Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 93 No. 5 June 17, 2015 Summer schedule Church closing in Quebec sends message The Prairie Messenger publishes every second By Philippe Vaillancourt estimated at $10 million, a gar - Baptist to a week in gantuan amount for a parish that lighthouse, July and QUEBEC CITY (CNS) — has been accumulating deficits for because its high takes a With the decision to close one of years. Even with the help of the steeple it can be three- its largest and most important archdiocese, the Catholic Church seen from all churches, the Archdiocese of of Quebec simply doesn’t have around the city. week Quebec is sending a clear mes - that kind of money. Not anymore. “It was the summer sage: the future of even the most Over the past decade, the dio - symbol that the vacation majestic churches cannot be guar - ceses of the Quebec province had Catholic faith is in August. Summer issues anteed anymore. to close churches in response to well established will be dated June 24, On May 24, one last mass was the new secularized reality: less here,” he said. July 1, July 15, July 29 celebrated in renowned St. John faithful, less money, yet too “But it also and August 26. the Baptist Church. Dedicated to many churches. But still, some of symbolizes a the patron saint of French Cana - the buildings were considered legacy. Priestly dians, the church stands among “untouch able.” With the closing Churches are to anniversaries the high-profile churches of both of St. John the Baptist, parish - the province of the archdiocese and Quebec ioners realize change is afoot. Quebec what province. Built in the 1880s, it is “It’s sad, obviously,” said castles are to Msgr. Ray Senger and recognized as a major heritage Quebec Auxiliary Bishop Gaetan France.” Rev. Denis Phaneuf were church. Its seating capacity of Proulx. “It’s the signal that we’re And it both ordained June 5, 1965, 2,400 compares to St. Patrick’s moving toward something else, seems the by Bishop Francis Kline, Cathedral in New York. with smaller communities. The Cath olic and recently celebrated But such a marvel comes with model for our church is changing.” Church in their 50th anniversaries. a steep price: it needs renovations Proulx compared St. John the Quebec will — page 6 not be able to Ending hunger requires save all of its Baptism program castles. changes in lifestyles: pope Throughout A pilot program to bring the French- baptism preparation classes speaking to non-baptized students in By Carol Glatz hunger, now “an unpopular topic, Canadian an unsolvable problem” that does - two Regina Catholic schools province, there VATICAN CITY (CNS) — n’t get an adequate response or are 2,756 resulted in a class of 35 Vague concerns and long-winded find consensus during the limited places of wor - students who were baptized reports about hunger must be timeframes of presidential and ship. Most are CNS/Philippe Vaillancourt on three separate Sundays turned into action with policies congressional mandates. Catholic DWINDLING MEMBERSHIP — An exterior of St. in May. that guarantee access to food, and What is required is a “politics churches. The John the Baptist Church in Quebec City is seen in a — page 7 lifestyles that stop wasting and of the other,” which considers in - Que bec arch - late May photo. Dedicated to the patron saint of start sharing, Pope Francis said. vesting in helping others as impor - diocese, the first French Canadians, the church stands among the high Fifty years People’s tendency to run and tant as helping one’s own nation, and oldest profile churches of both the archdiocese and Quebec an Ursuline hide from difficult issues is natural, he said. Canadian dio- province. Despite being a heritage church, the arch - which means sometimes “instead of diocese planned to close it because of dwindling mem - acting, we prefer to delegate, at — MANy ISSuES , page 19 bership and massive repairs. “I will retire when all my — COStS , p. 4 every level,” the pope said June 11 hopes for in an address to participants in an Native min - annual conference on hunger organ - Online environment video released istry are sat - ized by the Rome-based UN Food isfied,” says and Agriculture Organization. By Dawn Deme individual sin in the church, but we ment toward the environment.” Sister In fact, avoiding hard truths is also need to focus on collective Events would overtake the pub - Bernadette something “we often prefer even if SASKATOON — Cultivating sin,” says Bolen, bishop of the lishing of that document. Pope Feist, who we then won’t miss a meeting, a and Caring for Creation is a series Roman Catholic Diocese of Benedict resigned in February 2013; recently cel - conference or drafting a docu - of 12 online videos and study Saskatoon and chair of the Justice Pope Francis was elected in March. ment” addressing the problem at ebrated 50 years as an guides recently released in antici - and Peace Commis sion, Canadian Almost immediately, Francis began hand, he said. pation of Pope Francis’ coming Conference of Catholic Bishops to speak about the environmental cri - Ursuline Sister. People must respond concrete - en cyclical on the environment, (CCCB). sis and it soon became known that his — page 7 ly to the urgent imperative that demonstrating how Catholics are Bolen’s words are part of the 12- first encyclical (encyclicals are Landmark “access to necessary food is a right leading and participating in a new part series of video shorts and les - among the most informative forms of for all people. And rights do not commitment to respect and pro - son plans distributed by the CCCB papal teaching) would provide a new symposium allow for exceptions,” he said. tect creation. to dioceses across the country as eco justice framework for Catholics, Meeting the group at the Vati - “Cultivating and caring for cre - background for Pope Francis’ and indeed, the entire world. Tom Ryan, CSP, presents can, the pope gave an unusual ation is God’s indication given to much-anticipated en cycli cal on the As a group of Catholic organiza - highlights from a landmark lengthy speech touching on a num - each one of us not only at the environment entitled Laudato Sii tions got together to prepare the on- symposium titled Nostra ber of issues he said were part of beginning of history; it is part of (Latin for Praised Be, from St. line video series, Bolen agreed to Aetate : Celebrating Fifty the fight against world hunger. his project; it means nurturing the Francis’ Canticle of the Sun, a 13th- contribute to the videos, which bring Topping the list, he said, was world with responsibility and century hymn of praise to God). together the thoughts of popes, bish - Years of the Catholic the need to turn declarations, plans transforming it into a garden, a Bolen worked with other mem - ops, and lay people long active in Church’s Dialogue with and good intentions into concrete habitable place for everyone,” bers of the CCCB Justice and developing Catholic thought and Jews and Muslims. responses to the some 800 million Pope Francis said in a message on Peace Commission on Building a action on eco justice issues. — page 14 people who are undernourished or World Earth Day 2013. New Culture — Central Themes Along with the contributions starving, according to statistics Produced by greenspirittv.com in Recent Church Teaching on the from the CCCB’s Justice and Peace Kennedy dies provided by the United Nations’ (GSTV), a participant in roman - Environment released in January Commission, the series content- World Food Program. catholictv.com (RCTV), Cultivating 2013. providers include: Building Bridges The passing of Eugene A second concern is the amount and Caring for Creation is narrated “The Justice and Peace Com - Project (Standing Com mit tee on Cullen Kennedy closes a of food being wasted — estimated by Bishop Donald Bolen, and in - mission was asked by the plenary Aboriginal Affairs/Western Catho - rich chapter in Catholic to be a third of total food produc - cludes content from several Ca - of the Canadian bishops to produce lic Bishops); the Elliott Allen church history, writes tion, he said. nadian Catholic eco justice leaders. a document on the environment,” Institute for Theology and Ecology, Thomas Fox. Another problem, he said, is “The environment is hurting, our recalls Bolen, “and we felt that it Uni versity of Toronto; Farmland — page 15 that it seems countries and people earth is suffering, and future gener - was useful to highlight recent state - Lega cies (Sask.); Madonna have become discouraged or even ations will suffer as a result. People ments of successive popes who uninterested in the problem of today suffer as a result. We focus on have expressed a strong commit - — POPES , page 4 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS June 17, 2015 Pope sympathizes with families who care for sick
By Carol Glatz because “it is love that makes us ness of the spirit and illness of the the withered hand on the Sabbath. and not get lost in gossip. Always feel” the suffering and anxious - body,” the pope said. “The doctors of the law re - help, console, alleviate, be close VATICAN CITY (CNS) — ness of others even more. “It’s truly moving,” he said, to proached Jesus because he healed to the sick,” the pope said. The hidden heroes of this world In fact, “how many times do see how so many people would on a Saturday. He did good on Jesus also healed those who are those family members who we see at work — we’ve all seen bring those who were ailing to Saturday. But Jesus’ love was to did not belong to the people of still go to work and get the job it — a man or a woman whose Jesus. give health, to do good and this Israel, like the pagan Canaanite done after staying up all night face looks tired, they act tired” “If I think about today’s big always takes first place,” he said. whose child was possessed. tending to a sick loved one, Pope and when asked what’s wrong, cities, I have to wonder, where are Jesus gave his disciples the Jesus tested her by saying he Francis said. they explain how they got little the doors where the sick, hoping to power to heal the sick and be near was only sent to tend to the lost In fact, the family “has always sleep after tending to a loved one be healed, can be brought?” like them. However, they got caught up sheep of Israel and asked whether been the closest ‘hospital.’ And who was ill, he said, straying from the doorway in the Gospel accord - in a blame game when they won - it was right for him to take food still today in many parts of the his prepared text. ing to Mark where a whole town dered whose fault it was that a man from the children and throw it to world, a (real) hospital is a privi - But despite all that, they go on would gather waiting for Jesus. was born blind — was it caused by the dogs. lege for a few, and it’s often far with their day, the pope said. “Jesus never denied them care. the man’s sin or his parents? But “we all know that mothers away,” he said at his weekly gen - “These things are heroic. This is He never walked by them, he never But Jesus corrected them, say - fight for their children,” the pope eral audience in St. Peter’s Square the heroism of families; this is the turned his face away,” and he never ing neither had sinned and he said, and the woman fought for June 10. hidden heroism that is done when wasted time, the pope said. cured the man. her child, telling Jesus to “at least As part of a series of talks someone is sick . . . and is done He even put healing before the “Here is God’s glory! Here is look at me as a dog,” and let some about the family and problems with tenderness and courage,” he law, when he healed the man with the church’s task! Help the sick scraps fall from the table. they face, the pope looked at ill - said to applause. ness — a sign of the human frailty The Gospel is filled with ac - that spans from infancy to old age counts of Jesus encountering and “when those aches and pains start healing the sick, he said. coming,” he said. “He presents himself publicly Often it is more difficult to see as someone who fights against ill - a loved one suffer than to deal ness and who has come to heal with one’s own ailments, he said, humankind from every ill — ill - Male, female differences must be recognized, valued
By Cindy Wooden ing their ad limina visits to the Vatican, Pope Francis urged them VATICAN CITY (CNS) — to care for family life, which is Efforts to convince people that the “one of the most important treas - differences between male and ures of the Latin American and female are simply social conven - Caribbean peoples.” tions, which limit individual free - The pope spoke about “gender dom, ignore the fact that men and ideology” after listing a number of women need each other in order to “serious social problems beset - understand themselves, Pope ting” the family in Puerto Rico, in - Francis said. cluding “the difficult economic sit - “The differences between man uation, emigration, domestic vio - and woman are not of the order of lence, unemployment, drug traf - opposition or subordination, but ficking and corruption. They are CNS/Paul Haring rather of communion and genera - realities that generate concern.” uKRAINIANS AttEND POPE FRANCIS’ GENERAL AuDIENCE — ukrainians attend Pope Francis’ tion,” which is why the human “Facilitate the sacramental life general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican June 10. the sign in Italian says, Holy Father, Pray for person, male and female, can be of the faithful,” the pope told the ukraine. ukrainians were calling attention to their country as Pope Francis was scheduled to meet Russian said to be made in the image and bishops, and give them the educa - President Vladimir Putin at the Vatican. likeness of God, the pope told tion they need to fulfil their mis - bishops from Puerto Rico. sion in the church. “Without mutual commitment, He told the bishops to make Pope pushes Putin for peace in Ukraine neither of the two will be able to sure, before the Year of Mercy understand the other in depth,” the begins in December, that they and By Cindy Wooden was discussed, the spokesperson Lombardi said the pope and pope said. “The complementarity their priests are aware of their duty said, as was the need to assure Putin also spoke about the contin - of man and woman — the summit “to be faithful servants of God’s VATICAN CITY (CNS) — humanitarian workers have access uing crises in the Middle East, of divine creation — is being forgiveness, especially in the When Pope Francis met Russian to the region. particularly in Syria and Iraq, and questioned by what is called ‘gen - sacrament of reconciliation, which President Vladimir Putin at the Dozens of Ukrainians attended the need for the international com - der ideology’ in the name of a allows God’s love to be experi - Vati can June 10, the ongoing cri - the pope’s general audience earli - munity to find ways to promote society that is freer and more just.” enced in the flesh and offers every sis in eastern Ukraine was the er in the morning, waving blue- peace and protect “all components Meeting the bishops of the penitent the source of true inner principal topic of their conversa - and-yellow Ukrainian flags and of society, including religious Caribbean archipelago June 8 dur - peace.” tion and was a concern for many holding up a sign saying, Holy minorities, especially Christians.” others as well. Father, Pray for Ukraine. Exchanging gifts, Putin gave Putin arrived at the Vatican In March 2014, Russia annexed Pope Francis a cushion embroi - more than an hour late, beating the the Crimea region of Ukraine and dered with gold thread; the design 45-minute tardiness he chalked up about a month later fighting began was of Moscow’s Cathedral of in November 2013, the last time along Ukraine’s eastern border Christ the saviour, which Putin he visited the pope. Pope Francis with Russia. Although Putin de - ex plained had been “destroyed in and Putin spoke privately, aided nied it, there were widespread the Soviet era,” but has been by interpreters, for 50 minutes be - reports that Russia not only was rebuilt. fore the Russian president intro - supporting separatists in the re - Pope Francis gave Putin a duced the members of his en tour - gion, but that Russian troops had medallion of the “Angel of Peace, age, including Foreign Minister crossed into Ukraine. who,” he said, “defeats all wars Sergei Lavrov. Hostilities reportedly have eased and speaks of solidarity among “The meeting was dedicated since an internationally mediated peoples.” principally to the conflict in ceasefire agreement was signed in The pope also gave the Russian Ukraine and to the situation in the mid-February, but the fighting has president a copy of the apostolic Middle East,” said Jesuit Father not stopped. exhortation The Joy of the Gospel, Federico Lombardi, Vatican A report June 1 from the UN which the pope said, “has many spokesperson. Office of the High Commissioner religious, human, geo-political “The Holy Father affirmed the for Human Rights said, “Between and social reflections.” need for a commitment to a sincere mid-April 2014 and May 30, 2015, Ukrainian Catholic Major CNS/ L’Osservatore Romano and serious effort to reach peace at least 6,417 people, including at Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk COMPLIANCE AGREEMENt At VAtICAN — Ken Hackett, u.S. and there was agreement on the least 626 women and girls, have of Kiev-Halych told reporters ambassador to the Holy See, and Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Vatican importance of restoring a climate been documented as killed and June 9 he had written to Pope undersecretary for relations with states, shake hands after signing a tax of dialogue” and on adhering to the 15,962 as wounded in the conflict Francis ahead of the meeting, ask - compliance agreement during a ceremony at the Vatican June 10. the promises made in the ceasefire zone of eastern Ukraine. This is a ing him to “be the voice of the Vatican promised to send an annual report to the Internal Revenue agreement, Lombardi said. conservative estimate and the Ukrainian people, its children, all Service about u.S. citizens and permanent residents who have financial The “serious humanitarian sit - actual numbers could be consider - the Catholic believers in Ukraine holdings at the Vatican. uation” in eastern Ukraine also ably higher.” who suffer.” June 17, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Church needs more open dialogue Bishop’s Dinner funds
By Michael Swan go to hospital chaplaincy the Catholic Register By Blake Sittler TORONTO (CCN) — Having church in a direction that isn’t so experienced five years of investi - much spectacular, more, he is lead - gation, interrogation and suspi - SASKATOON — For the past ing us to the peripheries,” Bolen cion as past president of the nine years, the Bishop’s Dinner has explained. “To be a church that isn’t Leadership Conference of Women been a fundraiser for the Roman afraid to get messy. ” Religious in the United States, Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. This Bolen added that one of the Sister Carol Zinn of the Sisters of year was another success. areas where the diocese is reach - St. Joseph is calling for more The banquet began as a fund - ing out to those in need is through open, honest and heartfelt dia - raiser for construction of the new hospital chaplaincy. logue across the di vides within the cathedral and pastoral centre in “Our call is to be instruments church. conjunction with a new building of Jesus’ outreach and that is what As the immediate past presi - for Holy Family Parish. our hospital chaplains do,” Bolen dent of the LCWR from 2013 With the opening of the new stated. through 2014, Zinn led the diocesan cathedral and Catholic The keynote address was given organization which represents Pastoral Centre, funds raised by by two volunteer visitors involved Catholic Register/Swan 80 per cent of the United States’ the annual Bishop’s Dinner have in hospital chaplaincy at the two 57,000 sisters through the meat Sister Carol Zinn been directed to different min - secular hospitals in Saska toon, of a doctrinal assessment by the istries in the diocese, including the along with the co-ordinator of hos - Congre gation for the Doctrine Nor should the Catholic con - States after the conclusion of the office of migration, community pital chaplaincy for the diocese, of the Faith. That assessment versation be limited to official reform process. and prison chaplaincy, and pover - Céline Hudon. was ac companied by a mandate bodies, clergy and religious. All Zinn ruled out questions about ty advocacy. This year, the funds “To me, it is a great honour and to re form aspects of the organi - Catholics need to find ways of the mandate and the doctrinal go toward hospital chaplaincy. privilege to bring Jesus to people,” zation. The Vatican announced talking directly to each other assessment from The Catholic said volunteer Madeline Cooney, April 16 that the reform process about and despite their differ - Register, but spoke freely about “people who are in great need of has been successfully conclud - ences, she said. polarization and the need for reassurance and support.” ed. “My hope is that there will be more conversation in the church. Cooney, who works with pa - “The conversation needs to more and more opportunities for Follow ing the May 15 meeting tients in pediatrics, cardiac care happen face-to-face and it needs whatever the polarities are to lis - with the pope, both sides agreed and maternity, articulated how she to happen in relationship,” Zinn ten and not move to judgment,” to a 30-day moratorium on public sees her ministry as reaching out told The Catholic Register during said Zinn. comment about the reform pro- to God’s broken people in order to a break from a conference for If Catholics want to know how cess. offer some sort of supportive pres - Canadian sisters and religious or - to start and maintain a dialogue, In the context of dialogue, Zinn ence. der priests and brothers in Toronto they have a great example in looks forward to the June 18 “There is no pain greater than a June 3. Zinn was one of the con - Pope Francis, said the Phila - release of Pope Francis’ next en- parent watching their child suffer,” ference’s key speakers. delphia-based sister. Zinn was cyclical. said Cooney. “We bring comfort “We need more conversations one of a small group of women “The upcoming encyclical (on and solace to them through conver - on all levels within the church and religious who met with Francis the environment) will have oppor - sation and the eu charist.” not talk to each other through the for 50 minutes May 15 to discuss tunities to listen. We tend to listen A second volunteer, Gen me dia, but talk to each other,” she the future of religious life and to the voices that are most like Schulte, ministers at Royal Uni- said. women religious in the United ours,” she said. versity Hospital and has also vol - unteered at Samaritan Place since its opening. Schulte described the Two Quebec bills are aimed at Muslims opportunity to visit with the sick, suffering, lonely and dying as an honour and one that she feels By Ron Csillag ers of Quebec’s Human Rights There are also plans to set up brings her into a deeper relation - Com mission to probe hate speech, a $2-million “anti-radicalization ship with Christ. TORONTO (RNS) — The en hancing training for police and centre” in Montreal, the first of Schulte described a conversa - government of Quebec has intro - teachers to recognize signs of rad - its kind in North America. tion with a man who said he re - duced two bills, both aimed at icalization, dedicating a police The overall package is seen as ceived the eucharist daily for 40 Muslims. unit to patrol social media and a response to last autumn’s Sittler years and now, near the end of his The first would attempt to establishing a hotline staffed by attacks on three Canadian sol - BISHOP’S DINNER — Bishop illness, he felt he was ready to die. stanch the radicalization of Mus- social workers to advise families diers in Quebec and Ottawa car - Donald Bolen speaks at the annu - “What faith, love and acceptance lim youth through a 59-point plan and friends of suspected extrem - ried out by homegrown terror - al Bishop’s Dinner in Saskatoon. in facing death,” she marvelled. that includes expanding the pow - ists. ists. Beginning as a fundraiser for the Hudon ministers in many loca - As well, 11 of 21 individuals construction of the new cathedral tions but she stressed her work at linked to terror cases since Janu- and pastoral centre in the diocese, the Dubé Centre for Mental Health. ary attended one Montreal col - funds raised by the event are now “I see patients as young as 12 years lege. Last month, 10 youth were directed to different ministries, old . . . university students, profes - arrested at Montreal’s airport on including the office of migration, sionals, parents and grandparents,” suspicion they were leaving the community and prison chaplain - Hudon shared. “I talk with them country to fight for Islamic State cy, and poverty advocacy. this and pray with them.” militants. year, the funds go toward hospital Hudon explained how although Many members of the Muslim chaplaincy. no one wants to be in a mental community in Quebec have ex - health facility, when it comes time pressed concerns that the meas - Terry and Margaret Downey to leave, many are afraid to depart. ures would target Muslims only hosted the evening and welcomed “During their stay, they are sur - and reinforce the belief that Mus - everyone to the event. Sister rounded by professionals who are lims are a threat. Teresita Kambeitz, OSU, led the available to them all the time,” The other bill is aimed at bar - 275 participants in a sung prayer. Hudon said. “But when they leave, ring public servants from wearing Bishop Donald Bolen shared many don’t have that support in face-covering religious garments how this was already his sixth their families, communities or at work, and preventing members banquet and noted that much has even churches.” of the public from covering their changed since his first year when She also addressed the stigma faces while receiving government he felt like a “deer in headlights.” of mental illness that still exists, services. Bolen announced that the an nual which makes it difficult for people Buchok “We don’t judge people for event will shift direction in the to talk about their illness even CENtENNIAL MASS COLLECtION — the Archdiocese of their beliefs or absence of be- future, to become something more with their family and friends. Winnipeg on June 3 presented the collection from its centennial liefs,” said Quebec Justice Minis - simple. The bishop thanked all Hudon concluded by inviting mass to Returning to Spirit, an Aboriginal non-profit charitable ter Stéphanie Vallée. those who have been involved in those in attendance to recognize organization providing reconciliation and healing workshops that “We are convinced the way organizing the event over the years, their role in supporting patients bring Aboriginals and Non-Aboriginals together. A donation of we are approaching this is highlighting the contributions of who leave the Dubé Centre. She $60,000 was presented by Archbishop Richard Gagnon to Lisa respectful and will be a plus for Jacquie Ackerman, who has chaired invited them to be the continuing Raven, executive director of Returning to Spirit. From left: Chief society.” the event since its inception. care of the Christian community. Financial Officer Rhonda Chorney, Archbishop Richard Gagnon, The bills announced June 10 Bolen explained that in the future “Don’t be afraid to hear their Lisa Raven and Rev. Francois Paradis, a Returning to Spirit work - come early in the mandate of the annual event will still be focused stories and offer support,” she shop co-ordinator. Returning to Spirit is based in Headingley, Man., Quebec’s Liberal majority gov - on particular ministries but that they encouraged. “Form a loving and and can be found at www.returningtospirit.org. Winnipeg’s centen - ernment and are expected to would be gatherings that could caring group around them . . . help nial mass was held May 3 at MtS Centre, with 14,000 faithful in become law by the end of the include a broader range of people. facilitate the continued healing attendance. year. “Pope Francis is leading us as a they need.” 4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS June 17, 2015 Mary’s Meals has capacity to feed a million kids a day
By Jean Ko Din “They talked all the time,” said . . . it was amazing how many stu - the Catholic Register Muraca. “With Magnus on hand dents brought in ($13.10 to feed one and two other people, they were child in Malawi for one year), as TORONTO (CCN) — Students able to get all the proper paper - young as kindergarten. Some par - at Sacred Heart Catholic Ele - work done to actually get Mary’s ents wrote a note saying that these mentary School in Niagara Falls, Meals here in Canada.” kids wanted to give their own Ont., were buzzing with excitement MacFarlane-Barrow spent much money from their own piggy bank.” when they heard Magnus time with Davidson’s family, sitting MacFarlane-Barrow has re cent ly MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and in her backyard, dreaming about been featured as one of Time maga - CEO of Mary’s Meals, was coming the good they could do together. zine’s 100 Most Influential People to visit. The school only had about a “(Davidson) became a great in 2015. He has been travelling week to prepare for his June 2 visit, friend of mine before she passed around North America to promote but it was obvious where to start. away and (it was) very special for his new book, The Shed That Fed a They invited the family of the me to come back there,” said Million Children. The book cele - late Brigid Davidson, who found - MacFarlane-Barrow. brates an important milestone for the ed the Canadian chapter of Mary’s Davidson and her group of about organization, which MacFarlane- Meals. Davidson, a former educa - 20 friends began by making rosary Barrow celebrated in late May in a tional resource teacher at Sacred bracelets to raise funds for Mary’s small village in Malawi. Heart, started the group in 2010 Meals. The bracelets are being sold “We were in a particular vil - with fellow teacher Lina Muraca by word of mouth through teachers lage where we’ve reached the mil - and a few others. She died in 2013 who make up the Canadian team. lionth child and the whole village of colon cancer. When Davidson died, the commu - was there singing and dancing,” “The Mary’s Meals team con - nity at Sacred Heart and the small he said. “It was a very special day tacted us about a week (prior to team she formed for Mary’s Meals indeed.” the visit),” said Muraca. “It was Canada continued her legacy. In Niagara Falls, the milestone the final leg (of their book tour) in “She called it her expiration date was marked with the famous falls Canada and they decided it would and she knew she had an expiration bathed in blue lighting, the colour be great to touch base with Brigid date, so she had these things that she of Mary’s Meals. Davidson’s old school.” wanted to get done,” said Muraca. MacFarlane-Barrow’s book tells Mary’s Meals began in Scot - “She always found meditation the story of how Mary’s Meals got land in 1992 and works with local helpful, so she prayed the rosary its start in the shed behind his par - communities, farmers and volun - while she was making the bracelets. ents’ home. MacFarlane-Barrow teers, to feed one million children It made her feel at peace.” and his family are devout Catho - in 13 nations each day and provide In Davidson’s honour, Mary’s lics. In the autumn of 1983, he read educational resources for school - Meals Canada worked with the an article about Mary’s apparition children. The program en courages Niagara Catholic District School appearing to the children of children to attend school because Board (NCDSB) to launch a Medjugorje and asking his parents for many of them, their daily lunch board-wide fundraising day called if he and his siblings could go see it Courtesy of HarperCollins Books is often their only meal. Random Act of Kindness Day on for themselves. MARy’S MEALS — Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow is the founder and Davidson was inspired to get Nov. 1, 2013. More than $33,000 MacFarlane-Barrow remem - CEO of Mary’s Meals, a program that began in Scotland in 1992 and involved with the organization was raised for Mary’s Meals bered their pilgrimage to Medju - works with local communities, farmers and volunteers, to feed one mil - when she saw MacFarlane-Barrow Canada on that day. gorje as awe-inspiring, so when lion children in 13 nations each day and provide educational resources featured as a CNN Hero in 2010. “Brigid’s theory when she had war erupted in Bosnia in 1992, he for children. After she contacted Mary’s Meals, this plan is that we would feed the and his brother, Fergus, decided to MacFarlane-Barrow flew in from children oatmeal so that they can collect some food and clothing as salmon farmers to deliver the bunch of us in Scotland, out of a Scotland and visited her at her see what a child would get through and drive it to Bosnia as a small supplies themselves. shed, can feed a million kids each home to discuss how they could Mary’s Meals,” said Muraca. mission trip. They had to book a When they returned home, day, why are there still some chil - create a Canadian chapter. “What was more touching was week of vacation from their work they discovered word had spread dren that go hungry?” about their trip to Bosnia. The MacFarlane-Barrow read an shed was filled with more med - excerpt of the book, signed copies Costs of keeping churches open too high ical aid, dry food, blankets and and mingled with the community clothing from the community. during his visit to Sacred Heart. Continued from page 1 Heritage reported that a record 72 church. Hopes were high that per - After a few days of praying and Davidson’s founding team hosted churches were shuttered in 2014. haps someone would have come to thinking, MacFarlane-Barrow the event and Muraca was proud cese , has 198 churches. By 2020, “A few years ago, churches had him in the spring with a business handed in his letter of resignation, to tell MacFarlane-Barrow of their they will be merged into 29 enti - to close because they were lacking plan to keep the church open. But sold his house and decided to progress. ties that the archdiocese is calling human resources. But now, the nothing happened. devote his time to Mary’s Meals. Last month, the school hosted decision to close them is motivat - “Our society now has a great “Hopefully, by reading this its annual Mary’s Meals fundrais - ed by the fact that it costs too cultural deficit,” Gingras said. “A book, people will understand there er and raised about $697, enough much money to keep them open,” lot of people do not understand is no good reason why a child to feed more than 50 children in said Denis Boucher of the council. even our religious vocabulary now. should be hungry in this world of Brigid Davidson school in Balaka, The socio-economic capacity The gap is wide. So for me, what is plenty,” he said. “It is possible. If a Malawi for one year. to finance church transformations happening with St. John the Baptist — about 200 churches in the marks the end of an era. A spectac - prov ince are waiting to be con - ular era, very rallying and commu - Popes teach in continuity verted for other uses — is getting nity-driven. This church was the thinner, Boucher explained. In heart of our community.” Continued from page 1 when introducing Canadian eco other words, the “market” for In April, the priest organized justice thinkers and initiatives in churches has become saturated. meetings to allow citizens and House Apostolate (Com bermere, his own diocese, across the coun - For Boucher, St. John the Baptist, parishioners to voice their memo - Ont.); Scarboro Missions; St. try, and in developing communi - because of its size and the expen - ries and concerns. He focused on Gabriel’s Parish, Willowdale, Ont. ties around the world. sive renovations needed, repre - the moral and spiritual impact, (Canada’s first LEED-gold eco “I believe these programs are sents a huge challenge. sharing the joys and grieving with church building); St. Joseph Centre helpful in many ways, providing a “We will have to be very imag - people. A few minutes before a for Ecology, Cobourg, Ont. (Sisters context where it is clear that Pope inative. I would wait before say - daily mass days before the church of St. Joseph of Canada); Sisters of Francis is teaching in continuity ing it is the beginning of the end closed, two women asked him if it Providence of St. Vincent de Paul with his predecessors. The series for our biggest churches. But one would be possible to sit in the (Kingston, Ont.); and St. Peter’s is also an excellent expression of thing is certain: We will have to sanctuary with him, around the Benedictine Abbey (Muenster, our various church communities find new business models to save altar, because it was one of the last Sask.). working together to present a pas - CNS/Philippe Vaillancourt these ‘great naves,’ ” he said. liturgies there. Gingras agreed and “One simple thing that we can toral message to students and Rev. Pierre Gingras The priest in charge of St. John went to the sacristy to get ready. do is attend to the prophetic voic - parishioners. the Baptist admitted that his last When he came back a few min - es in our communities who are “The message is simple: from “communions of communities” in nights there were difficult. He has utes later, the entire congregation looking to the environment and its popes to bishops to religious and a process that is already underway. celebrated last masses for other was sitting around the altar. needs, who have engaged in rigor - laity, we care about the environment Proulx deems it “realistic” to stip - churches before, but this one felt “Through it all, we are living ous study, who have, over the long and we want to share that concern, ulate that, eventually, half of the different. “It doesn’t get easier,” beautiful moments. We are all haul, expressed deep concerns which Pope Francis has termed the churches will have to close, the said Rev. Pierre Gingras. sticking together,” he said, refus - about environmental changes, and moral imperative of our times, with bulk of them in the next 10 years. He is the person who an - ing to abandon himself to bitter - who show us some of the small the entire body of the faithful.” Church closings have become nounced in February that the parish ness. After all, he pointed out, the steps which can be taken in our For links to the GSTV videos an increasing trend over the past would have to close the church and parish chose Pentecost Sunday to area, in our parishes, which help and lesson go to www.roman - several years in the province. The move the 200 parishioners left to celebrate its last mass and send us to live in a new way in relation catholictv.com or www.green - Quebec Council of Religious St. Canadian Martyrs, a nearby the faithful away. to the environment,” says Bolen spirittv.com June 17, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 5 Edmonton parish sponsors 10 Syrian refugee families
By thandiwe Konguavi Western Catholic Reporter
EDMONTON (CCN) — Last summer, St. Thomas More parish - ioner Eric Green was flipping through his Western Catholic Reporter when an article about Archbishop Richard Smith’s call to parishes to sponsor refugees caught his eye. News of the persecution of Christians in Syria and Iraq in- cluding beheadings, rapes, bomb - ings, massacres and kidnappings Courtesy of St. Thomas More Refugee Committee had not yet been widely publi - REFuGEE SPONSORSHIP — A committee at St. thomas More Parish is spearheading the parish’s drive to sponsor 10 refugee families from cized. A goal set by the archdiocese Syria and Iraq. to sponsor 50 refugees had gained little traction due to the summer Syria and one from Iraq. Estimating the number of refu - ting the paperwork for the refugee Park, has already arrived safely in lull, when many parishioners More than 100 individual do - gees in Syria and Iraq at 11 mil - sponsorships through a federal Canada and is now settling in would be away on holidays. nors from the parish and organiza - lion, Tom Keating, another mem - gov ernment agreement with the north Edmonton. Green immediately picked up tions such as the Society of St. ber of the parish refugee sponsor - Ed mon ton archdiocese, called St. A second Syrian family is ex - the phone and called Paulette Vincent de Paul and the Knights ship committee, said the parish’s Thomas More’s initiative “amaz - pected to arrive in the next six to Johnson, the refugee sponsorship of Columbus donated enough that initiative is a continuous effort, ing.” eight weeks, according to OLPH co-ordinator for Catholic Social the parish is now able to sponsor with no set fundraising goal. “That’s totally outstanding for refugee sponsorship committee Services, asking her what an indi - 10 families. “The final objective is to help one parish to take on so many member Yves Lamarre. vidual or parish could do. Six committee meetings later, as many families as we can,” he cases,” she said. At the last meeting of the St. they anticipate the arrival of the said. “That’s the ultimate objec - According to Johnson, the Thomas More committee, mem - first refugees as early as the end of tive so there’s not a target as such. arch diocese submitted 20 applica - bers seemed “very excited and June. There are all these families in tions for Syrian and Iraqi refugee very pumped” to be receiving The rescue could not come any need so we have no goal. This is a sponsorship in 2014. That means their first families in the near sooner for George, the father of continuous, fluid situation.” 55 people in 20 families from the future, said Green. They have the first refugee family expected Committee members have been two countries will find homes in identified several potential homes to arrive at the parish. bolstered by admonitions from the archdiocese. where the families could live In a distress letter received by Pope Francis to think about those In 2015, so far CSS has submit - close to Catholic schools, shop - the committee from Lebanon, who are less fortunate, wher ever ted 28 cases for Syrian and Iraqi ping and transportation. George provided an account of they come from, wheth er in our refugees, involving another 63 Students and staff of Mother how he had to leave his home and own communities or abroad, said people. Ten of these cases have not Margaret Mary High School have job as a cellphone sales supervisor committee member Don Schurman. yet been submitted because collec - also been involved in the parish’s in Aleppo. He nearly lost his life “I think (Pope Francis) planted tion of all documentation has not sponsorship efforts, contributing when he was kidnapped in March the seeds, and I think the crisis in yet been completed, she said. furniture and other household 2013 by an armed group in Syria Syria and Iraq became apparent to Altogether, 14 parishes have items for the refugee families. that learned he is a Christian. everyone, and then there was local been involved in rescuing perse - Students at St. Mary Ele - After he was released by the leadership and the community cuted people from Syria and Iraq. mentary School will also take on kidnappers, he took his wife and quickly rallied around,” Schurman One refugee family from Syria the parish’s sponsorship effort as three children, who were living in said. sponsored by Our Lady of Per - their social justice project next fear due to continuous bombings Johnson, who has been submit - petual Help Parish in Sher wood school year. WCR/Konguavi close to his kids’ school, and fled Eric Green the country. Christians in Syria make up 10 Churches, orders accept TRC findings Soon after, armed with a clip- per cent of the population, number - out of the WCR article and infor - ing around 1.8 million, according By Michael Swan only in Canada, but I think it hasn’t,” said Gerry Kelly, former mation from Johnson, he stood to a Syrian Christian support web - the Catholic Register would be terrific.” consultant to the Catholic Entities. before his parish in a speech after site. Since the start of the civil war, The Vatican’s nuncio to Canada, Kelly has been on the front - mass. The response was enormous. 700,000 Christians have left Syria. TORONTO (CCN) — The Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, told lines of the settlement process and “It was overwhelming, the in - “It’s mostly Christians being churches and religious orders who TRC commissioners the request to reconciliation efforts since before stant response,” said Green. beheaded, the women are being ran Indian residential schools up the pope would be forwarded with the 2007 out-of-court settlement Two individuals stepped for - raped, the children are dying of until the 1970s have responded to “high priority,” a participant in the of a class action lawsuit which ward that day with cheques for the hunger and thirst,” said Green. the final 94 recommendations of closing ceremonies told The named the churches and the feder - “All of this hatred and evil is amount it would cost to sponsor the Truth and Reconciliation Com - Catholic Register. al government. Out of the total two families of five. chasing these people from their mission with a promise to do The Canadian Conference of $1.9 billion settlement with for - By November, a refugee spon - homes and lives and we want to more. Catholic Bishops will wait until mer students, the Catholic Entities sorship committee had been set up bring them here and give them an “We welcome the commission - its fall plenary assembly to re - agreed to $29 million in cash pay - with 30 devoted parish members, opportunity for a new life of peace er’s call to the parties to the Indian spond to the TRC final report. ments, $25 million in in-kind con - including two members from and freedom.” Residential School Settlement “Only all the bishops gathered tributions and a best-efforts cam - Agreement for a new Covenant of together can respond to these paign to raise another $25 million Make strong statement Reconciliation,” said a statement items,” said CCCB general secre - for ongoing healing and reconcili - signed by Archbishop Gerard tary Msgr. Pat Powers. ation projects across the country. against assisted suicide: EPC Pettipas, president of the Catholic The missionaries who ran the The Moving Forward Together Entities Parties to the Indian Resi- schools under government super - Campaign has raised less than $5 dential School Settlement, Jesuit vision felt an immediate response million of its goal so far. By Deborah Gyapong Catholic health care system comes provincial superior Peter Bisson was necessary, said Bisson. “This is the part that’s fallen out and says we will not in any and leaders of the Anglican, Even if it seems the church has down,” said Kelly. OTTAWA (CCN) — Alex way participate in these acts. We Presbyterian and United churches. apologized many times since the Schadenberg of the Euthanasia will not do it; we will not refer for Among the recommendations Oblates of Mary Immaculate Kelly believes it’s ordinary Prevention Coalition (EPC) said it.” is that Pope Francis come to Can- issued the first apology in 1991, Cath olics, rather than more state - he hopes the Catholic Health “If they would come out with ada within a year to personally that doesn’t mean it’s not worth ments from church leaders, who Alliance of Canada (CHAC) will such a statement that would put a apologize for the Catholic role in repeating, said Bisson. will make reconciliation happen. issue a strong statement against lot of people in a place where they the schools, that the federal gov - “It’s one thing for church lead - “Let’s take a quick breath and assisted suicide. feel somewhat protected in a very ernment increase spending on ers to respond, but these mindsets read and try to understand this. Let’s Schadenberg said it’s been a bad situation,” Schadenberg said. education, set national standards need to be changed at the level of take a look in the Catholic commu - very difficult time for those “con - “I don’t want to be in a position for child welfare systems and our whole society — in the pews nity to see where this is happening,” cerned with protecting people where I go to my physician when change the oath of citizenship to and not just from church leaders,” he said. “And let us find out what it against euthanasia and assisted I’m down and feeling horrible ac knowledge Canada’s treaty he said. would take to see this work that is suicide” since the Supreme Court about my situation and have my obli gations to First Nations. “For those of us who under - already being done and give it the of Canada struck down Canada’s doctor acquiesce to assisted sui - Bisson is supportive of the call stand the juridical structure of the support that it needs.” laws on assisted suicide Feb. 6 in cide or euthanasia when I am in for a papal apology. Catholic Church, we would say “People are spending signifi - the Carter decision. need of good care.” “I think it would be a great idea that apologies from every relevant cant time and effort just getting to “I am also very concerned People need to have someone for the pope to say something,” area of the church have been know each other across the kind about conscience issues for physi - “there for us who will say, ‘I am said Bisson. “He might want to made. The TRC is not denying of unknown that exists in Canada cians,” he said. “The only actual say something about indigenous that. The TRC is saying there’s between First Nations and non- way they can be protected is if the — NO DEBAtE , page 9 people around the world and not still a perception that the church First Nations people,” said Kelly. 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS June 17, 2015 Priestly anniversaries marked
By Kiply Lukan yaworski rishioners. Bishop Donald Bolen was formed by members of the extended a blessing over Phaneuf Knights of Columbus Fourth SASKATOON — Two priests and all those living in consecrated Degree, which Senger has served ordained on the same day in 1965 life. as chaplain. Bishop Donald Bolen by Bishop Francis Klein recently In a brief address, Bolen spoke gave the homily, reflecting upon celebrated their 50th anniversaries about “the beauty and the tender - the readings chosen by Senger for in the Roman Catholic Diocese of ness of faithfulness over time.” the celebration, including Micah 6. Saskatoon. This can be seen in every voca - “Monsignor Ray, thank you for A celebration for Rev. Denis tion, including marriage, religious staying close to that calling, for Phaneuf was held May 31 at St. life and single life, as well as the your ministry never losing site of Paul’s Co-Cathedral, while Msgr. priesthood, the bishop noted. the simplicity of the Gospel call to Raymond Senger’s anniversary Born and raised at Tramping act justly, love tenderly and walk was marked June 6 at the Cathe- Lake, Senger became a teacher humbly with your God,” said dral of the Holy Family in Saska - before being accepted into St. Bolen. toon, and June 8 in his home town Pius X Seminary in Saskatoon, Bolen noted Senger’s diligence of Tramping Lake, Sask. and then continuing his formation and faithfulness in his parish Born in Prince Albert and edu - at St. Peter’s Seminary in London, work, and his love of the people cated in Saskatoon, Phaneuf studied Ont. Ordained June 5, 1965, he served. The bishop quoted theology at St. Paul’s Pontifi cal Senger celebrated his first mass at Senger’s own reflection on his Uni versity in Ottawa before his St. Michael Church in Tramping call, in which he wrote, “My ordination on June 5, 1965. Phaneuf Lake. While serving as assistant priesthood has been a great bless - has served at numerous parishes priest at St. Joseph Parish in Kin- ing and wonder in my life. I am Yaworski across the diocese. He co-founded dersley, he taught in the Catho lic always aware of my unworthiness My Father’s House for Alcoholics, school system. Senger has served and of his love for me.” At tHE ALtAR — Msgr. Raymond Senger’s 50th anniversary of ordi - and also spent time in hospital chap - parishes throughout the diocese. An afternoon tea was part of nation was marked with celebration of mass June 6 at the Cathedral of laincy and mentoring other min - He also served as pastor at St. the celebration at Holy Family the Holy Family. Senger (centre) was joined by Rev. Denis Phaneuf istries and movements. Anne’s Home in Saskatoon. He Cathedral in Saskatoon, followed (right) and Deacon Greg Smith-Windsor (left), as well as colleagues, “My heart is full of praise and was named monsignor April 2, by a supper and program of speak - friends, former parishioners and family members. Senger and Phaneuf thanksgiving for 50 years of hav - 2012, a pontifical honour con - ers. Senger’s anniversary celebra - were both ordained on June 5, 1965, by Bishop Francis Klein, and ing the privilege to serve the Lord ferred by Pope Benedict XVI. tion two days later in Tramping Smith-Windsor will celebrate his ordination to the priesthood June 19 here in this diocese,” said Phaneuf Senger’s anniversary celebra - Lake included mass at St. Michael at Holy Family Cathedral. at the prayer service held during a tions began with mass June 6, con - Church, followed by a banquet come-and-go tea with family, celebrated with a number of his and program at the community friends, colleagues and former pa - brother priests. An honour guard hall. Prince Albert DPC meets
By Paula Fournier keep focused when parishes are Quilts aid various causes in Macklin facing problems like debt or di - PRINCE ALBERT — Approxi - minishing populations. By Naden Hewko With the co-operative efforts of filling for various quilt sizes. mately 130 pastors and parish rep - He stated that evangelization women from the town and sur - The multi-piece quilt cover is resentatives met recently at St. was about the common good and MACKLIN, Sask. — In the rounding area, many quilts are put sewn onto a suitable backing like Joseph Parish in Prince Albert for very much aligned with church past decade, volunteers in Macklin together every winter. flannel or other soft material and the annual Diocesan Pastoral teachings on justice, peace, health and area have made over 1,100 Since ardent seamstresses with turned inside out. The batt is Council (DPC) meeting. and generosity. Following Jesus’ quilts for those in need. The quilt- remnants left over did not want to attached to the inside of the cover “We have embarked on some - way, evangelization gives direc - making project started under the see the materials go to waste, they with hand stitching. Then the quilt thing new,” was the message from tion toward the common good, direction of the Macklin branch of put the pieces together to make is turned right side out and the Bishop Albert Thévenot, M. Afr. and realizing a person’s potential. the Catholic Women’s League of quilt covers. Fibrefill batts are cut opening is sewn shut. Using wool He explained how the pastoral Rev. Jim Kaptein, director of Canada. into rectangular pieces to make yarn and a large needle, the yarn is centre staff and DPC executive vocations, introduced SERRA from pulled through the entire thickness committee (DPCE) changed their Winnipeg and their chosen mission Holy Rosary elementary at regular intervals, thus securing approach to the annual spring ses - to help promote vocations and the layers. The yarn is tied, com - sions to help parishes understand begin parish clubs. They spoke on school marks centennial pleting a durable, warm quilt. ways they could better adapt to their history, current activities and The official quilting sessions their new journeys. The goals of offered assistance to parishes. usually begin in January, when eve - DPC would remain the same, but Concluding the meeting, By Frank Flegel students that make the school spe - ry Tuesday afternoon the women the results were hoped to spread Thévenot spoke on the similarities cial and students seem to agree. meet at St. Mary’s Catholic Church throughout the parishes. between the morning’s readings REGINA — Holy Rosary Grade 6 student Shayla Nguyen hall to begin the work. Morning prayer began the all- and the possible difficulties and Catholic elementary school has for was born in Canada but she is The number of volunteers day meeting, led by the new direc - tensions during the beginning of 100 years been an iconic fixture in proud of her Vietnam heritage. varies from six to 12 or more, tor of liturgy, Rev. D. J. Vu and co- the church. this city’s historic Cathedral dis - She very much likes the variety of depending on weather and other ordinator Heidi Epp, and commis - “On the day of his resurrection, trict. Thursday, May 21, that centu - cultures that exist at Holy Rosary. commitments. sion members. he approached his disciples and ry of existence and service to the “I like all the different people and Some women cannot come to Rev. Maurice Fiolleau, director said to them ‘As the Father has children of the area was celebrated cultures.” the hall but are able to work on the of DPC and vicar-general ex - sent me, I am sending you.’ That is in a daylong festival that began Nelson said the diverse popula - quilts at home. The covers are sewn plained that the changes proposed what we’re realizing today, that with mass at 10 a.m. in Holy tion gives the children opportuni - at home by many women in the in this spring’s meeting included we are sent to go out.” Rosary Cathedral, followed by a ties to get to know the different community. Some quilts are tied at substantial time for parishes to Regardless of what paradigms big tent performance by Elevation cultures and they do take advan - the hall and others are given to our share their successes and failures parishes had chosen, he pointed out Axis from O’Neil Catholic High tage of it. “One of the students senior women at the assisted living in smaller groups due to the evalu - that they all had parallel elements. School; fun, games and food mentioned to me yesterday (the facility Villa Marie, to residents at ations from the fall extended dean - He reminded those in attendance, throughout the afternoon, and a live day before the centennial celebra - the Countryside Manor and to sen - ery meetings. “We all have a duty to play in the performance in the evening by tion) that they found it really inter - iors at their homes for completion. Diocesan director of steward - establishment of the kingdom of three different bands rounded out esting because they used to hang The quilts are taken to the ship, Lawrent Fournier, began the God, as we are all prophet, priest the day. It all tied in nicely with the around with just the Filipino chil - Catholic Women’s League Cloth - meeting by refreshing pastors and and king.” He described prayer as annual Cathedral Village Arts dren but now they’ve connected ing Depot in Saskatoon and made parish representatives on the para - creating a relationship with God, Festival held that week. with a girl from Ukraine and available to those in need. This digms presented first in the spring keeping our focus on Christ, who Rev. Lorne Crozon, Holy another child from Russia.” season, in February 2015 alone, a of 2013. has called us to fulfil his mission in Rosary Cathedral pastor and vicar- A world map on a hallway wall total of 55 large quilts, 21 baby He explained: “A paradigm is a the world of today. general, celebrated the mass in has lines leading from countries of quilts and five pillows were deliv - circumstance, like a floor plan, “We have to meet a person eye place of Regina Archbishop Daniel origin to photos and names of stu - ered to the CWL Clothing Depot which facilitates the fulfilment of a to eye, that is our mission. To get Bohan, who was ill. “Today we are dents from those countries. in Saskatoon. Some quilts are also goal, how our parishes feel and are out and encounter others as we celebrating 100 wonderful years of The mass was celebrated by given to the Macklin Food Bank seen, and are perceived by others. have encountered Christ. A education,” said Crozon in his Crozon with concelebrants Msgr. for those in need. How you set this up should be prophet stands for the truth of homily, “Let us give thanks to God Ken Miller and cathedral associate Working together gives the something that facilitates the direc - Jesus Christ, not necessarily the for his presence in our schools and priest Rev. Paul Mau Nguyen. women a sense of fellowship and tion you want to go with your truth that we might think is right in our lives.” Children from the school did some a feeling of accomplishment. At parish. It is about how you want solely to be different from others, Holy Rosary School was con - of the readings and read the prayers the mid-session break, a light your parish to be perceived and but because we have to change the structed about the same time as the of petition in their first language. lunch of tea, coffee or juice and how that can assist in the fulfilment current of our world by going Cathedral after which it was named Principal Nelson conducted the some baking is enjoyed. This proj - of your mission, which is evange - forth. It’s God’s mission, not ours. and sits just behind the Cathedral. It children’s choir accompanied by ect is also an excellent way of lization. Evangelization is not a We have to be on fire to be the boasts a diverse student population guitarists Deacon Joe Lang, his son recycling fabrics as much material program. It’s a lifelong enrichment Good News, to set fires in the of 157 from 23 different countries. Paul and Grade 6 teacher and is donated to the seamstresses for of a loving relationship with God.” hearts of people so that they feel Principal Cindy Nelson said it’s the pianist Danielle Degelman. making quilts. He knows it can be difficult to joy about their faith.” June 17, 2015 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Feist celebrates 50 years as an Ursuline sister
By Frank Flegel northwest Saskatchewan, an area Lake, a few miles from her home. It wasn’t until of bush and lakes. She joined two She pursued that bug at St. later in life that she LEBRET, Sask. — The school of her sisters at St. Angela’s Angela’s, obtained a teaching cer - realized that affini - was closing and Bernadette Feist Academy at Prelate, Sask., where tificate from the University of ty had its roots in wanted her education, so she she came under the influence of Saskatchewan, and was sent to La Barthel. decided to run away from home to the Ursuline Sisters who operated Loche, where she spent eight “People came to get it. She was 14 and the term the academy. years in native ministry. the farm some - “run away” is hers, although she “I didn’t like the town or the She also took her final vows, times for potatoes did ask her father’s permission. country because it’s grasshoppers which had been delayed because or eggs, but I didn’t “He said if that’s what will and crickets and I like bush,” she of her youth. identify them as make you happy we’ll let you go,” remembers. “When I was asked where I First Nations. They she said in an interview with the She had “got the bug” to be a wanted to go, I said to the north were just people, PM. teacher when her Grade 6 teacher with First Nations. For whatever and the children in She grew up with seven broth - asked her to teach catechism to reason, I was always drawn to Loon Lake were ers and four sisters in Barthel, some younger children at Loon First Nations people.” also First Nations.” When she arrived at Valley Campion College renovations underway Native Ministry she discovered that By Frank Flegel one step closer to that goal.” announced after the wheelchair her Godmother, The government of Saskatch e - challenge estimated the costs to be whom she had Flegel REGINA — Construction has wan is putting up $443,000 from about $2.3 million, and it was esti - always known, was Sister Bernadette Feist, OSu begun on a $3.3-million project to its Advanced Education Preven ta - mated construction would begin also First Nations give a new entrance and increased tive Maintenance and Renewal in 2016 with completion in 2017 and had a connection to the people of Valley First Nations so that accessibility to the 50-year-old Fund. The rest of the money is when Campion celebrates its cen - in the valley. Rev. Wojciech Wojtkowiak, who Cam pion College building. Cam - coming from previous fundraising tennial. The additional funding “I immediately phoned her and worked in the ministry for 20 pion is a federated college of the campaigns and a new $1.6-million from the ministry allowed the she eventually came to visit her years before being transferred out, University of Regina and the only campaign to complete the fund - project to begin a year earlier. sister. What a way to make a con - could attend. He celebrated 45 Jesuit undergraduate college in ing. Besides the new construction nection here,” said Feist. years as a priest at the same time. Canada. Kevin Doherty, who was the and elevator relocation the project She eventually obtained her Feist is passionate about her The project will be completed in Advanced Education Minister will address some deferred main - education degree from the Uni - ministry and continues to advo - two phases: the first, already under - when the project was announced, tenance needs in the 50-year-old versity of Saskatchewan, with a cate for the ministry to the arch - way, will create a new exterior said the Saskatchewan govern - building, including classrooms major in Native Studies, and diocese — so much so that the late entryway and stairwell and the sec - ment was pleased to provide the that will be made more accessi - came to the Qu’Appelle Valley at director of Pastoral Care, Sister ond phase, to begin next spring, additional funding. “We under - ble. the invitation of Regina Arch- Anastasia Young, just prior to her will install a new elevator in a dif - stand the importance of providing Campion College is the first of bishop Charles Halpin, first in death presented Feist with a hand ferent location. The new entrance - barrier-free learning facilities to what are now three federated col - pastoral work in Fort Qu’Appelle puppet of a sister wearing boxing way is to be constructed on the ensure students have the ability to leges located on the U of R cam - then to Valley Native Ministry in gloves. north side of the building directly participate in all programs.” pus. The others are Luther College Lebret. As to retirement, she says, “I opposite the entrance to the two Doherty was made Finance and the First Nations University Feist’s 50th anniversary was will retire when all my hopes for new student high-rises now com - Minister in the recent cabinet of Canada. celebrated May 10 at the request Native Ministry are satisfied.” pleting construction. More spa - shuffle announced by Premier cious entryways on each floor of Brad Wall. the four-storey building will also be The announcement comes Escalante journeys toward priesthood created. about six months after Meehan “This has been many years in accepted a Dec. 3 challenge from By Frank Flegel his doctorate in philosophy before Saskatchewan are close to the the making,” said Dr. John a wheelchair-confined student to ordination and Bohan agreed. land, which would make it easier Meehan, SJ, Campion College try and navigate his way through LUMSDEN, Sask. — It’s a “By that time I had lost contact than a bustling metropolis for the president in a news release. “As a the first two storeys of the long way from Trinidad and with Vancouver,” said Escalante. Spirit to take root. “God works in Jesuit college, we are committed Campion building. Tobago to Vancouver to Rome and He came to Regina for a visit silence and not in activity.” to creating a barrier-free environ - “It was tough,” said Meehan to the Regina archdiocese, but and liked what he saw. “A lot of Escalante will complete his ment for all and the Building after completing the journey. that’s the route taken by Ricardo scholars believe that it’s much doctorate this summer and will Enhancement Project brings us Plans for the enhancements Escalante on his journey to the easier for the life of the Spirit to return to Regina in September to priesthood and he’s not quite there take root when one is close to begin his pastoral year. Bohan yet. Archbishop Daniel Bohan on nature because of the experiences expects that Escalante will be May 8, the last day of the priest’s of the cycle of life and then death ordained sometime next fall. retreat at St. Michael’s Retreat and that puts one up to the tran - Escalante is one of nine Regina House in Lumsden, instituted scendent.” Escalante explained archdiocesan seminarians, but the Escalante as lector and acolyte, that the people of Regina and only one studying in Rome. the first two steps on the road to ordination. Baptism program In an interview with the PM, Escalante said he knew in his late carried out in schools teens that he wanted to serve the church but he wasn’t sure in what capacity until his early 20s when By Frank Flegel for some of the families,” said he decided being a priest is how Weckend. One evening class was he wanted to serve. Prior to that, REGINA — A pilot program to also arranged for families who however, he was a lawyer and bring baptism preparation classes couldn’t come to the school during served in that profession for about to non-baptized students in two the day. 10 years. Regina Catholic schools resulted He and retired teacher and now “I needed to pay the bills,” he in a class of 35 students who were pastoral assistant at St. Cecilia’s said, “and law was a good place baptized on three separate Sun - Marge Appell conducted the class - for that.” He practised for a short days, May 3, 24 and 31. es. “For whatever reason, some of Paproski time in Trinidad and Tobago, then “We realized that there are non- the families could not come to us, tWENty-FIFtH ANNIVERSARy — Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, became a legal aid with a firm in baptized children in some of our so like Pope Francis said we had addresses a crowd of more than 200 June 6 at his 25th anniversary cel - Vancouver, where he had family. Catholic schools and we wanted to to go out to them.” ebration. the celebration, in honour of 25 years as abbot of St. Peter’s He decided on the priesthood encourage them to receive the Following the ceremony, each Abbey, was held at St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster. Next to him is his por - and entered the seminary in Van - sacra ment,” said Rev. John newly baptized child was present - trait, painted by Dr. Z. Kondzielewski of Humboldt. couver, but wanted to study phi - Weckend, pastor of St. Cecilia’s ed with the traditional candle and losophy; with the permission of Parish in West Central Regina. He a white stole emblazoned with the the Vancouver archbishop he jour - and the school principals, Starla baptism symbol. A reception in neyed to Rome to begin his stud - Grebinski of Sacred Heart School the church hall followed the cere - ies. It was during this time that and James Wahl of St. Francis mony. Sacred Heart School pro - Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan School, worked to bring the classes vided the food and the children Small packages visited Rome and met Escalante to the schools rather than have the were presented with gifts from Small Packages welcomes prepaid ads re parish events. through a colleague. parents and children come to the their parents and from their Rates: $16.75 for the first 60 words, $4 for an additional 25 “He told me this man would church. school. make a good priest for our arch - “We had two preparation class - Weckend said the pilot program words. Second and subsequent insertions half-price. Please diocese and he introduced us,” es in each school, one in the morn - was successful and hopes to include cheque with ad and mail to: Small Packages, Prairie said Bohan. Escalante told the ing and another in the afternoon. expand it to other schools within Messenger, Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 archbishop he wanted to complete We even arranged transportation the division. 8 Prairie Messenger PM SUSTAINING FUND June 17, 2015
Dear friends, Part of the chal - ed to Catholics, of course. It applies to all religious lenge the pope and the denominations. We take many things for granted in life. One thing Prairie Messenger face Younger Americans share other traits that differ from the Prairie Messenger cannot take for granted is the peo - is brought out in a their older generation. The PEW study found that ple who give generously to support our paper. Indeed, recent PEW study of younger Americans rely on social media for news about your support has proved vital for us to survive, in face of the religious landscape politics and government. About 61 per cent reported get - declining government aid for religious newspapers and in the United States. It ting political news on Facebook in a given week. This in view of us enriching the contents of our paper. shows a continuing stands in stark contrast to baby boomers, who access We are happy to bring you the rich teaching and decline in the number local TV for political news (60 per cent). example of Pope Francis. We could fill several pages of of people who consid - The same challenge faces us in Canada. I thank our the paper every week. He is like a steward who knows er themselves part of faithful PM supporters. We depend on your generous how to restate old truths in new ways and refocus our any religion. The help. Please make your cheques payable to: Prairie faith journey in creative and unexpected ways. His mis - largest shift is occur - Messenger Sustaining Fund, Box 190, Muenster, Sask. sion to be a church for the poor is meant to be applied ring among the “mil - S0K 2Y0. not only to the Diocese of Rome but also to be an exam - lennial” generation. Another way to help the Prairie Messenger is to ple for dioceses and parishes around the world. “Nearly one-third of American adults say they remember us in your will. Think of us when you make, We are also happy to continue bringing you reading were raised Catholic,” the report said. “Among that or revise, your will. material to enrich and challenge your faith. In a world of group, fully 41 per cent no longer identify with increasingly diverse opinions, it is important to be able to Catholicism. This means that 12.9 per cent of Sincerely, reflect on our own values and to articulate them well and American adults are former Catholics, while just two with respect for the other. We are certainly living in a dif - per cent of U.S. adults have converted to Catholicism ferent world and church that many of us grew up in. We from another religious tradition. No other religious can either drop out or take our mission to evangelize seri - group in the survey has such a lopsided ratio of losses Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB ously. to gains.” This trend among millennials is not restrict - Editor Friends Supporters con’t. Patrons con’t. Patrons con’t. Patrons con’t. Donors con’t.
Anon., Courtenay, BC Anon., Winnipeg, MB Anon., Regina, SK Rev. M. Hogan St. Martin’s CWL, Regina Sisters of Mission Service, Anon., Courtenay, BC K. Baumgardner Anon., Regina, SK Holy Spirit CWL, Saskatoon St. Mary’s CWL, Macklin Saskatoon Anon., Halifax, NS J. & H. Belletrutti Anon., Saskatoon, SK F. Jansen St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Augustine CWL, Anon., Montmartre, SK A. Bischoff Anon., Saskatoon, SK H. Jasken Saskatoon Humboldt Anon., Nepean, ON V. Bleakney Anon., Saskatoon, SK S. Jaworski St. Theresa CWL, St. Mary’s CWL, Saskatoon Anon., Regina, SK J. & M. Bosworth Anon., Saskatoon, SK L. Jelinski Rosetown J. & L. Stoeber J. Angele D. & L. Breker Anon., Saskatoon, SK V. Karwacki R. Salmon B. & E. Uruski L. Beaulieu H. Buchanan Anon., Saskatoon, SK K of C St. George’s Council R. & M. Sanche Rev. A. Vandendriessche J. Bennett W. & B. Chantler Anon., Saskatoon, SK #8655, Prince Albert A. Schamber S. Vanhaverbeke A. Bernhard D. Cody Anon., Swift Current, SK K of C Abbot Bruno Doerfler M. Schlosser M. Vidotto G. Bock R. Currie Anon., Toronto, ON Council #8752, Muenster D. Schmeiser D. Wiegers H. Bouchard L. & B. Donnelly Anon., Wakaw, SK K of C Holy Spirit Council Ce. Schmidt S. & K. Wormsbecker R. Cartier R. Ehman Anon., Waverley, NS #8905, Saskatoon J. Schneider Sponsors L. Couture K. Feehan Anon., White Fox, SK K of C Fr Felix Juzynic M. Schneider Anon., Humboldt, SK J. Deters A. Fitzgerald Anon., Winnipeg, MB Council #7564, Candiac M. & C. Schneider Anon., Saskatoon, SK J. & S. Dosman J. Francon Anon., Winnipeg, MB K of C Father Zimmerman T. & L. Schugmann V. & H. Beckie A. Dowhan T. Gabriel & A. Nogue Anon., Winnipeg, MB Council #10239, Balgonie Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral A. Dea S. Elsom G. Gauvin Anon., Winnipeg, MB K of C, Council No. 1886, Chapel, Humboldt J. Dierker A. Evans J. Gauvin G. Allen Humboldt J. Schmeiser M. Dutli A. Germann A. Haynes L. Altrogge K of C Football Pool, Regina Rev. R. Senger V. & L. Granger I. Gilley G. Gibney E. Barker K of C, Kendal Sisters of St. Benedict D. Gruending R. Gregoire E. Gibson L. & M. Beckie K of C, Moose Jaw Winnipeg, MB K. Koep W. & M. Hackl G. Herkel R. Beechinor M. Kehoe J. Slattery J. Majkut J. Heck Holy Spirit Parish, Sr. A. Behm S. & F. Kenny K. Telford R. Schwartz J. Helfrich Stittsville, ON A. & M. Biegler D. & M. Kerr R. Thomas Sisters of Our Lady of A.E. & R. Larson Holy Trinity CWL, Regina J. & B. Biegler A. Klein M. Toth the Cross, Saskatoon C. MacDonald M. Huot T. & C. Boryski H. Kolla J. Tremmel Sisters of Presentation, P. Mazur W. Knott B. Brennan B. Krynowsky D. Ward & C. Fitzgerald Prince Albert, SK D.J. McCashin J. & A. Longstaff M. Brennan E. Kutarna E. Weber J. & L. Sutherland C. McConville E. Lukan A. & P. Brockman J. Kutarna H. Weber J. & P. Thompson L. McCurrie K. & P. MacKay E. & V. Brockman A. Labas Rev. J. Weckend Benefactors G. Meyer D. MacKenzie A. Brophy B. Langill A. & M. Weisensel D. & C. Meunier J. 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Deibert Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Anon., Humboldt, SK de St. Boniface, Rev. D. Stein L. Saretsky J. Deshaye Parish, Glenavon, SK Anon., Regina, SK Winnipeg, MB C. Stordy N. Sarich E. Deutscher K. Paisley Anon., Vibank, SK Order of St. Benedict, A. Stuart H. Schlitz Rev. A. Dizy F. Paproski Anon., Winnipeg, MB St. Peter’s Abbey, H. Studholme A. & A. Schlosser F. Doderai W. Parkinson L. Balcaen Muenster M. Tardif M. Schnell F. Dornstauder J. Paslawski G. Burton G. Schmitz R. Zander D. & P.A. Sereda S. Dubeczy L. Perpeluk M.C. Cannon Sisters of Charity T. Zolinski B. Shewchuk N. Duerr E & C. Pek R. Dubois Immaculate Conception, Supporters L. & J. Shotter E. Ecker R. Perras J. Gunn Saint John, NB M. & M. Shyba M. Ehman A. Poilievre J. M. Hayden Sisters of Charity of Anon., Anola, MB W. Stephenson V. Ehman J. Possberg Estate of Michael Hepp St. Louis, Calgary Anon., Calgary, AB L. Suer M. & S. Engele I. Prediger Holy Cross CWL, Regina Sisters of Our Lady of the Anon., Craik, SK M. Taylor R. & M. Engele A. & P. Provost L. Jule Missions, Winnipeg Anon., Holland, MB N. & L. Trach T. & D. Fortosky L. Rath R. & P. Kampman St. Angela’s Academy Anon., Humboldt, SK R. & M. Weber B. & C. Fouillard V. Ratzlaff H. & E. Kehrig Foundation, Saskatoon Anon., Humboldt, SK H. Weisensel J. Frey Redemptorist Novitiate, M. Kehrig The Redemptorist, Toronto Anon., Lloydminster, SK R. Worth R. Gebhardt Toronto A. & U. Klassen L. & E. Thoner Anon., Macorie, SK O. Yachyshen G. Germaine W. Richards D. Koch Ursuline Nuns of Bruno Anon., Regina, SK Patrons B. & L. Gibney H. Robb L. Kunz Archbishop J. Weisgerber Anon., Regina, SK A. Girard B. & S. Robillard Most Reverend A. LeGatt J. & T. Zurowski Anon., Regina, SK Anon., Calgary, AB E. Greter H. & M. Rolfes Les Soeurs de Nore Dame Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Charlottetown, PE W. Hader A. Rollheiser d’Auvergne, Ponteix Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Edmonton, AB P. & J. Hammel D. Rollheiser C. Prefontaine Friend of PM ...... $25+ Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Gull Lake, SK A. Hanowski G. Rooney F. Reinhart Supporter ...... $50+ J. & L. Salamon Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Humboldt, SK E. Hanowski Sacred Heart CWL, Patron ...... $100+ Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Humboldt, SK S. Harasymuk Watson W. Sarauer Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Humboldt, SK A. & E. Hargarten St. Bruno Parish, Bruno L. Schuett Donor ...... $250+ Anon., Saskatoon, SK Anon., Humboldt, SK G. & J. Hergott St. Cecilia CWL, Regina C. Schmidt Sponsor ...... $500+ Anon., St. John’s, NL Anon., Humboldt, SK H. & A. Hergott St. Francis CWL, Sisters of St. Elizabeth, Anon., St. Louis, SK Anon., Lancer, SK H. & J. Hergott Saskatoon Saskatoon Benefactor ...... $1,000+ Anon., Winnipeg, MB Anon., Lethbridge, AB T. Herriot St. John Bosco CWL, Sisters of the Child Jesus, Charitable Organization No. Anon., Winnipeg, MB Anon., Pilger, SK B. & D. Hickie Saskatoon Coquitlam, BC 10780 2928 RR0001 June 17, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 9 Bring the human element back into hospital design
By Michael Swan health emergency room in the side of the hospital. It critiques no views and only muted light “It’s not to say it should be the the Catholic Register province, has begun thinking how hospital design works against from outside. Shangri La,” said Johnston. about how architecture could, or the healing mission of the institu - “I think something happened “Maybe you could have a room TORONTO (CCN) — People rather should, promote healing. tion. between the 1930s and 2000 in where you could have a blind with go to hospital in the hope of feel - The beat-up old ward that serves “Hospitals have become al - hospital design, where it transi - a window, a light we could turn on ing better. But if patients are wel - as both detox and mental health most the end of design. There’s tioned from simpler ways of un - and off, a place where the floors comed into a forbidding, institu - emergency room for about 6,500 no design in the hospital,” said derstanding healing in terms of are warm so your feet aren’t tional room with a strange bed, patients a year is overdue for an Johnston. “There’s design for having access to fresh air, light, cold.” fluorescent lights and cold, hard update. The hospital foundation is clinical function. There’s design the nursing staff, to we close it Hospitals have to rethink how floor, what then? trying to raise a modest $1.65 mil - for safety. But there isn’t design down, we put in mechanical sys - the environment is a stimulant for Toronto’s St. Joseph’s Hospital, lion to expand and enhance its for humans to actually be tems to circulate the air, we keep mental health patients, she said. with the second busiest mental mental health emergency services human.” it clean, we keep it functional, “Hospital design has been unit. To kick Before Johnston began photo - we keep it sterile,” Johnston geared around the idea that if you off the cam - graphing, she spent three or four said. put nothing in the space that’s bet - paign, a days hanging around the unit, get - The foundation board at St. ter than if you add something,” unique photo ting a feel for the place and the Joseph’s wants to break that pat - Johnston said. “Because someone exhibit, “Here. people. Since the project was tern, said board member Louise might react to something. But I This is what I about the architecture, she decid - Hucal. Good design, more human think what is actually happening feel,” at ed against photographing people. and less forbidding design is not a is the opposite. People’s anxiety Toronto’s But to explain how the architec - frill and need not cost a lot more, rises in the absence of any articu - Gladstone ture relates to patients, she inter - she said. lated dimension.” Hotel gave viewed seven volunteers — ask - “We’re just going to put the It’s always a tough sell for people a ing them about their feelings patient back at the table (in the mental health, say Hulac and glimpse into when they en tered the hospital design process),” said Hucal. Johnston. Raising money for can - what mental unit and the place where they feel St. Joseph’s mental health cer or high tech surgical and diag - health care most safe, comfortable and cared emergency unit was originally de - nostic equipment never seems to looks and feels for. Johnston then photographed signed to take six to eight patients be a problem. There’s no sexy, like. that most comforting place. at a time. In recent years it has high-tech equipment to sell to Photog - Johnston’s photos contrast the been slammed with as many as 20 donors when it comes to mental rapher Joanna hospital with the volunteer pa - at a time. Staff now limit intake to health care. Johnston is tients’ most comforting place by 12. “Mental health doesn’t have uniquely qual - insetting pictures of these warm, One of the issues is both any medical equipment require - ified for the cozy places in giant prints of hos - patient and staff safety. Where ments,” points out Johnston. project. She’s pital rooms and wards. mental health emergency units “They have people and they have the daughter of Unsurpris ing ly, none of the have been thoughtfully renovated a building. There’s no impetus in a hospital volunteers for Johnston’s photog - and re designed, violent incidents terms of funding to get any architect who raphy project named the hospital have dramatically decreased. money to renovate. Because it began her as their safe and comforting Better archi tecture and a more works — it works on paper. career as an place. Almost all chose their comforting environment can go a There are spaces for people to be architect spe - homes and private bedrooms, long way to diffusing the anxiety treated. There are walls, there are cializing in often describing the view out and fear most patients are bound doors. Treat them. But that’s very health care. their windows. to feel when they check them - different from saying the build - The exhibition In contrast, windows on the selves in for treatment of addic - ing is actually going to be help - Catholic Register/Swan she put togeth - mental health emergency services tions, suicidal thoughts, manic ing in the treatment of these HEALING MISSION — Photographer Joanna er June 4 and 5 unit are glazed, so that there are episodes and more. patients.” Johnston put together an art exhibit that does more at the Glad - than document the inside of the hospital. It critiques stone does how hospital design works against the healing mission more than doc - Canadians say leave ‘God’ in anthem of the institution. ument the in - ‘No debate’ possible on By Deborah Gyapong OTTAWA (CCN) — A June 8 assisted suicide, euthanasia Angus Reid poll shows most Canadians approve of banning prayer before official public meet - Continued from page 5 ence and affect any government ings, but would not approve of policy that is developed in removing God from O Canada. not going to kill you or ask response to the Supreme Court Only seven per cent of Cana - someone else to kill you,’ ” he ruling.” It is also going to focus on dians would approve of removing said. promoting palliative care as an religious references from the na - “There is no debate around option. tional anthem. Thirty-five per assisted suicide,” said Catholic Catholic health care has been a cent agreed the line including Health Alliance of Canada pioneer and innovator in palliative God “is maybe not ideal, but (CHAC) president Michael Shea care, Shea said, and CHAC con - that’s how it was written so just in an interview from the United tinues to “see palliative care as an keep it.” States where he was attending a appropriate response to end of life Fifty-eight per cent of Cana - conference. “It’s not something care.” dians say O Canada is fine the Paul Paproski, OSB Catholic health care can support “If Canadians had access to way it is. And an even higher per - or be involved in, that’s very effective and appropriate pallia - centage (85 per cent) agrees any GOD KEEP OuR LAND — A June 8 Angus Reid poll shows most clear.” tive care, requests and a desire for move to change the anthem would Canadians would not approve of removing God from O Canada. And “It’s against our values and eth - assisted suicide would be a lot be “a case of political correctness an even higher percentage (85 per cent) agrees any move to change the ical principles,” Shea said. “But less,” he said. gone too far.” anthem would be “a case of political correctness gone too far.” there is a lot more around this “We’re going to try to do what - “Evidently, while the country is issue than simply that.” ever we can to ensure it’s as growing more secular in many court affirmed the tribunal’s find - least popular option among Cana - “Clearly Catholic health care restrictive as possible,” he said. ways, Canadians are in solid ings and ordered not only that the dians was to have prayers rotated organizations cannot undertake “We’re spending our time and agree ment on one thing: we should prayer be ended but also that com - among various religious faiths (30 the procedures,” he said. resources looking at the ethical leave the anthem alone,” said pensatory and punitive damages per cent). It’s in the area of referrals and implications of a whole matter of Angus Reid. The poll questioned a of $30,000 be paid to the com - The poll reveals a generational requests for patient transfers policies around physician assisted sample of 1,500 Canadians. plainant. Forty-four per cent divide on the court decision, with where the issue is not quite so suicide.” The poll revealed a more com - opposed the decision. However, younger Canadians supporting it black and white, he said. “Ob - Though CHAC affiliated plex picture when it asked ques - only 34 per cent of “religiously 67 per cent to 33 per cent; with viously we can’t keep people organizations across the country tions concerning prayer before inclined” Canadians supported it, those 55 plus opposing it by 56 against their will.” That’s why at have agreements with funders and public meetings. Fifty-six per cent while 78 per cent of those who per cent, with the highest number the end of June, a group of governments and provide services approved of the recent Supreme “say religion is not important to (29 per cent) of those strongly Catholic ethicists will be meeting within the Canadian health care Court of Canada decision that them” were in favour. opposed to the decision. to advise the CHAC on the impli - system, “by in large we are not banned public prayer before the When asked how council meet - Regional differences were also cations of assisted suicide legisla - asked to do things contrary to our Saguenay City Council meetings ings should begin, 41 per cent said apparent in the survey, with tion, he said. values and ethics.” in Quebec. a prayer including the mention of Quebec and British Columbia resi - Shea said the CHAC is con - “There will be some kind of An atheist had gone before the Jesus Christ would be fine; but 75 dents most likely to support the cerned about any legislation legislation, whether on the provin - Quebec human rights tribunal to per cent said the council meetings Saguenay decision, but those in around assisted suicide. “We will cial or federal level, but we’ll need complain the prayer discriminated should begin with no prayer, mo - Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada be and are working to try to influ - to adapt to that,” he said. against him. Canada’s highest ment of silence or pep talk. The the least likely to support it. 10 Prairie Messenger ARTS & CULTURE June 17, 2015 Political correctness a way to trivialize real concerns
By Caitlin Ward well in a lot of different arenas of about being one of 12 children, or traditionally, she’s been known for her life: singer, songwriter, entre - helping raise many of her younger being a blonde with a huge rack. Dolly Parton has always been preneur, philanthropist, actress, siblings. The songs themselves are Of course, she doesn’t seem to far more quotable than some peo - all-around impressive human be - rarely particularly sad, mind you. mind that too much. She’s been ple give her credit for, but there’s ing. Given her background and the They’re happy, or sweet, or funny, un apologetic about her use of one line in particular I’ve always years her career has spanned, I’m or clever. Her more sombre songs plastic surgery as she’s aged, and loved: guessing that hasn’t always been tend to be about characters, rather she’s been pretty candid and “I’m not offended by all the particularly easy. The 1950s and than her own experiences. funny about her own vanity in dumb blonde jokes because I 1960s, when she started her career, songs like Backwoods Barbie. know I’m not dumb . . . and I also were notoriously unkind in terms Backwoods Barbie She’s a pretty cool lady, overall: know I’m not blonde.” of taking women seriously as, Dolly Parton one who doesn’t see a contradic - There’s just something so fan - well, just about anything, and tion in being a garishly glamorous tastic about that line to me. There’s that’s to say nothing about the eco - type of person who also has a lot something so perfectly Dolly nomic disadvantages of being Of course, she’s not really to contribute to the world. And about it. She’s done incredibly raised by a tobacco farmer in known particularly well for those that’s why I love this quotation of what’s often been characterized as things in mainstream culture — hers so much. There’s the realiza - a backwoods part of Tennessee. the philanthropy, the entrepreneur - tion that she doesn’t need to Ward is a Saskatoon-based free - She’s never been one to complain ship, the way she’s looked after define herself by other people’s lance writer who spends her days about these things, mind you; it’s her family, the record number of perceptions of her, as she clearly (and most nights) working at a easier to understand what must No. 1 singles. She’s known far has never allowed herself to do. small Catholic college. Her less have been a challenging upbring - more for what I would consider There’s also the nudge and the Warner Music Group Canada eloquent thoughts can be found at ing from many of her songs than less important attributes. Actually, wink that they’ve got it all wrong, QuOtABLE DOLLy — Dolly www.twitter.com/newsetofstrings from what she’s actually said let’s just not beat around the bush: anyway — not just about her in - Parton has done incredibly well in telligence, but also about the a lot of different arenas of her life, colour of her hair. It’s not a perfect writes Caitlin Ward: singer, song - sort of feminism, I suppose, but I writer, entrepreneur, philanthro - doubt there is such a thing as a pist, actress, all-around impres - perfect feminism. sive human being. “Given her And it’s because of all of this background and the years her — the respect I have for Dolly career has spanned, I’m guessing Parton, coupled with my love for that hasn’t always been particu - this infinitely quotable quotation larly easy.” — that I was pretty annoyed when I watched a comedian pull apart relies on people laughing at things the quotation and retold it as, “I’m that are supposed to be funny, not offended by all the dumb rather than things that actually are blonde jokes because I know I’m funny. Jokes that are reinforcing not dumb . . . and I also don’t stereotypes: fat people are lazy, understand them.” gay men are effeminate, women See, more than anything else, I are crazy, people of colour are . . . find this offensive because the well, depends which minority, I joke’s not as good this way. The suppose. I’d rather not go through original quotation is funny be - all of them, because that’ll be cause it unexpectedly switches depressing for all of us. back on itself. The rewritten quo - Of course, calling people out tation is funny because . . . why? on this isn’t always particularly Because it relies on an old trope effective. They tell you to have a Universal about dumb blondes that was sense of humour, already. It’s just JuRASSIC WORLD — the consensus among many film reviewers is that Jurassic World has one-dimension - never funny in the first place — a a joke. What do you mean I al characters and disaster-movie clichés, but works as a summer adventure popcorn film because of the trope that Parton was cleverly shouldn’t say that? This is politi - dinosaurs. And, as Richard Roeper says, “It’s great to hear the classic John Williams theme in a movie theatre subverting. The rewritten quota - cal correctness run amok. Or, at again. How can your heart not soar when the music swells and the camera swoops over Jurassic World before tion isn’t funny. It was a good joke least, that’s what Jerry Seinfeld all the chaos ensues? you happily strap on the seat belt and let the silly greatness of it all wash over you.” that was made into a hack joke. said recently. He told comedians The particular comedian and not to go to college campuses Books the particular situation in which because it’s too politically correct, this happened strike me as not there. Humour is lost on college Book explores parenting and a child’s spiritual development particularly relevant, because it’s students because they call you hardly an unusual circumstance. If racist and sexist when . . . what, you pay attention, it becomes you say racist and sexist things? I THE SPIRITUAL CHILD: The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving by Lisa Miller. New obvious fairly quickly that a lot of York: St. Martin’s Press, 2015. Hardcover, 374 pages, $32.50 (Cdn). Reviewed by Edwin Buettner. comedy (stand-up or otherwise) — COMEDy , page 11 Most books on spirituality are premised on the ural spiritual qualities.” These include: a positive dis - assumption that the spiritual journey begins after position toward prayer and ritual, intuitive abilities I grew up poor and ragged, just a simple country girl childhood and adolescence. In this groundbreaking (“heart knowing”), empathy, a sense of “oneness with I wanted to be pretty more than anything in the world book, Dr. Lisa Miller, professor of Psychology and others,” “right action” (e.g. be helpful, share) and an Like Barbie or the models in that Fredricks catalogue Education at Columbia University, presents scientific “innate sense of the specialness of family.” Not sur - From rags to riches, in my dreams, I could have it all evidence that spirituality is a universal natural endow - prisingly, Miller believes that parents serve a major ment, biologically “hardwired” from birth. The author role in actualizing these capacities, describing it as I’m just a backwoods Barbie defines spirituality as “an inner sense of relationship to “providing a spiritual road map for living, along with Too much makeup, too much hair a higher power that is loving and guiding.” The “high - a spiritual compass for doing the right thing.” Don’t be fooled by thinking that the goods are not all there er power” is often referred to as “God,” though other Given its well-known turbulent qualities, the Don’t let these false eyelashes lead you to believe words may be used to designate the divine presence time of adolescence is not typically regarded as prime That I’m as shallow as I look, ’cause I run true and deep (nature, spirit, universe, creator, etc.). Though it can time for spirituality. Yet Miller devotes much of her and often does develop within the beliefs and practices book to making the case that adolescence is actually I’ve always been misunderstood because of how I look offered by organized religion, adherence to any reli - a critical phase in setting a person’s spiritual path into Don’t judge me by the cover, ’cause I’m a real good book gion is not necessary for the child’s spiritual growth adulthood. The stresses of this time of life (for both So read into it what you will, but see me as I am and development. children and their caregivers) need to be understood The way I look is just a country girl’s idea of glam This book provides the reader with an in-depth as indicative of a profound spiritual struggle, what integration of science and what is commonly under - Miller refers to as “spiritual individuation.” I’m just a backwoods Barbie in a push-up bra and heels stood as “faith.” Furthermore, it is expressive of Adolescents are “seek (ing) to find a deep sense of I might look artificial, but where it counts, I’m real Miller’s personal experiences as a parent seeking to calling, to discover how to deploy their talents for a And I’m all dolled up and hopin’ for a chance to prove my worth nurture her children’s spiritual growth. As such, the greater good and . . . (to) see their gifts as indication And even backwoods Barbies get their feelings hurt book is replete with many day-to-day practical appli - of an assignment for a higher purpose or from a high - cations that support children’s emerging spirituality. er power.” I’m just a backwoods Barbie For example, Miller discusses ways in which the Parents and religious educators will find affirma - Too much makeup, too much hair child’s inborn generosity can be nurtured by simple tion, encouragement, as well as challenges within the Don’t be fooled by thinking that the goods are not all there gestures such as helping to deliver a food hamper to a pages of this book. However, it also has the potential Yes, I can see where I could be misjudged upon first glance homeless shelter. The child’s natural desire for prayer of validating and/or awakening anyone’s spiritual But even backwoods Barbies deserve a second chance can be encouraged by giving him/her words to express quest: “We can let our children . . . change us by I’m just a backwoods Barbie just asking for a chance appreciation for blessings within the context of a reminding us of who we really are.” A scriptural refer - “larger world” or “loving world.” ence comes to mind: “unless you become like little I’m just a backwoods Barbie Miller has identified what she calls a set of “nat - children . . .” (Mt 18:3). June 17, 2015 ARTS & CULTURE Prairie Messenger 11 Sex, doubt and religion: stories from behind the pulpit
man of God wrestling with painful personal doubts, and this superbly lensed small film — with its aus - Screenings tere landscapes of snow and fall - ing water — refuses to give any & Meanings pat answers in judgment.
* * * Gerald Schmitz James Franco, the prolific poly - A while back while enjoying Sam is devoted to a quiet life of math author-actor-filmmaker, ap - Peter Bogdanovich’s uproarious service, always willing to lend a pears in no fewer than 14 movies 1972 comedy What’s Up, Doc? on sympathetic pastoral ear. Yet his this year. Of his three Sundance/ the Turner Classic Movies channel restless nights suggest a man not Slamdance premieres in January, — especially its sensational car really at peace. He faces a moral the one that impresses most is I chase scene — I noted the perform - dilemma when counselling an un- Am Michael , a debut feature by ance of veteran American character certain young couple (Michael director/co-writer Justin Kelly actor Michael Murphy, now 77. It Luckett and Katie Boland) prepar - telling the true story of controver - struck me because thanks to a ing for marriage. After the funeral sial “ex-gay” activist turned pastor Winnipeg-Ottawa Air Canada service for an elderly Iranian Michael Glatze. The film’s genesis Rick Kern/Getty Images flight I had just seen him in a much woman her gay son Reza (Cas and depiction of events draws on a SuNDANCE PREMIERE — Actors James Franco (left) and Charlie more sombre light, playing a trou - Anvar) challenges him on belief former associate’s June 2011 New Carver attend the cast dinner for I Am Michael at the Stella Artois Cafe bled Catholic priest in Terrance in heaven and hell. Does the faith York Times magazine essay My on Jan. 25, 2015, in Park City, utah. Odette’s Fall (http://fallfeature - demand strict obedience or is he a Ex-Gay Friend, which was sug - film.com/), a role which earned “cafeteria Catholic”? gested to Kelly by executive pro - mon ism, going on a Buddhist enigma. The final image of him a Canadian Screen Awards One can imagine Father Sam ducer Gus Van Sant. retreat) to rid himself of “abnor - Michael’s face as it darkens from a best-actor nomination. replying like Pope Francis: “Who Franco, who was also at mal desires.” In the mental tur - smile into a look of doubt and con - am I to judge?” The sense of Tribeca in The Adderall Diaries, moil of searching for his “true cern suggests ongoing uncertainty being a sinner in need of God’s gives a commanding performance self” Michael declared that he no if not the confusion of a deeply grace forcefully hits home when as Michael. The opening sequence longer identified as gay, calling conflicted personality. It’s worth he receives an unexpected hand - himself “a heterosexual person noting that both Michael and wife written letter from a Sault Ste. Fall with a homosexual problem.” Rebekah attended the Sundance Marie address. It expresses a per - Although Michael remained in premiere and seem to have accept - sonal wound that has afflicted the (Canada, 2014) touch with Tyler, his religious ed this screen version as fair. writer since sharing a night with I Am Michael conversion deepened. In 2008 he In a post-screening question the priest 30 years earlier when he enrolled in a conservative Bible and answer session with director was a vulnerable teenage boy. (U.S., 2015) school in Wyoming where he met Kelly, he observed that Michael There is no direct allegation of an attractive young woman, has grown less dogmatic and sexual impropriety but whatever Rebekah Fuller (Emma Roberts). judgmental since their first meet - happened has resulted in the dis - shows him as a strict Christian As they became close she was for - ing. He has reached out to recon - tress felt by an abandoned soul. preacher counselling a troubled giving when finding out about his nect with Bennett and is writing a Father Sam recoils at the gay teen to “choose heterosexual - past life. Indeed they would even - letter of apology to those he has thought he did something wrong ity” in order to be with God. Then tually marry. By this time Michael offended in the gay community. but in examining his conscience he we flash back to Michael’s very had evolved into a doctrinaire Kelly also stated that: “He loves feels compelled to make a lonely gay San Francisco scene circa Christian and was pastor of his the new pope . . . he keeps talking road trip northwest in search of 1998 when he was managing edi - own “Shepherd of the Plains” about the pope.” So clearly Pope healing closure. On the way he tor of a gay lifestyles magazine church. That improbable journey Francis’ emphasis on mercy and G. Schmitz stops to visit his sister (Wendy XY and living, apparently happi - — from stridently embracing ho - forgiveness over stern judgments PREMIERE — I Am Michael Crewson) and family without di - ly, with boyfriend Bennett mosexuality to harshly condemn - has had a positive effect. director Justin Kelly at the vulging the reason. Arriving at his (Zachary Quinto). Glatze was an ing it — unsurprisingly provoked In the fictional Fall, a long- Sundance premiere in January destination he drives by the outfront and galvanizing figure, a furious backlash in the gay com - serving Catholic priest has a crisis 2015. address of the letter writer then arguing that gay and straight gen - munity and among foes of sexual of conscience over something discovers he is gravely ill in hospi - der identities were social con - “conversion” who didn’t accept with possibly innocent sexual Murphy is the brooding heart tal, unable to communicate. When structs. He also fiercely criticized that Michael’s was believable. overtones that occurred decades and soul of Fall, which deserves Father Sam meets the man’s sister fundamentalist Christians, de - In recording these twists and earlier. In the true story I Am better distribution than it’s likely Catherine (Suzanne Clément), she mand ing, “What kind of God turns the movie makes excellent Michael, an “ex-gay” Christian to get. His Father Sam ministers becomes distraught, accusing him would punish you for finding use of Michael’s actual blog posts pastor completely rejects his for - to the aging dwindling flock of a of being a pedophile. There will be love?” and correspondence over the years mer sexuality as deviant and Niagara Falls parish. The season no closure or absolution. When Bennett’s job took him marking the stages in his religious wrong before learning to become is winter in the weeks of Advent Murphy gives an exceptional to Halifax in 2002, Michael fol - and psycho-sexual evolution. more tolerant. In both cases, the leading up to Christmas. Father nuanced performance as a sincere lowed and began working on a The story isn’t over, of course. grace of a loving forgiving God is new magazine. He also picked up In a sense the “real” Michael, as he the best answer I can think of to a handsome young guy, Tyler emerges in Franco’s complex the prayers of doubting selves and (Charlie Carver), in a bar and the nuanced portrayal, remains an wounded souls. couple became a threesome. They Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa took a road trip across America shooting a documentary on queer Good comedy ‘punches up’ youth (“Jim in Bold”) during Come with us to serve Africa either as a: which Michael encountered some Continued from page 10 not so much a force destroying dia - openly gay Christians. When he logue and/or comedy, as it is a term * Lay Missionary for two years started having heart palpitations wasn’t too clear on what the prob - people use to trivialize real con - and panic attacks, he worried lem was. cerns and disempower people who * Missionary Sister about having inherited a heart Or, alternatively, college stu - are often already pretty disempow - * “Praying Friend” condition from his father who dents expect you to be a little less ered. died when Michael was 13. lazy. Because here’s the thing: You see, good comedy punches Whether this health scare was comedians who are genuinely up. If it’s going to take a shot, it psychosomatic or not, Michael clever, genuinely subversive? They takes shots at the establishment, at thanked God for his recovery and have rarely been accused of being the powerful, at accepted norms that started questioning his path in life. politically incorrect. Offensive, are maybe not actually that accept - (His magazine had put out a “God edgy, even dangerous, yes. Some of able. Parton’s quotation — the one I issue” along the lines: “The only them have been brought up on ob - like so much — it takes a shot at a truth is love. The only sin is deny - scenity charges, historically (Lenny sexist society that tries to force her ing it.”) Then as he moved toward Bruce). Some of them es tablished into a box. But its re tooling — religious belief — reading the private clubs to get around those where Parton is rewritten as the MSOLA Bible, listening to evangelical obscenity laws (Peter Cook). Some dumb blonde she’s supposed to be broadcasts, meeting a Mormon of them got in trouble with every - — it punches down. It’s trying to put preacher — he questioned his sex - one all the time and seemed not to a woman in a box she’s worked very Please contact us: uality too, leading to a painful care much at all (Bill Hicks). hard to break out of, and one she [email protected] breakup with Bennett. By 2006 he But politically incorrect? Not so shouldn’t have to be in the first was rejecting his former “shallow www.msolafrica.org much. And the more I’ve thought place. And punching down, at those sinful lifestyle” and pursuing spir - about it, the more I’ve come to sus - less powerful? That’s not comedy. itual meditation (exploring Mor - pect that “political correctness” is It’s being a dickhead. 12 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH June 17, 2015 Jesus uses an outcast to teach the powerful a lesson
her dad. And Jairus does not hesitate to approach Jesus her perseverance, her courage. within socially sanctioned propriety. Jesus uses this unclean, repulsive, outcast woman, the Liturgy In those same 12 years that the young girl was growing one whom nobody wants, to teach the rich, the religious up, the bleeding woman has been suffering terribly. Her and the powerful a lesson about faith: “Daughter, your faith future has been “spent” in more ways than one. She too is has made you well.” and Life a “daughter” of Israel, but she is nameless (so is the young When Jesus arrives at Jairus’ house, he is told that the girl) and destitute. And she has no advocate fighting for girl has died. Immediately he tells Jairus, “Do not fear, only her. The promise of her full womanhood has never been believe.” But everyone is skeptical; they even “laugh at Marie-Louise Ternier-Gommers realized, drained out of her in a flow of blood for 12 painful him.” No trace of faith here, not in this well-to-do house. years. Imagine that: the nameless, rejected woman shows stronger Because this woman bled all the time, she was not to faith than the religious experts of the synagogue. Talk We don’t get to hear this Gospel very often, displaced be seen anywhere near the temple or synagogue, or any - about turning the tables. Nevertheless, healing energy as it often is by the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. But it is where near a religious leader. The bleeding woman, there - flowed forth from Jesus to the young and the old woman one of the most intriguing sections Mark wrote. Mark fore, suffers double isolation. Illness was considered alike, because God’s healing touch knows no outcasts, tells the story of two women: one is well-to-do; the other divine punishment for sins and resulted in being cut off knows no inferior folk, nor is it reserved for the privileged is poor, a nobody. One story begins and gets interrupted from normal social relations. This woman was nobody’s few. by another. First, Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, friend. She has no one to speak for her and so must take This is an important lesson for us today. Suffering, death approaches Jesus because his young daughter is gravely her salvation into her own hands. And she does it by and other personal afflictions can rob us of life-giving ill. Could Jesus please come and heal her? Sure. But, on breaking social and religious taboos: unclean, an outcast blood of any kind, sometimes making us bleed for 12 years the way, Jesus is interrupted by a woman who also desper - and a woman, she touches a man in public in the vicinity or more. Sickness and death play no favourites either — ately needs help. Jesus delays his walk to Jairus’ house, of a leader of the synagogue. According to ancient custom rich and poor are afflicted. even though the little girl is at the point of death. He stops the woman’s touch — even if only his cloak — defiled But the pain of our bleeding can be touched deeply by his trek to the well-to-do daughter to deal with a poor Jesus. faith, love and resurrection. In fact, Jesus has touched our nobody who had the audacity to take matters into her own pain on the cross. He entered our suffering and death in the hands. Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24 most intimate way possible. That touch of Jesus, which we thirteenth Sunday It was no accident that Mark wove these two stories Psalm 30 share through our baptism, invites us to do at least two in Ordinary time together. 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 things: to let God touch our pain and, even in the midst of June 28, 2015 The daughter of Jairus is a young woman of privilege — Mark 5:21-43 our own agony, to interrupt our lives in order to reach out her dad is a leader of the synagogue. At 12 years old she’s to those rejected by our world because of their stigma: men entering puberty. The promise of full womanhood lies What does Jesus do? Does he call for the purification and women, boys and girls trapped in prostitution, afflicted before this young daughter of Israel. The girl lives in com - rites in order to make himself clean again? After all, he’s on with AIDS and HIV-related diseases, suffering cancer, MS, fort and affluence. Her father enjoys power, prestige and his way to Jairus’ house, a leader of the synagogue. Does depression — you name it. wealth. She has the best advocate any little girl can ask for: he ignore this nameless face in the crowd because he’s on “Who touched me?” says Jesus as he looks around. an important mission on behalf of the rich and powerful? Anyone afflicted in mind, body, heart or soul has only to No, none of that. touch the hem of his garment, and that hem could be us Ternier-Gommers, wife, mother and grandmother, is a Jesus knows that “power has gone out of him.” It’s the when somebody reaches out for love and care. retreat leader and spiritual director, freelance writer and kind of energy that reaches out to another, the energy of Our own healing journey must take detours to attend to author of two books. She has worked in diocesan and love and healing. And in Jesus that energy flowed so freely those less powerful and more destitute than we are. Only parish ministry, in ecumenical dialogues and ministry, and that even touching the hem of his cloak gave the woman when the outcast woman is restored to true “daughter-hood” co-ordinates an ecumenical network of women in ministry. access to its healing power. Jesus knows that someone can the daughter of the synagogue leader be restored to new Visit her website at www.prairie-encounters.ca and her touched him with intent. Not only does Jesus attend to this life. That is the faith the rich and famous must learn from blog at https://graceatsixty.wordpress.com destitute, nameless nobody, he singles her out for her faith, the poor. Some principles for interfaith dialogue and interfaith attitudes
of truth. No one religion or de - 7. Each person must account can be reduced to its lowest com - nomination may consider its truth for his or her faith on the basis of mon denominator, but it does In complete, something to perma - his or her own conscience. Each mean that what lies deepest inside nently rest within. Rather, it must of us must take responsibility for of every sincere faith are these see it as a starting point from our own faith and salvation. fundamentals: respect, gracious - Exile which to journey. Moreover, as 8. Intentionally all the great ness, and charity. various religions (and denomina - world religions interpenetrate Throughout history, great Ron Rolheiser, OMI tions and sectarian groups within each other (and, for a Christian, think ers have grappled with the those religions) we need to feel that means that they interpene - problem of the one and the many. secure enough within our own trate the mystery of Christ). A And, consciously or unconscious - “home” so as to acknowledge the genuine faith knows that God is ly, all of us also struggle with that We live inside a world and our particular faith? truth and beauty that is expressed solicitous for everyone and that tension between the one and the inside religions that are too given What’s best in each of our tra - in other “homes.” We need to God’s spirit blows freely and many, the relationship between to disrespect and violence. Vir tu- ditions would suggest these 10 accept (and, I suggest, be pleased) therefore it strives to relate itself unity and diversity; but perhaps ally every newscast today docu - principles: that there are other lives within to the intentionality of other reli - this not so much a problem as it is ments the prevalence of disrespect 1. All that is good, true, and which the faith is written in a dif - gions and to other denominations a richness that reflects the over- and violence done in the name of beautiful comes from one and the ferent language. and sectarian groups within its abundance of God and our human religion, disrespect done for the same author, God. Nothing that is 5. Diversity within religions is own religion. struggle to grasp that over-abun - sake of God (strange as that ex - true, irrespective of its particular a richness, willed by God. God 9. A simple external, histori - dance. Perhaps the issue of reli - pression may seem). Invariably religious or secular cloak, may be does not just wish our unity; God cal connection to any religion is gious diversity might be described those acting in this way see their seen as opposed to true faith and also blesses our diversity which less important than achieving a in this way: actions as sacral, justified by religion. helps reveal the stunning over- personal relationship, ideally of Different peoples, one earth sacred cause. 2. God wills the salvation of all abundance within God. Religious intimacy, with God. What God Different beliefs, one God And, if history is to be be- people, equally, without discrimi - diversity is the cause of much ten - wants most deeply from us, irre - Different languages, one heart lieved, it has always been so. No nation. God has no favourites. All sion, but that diversity and the spective of our religion, is not a Different failings, one law of religion, Christianity no less people have access to God and to struggle to overcome it will con - religious practice but a personal gravity than any other, has been inno - God’s Spirit, and the whole of tribute strongly to the richness of relationship that transforms our Different energies, one Spirit cent. Every one of the great reli - humankind has never lacked for our eventual unity. lives so as to radiate God’s good - Different Scriptures, one Word gions of the world has been, at divine providence. Moreover, 6. God is “scattered” in world ness, truth, and beauty more Different forms of worship, various times, both persecuted each religion is to reject nothing religions. Anything that is positive clearly. one desire and persecutor. So this begs the that is true and holy in other reli - within a religion expresses some - 10. Within our lives and within Different histories, one destiny question: What are some funda - gions. thing of God and contributes to our relationship to other religions, Different disciplines, one aim mental principles we are asked 3. No one religion or denomi - divine revelation. Hence, seen respect, graciousness, and charity Different approaches, one road to live out apposite our relation - nation has the full and whole from this aspect, the various reli - must trump all other considera - Different faiths — one Mother, ship to other faiths, irrespective truth. God is both infinite and gions of the world all help to tions. This does not mean that all one Father, one earth, one sky, one ineffable. For this reason, by defi - make God known. religions are equal and that faith beginning, one end. nition, God cannot be captured Rolheiser, theologian, teacher ade quately in human concepts and and award-winning author, is human language. Thus, while our president of the Oblate School of knowledge of God may be true, it Theology in San Antonio, Texas. is always only partial. God can be Advertise in the Prairie Messenger He can be contacted through his truly known, but God cannot be Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5 p.m. Ph. 306-682-1772 Fax 306-682-5285 website: www.ronrolheiser.com. adequately thought. Follow Father Ron on Facebook: 4. All faiths and all religions email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser are journeying toward the fullness June 17, 2015 DEEPENING OUR FAITH Prairie Messenger 13 This summer, boldly go and explore new horizons
I kept on reading the intriguing web page to find out more. What else was there about Leonard Nimoy that I didn’t know, despite being an admirer of his? Wikipedia Both Lungs didn’t disappoint. “Among Spock’s recognized and unique symbols that he incorporated into the series was Brent Kostyniuk the Vulcan salute, which became identified with him. Nimoy created the sign himself from his childhood This past February, Star Trek On learning of Mr. Nimoy’s memories of the way kohanim — fans the world over were saddened death, it occurred to me that I really Jewish priests — hold their hand by the death of Leonard Nimoy, didn’t know a lot about him. So, as when giving blessings.” During one most famously remembered for is customary these days, I turned to interview, Nimoy recited the words creating the role of the Vulcan Mr. the Internet to find out what of the blessing, taken from Num - Spock on the original television Wikipedia could tell me about this bers 6:24-26. May the Lord bless series and later playing it in a num - famous actor. There, neatly catego - and keep you and may the Lord ber of movies. While not a full- rized, were the pertinent facts of his cause his countenance to shine fledged trekkie, I admired Nimoy’s life: born in Boston on March 26, upon you. May the Lord be gracious acting skills and, in particular, the 1931; the son of Jewish immigrants; unto you and grant you peace. Even emotionless, logical perspective of parents born in Iziaslav, Ukraine. more fascinating was the benedic - the alien he portrayed. I must con - Ukraine? Mr. Spock had roots in tion at the end of the blessing: Live fess that at one point in my life, I Ukraine! A Ukrainian on Vulcan? long and prosper. The famous found that outlook quite attractive. My study of Nimoy’s life was Vulcan greeting was, in fact, a ver - sidetracked while I checked to see sion of a Jewish blessing. Kostyniuk where Iziaslav is located. To my The point I’d like to make is uNDISCOVERED GEM — Although not more than 32 kilometres Kostyniuk, who lives in surprise, it is in the Volhynia that, even though we may be very from Edmonton, Holy trinity Church remains an undiscovered gem of Edmonton, has a bachelor of the - region of western Ukraine. familiar with something, or some - traditional ukrainian Catholic prairie architecture. ology from Newman and is a free - Checking on the map, I discov - one, there may be some unknown lance writer. He and his wife Bev ered it is not a great distance away side that is worth investigating. former principal stated. It turned out the 1970s. The design is a very have been married for 36 years from the tiny village of Buciw My discovery of the unknown that, over the years, confusion de - modern one, far removed from and have eight grandchildren. where my grandfather was born. side, at least for me, of Leonard veloped and a different saint with traditional styles. On first seeing Nimoy is a case in point. the same name had come to be asso - the new church, more than one Recently a Catholic school in ciated with the school. “For all person compared it unfavourably Edmonton celebrated an anniver - those years they had been praying with a flying saucer. Recently I sary of its opening. A long-retired to the wrong saint,” someone jok - decided to look into the matter. principal was at the celebration. In ingly commented! I’m sure the Perhaps the design harkened back the course of a conversation, the prayers were still heard, however, to an ancient one I didn’t know patron saint for whom the school and once again it was a case of about. In order to gain an insight, was named was mentioned. This things not being quite what they I spoke with a former pastor. triggered a discussion about the seemed. “No, it’s just one of those ’70s saint’s life. “No, that’s not the saint Then there is the case of a designs. It has nothing to do with the school was named after,” the Ukrainian Catholic church built in any traditional design.” I felt let down. In this case, things were exactly as they appeared. Still, the design has mellowed with age and I have happily attended divine liturgy there many times. Now, as we approach summer, thoughts turn to relaxing and holi - days. Perhaps your travels will take you to a familiar vacation spot or Paramount Pictures "12.01 /"0*1) $.3-$*+1 .0 "-% $.3-$*+1 maybe you will discover some new uKRAINIAN ROOtS AND JEWISH BLESSINGS — Leonard Nimoy, *4&