, complicit in the to provide an overview of the Catholic acting Apostolic Nuncio upon the element that the detractors of the deep blue sea, or, perhaps more appro- holocaust, the planned and systematic Church throughout Europe during the German occupation. He is regarded by Church, of Pius XII and of Archbishop priately, between two evils. destruction of Europe’s Jews. war years and their prelude. For I Poles as nothing short of evil, the man Orsenigo often failed to mention: For the Church, which he was lead- Obviously, both sides cannot be right. strongly believe that it is only through a who betrayed Poland to the Nazis and to Catholic teaching denounced racism ing to survive, he had on occasion to The historical facts seem to matter lit- comprehensive survey of the Church’s Joseph Stalin. and saw Nazism, Fascism and ‘sup with a long spoon.’ Again, this tle to either side of the debate; Pius role across the continent that we may From a Jewish perspective, too, the Communism as antithetical to the series will not shirk from exposing or XII’s detractors point to his ‘silence’ gain a better understanding of the com- Apostolic nuncio appears to have little revealed Truth of Jesus. Archbishop focusing on the wrongs committed by and construe that as a moral failure. plexities of the situation. to recommend him. Whilst many Orsenigo wrote as much in 1933 when members of the Church. But it will also Some go beyond this. A famous pho- Jewish historians praise the nuncios in Hitler had come to power. put these in a context and, in doing so, tograph showing German soldiers ational histories of the countries such as France and Hungary “To support this regime would be hopefully provide a balanced view of shouldering arms as the Holy Father Church’s position dominate the for their active role in saving the Jews, ingenious and incoherent with Catholic the Church’s recent history, a history leaves the Vatican is frequently Ndiscussion and do much to they have little good to say about teaching,” he wrote. As a diplomat one that still has profound influences today. Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER A GRAND LITTLE PARISH 15 Century of good faith WEEK 1, VOLUME 2 at St Aidan’s parish New Year blues countered by centenary joy as St Aidan’s priests plan for special year of celebration in the latest part of KT BROGAN’S fictional series A GRAND LITTLE PARISH

ILL you sit down, become ill-tempered and even… dare I “I think you’re turning into limbo and had kept its identity. Henrik and myself were working on a John Paul? You’re say… explode in wrath at times, Vincent,” he said at last. “Committees,” the canon read out project together… well… ” like something you’re falling between two stools, in a “I have my moments,” was the mod- the last item on the list. He riffled through his pile of papers dancing on the end manner of speaking.” est reply. Then, “here’s your copy of He beamed. and produced a booklet. The cover of a wire… you’re The canon thought for a minute, the main areas for assessment, John “Now there’s the biggest surprise of bore the title ‘Reminiscences.’ Wmaking me nervous.” then nodded seriously. Paul. Have a look and then we’ll have all, John Paul. Who would have The canon studied it for a few minutes. The canon’s voice held just a trace “You have a point. And I think that our discussion… and drink our cof- thought it? Instead of all this ‘them “This is impressive,” he smiled. of irritation. Fr John Paul perched on Anger could be a bit more serious than fee.” and us’ stuff that goes on in parishes, “A complete history of the peat cut- the arm of a fireside chair and treated Gluttony in the Deadly Sins depart- in-fighting, mischief making from ters who came here from Holland and him to a penetrating look. ment… so I might be wise to cancel n hour later, all deliberations cliques that take root in a badly direct- played such a big part in the founda- “Are you sickening for something the diet.” had been completed. Both had ed committee… all that stuff… we tion of St Aidan’s… with pictures… ” canon? It’s not like you to be… well “And we’ve a lot to get through Aagreed that Mass attendance have… ” “I asked Henrik about his family his- irritable.” before Easter,” Fr John Paul nodded. both on Sundays and during the week As he paused for breath, Fr John tory… and, as you know, he’s a great The other snorted in indignation. “You’ll have to keep your strength were very satisfactory as was the Paul finished the sentence for him. talker. He agreed to let me use my dic- “Irritable? Me? I haven’t an irritable up. It might be altogether the wrong weekly Rosary and Benediction. “Four area committees of five all taphone so that I wouldn’t miss or for- corpuscle in my entire body. I’m just time to try to change your eating “We need a children’s Mass, acting as one for the good of the parish get anything. At the end of it all, he sorting out my New Year’s resolutions habits” he added seriously. though,” Fr John Paul said. together with an ad hoc committee of contributed some family photographs. and mourning the fact that we’ve left “You’re quite right,” the canon had “As we’ve no school, a number of unspecified number who simply lend a I cobbled it together as a sort of sample the season of goodwill behind and suddenly cheered up and was rummag- the parishioners are worried that the hand where needed… and all for the of something I’d like to extend to the we’re now staring the season of burst ing among the books in his little book- children will have a St Jerome’s identi- wellbeing of St Aidan’s.” senior parishioners… thought we pipes and influenza in the face.” case by his armchair. ty instead of a St Aidan’s one. All the The canon smiled. “It’s an ideal sit- might produce a proper book for the “You’re depressed, then?” Fr John “Let’s start right away on planning school Masses are at St Jerome’s for uation, and one that I haven’t seen centenary.” Paul began to become concerned. for the centenary. You go and get the the sake of convenience.” before. I should imagine that that was The canon beamed. “Is it the prospect of trying to keep coffee, and… ” “I agree,” the canon nodded. the way things were about a century “Brilliant. Now that’s what I call a some of your New Year’s resolutions With a flourish, he produced a pack- “But I haven’t suggested anything of ago, when St Aidan’s came into being. good idea… ” that’s getting you down? The diet, for et of chocolate biscuits from his bookcase. the sort because I’ve been… There was a real sense of community His smile suddenly faded. instance? Edith seems to approve of “I’ll supply the biscuits. I keep an DEAVED… by the young mothers… then… people helped one another “But time’s against us. The basis that one, mind you. Intends to cut emergency supply to boost my energy especially the ones on that new hous- through the bad times. But we’re liv- for this would need to be properly your portions by half and put a lock on from time to time.” ing estate. I tell you… there’s nothing ing in a selfish world these days… all organised, divided up into sections the fridge just to keep you on track.” Laughing, Fr John Paul went off to more terrifying, John Paul, than facing that one-upmanship and that class of so that the parish book would be The canon sighed heavily. the kitchen for a pot of coffee. When up to rampant motherhood. My thing… which makes this merging of properly balanced, that there would “I ate well but not wisely over he returned, he found the canon study- defence is usually to head off in the the sub-committees all the more spe- be little or no repetition.” Christmas, John Paul and it’s weighing ing a sheaf of papers. opposite direction.” cial. Long may it continue.” “Individual and group interviews,” heavily on my mind, not to mention “I’ve made a list of what I see as the Fr John Paul ticked the item on his was the prompt reply. my feet. And of course, I’m troubled integral parts of the parish,” he said. list. he conversation turned then to “All we need is one person to by scruples as usual.” Fr John Paul “Here’s a duplicate. Let’s decide on “Approved in principle, then, I take the celebration of St Aidan’s organise and co-ordinate the proj- stared at him. “Scruples? St Aidan’s strengths AND weaknesses it?” Tcentenary. ect… and interviewers with dicta- “Gluttony is one of the Seven before we do any forward planning. The other nodded. As they worked “I’ve a few ideas,” Fr John Paul phones… ” Deadly Sins, my boy.” It’s all relevant, after all… ” through their list, both came to the con- began. They looked at each other for a “So’s Anger, canon. Therefore, if His colleague looked at him in dis- clusion that St Aidan’s had recovered “The floor is yours,” was the answer. moment… then, “Vincent,” they said your planned diet causes you to belief. well from its two years in a sort of “A while back, canon, I mentioned that together. Epiphany history represents our Church’s development

NOW THAT we have the Feast of the Christ which had prompted the visit of Epiphany on a Sunday many more the Magi—the first reference to people are able to appreciate its Mgr Basil Christmas is at the very end of the importance, and to take part in its fourth century. It had some opposition wonderful Liturgy. Loftus Zeal and Patience to overcome because it was the Of all the feasts in the Church this celebration of an earthly rather than a one has shown more development than John’s Gospel: “as the Feast of Anthems be to thee addressed, heavenly birthday—but this too was any other. In this sense it can be a good Tabernacles drew near, his brother said God in man made manifest. just another example of how the Church example of development in the Church to him ‘why not leave this place and go At first the Feast of the Epiphany was develops and progresses. in general. to Judea?’” . (7:2). This Jewish feast not called ‘The Jordan Feast,’ and is still So as a New Year resolution I want to At first there was only one feast in only commemorated the Covenant of known in some parts of the Eastern look in the coming year at how through the Church as a whole. This was the the Chosen People with God, but also Church as ‘The Holy Day of Lights’—a study of the documents of Vatican II celebration of Pentecost. Any other celebrated the part that light and water reference to our Christian illumination together with its post-conciliar feasts for the first three hundred or so played in their tradition. So Christians at Baptism rather than to the star of the documentation, and especially with the years were just celebrations in honour then began to reflect on the New Three Kings. However, in the Western theological insights into the Council of local martyrs. There was also a very Covenant which Christ had brought, Church it was the lovely story of the shown by the present Holy Father, we strong feeling that it was wrong for and to the part water and light played in Magi and their star which caught the can understand that development, Christians to celebrate any kind of that. They wanted a feast too. popular imagination, and is now change and reform are an integral part earthly birthday. Only heavenly So it was a short step from here to the primarily associated with this feast. of the Church as a whole, as birthdays counted—the day of the death establishment of a second universal The next step was taken by the exemplified in the history of the or entrance into Heaven of martyrs. feast in the Church – that of the Lutheran church. They interpreted the development of the Feast of the That’s why Christmas was not Epiphany, which was not just about the Epiphany as a missionary feast, and Epiphany. celebrated at first, but since Pentecost Magi, but specifically commemorated used this day to emphasise the Church’s I shall remember in my New Year was a kind of joint celebration of the the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan, the missionary work. Christ reaches out and Epiphany Masses all our readers, Resurrection and Ascension, as well as turning of Water into wine at Cana in Spanish-born Poet called Aurelius from His Crib to embrace the and the wonderful staff in Glasgow who the descent of the Holy Spirit, I suppose Galilee, and the course of the light of Pudentius, and later adapted by William representatives of the Gentiles—and to make this newspaper possible. in a way it was Christ’s heavenly the star which brought the Magi to the Wordsworth’s son, Christopher, in the demonstrate His Father’s Universal birthday too. Crib. nineteenth century it goes as follows: Salvific Will. This too has now become Mgr Basil Loftus is a priest of the Because the Church at first was In fact the Magi were the least Manifest at Jordan’s stream, a part of our understanding of this feast. Diocese of Leeds now living in centred in Jerusalem there was still a important element at first. The hymn in Prophet, priest and king supreme, And Of course, once the Epiphany had retirement in the North of Sutherland. strong influence from Jewish religious the breviary for the Epiphany, which is at Cana wedding-guest been established as a feast in the He worked in secretariat for English practice, in particular the Feast of still recited today, clearly shows this. In thy Godhead manifest; universal Church, it was but a short step and Welsh bishops in Rome during the Tabernacles. This is mentioned in Written in the fourth century by a Changing water into wine; to celebrate just before it the Birth of Second Vatican Council 16 MISSIO SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 Young church ‘coming of age’ In our monthly feature from MISSIO SCOTLAND, national director Fr Patrick McGuire looks to the Church in Zambia for inspiration following a Congress at which the country declared itself to be missionary

T HAS been 120 years since the first Missionary priests and reli- gious established the Church in Zambia. They planted that much spoken of ‘Seed of Faith’ that hasI grown slowly and effectively. In October 2010 a new ‘fruit’ has sprung forth from the indigenous church. For the first time the people of God in Zambia held a ‘Congress’ at which they declared themselves to be Missionary. Fr Bernard Makadani Zulu (right), the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio) in Zambia, offers great insight: “The first Missionary Congress in Zambia was a historic event. “It was an animation session to ori- ent the ecclesial community towards missionary cooperation, and thus encourage every diocese, institute, organisation and every person in the Church to be involved in Mission. “We believe that Mission Congresses will promote world-wide interest in evangelisation in all sections of the ‘People of God,’ namely priests, reli- gious, laity families, Christian commu- nities, parishes, schools, movements, associations, councils, commissions, etc. Our purpose is to make every Christian aware, of their part in the uni- versal vocation of the Church. “We pray that our Mission Congress will help us to develop the missionary conscience, to inform people of the need for Mission. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies we hope to promote mutual aid between churches and an exchange of spiritual values, material resources and missionary per- sonnel. In this way we know that we will awaken a spirit of practical soli- darity to evangelise the world. This Mission Congress was a global sign of the universal Church and Her mission. By sharing the gift of faith we can bring hope and love to our brothers and sisters.” Inspiration Using the classic approach of looking to ‘past, present and future,’ the Congress reflected on its own ‘Journey’ from the days of those first Fr Bernard Makadani Zulu (left and top) and Fr Timothy Lehane SVD (top) European Missionaries, through cele- celebrate Mass. Fr Lehane with delegates (above middle and above) brating its own identity as ‘Church’ to taking up the ‘Missionary Challenges’ lated its future and present agenda as a the wisdom of the Holy Father they the Church’s mission to the whole I leave the last word to Fr Bernard as he in the wake of the recent ‘Second series of profound statements recognised that such ‘a mature faith’ is world… Let us pray for holy mission- speaks to every Christian heart. African Synod’. On Mission they embraced both ‘capable of entrusting itself completely aries ready to go and witness to Jesus “We pray the first Mission Congress During the Congress they gave Scripture and Tradition affirming their to God’ only if it is ‘nourished by Christ and bring the fire of the Gospel will lead us to a renewed awareness of thanks for those who had the courage belief that it is first and foremost God’s prayer, meditation on the Word of God, to the ends of the earth. the urgent need to proclaim the and faith to carry the Gospel to foreign Mission originating in the very nature and study of the truths of the faith.’ “At the end of this Mission Gospel,” he said. “May our delibera- lands and in particular to Zambia. The of the Triune God. Secondly they The discussions followed a wide Congress, strengthened by a new tions and reflections be a sign of com- delegates took ownership of the words accepted that this must become their range of topics embracing the whole awareness and conviction that we are munion and mutual concern among the of the Holy Father in his Mission Mission: “It is from this encounter with spectrum of Christian life in Zambia— all active participants in the mission of ‘People of God.’ Sunday message that the missionary the Love of God that transforms our Church as family respecting each per- the Church; we commit ourselves to be “May prayer, the essential spiritual mandate received at Baptism cannot be existence that we can offer a credible son’s vocation and gifts; becoming a available to serve where the mission means for spreading among all peoples fulfilled in a credible manner without a testimony, giving reason for our hope” self-sustainable church; being aware of needs are greater, in Zambia and the light of Christ be intensified even profound personal, communal and pas- (Benedict XVI Mission Sunday 2010). the changing religious context of Africa beyond its borders, ready to share our more in the Christian Faithful. toral conversion. The Gospel, they Finally drawing from their own and its many expressions of limited resources in solidarity for the “We hope and pray that the declared, must enter the heart of every Catholic culture they adopted the Christianity; the socio-economic con- sake of the Kingdom; to encourage spe- Missionary Congress will be an oppor- person, in every place. This awareness words of their bishops in 1999: “Let us text of today’s Africa; environmental cific missionary vocations ad extra; to tunity to enhance our bond as evange- is heightened through the work of con- encourage Zambian missionary voca- issues; the role of the media; respect for support the work of the Pontifical lisers, reflect on the universal secrated men and women, catechists tions, young men and women ready to culture, to name but a few. Perhaps Mission Societies in Zambia. missionary cooperation, widen our and lay missionaries. be sent to proclaim the Gospel to less most importantly was the call to return Many meetings such as the ‘Mission horizons beyond our local situation and Fr Timothy Lehane SVD, the secre- well-off dioceses within Zambia and to the original vision out of which Congress’ produce beautiful docu- feel part of the universal efforts to tary general of the Society for the beyond its borders… go and tell them “Small Christian Communities” were ments and reflections which sadly end preach the Word of God to the ends of Propagation of the Faith, participated all that the Lord in His mercy has done formed. up on book shelves and in libraries, sel- the earth.” in the Congress together with 80 dele- for you.” They set themselves a formidable dom to be seen again. The Zambian gates from a cross section of the agenda and tackled it with faith and Congress seems different. It has been a I If you would like to support the Zambian Church and several invited Challenges enthusiasm. Let their conclusion speak local initiative from start to finish. It work of spreading the Gospel through- guests. In a very realistic manner the assembly for itself. supports the local church yet also chal- out the world, please contact All were determined that Zambia addressed the challenges that they “For many years we in Zambia have lenges it. Its vitality shines out with Missio Scotland should take its rightful missionary faced in deepening their Catholic iden- been receiving missionaries to come truly African vigour. 4 Laird Street, Coatbridge, North stand within the Universal Church. tity, growing in their own Faith and and proclaim the Good News to us. The It deeply impressed Missionaries of Lanarkshire, ML5 3LJ. Tel: 01236 With Eucharist, prayer, reflection and becoming authentic witnesses to Christ time has now come to become mission- long experience. We must wait a few 449774 Fax: 01236 428432. E-mail: much discussion the gathering articu- and His Gospel. Once more drawing on aries to ourselves and to take our part in years to see what new fruit it will bear. national. [email protected] Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER CHURCH NOTICES 17

CHURCH NOTICES

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G EORGE P. R EILLY Write to: Painter and Decorator The Scottish Catholic Observer 30 Years of Experience 19 Waterloo Street Free Estimates Glasgow, G2 6BT 07974379811 01698 822215 or email: [email protected] 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

CAMPBELL GOLDEN WEDDING BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Treasured memories of Chrissie Campbell, who died peacefully SINCLAIR – GALBRAITH KEATINGS on January 12, 2004, a precious On January 7, 1961, at St Mar- Precious memories of a much wife, mother, sister and gran. garet’s RC Church, Kinning loved husband, dad and We hold you close within our Park, Glasgow, Iain to Mary. Cel- grandad, Larry, who died De- hearts, ebrated by Rev Canon Mc- cember 3, 1998, and whose And there you shall remain, Carthy. birthday occurs on January 13. To walk with us throughout our Congratulations to Mum and Our home is empty without you, lives, Dad from all the family and The heart of it is gone, Until we meet again, grandchildren. The light went out the day you So rest in peace dear loved one, died, And thanks for all you’ve done, CONVERY, John HENRY McGRORY DEATHS How do we carry on. We pray that God has given you, Please pray for the repose of the In loving memory of our dear Precious memories of Paul, my BELL St Lawrence, pray for him. The crown you’ve truly won. soul of John Convery, who died Dad, whose 11th Anniversary will darling boy, who died December Peacefully at his home in Kathleen and family. Merciful Jesus, grant eternal rest January 7, 1994, aged 62 years. be on January 9 and who will re- 29, 2009. Lochboisdale, on December 21, to the souls of the faithful de- Still loved and still missed by main in our hearts, minds and 2010, Neil M. Bell, aged 84 MEMORIAM Always remembered, always parted. Sadie and all the family. prayers forever till we meet loved. years. BEECHEY Inserted by her loving husband Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray again. From his loving mum Josephine. Fortified by the rites of the Holy In loving memory of my dear and family, her loving sister and for him. Please remember him in your Catholic Church. wife, and mother, Annie family. prayers. Sadly missed. Beechey, who died January 2, McGUINNESS DAVIES God bless Dad and Mum from In loving memory of our dear 1976. CAMPBELL 19th Anniversary BROADLEY Willie, Gerard, Mary, Angela and mother Elizabeth, who died Jan- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 1st Anniversary Treasured memories of our Suddenly but peacefully at home Neil and all our families. uary 11, 1984, our dear father, her. In loving memory of my beloved beloved Joanna, died January on December 25, 2010, Michael Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Charles, who died March 13, St Bernadette, pray for her. mother, Christina, who died on 11, 1992, aged 13 years. Jnr, aged 49 years. Much loved him. 1976, our dear brother, Charlie, Inserted by her husband and January 2, 2010. Also remem- Her loving ways, her gentle father, beloved son of Michael who died May 10, 1996, also our family, Clydebank. bering my dear father, Roddy, smile, touched all our lives and and Mary and a dearly loved McALLISTER who died on June 11, 2010. will remain with us forever. dear brother, Jackie, who died brother and uncle. 7th Anniversary BORLAND You were so thoughtful, loving A precious gift now safe in the August 29, 1985, and dear sis- Fortified by rites of Holy Church. th Anniversary In loving memory of Joe, a lov- 18 and kind, warmth of God’s care. ter, Lizzie, dear nephew, R.I.P. In loving memory of my dear ing husband, dad and papa, who These are the memories you left From all the family. Charles, died August 21, 2004, husband, Andrew, loving father behind. died January 4, 2004. Rest in and dear cousin, John, who died COYNE, Clare Josephine and granpa, died December 10, Inserted by your loving son DIVERS peace. May, 1996. Suddenly at home on Sunday, 1992. John. 11th Anniversary of Brian. From Anne and family. St Andrew, pray for them. December 19, 2010, cherished Our Lady of Lourdes and St An- Always in our thoughts and Inserted by the family. sister of Teresa and much loved thony, pray for him. daughter of Martin and the late CAMPBELL prayers. Inserted by Mary and family. st Lilias. 1 Anniversary Miss you lots. MacINNES Loving memories of our sister-in- From Brenda, Bill, Stephen, 3rd Anniversary Safe in the arms of Jesus. BOYLE law, Christina, who died on Jan- Tommy, George, Jim and Paul. In loving memory of Michael 29 Pine Grove, Livingston. Mary Ann on her 24th Anniver- uary 2, 2010. Also her dear sary on January 11 in what Iain, our beloved brother, husband, Roddy, who passed DUFF, David DORRIS, Annie would have been her 100th year. brother-in-law and uncle, who away on June 11, 2010. In loving memory of David, dear Peacefully at Wishaw General From Willie, Gerard, Mary, An- died on January 6, 2008. Always in our hearts and husband and father, died Janu- Hospital, on December 22, gela and Neil and all our fami- A day of remembrance quietly prayers. 2010, aged 94 years. Beloved lies. ary 9, 2006. kept, Inserted by Seonaid and Katie wife of the late John Dorris, lov- You are always alive in our Deep in our hearts you will al- No need for words, we shall ing mother of Andrew, Elizabeth, Bell. ways stay, never forget. thoughts, prayers and love. McANENA Margaret Mary, Daniel, Patricia Loved and remembered every Fois shiorruidh thoir dha a thigh- CHISHOLM Loving memories of John, died and Bernard and a much loved CAIRNS day. earna. In loving memory of Cathie, who January 11, 1998. grandmother, great-grandmother 9th Anniversary Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Inserted by the family, 3 East Kil- We hold you close within our and mother-in-law. In loving memory of our father, died on January 18, 2002, and him. hearts, bride, South Uist. Fortified by the rites of the Holy John, who died January 3, 2002, her husband, Pat, who died on Kathleen and family. December 14, 2003. And there you will remain, Catholic Church. aged 82 years, beloved husband McINTYRE Eternal rest grant unto them, O FEENEY To walk with us throughout our of the late Stella Simaitis, who 33rd Anniversary McQUADE Lord. In loving memory of our dear fa- lives, died May 20, 1999, aged 78 Please pray for the repose of the Peacefully at Crosshouse Hospi- Inserted by their loving families. ther, James Feeney, who died Until we meet again. years. soul of our dear mother, Bella tal on January 1, 2011, Sheila, Both sadly missed. on January 6, 1958. From your loving wife Annie and MacIntyre, who died on Decem- aged 79 years. Much loved sis- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for CHISHOLM A frequent Mass, a daily prayer, family. ber 21, 1977, also our dear ter of Margaret, Bunty, Michael them. In loving memory of our brother The purest token we can spare, uncle, Alistair, who died January and Gerard and loving aunt of all From the family. and uncle, Jack, who died Janu- Whatever else we fail to do, McCOMISH the family. ary 4, 2001. We never fail to pray for you. In loving memory of our dear 5, 1997. R.I.P. Fortified by the rites of the Holy May he rest in peace. Inserted by Jim and Rose. mother, Margaret McGowan, Fois shiorruidh thoir dhaibh A Catholic Church. R.I.P. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have who died January 6, 1966. Thighearna, mercy on him. GALBRAITH R.I.P. Agus solus nach dibir dearrsadh MARIN, James Inserted by the family. In loving memory of our dear St Anne, pray for her. orra. At Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, on parents, also our sisters and Inserted by the family, 38 North Our Lady of Isles, pray for them. Monday, December 20, 2010, brothers, Catherine, Francis, Elgin Street, Clydebank. Inserted by son Angus James Jim, much loved husband of Pat, Roddy, Mary, Donald and Don- and family, 6 North Locheynort, dearest Dad of Iain and Jane ald John. McDONALD South Uist. and proud granddad of Keith Rest in peace. In loving memory of our beloved and Ruth and father-in-law of Inserted by the family. mother, Annie, who died on Jan- McKINNON Margaret. Dearest brother of uary 7, 1998; also remembering Remembering with affection, Joan (U.S.A.), Veronica HARTE our beloved brothers, John, Annie, a beloved sister, mother (Canada) and Pauline (Eng- In loving memory of our dear fa- Michael, Charlie and Dennis, and grandmother, died January land). ther, Patrick Harte, who died whose anniversaries occur 9, 1976. Requiescat In Pace. January 12, 1988. about this time. Also our God grant her eternal happi- Today ends another sad year, beloved sister, Annie. ness. MILNE, Marjorie (nee Harkins) CLARKE But in our hearts you are always Forever in our thoughts. Family and sisters. Peacefully surrounded by her 10th Anniversary there. family on December 13, 2010. Precious memories of Teddy, Inserted by his loving family, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, MacKINNON beloved husband of the late James, Patrick and Mary, grand- pray for them. CHRISTMAS 26th Anniversary Mary, a devoted father, grandfa- children and great-grandchil- St Martin, pray for them. In loving memory of my dear REMEMBRANCE ther and brother, who died Janu- dren. From all the family. husband and father, Ronald, KELLY ary 9, 2001. who died on December 19, Remembering with love this CAMPBELL/MACPHERSON We think of you with love today, HENRETTY McGAVIGAN Christmas, Mary, loving wife, 6th Anniversary But that is nothing new, 33rd Anniversary In loving memory of Jimmy, who 1984. R.I.P. mother, gran and sister. Remembering with love and We think about you every day, Of your charity, please pray for died January 9, 2008, aged 76. Softly from the shadows. We hold you close within our deep sorrow, our dear Calum, We will our whole lives through, the repose of the soul of our Early in the morning you heard There came a gentle call, hearts, Archie, Murdina, Andrew and In our hearts you are always mother, Ellen Fitzgerald, beloved the quiet call, With farewells left unspoken, And there she will remain, Hannah, who went to God to- there, wife of the late William Henretty, You took the hand Jesus offered You quietly left us all. To walk with us throughout our gether on January 11, 2005. Loved and remembered in every who died January 6, 1978. and quietly left us all. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for lives, Our Lady of the Isles, pray for prayer. O compassionate Lord Jesus, Jimmy – you were God’s gift to him. Until we meet again. them. St Vincent de Paul, pray for him. grant her eternal rest. – 120 all of us. Inserted by his wife Betty and From Tom and all the family. Inserted by all the family. Inserted by his loving family. Gala Street. Bessie and family. family. Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

MacNEIL POWERFUL NOVENA In affectionate memory of Of Childlike Confidence Michael John, died December (This novena is to be said at the 30, 2001, devoted and caring same time, every hour, for nine husband of Peigie Jane, loving father, father-in-law and grandad consecutive hours – just one of the family. day). O Jesus, who hast said, “Stella di Maris” pray for him. ask and you shall receive, seek In the shelter of Thy Sacred and you shall find, knock and it Heart, shall be opened to you, through Dear Jesus, may he rest. the intercession of Mary, Thy McLAUGHLIN We miss him much, but still we MULLAN PRENTICE, John TAYLOR Precious memories of a loving know, 14th Anniversary Much missed Dad and Granda, Precious memories of my Most Holy Mother, I knock, I husband, Neilly, died January 2, died January 11, 2004. beloved mother, Ellen, who died Thy Holy will is best. In loving memory of a dear hus- seek, I ask that my prayer be 2000. Did the sun shine brighter, on January 3, 2003, also my You were always there when we band, father and grandfather, granted (make your request). O A life well lived is a precious gift, Or was the sky a deeper blue, beloved father, John, who died needed you, Of hope and strength and grace, Johnnie, died January 12, 1997. Or was it just a different world, on October 5, 1994; also my Jesus, who hast said, all that No task too great or small, From someone who has made Sadly missed. When we shared our life with dear brother, John, who died Oc- you ask of the Father in My our world, With willing hands and a heart of Eternal rest grant unto him, O you. tober 20, 1999. name, He will grant you through A brighter, better place, gold, Lord Forever is a long time, this we Though her smile has gone for- the intercession of Mary, Thy It’s filled with moments sweet You did it all for us. May he rest in peace. know is true, ever, God grant us the serenity to ac- and sad, Inserted by his loving wife Mar- But that’s how long our broken And her hand I cannot touch, Most Holy Mother, I humbly and With smiles and sometimes cept the things we cannot hearts, I have so many memories, garet and family. urgently ask Thy Father, in Thy tears, change, Will love and yearn for you. Of a Ma I loved so much, name, that my prayer be granted With friendships formed and Courage to change the things Till we meet again with you and Her memory is my keepsake, MULVEY (make your request). O Jesus, good times shared, that we can, Mum. With which I will never part, And laughter through the years. In loving memory of our dear Love always – daughter Mary God has her in His keeping, And the wisdom to know the dif- who hast said, Heaven and Always in our hearts and daughters, Margaret Rose, died Ann, son-in-law, David and I have her in my heart. ference. Earth shall pass away but My prayers. January 6, 1979, and Catrina, grandsons, Stephen and David. From your Alice, Willie and fam- St Michael the Archangel, pray word shall not pass, through the St Anthony, pray for him. died March 1969, also uncle xx ily. Loving wife May and family. for him. Remembering my dear brothers Time passes, memories stay, Donald, died February 2001. intercession of Mary, Thy Most Inserted by his most loving wife Johnnie and Jimmy. Loved and remembered every Holy Mother, I feel confident that McLAUGHLIN and family. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Always in my thoughts. R.I.P. day. In loving memory of Sally, who them. Loving sister – Elsie. From daughter-in-law Rosemary my prayer shall be granted died December 2000. MacPHEE Inserted by Mum, Dad, Marie and family. (make your request); publication Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 7th Anniversary Bernice, Keira, Tom, Ann and promised. - B.G. her. In loving memory of Margaret Thomas Jnr., Glenburn Avenue, From the family. Anne (Peggy), who died January Newarthill. 12, 2004, a dear aunt, grand- THANKSGIVING McINTYRE POWERFUL NOVENA Neil, died April 1996, Francie aunt and sister-in-law of the fam- and Betty, died June 2000. ily. GRATEFUL thanks to the Sa- Of Childlike Confidence Our hearts are full of memories, St Martin de Porres, pray for her. cred Heart for favours received. (This novena is to be said at the We’ve gathered through the Inserted by family in South Uist – M.R. same time, every hour, for nine years, and Glasgow. And all the happy times we consecutive hours – just one shared, NOVENA TO ST CLARE day). O Jesus, who hast said, MacPHERSON QUINN Are treasured souvenirs. Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine 9th Anniversary In loving memory of Margaret, ask and you shall receive, seek Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant died January 5, 2000. days with a lighted candle, publi- In loving memory of our dear and you shall find, knock and it them eternal rest. Always in our thoughts. cation promised. May and family. mother and grandmother, Annie, Peace be with you, Margaret. shall be opened to you, through who died on January 10, 2002. O’DOHERTY Tom, Ella and family. the intercession of Mary, Thy MacLEAN Eternal rest grant unto her O 1st Anniversary PRAYER TO THE BLESSED Most Holy Mother, I knock, I 30th Anniversary Lord, In loving memory of my darling SHIELDS VIRGIN seek, I ask that my prayer be In loving memory of a dear hus- And let perpetual light shine husband, Eamonn, dearly loved Treasured memories of our O Most Beautiful Flower of band and father, Roderick upon her, dad and granda, who went to mum, Elizabeth Davie, who died Mount Carmel, fruitful in the granted (make your request). O MacLean, Garrynamonie, South splendour of Heaven, Blessed May she rest in peace. sleep on Tuesday, December 29, December 17, 1979, and dad, Jesus, who hast said, all that Uist, who died January 5, 1981; James (Jimmy), died March 7, Mother of the Son of God, Im- Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray 2009. you ask of the Father in My also Gordon, dear son and 1999. maculate Virgin, assist me in this for her. brother, accidently drowned on Life goes on without you, but Sacred Heart of Jesus, have my necessity. O Star of the Sea, name, He will grant you through Loving daughter Morag Ann, May 12, 1985. R.I.P. things are not the same, mercy on them. help me and show me herein the intercession of Mary, Thy May the winds of love blow gen- Norman and family. It’s hard to hide the heartache Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for You are my Mother. O Holy Most Holy Mother, I humbly and tly, when someone speaks your them. Mary, Mother of God, Queen of urgently ask Thy Father, in Thy On that lovely far off spot, MacPHERSON name, Inserted by the family. Heaven and Earth, I humbly be- Where the ones we love are seech You from the bottom of 9th Anniversary We think about you always, and name, that my prayer be granted sleeping, my heart to succour me in my In loving memory of my dear (make your request). O Jesus, But will never be forgot. talk about you too, mother, mother-in-law and necessity. There are none that Will those who think of them We will always have our memo- can withstand Your power. O who hast said, Heaven and grandmother, Annie, died Janu- today, ries, but wish we still had you. Cherished show me herein You are my Earth shall pass away but My ary 10, 2002. A little prayer to Jesus say. Sadly missed, God bless, and mother. O Mary, conceived with- Rest in Peace. word shall not pass, through the Inserted by all their loving family, hope you are at peace… out sin, pray for us who have re- Sweet are the memories silently Memories intercession of Mary, Thy Most Dumbarton. Your loving wife, Sarah, your lov- course to Thee (three times). O kept, thank you for Your mercy to me Holy Mother, I feel confident that ing family, Rose, Brian and June, Of a mother we loved and shall Of Your and mine. Amen. Say for three Marion and Tom, Eamonn, and my prayer shall be granted never forget. days; publication promised. – your granddaughter, Sarah. (make your request); publication Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for V.I. Our Lady of the Rosary, St Loved Ones her. promised. - W.G. Joseph and St Anthony, pray for Inserted by Ian, Chrissie and him. Call: GRATEFUL thanks to the Sa- family, Benbecula. cred Heart, Divine Mercy, Blessed Virgin, St Jude and St NOVENA PRAYER TO ST POTTER (née Thompson) McWHIRTER 0141 Anthony for prayers answered. th JUDE In loving memory of our son, 7 Anniversary Still praying. – E.K. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus John, who died on January 10, Precious memories of a dear 241 6106 1995. and loving mother, grandmother, be praised, adored, glorified and John, you are gone but not for- sister and aunt, Julia, who died GRATEFUL thanks to the Sa- loved throughout the world now cred Heart, Our Lady, St An- gotten, on January 1, 2004. Email: and forever more. Sacred Heart thony, St Clare, St Joseph, St You are always on our minds, Just a prayer from the family Jude for favours received. – of Jesus have mercy on us. St We will always love you John, who loved you, intimations@ M.C. Jude helper of the hopeless, Till the end of time. In our hearts you will live forever. Love Mum, Dad, brothers and Our Lady of Fatima, pray for her. sconews.co.uk pray for us. St Jude, great mira- sisters. Inserted by her loving family, GRATEFUL thanks to St Jude cle worker, pray for us. Say nine St Anthony, pray for him. Castlemilk. for prayers answered. – S.F. times daily. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS CARDINAL O’BRIEN Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh www.archdiocese-edinburgh.org.uk ADVERTISE THU JAN 6 11.30AM Depart for SCIAF visit to HERE Haiti; SUN 9 8AM Mass in grounds of cathedral JAMES in Haiti; MON 10 10AM Pastoral visits to SCIAF A sign that we care projects in Haiti; WED 12 8AM National SHERRY Call: Commemorative Service marking first anniver- FUNERAL DIRECTORS 0141 241 sary of Haitian earthquake, grounds of cathe- our services are T&R O’BRIEN dral; SAT 15 Return to Edinburgh provided at any time 6105 FUNERAL DIRECTORS in any district ESTABLISHED 1890 ARCHBISHOP CONTI private rooms of Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk repose and service Email: It is our business to care. Every member of staff is rooms available dedicated to delivering the best service possible—with advertising professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity. SUN JAN 9 6.30PM St Mungo Festival, 104-106 PARK ST Dignity Caring Funeral Services Celebrating St Mungo Ecumenical Service, We are members of the MOTHERWELL @sconews National Association of Funeral Directors Glasgow Cathedral; MON 10 10.30AM ACTS 01698 264000 .co.uk Meeting; WED 12 11AM Council of Priests’ AT ALL TIMES Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road Executive Meeting; THU 13 7.30PM Feast of St Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow Kentigern (Mungo), Mass, St Mungo’s, Tel. 0141- 778 1470 Townhead

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MEMORIAM CARDS BISHOP CUNNINGHAM Send your Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk message of congratulations BISHOP LOGAN Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.org.uk

BISHOP MORAN To place your message simply email: Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com intimations@ scottishcatholicobserver.org.uk Visit the Scottish Catholic Observer online: MEMORIAM CARDS www.sconews.co.uk or Call: designed & printed to your exact requirements 0141 we can produce order of service for Requiem Masses and also design and print jubilee cards, bookmarks, 241 6106 FIND THE NEW FRIENDS and acknowledgment/thank-you cards OF THE SCO PAGE ON please call for full details of the personalised service we can provide FACEBOOK 0141 569 4724 • 07818 645 863 mobile Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

Our weekly series on children’s liturgy has word lesson plans 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

Activity in different directions? and your life will be one amazing race. Three-legged What did you have to do to make it to race. Materials the finish line? Prayer Baptism of the Lord—First needed: Dear God, at our baptism, you promised to Rope/scarves/ribbon BAPTISM is like the ropes that bound always be with us and to always love us. Reading to tie legs together. our legs together. It binds God to us. We promise to try to always love you and Instructions: The rope that binds us together is the to always walk with you. In Jesus’ name we Here is my servant, my chosen one in whom I am well Prepare a place promises that God made to us and that pray. Amen pleased. A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah where the children we, through our parents and god-parents 42:1-2, 4, 6-7 can move around but made to God. Responsorial Psalm not get hurt. A long God promised to always love us. Just 29 :3abde-4, 3cde and 9ef-10 Here is my servant! I have made him strong. empty hallway as God said to Jesus at His baptism, God (R) The Lord will bless His people with He is my chosen one, and I am pleased with would be a good tells us that we are God’s children; God peace. him. I will give him my Spirit, and he will spot. loves us and is pleased with us. We The voice of the Lord echoes over the bring justice to the nations. He won’t shout Pair the children. Have them stand promise to work together with God to be oceans. or yell or call out in the streets. He won’t quit side-by-side. Tie one leg of each child good people and to help others know how He thunders above the roar of the raging or give up until he brings justice to all the together. Line them up. Tell them where the much God loves us all. seas, and His voice is mighty earth, and people in foreign lands long for finish line is but that there will be special Our three-legged race showed us how and marvellous. instructions they have to follow on their important it is to work and stay with God. (R) The Lord will bless His people with his teaching. way to the finish line. When we tried to go a different direction peace. I, the Lord, chose you because of my Say, ‘go’ then say, ‘stop.’ Tell them only or stopped moving at all, we didn’t make The glorious Lord God thunders above the kindness, and I am here at your side. the child on the left can go, the one on the progress toward the finish line. Only roar of the raging seas, and the temple is I created and appointed you to bring light right must stay put. when we took the other person’s hand or filled with shouts of praise. and my promise of hope to the nations. After they try that for a while tell the put our arms around each other and The Lord rules on His throne, King of the You will give sight to the blind and set person on the left to sit down while the worked together did we make progress. flood forever. prisoners free from dark dungeons. person on the right tries to go. Notice too, that no matter what we did, (R) The Lord will bless His people with The Word of the Lord Then tell the person on the left to turn the other person was still there, tied to us, peace. and go sideways while the person on just like God. Whenever we do something the right tries to go forward. that is not good or stop doing what God Second Reading Finally tell them to either hold hands or wants us to do, God is still there, waiting God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy put their arms around each other and move for us to figure out how to walk with God Spirit and with power. A reading from the Acts of forward. again. the Apostles 10:34-38 The Children’s Liturgy page is published one You also may have been aware that Peter said to Cornelius and his household: week in advance to allow RE teachers and those Reflection & Discussion once you and your partner got together “Now I am certain that God treats all How well did it work when one of you and figured out how to move together that people alike. God is pleased with everyone taking the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Masses to wouldn’t move while the other one was you went faster and stronger and had a who worships Him and does right, no use, if they wish, this page as an accompaniment trying to go forward? lot more fun. Being with God is like that matter what nation they come from. This is Did you make progress toward the too. When we are moving with God we the same message that God gave to the to their teaching materials finish line when you were trying to go are stronger and happier. Stay with God people of Israel, when He sent Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, to offer peace to them. “You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptised. God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as He went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil.” The Word of the Lord Alleluia Mark 9:7 (R) Alleluia, alleluia. The heavens were opened and the Father’s voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, hear Him. (R) Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel When Jesus had been baptised and had been praying, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit came upon Him. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 Everyone became excited and wondered: “Could John be the Messiah?” John said: “I am just baptising with water. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to untie His sandals. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” After everyone else had been baptised, Jesus Himself was baptised. Then as He prayed, the sky opened up, and the Holy Spirit came down upon Him in the form of a dove. A voice from Heaven said: “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.” The Gospel of the Lord 22 SCHOOL NATIVITIES SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011

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EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUN JAN 9 WED JAN 12 9AM 1PM LIVE FROM ROME: SOLEMN DAILY MASS MASS FOR THE FEAST OF THE 7.30PM BAPTISM OF THE LORD ALTER CHRISTUS ST NINIAN’S Primary Many tributes were paid for There were further gifts pre- from past pupils, compiled and 1PM THU JAN 13 School, Newton Stewart had all the hard work, dedication sented by Mary Teresa presented by Jacqueline SUNDAY MASS LIVE 1PM a full house as family and and support given by Mr Flannighan, early years teacher, Gibson, school secretary. 3PM DAILY MASS friends gathered for their Flanagan for more than two on behalf of the staff and by A grand finale was per- THE WORLD OVER 7.30PM Christmas Nativity play on decades. Following the play Lucy Wright, chair of the par- formed by Mr Flanagan’s gui- 4PM ROAD TO ROME: TRAINING Friday December 17. presentations were made. ent council. The final special tar group playing a rendition of LIFE ON THE ROCK PRIESTS FOR THE THIRD This year, the play (above) Lindsey Barr and Ben Pearce, presentation took the form of a his favourite song Hey Jude. 7PM MILLENNIUM also included a special party to as the eldest and youngest This Is Your Life souvenir The evening ended with a cele- WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS 8PM mark the retirement of head- pupils, gave a peach tree on book containing photographs, bratory party filled with cheer, TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE THINE EYES: A WITNESS TO teacher, Chris Flanagan. behalf of all the children. memories and testimonials good wishes and a few tears. 8PM THE MARCH FOR LIFE THE BEST OF THE JOURNEY FRI JAN 14 HOME 1PM 10PM DAILY MASS ROME REPORTS 7.30PM 11PM HUMAN LIFE INTERNATIONAL: LIVE BENEDICTION PRESERVING AFRICA'S MON JAN 10 CULTURE OF LIFE 1PM 9PM DAILY MASS LIFE ON THE ROCK 7.30PM SAT JAN 15 St Teresa’s nursery class, IT’S A MIRACLE 1PM Newarthill (main) put on two performances of their 10PM DAILY MASS musical Nativity show CATHOLIC LIVES 2PM during the final week of TUES JAN 11 A MORNING OF PRAYERFUL term. 1PM REMEMBRANCE AND There were over 300 DAILY MASS INTERCESSION members of the local 7.30PM 7PM community in attendance, IT’S A MIRACLE RIVER OF LIGHT who all left very impressed 8PM 9PM by the enthusiasm and BIBLICAL STORY OF THE MASS LIFE ON THE ROCK efforts of the children and their teachers. Meanwhile children from primary one and two LAY READERS’ GUIDE at St Teresa’s Primary School (inset) were by Fr John Breslin performing as part of the series of Advent services held in the school during SUNDAY JAN 9 the month of December Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7. Response: The Lord will bless His people with peace. Acts 10:34-38. Matthew 3:13-17.

MONDAY Hebrews 1:1-6. Response: All you angels, worship the Lord. Mark 1:14-20

TUESDAY Hebrews 2:5-12. Response: You gave your son power over the works of your hand. Mark 1:21-28.

WEDNESDAY Hebrews 2:8-14. Response: The Lord remembersHis covenant forever. Mark 1:29-39.

THURSDAY Feast of St Kentigern. 1 Peter 5:1-4. Response: Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News. Matthew 9:35-37.

FRIDAY Hebrews 4:12-16. Response: Never forget the good deeds of the Lord. Mark 2:1-12. A much-enjoyed Nativity play SATURDAY entitled, It’s a Baby, was performed Hebrews 4:12-16. Response: Your words are spirit by primary one-three pupils at St Lord and they are life. Mark 2:13-17. Mary’s Primary School, Bannockburn (right) before the holidays Friday January 7 2011 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER WORLD NEWS 23 Belgian priest confesses to Rallying around the family in Madrid child sex abuse accusation Thousands of Spaniards gather in the capital city to celebrate the traditional family unit A BELGIAN priest has con- His charity in November fessed to a child sex-abuse ended its campaign to nomi- By Stephen Reilly accusation that emerged dur- nate Houtart for the 2011 ing a campaign to nominate Nobel Prize, saying the priest TENS of thousands of families him for the Nobel Peace had requested its termination attended a rally organised by the Prize for his work fighting because ‘his age and his per- Spanish Bishops Conference in the globalisation’s impact on sonal projects would not allow capital Madrid, Sunday under the developing countries. him to fully assume the role theme Christian family, hope of The confession was pub- requested in such circum- Europe. lished in a Belgian newspaper stances.’ Pope Benedict XVI gave a special last week and confirmed by the In a statement, the commit- greeting for the gathering of families in organisation the priest founded, tee said ‘thousands of people’ Spain, via video link. deepening the abuse scandal in in 74 countries had participated the Catholic Church in that in the signature campaign, Traditional marriage country. recognising Fr Houtart's role in The event began with the celebration of In October, after supporters the social justice and anti-glob- Mass in Colón Square presided over by of 85-year-old Fr Francois alisation movement. Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varela Houtart began working to It has been a difficult year (right), who said ‘without traditional mar- nominate him for the Nobel for the Church in Belgium, riage between man and woman the future Prize, a woman contacted, beginning in April with the res- of the humankind would be danger.’ Cetri, the nonprofit organisa- ignation of the Bishop of The cardinal, in the company of fifty tion he founded and said the Bruges Roger Vangheluwe. bishops from Spain, France, The Europe is far a more profound crisis than renews charity. I encourage everyone to priest had abused her brother Vangheluwe admitted to hav- Netherlands, and as far away as Poland, the economy or politics.” live the Christian vocation within the 40 years ago, according to its ing sexually abused a nephew celebrated Mass on an elevated dais that home with renewed enthusiasm, as director, Bernard Duterme. for years when he was a priest was surmounted by a white cross some 60 Papal greeting authentic servants of love who welcome, Fr Houtart resigned the next and a bishop. feet tall. Also present were the thousands Pope Benedict XVI sent a special greet- accompany and defend life.” month from the board of Cetri, In June, authorities seized of lay people, including small children, ing to the gathering via video. He invited The Holy Father concluded his mes- which publishes reports critical hundreds of case files from a representing not only Spain, but also var- those present ‘to be strong in love and to sage by calling on families to ‘make your of developed nations’ actions church and used power tools to ious other countries and represented by contemplate the mystery of Christmas home a true seedbed of virtue and a in the Third World.. open a prelate's crypt in their national flags. with humility, which continues to speak peaceful and bright space of trust, in He told the Belgian newspa- Mechlin’s St Rumbold Archbishop Rouco Varela of Madrid, to the heart and becomes the school of which, guided by God’s grace, we can per that he twice touched ‘the Cathedral, seeking evidence. who is also president of the Spainish family and brotherhood.’ wisely discern the Lord’s call, which con- intimate parts’ of his cousin, an The raid was condemned by Bishop’s Conference, urged families to “The maternal gaze of the Virgin Mary, tinues to inspire people to follow him. incident he called ‘inconsider- the Vatican and later ruled continue to promote love, loyalty and life. the loving protection of St Joseph and the With these sentiments I fervently com- ate and irresponsible.’ excessive by a Belgian court. In recent years the Spanish Government gentle presence of the Infant Jesus are a mend the purposes and results of this has legalised same-sex unions and relaxed clear image of what every Christian fam- meeting to the Holy Family of Nazareth, abortion laws. ily must be, a true sanctuary of loyalty, so that there are an increasing number of Irish bishop’s disappointment over “The family is under attack in Spain,” respect and understanding, which also families in which joy, sharing and gen- he said. “Abortion and euthanasia in transmits faith, strengthens hope and erosity reigns.” letter penned by Pope Benedict XVI AN IRISH bishop has said there was widespread disap- pointment among his flock that Pope Benedict XVI’s letter last March, suggested ‘child sex abuse was not SPOTLIGHT ON... seen as a symptom of short- comings in structure and function in the Church.’ Bishop Séamus Freeman (right) said they felt there was who is chairman of the Bishops’ ‘no critique of the role of the Council for Pastoral Renewal and Vatican, and there is little or no Adult Faith Development, said. Onlookers watch as acknowledgment of the exclu- More than 3000 people con- firefighters extin- sion of lay people from roles tributed written responses to the guish a December where they can make significant Papal letter, with ‘just over a 29 fire on the roof of contribution.’ quarter of these’ coming through Our Lady of St Remy After publication of the Pope’s diocesan channels, he said. Abbey in Rochefort, Belgium. The abbey letter, Cardinal Séan Brady invit- Throughout the feedback is the home of a ed people to respond to it. there was a vision of a Church community of Since then, ‘a huge amount of ‘marked by service, equality, Trappist monks work has been undertaken within simplicity, truthfulness, humili- the Church to pave the way to a ty, inclusion and of compassion hopeful future,’ Bishop Freeman, for all,’ he said.

GERMAN NEW YEAR REVELERS Paul II is to be installed next weight of snow covering it. NEWS IN BRIEF DAMAGE ALTAR to the Holy name Cathedral in Local residents reported a German cardinal calls for spread A FIRE at a church in the Mumbai, India, in February. huge crashing sound in the SWISS GUARD COMMANDANT western German city of The statue, which has been middle of the night when the of the Christian faith in the country INJURED IN BOMBING Aachen on New Year’s Eve sent by the Vatican, is part of roof collapsed A FORMER long-serving may have caused irreparable a larger plan to have similar CARDINAL Reinhard Marx commandant in the Swiss damage to a historic altar in a installations erected across the SENTENCE PASSED OVER has said the Catholic Church Guard was the victim of the Catholic church. world ahead of the late Pope’s VIOLENCE IN ORISSA should actively begin prose- parcel bomb sent to the Swiss Police say a firework set off expected Canonisation. ACTIVISTS and victims of lytising in Germany. embassy on December 23. by New Year’s revelers was to The 400-kg statue has anti-Christian violence in In his traditional New Year’s Known only as Andreas C, the blame for the blaze. As they already arrived in the city, but Orissa, India have expressed sermon, Cardinal Marx (right), 53-year-old lost part of his left rang in the New Year in is was awaiting clearance from relief after a fast track court the Archbishop of Munich, said hand in the explosion that was Aachen early on Saturday the customs authorities. A sim- sentenced nine people in an the Church needed to spread thought to have been the work of morning, a fire at a the ilar statue is expected to be arson case. the Christian faith by actively an anarchist terrorist group. Nikolaus Church caused terri- erected in Delhi later this year. The convicted include a attempting to convert Germans. A native of Stalden near ble damage to a historic altar. government high school “A new evangelisation is the deciding to leave the Church. Zermatt, Andreas C served 27 Police suspect the fire was ROOF OF CHURCH IN teacher and a leader of Hindu mission of the coming age,” he Cardinal Marx called 2010 years in the Swiss Guard and caused by a wayward New BELGIUM CAVES IN hardliners in the Kandhamal said last Friday in the Munich an extremely difficult year for became one of Pope John Paul Year's Eve firework. WORSHIPPERS at The district of Orissa state. Cathedral. the German Catholic Church II’s most trusted bodyguards. Dieter Spoo, a lay official Regina Pacis Church in The court sentenced them to The Church must also keep following revelations of wide- He was present during one of of the Catholic Diocese of Diepenbeek Belgium had a five years of hard labour in jail more Germans from turning spread child abuse at Church the Pontiff’s most difficult Aachen, said the damage lucky escape after the roof and a fine of £72. They will away from Christianity, he said. institutions. visits, to Berlin in the mid would cost at least £ 250,000 of their church collapsed just have to spend another year in “We aren’t dreaming of “We will have to continue to 1990s, when protesters threw to repair. hours after their midnight jail if they fail to pay the fine. bygone times, we want to have address such sexual abuse in the missiles at the Popemobile. Mass service on Christmas The nine were accused of an impact on this society,” he future,” he said. “We will have Since 2004, he has been the POPE JOHN PAUL II STATUE TO Eve. burning Christian houses in continued, adding he was ‘dis- to look the truth in the eye, but caretaker and head of security BE INSTALLED IN MUMBAI The roof is believed to have Damangpadar village in turbed as a bishop’ by the we must not allow that there is at the Swiss embassy in Rome. A statue of the late Pope John given way under the huge Kandhamal district. growing number of people an air of general suspicion.” 24 VATICAN NEWS SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER Friday January 7 2011

an Apostolic Letter Motu inmates deliberately starved Pope’s calendar is full for 2011 NEWS IN BRIEF Proprio data on the prevention themselves at the notorious and countering of illegal activ- Northern Irish jail in the hope of Vatican announces Holy Father’s meetings, Masses and foreign trips POPE’S NEW YEAR PRAYERS ities in the financial and mone- winning prisoner-of-war status. FOR FAMILIES tary sectors of the Vatican. The personal message from By Stephen Reilly POPE Benedict XVI marked Commenting on the letter, Pope John Paul reads: “I am the final hours of 2010 with a Fr Federico Lombardi SJ, the receiving disturbing news POPE Benedict XVI already public prayer for families strug- Holy See press office director, about the tension in the Maze has a full slate of meetings, gling with economic troubles. said: “Today’s publication of Prison in Northern Ireland, Masses and foreign trips The Pope gave thanks for new laws for Vatican City where a number of prisoners planned for 2011. God’s grace and love through- State, for the dicasteries of the have begun a hunger strike. Most prominent are the four out the year as he presided over Roman Curia and for the “I would ask you to consid- foreign trips the Vatican has a traditional New Year’s Eve Institutions and Entities er personally possible solu- arranged. The Holy Father vespers service in St Peter’s dependent on the Holy See, is tions in order to avoid (right) will visit Croatia in early Basilica. He offered praise for an important normative devel- irreversible consequences that June, Madrid, Spain, to mark volunteers who work with the opment, but also has far-reach- could perhaps prove irrepara- World Youth Day for three days downtrodden and spoke of his ing moral and pastoral ble,” he said. from August 18, Germany from concern for those suffering significance.” September 22 to 25 and the West economic woes. VATICAN SET TO DIGITISE African country of Benin for two “The current moment still LATE POPE’S CONCERN OVER ITS PHOTO ARCHIVE days in November. He will also generates worry for the precar- HUNGER STRIKES THE Vatican is to digitise make a two-day visit to Venice Wednesday, where he has been Liturgies to proclaim new iousness in which so many POPE John Paul II wrote to more than seven million pho- in May and three other trips in sketching brief biographies of saints, one in the spring and one families live,” Pope Benedict Margaret Thatcher about his tos from the archive of its offi- Italy during the year. early church saints, writers and in the autumn. Already on the said. He added that the tough ‘deep’ concerns for republican cial newspaper L’Osservatore Throughout the year, the Holy mystics. He normally makes at probable saints list for 2011 is times require solidarity ‘with inmates on the first hunger strike Romano. Father will hold ad limina meet- least one other public appear- the founder of the Xaverian those who live in conditions of in the Maze Prison, previously Fr Giuseppe Colombara is ings with bishops from many ance each week, greeting pil- Missionary Fathers, Blessed poverty or deprivation.’ secret papers have shown. director of photographic serv- countries including the US, the grims from his apartment Guido Conforti. Pope John Paul urged the ices for the paper and said Philippines, India, Indonesia, window at midday on Sundays. Although Pope Benedict is APOSTOLIC LETTER ON VATICAN former prime minister to ‘con- potential damage to the photo Australia, Angola, New Zealand Unlike the past three years, seen as less prolific than Pope FINANCIAL PROCEDURES sider personally’ solutions to negatives necessitated the and the Pacific Ocean area. there’s no Synod of Bishops John Paul II, his verbal output THE Holy Father has issued the crisis in which seven IRA change. planned for 2011 and there is no each year is substantial: about Easter plans sign that the Pope intends to con- 300 speeches and talks, more Easter arrives late in 2011, on vene the world’s cardinals at the than 50 homilies and nearly 100 April 24, and with it the Pope’s Vatican in the next 12 months. other missives of varying length busiest week of the year. Ahead of and importance. CROSSWORD Easter, the Vatican plans to publish Liturgies In a recent interview, Pope the Holy Father’s new volume in In 2010, the Holy Father Benedict said the day-in, day- his series on the life of Christ. presided over more than 50 out schedule of the papacy was 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Titled, Jesus of Nazareth: Part major Liturgies. Similar cele- pretty taxing for someone his Two, Holy Week: From the brations are already penned into age. He spoke openly about his 8 Entrance Into Jerusalem to the the 2011 calendar, at home and diminishing energy, and even Resurrection. It picks up where the abroad. They range from one- left open the possibility of even- 9 best-selling first volume left off. hour prayer services to three- tual Papal retirement, but his 10 The Pope will also continue hour ordination Masses and 2011 calendar makes clear he is his weekly audiences every normally include at least two not at that stage yet. 11

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