Kevin McKenna: Cuba releases Review of Church prisoners ahead property could help of Pope’s visit refugees and to the country. community. Page 10 SUPPORTING 50 YEARS OF SCIAF, 1965-2015 Pages 6-7

No 5638 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday September 18 2015 | £1 WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD

Young people from across Scotland took part in a pilgrimage to Nunraw Abbey last Sunday to mark The Year of Consecrated Life. The Catholic Youth Service Scotland organised event saw almost 200 young people joined by religious, parish priests and Archbishop Leo Cushley as they walked from Haddington to the Cistercian Abbey of Sancta Maria

I For more on the pilgrimage, see pages 4-5 PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Scottish Church is open to refugees I Many of our parishioners hail from families with a history of fleeing conflict and poverty, hierarchy says; Paisley answers Bishop Keenan’s call by setting up a refugee welcome group By Ian Dunn Church’s help to ‘support and assist the curial offices in Paisley on Monday of Mr Henry, MSP for Renfrewshire “Many Scots Catholics—myself new arrivals to our country.’ politicians from the SNP, Labour and the South, said he, like many people in the included—hail from families that once SCOTLAND’S bishops are The archbishop tells the First Minister Conservative parties, representatives West of Scotland, was the child and fled oppression and poverty in all sorts responding decisively to the refugees that the Scottish Church stands ready to from Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and grandchild of those who had not been of places in the 19th and 20th century, crisis in Europe, collectively and answer Pope Francis’ call for ‘every Renfrewshire councils and local born here. to find a new home in this country,” he individually, as Europe tightens its Catholic parish community in Europe Christian leaders. Participants at the “This is too important to be left to said last weekend. “So how could we borders this week to the flood of to offer support to refugee families event, which the bishops called, all politicians,” he said. “But the fact that not place ourselves at the service of mainly displaced Syrians. currently fleeing to our continent from pledged to do all they could to help we are all here and united in our desire those 21st century newcomers who are In a letter on behalf of the bishops, the Middle East.’ refugees in a new group under the name to work together on this is, I think, very in the greatest need? Archbishop Philip Tartaglia tells First “Many of our parishioners hail from Renfrewshire Refugee Support. significant.” “And, as a visible example of our Minister Nicola Sturgeon the Catholic families with a history of fleeing Bishop Keenan said he was ‘incredibly Among the representatives from the willingness to help, I too would be happy Church will do all it can to assist the conflict and poverty in the 19th and heartened’ by the response of all those local churches was Rev Tom Wilson, a to give a home to somebody fleeing war Scottish Government in welcoming 20th centuries to find a new home in at the meeting. minister of the Holy Trinity and St or oppression. Hopefully, though, we refugees and the Scottish Church has Scotland,” he writes in his letter. “In the “There was an impressive grasp of Barnabas Episcopal Church in Paisley, who can find each family their own home. already taken concrete steps to help subsequent decades we have established the situation and of our responsibility as said those heading to Europe from Syria Scotland is a big country populated by refugees. Bishop John Keenan of Paisley an effective network of parishes that well as an overwhelming desire for were ‘fleeing death and persecution— big people with big hearts.” has set up a refugee welcome group in exist to promote the Christian faith and everyone present to support the refugees they’re using chlorine gas on these people!’ On the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Paisley and Archbishop Leo Cushley of thus contribute to the common good.” in all the ways we can and to ensure the “If we are to be true to Christian September 15, a Mass took place in Our St Andrews and Edinburgh has offered “In front of the tragedy of the tens of best possible Renfrewshire welcome,” teaching we have to help these people,” Lady of Good Aid Cathedral in Motherwell to put up refugees in his own home. thousands of refugees escaping death by he said. “Refugees are coming and we he said. to pray for refugees throughout the world. In spite of such efforts, and global war or hunger on the path towards the want to be ready to give them the fullest Renfrewshire Council has agreed to Those who attended were invited to vigils for refugees over the weekend hope of life, the Gospel calls us, asks us, welcome possible.” administrate the new group Renfrewshire pray for all refugees and to plead to the that began in Glasgow, refugees were to be ‘neighbours’ of the smallest and George Adam, SNP MSP for Paisley, Refugee Support. Those wishing to Lord to help us find a solution to the crisis. stranded at the Serbia-Hungary border most abandoned. In the days since, the said he believed that the number of offer space housing and other support on Tuesday after the Hungarian UK Government has unveiled its plan refugees the British Government had were to be directed to sign up to the I [email protected] Government closed the frontier with a to accept up to 20,000 refugees from agreed to re-home so far is not enough. Engage Renfrewshire database, so they new razor-wire fence. The move aims Syria over the next five years and I note “But however many come, we need could be contacted to volunteer. to stop the current flood of migrants that your government is fully committed to figure out how we can make this work who are trying to enter the EU. to cooperating with the UK authorities in our community,” he said. “I want us Personal touch in whatever action needs to be taken to to be leading the way in Scotland on this.” Archbishop Cushley of St Andrews and National efforts help alleviate this humanitarian crisis.” Other MSPs present included Annabel Edinburgh echoed the stance of many Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the Goldie of the Conservatives, and Neil Catholics in Scotland when he said at Bishops’ Conference, said that he was Paisley leads the way Bibby, Hugh Henry and Mary Fee of the weekend that he personally would ‘inspired by Pope Francis’ to offer the Bishop Keenan chaired a meeting at the the Labour Party. take in refugees.

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 WHAT’S ON SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 What’s On A weekly guide to upcoming Church-related events, more online at www.sconews.co.uk

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 be Archbishop Leo Cushley of I Doors Open Day will take St Andrew’s and Edinburgh. place this weekend in The homily will be given be Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Fr Joe McAuley, the Falkirk, Glasgow (some Archbishop’s Delegate for events have already begun on Venerable Margaret’s Cause Monday, September 14). of Beatification. Highlands: Caithness, Scottish Borders—Galashiels (Saturday MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21 September 19 only) and West I For anyone thinking of Fife (Sunday September becoming a Catholic, there 20 only). will be a meeting to introduce Amongst the churches the 2015/16 Rite of Christian taking part are St Andrew’s Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Cathedral in Glasgow, St programme on Monday Andrew’s Church, Braemar, St September 21, at 6.30pm in St Joseph’s Church, Dundee. Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow. Seven new members of the Equestrian Order of the For a full list visit: Advance registration, while www.doorsopendays.org.uk not essential, would be helpful. Holy Sepulchre welcomed by Cardinal Edwin O’Brien SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 I The annual pilgrimage in I On September 24, at 11am By Daniel Harkins responsibilities which fall to them as they said, reflecting on their decision to join honour of the Venerable in St Michael’s Primary members of the order. the order. “It is our time, not to just say Margaret Sinclair will take School in Moodiesburn, the THE Scottish Lieutenancy of the The order is dedicated to supporting the ‘how dreadful,’but to do something tangible place on Sunday September school will celebrate its 50th Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Christian presence in the Holy Land, a and the EOHS is for us the perfect vehicle.” 20, will begin at 2pm with a anniversary with a Golden were joined by the head of the global support, members heard in a meeting after Many of the new members will be joining Holy Hour and will conclude Jubilee Mass—that is open to order as they welcomed seven new the Mass, which is currently greatly needed. others on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Holy Mass at 4.30pm at previous staff—celebrated by members at a ceremony in Glasgow’s Due to the current unstable political situation, next November where they will see at first St Patrick’s in Edinburgh. Bishop Joseph Toal and Fr St Andrew’s Cathedral. the congregation heard, Christians now form hand the impact of the work they are doing The principle celebrant will Michael Briody. US Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, the Cardinal only one per cent of the population of the Holy for the Christian community there. Grand Master of the Papal order of chivalry, Land, down 10 per cent in the last decade. The Scottish Lieutenancy supports the personally invested the seven new members After the ceremony, James Thompson, one parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in the village as Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre. of the new Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, of Aboud situated in the occupied territories In his inspirational homily at the Mass, said Cardinal O’Brien’s homily reminded him of the West Bank. Pilgrims will join the Cardinal O’Brien—a former army chaplain that ‘I must follow Our Lord unquestioningly parishioners for their Sunday Mass, share a and Archbishop to the US Forces—focussed and not try to bargain with him, and that meal, and have a chance to see how they on the totally unconditional response which Jesus Christ has travelled through life with can further help the parish, the school and Christ required of those whom he asked to me since my Baptism.’ the dispensary within the village. They will follow Him. The seven new members of the order also meet the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, He emphasised that when members agree come from across Scotland, from Ayrshire the Grand Prior of the Order, who will present to join the order they are not just agreeing to Edinburgh. Among them were a husband them with a special pilgrim shell given to to do charitable works, nor accepting an and wife, Maureen and Gerry Hegarty from members of the Order on the occasion of honour given them—they are responding Alloway. their first pilgrimage to the Holy Land. to the call of Christ to grow in greater “This order and the people we have met holiness, which they achieve by God’s in it, reach out far beyond their comfort zones I [email protected] grace and by fulfilling the duties and and really help people in dire circumstances,” PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

SPOTLIGHT ON Singer meets SCIAF farmer

SCOTTISH singer Nicholas hear about her life in Malawi.’ McDonald this week met the “When you listen to Mary talk Malawian woman farmer about her family, farming, how featured in a SCIAF Lenten hard life used to be, and how she Wee Box appeal he helped to can now grow enough food to launch in February support her children, it’s really This year’s record-breaking inspiring,” he said. Wee Box appeal told the story of Ms Jackson said she was really Mary Jackson, a farmer from excited to be in Scotland. Malawi whose family has been “I’m really proud to be here in helped to grow more food and Scotland representing women in earn money to support themselves. Malawi,” she said. “Before the Ms Jackson is now visiting SCIAF project, nobody helped us. Scotland to say ‘thank you’ to all Life was very hard. Sometimes the schools, parishes and people my children couldn’t go to who donated to the campaign. school because the walk is very On Tuesday the singer and the far and they were too hungry. farmer met for the first time at Now they’re doing really well.” St Aloysius’ Junior School in This year, schools, parishes and The Scottish International Aid Fund continued its celebration of 50 years helping the poor and vulnerable around the world with a Mass in St Margaret’s Glasgow where they answered people across Scotland raised a Cathedral in Ayr. Bishop William Nolan of Galloway was principal celebrant at the Mass attended by school pupils from throughout the diocese, with too questions from pupils. fantastic £1.7million for the charity, children—David, 7, and Rebecca Cowan 3—helping their mum to carry a Saltire during the entrance procession PIC: PAUL McSHERRY The young singer said it was which was doubled to £3.4million ‘really amazing to meet Mary and by the UK Government.

INSIDE YOUR SCO INDEX TO NEWS, OPINION AND FEATURES THIS WEEK EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. NEWS pages 1-7 LETTERS page 9 CHILDREN’S PAGE page 21 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. WHAT’S ON page 2 COMMENT pages 8-11 INTIMATIONS pages 17-20 Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. LOCAL NEWS pages 2,3,4 and 5 CENTRE SPREAD pages 12-13 BISHOPS’ ENGAGEMENTS page 20 Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] WORLD NEWS pages 6-7 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION page 15 SPECIAL OCCASIONS pages 22-23 for free monthly posted programme guide and VATICAN NEWS pages 6-7 PUZZLES pages 16 and 21 CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM page 24 visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Fort Augustus Abbey priest in court over assault charges

By Ian Dunn Tom Shields, he has been temporarily removed from his parish at St John’s, Perth, and from his A PRIEST formerly of Fort Augustus Abbey diocesan duties while safeguarding protocols are school has appeared in private at Inverness followed,” he said. “The complaint has been referred Sheriff Court on six charges of assaulting to the police and the situation is being reviewed.” pupils to their injury. In Motherwell Fr Frank King of StAidan’s parish Fr Benedict Seed, 82, from Brora, taught in Wishaw has been suspended after accusations chemistry at the school (right) before its closure of sending inappropriate messages through in 1999. He appeared under his name of Thomas Facebook to a former altar boy. A Motherwell Seed in chambers before Sheriff Margaret Neilson. Diocese spokesman said: “This matter was not He made no plea or declaration and was referred to the police. The priest concerned was released on bail. A police report had been passed asked to exercise care when using social media.” to the procurator fiscal in relation to allegations Following the publication of the McLellan of historical abuse against nine men at the private report into the Church’s handling of allegation of Fort Augustus Abbey school which was run by the abuse, the Church has committed to treat all Catholic Church and closed several years ago. A allegations with the utmost seriousness. Crown Office spokesman said: “Reports relating Archbishop Philip Tartaglia said then that the to a further eight men remain under consideration.” Church would do all it could to prevent the mistakes Two other priests in Motherwell and Dunkeld of the past being repeated. have been suspended this week amid allegations of “In a spirit of openness and transparency, with abuse and inappropriate behaviour. our dedicated staff and volunteers across the country, The Church alerted police after an historic whom we thank for the time and effort they give, we complaint was made about Fr Tom Shields, who commit ourselves to renewing and improving our is the priest at St John the Baptist church in Perth. Safeguarding structures, processes and protocols,” The Church said that its own inquiry had found no he said. “In faith, hope and repentance, we renew evidence of criminal behaviour, but contacted our commitment to the welfare of children, young police in line with national procedures.Aspokesman people and the vulnerable in all our communities for Dunkeld Diocese confirmed Mr Shields and to the service of all God’s people.” remained suspended while the inquiry was ongoing. “Following a historical allegation against Fr I [email protected]

Bishops congratulate the Remembering refugees and seafarers at Stella Maris Mass queen on her record reign IMAGES of seafarers trying Thanks to the charity chaplains to rescue refugees on are on hand at ports throughout THE Scottish bishops have makeshift boats were at the the world to minister to the needs sent a letter of congratulation forefront of the minds of the of those who work at sea. to the queen as she became congregation at the annual The charity began almost 100 the longest serving British Apostleship of the Sea Mass years ago at St Aloysius parish in monarch. last week in Glasgow Glasgow. Last week, at the end of The letter signed by Bishop Joseph Toal of Mass, Bishop Robson welcomed Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Motherwell (right) led the Deacon Joe O’Donnell to service Glasgow said he had been asked celebration of the Stella Maris as an AoS chaplain. by his fellow bishops to ‘express Mass at St Aloysius parish in their warm congratulations.’ Garnethill last Thursday in honour I Bishop Stephen Robson of “We give thanks to God for of Our Lady, Star of the Sea. Dunkeld, current bishop the many gifts bestowed upon were accompanied by First “Refugees crossing seas in the president of AoS, who was on our land during your reign and Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a hope of a new life is an image in pilgrimage to Italy next week, look forward to many years to steam train journey along the our thoughts at the moment,” the will celebrate Mass for the come under the inspiration of £294 million line. Crowds in bishop said during his homily. charity on October 1 at 7pm at your Christian faith and Tweedbank heard the queen “We think of the sea offering the dangers that accompany that and faith in God,” the bishop St Mary’s Cathedral, 20 Huntly example,” he said. “In the name (above) thank people around new hope, a new beginning, but work, who are often separated said before thanking those who Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SH. of all Scottish Catholics, I have the world for their ‘touching it also has the power to take life.” from their families for extended help the Apostleship of the Sea All are invited to join in. the honour to assure you of our messages of kindness.’ The Stella Maris Mass provides period, the bishop said. (AoS) to offer care and support Please RSVP to: johngreen@ prayerful good wishes for your She also said she had never an opportunity to reflect on “Those at sea tend to be the to seafarers through generous apostleshipofthesea.org.uk majesty, for the Royal family aspired to be on the throne for those who work at sea, facing type of people to have great trust donations. PIC: PAUL McSHERRY and all the people of the realm.” so long. The queen was in Scotland “Inevitably a long life can on the day she became Britain’s pass by many milestones,” she longest serving monarch last said. “My own is no exception. week, officially opening the But I thank you all and the many LEISURE TIME TRAVEL new Borders-to-Edinburgh others at home and overseas Catholic Pilgrimages JOE WALSH TOURS railway line. for your touching messages Latest offers on facebook “Leisure Time Travel Pilgrimages” PILGRIMAGE SPECIALISTS SINCE 1961 She and the Duke of Edinburgh of kindness.” CHRISTMAS IN LOURDES

A 6 day Pilgrimage by Executive Coach CEBU, PHILIPPINES 51ST51ST INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTICEUCHARISTIC CONGRESSCONGRESS Honourary degree awarded from Glasgow with overnight stops in Paris (area) £ Departs 23 December. Full board in Lourdes. 21 JANUARY | 10 NIGHTS from ONLY £399 (Twin/Double) From London Heathrow £1,8951,895pp to cardinal not to be revoked » IEC2016 Registration package » 5HWXUQÀLJKWVIURP /RQGRQ WR &HEX YLD +RQJ .RQJ AN HONOURARY degree on the basis of evidence available LOURDES by AIR » $LUSRUWWUDQVIHUV ZLWK (QJOLVKVSHDNLQJJXLGH awarded to Cardinal Keith to them at a point in time, that from Liverpool ONLY £399 »  QLJKWV KRWHO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ EUHDNIDVW GLQQHU O’Brien by St Andrews revocation cannot change or 5 - 8 December. F/B in Lourdes » 'DLO\VKXWWOHVHUYLFHWRFRQJUHVV YHQXHV University will not be revoked. ameliorate the wrongs of the past » +DOI GD\ H[FXUVLRQZLWKGLQQHUDWORFDOUHVWDXUDQW The former head of the Catholic and that, notwithstanding the very ROME, SAN GIOVANNI & ASSISI REGISTRATION PACKAGE 15 - 22 September 2016 JOIN Church in Scotland stepped down real hurt and loss caused by the 15 - 22 September 2016 » $FFHVVWRDOOVHVVLRQV ZRUNVKRSV H[KLELWV THE DELEGA two years ago after admitting actions of the honourand, it would Fly from Glasgow- Rome » $FFHVV WR DOO &RQJUHVV HYHQWV &KXUFK YLVLWV TION inappropriate conduct. be no more than an empty gesture.’ Led by Rev. Fr. Peter Dowling FRQFHUWV VSHFLDO +HULWDJH QLJKW The university’s senate business The committee also formally ONLY £999 (Twin/Double) » 2I¿FLDO WUDQVSRUW WR IURP &RQJUHVV YHQXHV committee dismissed a request recorded its disapproval of the » 6SHFLDO 3LOJULPSDFN from a member of staff who had inappropriate manner in which GROUPS 2016 » /XQFK YRXFKHU IRU  GD\V publicly called for the degree to the request had been brought LOURDES, ROME,FATIMA, be rescinded. into the public domain before KNOCK, KRAKOW, PRAGUE, Cardinal O’Brien was awarded any decision had been reached | Glasgow Tel: MALTA, MEDJUGORJE, HOLYLAND Joe WaWalshlsh ToToursurs 0141 530 5060 a doctorate in Divinity in 2004. by the committee in what could MALTA, MEDJUGORJE, HOLYLAND www.joewalshtours.co.uk | [email protected] The committee said it recognised be interpreted as an attempt LEISURE TIME TRAVEL Follow us: Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages 0151 287 8000 that ‘universities awarded to prejudice the decision- www.lourdes-pilgrim.com Bonded and Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK | ATOL 5163 honourary degrees in good faith making process. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015

PICS: PAUL McSHERRY

Fundraising efforts allow St Columba’s pupil to engage with his school friends

A PRIMARY two pupil at St Columba’s in Cupar is enjoying closer relationships with his school friends this year after generous charities raised more than £20,000 to buy him a new powered wheelchair. Seven-year-old Ritchie Young Catholics enjoy Spirit- Horrocks was presented with the new wheelchair two weeks ago (above) after fundraising work By Daniel Harkins miles to the Cistercian Abbey of Sancta Maria by charities including The at Nunraw. Along the way they took questions Keepers of the Green—a charity AROUND 160 young people from across from the odd passer-by, receiving a positive at St Andrews golf course—and Scotland where joined by priests and response to their efforts. The Mary Leishman foundation not available on the NHS, will added, and she said the other religious last Sunday as they took part in a Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and — a charity named after the enable him to better integrate children are great with him as national youth pilgrimage to Nunraw Abbey Edinburgh led the pilgrimage from the front and wife of former Dunfermline with his peers and have more ‘children don’t see a disability in East Lothian. was joined by parish priests and religious brothers manager Jim Leishman. independence and flexibility,” they just see the boy with a The event, organised by Catholic Youth Service and sisters in conversing with the youngsters as Ritchie (above right), who she said. “He’s really enjoying sense of humour and they look Scotland (CYSS), follows on from last year’s they processed through villages and country roads. attends St Columba’s along with it. He’s had a little accident— past the chair—children are pilgrimage to Dunfermline Abbey, and like last The pilgrimage had been organised around the his two older sisters, has he hasn’t got full control yet; really good at that.’ year the weather stayed clear throughout the day. theme of the Year of Consecrated Life, which Pope achondroplasia, a form of short- it’s growing and developing— “One of the differences is The pilgrims gathered at the start of their Francis in 2014 established to draw attention to limbed dwarfism, and has related but he’s fully motivated and when he had an ordinary kind journey in St Mary’s Church in Haddington, vocations and other forms of consecrated living. complications that meant he grew he’s really concentrating hard of wheelchair it meant an adult where they prayed the Angelus, before moving Amongst those represented on the day were up with a limited limb function on getting good control. Its always had to be beside him,” to the pre-reformation St Mary’s Parish, where the Jesuit community from Edinburgh and and an inability to sit unaided. good to see his perseverance as she said. “Now he’s in the chair they were joined by the Church of Scotland Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Elgin. Pilgrim His new custom built wheelchair well. I think that will have a he still requires supervision minister as they prayed for Christian unity and groups from a number of parishes took part is height adjustable allowing knock on affect for his learning but you have more normal for the journey ahead. including from St Augustine’s in Coatbridge, St him to work on the carpet with because when you persevere at conversations with your peers if After a visit to the Chapel of the Three Kings Edward’s in Airdrie, St Teresa’s in Craigmillar, his school friends or be raised something you get better at it there isn’t an adult stuck to you within St Mary’s, the young pilgrims, from six and St Maria Goretti in Cranhill, Glasgow. to a standing position to allow and I think that’s a good lesson like glue. And because he’s a of the eight dioceses in Scotland, walked seven “It was a lovely occasion,” the archbishop him to speak at eye-level. for any of us to learn.” mischievous wee boy he wants The chair also tilts and has Ms Boggan said that teachers to say stuff about the grown-ups an independent suspension at the school ‘are conscious that he wouldn’t be able to say in Faith, the syllabus for Catholic at the St Francis Xavier Centre allowing Ritchie a lot of control we have to get down to his earshot so its allowing him to have NEWS ROUNDUP religious education in Scotland. and parents interested in attending and the ability to go outside easier level and speak to him but much more normal friendships The Scottish Catholic Education are asked to book their place than with his old wheelchair. that’s not always easy for his and he’s enjoying that.” Service are inviting parents to ahead of time by emailing Jo Boggan, headteacher at St peers to understand, and [the Ritchie’s parents Moira and Parents to discuss participate in the latest in a series [email protected] or visiting Columba’s, explained that wheelchair] allows him to have David said they were really Catholic education of Parent Assemblies, which are www.sces.uk.com Ritchie’s old wheelchair meant good eye contact with his peers.” grateful for the chair adding PARENTS from across Scotland designed to inform and consult he found it harder to mix with Ritchie is ‘is full of fun and that it was ‘something we never will gather in the St Francis them on important issues. Musical Focolare his peers in the playground. mischief and loves being dreamed he would have—he Xavier Centre in Carfin this The October 3 event will take group in Scotland “But this type of chair, which is independent,’ Ms Boggan needs it, and so do we.’ October to discuss This Is Our place between 10.30 and 12.30pm A MUSICAL Focolare group

United Nations award for St Kentigern’s Academy

By Daniel Harkins which encourage adults, children since 2011—have previously and young people to respect the been recognised for a film they A WEST Lothian Catholic rights of others in school. produced about poverty in the school has become only the The report from Unicef noted UK titled ‘Seen and Heard’ second school in Scotland to that St Kentigern’s is a UK wide Frances Bestley, Unicef UK receive an award from a leader and that the school ‘should Rights Respecting Schools leading United Nations continue to build upon the programme director, said she was children’s charity. excellent practice of empowering ‘delighted that the academy has St Kentigern’s Academy in and inspiring young people,’ and now achieved our highest award Blackburn has been awarded a demonstrates, ‘excellent levels of and I would like to congratulate the Rights Respecting School Award student participation in all aspects young people and the whole Level 2 by Unicef (right). of the life and work of the school.’ school community on becoming the The highest level of the award They also noted that the first high school in West Lothian —level 2—recognises schools ‘students have a true sense of to achieve RRSA Level 2.’ that the charity believes have ownership at St Kentigern’s and The Unicef UK Rights ‘fully embedded children’s rights this is clearly embedded.’ Respecting Schools initiative throughout the school in its St Kentigern’s—which has involves more than 3300 primary policies, practice and ethos,’ and been working with Unicef UK and secondary schools in the UK. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5

New Borders railway line is on the right track after ecumenical service By Angela Soave

WHEN embarking on any journey, it never hurts to say prayer first—or ask for a little divine help along the way. That’s why Our Lady and St Andrew’s in Galashiels hosted an ecumenical service to welcome filled pilgrimage to Nunraw the new Borders railway, and pray for its success. They were blessed with a said. “The weather was absolutely perfect. The need for periods of silent prayer in life in order to warm sunny day on September rain stayed away. The sun came out often. It was let God speak. 6, coinciding with the first day of Wedale Church of Scotland in all home safe now. a beautiful day for walking through East Lothian.” “Continue to listen for the voice of the Lord passenger services on the line. Stow, and Rev Philip Blackledge, St Margaret’s Primary School Only a brief stop in Morham Loanhead for both today and throughout your life,” the archbishop Gala’s Catholic Church is from Holy Trinity Episcopal pupil Niall Louth, also aged 10, lunch held the pilgrims (above left and right) said in his homily. “Especially to find time to be right across the road from the Church in Melrose, the nearest was proudly wearing his back as they made their way to Nunraw where quiet, to be silent and to listen again for the voice town’s newly established established church to the Liverpool FC shirt. (above) He Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Cushley. of Jesus.” tation; in fact any closer, and it Tweedbank terminus. related how he’d taken the train The Gospel of the day recorded Christ’s journey Elizabeth Millar from CYSS said the whole would be on the platform. Fr Murray, Rev Linford and into Liverpool for a charity along with his disciples to Caesarea Philippi in day was great and thanked Abbot Mark Caira for But members of all the local Rev Blackledge prayed for those football match—just him and Judea. The Archbishop drew a parallel between his hospitality. churches were invited, as well who built the railway, those his dad. Steven Gerrard scored the disciples—whom Jesus asked ‘Who do people “They were very appreciative to see so many as councillors, community who’ll travel on it, and the jobs in front of the Kop. say I am?’—and the young pilgrims who were being young people at the Abbey,” she said. “It was a representatives, and Borderers and people the line will bring to And Alasdair Russell, 15, from asked the same question today, he said, as they really fantastic experience for everybody and there of all faiths and none. the Borders. The theme was Earlston High talked about prayerfully walked from Haddington to Nunraw. was a really good spirit about the place. It’s always The original idea came from very much one of communities going to see his grandparents in “If your reply as young Christians is also great to see that number of young people wanting the leader of Scottish Borders coming together in celebration. Dundee—and holidays in Italy ‘Jesus, we believe that you are the Christ’, then to be involved. It was really good and a fabulous Council, David Parker. He paid The congregation had been with them, and his aunties, that changes your life for good and it changes day and the weather helped the atmosphere. tribute in his speech to the greeted by young Stow piper uncles and cousins. your life forever,” he said. Everybody was there for the same reasons so parishioners of Our Lady and Alex Scott playing outside the “The train may about getting The archbishop was keen that the young people there was that really positive vibe about it all.” St Andrews, who’ve put up with service. His rendition of Amazing where we’re going,” he said. learn from the advice given them byAbbot Emeritus many years of building works Grace was a poignant introduction “But it’s also about the human Raymond Jaconelli of Nunraw who told of the I [email protected] in Galashiels town centre—not to the blessing itself. connections—the people we least those concerned with the Galashiels’ Langlee Choir come from. Sometimes leaving railway. So it was entirely fitting, later agreed the church those we love, or going back to will come to Scotland next month Stockbridge Parish Church. global culture of peace, dialogue Councillor Parker said, that the acoustics added an extra them… bringing us home.” for a series of performances and The following Monday they and unity,’and they will take their church should be the venue for dimension to their rousing The Afterwards, Scottish Borders workshops. will begin giving a series of message into Scotland’s schools this special celebration. Rolling Hills of the Borders. Council hosted afternoon tea in GenVerde, a group of musicians workshops in Glasgow from focusing on disadvantaged areas. Conducting the service were Local school pupils also gave Galashiels’ Volunteer Hall. and performing artists from 13 October 5-7 and will finish their Focolare is a lay Catholic clergy from the churches closest their memories of being on trains. The general verdict was that different countries, will help time in Scotland with a concert society founded in Italy in 1943 to the Borders three stations 10-year-old Bethany Polletti the service had been a success. Action for Churches Together in in Glasgow University’s Memorial to support positive change in (above). Joining Our Lady and from St Peter’s Primary School And there’s now talk of some Scotland celebrate their 25th Chapel on October 10. the world. St Andrew’s priest Fr Kevin was on the way to Germany to repeat performances—both in anniversary with an unplugged The groups stated goal is to For more information visit Murray were Rev Victoria live, before her soldier dad was spiritual and social terms. Along concert on October 4 in ‘contribute towards creating a http://www.focolare.org/gb Linford from St Mary of posted to Afghanistan—they’re the same line, you might say.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE GLASGOW PHOENIX CHOIR Sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare WELCOMES NEW SINGERS IN ALL SECTIONS Celebrations were in order as Fr Come and Sing Along with the Glasgow Phoenix Choir as Noel Burke of Holy Name parish we rehearse - All in the April Evening; Scots Wha Hae; in Mansewood helped Angela Battle Hymn of the Republic; Do you Hear the People Sing. Fazzi celebrate her 100th birthday. The American-born Singers of all types and skills are sought to join the choir, centenarian was joined in her all welcome especially Sopranos, Tenors and Basses. home by her current parish priest MAKE CONTACT and by Canon Pat Kelly, her BY EMAIL - [email protected] previous parish priest at Holy TELEPHONE - 0141 892 6113 Name of 24 years. Born in ON LINE - www.phoenixchoir.org Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1915, Mrs Fazzi’s family were JOIN US AT OUR OPEN NIGHT & neighbours of Frank Sinatra. She Rehearsal on Monday 05 October 2015 at 7.30pm is pictured with her Papal in Adelaide’s Church Centre 209 Bath St. G2 4HZ Blessing—in Italian—and her card from the queen ALL WELCOME - REFRESHMENTS Scottish Charity: SC002904

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 Assisted Dying Bill overwhelmingly rejected in the House of Commons

MPs voted overwhelmingly debated in parliament in 1997, Citizenship for the bishops’ to reject the Assisted Dying it was rejected by 234 to 89. conference, said he now hoped Bill introduced by Rob Labour MP Lyn Brown said that ‘excellent practice in Marris MP last Friday. she would vote against the bill palliative care’ would become a The vote, which came after because it would ‘fundamentally focus of political action. almost five hours of impassioned change the way our society thinks’ “I welcome parliament’s debate on both sides, resulted about the vulnerable. recognition of the grave risks in 330 against the bill and 118 “Life is a gift from God with that this bill posed to the lives in favour, a majority of 212. all it entails,” Conservative MP of our society’s most vulnerable The bill, proposed by Labour Caroline Spelman said. She people,” he said. “There is much MP Rob Marris, was based on also highlighted the ‘increasing excellent practice in palliative Lord Falconer’s bill, which ran secularisation of society’ as a care which we need to celebrate out of time in the House of Lords cause behind older people and promote, and I hope now before the general election. ‘feeling a burden.’ the debate on assisted suicide is It would have allowed people The result came following behind us, that this will become with fewer than six months to pressure from disabled rights a focus for political action. I am live to be prescribed a lethal groups, the medical profession, encouraged by the participation dose of drugs; they would have a number of charities and of so many Catholics throughout to be capable of taking these religious leaders. England and Wales in this themselves. Every case would In a statement Archbishop important discussion and hope have had to be approved by two Peter Smith of Southwark, the that everyone involved will doctors and a High Court judge. chairman of the Department of continue to support calls for better When the issue was last Christian Responsibility and quality care as life nears its end.” Following Jesus no guarantee of earthly success or honour, Holy Father explains THE path Jesus takes as a faced this temptation, he said, humble servant isn’t easy,Pope explaining that it was also Francis has said, explaining present inside the other disciples that to follow Him doesn’t and is ‘in each one of us!’ guarantee earthly success After leading pilgrims in the or honour, but rather true traditional Marian prayer, Pope freedom and unity with God. Francis drew attention to the “Following Jesus means taking Beatification of Blessed Samuel up one’s own cross to accompany Benedict Daswa, which took him on his path, an uncomfortable place yesterday in South Africa. path that is not one of success or the Prophet Elijah or John the Daswa, a husband and father, earthly glory, but which leads to Baptist, Jesus is struck by was killed in 1990 for denying true freedom, the freedom from Peter’s faith when the disciple witchcraft as the reason for selfishness and sin,” the Pope said bluntly declares that He is the heavy storms in his area. He at his Angelus address last week. Messiah, the Pope recalled. refused to pay the fee demanded It means clearly rejecting ‘that However, immediately after, for the investigation to find the worldly mentality, which puts when Jesus begins to tell of ‘witch’ responsible, arguing that Cuba to free prisoners ahead the ‘I’ and one’s own interests at His coming Passion, death and his Catholic faith prevented him the centre of existence’, he said, Resurrection, Peter is scandalised from participating in activities By Ian Dunn According to Cuba’s state-run newspaper adding that one must also be and takes Jesus aside to related to witchcraft. Granma, prisoners were chosen for early release willing to lose one’s own life ‘for rebuke Him. Many in the village viewed CUBA has said it will release more than depending on the severity of their crimes, amount Christ and the Gospel, in order to “And how does Jesus react? his refusal as a belittlement of 3500 prisoners in a goodwill gesture ahead of time served, and good behaviour. Among receive it, renewed and authentic.’ He reproaches Peter to his face, traditional beliefs, and as a result of a visit by Pope Francis this weekend. those to be freed are a number of inmates over Pope Francis spoke to the with very severe words: ‘Get he was stopped on the side of the However the Cuban police have also detained 60, prisoners under 20 years old with no prior pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s behind me Satan!’” the Pope road and killed by a mob while more than 50 people who took part in a march criminal records and inmates with chronic health Square for his Sunday Angelus said, noting that Jesus says this on his way home on February 2, calling on the island’s communist government to conditions. No prisoners with sentences for address, reflecting on the day’s because Peter is thinking ‘not as after taking his sister-in-law and release political prisoners. murder, other violent crimes or drug trafficking Gospel reading from Mark. God does, but as men do.’ her sick child to the doctor. The government in Havana says those that will will be released, the newspaper said. In the passage, taken from Jesus sees that in Peter, the “In his life he always showed be freed include inmates due for conditional Cuba’s bishops have welcomed the Chapter 8, Jesus asks His disciples grace of the God that allowed great consistency, courageously release next year, as well as a number of foreign government’s decision. who people say that he is, which him to recognise Jesus as the taking on Christian attitudes and prisoners. Those found guilty of crimes against “The news of the liberation of prisoners is a is a question the Pope noted is Messiah ‘is opposed by the refusing worldly and mundane state security will not be eligible, ruling out source of joy and spiritual relief for the detainees ‘addressed directly to those who temptation of the Evil One, who habits,” Pope Francis said, several high-profile political prisoners. themselves and their relatives,” the General follow Him, to test their faith.’ wants to turn us away from the explaining that his witness The Pope arrives in Cuba for a three-day visit Secretariat of the Conference of Catholic Bishops After hearing them respond will of God,’the Pope (above) said. especially helps families ‘to spread (advertised above) on Saturday. of Cuba said in a statement. “With this action of with a variety of answers such as Peter wasn’t the only one who the truth and charity of Christ.’ Sunderland priest expresses disgust at recent break-in at St Mary’s Church

A SUNDERLAND priest parish priest Fr Marc Lyden- church on Thursday mornings has spoken of his disgust Smith, it is the intruders’ had arrived as normal to find after burglars broke into his treatment of the Holy Water’s the destruction. church and urinated in the font that is more difficult to “Thankfully, nothing has Holy Water. comprehend. been stolen, but they’ve had a The sickening act was “I’m pretty angry that they good look around,” he said. discovered in the morning could be so disrespectful,” Fr “They went into the when cleaners arrived to find a Lyden-Smith said. “Damaged confession box and had a look large window had been glass and stolen items can be in there and tried to smash a smashed at the back of St replaced, but actions like that are couple of doors with a fire Mary’s Church (right). pretty disgusting really, but the extinguisher, but they must The culprits also used a fire Pope has called a year of mercy, have got bored and wandered extinguisher in an attempt to so we’ll be thinking of that.” off. I’m disappointed, really, break down doors, leaving The priest, who is also upset that someone could want behind a trail of destruction as chaplain to Sunderland AFC and to do damage to somewhere they made off empty-handed. Catholic Chaplain to Sunderland that provides a lot of outreach The window will cost more University, said a small group for the community, but these than £1000 to repair, but for of volunteers who clean the things happen.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 7

Francis has chosen to spend his NEWS ROUNDUP summers in Rome. Last year, the Vatican Museums Terror threat ahead began offering tours of the Villas. The new ‘Full Day in of Pope’s visit to the Vatican’tour will be the first time the Vatican train the US is disrupted station has offered a regularly scheduled passenger train, and A US congressman revealed that a audio-guides for the entire tour terror threat against Pope Francis was will be offered in Italian, recently disrupted during the run-up to English, and Spanish. More his state visit next week. information can be found on In an interview on ABC’s This Week, the website of the Vatican Texas Republican Representative Mike Museums. McCaul of the House Homeland Security Committee also described how the Pope’s tendency to interact with the public in large All aboard for Vatican gatherings would challenge security officials. train journey “He is a very passionate man. He likes to A SPECIAL train tour (above) get out with the people. And with that comes taking people from the Vatican a large security risk,” Rep McCaul said. “I City train station to the Pontifical think we’re all very vigilant to protect him Villas at Castel Gandolfo south as he comes into the United States.” UN Secretary General of Rome begins on Saturday In the same interview, he also considered praises Pope Francis September 12. the prospect of ‘lone wolf’ attacks such as UNITED Nations Secretary- Offered by the Vatican the ones inspired by ISIS and other terror General Ban Ki-moon offered Museums, this unique tour is groups. strong praise of Pope Francis in only offered on Saturdays and The Pope’s visit will begin on Tuesday, an interview with Vatican Radio. costs just €40 for the round trip. September 22, with a visit to the White The Holy Father is scheduled It includes a visit to the Vatican House and a parade. to address the United Nations Museums and Vatican Gardens. Burundi’s bishops When he travels to New York on the on September 25 in New York. Those taking the special tour appeal for peace September 25, he will visit both the United The Pope ‘is a man of humility will be given priority entrance BURUNDI’S bishops appealed Nations and Ground Zero before holding and humanity, and he is a man to the Vatican Museums, which for peace as the nation’s capital mass at Madison Square Gardens. of moral voice, and purpose,’ includes a visit to the Sistine becomes the scene of nightly The Holy Father’s visit will end in Mr Ki-moon (above) said. Chapel. After this, participants abductions and murders. Philadelphia with another Mass and a visit “Particularly at a time in will spend an hour in the President Pierre Nkurunziza to a correctional facility. which this world is experiencing Vatican Gardens. From there, it (above) won an unconstitutional In the run-up to the visit, it has been many conflicts—refugees, is a short journey to the Vatican third presidential term in July, revealed that during his visit to Central migration, human rights abuses, City train station, where and recent days have witnessed Park, the NYPD and Secret Service will climate change—we really passengers will depart for the attempted murder of the take precautions including placing boats need such a strong moral voice Albano Laziale, about 15 miles army chief and the killing of an along the FDR Highway and working with as the Pope’s,” he added. “On from Rome. Then passengers opposition leader. counter assault teams, hazmat teams, bomb [this] occasion, during which will be transferred by shuttle- Reminding Catholics of the dogs, radiation sensors, snipers and the more than 150 heads of state bus to the Pontifical Villas in fifth commandment, the Swiss Guard. and government of the world nearby Castel Gandolfo. At the bishops called upon all to ‘take “He’ll probably have even more people are gathering, therefore, you end of the day, participants will the necessary measures to than the president because he’s going on cannot expect any greater, more be taken to the San Pietro train enable Burundi to return to an extended tour,” a New York law significant and important station in Rome, which is being a country where enforcement spokesperson told the New gathering of the world’s leaders, located near the Vatican. everyone feels free and where York Post. We will sweep every tree and including the Pope. The Pontifical Villas in Castel there is respect for others.’ of Pope’s visit bush and frisk every squirrel.” “I’m grateful for his Gandolfo have traditionally Around 67 per cent of the compassionate leadership for served as the Papal Summer East African nation’s 10.4 peace and humanity.” Residence, although Pope million people are Catholic. mercy one is already anticipating the fruits that protestors, with the latest detentions coming less the Visit of Pope Francis, as missionary of mercy, than a week before a visit to Cuba by Pope Francis. will leave for the welfare of all our people.” Most of the activists were members of the Pope Francis is expected to meet with Fidel predominantly Catholic dissident group, Ladies Castro if the former Cuban leader’s health allows. in White. They walked through the streets of The Pope is credited with helping bring about Havana holding up pictures of political prisoners, last December’s diplomatic thaw after the before they were rounded up by police. decades-old enmity between communist Cuba According to Cuba’s main dissident website, and the US. He was directly involved in organising 14yMedio, members of Ladies in White and a series of secret diplomatic meetings between activists from other opposition groups were the two sides. handcuffed and pushed into police cars and buses The Catholic Church has maintained relations on Sunday afternoon. with Havana since the revolution and Pope Francis A number of them were released hours later, it FIND AND LIKE THE himself is no stranger to Cuba. He was there during said. Cuba says the protesters are financed by right SCOTTISH CATHOLIC Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2012 and is the -wing US groups to destabilise the government. OBSERVER PAGE ON author of a book on Cuba. However the Cuban state has cracked down on I [email protected] FACEBOOK

Issue of climate change is a matter of justice, Pope Francis says

POPE Francis said that ‘the A demonstrator holds a placard outside the Houses of Parliament issue of climate change is a during a demonstration against matter of justice’ that no climate change earlier this year person can ignore, in an in London. Pope Francis has called audience with participants in the issue a ‘matter of justice,’ that meetings sponsored by the no person can ignore Foundation for Sustainable Development. ‘can only be the fruit of a joint “We must not forget the grave effort.’ He said that the social consequences of climate ‘emergency’ of climate change change,” the Pope said, noting should prompt effective action, that the poor are most seriously particularly when the UN approves affected. Action to combat its Sustainable Development climate change, he said, is ‘our Goals and when international duty to humanity as a whole, and leaders meet in Paris in December in particular the poorest and to discuss the issue. future generations.’ In the quest for a worldwide ‘Everyone is required to campaign, the Pope assured his contribute’ to the fight against audience that they could ‘count climate change, the Holy Father on my personal support and that continued, saying that success of the Church.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 SYNOD ON THE FAMILY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015

Communion is a matter of discipline and doctrine The sixth part of AIDAN MICHAEL COOK’S series ahead of the synod on the SYNOD ON THE FAMILY family looks at the issue of Holy Communion for the divorced and remarried

ERHAPS the most contentious issue in union to receive Communion would cheapen the bound by the bonds of marriage and must live their kind of ‘Catholic divorce.’ the run up to last year’s extraordinary very idea of communion. Why be part of a Church lives accordingly. Christ was clear on this point Secondly, if the marriage bond really does exist, synod was that of Holy Communion for that allows into Holy Communion the very people too, when He said that: “Every one who divorces then attempts should be made to see whether there the divorced and remarried—those who who have broken the communion of your family his wife and marries another commits adultery, and is any way that—with the help of grace—the irregular are living in a second, irregular union as and marriage? If there is one thing this generation he who marries a woman divorced from her husband union might separate, the original spouses be husband and wife. hates above all else, it is hypocrisy. commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18) In other words, reconciled, and conjugal life restored. While there Divorce is not necessarily sinful in itself, Of course, the Church preaches forgiveness, but the divorcee is in reality still married, and so any are certain cases where separation of the spouses is althoughP the reasons for being so may be, and so She also preaches repentance—a turning from sin sexual relationship outside that marriage is adultery. legitimate, in other cases it is a grave injustice. Of many divorced people are in a state of grace and and putting things right. As Christ says in the A second union, however, is not just an extra- course, the healing of such a rupture requires the able to participate fully in the sacramental life of Gospel of Matthew: “If you are offering your gift marital affair, but what the Catechism calls ‘a good will of both parties, their perseverance, and, the Church—they are able to receive absolution at the altar, and there remember that your brother situation of public and permanent adultery’ (2384). above all, God’s grace. and Holy Communion. has something against you, leave your gift there It is a case of manifest grave sin, which the divorcee If for serious reasons—such as the necessary The problem comes when someone is not just before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your does not intend to amend. care of children—the separation of the irregular divorced, but is living in an irregular union as brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (5:23– That anyone who is in a state of unrepented union is not possible, then the third step is for them husband and wife. This prevents the divorcee from 4) Entering a second union is the opposite of grave sin cannot receive Holy Communion is also to live together no longer as husband and wife, but receiving sacramental absolution, as there is no reconciliation—it is an entrenchment of the taught in Scripture when St Paul says: “Whoever, as brother and sister. There is no denying that this intention to amend a gravely sinful situation. This broken communion. therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the is hard, especially if they have been living as husband is especially difficult for someone who has been Indeed, to allow the reception of Holy Lord unworthily will be guilty of profaning the and wife for some time. But, without trivialising abandoned by their spouse and is suffering immense Communion in such circumstances would require body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27) this, the Christian life always involves difficulties loneliness, who then has to choose between the the denial of the Christ’s teaching on the and challenges. As Jesus Himself said: “The gate solace of the sacraments and the solace of a human indissolubility of marriage, the grave sinfulness of e can see that the divorced and remarried is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, sexual relationship. Of course, they are not the extramarital sexual relationships, or on the worthy cannot be admitted to Holy Communion and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14) only people in such a position, but it can seem so reception of Holy Communion. without breaking at least one explicitly This is not to say that we should deliberately make unfair that they be bound by a failed marriage. The indissolubility of marriage was reemphasised scripturalW teaching. This is not just a matter of life hard, but that when circumstances call for heroic And so it has been suggested that the merciful by Christ, when He said of husband and wife: “So discipline but of doctrine too. It is also ultimately action, we should urge and help people to be heroic. solution is to allow them both to receive the they are no longer two but one. What therefore merciful, for, as St Paul continues: “Any one who Truth, love and holiness are in fact inseparable. sacraments and to continue living in an irregular God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and As St Paul says: “Speaking the truth in love, we second union as husband and wife. While this (Matthew 19:6) Marriage is not truly ended by drinks judgment upon himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:29) are to grow up in every way into him who is the might seem like a merciful pastoral solution, there divorce, and so one who divorces is in fact still So what can be done? The Church suggests head, into Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) We all have are in fact fundamental difficulties with it. married. It would be unjust and unmerciful both to three steps. Firstly, to look into the original the capacity for heroic witness to Christ and His the individual, to the spouse, and to any children to marriage to see whether it was actually valid. This Gospel, if only we accept the help of God’s grace. o many of my generation have seen their ignore the reality of this marriage. It would also is not an attempt to find a ‘get out of jail free’ card, As the Second Vatican Council emphasised, we are families ripped apart by divorce, and have at send a sign to others that the indissolubility of but simply a search for the truth so that, in justice, all called to holiness, no matter what life throws least one parent in just such a situation—the marriage does not really matter. no one is held to a bond by which they were never our way: “All Christians in any state or walk of life Spastoral issue is as much about them as their It does matter, however, and so should continue actually bound. It must be done carefully, however, are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the parents. To allow divorced people in a second to influence how divorcees live. They are still so that no one gets the false impression that it is a perfection of charity.” WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK PICTURE OF THE WEEK Bishops of Scotland can lead the way with refugees

IN THE face of the largest wave of refugees in Europe since the Balkan wars of the 1990s and the ongoing refugee crisis in the Middle East, Pope Francis made an appeal on Sunday September 6 that ‘every parish, religious community, monastery and sanctuary should take in one refugee The Craig Lodge Community marked family, starting with my diocese in its 25th birthday with a weekend of Rome.’ praise and thanksgiving culminating We should not be surprised at the urgency in a Mass celebrated by Bishop John or content of the Holy Father’s Gospel call Keenan and attended by several asking us to be closest to the small and hundred friends and supporters from forsaken in the world—it has been his throughout the years. The weekend consistent rallying call and we must respond. was a joyful reunion that brought We are all aware that there has been a together many of the former members downturn in the number of priests and who have lived as part of the religious in the country In the past few community and included the very decades and space exists in many of our first member Martin Dodwell. The buildings. We also have a network of parish Community is still led by founders, and school organisations and groups in place Calum and Mary Anne MacFarlane- which would facilitate the housing of refugee Barrow, who decided to turn their families. I’m sure that we Catholics in guest house into a retreat centre Scotland have the way, the means and the after a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in will to make a huge contribution to the the 1980s. “We just want to thank ongoing humanitarian crisis facing us. the Lord for all the blessings of these Germany has become a beacon of hope for 25 years,” Mr MacFarlane-Barrow refugees in Europe and I hope and pray that said. “And we are so grateful to all the Bishops in Scotland act as courageously those who continue to support us and decisively as the Holy Father and that with their prayers, donations and Scotland will also become a shining light of encouragement and by coming on hope to Europe and the world. retreat here. We couldn’t do any of it Hugh Phillips without you!” BOTHWELL

Pope Francis is in touch those converting via New Evangelisation. limbo hear on earth, as are those post with humanity today The problem is not that Church teaching is abortion. too hard. Church doctrine has always been While the Church cannot and must never ALL the announcements so far from Pope a steady touchstone in our lives. The condone the desolution of invalid marriage, ESTABLISHED IN 1885 Francis to coincide with the Jubilee of problem has been that the Church had lost or the killing of a child, it must offer better Mercy speak straight to the heart of what its common touch, some of its common pastoral care to those who have or are has been wrong for some time with our sense, its Christianity, its humanity. To all going through these processes. Our Church Church. intents and purposes each and every one of is a constant in our ever-changing world From the absolution of the sin of us is just that, human. We try, we but it has to cope with and offer abortion to helping Catholics move on sometimes fail, but the Church must not be understanding of those changes. Pope from invalid marriages via an improved the barrier that prevents us from trying Francis understands that. Hierarchy leading by example decree of nullity process, it all speaks to again. healing disconnection. The number of Those trapped in invalid marriage T Gallagher lapse Catholics grows father quicker than without annulment are essentially left in GLASGOW ONG after the headlines and the heartbreaking images have faded, after politicians have moved onto the next pressing issue, people of goodwill will strive to help and support I pray our Church can cope home with another, is not by itself grounds We have learned nothing refugees. The truth is the refugees crisis currently at the with annulment reforms for annulment. I know also of people who since the ‘boat people’ forefront of our minds is always with us, it has and will ebb struggle when high profile Catholics are and flow but the needs of displaced people will remain. WHILE I do not begrudge any Catholic with seemingly granted expedited rulings, even WATCHING the horror of the recent The words of Archbishop Philip Tartaglia are poignant as he real grounds cheaper (if not free) and more when children are involved, when their wave of refugees in the Meditereanian Lpromises Church help to the Scottish Government with refugees. straightforward access to applying for a own case drags on. I applaud Pope Francis’ suffer and die unlocked a memory “In front of the tragedy of the tens of thousands of refugees escaping marital decree of nullity (not a Catholic attempted to cut through the red tape for from my childhood. I thought of the death by war or hunger on the path towards the hope of life the Gospel divorce) from a Church tribunal, I struggle to the good of the lay man and woman, but I boat people in the 1970s who risked calls us, asks us to be ‘neighbours’ of the smallest and most abandoned,” see how bishops in countries such as fear that the decentralisation of such a everything to escape from the he said. “Many of our parishioners hail from families with a history of Scotland, where our Church itself need to delicate issue for the Church could in fact Vietnnam war, many making it only as fleeing conflict and poverty in the 19th and 20th centuries to find a new heal before it can begin to heal its members, lead to more dissention in the ranks—over far as Thailand. home in Scotland.” will be able to cope. regional variations of interpretation and After being gathered in refugee camps in Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh has expressed In the recent past I know of people who application of teaching—and not less. Southeast Asia, most of the boat people his willingness to house refugees and Bishop John Keenan of Paisley met have been told that abandonment by a Mrs O’Neill were resettled in developed with politicians and officials on the crisis this week. spouse who simply disappears, or sets up EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE countries—over 50 percent in the United “[I am] very heartened by the gathering of civic leaders and States and the majority of the rest in animators in Renfrewshire... to discuss strategies for supporting refugees France, Canada, Australia, Germany, and coming to the local area. Impressive grasp of the situation and of our Our bishops can help sin (clearly wrong). Just like last week’s the United Kingdom. In spite of this responsibility as well as an overwhelming desire for everyone present us understand Papal reforms on annulment, our Holy several tens of thousands were repatriated to support the refugees in all the ways we can,” Bishop Keenan said. Father is using the simplification of taboo to Vietnam. I fear that we have learned Inspired no doubt by Pope Francis, our hierarchy is leading by example I WOULD like to thank Bishop Hugh matters, once shrouded in mystery and nothing. People don’t risk dangerous and the global rallies, which began in Glasgow, show that people are setting Gilbert of Aberdeen for his informed shame, to reach out to the disenfranchised. waters if it is safe for them on dry land. aside their personal politics on immigration policy to meet the dire need. insight into Abortion and Forgiveness: God willing, neither reform will lead to an Even if our Church leaders manage to What is Pope Francis really saying? (SCO increase in abortion or annulments, for the persuade our reluctant politicians to do ew of us can imagine how hard it is to be a priest or in the Sept 11). Church must never undermine the sanctity their part and take in refugees, how many religious life, especially in such a secular age and with challenges With an increasingly secular society, and of marriage or the dignity of life. Syrians will eventually be repatriated even facing the Church that seem to keep coming. therefore a secular press, the devil truly is How apt, also, that the bishop’s words if the political situation in their homeland FThe young Catholics who gathered at Nunraw last weekend for the in the details when it comes to interpreting ran on the same page as Sr Roseann’s is not improved. We need a measured, fair Catholic Youth Service national youth pilgrimage celebrating consecrated Church reforms. I was astounded to see comments on the difficulty of family life. and efficient system that goes beyond life no doubt have a better understanding than many. These young some reports that suggested that the Holy H McKenzie housing refugees today and speaks to our Catholics from around the country travelled to the pilgrimage in many Father was absolving abortion from being a LOTHIANS immigration policies as a whole. ways, some on foot from Haddington, to join Archbishop Cushley, Scotland needs to increase and improve accompanied by representatives of the Jesuit community from Edinburgh the diversity of ages and skills in our and Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia from Elgin. G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements population. As such, and beyond Christian “If your reply as young Christians is also ‘Jesus, we believe that you G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily morality, we need our own immigration are the Christ,’ then that changes your life for good and it changes your shared by SCO policy, it is as simple as that. And the rest life forever,” Archbishop Cushley said. G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below of the world, particularly the oil-rich Gulf The archbishop was also keen that the young people learn from the G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or States, must do their part too. advice given to them by Abbot Emeritus Raymond Jaconelli of Nunraw your letter will not be used Name supplied who told of the need for periods of silent prayer in life in order to let God DUNNON speak. What an inspiration ahead of Vocation Awareness Week. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 People, not buildings, matter most Church property and land decisions could help the current refugees crisis, the Church and the poor

NTIL last week, the last to be a custodian of ancient buildings.” time I had been in the You can hardly complete a chapter chapel house was to of the life of Jesus in the New Testament participate in a 24-hour without being reminded of our core fundraising event for the Christian commitment to come to the church building fund. This must have aid of those in need. The Good Samaritan occurred at some point around 1980 in is perhaps the most well-known one StU Paul’s Milton of Campsie as four of but the one that used to chill me as a my school friends and I volunteered to child and still spooks me as an adult is have a sponsored 24-hour heavy metal from Matthew 25. night. We were proud of our efforts and “When the Son of Man comes in raised almost £600 for the building His glory, and all the angels with Him, fund. I still chuckle though, at the He will sit on his glorious throne. All thought of AC/DC, Back Sabbath, the nations will be gathered before Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin doing BY KEVIN McKENNA Him, and He will separate the people their little bit to further the cause of one from another as a shepherd the Risen Christ. But we knew that separates the sheep from the goats. He God would understand and might even little communities comprising several will put the sheep on his right and the consent to slice a few days or so off priests. Clubs, groups and sodalities goats on his left. our designated stretch in purgatory for associated with the parish could use “Then the King will say to those on our efforts on His behalf. the chapel house for meetings. Times His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed Last month I found myself knocking have changed though, and the reality by my Father; take your inheritance, on the door of another chapel house, of modern Scotland is that far fewer the kingdom prepared for you since this time on much sadder business as I people are going to church and the the creation of the world. For I was was helping make funeral arrangements indigenous priesthood has fallen. hungry and you gave me something to following the death of a much-loved That’s not to say that people have eat, I was thirsty and you gave me family member. It was St Matthew’s, stopped believing, simply that they something to drink, I was a stranger Bishopbriggs and it was clear that one may be choosing to express their and you invited me in, I needed thing hadn’t changed in the years since Christianity in non-traditional ways. clothes and you clothed me, I was sick I’d last been at a priest’s house: Many and you looked after me, I was in of them are still grand dwellings, some ast week Archbishop Philip prison and you came to visit me.” in disrepair, which have probably Tartaglia, along with several probably in the wrong organisation. social benefits to the surrounding outgrown their original purpose. other religious leaders wrote to The Catholic Church in Glasgow has community. umanity is being judged right In fact, the St Matthew’s parish theL Prime Minister David Cameron already indicated that it doesn’t need The Rev T Alan Anderson now by how we respond to the house, together with its large garden, urging him to open up the UK’s as many churches, even former explained their thinking: “In selecting needs of our poor and probably stands in an area of ground borders to help refugees fleeing war bishops’ dwellings.Perhaps the a partner the congregation wished the Hwretched brothers and sisters in areas bigger than the actual church around and death in Syria and throughout the hierarchy could take some inspiration developer of the site to have a non- whose troubles and upheavals our the corner. On the open market it would Middle East. It was the very least we from our brothers and sisters in the commercial purpose, in order to governments have helped to create. It probably fetch a price well in excess would have expected from men who Methodist church on Bearsden Road continue the community work of the seems to me that they are reaching out of £1m and could be considered one lead a faith that preaches compassion at Anniesland. church. We believe that working with to the Catholic Church in Scotland at a of the most desirable residences in this to all mankind. Two years ago, they knocked down a Housing Association to build critical time in its history when it is douce north Glasgow suburb. The ‘Yes, but how many can we take?’ their existing church and built a much retirement housing for the local looking for a renewed sense of parish house in Milton of Campsie and ‘how much does it cost?’have been smaller space for their worship needs. elderly is a very good fit for us. purpose in its work. was big enough but this one is in a the questions asked most often on As well as carrying major overheads “For some years, the Church has What better witness than to invite different class entirely. radio and television since the picture in maintenance and upkeep costs the been suffering with the burden of countless boatloads of these people These houses were built at a more of a 3-year-old boy washed up in the congregation felt the church simply looming repair bills for the aging into our churches and our parish optimistic time in the Scottish Church’s sand travelled the globe. Frankly, if didn’t meet their needs. But they also church building. The purpose of the houses which have long since passed history. Masses were full and parish you are a Christian and you are asking wanted to ensure that the change they Methodist Church is to provide the date when they were last fulfilling houses were built to accommodate questions like these then you’re were embarking on would provide worship, evangelism and outreach, not the purpose for which they were built?

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of KEVIN MCKENNA’S comments on CHURCH PROPERTY? Send your points pages of the SCO are those of of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church New annulment process preserves Church as Magistra and Mater

OPE Francis’s quality to the changes introduced. the marriage bond. o what are the big court would need to hear a bishop as judge. Naturally, such proposed streamlining They are intended primarily In recent years, the annulment changes being proposed case. This will vary across time power must be exercised in of the system for to shorten the duration of the process in Scotland has become by Pope Francis? Mgr and space. Thus, if a case accordance with the law, the assessing applications nullity process without increasingly speedy and always SMagee outlines them in detail: normally needs some six supreme norm of which is the for marriage compromising either the truth free of charge. However, the months’ examination in a salvation of souls. He is trying annulments has been welcomed or justice. same is not true in other parts of G The abolition of the obligatory second court, the entire process to help the Church reach out to by Scotland’s top Canon “The Pope does not want the world. Hence the decision and automatic need for two from beginning to end will now many Catholics in situations of lawyer who believes it will people living longer than is truly of Pope Francis to streamline courts to examine a case before be shortened by six months. alienation from the Church P G improve the process, while necessary in the darkness of the process. a marriage can be declared A new ‘briefer process’ has because of broken marriages upholding Catholic teaching on doubt about their marriage status In a brief introduction to the null. The decision of one court been introduced for cases that and which can be proven to marriage indissolubility. before God and the Church. document setting out the will now be enough, provided meet certain criteria. For example, have been invalid from the “It is important to make Some structural changes to the changes, Mitis Iudex Dominus neither party opposes the both parties to the marriage ask start. By putting the diocesan abundantly clear that the Holy process will achieve this.” Iesus or The Lord Jesus, a decision. In other words, the for the annulment, they can bishop back at the centre of the Father is making absolutely no Meek Judge, Pope Francis abolition in question does not produce irrefutable proofs of administration of justice in the change to the teaching of the n annulment or stresses that his adjustments deprive any party from exercising fact of that nullity and the diocese, he is also trying to Church on the indissolubility of ‘declaration of nullity’ ‘do not favour the nullifying of the right of appeal to a higher circumstances of persons, time implement further the vision of marriage, nor is he legislating is a recognition by the marriages but the promptness court should he/she so wish. and place don’t require further ‘synodality’ or ‘collegiality’ so for what is sometimes, and ChurchA that a marriage of the processes.’ Practically, if a decision judicial investigation. If all the strongly emphasised at the wrongly, called ‘Catholic between two persons was He said that he decided to taken by one court is not conditions are in place, the Second Vatican Council. divorce,’” Mgr Peter Magee, invalidly contracted. There is a make the changes in line with appealed this will cut out that diocesan Bishop, or his delegate, President of the Scottish similar process in civil law. the desire of his brother period of time that would have can declare the marriage null In conclusion, Mgr Magee says Catholic Inter-Diocesan Examples could include bishops, who—during last been needed for the second within 30 days. that Pope Francis is seeking to Tribunal and Judicial Vicar of instances where one person year’s Extraordinary Synod court to examine the case. How G Pope Francis draws on various preserve both the understanding St Andrews and Edinburgh was not, in fact, free to marry on the Family—called for much time is that? That honestly principles of doctrine and pastoral of the Church as Magistra or Archdiocese, said. “Pope Francis or if there was deception the process to be ‘faster and depends on precisely how life to stress in these new norms Teacher and give greater visibility himself attributes a pastoral involved in the contracting of more accessible.’ much time any given second the sacred power of the diocesan to the Church as Mater or Mother. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

reduce delivery times, but W these sets are hand assembled IRE and take a significant amount D I of time to put together,’ a Decline is due to a lack of N spokesman said. An SCO diary GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG WITH the Pope coming to the manpower and willpower United States this month, you’ll be delighted to know that you can celebrate that with new Popemoji (below). Emoijis are colourful drawings that brighten up txt message conversations and have long been a favourite of teens. And now the Pope is involved. While Popemojis are truly adorable pictures, there are also a series of books and teachings that have also been released leading up to the visit that were also commissioned by the Catholic Church, including The Church of BY PETER Mercy by Pope Francis which was released earlier this year. KEARNEY As for the Popemoji keyboard, THE little yellow Legoman it features 52 emoji and 14 has had a variety of jobs GIFs of Pope Francis and is A S T w e e k , I throughout the ages— available now for free in the e x a m i n e d t h e spaceman, butcher, protector Apple iTunes App Store and decline in accuracy of Gotham City—and now Google Play Store. in newspapers and there is another job to add the Commissioned as a part of criticised lurid and figurines’ CV, a Catholic priest. a ‘Good is Winning’ initiative exaggerated headlines, which I Fr Leopold (above)— by global Catholic network pointed out do get attention in described as the smallest Aleteia.org, the keyboard the short term, but at a price— L priest in the world—went on features various emoji of Pope credibility. I suggested that in sale earlier this year, complete Francis doing things like the long-term the almost rabid with all the things you need to heading a football, taking desperation of newspapers to run your own mass from the selfies with the crowd and grab readers’ attention works comfort of your playroom. visiting the Liberty Bell, United against them, as one-by-one The new, limited-edition Nations and Washington readers scan the text which 174-piece pack, which costs Monument. accompanies the headline and £32, includes all the bricks “Emoji are so ingrained in decide that they bear no needed to build Father digital and social language, relation to one another. This Leopold, his altar, lectern, particularly among young leaves newspapers looking tabernacle, ambo, and people, that it was natural to shallow and superficial. Newsrooms used to be full of presiding chair. make them an element of our life with a variety of specialist In the longer term, it will The kits, created by US firm digital effort to support Pope correspondents, sadly that is probably also leave them Domestic Church Supply Francis’ visit to the US,” now no longer the case bankrupt as readers desert their Company, also include a Kathleen Hessert, founder of fantastical claims in search of chalice, hosts and lavabo Sports Media Challenge, honest journalism elsewhere. suggest people have become coverage of everything from The Scotsman as I pointed out dishes. which is overseeing the digital Nowhere is this trend more more precise about identifying religion to politics and football last week, has shed 80 per cent of Children can dress up the aspect of Aleteia.org’s effort evident than in Scotland where or revealing their denominational has been impoverished as a result, its readers since 2006, a spec- priest in a Roman collar and said. “Besides, the Pope has the fall in newspaper sales has affiliations and are much less but the decline in standards and tacular, if dismal, achievement. choose vestments in four a great sense of humour, is been utterly catastrophic. likely to describe themselves scope was a long time coming According to the Scottish colours—purple for Advent totally approachable and Interestingly, one area of our as members or adherents of and completely predictable. journalist Ian Jack, writing and Lent, white for feast days dedicated to engaging people national life, which tends to churches with whom they have Scottish newspapers have— recently: “Newspapers face a like Christmas and Easter, red where they communicate. By receive spectacularly superficial little or no contact than they in the course of the last 20 grim future in most parts of the for martyrs’ feast days and engaging millennials, we’ll coverage, is religion. In 2011, were in previous generations, years—largely been the authors western world, but nowhere green for Mass in ordinary time. enable new conversations over half (54 per cent) of the their sense of religious identity of their own misfortune. When does it look grimmer than It comes with a 28-page throughout Pope Francis’ visit population of Scotland stated is not recorded. readers feel patronised, insulted in Scotland.” instruction guide to build to the US, with the goal of their religion in the national By contrast however, in the and condescendingly taken for There are of course many everything inside the church keeping that community census as Christian (down from Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, granted, they stop paying the reasons for this, although it except for the congregation. involved in a dialogue over the 65 per cent in 2001) whilst 37 it is. In response to a question wages of those who insulted is hard to imagine a set The product is not endorsed long term. Swyft Media is a per cent of people stated that asking respondents about their them. It is a sad legacy, leaving us of political and social by the Lego group but—in leader in this space and its they had no religion (up from ‘Religious Identity,’ 30 per without a vibrant and innovative circumstances more promising, common with authentic Lego successes in these mediums 28 per cent in 2001). After cent identify themselves as press, just when we need it enervating or conducive to products—the priest and his with cool and creative Christianity, Islam was the Protestant, 15 per cent as most. The figures, depressingly, vibrant and original journalism church are proving to be branded content made them a most common faith followed Catholic, 15 per cent as Christian speak for themselves. than those, which exist in hugely marketable. natural partner for us in this by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs (but neither Protestant or The Daily Record whose Scotland at the moment. The Domestic Church supply has once-in-a-lifetime project.” and Jews. When added together Catholic) 3 per cent as Muslim sales have fallen by 10.4 per market is thirsting for informed, reported ‘overwhelming interest Pope Francis is scheduled other faiths account for around and 1 per cent as other religion. cent in the last year, now sells incisive, fair and balanced in this product’ and is warning to touch down in the US on 3 per cent of the population. This gives a total of, 64 per about a quarter of the number journalism and with very few customers that they may face September 22, 2015, and visit Importantly, the ‘no religion’ cent of Scots who feel they of copies it sold as recently as exceptions, the newspaper delays in sending out the toy Washington DC, New York designation in the Census have a ‘Religious Identity’ while the 1980’s. Its sibling title, The industry has catastrophically when they order it online. City and Philadelphia during should not be read or interpreted only 33 per cent do not identify Sunday Mail has gone from failed to deliver it. ‘We are working hard to his five-day trip. as an active endorsement of with any religion at all. From around 1 million copies per This failure has in turn or commitment to atheism/ this data, it is clear, that almost week in the 1990s to around provided opportunities for agnosticism or any other secular two thirds of Scots consider 200,000 per week in 2015. others, from football and -humanist ideology. It isn’t that, themselves ‘religious.’ The Sunday Post once had a political blogs to Catholic rather it suggests unwillingness print run bigger than the New newspapers. If the mainstream on the part of some to formally ncredibly, no Scottish York Times and a circulation, media won’t serve the needs of identify with a particular faith. newspaper has a religious which took it in to most Scottish Christians in general and The Scottish Social Attitudes affairs correspondent. households. So much so, that Catholics in particular, they Survey of 2014 asked a range IUnfortunately, neither do any in the 1950s, its sales were so will go elsewhere. Thankfully of questions about religion and of them have the resources to high that it was recorded in the —in the case of Catholics— belief. The findings, indicate a offer more than a cursory Guinness Book of Records as they have, through the SCO an significant disconnect between glance at world affairs, usually the newspaper with the highest alternative. having a religious identity and with a single peripatetic foreign per capita readership penetration feeling an affiliation with a reporter. None have a full-time anywhere in the world. Today I Peter Kearney is the director particular church. While the European correspondent or it sells about a tenth of copies of the Scottish Catholic Media 2011 Census results seem to Washington bureau. Their it did at its height. Office.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13 SPUC Scotland’s array of Project Truth volunteers have been hitting the streets of Scotland’s cities and towns to spread the pro-life message

SPREADING THE PRO-LIFE MESSAGE JOHN DEIGHAN, SPUC Scotland’s chief executive officer, provides us a valuable insight into the charity’s recent projects and initiatives, prior to its National Conference next month

E LIVE at a time of great moral are all intertwined in complex web of attacks against to be an important occasion for getting pro-life town, we set up a stall with pro-life imagery, literature difficult discussions and hostile responses, but the unborn baby.Although there were mixed responses What motivated them, according to feedback, was wanting to do that for pro-life. and ethical challenges. How human life and human conscience. The national activists and supporters together. Hopefully a strong and foetal models and entered into dialog with the overall the majority of the conversations that took from the public, most of those who took the time to seeing the courage in young people not much older At SPUC Scotland we regularly review how we heartbroken we have been to see conference of SPUC Scotland takes place on the contingent of Scottish Catholic Observer readers public on pro-life issues; focusing on pre-natal place were positive. Even when people disagreed, have a conversation with us realised the importance than them giving testimony for pro-life. The pupils convey the pro-life message. We engage with best the plight of refugees on our TV first Saturday of October and it promises to be an will be in attendance. development and the current UK Abortion Law. most were happy to enter into dialogue. We know of standing up for the rights of the unborn children can relate also to young pro-life advocates as they practice teaching guidelines on how to engage screens and to witness the needless eventful day in which these issues and more are SPUC Scotland’s National Conference takes place “In the UK most abortions take place within the that many people have been personally affected by who have no voice. It was also great to meet other understand the pressures that are on young people, pupils’ interest and choose the right medium. There loss of life and the sad images have given society a going to be examined and discussed. on October 3 at the Mercure Hotel on Ingram Street, first 10 weeks of pregnancy, so with Project Truth abortion and therefore we tried to be as sensitive and young people who had a real interest in the pro-life even when at school. Pressure to ignore a culture of is a wealth of visual informative material that can shake. We know that we need to do something to The challenges of being pro-life are considerable Glasgow from 9.30-4.15pm. Tickets are £15 and we focus on the unborn child’s journey in those first compassionate as possible when speaking to people movement and gave me a lot of courage that what death in society. Pressure to be seen to support choice facilitate discussion. We can tailor our presentations Wsave lives. Thankfully our media has worked to in our time but there is much to be encouraged includes lunch. Call: 0141 221 2094 weeks. On our stall we have images of the unborn in this situation and always have ARCH material we were doing was right.’” as the ultimate good in a democracy, even when that to relate directly to the school curriculum and exam show us the need for action. about. There is a growing body of young people baby at various stages in the first 10 weeks of their at hand. choice takes the life of an innocent human being. requirements. This benefits both teachers and pupils Meanwhile, the media is numb to the ongoing loss invigorated with a sense of justice who are willing to Success on the streets life and people are usually amazed to see what the “This event is also a great way to nourish and Inspiring school pupils Many other young project truth advocates want to who can rely on the depth of our teaching materials. of life, which is deliberate and highly funded by our take the truth of the prolife cause on to the streets. SPUC Scotland Development Office Rachel Munro baby looks like and how quickly they are developing encourage the next generation of pro-life leaders in Encouraging and developing young people’s receive training to deliver the pro-life message in Every year, for example, we speak to the Advanced government. While in some ways our society is There are still many who have kept pro-life values as describes the exciting initiative Project Truth: “In in those first few weeks. Scotland. The young people who participate come involvement with SPUC Scotland is now bearing our schools and build on their Project Truth experience. Higher classes around Scotland on issues in the becoming more sensitive to the dignity of the human their guide in their lives and careers and given August, we completed our second Project Truth “Thomas, 19, who took part in the roadshow said: to the end of the week with a great deal of experience fruit in the new school term. Sean, Clare, James, This brings a fresh new perspective to augment RMPS curriculum. person, in other ways it is less so. New technologies witness to the importance of not cooperating in evil. summer roadshow and this year we were able to ‘I thought it was wonderful to see the amazement of and confidence in discussing pro-life issues and Lily and Catherine, all undergraduate university SPUC Scotland’s successful work already. What we SPUC Scotland stays abreast with all international are now being used to weed out the disabled before The conference will hear from people in that position reach double the number of towns and cities. people at the development of the child in the womb. defending the pro-life message. This is what Proj- students, volunteered during this wet summer with are seeing now is that our initial SPUC talk and visit and local developments that affect the pro-life birth to ensure they don’t get a chance of life. There such as Mary Doogan, the midwife at the centre of “With a strong group of 14 young people from all Some people we spoke to had not realised before ect Truth team member Lily, 19, had this to say Project Truth. Since then they visited St Maurice’s is developed throughout the academic year. Other message. Please contact us on 0141 221 2094 if you is now a new technology which looks capable of the recent Supreme Court Case on conscientious across the UK, we split into two teams each day and just how quickly development happens, and they about her experience of the event: ‘The roadshow High School in Cumbernauld with Rachel, SPUC’s schools have contacted us for help to set up their would like SPUC Scotland to come and talk at your making the most fundamental alterations to the objection. Experts will speak on a variety of important travelled to two towns and cities—visiting Edinburgh, were often interested in learning about it.’ was an excellent experience and opened my eyes to experienced development worker. Almost 30 pupils own pro-life group. school, university, club, parish or association. building blocks of life and create designer babies. prolife issues as well others who will explain issues Linlithgow, Dundee, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Inverness, “When taking to the streets with a subject that is the lack of information shared with the public about from 4th, 5th and 6th year at St Maurice’s have, as Fundraising is an added bonus too as schoolchildren The role of politics, healthcare services and law of national and international importance. It promises Perth, Dunfermline, Stirling and Kirkcaldy. In each so sensitive and controversial there will always be what an abortion really involves and the humanity of a result, started their own school pro-life club. are very focused on the need to raise money and are I http://www.spucscotland.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 LIFE MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LIFE MATTERS 13 SPUC Scotland’s array of Project Truth volunteers have been hitting the streets of Scotland’s cities and towns to spread the pro-life message

SPREADING THE PRO-LIFE MESSAGE JOHN DEIGHAN, SPUC Scotland’s chief executive officer, provides us a valuable insight into the charity’s recent projects and initiatives, prior to its National Conference next month

E LIVE at a time of great moral are all intertwined in complex web of attacks against to be an important occasion for getting pro-life town, we set up a stall with pro-life imagery, literature difficult discussions and hostile responses, but the unborn baby.Although there were mixed responses What motivated them, according to feedback, was wanting to do that for pro-life. and ethical challenges. How human life and human conscience. The national activists and supporters together. Hopefully a strong and foetal models and entered into dialog with the overall the majority of the conversations that took from the public, most of those who took the time to seeing the courage in young people not much older At SPUC Scotland we regularly review how we heartbroken we have been to see conference of SPUC Scotland takes place on the contingent of Scottish Catholic Observer readers public on pro-life issues; focusing on pre-natal place were positive. Even when people disagreed, have a conversation with us realised the importance than them giving testimony for pro-life. The pupils convey the pro-life message. We engage with best the plight of refugees on our TV first Saturday of October and it promises to be an will be in attendance. development and the current UK Abortion Law. most were happy to enter into dialogue. We know of standing up for the rights of the unborn children can relate also to young pro-life advocates as they practice teaching guidelines on how to engage screens and to witness the needless eventful day in which these issues and more are SPUC Scotland’s National Conference takes place “In the UK most abortions take place within the that many people have been personally affected by who have no voice. It was also great to meet other understand the pressures that are on young people, pupils’ interest and choose the right medium. There loss of life and the sad images have given society a going to be examined and discussed. on October 3 at the Mercure Hotel on Ingram Street, first 10 weeks of pregnancy, so with Project Truth abortion and therefore we tried to be as sensitive and young people who had a real interest in the pro-life even when at school. Pressure to ignore a culture of is a wealth of visual informative material that can shake. We know that we need to do something to The challenges of being pro-life are considerable Glasgow from 9.30-4.15pm. Tickets are £15 and we focus on the unborn child’s journey in those first compassionate as possible when speaking to people movement and gave me a lot of courage that what death in society. Pressure to be seen to support choice facilitate discussion. We can tailor our presentations Wsave lives. Thankfully our media has worked to in our time but there is much to be encouraged includes lunch. Call: 0141 221 2094 weeks. On our stall we have images of the unborn in this situation and always have ARCH material we were doing was right.’” as the ultimate good in a democracy, even when that to relate directly to the school curriculum and exam show us the need for action. about. There is a growing body of young people baby at various stages in the first 10 weeks of their at hand. choice takes the life of an innocent human being. requirements. This benefits both teachers and pupils Meanwhile, the media is numb to the ongoing loss invigorated with a sense of justice who are willing to Success on the streets life and people are usually amazed to see what the “This event is also a great way to nourish and Inspiring school pupils Many other young project truth advocates want to who can rely on the depth of our teaching materials. of life, which is deliberate and highly funded by our take the truth of the prolife cause on to the streets. SPUC Scotland Development Office Rachel Munro baby looks like and how quickly they are developing encourage the next generation of pro-life leaders in Encouraging and developing young people’s receive training to deliver the pro-life message in Every year, for example, we speak to the Advanced government. While in some ways our society is There are still many who have kept pro-life values as describes the exciting initiative Project Truth: “In in those first few weeks. Scotland. The young people who participate come involvement with SPUC Scotland is now bearing our schools and build on their Project Truth experience. Higher classes around Scotland on issues in the becoming more sensitive to the dignity of the human their guide in their lives and careers and given August, we completed our second Project Truth “Thomas, 19, who took part in the roadshow said: to the end of the week with a great deal of experience fruit in the new school term. Sean, Clare, James, This brings a fresh new perspective to augment RMPS curriculum. person, in other ways it is less so. New technologies witness to the importance of not cooperating in evil. summer roadshow and this year we were able to ‘I thought it was wonderful to see the amazement of and confidence in discussing pro-life issues and Lily and Catherine, all undergraduate university SPUC Scotland’s successful work already. What we SPUC Scotland stays abreast with all international are now being used to weed out the disabled before The conference will hear from people in that position reach double the number of towns and cities. people at the development of the child in the womb. defending the pro-life message. This is what Proj- students, volunteered during this wet summer with are seeing now is that our initial SPUC talk and visit and local developments that affect the pro-life birth to ensure they don’t get a chance of life. There such as Mary Doogan, the midwife at the centre of “With a strong group of 14 young people from all Some people we spoke to had not realised before ect Truth team member Lily, 19, had this to say Project Truth. Since then they visited St Maurice’s is developed throughout the academic year. Other message. Please contact us on 0141 221 2094 if you is now a new technology which looks capable of the recent Supreme Court Case on conscientious across the UK, we split into two teams each day and just how quickly development happens, and they about her experience of the event: ‘The roadshow High School in Cumbernauld with Rachel, SPUC’s schools have contacted us for help to set up their would like SPUC Scotland to come and talk at your making the most fundamental alterations to the objection. Experts will speak on a variety of important travelled to two towns and cities—visiting Edinburgh, were often interested in learning about it.’ was an excellent experience and opened my eyes to experienced development worker. Almost 30 pupils own pro-life group. school, university, club, parish or association. building blocks of life and create designer babies. prolife issues as well others who will explain issues Linlithgow, Dundee, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Inverness, “When taking to the streets with a subject that is the lack of information shared with the public about from 4th, 5th and 6th year at St Maurice’s have, as Fundraising is an added bonus too as schoolchildren The role of politics, healthcare services and law of national and international importance. It promises Perth, Dunfermline, Stirling and Kirkcaldy. In each so sensitive and controversial there will always be what an abortion really involves and the humanity of a result, started their own school pro-life club. are very focused on the need to raise money and are I http://www.spucscotland.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 Tackling our overstimulated gradiosity

think, therefore I am! Descartes was right: The only thing we can be absolutely sure of is that we exist and that our own thoughts and feelings are real. We may be dreaming everything else. We awake to self-consciousness aware of our specialness, frustrated by the fact that the world cannot give us what we crave, and insufficiently aware of the fact that everyone else on this earth is also equally unique and special. That’s human nature and it’s always been this way.

BY FR RONALD oday however a number of things are conspiring together to ROLHEISER exacerbate both our grandiosity Tand our restlessness. In brief, today we HERE are now more than are mostly overstimulated in our seven billion people on this grandiosity and are not generally given earth and each one of us the tools to handle that inflammation feels that he or she is the of soul. centre of the universe. That How are we overstimulated in our accounts for most of the problems we grandiosity today? Various factors have in the world, in our neighbourhoods, play together here, but contemporary Tand in our families. And no one’s to media and information technology blame for this, save God perhaps, for need to be highlighted. Through them lonely, deranged person randomly canonisation, overt greed, and crass We are dangerously weak in making us this way. —in effect—the whole world is being kills others out of sick vision of self-centeredness. Humility was espoused inculcating into the consciousness of Each of us is created in the image made available to us during every grandiosity. Wesee it too in the growing as a virtue and no one was supposed society,especially into the consciousness and likeness of God, meaning that, waking minute of our lives. We are not phenomenon of anorexia. These to get too big for his or her britches. of the young, a number of vital human each of us, holds within a divine spark, easily equipped to handle that. While examples may be atypical, but we’re That threw a lot of cold water on ego, and religious truths: To God alone a piece of infinity, and an ingrained information alone is mostly neutral, becoming a society within which most crass self-assertion, and greed, in belongs the glory. In this life ultimately knowledge of that unique dignity. We and at times even morally inspiring, everyone is perilously overstimulated effect dampening grandiosity. The all symphonies remain unfinished. are infinite souls inside a finite world. the downside is that contemporary in his or her grandiosity. message back then was clear: You’re You are not the centre of the earth. To paraphrase St Augustine, we are media overstimulates our grandiosity not the centre of the universe! There is real sin. Selfishness is not a made for the divine and our hearts and restlessness by inundating us with nd today we are generally By and large, that’s no longer the virtue. Humility is a virtue. You will aren’t just dissatisfied until they rest the intimate details of the lives of the without sufficient personal case today. Society, more and more, only find life by giving it away. Other there again, they’re also grandiose rich, the famous, the beautiful, the tools to handle this. Human gives us license to be grandiose, to set lives are as real as your own. along the journey, enflamed by their talented, the powerful, the super- beingsA have always been restless and ourselves up as the centre and proudly We have failed our youth by giving own uniqueness and dignity. God has intelligent, the mega-achievers, and grandiose, but in previous generations announce that publicly. Not only are them unrealistic expectations, even as made everything beautiful in its own the perverted in a way that titillates, they had more tools—religious and we allowed today to get too big for our we are depriving them of the tools with season, Ecclesiastes tells us, but God seduces, and at times assaults our societal—to handle restlessness, britches, we aren’t culturally admired which to handle those expectations. has put timelessness into the human interior balance so as to leave us grandiosity, and frustration. For unless we do assert ourselves in that heart so that we are out of sync with cultivating private fantasies of example, in previous generations the way. And that’s a formula for jealousy, I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and the seasons from beginning to end. grandiosity, of standing out in a way cultural ethos gave people much less bitterness, and violence. Grandiosity member of the Missionary Oblates of We’re overcharged for this planet, and that makes the world take notice. We permission to cultivate ego than it and restlessness need healthy guidance Mary Immaculate. He is president of we know it. see this in an extreme and perverted does today. Previous to our own both from the culture and from the Oblate School of Theology in San Moreover that sense of specialness form in some of the mass shootings generation, one had to be more religion. Today, we generally do not Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at lies at the centre of our awareness: I that occur in our society, where a apologetic about self-promotion, self- see that guidance. www.ronrolheiser.com

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of FR ROLHEISER’S comments on GRANDIOSITY? Send your points of pages of the SCO are those of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail [email protected] informed individuals and groups and not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church

SEPTEMBER 19, 1839, saw FROM time to time, one of of the year.’ that you look on me with the birth of George Cadbury— Charlie Chaplin’s silent films On the feast of Rosh tender love and invite me to renowned for starting to produce is shown on TV. He was a Hashanah, people celebrate assess and renew my attitude the Cadbury’s chocolate that small man, with a moustache God’s creation. During a and direction in life. Be with we now know. and a hat and walking stick, festive meal, pieces of apple me in my determination to live He moved the factory from and a funny way of walking! dipped in honey are eaten. It is in a positive way. Amen. Birmingham itself to a new site Because he was very an expression of hope for a outside the city, which he popular, Charlie Chaplin sweet and pleasant year ahead. ON September 22, 1586, Sir called ‘Bournville.’ He is well- look-alike competitions were Rosh Hashanah is also the Philip Sydney was mortally remembered for building there held and a few people would first day of a ten-day period of wounded in battle. He had a 250-acre village of good, line up and be judged on who reflection, asking God’s been shot in the leg, and spacious houses for all his looked most like Charlie forgiveness for faults of the collapsed from loss of blood workers. Each house had a Chaplin, walking like him and past, promising to approach and the setting in of fever. garden, and the village had doing tricks like him. things in a better way in the A fellow-officer ran to get wide open spaces—remarkable One day, just for the fun of year ahead. On this day, a some water. Sir Philip, conditions for workers of the it, Charlie Chaplin himself ram’s horn—called the desperate to drink, raised the 1800s. George Cadbury sold the entered one of these look-alike shofar—is blown. water to his lips, but then saw houses to the workers at cost competitions. He didn’t win— an ordinary soldier lying price on very reasonable loans. he came third! Blessed are you, Lord, God of nearby, also seriously The money spent on such When God looks at me with all creation, for having made wounded. Philip did not drink, excellent facilities reflected the love, how close might I be to us all different. What I don’t but handed the water to the value that George Cadbury placed the true look-alike that He PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK know about you I need to learn soldier, saying: “Your need is in each of his workers and their calls me to be, having been from others because they greater than mine.” families. He was a committed made in his own image and reflect your image and likeness Christian, and a member of the likeness? Mother Teresa. God calls me each day. Amen. in a different way. I ask you to Lord our God, may we grow as Society of Friends, more What changes do I need to by name, that is who I am lead me to seek to understand people who think of others and generally known as Quakers. make in my life that I may called to be. AROUND about this time in the many people of good will see their needs never ‘passing succeed in the real look-alike September people of the Jewish who are different from me. by on the other side,’ but being Lord God, may others respect competition? Inspire me, Lord, so that I faith will celebrate the feast of Blessed are you, Lord, God willing to make sacrifices and and value me as much as I do I am not called to be Charlie may reflect your image and Rosh Hashanah. The words of all creation. I am grateful for be generous for the good of them. Amen. Chaplin. I am not called to be likeness a little more clearly in Hebrew mean ‘beginning all that is good in my life. I know others. Amen.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 OF FAMILIES: CARDINAL ROBERT 1PM SARAH CUBA: OUR LADY OF CHARITY, 8.30PM MOTHER OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: 1.30PM MASS AND CANONISATION OF POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: MASS IN BLESSED JUNIPERO SERRA HAVANA'S REVOLUTION SQUARE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24 5PM 1AM EWTN BOOKMARK ST FRANCIS AND TAPE-DELAYED WORLD MEETING POPE FRANCIS OF FAMILIES: PROF. HELEN ALVARÉ 6PM 10AM THE WORLD OVER STORY OF WALSINGHAM: ENGLAND'S 8.30PM NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: MEETING 1PM WITH THE PRESIDENT OF CUBA LIVE DAILY MASS 10PM 2PM POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: VESPERS LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: WITH PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS AND ADDRESS TO CONGRESS SEMINARIANS 4PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21 LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: 1PM VISIT TO ST PATRICK’S CHURCH DAILY MASS AND HOMELESS SHELTER 3PM 6PM POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: MASS IN TAPE-DELAYED WORLD MEETING HOLGUIN'S REVOLUTION SQUARE OF FAMILIES: DR JUAN FRANCISCO 6PM DE LA GUARDIA BRIN & MRS NEW! WORLD MEETING OF GABRIELA N. DE LA GUARDIA FAMILIES SPECIAL 11PM 8.30PM LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: VESPERS WITH CLERGY AND BLESSING OF THE CITY RELIGIOUS 11.45PM FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25 LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: 1AM MEETING WITH BISHOPS TAPE-DELAYED WORLD MEETING 9PM OF FAMILIES: CARDINAL LUIS THE BACON PRIEST ANTONIO TAGLE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22 1PM 12.30PM LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: DAILY MASS; POPE FRANCIS IN ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS CUBA: HOLY MASS AT THE SHRINE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY 4.30PM 3.45PM LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: POPE FRANCIS IN CUBA: MEETING INTERRELIGIOUS SERVICE AT WITH FAMILIES GROUND ZERO 5.30PM 6PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY WITH TAPE-DELAYED WORLD MEETING COLLEEN CARROLL CAMPBELL OF FAMILIES: CARDINAL SEÁN 8.30PM PATRICK O’MALLEY, OFM CAP & LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: PASTOR RICHARD ‘RICK’ WARREN ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON 8.30PM Say a prayer for the hungry 9.30PM LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: LIVE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES: VISIT TO EAST HARLEM SCHOOL OPENING MASS 10PM This month, IAN DUNN focusses on the topic of hunger as part of WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23 LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: MASS 1.30PM AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26 the Knights of St Columba’s spiritual bouquet prayer campaign VISIT TO THE WHITE HOUSE 1PM 4PM LIVE EWTN MASS HIS month is the time when we place at the ‘banquet of life to which all are the availability of foodstuffs can be considered LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: 9PM think of the harvest, as there are acceptable,” he said. “Political and economic MEETING WITH BISHOPS LIVE POPE FRANCIS IN THE US: equally invited by God.’ 6PM MEETING FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM 850 million people in the world Poverty is a disease, but hunger has known pressure: here I think of our sister and TAPE-DELAYED WORLD MEETING WITH THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY who do not have enough food to cures. You can see it in the faces of children mother, Earth, our planet, and of whether we lead healthy, active lives. Food having a nourishing meal; of determined are free of political and economic pressure and banks are becoming more necessary. Do we farmers harvesting drought-resistant crops able to care for her, to avoid her destruction. consider the hungry when we eat? made possible by development programs; I remember a phrase that I heard from an TThis month the Knights of St Columba and in the joy of families and communities elderly man many years ago: God always LAY READERS’ GUIDE prayer campaign asks us to pray for the hungry. sharing in the bountiful harvest. Working to forgives… our misdemeanours, our abuse, In a world where there is enough food for end hunger, we can be instruments of God’s God always forgives; men forgive at times; everyone, all too many will go to bed tonight work on earth. but the Earth never forgives. We must care with hunger gnawing at their belly. for our sister the Earth, our Mother Earth, so SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 The Bible mentions food often. Jesus’ first ope Francis has also stressed the that she does not respond with destruction. Wisdom 2:12, 17-20. Response: The Lord upholds my miracle is turning water into wine at a wedding importance of food. Last year he told But, above all, no system of discrimination, life. Mark 9:30-37 feast. He turns five loaves of bread and two fish delegates from the 172 nations attending de facto or de jure, linked to the capacity of into a meal for 5000 people. He repeatedly Pthe Second International Conference on access to the market of foodstuffs, must be MONDAY shares meals with ‘tax collectors and sinners’— Nutrition (ICN2) to make sure their pledges taken as a model for international efforts that Feast of St Matthew. Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13. the people that many regard as the lowest of to assure food security to all citizens are put aim to eliminate hunger.” Response: Their word goes forth through all the earth. the low. into concrete practice, saying that the right As we settle down to dinner tonight spare Matthew 9:9-11. Poverty shows in the faces of God’s to a healthy diet was about dignity, not a thought and a prayer for all those who are children victimised by hunger (above). More charitable handouts. not so fortunate. than 140 million children are underweight in Despite there being enough food for TUESDAY I The Knights of St Columba spiritual Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20. Response: I rejoiced when I the developing world. Hunger stunts their everyone, food issues are regularly subject heard them say: “Let us go to Godʼs House.” Luke 8:19-21. growth and makes them more vulnerable to to manipulated information, claims about bouquet is a gift of prayer. The Catholic lay organisation started a journey of prayers, disease. Hunger compromises the ability of national security, corruption and ‘teary-eyed’ WEDNESDAY women to provide for their families and to evocations of economic crisis, Pope Francis said. devotional acts or good deeds on December 28, 2014, the Feast of the Holy Family, and Feast of St Pio of Pietrelcina. Ezra 9:5-9. Response: give birth to and nourish healthy children. “That is the first challenge we need to Blessed be God who lives forever. Luke 9:1-6. Hunger robs people of their productivity and overcome,” the Pope said, urging that the rights invites you to take part on this spiritual path. Help to build a garland of between creativity. Food crises, characterised by a of the human person need to be embedded in THURSDAY dramatic rise in prices, exacerbate hunger in all aid and development programmes. now and the Feast of St John Paul II, on October 22 this year. Submit your prayers Haggai 1; 1-8. Response: The Lord takes delight in His developing countries and drive economic The fight against hunger and undernutrition people. Luke 9:7-9. and political instability and conflict. is being handicapped by ‘the priority of the and devotions in one of the following ways. Writing to: The Knights of St Columba, Around the world, poverty can be most market and the pre-eminence of profit, FRIDAY easily seen in the desperation of vulnerable which have reduced food to a thing to be Head Office , 75 Hillington, Road South, Glasgow, G52 2AE or e-mail to bouquet Haggai 1; 1-8. Response: Hope in God; I will praise Him people who cannot feed themselves. Hunger bought and sold, and subject to speculation,’ still, my saviour and my God. Luke 9:18-22 still claims enormous numbers of victims the Holy Father added. @ksc.org.uk You can also contribute among those who, like Lazarus, are not “If we believe in the principle of the unity of through the national website at www.ksc.org.uk SATURDAY permitted to take their place at the rich man’s the human family, based on the common Feast of Ss Cosmos and Damian. Zechariah 2:5-9, 14- table. As Pope Benedict XVI has reminded paternity of God the Creator, and in the 15a, Response: The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd The SCO is media partner for the Knights us, our faith calls us to confront the scandal fraternity of human beings, no form of I guards his flock. Luke 9:43b-45. of hunger. We must ensure that all have a political or economic pressure that exploits of St Columba spiritual bouquet WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 A mystical journey up on Cyprus Avenue

HE streets that we grow up in are east Belfast there are generations of unemployment. poetic observations and musical talent. Soon after worlds of adventure and wonder. No From flag poles hang UVF and Union Jack flags getting his hands on that first instrument he matter where we have come from or and banners. It was something of a shock to see a persuaded his father to buy him a saxophone. where we are now those first memories man with a swastika tattooed on his neck directly George Morrison—a shipyard electrician—also of long summers climbing hills or By Richard across the road from Van Morrison’s red-bricked had one of the largest record collections in Belfast adventuring to the local burn with our first play- childhood home. Amid all this wonder and sense and the music which shaped his son’s formative mates remain significant landmarks in our lives. Purden of adventure we both felt brought back down to years was a life-enhancing influence. Closing the TWhat set me off on this line of thinking was a earth with a bump. These dark elements make the second concert on Cyprus Avenue he played On modern-day adventure to visit the ‘Mystic of the Van Morrison story even more compelling, the fact Hyndford Street, which refers to the influence of East,’ also known as ‘The Belfast Cowboy’ —Van thinking about the song which I first heard as a that he transcended this background and not only The (BBC) Third Programme a forerunner for Morrison. A good friend also from the East of the teenager was a memorable moment. Van Morrison that, he managed to turn it into something beautiful BBC Radio 3 and those early records: Kilbride variety had secured tickets some months talked about the area as a place to contemplate and and poetic through the creative power of his songs. ago to see ‘Van the Man’ play a special concert for it didn’t disappoint as we mingled with fans who Just a short walk down the road a friendly local And tuning in to Luxembourg late at night his 70th birthday on the iconic Cyprus Avenue. had travelled far and wide for a highly anticipated directed us towards The Hollow, which Van wrote And jazz and blues records during the day The street was immortalised on his 1968 LP Astral 90 minute set-list. about on perhaps his most famous hit—played Also Debussy on The Third Programme Weeks, which for many is Van’s seminal work. After the gig Ronnie and I hit the Van Morrison earlier that afternoon—Brown Eyed Girl: Early mornings when contemplation was best Personally, I find it hard to walk past his Celtic trail walking the short distance from Cyprus Going up the Castlereagh Hills masterpiece Veedon Fleece (1974). Avenue to his childhood home at Hyndford Street. Hey, where did we go, days when the rains came And the Cregagh Glens in summer and coming back The eminent location reminded me of a recent On route the bright yellow Harland and Woolff Down in the hollow, playing a new game. trip with the family to Benmore where the botanic gantry cranes were a visible reminder of a deeply In other British working class towns and cities gardens feature a similarly mystical avenue of sectarian past where Catholics were cleared out he singer was recently asked by an interviewer —whether it was Lulu in Glasgow or The Beatles trees. Walking down the famous postcode and and exiled from the shipyard workforce. Today in about the ground covered in his music in Liverpool—the same key ‘blues’ artists and between the US, Scotland and Ireland which radio-waves inspired a generation of young minds. Twas described as ‘a cultural confusion.’ His simple The Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn recently reply was: “I’m not polarised. That’s the thing, and spoke about the significance of the BBC in relation what you’re talking about is polarisation, which, to the group saying that the broadcasting corporation CROSSWORD Gordius No 212 you know, I can’t even think that way.” was ‘trying to appeal to all licence fee payers by The healing and educational power of creativity playing everything so they (The Beatles) had a and the arts has been undermined by the current broad musical education unlike today where you 123 4 5 6 7 British Government. Newly-elected Labour leader only hear what you chose. Growing up in the Jeremy Corbyn is riding out a media firestorm but 1940s and 50s you would hear everything.’ more focus needs to be given to some of his policies. Van Morrison in his own eccentric and idiosyncratic 89 Mr Corbyn believes every child in the UK should be way created something completely unique through given the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. He his own method self-education and spiritual has also said that the BBC must be protected, marking enlightenment on the streets of east Belfast. He out a vision that underlines the vital importance of evoked something of those feelings during On 10 11 12 First entry out the hat on culture. Ultimately the Labour leader believes that Hyndford Street when he called for the Holy Ghost 13 14 FRI SEPTEMBER 25 will be the arts are ‘central’ to creating a better society. and eternal presence. In typical Morrison fashion the winner The boy from east Belfast transcended his he transported us from everyday images of a typical background from an early age. He found an outlet working class childhood to the Kingdom that exists by learning the guitar and marrying together his inside us all, he took us deep into the mystic. 15 16 17 Send your completed 18 crossword entries—along with your full name address and 19 20 daytime phone number—to SUDOKU 21 22 23 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT SIMPLE 9 425 24 25 The winner’s name will be printed below. 1 2 3 2 3 5 9 1 6 7 84 9 7 1 4 8 2 6 5 3 26 27 The editor’s decision is final 7 1 3 84635 7 1 9 2 325 4 6 7 8 1 9 ACROSS SEPTEMBER 11 7 8 2 1 9 5 3 46 1 Writing fluid (3) 8 3 4 9 SOLUTION 1 6 9 8453 27 3 They may finally decide contests, but they are harmful to neckwear, it seems (11) ACROSS 539 246 8 7 1 8&9 The butterfly sings about this classic architectural 1 Cistercian 6 Scar 6 2 7 3 419 8 5 feature (6,8) 10 Aping 11 Joan of Arc 5 7 46 4 1 8 7 5 9 2 63 10 It’s a helicopter blade, whichever way you look at it (5) 12 Peasant 15 Ranee 11 From the Netherlands (5) 17 Rose 18 Edit FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 13 Publish (5) 19 Nonet 21 Servant 2 5 7 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 15 It’s used in golf, Emperor (when it’s raining heavily) (7) 23 Might 24 Trio 25 Abel AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 16 Godparent provided with broken spoons, right? (7) 26 Saver 28 Special 4 8 1 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 20 Songs written to be performed by pairs of singers (5) 33 Intellect 34 Neigh WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 35 Nile 36 Grand opera 21 Requirements (5) 716 2 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 23&24 Religious type disturbing a romantic loch (5,8) DOWN IS SEPT 11’S SIMPLE SOLUTION 25 A measure of current found in the morning by father 1 Cram 2 Shivering in France (6) 3 Edges 4 Cajun 5 Away MODERATE 26 A wish that one will see confectionary at night? (5,6) 7 Chain 8 Recreation 27 Terminate (3) 9 Torrent 13 Aloe 2 6 14 Travels 16 Permission 5 8 4 6 3 9 2 1 7 DOWN 20 Narrative 21 Startle 6 3 1 5 1 7 3 5 8 2 6 4 9 1 The ‘I’ of IT (11) 22 Nose 27 Vital 932 6 1 4 7 5 8 2 Part of the arch may have been followed by cops (8) 29 Paten 30 Congo 3 ‘1 across’ for a printer (5) 31 Dear 32 Rhea 7 4 2 6 9 4 1 8 3 7 5 4 Mind a child for another (7) 8 5 1 739462 5 Performed a role in a play or film (5) SEPTEMBER 4’s crossword 8 5 6 1 3 4 7 215 6 8 9 6 Chooses many amid stormy sleet (6) competition winner was: 6 1 2 3 7 589 4 7 Distress signal (1.1.1.) Mrs N Gilfedder, Glasgow 9 4 925 8 6 1 7 3 12 Extremely sharp turn (7,4) 7683 9 241 5 13 Yearned to write a letter from Greece, Edward? (5) 2 3 14 Use a faucet as Spanish snack-food (5) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 17 Chaotic onrush the pest made, somehow (8) Scotland’s only national AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN 18 A car or van, perhaps (7) 9 4 5 Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 19 The buzzer let out an insect (6) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 22 Brief (5) Registered at the Post Office 1 5 6 7 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 23 This founder of Rome has the right to flightless birds (5) 24 Variety of lettuce (3) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 5 1 8 9 SEPT 11’S MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES EXPERTSERVICES

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Cardonald G52 3SS Catholic Charismatic Renewal 1795 Paisley Road West St. Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 6pm NOVENA TO Day of Renewal Bearsden/Drumchapel G61 1LF ST. JOHN PAUL II 145 Spey Road VENUE: St John Ogilvie’s Church, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh EH11 4PY Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 6pm Saturday 26th September 2015 Moodiesburn G69 0EN 10.30am - 4.00pm 16 Blackwoods Crescent Speaker: Aiden Byrne Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 1pm Theme: “Our Father” Luke 11: 1-4 (JB) Moodiesburn G69 0LB Join us for a day of prayer and praise, healing& Holy Mass 63 Glenmanor Ave Mon Tue Thu Fri 9am - 6pm, W&S 9am - 1pm

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RELIGIOUS DEATH MacLELLAN, DOCHERTY INNES McCABE MacDONALD Donald Roderick 24th Anniversary 9th Anniversary In loving memory of a dear In loving memory of my dear In loving remembrance of my In loving memory of our dear In loving memory of James, mammy and granny, Sarah, husband, our father and McSHANE who died September 22, 2006. who died on September 21, grandfather, Angus John, Father Joseph Gerard dear husband, dear father mother, and grandmother, and grandfather, Donald Elizabeth Jane Docherty, We miss your worldly wisdom, 2007. who died September 21, Peacefully at Braemount And your funny little ways, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for 1995. R.I.P. Roderick, who died January who died on September 18, Nursing Home, Paisley, on But most of all your her. As life goes on without you, 27, 2006, and whose birthday 1991. Wednesday, September 9, presence, Sorely missed by her family. The days turn into years, 2015, Father Joseph, falls on September 22. Also Eternal rest grant unto her, O Each and every day. We hold a million memories, formerly of Argyll and Isles remember his sister Mary, Lord, To a much loved uncle. McCANN And many silent tears. Diocese. Much loved brother who died August 12, 2009, And let perpetual light shine Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 23rd Anniversary Inserted by his wife and of Hugh, Margaret and Frank. and whose birthday falls on upon her. him In loving memory of my dear family, South Uist. Joe will be sadly missed by September 27. May she rest in peace. Inserted by Louise, Phil and mother, Sarah Doherty, died all who knew him. Always in our hearts and in Inserted by her family. Brenna. September 22, 1992, my MacDONALD our prayers. dear father, Hugh, died In loving memory of Alistair, DEATHS Inserted by Flora and family. DONNELLY KEEGAN November 21, 1967, my dear who died September 18, 2nd Anniversary 6th Anniversary of Bernard, sister, Mary, died December 2005, aged 45 years. R.I.P. 20, 2002, also my brother Remembering you is easy, BRANNAN Precious and loving loving father and grandfather, who died September 25, 2009. Pat, died August 3, 2013. We do it every day, Patrick Joseph Brannan memories of our dear dad Slowly the leaves of memory Quietly today your memory Missing you is something (Fauldhouse), passed away and granda, Jonathan, who peacefully on September 9, fall, we treasure, That will never go away. died on September 21, 2013. 2015, aged 87. Gently we stoop to gather Loving you always, forgetting Our Lady of the Isles, pray The family would like to thank We think of you in silence, them all, you never. for him. Canon Hugh White for a We often speak your name, They bring a smile, Eternal rest grant unto them, Sorely missed by his mother, comforting and uplifting All we have are memories, sometimes a tear, O Lord, uncle, Gerinish, and all his service. They would also like And a picture in a frame. But always a wish that you And let perpetual light shine relatives. to thank the extended family, Our hearts still ache with were here. upon them. the community of Fauldhouse sadness, We do not forget him, May they rest in peace. MacDONALD 10th Anniversary and the many friends who Our secret tears still flow, We never intend, Inserted by Hugh, Stella and ROLINK family. Remembering with love, have supported them at this For what it meant to lose you We think of him daily, In loving memory of Gerald today and always, Alistair, difficult time. Dad, And will to the end. Rolink, who died February 1, Until we meet again dad. called to God September 18, No one will ever know. 1990 and whose 75th Your loving daughter Sheila, 2005, loving husband of FILIPPI Time passes memories stay, Our much loved and loving birthday occurs on son-in-law Jack and your Hughena, devoted father to mother, grandmother and September 17, 2014. Loved and remembered adored grandchildren. xx Jessie Anne and Oighrig. great-grandmother, St Anthony, pray for him. every day. Fois shiorraidh thoir dha a Josephine (Josie) Eileen Forever in our hearts. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Thighearna. R.I.P. Filippi (née Heffron) died From your loving wife Esther Lord, peacefully on Saturday, and family. And let perpetual light shine MacDONALD September 12, in Claremont upon him, Remembering my son-in-law Alastair, who died suddenly Care Home. She was the May he rest in peace. MEMORIAM at home on September 18, devoted wife of the late Inserted by your loving son Dante Filippi and mother of 2005, at Gerinish, South Uist. Mark and daughter Clare. McCARRON Angela, Mario, Simon, BARRETT Our Lady of the Isles, watch A kiss blown up to the sky so 17th Anniversary. Joseph, Marie-Thérèse, 12th Anniversary over him. blue, In your prayers, please Bernadette, Elizabeth, Precious memories of Denis May he rest in peace. Margaret and Colette. who died September 23, Catch it granda, it’s just for remember John McCarron, Anne and Family, Creagorry The body will be received 2003. Always remembered you. who died September 22, and Kilmarnock. into St. Margaret’s Cathedral by the Barrett family. Forever in our thoughts and KELLY 1998. He was much loved by on Monday, September 21 at so sadly missed. 6th Anniversary his wife Isabel, their six MacDONALD Loving memories of our 6.00pm with Requiem Mass Your loving grandchildren. children and all the In loving memory of our BONNER beloved Anthony whom God on Tuesday, September 22 at grandchildren. brother-in-law, Alastair, who In loving memory of our dear called home on September 10.00am, followed by the died at home in Gerinish on mum, and gran, Mollie 24, 2009. R.I.P. Eternal rest grant unto him, O burial at Ayr Cemetery at September 18, 2005. Next time we meet it will be Lord. 11.00am. R.I.P. McLellan, who died In the shelter of Thy Sacred September 24, 1983. for all eternity. May he rest in peace. Amen. Heart, When going through our daily No more parting, tears, Dear Jesus, may he rest in sorrow or pain. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE tasks, McCARTHY peace. Let perpetual light shine upon Treasured memories of We always think of you, Donald, Katie and family, him. Angela, loving wife of the late It seems to us you’re still Locheynort. Inserted by Mum, Dad, Jack, loving mum and right here, Kathleen and Kevin granny, who died September McFADYEN Only with a higher view. 23, 2011. 5th Anniversary of Samuel, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for KIRK died suddenly on September 9th Anniversary of our very We do not need a special her. 22, 2010. HIGGINS special aunt. day, Inserted by her loving Will those who think of Sam In loving memory of our dear Treasured memories shared To bring you to our mind, daughters and grandchildren. today, daughter, sister, aunt and together, The memories we have of A little prayer to Jesus say. sister-in-law, Patricia Loved and longed for, you, BROADLEY Donnelly, died September 17, Missed forever. Inserted by his loving wife Are the everlasting kind. Helen, daughters Margaret 56th Anniversary 1992. Jesus, keep her in Your care. A silent prayer keeps us in Mary and Siobhan and wee COLEMAN In loving memory of our Forever in our prayers and Inserted by her nieces, Julie touch, and Angela. Sam. In loving memory of Peter beloved father, Francis thoughts. With the one we loved and Coleman, who died March Broadley, accidentally killed Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for miss so very much. LEE 23, 1993, and whose birthday in the Auchengeoch Pit her. 1st Anniversary St Martha, pray for her. occurs on September 18. Disaster, September 18, Mum and all the family. In loving memory of our Inserted by Joseph, Frances, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 1959, and also our mother, him. wonderful dad and grandpa, Robert and families. Christina Broadley, who died From your nieces and HUGHES Thomas Lee, whose first 3rd Anniversary nephews. November 14, 2000. R.I.P. anniversary occurs on MacDONALD Eternal rest grant unto them, Of the death of Moira Seton September 20. In loving memory of our Place Your Intimation O Lord, Hughes who died September Dad, you are always in our brother and uncle, Donald, Announcing, 19, 2012. Dearly beloved thoughts and prayers and Remembering, And let perpetual light shine died September 24, 2007. Thanking daughter of Marjory and Dan, you are sorely missed each Births, Marriages, upon them. Years go swiftly by but Deaths,Anniversaries sister of Aileen, sister-in-law and every day, especially on May they rest in peace. of Steve and aunt of Daniel this, your first anniversary. memories will never die. Amen. and Michael. Sacred Heart and St St John Paul, pray for him. Our Lady of Fatima and St Sadly missed. Anthony, pray for him. Inserted by sisters and Barbara, pray for them. families, South Uist, Oban To place a Family Announcement Contact St Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray All our love, Marie, Clare and Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 Inserted by their family. for her. family. and Edinburgh. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

O’NEIL TAGGART DEAR HEART OF JESUS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED to grant me the favour I thee 2nd Anniversary 42nd Anniversary Dear Heart of Jesus in the VIRGIN implore and tell Him I will In memory of our dear mum Treasured memories of John, past I have asked you for O Most Beautiful Flower of love Him each day more and and gran, Maureen, who died who died September 20, many favours, this time I ask Mount Carmel, fruitful in the more. September 17, 2013. 1973. you for this special one splendour of Heaven, The above prayer plus 5 Our Blessed Mother of the Son of Fathers, 5 Hail Marys and 5 You can only have one Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for (mention favour), take it Dear him. God, Immaculate Virgin, Glory Be’s must be said on 5 mother Heart of Jesus, and place it St Anthony, pray for him. within Your broken heart assist me in this my successive days before 11 Patient, kind and true, necessity. O Star of the Sea, a.m. On the 5th day, the 5th Eternal rest grant unto him, O where your Father sees it, No other friend in all the help me and show me herein set of prayers having been Lord, then in his merciful eyes it world And let perpetual light shine You are my Mother. O Holy completed, offer one more will become Your favour, not Will be the same as you. upon him, Mary, Mother of God, Queen set – 5 Our Fathers, 5 Hail mine. Amen. Say for three McGAULEY Your loving family. May he rest in peace. of Heaven and Earth, I Marys and 5 Glory Be’s. In memory of a dear brother, Inserted by the family. days, publication promised. – humbly beseech You from Publication promised. Tom, who departed this life, A.F. REILLY the bottom of my heart to September 18, 2001, and our 5th Anniversary WRIGHT succour me in my necessity. DEAR HEART OF JESUS parents, Thomas and thanks to Our In loving memory of our dear Precious memories of GRATEFUL There are none that can Dear Heart of Jesus in the Margaret, gone before, also Lady, St Anthony and St mother, Mary, who died Kathleen, loving mum and withstand Your power. O past I have asked you for baby Caroline. Joseph of Cupertino for show me herein You are my many favours, this time I ask September 19, 2010. gran, died September 20, Thank you for the memories. prayers answered. – A.F. mother. O Mary, conceived you for this special one (men- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 2012. All our tomorrows will be as Lonely is the home without without sin, pray for us who tion favour), take it Dear her. today, you Mum, GRATEFUL thanks to St have recourse to Thee (three Heart of Jesus, and place it St Anthony, pray for her. Praying for you, Life to us is not the same, Philomena the Wonder times). Holy Mary, I place within Your broken heart Missing you along life’s way. Inserted by Brian and all the All the world would be like Worker for favours granted. – this cause in your hands where your Father sees it, Rest in peace, dear loved Reilly family. heaven, J.B. (three times). O thank you for then in his merciful eyes it ones. Just to have you back again. your mercy to me and mine. will become Your favour, not Till we meet again. Amen. Say for three days; mine. Amen. Say for three SHARP If we could have a lifetime GRATEFUL thanks to the publication promised. – J.C. days, publication promised. Peggy and family. 11th Anniversary wish, Blessed Virgin Mary and St In loving memory of Frank, We would never ask another, Jude. Still praying. – E.K. MacKINNON loving husband of the late Just for God to turn back NOVENA TO ST CLARE NOVENA PRAYER TO ST In loving memory of my dear time, Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine JUDE Jess, loving father and BLESSED VIRGIN MARY mother, Catherine, who died And give us back our mother. days with a lighted candle; May the Sacred Heart of grandfather, who died please answer my prayer and September 23, 1959. Eternal rest grant unto her,O publication promised. Jesus be praised, adored, September 25, 2004. I will be forever grateful to Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for lord, glorified and loved through- We only wish that we could you. – M.M. her. And let perpetual light shine NOVENA to St Therese of out the world now and for- say, Mary and family, South Uist upon her, the Little Flower. ever more. Sacred Heart of We’re going to see our Dad , and away. May she rest in peace. BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Saint Therese, the Little Jesus have mercy on us. St today, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for you who can find a way when Flower, please pick me a Jude helper of the hopeless, To hear his voice, to see him there is no way, please help rose from the heavenly pray for us. St Jude, great MacLEAN her. garden and sent it to me with miracle worker, pray for us. 7th Anniversary of Sara smile, St Pio, pray for her. me. Repeat six times and a message of love. Ask God Say nine times daily. MacLean, beloved wife of To sit and talk to him awhile. Your loving family. publication promised. – J.C. James, loving mother and Please God forgive a silent tear, grandmother, died ACKNOWLEDGEMENT September 25, 2008. A constant wish that he was “I am very grateful to Charlotte (Missionary Donor) for the here. Nothing can take away MacLELLAN renewal of the SCO. It is very informative and of great interest to The love our hearts hold For the hardest thing in life to The family of the late Marion dear, bear, MacLellan (Morag) would like others to whom it is passed on.” Sister Angela Fond memories linger every Is to need your Dad and he’s to thank family, friends and day not there. neighbours for their kind Help other Missionaries like Sr Angela keep in touch with home Remembrance keeps her Never more than a thought expressions of sympathy, We have a waiting list of 7 near. away, cards, flowers and telephone As we loved her, so we miss Loved and remembered calls. Thanks to the staff of CAN YOU HELP REDUCE IT? her, every day. Sacred Heart House, In our memories she is dear. Inserted by your loving family Daliburgh, South Uist and Dr Any amount sent will go towards a donated missionary Loved remembered, thought at home and away. Bird for all the care and of always, attention that was given to subscription to the Bringing many a silent tear. Morag. Many thanks to Forever loved from your STEELE Morag’s loyal friends in loving family. 31st Anniversary Glasgow who supported and In loving memory of my dear cared for her whilst living in husband, and our father, McNEIL Glasgow. Grateful thanks to Only £16.50 per Quarter, £60 per Year, In loving memory of our dear Donald Roderick, who died Canon Donald MacKay for mum and gran, Rose, died on September 18, 1984. Funeral Mass and comforting or any contribution towards a full subscription September 6, 2001, also our R.I.P. words. Thanks to Neil dear dad and papa, Joe, who Death has not parted us, MacIntyre for funeral Subscribe Online www.sconews.co.uk/subscribe died September 19, 2002. You are always by our side, arrangements. Also the You can pay by cheque or postal order made out to Politician (Eriskay) for St Anthony, pray for them. As we travel on life’s journey, The Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT Inserted by Mary, Catherine, Your love is still our guide. catering. The family would like to thank everyone who James, Suzanne, John, Jessie and family. You can phone us on 0141 241 6112 to pay by card. Jimmy and all the paid their respects at St grandchildren. Michael’s Church, Eriskay STEELE and the graveside. 31st Anniversary MARTIN In memory of our dear Name: In loving memory of Dominic brother-in-law and uncle, THANKSGIVING Address: Martin, a loving and Donald Roderick, who died cherished father and September 18, 1984. R.I.P. GRATEFUL thanks to St husband, died September 17, Those special years cannot Clare, St Joseph, St Jude 2009, and also remembering and St Martha. – M. Postcode: Mary Ann MacLean return, When we were all together, (MacInnes) and Donald thanks to St But in our hearts held close GRATEFUL Options MacLean. Jude for prayers answered. All missed and remembered by love, Still praying. – A.F. I’m enclosing a donation for: with love. You walk with us forever. Our Lady, Star of the sea, Weekly SCO Our Lady of the Isles, pray NOVENA TO ST CLARE • for them. pray for him. Say nine Hail Mary’s for nine
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Contribution Inserted by Mary Jessie and Inserted by Mary M., Donald days with a lighted candle; ______family, Glasgow and Millport. Angus and family. publication promised. – J.R. 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

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

a small bowl. The children will be separated (R) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. into small groups. Each group will have one of CHILDREN’S the items. One group will have the M&Ms, Second Reading another will have the raisins, another will have Your wealth is rotting. A reading from the letter of CROSSWORD 99 the spoons, another will have the big bowl, and James 5:1-6. so on. Brothers and sisters, you rich people should cry G Tell the children that they are going to make and weep! Terrible things are going to happen to 1 2 3 4 5 6 a snack mix, which is very yummy and after it you. Your treasures have already rotted and is made every one will be able to take a small moths have eaten your clothes. Your money has bag of it home with them. rusted and the rust will be evidence against you, G Talk to the children about the components as it burns your body like fire. 7 each group has. Talk about which component Yet you keep on storing up wealth in these might be ‘the best.’ They will probably say the last days. You refused to pay the people who M&Ms but then talk about how salty items such worked in your fields and now their unpaid as the nuts and crisps make the M&Ms taste even wages are shouting out against you. The Lord 8 9 sweeter. Talk about the necessity of the large All-Powerful has surely heard the cries of the bowl to mix it up. Talk about how hard it would workers who harvested your crops. 10 11 12 be to take it home without the zip-lock bags. While here on earth, you have thought only G Correlate this to today’s message about of filling your own stomachs and having a good 13 14 time. But now you are like fat cattle on their everyone using their own gifts to make the 15 world better and how different groups can work way to be butchered. You have condemned and together to accomplish this goal. Have each murdered innocent people, who couldn’t even 16 group contribute their part to making the snack fight back. mix. Give each child a bag to take home. The Word of the Lord 17 Prayer Alleluia 18 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time Dear Jesus, thank you for all of the people who John 17:17b, 17a. are working to make the world a better place. (R) Alleluia, alleluia. Please help me to recognise your love and spirit Your word, O Lord, is truth; make us holy in the ACROSS Reflection in all people. In your name we pray. Amen. truth. 1 Sport played with a cue (7) TODAY’S First Reading and Gospel are about (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 5 Peaked hat (3) the necessity for everyone to use the gifts God First Reading 7 Put the plug in to use this power (11) has given them to make the world a better Are you jealous on my account? Who decrees that all Gospel 8 It carries lots of people (3) place. Both stories tell about some people who people may prophesy? A reading from the book of Anyone who is not against us is for us. A reading from 10 Twisting wind (7) were not part of the ‘chosen group,’ but who Numbers 11:25-29. the Holy Gospel according to Mark 9:38-41. 13 Not correct (5) were doing good things. Members of the groups The Lord came down in a cloud and spoke with The disciple John said to Jesus: “Teacher, we 15 A written sign (6) were upset because they thought they should Moses. Then He took some of the Spirit’s power saw a man using your name to force demons out 16 The Holy Book of Christians (5) be the only ones who should be able to do good that He had given to Moses, and He gave it to of people. But he was not one of us and we told 17 Dance show, such as Swan Lake (6) things. Moses and Jesus both said: “How silly the 70 leaders. The men prophesied, but they him to stop.” 18 The opposite of hard (4) is that? We are trying to make the world better did it only this one time. Jesus said to His disciples: “Don’t stop him! and anyone who wants to help is welcome!” Two of the leaders had stayed in camp and No one who works miracles in my name will DOWN Being part of a group like Girl Scouts, Boy had not gone out to the sacred tent. They were soon turn and say something bad about me. 1 All the bones of the body (8) Scouts, our Church, our family, and our Eldad and Medad. But the Spirit also took Anyone who is not against us is for us. And 2 Not closed (4) neighbourhood or part of a team, such as control of them and they prophesied. anyone who gives you a cup of water in my 3 Flying toy controlled by string (4) football or netball makes us proud because A young man went and told Moses: “Eldad name, just because you belong to me, will 4 Coloured arch in the sky (7) we share many of the same beliefs with the and Medad are prophesying in camp.” surely be rewarded.” 5 French fries (5) group and we work with the group to reach Joshua son of Nun was still a boy when he The Gospel of the Lord. 6 Hand over money (3) goals. We usually know the other people in first started helping Moses. Joshua was there at 9 Largest (7) group fairly well. Sometimes we get so caught the time and said to him:“Master, make those 11 Baby’s toy (6) up in being part of that group that we become men stop!” 12 A person who uses a bow and arrow (6) competitive with other groups. For example, Moses replied: “Are you saying this for my 14 You control a horse with these straps (5) we think our school is better than another good? I wish the Lord would give his Spirit to school or our team plays better than another all His people and let them become His prophets!” team or our church is better than another The Word of the Lord LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION church. This makes it hard to see the good things that other groups are doing. Responsorial Psalm ACROSS Today, we are taught that every one is 66:1-3ab, 4-5, 16 and 20. 1 Golf course 6 Ambulance 7 Yard 8 People 11 Fat responsible for building God’s Kingdom no (R) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. 12 Cleans 14 Three 15 Night 16 Snug matter what group to which they belong. We Tell everyone on this earth to shout praises to all belong to the biggest group of all—God’s God! DOWN family—and as part of that group we must Sing about his glorious name. Honour him with 1 Gravy 2 Laboratory 3 Cold 4 Sleeping 5 Angel use our talents to make the world a better praises. 9 Evening 10 Screen 11 Fetch 13 Rats place. We must also appreciate the talents Say to God: “Everything you do is fearsome!” that other people offer towards that same (R) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. goal. Just because someone does not go to our “You are worshiped by everyone! We all sing The Children’s Liturgy page is church or our school does not mean they praises to you.” published one week in advance to can’t be good people, serving God and doing Come and see the fearsome things our God has good things for the world. done! allow RE teachers and those taking (R) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Activity All who worship God, come here and listen; I G Materials needed: A bag of plain M&Ms, a will tell you everything Masses to use, if they wish, this box of raisins, Granola, crisps, small bowls, a God has done for me. Let’s praise God! page as an accompaniment to their large bowl, spoons and zip-lock bags. He listened when I prayed and He was always G Preparation: Place each of the food items in kind. teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 Shetland youths receive Caritas Award for Church and community work

By Dan McGinty Bishop Hugh Gilbert joins St Margaret’s parish priest, Fr Anil Gonsalves in presenting the Caritas Award to four members of the parish’s youth group BISHOP Hugh Gilbert of the Diocese of Aberdeen travelled to St Margaret’s in Shetland where he presented the Caritas Award to four able to donate £500 for Asha Niketan School in young Catholics from the parish. India as well. The youngsters were given the award in recognition In their own communities the young people of their participation in voluntary work both in the prepared and served lunch for senior citizens, Church and in their wider community, during helped the Salvation Army prepare food parcels which they devoted over 400 hours of their spare and organised coffee mornings. time to helping other, as well as meeting regularly Their work was particularly noticeable around to pray and discuss their Faith, putting what they Christmas last year, when they served a festive had learned into action. meal in the days before Christmas for the senior Among the activities they became involved in citizens of the areas, and held an Advent themed through the parish were the organising of and puppet show, which was performed for both senior participation in Advent and Lenten prayer services, citizens and children. giving their time as an altar server, reader, running Such were there efforts that the recognition for Fairtrade stalls, cleaning the church, cutting grass their hard work extended beyond the Caritas Award, in the grounds, working to clear and prepare the and the group have also received the Saltire Award church for refurbishment and helping to count the for their efforts, while two of their number also parish collections. received the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and will be They also raised over £1500 for SCIAF by taking part in World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow. walking 19 miles, washing cars, bag packing and holding raffles, amongst other efforts, and were I [email protected] A retiral and recognition of service at St Bridget’s

THERE were two special organising Jumbulance groups to occasions marked in St Lourdes, and for her support for Bridget’s in Baillieston, as Scottish International Relief (SIR). the parish welcomed Bishop Although she moved out of Joe Toal of Motherwell to the parish five years ago she present two parishioners has still kept up her work there, with Bene Merenti medals, and in around 30 years she has while at the same time Mgr prepared more than 200 John McIntyre bid farewell couples for marriage. She also to begin his retirement (left). organised the parish Across Bishop Joseph Toal of group which took seriously ill Motherwell presented the medals and disabled pilgrims to to Mairi Mackay and Margaret Lourdes by Jumbulance. McElroy at the end of the Vigil Additionally, she worked with Mass he had concelebrated with SIR after she began with Mgr McIntyre, during the final collecting materials and food to weekend of his 20 years of send to Eastern Europe, and priestly service in St Bridget’s. when SIR started Mary’s Meals Mairi Mackay received her she organised a group of award for her work over the parishioners to fill backpacks years in the parish and in the with basic essentials, such as diocesan office where she pencils, rulers, notepads clothes, organised the pilgrimages to soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, Lourdes, while her fellow and of course, the spoon the parishioner Margaret McElroy children use to eat their was given the award in nourishing meal at school. So recognition of her parish work far more than 25,000 backpacks in marriage preparation, have been sent to Malawi.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Supporters and friends of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice gathered along Great Western Road as they took part in the Clydebank institution’s annual Ladies Midnight Walk. Taking place in the dark of night the participants nevertheless brought plenty of colour to the route—which saw them covering 5kms in total—with groups of friends and relatives of those who have received care from the hospice joining other supporters as hundreds of ladies took part. The event has become a favourite of hospice supporters and play an important part in raising the vital funds which make the ongoing work of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice—now celebrating its 65th year in operation— among the ill and elderly possible. Before the walk the ladies were given a keep-fit lesson by a fitness instructor at the departure point, while DJ Steve McKennna kept the participants entertained. Following the walk a barbecue was held with refreshments for those who had made their way round the route

E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 23

SPOTLIGHT ON Graduates from the Class of 1965 at Notre Dame College of Education gathered to mark their Golden Jubilee with a special thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti. Mass was celebrated in Glasgow University Memorial Chapel, and the former classmates found themselves together once more as they enjoyed the celebration of the 50th year since their graduation. To mark the occasion the teachers joined Archbishop Conti after Mass for a commemorative photo before enjoying a reception when they looked back on their memories of a life in teaching and even their own days spent in the classroom while studying at Notre Dame PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

Fintry parishioner enjoys 90th birthday celebrations

CATHOLICS in Fintry and congratulations of those in Mass celebrates completion of St Brigid’s facelift joined the celebrations in the parish as he attended morning Our Lady of Sorrows Mass on his special Day. By Dan McGinty Beginning in June, the refurbishment took started in the 19th century. Church as their lifelong After Mass he was presented place over ten weeks, during which time The refurbishment (above) was made fellow parishioner, Harry with gifts from the parish—by PARISHIONERS from St Brigid’s in parishioners continued to worship in the possible by a grant from Viridor Credits for Cox (above), marked a very parish priest Fr Jim Walls—as Newmains marked the completion of parish as they have for over 140 years, using nearly £62,000, money which came from the special birthday. well as from his own family the refurbishment works in their the St Brigid’s Parish Centre for Masses and dispersal of Communities Land Fill Tax. Mr Cox, a well-known and friends, many of whom parish as they attended a special Mass services throughout the refurbishment of the member of the Dundee parish, were in attendance to help him church. It was in what is now the Parish I [email protected] was celebrating his 90th birthday, celebrate the occasion. (above) celebrated in thanksgiving for PIC: DANNY MULDOON the successful project. Centre that the mission of the parish first and received all the best wishes PIC: EDDIE MAHONEY

GOLDEN JUBILEE ARCHIVE REPORT: FEBRUARY 6, 1990 Mandela release welcome, but… ‘Keep sanctions’ Church groups urge leaders

DURING 2015—the golden sanction and boycott apartheid jubilee year of the Scottish South Africa. Catholic International Aid “The state of emergency Fund (SCIAF)—the SCO will remains, detention without trial bring you highlights of the remains, the Group Areas Act last five decades of the remains, the Land Act remains, campaigns and work of the the Population Registration Act Catholic aid agency—an remains and other highly agency of the Bishops’ restrictive legislation remains on Conference of Scotland—as the statute books,” the charities its reach developed and it said. “To relax our efforts now became a member of the would be a mistake, which umbrella organisation Caritas generations to come will not be Internationalis. able to forgive,” they added. “We call on the international SCIAF and the Catholic Justice community to continue the and Peace Commission campaign to isolate the apartheid welcomed the release of regime. To lift sanctions now Nelson Mandela (right), but would be to run the risk of aborting urged UK and international the process towards the complete governments to continue to eradication of apartheid.” E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] 24 CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2015 Fracture meant a war fought on two fronts DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of Islam and Catholicism, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM looks at how the Reformation had caused major problems for the former

LTHOUGH, as we saw in last week’s control over parts of Italy. Nobody at the time paid declining as Christian Spanish cities muscled in on Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. Their advance was article, the Catholic world was much attention to the Portuguese ventures in the its key sectors, including porcelain making. For halted only by the defeat of the Ottomans by expanding rapidly and managed to Atlantic—Europe was where power lay in the now, though, the powerful Granada Army, with its Tamerlane in 1402, but the Ottoman advance bypass Islam to some extent from the minds of almost everyone. Even the Portuguese 7000-strong cavalry, remained a potent deterrent resumed in the 1440s. 1480s onwards, the ongoing themselves had placed the conquest of Islamic to outside enemies. Granada could even interfere They found themselves opposed by two highly confrontation between Islamic and Catholic powers Morocco above their voyages of discovery. in the succession war in Castile, which raged competent Hungarian kings, father and son, John in Europe had not come to an end. Both in Spain and From 1477, the Habsburg dynasty—then an between 1474 and 1479. From it, however, Hunyadi and Matthias Corvinus. Hunyadi was a inA the Balkans, war was an on-going reality, which impoverished if prestigious central European emerged a victorious Isabella, married, as we saw nobleman from Transylvania, who gained an continued to enforce mutual suspicion and fear. monarchy based in Vienna—married the Burgundian above, to the King of Aragon. important victory over the Turks in the defence of From a Catholic perspective the conflict with heiress of the Low Countries. Untold riches made Granada failed to read the times, and in 1481 the border fortress of Belgrade in 1456. Assisted Islam has to be seen in the wider context of internal the family not just nominally powerful as German launched a raid across the border in which many by the Papal legate, St John of Capistrano, divisions. As Catholic powers expanded across the Emperors, but de facto powerful. Marriage became Christians were enslaved. This had been going on Hunyadi managed to mould the peasant armies of globe, Christendom fell apart. The Reformation in its main weapon of expansion, and over time the for centuries, but this time the Christian response Hungary into a formidable force that inflicted a northern and central Europe caused large regions dynasty would inherit Spain, the Czech Lands and was robust. After a couple of years of raiding, King decisive defeat on the Ottomans. to reject the spiritual supremacy of the Papacy. For Hungary, as well as a raft of Italian principalities. Ferdinand of Aragon determined to ‘destroy it.’ It Corvinus developed Hungary into one of the those monarchies who remained Catholic— From the Low Countries, they inherited the took another 11 years of warfare, but, on January most prosperous countries in Christendom, and his primarily the Habsburgs of Spain and the German Crusading zeal of the Dukes of Burgundy. They had 2, 1492, Grenada fell and the last Muslim outpost own court was one of the earliest centres of the Empire, the King of Portugal and the Kings of led the last Crusades against Islam in the Balkans in western Europe was gone. Soon after, Columbus Renaissance outside Italy. He fought a very long France—the defence of the Faith, hitherto a question in the fourteenth century. From the Spanish came returned to Spain, having unwittingly laid the frontier war with the Ottomans, who found it of Crusading, came to include the defence of the Reconquista inheritance. This had come to an foundations for a huge American colonial empire. impossible to penetrate his defences. However, Catholicism against the claims of Protestant rulers. end only 14 years prior to the Habsburg wedding Again, this did not feature much in the contempo- they did manage to remove the Romanian frontier Into this mix came the superpower confrontation which secured Spain. In 1482, Spain consisted of rary awareness. A song written during the war, principalities, and linked with their fellow between the Kings of France on the one hand, and two separate kingdoms, Castile and Aragon. Both Setenil, ay Setenel, expressed the hope that the Muslims in the Crimean Khanate to prepare for the the Habsburg rulers of Spain and the German were born out of the Reconquista and were now conquest of Granada was the preliminary to final assault on Hungary. Empire on the other. Although the Habsburgs united through the wedding of their monarchs, Ferdinand’s conquest of Jerusalem. This came in 1526, as the Reformation was refused to compromise their Faith, the Kings of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. already raging across Europe. The Ottomans France would often align with Protestant powers, hen the Habsburgs came to Spain, they advanced with overwhelming force and brought or even with the Ottoman Empire, to fight their he marriage created a powerful Catholic came to a country that defined itself as King Louis II to battle on the field at Mohacs Habsburg rivals. This became more pronounced as force on the Peninsula, powerful enough to having been created by the war with (below), on the Danube. The Ottoman victory was the Habsburgs became Europe’s dominant force. take on the last bulwark of Islam, Grenada. Islam.W In the east, they inherited a country— a crushing one—the King, most of the nobility and From the end of the Hundred Years’War (1453), TAfter the death of its last effective ruler, the Emir Hungary—that was destroyed by its war with 14,000 Christian Hungarian soldiers were left dead France had been Europe’s main power. It had Yusuf III in 1417, Granada had suffered from low- Islam. We have seen in previous instalments of this on the field. Mohacs is little known in the West, expanded its northern borders and had gained key civil strife and division. Its economy was series that the Islamic Ottoman Empire had but was one of the most important battles of the invaded the Balkans in the 14th century. By the sixteenth century. It brought the Turks to the gates mid-15th century, it had destroyed the Byzantine of Vienna, where they would remain for a century. Empire, and had also conquered the Orthodox The Balkans were lost to Christendom for kingdoms of Bulgaria and Serbia. That left only centuries, and the Habsburgs inherited what the Albanian resistance, which was partly Catholic, remained of Hungary. They were now the defenders and the Orthodox Romanian principalities. After of Christendom in the Balkans, as well as the heirs that, the new Islamic superpower met the Catholic to the conquistadores of Spain. In any other age this Kingdom of Hungary. would have enabled Christendom to unite and carry The chronology of the Ottoman advance is one the war to the Ottomans. However, Christendom of almost relentless advance northwards. After was no more, fractured by the Reformation. The having crushed the Serbs at the Battle of Kosovo Habsburgs, who should have been Christendom’s in 1389, the Ottomans swept away a combined champions, were instead fighting a war on two Burgundian-Hungarian crusading army at the fronts—Islam and Protestantism.

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