Record Spring 2008

NoWhere ToGo The crisis in affordable housing

World Youth Day International Vincentians celebrate 2008 Ozanam Lecture Cardinal Rodríguez’s call to accompaniment poetry and prose

Poetry andprose “Poetry is an orphan of silence. The words never quite equal the experience behind them.” – charles simic A poem prayer Dedicated to the staff at Vincenpaul The tram driver stuck in traffic Hostel in Mont Albert North for looking Passengers safe on board after my mother, Barbara O’Neill, with Remembers, as the lights change care and kindness. To pray and thank the Lord The Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the message by serving Glory be to God Proclaim the Rubenesque roundness Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, For dimpled, dappled things Of the suburban mama hope and joy, and by working to shape a more For childrens’ gap-toothed smiles The swarthy eat-your-heart-out just and compassionate society. And stoic sparrows’ wings Of the rock n’ rolling drummer This logo represents the hand of Christ that For the milky slice of sunshine The pensioner and his flutter blesses the cup, the hand of love that offers the cup, and the hand of suffering that receives On a dreary winter’s day At the local TAB the cup. For mittens, scarves and beanies Corporate kings in their fiefdoms The Record is published four times a year by the In warmest thanks we pray The loyal worker bee St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of A hymn for school clothes mended Blessed be those with blot and blemish . By worn-out mums at night Imperfection, scab and sore National Council of Australia PO Box 243, Deakin West, ACT, 2600 And dads who help with homework Ungainly gait or shyness Contact: Donna Scheerlinck Who ease the fray and fight For those called to fight in war Phone: 02 6202 1200 Of words spoken harshly The ordinary, the average Email: [email protected] Inked with spite and sneer The dull and the routine Web: vinnies.org.au Truce made ’tween squabbling siblings For those of kinder hue Editor: Rebecca Comini With a hopeful note of cheer And those whose lives are lean Catholic Communications Melbourne Give thanks for ragged lawns Rejoice in those sweet moments The Record is overseen by an editorial committee comprising Syd Tutton (Chairperson), Rebecca Green jungles underfoot The patchwork quilt of life Comini, Danusia Kaska, John Campbell, Raymond Where children find old tennis balls The places, pets and people James, Tony Thornton and Dr John Falzon. And imagine fairy loot In good times and in strife Advertising: Tony Thornton Where forgotten toys lie buried Amen for different colours Phone: 02 6202 1200 In a past not yet grown old And the breath of different creeds Email: [email protected] And all are called to dinner Songs of grace and glory Design: Catholic Communications Melbourne To join the family fold Prayers on rosary beads PO Box 146, East Melbourne, Victoria, 8002 Phone: 03 9926 5677 Hail the boy with freckles Alleluia for the angels Web: www.catholiccommunications.com.au That play chasey on his nose Guardians for us all Printing: Doran Printing Long backyards in summer Despite the wounds and welts of life 46 Industrial Drive, Braeside, Victoria, 3195 Sun-licked dry old clothes We heed that better call Phone: 03 9587 4333 Fax: 03 9587 3177 For dusky dowager roses To love as we are loved Email: [email protected] Clambering, climbing still And in each yearning face Web: www.doran.com.au For daddy-long-legs families To see that most wondrous of creations Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Resting on the sill God’s very human race.  Praise for furry faithful dogs Ann Rennie Who guard and fetch and bark The gleeful whoop of girls on swings Life’s music in the park

2 the Record – Spring 2008 frontlines

In this issue 2 Poetry and prose Our great and a selection of readers’ contributions 3 Frontlines From the National President noble task 4 making history Profile on NSW State President “The Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the Gospel Barbara Ryan message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and 5 WYD special joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.” 5 the journey up the mountain 6 300 gather for FamVin 7 Vinnies at Days in the Diocese his readers, is the new Mission Statement recently endorsed and approved 7 WYD international gathering by the National Council of Australia. 8 locked Up – Dr John Falzon’s address to WYD TWe take seriously the injunction in the Book of Proverbs (31:8-9): 10 the crisis in “Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, protect the rights of affordable those who are destitute. Speak out and pronounce a sentence of justice, defend the housing cause of the needy and the poor.” Public policy and public anger in a We need to ensure that we are clear about who we are to take on this sacred cause. 24/7 world This is why we need to ensure that our Mission Statement is indeed an up-to-date, precise articulation of who we are and what drives us. 11 mental health and homelessness I wish to encourage all Vincentians to open the window so that the creative winds of change can enter the Society, especially in the emergence of a younger more vibrant Vincentian presence. 12 the Excluded The prayer of Dom Helder Camera reflects my wish: “Lord this world needs this marvelous wealth that is youth. Help young people! 14 Sorry – After the They possess the inexhaustible wealth of the future.” Apology and the way forward *** the PM’s apologised, but what In this issue John Falzon explores the new poor – the homeless, the mentally ill happens now? and the working poor. This is a special challenge to the Society at this time. The Society will not be satisfied in our work until justice rolls down like waters and 16 companions on righteousness like a mighty stream for these people. the journey the 2008 Ozanam lecture by Cardinal *** Oscar Rodríguez The wind of change is blowing through our Society. We face a serious challenge to reignite the flame of our founding story. As Fr 20 From the Archives Gerry Arbuckle the eminent anthropologist who is guiding the St Vincent de Paul the 1928 International Eucharistic Society in our Refounding journey puts it, the Scriptures call for a preferential Congress option for the poor, this has never been more relevant. 21 letters to the Let us return to our founding story of Frederic Ozanam and his young adult editor companions. readers have their say As John Paul II said: “The future starts today – Not tomorrow.” 21 news in brief Syd Tutton National President St Vincent de Paul Society 22 reflection the heart of relating

Cover photos courtesy of the St Vincent de Paul Society and its clients.

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 3 profile Making history The Society in is undergoing a renewal under its new State President, writes rebecca comini

t’s been a busy seven months A ‘spiritual symposium’ was held earlier since Barbara Ryan became the this year as a way to achieve the first step. Ifirst female State President of Spiritual advisors from each of the NSW the St Vincent de Paul Society New dioceses brought information and ideas from South Wales in its 127 year history. conference members to the symposium, and “It’s been hectic, but nothing more the information is now being disseminated than I expected in all fairness,” says back through the dioceses, regions and to the Barbara, who replaced former conferences. State President John O’Neill, who “We’re still working on the communications – retired in late 2006, and Acting State that’s a slow one and again the information President, Raymond James. needs to come through the dioceses,” says It was a notice in a church bulletin Barbara. calling for volunteers at the Mat- “We’ve had meetings and recommendations thew Talbot Hostel that sparked are currently being looked at for our pro- Barbara’s involvement in the Society cesses, projects and committees, and we’ve back in 1994. made an active commitment to raise the Since then, Barbara has developed profile of the Society both with the public, Above: Barbara Ryan a great passion for services for the politicians and donors.” homeless. She has also held a number One high profile politician has already been husband Frank, have six children of positions within the Society, secured to open the new Ozanam Learning and sixteen grandchildren. “I like across the areas of Migrants and Centre in inner-city on 6 November – to spend time with my family and I Refugees, Overseas Partnerships and Prime Minster . also enjoy playing bridge,” she says. Twinning, Aged Care and particu- The educational facility is linked to the Frank is also an active Vincentian larly in homeless services. Talbot via an airbridge and will be a day cen- who is happy to support his wife in Barbara came to the role as State tre offering learning opportunities to adult her demanding role. “He’s very sup- President with a clear goal - the men and women who are experiencing, have portive, without him I couldn’t do it.” renewal of the inclusive spirit and experienced or are at risk of being homeless. But Barbara’s highest praise is re- culture of the Society - and the four It will offer classes in music, numeracy, lit- served for those whom she describes steps needed to achieve it: eracy, photography, art, craft, yoga, creative as the Society’s real strength – the • Enhanced spiritual development writing and cooking. conference members. of all members “It’s to help men and women develop their “There’s just so many wonderful • Inclusive two-way communication confidence and self esteem and to guide people in the Society who are doing across the Society them onto more formal learning opportuni- so much good for the disadvantaged • Revision of State Council’s purpose, ties, such as TAFE courses. It’s a very big and I really am in awe of the confer- projects, committees and staff project,” she says. ence members who do so much and give so much of their own time.”  • The active development of the Away from the Society, family life is very Society’s public profile. important to Barbara who, together with her

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4 the Record – Spring 2008

The Journey Up The Mountain Begins Now

World Youth Day has come and the gathering. To paraphrase his statement, to what has occurred before? Why gone, but the journey continues it is what we do now, in our parishes or should we embrace the chance to conferences, our deaneries and social justice step out, haltingly if need be, on this writes david mcgovern. activities, even in our own lives, that will long journey? see us reach the top. They were wise words, In answering such questions, it may ne of the analogies that I coming from someone so young. (Of course, be appropriate to continue using often heard, when ‘debrief- anyone involved with Vinnies youth would the imagery of a pilgrimage. The ing’ with pilgrims who O realise that wisdom is not confined to those first answer is that such a journey, attended World Youth Day in Sydney of a different vintage!) Indeed, our journey as however hard and painful it may recently, is that of having been to the Church, and as the Vincentian family, is be, is only a semblance of what our the top of a mountain. In using such just beginning! Lord experienced on his climb up imagery, the speaker was attempting Golgotha. As one pilgrim observed to capture the sense of wonder, awe, during this same evening gathering: and inspiration that comes from standing on a peak and seeing the “While I was walking to Randwick, view all around. and my feet were sore and my back was tired, I realised the weight that I Initially, it seemed a fitting metaphor. carried didn’t seem anything com- I understood, from my own experi- pared to Jesus’ carrying of his cross.” ences in life, the sense of sadness, perhaps even grief, you feel after any The second reason for taking heart significant, life-changing event that is that we too have seen what can involves others. It’s as if the view happen when young people gather from the mountaintop is so fulfilling, en masse. Whether we watched it on you don’t want to have come down. television, read about it in newspa- pers or were kept informed by SMS It was easy to make a connection To some, such a notion might appear daunting. from those down there in the thick of between the experience of events like After all, there would not be any part of the FamVin, in Bathurst, or World Youth it, we know that what occurred actu- , including Vinnies, which has Day 2008 and the concept of having ally transformed a city renowned for not already grappled with the loss or absence climbed a mountain, or reaching a its hardness of heart. As one headline of young people. It was something I dealt with peak. At least, it was, until I heard one in a Sydney newspaper put it: Sydney each day I worked in the Queensland State of the pilgrims share at a public gather- learns to breathe again. The vision ing shortly afterwards. His insight was Office. There would be few who could remain of what could be possible – in the that there has been no mountaintop unmoved by the seeming inability of modern- Church and across the Society experience… yet! Instead, he reminded day liturgies, especially the , or local – should spur us on. It is the summit the guests, the ascent to the top begins conference meetings, to engage and reach for which we should strive! youth where they ‘are at’. There might be some now, after the flags have been furled, Thirdly, if we genuinely believe in a the guitars have been packed into their who, having seen it all, heard it all, even done God of miracles, in a Saviour who cases and passports have been stamped, it all, find it easier to remain in the valley of can heal the sick, cure the blind, even back in their country of origin. cynicism and scepticism. raise the dead, then we know that We are climbing the mountain now, So what makes this effort to scale the heights we do not make the trek alone. We this 17-year-old voice of reason told of full community participation so different have, as a constant companion, the Continued ON page 6 St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 5 world youth day 300 gather for FamVin Continued from page 5 FamVin is the name for the hundreds of organisations related to the mission of St Vincent de Paul. In the week leading up to WYD, the FamVin members in Australia (Vinnies, The Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Char- ity) co-hosted the first ever FamVin residential gathering. john campbell and barbara ryan from National Council tell us more…

amVin was the coming together of the young members of the Vincentian Family for a five-day gathering. There were 300 young people from 35 different Fcountries who attended and joined in the spiritual activities – the daily Mass, the night vigil and reconciliation, the opening and closing Mass all held in the large chapel of St Stanislaus College, Bathurst. Each morning presentations were given on the life and times of St Vincent de Paul, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, St Rosalie Rendu, St Catherine Labore and St Louise de Marillac by Vincentian Fathers and Holy Spirit, the outpouring of God’s love on Daughters of Charity nuns. those he calls his people. It is not in our own strength that we set out for the top, but rather, Afternoon activities included a ‘Justice with the grace of God who, as the Bible Walk’ where pilgrims walked around reminds us, makes our burden light. town, and discussed the the social justice implications each stopping place. The Finally, and no less significantly, we strive for local sports ground, the high school, the mountain because it is the right thing, or war memorial, court house and finally logical thing, for Christians to do. As Vincen- the historical pub all featured in their tians, we know that serving others, bringing discussions. the Kingdom to fruition, is what we were made for. Just because it is hard, just because Some pilgrims struck gold panning for it will challenge us, does not mean we should the precious metal, while others came not do it. A pilgrimage, in itself, has no face to face with sheep, kangaroos, cattle external value. It is a lot of time, energy and and emus at the Agridrome. The third money spent on something that, at first blush, activity undertaken by all was tree planting, with in excess of 3000 trees were planted seems entirely lacking in worth (at least, the in the College grounds as a reminder of their visit. way society would define ‘worth’). This was a magnificent few days where new friends were made, much enjoyment was A pilgrim makes the journey because the experienced and all went away feeling uplifted by the atmosphere and the spiritual journey, in itself, is worthwhile. It reminds feeling that permeated throughout the time they were there. us that we are part of something big- We are already planning for the next Famvin in Salamanca, Spain and have chal- ger, something not entirely of this world. lenged all of our Central Councils to provide people to go. Ironically, we travel to another place to find John Campbell, Queensland State President that which may be missing in our current location but is that any more ironic than the FamVim was an occasion I will never forget. So many enthusiastic young people notion that we must lose our life in order celebrating and sharing their faith. Language was not a problem as there was always to find it? Vincentians deal daily with such someone ready to interpret. The game times, work sessions, meal times and most paradoxes – we serve the poor, in order to importantly the beautiful Masses, where all contributed with their own particular encounter God; we give of our time and cultural influence. These young people are the future of the world and it couldn’t be talents, and we receive back abundantly. in better hands. No special event happens without a great deal of preparation and to Just as the pilgrims travelled from all corners, all involved in the organisation. Congratulations on a job well done. to converge on Sydney, so we Vincentians Barbara Ryan, NSW State President need to be prepared to embark on our own journey, with, and for, our youth. It is not the Here’s what some international pilgrims had to say about FamVin: journey to Sydney that has ended; it is the It was unforgettable experience, was really something else. (South Africa) journey to that has begun! The warmth and support from the Australian Vincentians has left an indelible mark on So when someone asks you the question me. Thank you so much for making this an incredible experience for us. Thank you also about where to from here, after World Youth for providing us with a platform to network within the Society thus strengthening our Day? you can reply with: I don’t know about fraternal bonds. (India) you but our conference is going up the moun- I also like to thank you for all the things that we have shared during the Famvin and tain!  WYD, and also your help throughout the programme, I would never forget that. I really David McGovern is a member of the Victoria enjoyed being in the Famvin, and for the first time in my life to meet new friends from Point Conference, Queensland and had different countries with different languages. So, without all your helps I think I can’t an official role at FamVin as the Master of experience how is it to become one family. (Tonga) Ceremonies. Thank you and the rest of your team once again. you have all put your heart and soul into this event for all our benefit and it showed. (Canada) 

6 the Record – Spring 2008 world youth day Days in the Dioceses The Society was involved in the Days in the Diocese programs across the country. Here are some ways that Vinnies contributed to local WYD programs.

Adelaide plus some tree hugging (Steve Irwin’s Influ- as possible. The end result was a fabu- The South Australian group com- ence), played grid iron and experimented lous display of retro and fancy dress. prised mainly young people who with rugby. A highlight of Days in the Money raised from the bazaar has were not actively involved in Vinnies Dioceses was sharing Mass together. been put towards starting a homeless but wanted to express their journey barbecue in a Brisbane suburb. through a focus on action. Perth Melbourne After some volunteer induction, and St Vincent de Paul Society representatives a chat from a couple of key people held a stall at the Days in the Diocese Youth The 11th annual Ozanam Lecture in the organisation, pilgrims visited Festival at the Perth Esplanade on 10 July, was held during Melbourne’s DID08 the Vincentian Centre for homeless complete with balloons, brochures, fake Vin- program, where 1,500 guests heard men and our distribution centre nies tattoos and most importantly, a special from Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez where they gained insight into a wider selection of exclusive clothing from the Retro SDB (see p16-19 for an extract picture of how the Society operates. Vinnies Retail Centre available to purchase. of the lecture). Christine Boyle, a Pilgrims also conducted a ‘backyard The Society was very grateful to receive a Melbourne barrister with a special blitz’, transforming someone’s back generous donation of pre-loved clothing interest in social justice issues, yard. It was as much a bonding expe- from the after their responded to the Cardinal’s lecture, rience as it was a chance to witness fashion show. highlighting the importance of how the individual efforts all combine youth in the Society’s future. to create a huge result from the group. Brisbane The Vinnies Next Generation Con- Vinnies held a bargain bazaar at Brisbane’s cert was held at Federation Square Hobart Heart of the City fiesta of faith, held at Roma and was attended by over 7,000 local Diocesan and Vinnies volunteers St Parklands. Second hand clothes were sold and international pilgrims. The hosted WYD pilgrims from South at the bazaar and gave an opportunity to concert showcased the good works of Carolina, USA and Tanzania, Africa. promote youth involvement in the Society. Society to visiting and local pilgrims. Pilgrims were taken to Mount Field The idea behind it was to host a ‘fancy pants’ Highlights of the concert included National Park, where they experi- ball at the end of the day with local band Scat performances by Troy Cassar Daly enced Tasmania’s unique wilderness, and to have as many people in crazy clothes and Fr Stan Fortuna. 

Vinnies International Youth Gathering bout 700 Vinnies Youth and Young Adults came All in all it was a truly wonderful day, expressed no better together in central Sydney on Wednesday 16 July than from some of the participants themselves: Afor the Vinnies International Youth Gathering “I start with the wise words of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, ‘Only during WYD. The atmosphere was one of inspiration and through the charity of Christ can we transform the world’. This awe as young people listened to each other, sharing their quote was the most appealing to me as it connected to each challenges and works, and realising that they are part of a and every one of the people who were at the St Vincent de Paul, huge network of Vinnies Youth, all trying to make a differ- International Youth Gathering. This unforgettable Youth gather- ence in the world. ing… was one of my highlights of my whole World Youth Day Presentations included feedback from the Salamanca Inter- trip. I have never seen an atmosphere of Vinnie’s, made up of so national SSVP Youth meeting, SSVP Youth in Brazil, Canada many different cultures, values, ideals, and so many different and Australia, responding to the tsunami in India, home ideas.” (Tas) visitation in the Philippines, children’s programs in Australia, “After attending the International Gathering and hearing the Encounter Thailand program, as well as information from the twins speaking about their good works, conferences and UK and Zimbabwean youth members. programs in their own countries many of the pilgrims were There was also a beautiful Vincentian liturgy, a powerful reinvigorated with energy and passion for their Vincentian keynote address from Dr John Falzon and a final address by work.” (NSW) Br Jose Ramon Diaz-Torremocha, the International President General of the Society. A sacred space was available for prayer “I was glad I came. It inspired me at a time when my Vinnies and reflection throughout the day, there were games for the spirit was diminishing.” energetic and, for those in need of some additional energy, “The presentations were insightful, interesting and inspiring, the NSW State Council provided a delicious barbecue. There particularly from the Philippines. It was such a wonderful was also a very popular coffee van! experience to meet Vincentians from all over the world!” 

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 7 world youth day Locked UP The St Vincent de Paul Society hosted a Mental Health and Homelessness Forum open to all World Youth Day pilgrims at the Sydney Convention Centre on 16 July. The following is dr john falzon’s presentation to the forum.

ts’ c l i ents and i ts’ S o ci ety V i n c ent de Paul S t the c ourtesy Photo omelessness is primarily the I would like to dedicate this presentation to also called to receive from them, to responsibility of the state. the memory of Fr Ted Kennedy, pastor to treasure their sacred stories, to learn HThe St Vincent de Paul the people of Redfern until 2002. Ted was a from them, to listen, to look. Society has consistently called the prophetic presence in the Australian commu- Let’s listen to the words of Ted again: national government of our country nity. He opened his home and the church to “In many Australian towns, the to account for the long-standing the Aboriginal people of Redfern and those Catholic Church is securely planted failure to address the causes of home- experiencing homelessness and social pain, near the local police station, court- lessness and to adequately address living the gospel of inclusion and welcome. house, town hall or council chambers. the existence of homelessness in a Sadly this is no longer the case in that parish. prosperous country. Drawing from one ecclesiology – still Scrawled on the wall outside the church are the increasingly accepted one here – Given the context of this forum I the words of judgement: it would be said that the centre of would like to take this opportunity, “Crucified on every city sidewalk the local church is there. however, to call the Church to account. the aboriginal Christ But go to the outskirts of the town: If we take seriously the imperative should be free past the dilapidated houses on the to do justice in the scriptures and in his own church town fringe, past the rubbish tip, and the claim of the Church to be truly among his own people there you’ll find the Aboriginal com- catholic (universal), then we cannot in Redfern.” munity. Drawing from the opposite continue to simply leave the issue of I’d like to share the following reflections from ecclesiology, I would want to say that homelessness and marginalisation to Ted. He said: the centre of the local church is there. the many organisations that focus on this work. The Church needs to reas- “Within the Catholic community in Aus- Such divergent theologies of the sess the use of its massive physical tralia there has been a deep, dark hole for meaning of church stem from two and human resources. a long time now, which amounts to a lack equally divergent interpretations of of genuine spirituality. By ‘spiritual’ I do This is not simply a social problem. It the figure of Christ, and of the nature not mean something ethereal, incapable of is also a theological problem. of sin. The first places little or no being translated into the common coinage consequence on the social context in The Church’s biggest problem is that of human experience. I mean the opposite: which Christ lived. The kind of God it doesn’t know that it has a problem. something that can live at the very centre of he is made out to be leaves him as one We give the wrong answers because the human dilemma. with no real choices in life. The figures we don’t know the right questions. Religion can become the possession of an of power in a Jewish elitist nation, and We fail to search for our God where elitist group, whose power reinforces the a Roman colonised state, are all acci- God is to be found: in the margin- power of all the other institutional forces in dental. They are like quaint drawings alised people of society. society. Its language then becomes spiritually on a cardboard stage set, which is no You will recall the story in the Gospel hollow, incapable of criticising or challenging longer needed now, and so discarded. in which Christ responds to his fol- any of those forces. In so becoming, religion What is then important is not when, lowers when they berate the woman moves inevitably away from where people or how, Christ came to be killed; it is for pouring expensive perfumes on –especially the poor – live, move and have only the fact – in churchy billboard him instead of giving the money to their being.” language – that Christ died, and for us the poor. This story is often wheeled My own organisation was not spared from all. Private morality is the only moral- out to argue that to lavish love on his criticism at times, a criticism focussed ity that counts. Human oppression our God, the Church is justified in on racism against Indigenous people and cannot easily be brought into focus as sparing no expense on rituals and a failure to connect with people at that a question of morality, let alone kept the accoutrements of triumphalism. sacramental level. The marginalised are the in permanent view. I have always found it strange that sacramental presence of Christ. We are called So your civic activities are confined this is presented as being the first not only to minister to them and to stand in to the politics of morality, rather and most obvious place in which to solidarity with them in the struggle against than the morality of politics as such. encounter Christ. structural and historical injustice; we are It was this – the morality of politics

8 the Record – Spring 2008 world youth day Photo: c hur h- m ouse.net Photo: Above: St Vincent’s, Redfern.

– that Christ was concerned about. eration Agreement paves the way for the city has had to be shifted to a neigh- In the radically revised theology of possibility of joint housing development bouring suburb, Woolloomooloo. the meaning of Christ, social sin initiatives between the association and ‘I know some of them have moved in comes up clearly as the first reading diocesan parishes to accommodate the state’s order to ensure the privacy of those of sin. It was social sin, not private most marginalised tenants. homeless people so they’re not sur- sin, that brought death to Christ. SA St Vincent de Paul Society chief execu- rounded by pilgrims, so they can eat The sin of injustice is the primal tive officer John Haren said parishes across their soup in privacy,’ he said.” sin, that which constitutes the very the archdiocese with land and property I believe and hope that all pilgrims meaning of sin – the sin of the surplus to their needs could work collab- gathered in Sydney would share our world.” oratively with the association in providing strong feelings about this report. I Homelessness is a social sin. In a affordable homes. join you in a strong sense of idealism society as prosperous as ours in “Many parishes have a significant commit- and hope. We are realists. We dare to Australia it is a social crime. It is also ment to social justice issues and this would dream the impossible. Our festivities a human rights violation, according be one opportunity for them to fulfil that and liturgies are important ways to the human rights frameworks of by providing affordable housing – which is of being together in sharing these the United Nations. probably the number one social issue facing dreams. But let us never lose sight of Australia right now,” he said. the scriptural imperative to do justice As a nation, and as a faith-commu- Last night, on the other hand, it was reported for and with the oppressed. In the nity within the nation, we must take words of the prophet Isaiah: responsibility for this scandal. on the ABC that up to a 130 homeless people have been removed from Sydney during “Hear the word of Yahweh… When a nation fails to hear the World Youth Day celebrations. voices from the margins as part of I cannot endure your festivals and solemnities. its national conversation, we have a The following was reported on the ABC News Your New Moons and your serious problem. website: pilgrimages “Kevin Simpson from Homeless Voice says When a church makes a practice of I hate with all my soul. men and woman who normally sleep in the silencing these voices and the voices They lie heavy on me, city or the Domain have been moved out by of dissent, as has happened with I am tired of bearing them. authorities. some theologians who have taken When you stretch out your hands, the side of the oppressed, there is an ‘I am a little bit surprised they haven’t taken I turn my eyes away. even greater problem. more care of the actual people who Jesus You may multiply your prayers, Some good things are happening in came for and that’s the disadvantaged, I shall not listen. our nation on the issue of homeless- marginalised broken people,’ he said. Your hands are covered with blood, ness. The Federal Government’s Homeless Voice says during APEC people Wash, make yourselves clean. White Paper process is a welcome who sleep on the streets were offered accom- Take your wrong-doing out of my first step after many years of neglect. modation in motels but not so during World sight. Cease to do evil. Similarly, some good things are hap- Youth Day. Learn to do good, pening in the Church on the issue of ABC TV spoke to homeless man Shane. He Search for justice homelessness. normally sleeps in the Domain car park. Stop the oppressor, help the ‘Since the Pope and that’s been in town we’ve The Archdiocese of Adelaide recently oppressed; made a preliminary agreement with had to relocate to this open park and if it Do justice to the orphan, the Frederic Ozanam Housing rains we’re sort of buggered, we’ve got no Plead for the widow.” Association, run by the St Vincent wind block,’ he said. (Is 1: 12-17)  de Paul Society, for it to become the World Youth Day organisers say all Catholic preferred housing provider for the welfare groups remain in operation. Dr John Falzon is the Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent de Paul archdiocese. But WYD coordinator Bishop Anthony Society National Council The Affordable Housing Co-op- Fisher says the soup kitchen offered in the

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 9 feature

The Crisis in Affordable Housing

Inaction by the Victorian State Government has contributed to the housing crisis in the state, writes david imber.

t should no longer be a surprise to people every day of the week. They should ties, the State Government has done readers of this publication that Vic- be commended for their efforts in providing nothing to improve the lot of tenants. Itorians, like many other Australians, not just personal support and charity but And, sadly, the Opposition has also are experiencing a housing afford- advocacy to the highest levels of government. failed to offer any alternative policies ability crisis. It is a crisis predominantly or vision. affecting lower and middle income “And where are those on the After years of persistent lobbying, renters who are stuck in a shrinking housing advocates gained commit- rental market with rising rents pushing public housing waiting list waiting? ments by the then-Bracks Govern- them further away from ever being Almost always in the dysfunctional ment to address these issues. Yet able to own their own home. almost half way into this term of The persistent and chronically low private rental market that the State government there is nothing to vacancy rate is evidence of a market Government is refusing to reform.” show for it. so dysfunctional that even rising It is almost a year since submissions rental returns and generous land tax closed to the Residential Accommo- The crisis has its foundations in a range cuts are not sufficient for landlords dation Strategy and Consumer Af- of social policy failures over decades. The to enter the market. fairs Victoria has not even responded decline in funding for public housing, the The real victims of this crisis – as to those who made submissions let gentrification of our inner city, changes in opposed to wealthier Victorians alone made a single public statement the labour market, the rise of sole person with large mortgages – are increas- on how it intends acting on any of households, the ageing of the population, ingly becoming the forgotten the problems highlighted in its Issues increasing levels of immigration and taxa- Victorians. They are single people Paper. Its only public act has been to tion policies are just a few of the issues that of all ages, sole parents and low cut funding to the Tenants Union of have contributed to this crisis. income families many of whom can Victoria, a move so unpopular it is no longer afford, or are excluded Yet with all of the dire statistics, social and quietly being reversed. by landlords spoilt for choice, from demographic changes and increasing evidence In its Towards an Integrated Victorian renting in the mainstream market. of hardship it’s been concerning to see the lack Housing Strategy document, released These people are hidden, often in of urgent action by the State Government. prior to the 2006 election, the outer suburbs, spending record Its not that the government doesn’t recognise Government promised to address proportions of their income for the problem, nor is it that they are unsym- the issue with a whole of government often poor quality, energy inefficient pathetic – it’s just that they are failing to approach that included “minimising and even exploitative housing in the introduce any measures to improve the lot of housing stress for private renters”. private rooming house and caravan renters in the private rental market. Despite this promise, rental stress park sector. They are only making From refusing to ban the practice of rental has reached record proportions and do, giving up on essentials, default- bidding, to failing to prosecute dodgy land- there is still no broad based state ing on bills, relying on emergency lords, to ignoring calls to mandate energy housing framework. relief or by going into debt. efficiency in rental housing, and failing to This is not to say the State Govern- The staff and volunteers of the St ensure that tenants have a decent level of ment has done nothing about Vincent de Paul Society see these privacy and tenure security in their proper- housing for low income Victorians. Its

10 the Record – Spring 2008 feature

Mental health and homelessness By roseanne murphy dc omelessness, for many, is just both is involved, then the reaction two pays away. It only takes a may esculate rapidly into a violent Hcompany to merge, or go into situation. receivership, or any other of many fac- One of the major disadvantages in tors for a person from being happily today’s society is the break down of fam- employed and living in a flat, to being ily, which leads to lack of support and unemployed, unable to meet financial normal interaction. Sadly organisations commitments and homeless. such as St Mary’s House of Welcome Savings for many ordinary Austra- may be the closest family or community lians are non-existent. Many people many disadvantaged people access. live pay to pay and make purchases Our open door policy means people principal response has been to invest in public by desire rather than by need. They become part of the service because and community housing – the very thing that are totally ill prepared for the plight they are accepted as they are, with- the community expects and has applauded. of becoming homeless, so their out requiring a reason for attending. The government has every reason to be proud choices can be made in haste rather So many services today have a of its record investment of $510 million over than from knowledge or experience. criteria and require ‘outcomes’ or four years, in the 2007 budget. Yet everyone Homelessness and disadvantage ‘output’, so to just to be at service involved in housing policy knows that while is far more than not having a roof to those in need is becoming much important, this amount needs to be spent year over your head. It attacks all parts of more difficult. after year, before making a real dent in the everyday life, including interaction It can take weeks, sometimes public housing waiting list. and communication with others. months, for a disadvantaged person And where are those on the public housing The disadvantage that comes with to share their story or part of their waiting list waiting? Almost always in the isolation magnifies for those suffer- story, but a service provider often dysfunctional private rental market that ing from a mental illness especially. cannot provide the time or space the State Government is refusing to reform. Support services for the homeless without completing documenta- It is ironic, but by constantly referring to and disadvantaged are stretched. tion. And once again, the poor are its public housing investment whenever Likewise, the mental health service taken advantage of to meet stats and criticised about a lack of action on the rental does not have enough beds to take standards of funding policies. housing crisis, the government serves only to care of those requiring them. The The public health system is also reinforce the impression that it either doesn’t number of secure beds certainly does under resourced and under funded. care or doesn’t understand anything about not meet the current needs. If a person is fortunate to be housed, private renters. To add to the difficulties is the they may have to move to a different health region. Unlike us, who have Rather than tackle the crisis with an integrat- turnover of staff in the sector. It can a choice where we live, they must ed series of measures designed to assist those be a stressful job and combined with move to where they are housed. So, being pushed into poverty, the Victorian rising levels of violence towards staff once again, they are at a disadvantage Government has appeared paralysed by fear. working in services to homeless and by being placed with different health Fear of criticism by landlords, fear of increas- disadvantaged make it difficult to attract and retain staff. professionals, which often causes ing pressure on the public housing system if major disruption in their treatment Service provision is often limited to dodgy rooming houses are closed. Fear that or taking of medication. if it did something, anything, it might not be the year-to-year financial capabilities No matter how often I attend mental the right move. of the organisation, which can create health hearings, treatment orders It’s time, for the benefit of all low income and distress and confusion for people try- ing to access these services. Therefore, are not removed and the poor and disadvantaged Victorians, that fear was faced if a service that was readily available disadvantaged continue to feel like and that practical measures were undertaken pawns in a large system.  last year is no longer available today to address the crisis in affordable housing. due to budget cuts, people’s expecta- Roseanne Murphy, a Daughter of David Imber is the Policy and Public Affairs tions are not met, and hence they can Charity sister, is the Day Centre Manager of the Victorian Council of Social react badly. If, as generally is the case Manager at St Mary’s House of Service. either mental illness or addiction or Welcome, Fitzroy.

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 11 social justice The Excluded By dr john falzon

ou know the beautiful story most extreme incarcerator of its own citizens, not always so easy to see the trail of in the book of Genesis about with one percent of its adult population destruction that often rages through YAbraham welcoming the three behind bars. If you count the people under people’s lives and over which they strangers. Abraham and Sarah lived, community supervision or on probation, the have no control. of course, in a tent. They were a total rises to 7 million, or 3.1 percent of the How many of our members have migrant family. adult population. shared stories with me about work- There is, however, an interesting Imprisonment and exclusion of the poor ing people who have been injured at detail that has attached itself to this grew alongside the early development of our work and who have not only not been story. An ancient Jewish tradition modern society. Inequality helps drive up adequately compensated but have teaches that Abraham and Sarah’s the rate of imprisonment. The experience of also gone from a state of economic tent was kept open on all four sides imprisonment then helps drive inequality. As survival to one of economic disaster. so that they could see and welcome sociologist Bruce Western points out, when Add to this the stories of people who all strangers, no matter which direc- people are locked up their level of present have been made redundant and have tion they hailed from. and future deprivation increases. suffered great mental anguish as a The Bible is full of this kind of mate- result. The common thread here is rial on the sacred duty to welcome that the reality flies in the face of the strangers, culminating in the words “The most significant problem myth. The myth is that all people of Jesus: “I was a stranger and you we face as a society is the choose their own path. The reality is welcomed me.” that you get to choose only within overarching inequality, not only of a context that is not of your own It is useful for us to reflect on the wealth but of access to services. choosing. For some people the choice question today: Who among us is This is not just an Australian is literally between receiving income treated as a stranger? Who is de- support from the government or monised? Who suffers from inequal- problem; it is a global problem.” quietly disappearing. ity? Who are the excluded? Homelessness in Australia is a social We live in a time when the fiction of Inequality also helps drive up the rate of problem. For the St Vincent de Paul egalitarianism reigns supreme. We imprisonment due to the perceived need Society it is offensive when we hear are told that, especially in a country some commentators blaming people like Australia, everyone gets a fair to protect the wealth and privilege of the wealthy from those who are excluded. for their own homelessness. Similarly, go; everyone has the same sort the mental health problems we often of chances to get ahead. This is a Inequality is not always just about money. It encounter are produced (or wors- very successful way of making the can be about inequality of opportunity as ened) by social factors, including the excluded feel that they have chosen well. I recently encountered a very sad report experience of homelessness itself. the path of their own exclusion; in from a British newspaper about the exceed- It is particularly offensive to continue short, that they are to blame. ingly high rate of imprisonment of Iraq War hearing the mantra that blames veterans in the UK. This kind of example Anatole France once wrote of the marginalised people for their poverty “majestic egalitarianism of the law, makes it easy to see how a person’s life can and exclusion. We continue to hear it which forbids rich and poor alike be profoundly shaped and re-shaped by what about sole parents, Indigenous fami- to sleep under bridges, to beg in the happens in society; in this case, the govern- lies, people who are experiencing streets and to steal bread.” ment’s decision to send its defence personnel long-term unemployment, people It is useful for us to reflect on this for to a war. Research was carried out with a with disabilities and people who are a moment. sample of the older men who were sleeping in paid work but who continue to The countries where there is the rough or in boarding houses in Sydney some experience massive financial stress. greatest rate of imprisonment are years ago and the researcher, Kay Kavanagh, There are some who would of course also the countries with the greatest also found that a vast majority had been like to silence our advocacy on behalf level of inequality. The United States traumatised by their involvement in war. of these groups of people. There of America leads the world as the While these examples are very clear, it is are some who say we should stick

12 the Record – Spring 2008 social justice Photos courtesy the St Vincent de Paul Society and its clients

to charity rather than involving pain comes not only from inadequate incomes Action on the Social Determinants ourselves in “activism”. that fail to keep pace of spiralling costs and the of Health. According to its findings: This advocacy in solidarity with our cost shift from the public purse to the private “Social injustice is killing people on a marginalised sisters and brothers is pocket; there is also often a real problem with grand scale.” charity. the quality of life for these families, particu- Sir Michael Marmot, Commis- larly in respect to the amount of time parents Recently, Cardinal Renato Martino sion Chair said: “Central to the are able to spend with their children. Very put this very eloquently at a Pan Commission’s recommendations is low hourly rates and poor working conditions African conference in Tanzania. creating the conditions for people to mean that parents in these families are forced He said: be empowered, to have freedom to to work longer and longer hours just to make lead flourishing lives. Nowhere is lack “The commitment to organising and ends meet. of empowerment more obvious than structuring society in such a way as Mental health problems are usually viewed as in the plight of women in many parts to ensure one’s neighbour does not being problems that pertain exclusively to the of the world. Health suffers as a result.” find himself in poverty is an indis- individual. While each of us are unique, with Included in the report is the now- pensable act of charity.” familiar fact that life expectancy Cardinal Martino said the Gospel for Indigenous Australian males is calls Christians to imitate Jesus and “…at least 105,000 people shorter by 17 years than all other “give preference to the poor, address- experience homelessness in Australian males. ing our energy and resources to Another fact mentioned is that in the the poor, and to contemplating the Australia on any given night.” United States, 886 202 deaths would renewal of society beginning with have been averted between 1991 and the needs of the poor”. 2000 if mortality rates between white our unique genetic make-up and our unique As inequality is further entrenched in and African Americans were equalized. personal stories it would be a mistake to modern industrialised societies we ignore the fact that we live in a social context. Interestingly the Report also found are witnessing new forms of poverty Each of our lives is an historical intersection the following: in our midst. between the personal and the structural. “Wealth alone does not have to The fact of persistent homelessness Mental health problems do not occur in determine the health of a nation’s in prosperous nations is a powerful limbo; they develop in this personal, histori- population. Some low-income coun- indictment of the injustice of our cal and structural context. How society works tries such as Cuba, Costa Rica, China, social and economic systems. We (or fails to work!) is a key determinant of how state of Kerala in India and Sri Lanka know that at least 105,000 people our personal problems develop. We all know, have achieved levels of good health experience homelessness in Australia for example, that the chronic lack of services despite relatively low national in- on any given night. in some areas of Australia does nothing to comes. But wealth can be wisely used. We also know that 65 percent of low assist people experiencing mental health Nordic countries, for example, have income households in the private illnesses. We also know that the experience of followed policies that encouraged rental market are experiencing hous- homelessness and poverty, for example, can equality of benefits and services, full ing stress, paying a minimum of 30 cause or exacerbate mental illnesses as well as employment, gender equity and low percent of their meagre incomes on many physical illnesses. levels of social exclusion. This is an outstanding example of what needs housing costs. The most significant problem we face as a -so to be done everywhere.”  Many of these families have one or ciety is the overarching inequality, not only of more members in paid work. Gone wealth but of access to services. This is not just The Closing the Gap in a Generation are the days when you could say that an Australian problem; it is a global problem. report is available on the WHO website, www.who.int. a job was a guaranteed route out of The World Health Organization’s Commis- poverty. sion on the Social Determinants of Health For the relatively new and growing has just released its report entitled Closing the cohort of the “working poor” the real Gap in a Generation: Health Equity through

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 13 feature sorry: after the apology AND the way forward

The Prime Minister has apologised to the Stolen Generations, but what happens now? vicki clark from Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Melbourne shares her views.

t’s been an amazing time since 13 February 2008, when this nation, Iespecially the Aboriginal com- munities across Australia, began a process of healing. I was privileged to actually go to Canberra on 13 February. The emo- tion of that day and the participation of everyone that was there was incredible. I travelled with one of my co-work- ers, Sherry Balkam. We hadn’t talked vic k i c lark about it, but when I met Sherry at the airport, she was dressed exactly the same as myself – we were both

dressed in red, black and yellow. su pp l i ed by p hoto The taxi driver acknowledged me as Vicki Clark (second from right) and friends at Parliament House, Canberra on 13 February 2008. an Aboriginal person, which is very rare. He said to me, “you’re going shoulder to tell us they were with us today. last 10 or so years, they feel as if their to a pretty special day today aren’t story has finally been heard. you”. I said yes, I am. He said, “My When we got to Canberra, we rushed to thoughts and my spirit’s with you.” get to the site at Parliament House. I stood I want to congratulate and thank the That’s a pretty big statement from a watching the big screen with thousands of members of the stolen generation for taxi driver. other people from all different walks of life. their hard work and their consistency At the airport, people came up and At the moment of apology you could hear a of never compromising on what they actually said sorry to us before the pin drop. I still get goose bumps just thinking really wanted, themselves or their event had happened. The country about when Kevin Rudd said sorry to the Ab- stories. I want to thank them for was ready and prepared for it because original people removed from their families beginning a healing process in this the evidence was there with everyday and promised it would never happen again. country - a healing process that had people. When we got on the plane So what does happen after 13 February? to happen. I hope and I pray that they people acknowledged us and gave There needs to be a whole lot of discernment will be strengthened by what hap- us winks and also tapped us on the for Aboriginal people because now, after the pened on 13 February.

14 the Record – Spring 2008 feature

On Sorry Day, 26 May, I was a legal system that is built on compensation so churches need to be initiating the privileged to sit with members why aren’t Aboriginal people entitled to com- conversation around the tables. They of the stolen generations and talk pensation? How it’s done needs to be talked should take a lead role in addressing with them about the way forward about with the state governments, Common- the way forward with members of the and restoring what was rightfully wealth government and the members of the stolen generation, because they all, in theirs. During my time at the stolen generation. one way or another, had some part to Aborigines Advancement League The compensation is really about physical and play. Many of our orders were actually that day, they talked about issues mental harm that has been done, the suffering just doing the job. They didn’t physi- of restitution, rehabilitation and and emotional distress that they’ve suffered. cally remove Aboriginal people from reparation. It’s about the loss of opportunities, the loss of their homelands, but they took them

“Reparation, restitution and rehabilitation are the way forward after the apology. And our churches need to be initiating the conversation around the tables.”

Restitution is really about returning the opportunity to be educated. Many of these in and the care that was given really to country, it’s about assistance to children were only allowed to go to a certain needs to be questioned. We need to return to country. It’s about language level of education. It’s the material damages, address that if we are going to be true and culture, restoring what was lost. the loss of earnings, the loss of potential of to who we are as the Catholic Church Many Aboriginal people have been earnings through lack of education. in Australia. deprived of the inheritance of their What about compensating for the harm and I believe that this country needs to culture, history and identification. reputation and the dignity of our men and start a conversation on treaty. As an It’s a basic human right to inherit women? The rights of our men to be fathers, Aboriginal, I want to make sure that your culture, to inherit your family grandfathers, the keepers of laws, of our my grandchildren and great grand- connection and to inherit what is ceremonies. What about the raping of our children have acknowledgment and rightfully yours in the area of land as women, the taking away of their woman- recognition in this country. We need well. Restitution is an issue the stolen hood? How do you compensate for that? to have a treaty that enshrines the generations want to talk about – they Then you’ve got the effects of what has identity of our future generations. call it the unfinished business now. happened to their children. In the Bringing At the end of the day if we don’t Rehabilitation is about strengthen- them Home report, there was one woman who fight for these things for Aboriginal ing the Aboriginal person and the asked how she could love her children, when people, then our descendants will Aboriginal family. It’s about healing she herself had never known love. She was question whether we were honour- and social and emotional wellbeing. put into a mission home, was never loved or able ancestors. It’s about making culturally appro- nurtured. She was just a number who had I would hope that my future descen- priate counselling services available. chores to do. She went on to say the only time dants are proud of me as an Aborigi- And it’s about place: their place in in her childhood and into her early adult years nal woman I hope they see me as an family, in society and within this that she felt loved was when she was raped. honourable person.  country as well. How painful must that be for a woman? Vicki Clark is the co-ordinator The third R – reparation – is the Reparation is something that really needs to of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry one that poor old Johnny Howard addressed in this country. Johnny knew quite Melbourne. got stuck on. He got stuck on, “If well that Aboriginal people have every right we say sorry to these Aboriginal to be compensated for what has happened to people for what has happened them. in the past, for taking away their Is compensation going to be money? I don’t human rights, we may be looking at know, I can’t answer that because I’m not a monetary compensation.” member of the stolen generation. My question is why not? Why aren’t Reparation, restitution and rehabilitation are we talking about reparation? We have the way forward after the apology. And our

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 15 ozanam lecture

Companions on the Journey: ‘On sharing Jesus’ love’

Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez SDB delivered this year’s Ozanam Lecture on 10 July 2008 at Melbourne Town Hall. The following is an extract of his lecture.

s a young man Frederic Ozanam once wrote to some of anything that is worth the effort; it is also the consequence of his friends: “If you want a formula”, -and he was of love that is freely offered. I propose the following method- Awriting about what to do about the troubled and ology for your Vincentian pastoral work unjust world in which he lived- “I believe in love.” He thought that the fate of the world “will be terrible if charity The First Step is to Welcome does not interpose… if Christians do not dominate with all Welcoming is obviously the starting point. We could read the force of love.” the Gospel interminably in the code of welcoming, paying According to him, sharing in the self-sacrificing love of Jesus attention to the heartbeats of so many powerful moments in Christ is the only redeeming force in our world. And he the life of Jesus, who, even just before he dies, takes time to added: “The order of society is based on two virtues: justice welcome the Good Thief. and charity. However, justice presupposes a lot of love Welcoming does not mean simply giving a hand or opening our already… Justice has its limits whereas charity knows none.” arms. Welcoming means allowing ourselves to be invaded by It is in the loving relation with the one overlooked and in others, making a place for them in the deepest corners of our need, that the saving and redeeming connection is made from hearts, creating an atmosphere of trust, so that the person can heart to heart. reveal his or her mystery, creating a loving connection. That is why I would like to propose to speak about love, about In human beings, welcoming is a feminine trait …It is not Gospel attitudes; the attitudes of Jesus, for dealing with our strange, then, that the older St Elizabeth and especially the brothers and sisters who are forsaken and forlorn in our Virgin Mary, a very young woman, give us a master class in world. welcoming: not only by what these two holy women offer and give to one another, but by the way they both welcome Speaking about ‘Sharing Jesus’ love’ to you, Vincentians, I the will of our God. This will is welcomed with an attentive would like to talk about being companions on Jesus’ journey. ear, with open arms, with a willing soul, so that through it the And the first thing that comes to mind when I think of propos- mystery of each person is revealed and we can know some- ing a new vision or way of looking at the lack of charity and the thing more of the unfathomable mystery of our God. injustices in the world is the passage from St John (15:9): “As my father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” The Second Step is to Encourage In the vocation of every Christian, there is often a face that Encouraging, on the other hand, is a more masculine trait. has stimulated us or motivated us to a new way of life. For all It means infusing with breath, as was done at creation, and Vincentians Frederic Ozanam has been one of those! Then penetrating the soul, as Jesus did with his gaze, laying bare there are those exemplary people who have joined the saints; the heart. It is not a gaze of . It is simply the gaze or those who are still accompanying us on our way. of love, which is capable of breaking through the defences This is what I propose: that we become maternal, paternal of fear that we so often see among the poor and downtrod- or fraternal faces for those who are overlooked, forsaken den, whom we encounter in the streets of large cities in this and forlorn, so that, as the Gospel says, they receive and we country, and its almost endless outback and plains. receive a hundredfold and begin to experience eternal life Encouragement is related to the virtue of hope. It makes us here on earth. find reasons for living, for loving, for suffering, and the energy It is worthwhile knowing that we are capable of being broth- to bring them to fruition. For this reason, encouragement ers or sisters, mothers or fathers to those neglected, poor and culminates in the Paschal mystery, particularly in Pentecost. forlorn. We know the road is not free of pain, but that is true There we go to the source. There the Spirit of the new creation

16 the Record – Spring 2008 ozanam lecture p hy Photogra Metaxas G eorg i a Metaxas, Photos: Above: Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez delivers the 2008 Ozanam Lecture at Melbourne Town Hall.

calls to us. The Paschal Mystery of our Lord is the most fertile so controversial, and so passionate, who reveals the deepest source of life and consolation: “Take courage, for I have parts of his being, his anguish, his tears and his love, who overcome the world.” does not want to impose himself on his children. Who even says that he is braver correcting them in letters than when he The Third Step is Accompaniment is actually present with them. Accompanying, meanwhile, means abiding in love. It means He addresses the Philippians as “Brothers and sisters whom prolonging in time and space the welcoming and the en- I love and long for, my joy and crown” (Phil. 4:1) ... but, and couragement. Accompanying is faithfulness in action. For this is surely because of that same love, he speaks the truth this reason it is, perhaps, the deepest trait that we owe to our transparently to certain ones and accompanies them, al- impoverished and lonely brothers and sisters; it is a way of though from afar, with his letters and advice, so that they can giving life. move forward on the journey of faith. Perhaps the clearest example of accompaniment in the Characteristics of Accompaniment is Jesus’ relationship with his disciples, especially with Peter. After this brief glance at Jesus and St Paul, it is appropriate In an act of love, Jesus calls Peter, who in response leaves his to describe some of the characteristics of accompaniment, nets to follow in the Lord’s footsteps. One night, while keep- always against the backdrop of the paternal and maternal ing vigil, Jesus prays and chooses Peter to be his messenger. In figure of God, because the only people capable of accompany- a moment of intimacy, Peter acknowledges Jesus as teacher ing are those who are willing to take, in their lives, the step of and Lord, and Jesus reveals to Peter his preferential love. becoming a father or mother. We can repeat this attitude of Jesus’: we can call someone who And here age does not matter – there are very precocious as a wandering refugee and migrant has already left nets and fathers and mothers. It is amazing what young people boat behind in their land and pray with them during a night can do. Think again of that young girl Mary who went to of vigil and reach the solemn moment when we can recognise help her old kinswoman in need, and the hymns they sang them as our brothers and sisters and express our ‘preferential together! What is important is the maturity of the heart, love’ like Jesus and Peter. maturity in love ... because all accompaniments imply a deep, Accompaniment, like welcoming and encouragement, is not even sacrificial, offering. only aimed at people. It is also necessary to accompany com- munities. This is what we learn from Paul with each of the Accompany the One Who Abides in Love communities he founded, especially those of Corinth or the To love is beautiful. It is more difficult to remain in love. It Philippians, which caused him so much suffering and which is wonderful to love. It is more difficult to remain faithful to –perhaps for this reason, as with our own parents– inspired the beloved. It is exciting to love. It is more difficult to forgive. in his heart such paternal and maternal love. And no one can say they have attained love unless they have It is interesting to read the letters to the Corinthians, which passed through the crucible of forgiveness. are eminently apostolic, to discover the strength of the love Accompaniment is this: “As my Father has loved me, so I have of this man, who clearly understood that he had engendered loved you. Abide in my love” (Jn. 15:9). them, proclaiming the Gospel to them (1 Cor. 4:15-17), and And abiding in love, “for better and for worse, in sickness who declares his fatherly and motherly love. and in health.” Abiding when we agree and when we disagree. Who speaks of Timothy as “my beloved son” and of Titus with When people do what we want and when they do not … tender love (2 Cor. 7:2-16). This Paul, who is so dominating, when we are recognised and when we are abandoned; when Continued ON page 18

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 17 ozanam lecture

Continued from page 17 someone thanks us and when we are forgotten. Abiding in But it is also an act of respect for what God is doing in love… as my Father loves you… this is the definite point of another person, certain that “whoever has begun the good comparison for all accompaniment. work will finish it well.” The one who does the good work is the Spirit of God, not the one who accompanies. The one who The Road of Pain accompanies is only an instrument. Meanwhile, the most difficult thing for the person who is being The first road that leads to spiritual parenthood is pain, be- accompanied is to perceive a lack of trust. More difficult still is cause there is no mercy without tears. We know that we only to find that this complete openness has been used against him. suffer for that which we love. Therefore, accompaniment This is called betrayal. And unfortunately, it sometimes occurs, that is not united to the willingness to accept the sacrament damaging the trust that has been placed not only in the one of pain – to the cross – may be spiritual comradeship, but it who is accompanying, but also in the Church. is not an act of engendering or of taking responsibility for It is also difficult to feel that someone believes in me only the life that we have helped bring to birth. Rather, when we when their choices coincide with mine. seek to travel the road of fraternity from end to end, pain We must be careful not to create dependence. Within the becomes a source of prayer, a discipline of the soul that Church, we want to help give birth to people who are mature, allows us to attain great freedom in love. not dependent personalities. The Father wants to have mature sons and daughters, not to oversee a kindergarten forever. We learn this from St Paul, who first gives milk, then solid food. “One amazing characteristic of the A Situation in Which We Must Hope virtue of hope is that it is not obvious: Against Hope Hope that is seen is not hope.” The love and faith that are present in accompaniment always go hand in hand with hope: – cardinal oscar rodríguez As St Paul says: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” And that is the case with the person whose mission is to accompany. To Welcome is to Walk the Road of One amazing characteristic of the virtue of hope is that it is Generosity not obvious: Hope that is seen is not hope. Every time we take one step toward generosity, we are moving Hope is always directed toward life, knowing that this from fear toward love. involves death. It is directed toward the destination, without Unless we accept pain, offer forgiveness and choose generosity, ignoring the fatigue of the journey. It does not lose itself in we cannot aspire to accompany. But we need not be afraid: the details, but focuses on what is essential. It is directed toward same One who awakens in us the gift of accompaniment will the radical goodness that God has created in the human heart, give us the grace to do so. which will always be unblemished even though sin may try to deface it or even destroy it. Because of this, instead of getting To Accompany is to Believe Deeply in the caught up in details, it invites us to look at the array of people Other and communities, to delight in their progress and point them out to those we accompany. To abide in love requires a grounding in faith. To accompany is to have faith in the other: in his or her word, dreams, choices Seeing suffering people with the Eyes and life. Having faith, even though we disagree… even when of God we encounter inconsistency. Having faith, even amid sin. I am aware of the difficulty. At first glance, it seems easier, Accompanying is a great act of trust, like the trust the Father or at least more attractive, to build, to manage, preach or showed in us by giving us the fullness of the Spirit of Pente- celebrate than to accompany. cost just after his beloved Son had been denied and crucified. I am not questioning or minimising the value of preaching It is the trust of the father who gives his ring, with the seal or celebration or even your very noble work for justice and that gives authority to dispose of all his goods, to the son who charity as ‘Vinnies’. I could not. has squandered his fortune. But never forget – you as followers of Frederic Ozanam – This attitude is not as illogical as it appears, because it is always requires a face-to-face encounter, the Cyrene who precisely the experience of total trust amid complete knowl- helped carry the cross, the experienced person who encour- edge that leads to a change of life: “When they believe in me ages another to withstand the fatigue of the journey, showing and still place their hope in me, although they know who I am that what seems to be a mountain is only a bump in the road. and precisely because they know who I am, in my greatness For this reason, the most basic element of the service of and in my very smallness.” charity for the one who accompanies, is and always will

18 the Record – Spring 2008 ozanam lecture p hy Photogra Metaxas G eorg i a Metaxas, Photos: Above: Victorian State President Jim Grealish, Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez and Above: Cardinal Rodríguez meets pilgrims at the Ozanam Lecture. Christine Boyle, who gave the response to the Cardinal’s lecture.

be, to place in the Lord, in his hands, the people and com- our company: we must also be attentive to gestures, to looks, munities being accompanied: it is he who holds them in the to hands, to silence, to know how to understand what words palm of his hand. It means seeing with the eyes of God: it is do not know how to say or sometimes cannot say. This same he who watches over them as the apple of his eye. It means attention is reflected in the body language of the one who loving them with the Father’s heart: it is he who always hopes, accompanies, invites, welcomes and provides encouragement. scanning the horizon, unseen but never failing to keep watch. Ideally, to accompany is to incarnate the fatherly figure of Conclusion God: to be his sacrament. Dear friends, let me conclude my oration in honour of your A Proposal Blessed Frederic Ozanam. As President of Caritas Internatio- nalis, I, like you, know that we must be vitally concerned for To conclude, I would like to make a triple proposal that social justice and changing unjust structures that deepen the implies at least three attitudes for the disciples of Frederic suffering of poor people trapped in cycles of dependency. Ozanam: Always be brave and courageous in fighting for justice for the 1. respect for the other person’s freedom; poor here and in the global village! 2. giving advice with humility; and But justice is only the beginning! Remember the words of 3. discovering the language of love. Paul VI: “Justice is love’s absolute minimum!” Poor sinners, Respecting freedom and doing so as God does with us. Not though we are, let us make the human person the centre spying, not wanting to tie people down, not even with invis- of our work. Our aim is always to share the love of Jesus ible threads. The only possible bond is that of love… which ourselves. always liberates. That is why this afternoon I have stressed that above all we Giving advice with humility, placing our experience at the must love and accompany people! Only thus can we really service of others. Love never humiliates another person. This serve our sisters and brothers. is especially true in our case, when we are aware of our limits, Accompanying is an art, in the fullest sense of the term. It our inconsistencies, our late conversions. God seduces, invites, is not easy to understand the ways of the human spirit, so encourages, stimulates, corrects, and warns. Love never complex, so subtle. It is not easy to have the right word, the imposes. timely piece of advice, the correction, and the encouraging The person who accompanies is called to discover the word. Nor is it easy to know which new step should be recom- language of love, not only in words, but also in gestures. mended in the life of a person or a community. You, young This is obvious. If it is of God, it is the only way, and this is ‘Vinnies’, must dream boldly! This is something that cannot be God’s language. improvised: It is necessary to study, to contemplate, to know oneself better, to know the other person, to connect. It is Jesus who speaks words of love: the most longed for, the most novel, the most revealing. He speaks with authority Or to put it in the words that close the filmMonsieur Vincent, because with His eyes of love, He is able to discover what lies “It is only because of your love, your love alone, that the poor within each person. And that gaze is always within reach for will forgive you for the bread you give them.”  anyone who wants to learn to see with the eyes of the Lord. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez SDB is the Archbishop of Teguci- We must not only pay attention to the words of those who seek galpa, Honduras and President of Caritas Internationalis.

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 19 from the archives Congress w eekly

ic athol builds c : P HOTO confidence Eighty years ago Sydney played host to another significant international Catholic event, writes michael moran.

His delegate, Cardinal Cerretti, was well ushers, and organised the all-night known to Society members in Australia and vigils before the Blessed Sacrament well-liked. He was a former member of the at St Mary’s Cathedral. They ran so- Society himself and had served as Apostolic cial functions for visitors, including Delegate to Australia in 1914-1917. In 1915 a concert by “the famous Westmead he presided over a general rally of conferenc- Boys Silver Band” and a dinner in es in Sydney at the invitation of our national the city attended by 700, includ- president, Louis Heydon, who featured in the ing the celebrated English Jesuit most recent From the Archives. C.C. Martindale. Cardinal Cerretti Since his diplomatic term in Australia, arrived to “a tumultuous welcome”. Cardinal Cerretti had served as Papal Repre- The Society later presented him with sentative to the Paris Peace Conference after a block of opal shaped into a map of Above: Cardinal Ceretti the First World War, and as Papal Australia. to France, probably the most prestigious On the final day, Cardinal Cerretti orld Youth Day 2008 was Vatican diplomatic post at the time. He was and the Blessed Sacrament travelled not the first international undoubtedly , a potential pope. by ferry from Manly to the Heads, Catholic ‘mega event’ to W Now, back in Australia, he told listeners that where the Host was raised and be held in Australia, nor the first to he considered himself an Australian and ‘a the waters of the Harbour and the be a significant Society event too. citizen of Sydney’. Pacific blessed, and then down the Australia has hosted two Interna- Like World Youth Days, International Eucha- Harbour to the city, accompanied tional Eucharistic Congresses, the ristic Congresses attract enormous crowds. It by aircraft, other ferries and highly first in Sydney in 1928, the second is said that almost one million people, or a decorated fishing boats. Society in Melbourne in 1973. Like WYD, quarter of Ireland’s population, attended the fi- members gathered in the Domain the 1928 Congress in Sydney nal Mass of the 1931 Congress in Dublin. The and marched down to Circular attracted enormous numbers and crowds which attended Sydney in 1928 may Quay to greet them. made ceremonial use of Sydney have been, proportionally, even greater than Harbour. It also involved the Society those which attended WYD this year. Since The Congress was welcomed by in many ways. 1928 was not an era of cheap travel, however, media and establishment. The State Premier, a Protestant, spoke in the The Church has held International the crowds were almost all local people. Cathedral, and Cardinal Cerretti was Eucharistic Congresses since 1881, The Congress included a series of huge events hosted at Government House and although the early ones were not at the Royal Agricultural Society Show- received by the Governor-General truly international. The most recent ground, Moore Park, now the site of News at Admiralty House, suggesting the was held in Quebec shortly before Corporation’s Fox Studios and just up the improved social position of Catholics WYD, and the next will be held in road from WYD’s . Dublin in 2012. and the Church’s emancipation A men’s night, comprising speeches, singing from an age of sectarian rivalry, but Sometimes the pope himself has pre- and Benediction, attracted a crowd estimated perhaps also indicating that Catholi- sided at a Congress. In 1928, however, at up to 150,000. Society members assembled cism was now seen as ‘safe’. the Pope sent a Papal Legate, Cardinal outside the Showground at 7.30pm with their Bonaventura Cerretti, to preside. hymn books before filing in. Newspapers re- The Congress was a big step forward in confidence for the Australian The pope at the time of the Sydney ported “unparalleled scenes”. Outside, “taxis, Church and, like WYD, a cheerful and Congress was Pius XI. As a former tram cars and people were wedged into a even boisterous religious experience manuscripts scholar and head of the solid block”. Inside, grandstands were packed. for participants, including members Vatican archives, he can be regarded Cheers greeted arriving bishops. Like WYD of the St Vincent de Paul Society.  as the first archivist to be elected the Congress was a happy occasion. pope. In the archives world that Society members served on preparatory Michael Moran is the National would be regarded as a step sideways. committees, provided guards of honour and Council Archivist.

20 the Record – Spring 2008 letters & news Letters to News in brief Vale Sr Mary Elizabeth the editor It is with sadness that we advise the death of Sr Mary Elizabeth [Mollie] Ahern. Sr Mollie was the Spiritual advisor to the Inala Special Works Conference and the South West Regional Council in Brisbane. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sr india sends thanks Mollie was held on 22 July at Stuartholme School Chapel. Sr Noreen Sales from the St Francis Conference, Ayr, Queensland contacted The Record to share with New WA State President readers some feedback the conference has received Clement Astruc was commissioned as the new State President of Western Aus- from its twinned conferences in India. tralia on 24 August. The Commissioning Mass was held at Clement’s Perth parish church of St Simon Peter, Ocean Reef. “…we are very happy to inform you that we received your Christmas and Easter grants. In our State, Judge to deliver Gerald Ward lecture Kerala, the price of foodgrains increased very much The first Gerald Ward Lecture will be given by recently retired Chief Justice, and the poor people are in trouble. We visited our Murray Gleeson on Friday 7 November at the National Library, Canberra. adopted families with more food grains. Archbishop Mark Coleridge will respond to the lecture. For details, please call Our parish vicar Fr Joshy Kalley transferred to the National Office on 02 6202 1200 or email [email protected]. Chennai Mission Dioceses and our new vicar is National president appointed to Fr George Chiramal. He is very interested in our international board Vincentian activities. National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Syd Tutton, has been Let me stop here. God may bless all of your confer- appointed to the seven person Board of the International General Council as the ence members.” delegate for International Financing. Br A.K. Thomas, St Antony’s Conference, Vasupuram, Syd was officially commissioned as the new National President in Canberra in Kerala, India. March, and was appointment to the international board at an international meet- ing held in Salamanca, Spain in June. “Greetings to you from all of us at the Surathkal The appointment followed the request of the International Council General of the National Council of Australia for assistance in resolving its continuing financial SSVP conference… difficulties. A proposal was formulated for consideration by the International I am happy to inform you that we received the Executive Committee at the Salamanca meeting. A concordat was agreed to by the grants for Christmas and Easter. On behalf of all the 16 most affluent of the 144 National Councils, which will ensure the International members of the Surathkal Conference, I thank you Councils financial viability for the future.  for the same. We are really very grateful to you. Every year, the members of our conference go for visits to organisations like orphanages, old age homes and so on. This year, we had been to a place by the Community. name ‘Seon Ashram’. It is a place where people for- What an insurance company should be about.

saken by society, those who are unable to take care of 5 9 1 I C C / T B H themselves, and those with nobody to look after them, find shelter. It was started by a layman, U.C. Paulose, in the year 1999. Initially started with a single person, at present the ashram has 320 inmates. Seon Ashram, originally a residential and rehabilita- tive centre for the mentally ill, today provides care, shelter, goods, clothing, Medicare, etc. to the mentally ill, aged destitutes, widows, orphaned and needy children, physically challenged, and rape victims. The founder, U.C. Paulose, has received a number of awards for his truly noble work. Mr Paulose and his family do a lot of selfless work for the downtrodden. On our trip there, we carried rice, vegetables, clothes, and also some monetary aid for them… Thank you once again for the grants.” If you’re looking for a genuinely different kind of insurance company, Sr Jessy D’Souza, President, SSVP Surathkal, India.  one that cares for you and shares its profi ts with the community, you’ve found it. Proud supporters of the St Vincent Call us today for an obligation free Building and Contents Insurance The Record welcomes letters but we reserve the right to edit de Paul Society’s World Youth Day them for legal reasons, space or clarity. Articles will be published quote and affordable Personal Accident Insurance. only if full name and address and telephone numbers are efforts. provided, although the address will be withheld from publication if so requested. 1300 655 003 Post to: The Record, PO Box 243, Deakin West ACT 2600 or www.ccinsurances.com.au email to [email protected]. This insurance product is issued by Catholic Church Insurances Limited ABN 76 000 005 210 Everyone whose letter is published will receive a free book AFSL 235415. The Product Disclosure Statement is available from our website or by phoning us. You should read and consider the Product Disclosure Statement before deciding to buy courtesy of David Lovell Publishing. or renew this insurance product.

St Vincent de Paul Society Australia 21 reflection

The heart of relating andy hamilton reflects n life it’s often important to have the right The start and the finish is in accompaniment. on what it means to walk things with us. If we are going sailing, When we accompany people and become for example, it’s useful to have sails and intimate with them, we can ask them if there with, serve and speak up for I an anchor. But we also need to get the right is anything we can help them with. They will the people who need most. things in the right order. There’s not much tell us how they want us to serve them. point in putting up the spinnaker before we Organisations go sour when we divorce have pulled up the anchor. service from accompaniment. We would That’s true, too, when are living out the Gospel, then concentrate on how we can serve people particularly it draws us as Vincentians to go most efficiently. Professionalism becomes out to the poor. We need to keep in our minds our mantra, and we focus not on the people and hearts the right things in the right order. whom we serve but on the standards of our service. Professionalism is good if our eyes Some years ago the Jesuit Refugee Service are fixed on the people we serve. It then tried to crystallise in a few phrases what they means working as well as we can on their had learned from meeting refugees and how behalf. But without accompaniment profes- they should go about their work. They came sionalism cooks a cold and rancid dish. up with three words: Accompany, Serve, Advocate. The words had to stay in that order. Advocacy, too, begins in accompaniment. The Perhaps they also do for all of us Vincentians poor tell us what they want heard, and we who touch the poor in our lives. help them to say it. If policy does not begin in accompaniment, those for whom we advocate The heart of relating to the poor is accom- will be cogs in the wheel of our projects. In paniment. Accompaniment means making Australia this is readily seen in our relation- time to listen when visiting, sitting down ships with our indigenous brothers and sisters. together when talking, walking along the street together, having a smoke together, So, to paraphrase Paul, there are three things, keeping each other in mind when we are accompaniment, service and advocacy, and away from one another. the greatest of these is accompaniment. And to quote Paul accurately this time, the greatest Serving means helping someone achieve thing of all is love. what they want. We can serve the hungry by offering them food when they ask, serve the That is what leads us to accompany people, wounded by bandaging them, serve untaught and helps us keep purity of heart when we children by giving them means to learn, serve serve and advocate for them.  the lonely by connecting them with others. Andy Hamilton SJ teaches theology, Serving means helping people as well as we and works at Jesuit Communications in can, keeping our mind on the job. Melbourne. He has a long-held interest in Advocating means helping people who are refugees and the St Vincent de Paul Society, badly treated to find a voice and to have their and is a regular contributor to The Record’s voice heard. It means making hidden people poetry and prose page. visible to the public, making the voice of silent people heard, having despised people recog- nised as human beings, allowing systematically abused people to change the systems. These are three parts of the Gospel. But they are not three specialties, three departments we can choose between. They belong together and have an order.

22 the Record – Spring 2008

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