Year in Review Inside

Home , Beniamino Stella, Bob Crampsey, Pope2you, Roman Curia, Vatican News

HOLY FATHER’S MESSAGES CHRISTMAS message for from each SHORT STORIES the World Day Scottish to celebrate of Peace. diocese. Christ’s birth. Page 3 Pages 6-7 Pages 20-23

No 5549 SPECIAL DOUBLE EDITION OF YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER Friday December 20-27 2013 | £2 £2 48-PAGE EDITION YEAR IN REVIEW INSIDE

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 DECEMBER 20 2013 More than 300 people attended the 36th Cardinal Winning Charity Ball, which was held at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday December 6. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow What’s On (below left) hosted the event. His predecessor,Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti, and many guests were also in A weekly guide to upcoming Church events attendance. Those gathered were kept entertained by Fr Joe Mills, who was MC for SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 halls and a ceilidh. For the evening, and comedian Andy Cameron I Ordination to the Diaconate further information visit: (left with organisers Susan Haughey of Gareth Thomas CP, 12noon, http://www.rcdop.org.uk/index. and Mary O’Neill) who took on the auctioneering duties. St Mungo’s, Glasgow. cfm?load=page&page=181 I The auction alone brought in a total of Advent Lectures: Advent £47,800, with Archbishop Tartaglia’s gold Reflection from a representa- SATURDAY DECEMBER 28 I Papal Medal, a gift from Pope Francis, tive of the Sisters of the Mis- Pro-life Mass for feast of raising £30,000.Among the lucky raffle sionaries of Charity. A the Holy Innocents, 12 noon, prizewinners on the evening was Billy contemplative preparation for St David’s Church, Dalkeith. Maguire, brother of Mgr Des Maguire, who the true meaning of Christmas, drove off in a Suzuki Alto car, which was 7pm, Immaculate Heart of WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1 donated by John Maguire of Phoenix Car Mary Church, Glasgow. I New Year’s Day Mass at the Company.The recipients of money raised at I Parish Carol Service, St Little Sisters of the Poor House, this year’s ball were:The Wayside Club, Aloysius’ Church, Glasgow. A Glasgow. Archbishop Philip Little Sisters of the Poor, Sisters of Nazareth, choice of readings and carols Tartaglia will celebrate Mass at Mungo Foundation and St Nicholas Pastoral beginning at 4pm. All welcome 10.30am at St Joseph’s, Care to attend and get into the spirit Robroyston, home of the Little PICS: PAUL McSHERRY of Christmas. Sisters’ community in the city. MONDAY DECEMBER 23 THURSDAY JANUARY 2 I Taize Prayers in Advent, I AGAP Film and Faith Club. 7pm-7.40pm, Immaculate Con- An opportunity to enjoy a film ception Church, Glasgow. along with tea and coffee. 7.30pm-10pm, St Michael’s WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25 Church, Glasgow. For more I St Margaret of Scotland information, visit: Hospice welcomes Archbishop www.agap.org.uk. Philip Tartaglia, who will celebrate Mass at 10.30am. FRIDAY JANUARY 3 I Monthly Holy Hour for FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 mums and mums-to-be, I Paisley Diocese youth event. 7.30pm, Missionaries of Carol Service followed by Charity, 186 Braidcroft Road, refreshments in the cathedral Glasgow. E-mail [email protected]

Pope Francis talks with three Communion men who live on Occasion Wear the streets near Photography For Kids the Vatican on Tuesday, December 17. As part of a low-key celebration of his 77th birthday, the Holy Father celebrated morning Mass and had breakfast with the men Book your fitting NOW. Once you reserve A SECTION PAGE 24 LETTERS AND EDITORIAL LEADER your dress, we PAGE 2 PICTURE NEWS/WHAT’S ON COLUMN PAGE 25 CHILDREN’S LITURGY PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 26 SCIAF ON 2013 don’t sell to PAGE 4-5 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 27 ACN’S YEAR IN REVIEW anyone in the PAGE 6-7 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS PAGE 28 SPIRITUAL REFLECTION PAGE All your You’ll be Spoiled for choice. PAGE 8-9 BISHOPS’ MESSAGES PAGE 29 JOE BRADLEY Communion same location on PAGE 10 HUGH MCLOUGHLIN ON NEW CARDI- PAGE 20 JUMBO CROSSWORD We’re the UK’s biggest wear in one place. All the the same date. NALS PAGE 31-36 CLASSIFIEDS accessories you need for your stockist of Sweetie Pie. We PAGE 12 JOHN DEIGHAN/FR McGHEE PAGE 37 EWTN/LAY READERS special day stock Macis and Sarah Louise PAGE 13 JOE McGRATH’S PAGE 38- 39 NATIVITIES/ JOURNEY OF FAITH CELEBRATING LIFE PAGE 16-17 COLUMNISTS PAGE 18 GAELIC COLUMN B SECTION PULL OUT PAGE 19 STRONG IN FAITH PAGES 1-3, 6-8 YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 20&21 JAMES BARCLAY’S PAGES 4-5 FR COLIN MacINNES FROM MIS- CHRISTMAS STORY SION IN ECUADOR AND THE FINAL PART OF PAGE 32-23 CATH DOHERTY’S CHRISTMAS HARRY SCHNITKER’S CHURCH AND SCOTLAND STORY SERIES

EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 FIND THE SCO Sky Freesat £146 total cost , no monthly charges. PAGE ON 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. FACEBOOK AND 109 King Street, King’s Court, G1 2RB Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. @carriages and castles Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail info@stclaremedia-ewtn.co.uk SCO_NEWS ON for free monthly posted programme guide and 0141 611 7676 www.carriageandcastles.co.uk visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. TWITTER WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Report: Catholic MSPs at risk over marriage bill schools not root By Ian Dunn month, with MSPs voting by a of sectarianism Peace and justice for all margin of 98 to 15 to support the PROMINENT MSPs risk principle of same-sex ‘marriage.’ IN HIS first annual message of reference to a common Father as losing their seats over their The Scotland for Marriage list for the World Day of Peace, its ultimate foundation is unable to support for same-sex ‘mar- includes seven SNP MSPs and A REPORT commissioned Pope Francis says that peace endure. True brotherhood among riage,’ according to the Scot- three from Labour who backed the by the Scottish Government and social justice for all are peoples presupposes and demands a land for Marriage group that change. Top of the list is Bill Kidd, has confirmed that Catholic impossible without a spirit of transcendent Fatherhood.” opposes the redefinition of the SNP MSP for Glasgow schools are not responsible fraternity based on recognition The Holy Father adds that, ‘in a marriage. Anniesland, who will be defend- for sectarianism. that all men and women are particular way, human fraternity is The umbrella group of organ- ing a majority of only seven in the The Advisory Group on children of God. regenerated in and by Jesus Christ isations, which includes the 2016 election. However, Scotland Tackling Sectarianism released The Holy Father said that the through His death and Resurrection.’ Catholic Church, published a list for Marriage said it has 1178 sup- a report on sectarianism in huge wealth of the few and the Pope Francis also surveys con- of 10 MSPs with small majorities porters in his seat. Second is Fiona Scotland on December 13 and poverty of the many are symptoms temporary attacks on human dig- who are ‘vulnerable’ to being McLeod, the Strathkelvin and its findings on Catholic schools of an economy based on greed and nity—including war, economic removed at the next Holyrood Bearsden MSP,whose majority of have been welcomed by the inequality and called on the exploitation, crime, environmental election. They include Iain 1802 compared with 3207 backers Church. nations of the world to reduce this pollution and violations of religious Gray, the former Scottish Labour the group said it has in her con- The working group’s report inequality. freedom—that he says require awareness and leader, and seven SNP MSPs. In stituency. Third was George states categorically that it has The message, entitled Fraternity, the Foun- practice of humanity’s brotherhood and sister- each case, Scotland for Marriage Adam, the SNP MSP for Paisley, found sectarianism is not dation and Pathway to Peace, is close to 5000 hood in Christ. says its supporters in the MSPs’ for whom the difference between linked to faith schools, the words long. It was released by the Vatican last He decries a widespread ‘poverty of rela- constituencies exceeds their the two numbers was 621 in overwhelming majority of Thursday in preparation for the World Day of tionships as a result of the lack of solid family respective majorities. favour of Scotland for Marriage. which are Catholic schools in Peace on January 1 2014. and community relationships,’ and writes that The group has urged all MSPs Two Labour members—John Scotland. The Holy Father calls for ‘effective policies’ ‘fraternity is generally first learned in the fam- to amend same-sex ‘marriage’ Pentland, the Motherwell and “We do not believe that sec- to reduce income inequality and guarantee ily, thanks above all to the responsible and com- legislation, which is currently Wishaw MSP, and Duncan tarianism stems from, or is the ‘access to capital and services, educational plementary roles of each of its members, being considered at Holyrood, McNeil, the Greenock and Inver- responsibility of, denomina- resources, healthcare and technology so that particularly the father and the mother.’ to include more safeguards for clyde MSP—were placed fourth tional schooling, or, specifi- every person has the opportunity to express and He repeats his own calls and those of previ- opponents. Among the measures and fifth on the list. They were cally, Catholic schools, nor that realise his or her life project and can develop ous Popes for the ‘nonproliferation of arms and it seeks to include are amend- followed by three more SNP sectarianism would be eradi- fully as a person.’ He also calls on ordinary for the disarmament of all parties, beginning ments protecting freedom of MSPs—Gil Paterson in Clyde- cated by closing such institu- Christians to embrace a ‘sober and essential with nuclear and chemical weapons,’ and speech, the right to foster or bank and Milngavie, David Tor- tions,” it says. lifestyle’ and share their wealth, calling such appeals directly to ‘all those who sow violence adopt children, to access public rance in Kirkcaldy and Marco “However, we fully recog- practice of ‘detachment’ a ‘form of promoting and death by force of arms’ to see every enemy services and not to suffer dis- Biagi in Edinburgh Central. nise the important role that edu- fraternity—and thus defeating poverty—which instead as ‘your brother or sister, and hold back crimination in the workplace. Mr Gray was ninth and San- cation plays in addressing must be the basis of all the others.’ your hand!’ “Human beings can experience con- The government bill cleared dra White, the SNP MSP for social issues and bringing The current economic crisis, Pope Francis version,” the Pope writes. “I wish this to be a mes- its first hurdle at Holyrood last Glasgow Kelvin, was tenth. young people together. We have writes, offers a ‘fruitful opportunity to redis- sage of hope and confidence for all, even for those concluded that those involved cover the virtues of prudence, temperance, jus- who have committed brutal crimes, for God does in the delivery of education tice and strength’ that are ‘necessary for not wish the death of the sinner, but that he con- should develop opportunities building and preserving a society in accord with verts and lives.” for engagement, co-operation human dignity.’ “Without fraternity it is impos- Calling for responsible and equitable use of and relationship building.” sible to build a just society and a solid and last- natural resources, Pope Francis also writes Michael McGrath, director of ing peace,” the Pope continues. “At the same about agriculture. “It is well known that pres- the Scottish Catholic Education time, it appears clear that contemporary ethical ent (food) production is sufficient, and yet mil- Service, said the report’s find- systems remain incapable of producing authen- lions of persons continue to suffer and die from ings should not come as a sur- tic bonds of fraternity, since a fraternity devoid hunger, and this is a real scandal,” he writes. prise to anyone. “This is obviously not news to anyone involved with Catholic schools, but it’s interesting that is what a lot of the media coverage has focused on which I think is indicative of the deep rootedness of the problem,” Mr McGrath said. He added that what is ‘welcome’ about the report, is how thoroughly it investigated the issue of sectarianism in Scot- land. “It goes beyond the super- ficial, and really tries to explore it in a thoughtful way,” he said. “In order to counter sectarianism we need to understand it and I think this is the first time there has been a serious attempt to do that.” The group, set up by Scottish Minister for Community Safety Roseanna Cunningham called on schools to create ‘imaginative anti-sectarian partnerships’ but says it does not believe any ! !" % " $ further legislation is needed on sectarianism. $! ' " ! The Scottish Government set #" ! up the group—led by Duncan Morrow, former chief executive of the Community Relations Council in the North of Ireland— last year to look at the issue of sectarianism in the country In its first report, the group $40001(11 found that the default response ##0$11 in Scottish society to sectarian- -12"-#$ ism was ‘avoidance’ and there &&& ! & ! was a need for ‘acknowledgement, diagnosis and relevant action.’ $,"*-1$ "'$/3$2-(#2-2'$'30"'(,$$# .*$ 1$#$!(2+7 Dr Morrow, who chaired the 12$0 0#+$6 $120- group, said Scotland is ‘weary 6.(07 2$ *(#0-+ 2$ 113$- $120- of the lingering impact of sectarianism.’ Ms Cunningham (&, 230$120(."-#$ * 12!*-")-%#(&(21 (&, 230$ welcomed the publication of #-,-25(1'2-0$"$(4$(,%-0+ 2(-, !-32(#2-2'$'30"'(,$$# the report and announced that %%("$ *8($*3(*#(,& "-2220$$2-2'$05$** the work of the group will continue until March 2015. 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013

By Martin Dunlop

ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia led mourn- ers last Wednesday at the funeral Mass for PC Kirsty Nelis, who died in the police helicopter that crashed into Glasgow’s Clutha Vaults bar. The funeral took place just before the death toll from the tragedy rose to 10. Police colleagues joined mourning relatives at the funeral, which was held at Glasgow’s St Andrew’s Cathedral, a short distance from the Clutha Vaults bar, scene of the accident on Friday November 29. PC Nelis, 36, was one of three people in the helicopter who died, along with PC Tony Collins and civilian pilot David Trail. Seven people PIC: PAUL McSHERRY inside the bar were also killed; the latest victim of the crash was named as 59-year-old Joe Cusker, who died at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary Double dux for students from Pakistan last Thursday. Mr Cusker had been receiving treatment at the hospital following the crash. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and By Martin Dunlop entering a learning environment It is a set up in which Nida and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill attended PC in which they were not speaking Mohammad have clearly thrived, Nelis’ funeral, with Lord Provost Sadie Docherty AS THE famous song says, their native language. both academically and socially. and Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Math- ‘it’s hard to be humble,’but for “They are inspirational pupils “They are very modest young eson also present. Nida Saleemi and Mohammad and both very humble,” Laurie people who have done excep- Speaking to those gathered, Archbishop Mateen—who have recently Byrne, Holyrood headteacher, tionally well,” Adele Dastey, Tartaglia said ‘we offer our deepest sympathies Archbishop been appointed dux at Glas- said. “We all recognise their God- head of S6 at Holyrood, said. to Kirsty’s husband, Mark, to her mum and dad, gow’s Holyrood Secondary given talent and the school motto “Nothing has ever been a prob- to her two brothers, and to all her relatives and School—it comes as naturally of ‘developing talent in the serv- lem for Nida and Mohammad friends.’ Saverio Petri, who was using crutches, attended as passing exams. ice of others’ comes over very and there is nothing that they “We know that you have been devastated by PC Nelis’ funeral. To the great acclaim of their strongly with Nida and Moham- can’t cope with.” Kirsty’s tragic, sudden and untimely loss,” the Ten uniformed police officers lined the peers, the S6 pupils were mad.” Ms Dastey (above with Mr Archbishop of Glasgow said. “Together with entrance to the cathedral and saluted as their for- appointed as Holyrood school The school dux were both quick Byrne and the school dux) you, putting our hope in Jesus, we pray for her mer colleague’s coffin was carried in to the dux last month, in light of their to pay tribute to Holyrood’s pro- added that both pupils have eternal rest. And in a special way we offer our cathedral to the sound of a lone piper. fantastic achievements, both at gramme of supporting pupils who noticeably grown in confidence prayerful sympathies to her colleagues in the A police hat sat atop the coffin, which was an academic and personal level. have English as an additional lan- in recent months, with their police service.” draped with a white flag bearing the Police Scot- This summer, Nida and guage. As Europe’s largest sec- moving speeches at Holyrood’s In the aftermath of the tragic accident at the land emblem. Mohammad both achieved an ondary school, Holyrood— senior school awards ceremony Clutha bar, clergy from St Andrew’s Cathedral A message on the back of the funeral order of outstanding six Higher grade A’s situated in Glasgow’s south in November—and the standing were on hand to offer assistance, comfort and to service read: “The family wishes to thank all rel- at band-one level. side—caters for pupils from many ovation that followed—support- pray for those affected by the crash, and to sup- atives, friends and colleagues for their attendance Their achievements were varied religious, cultural and eth- ing her belief. port those waiting for news on their loved ones. here today, and for the overwhelming kindness, made all the more remarkable, nic backgrounds and places great Nida and Mohammad’s The pub’s owner, Alan Crossan, and manager, love and support shown at this sad time.” however, by the fact that both importance on its system of help- achievements and influence are pupils only moved to Scotland ing pupils with additional support not limited to the classroom, from Pakistan four years ago, needs. however; Mohammad is captain of Holyrood’s cricket team, which recently won the Glasgow Schools Cricket Trophy, while Nida is also the school’s head prefect and part of the team heading to Malawi next summer to strengthen Holyrood’s links with its partner school community in Africa. “I have spoken to people who have been to Malawi previously and I am sure it will be an amazing experience,” Nida said. Nida and Mohammad have both recently attended inter- views at Glasgow University, St Mungo’s music pupils www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/dumgal inspired by composer The natural place for a competitive salary, generous annual leave, ﬂexible working, ﬁnal salary pension and much more. James MacMillan’s visit Depute Headteacher, MUSIC pupils from Glas- worked with the Caritas pupils St Joseph’s College, Dumfries gow’s St Mungo’s Academy and their colleagues from Higher (DGA004151) recently enjoyed an inspira- and Advanced Higher music tional afternoon working classes to put music to a prayer HT/DHT Scale Point 7 – £50,859 with renowned Catholic the Caritas pupils had written in composer James MacMillan. their RE class. Closing date: 6 January 2014 Mr MacMillan’s visit to St Mairi Smith, from St Mungo’s Mungo’s came as part of the music department, explained For all jobs apply online or tel 030 33 33 3000 school’s partnership with the that the visit of Mr MacMillan quoting the job title and ref number. Celtic FC Foundation and saw gave the pupils a great boost and the composer working with sen- they enjoyed learning from the Post is subject to candidate vetting through Disclosure Scotland. ior pupils taking part in this composer. year’s Pope Benedict XVI Cari- “The pupils absolutely loved EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL tas Award. it,” Ms Smith said. “It was a real The perfect Christian present During his recent visit, Mr privilege for the pupils and staff MacMillan—who composed the to have the chance to work with Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07971 514 703 Music Liturgy for the Papal Mr MacMillan.” Mass in Glasgow in 2010— PIC: PAUL McSHERRY for our special offer SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY VISIT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS 5

Glasgow mourns at Mass in NEWS ROUNDUP

Typhoon Haiyan aftermath Vatican diplomat joins Scottish vicar generals VICTIMS of the devastating diocesan clergy, including Fr ARCHBISHOP Leo Cushley typhoon, which recently hit Paul McAlinden, celebrated the has appointed Mgr Patrick the Philippines, were remem- Filipino Mass at St Aloysius’ Burke as a vicar general to assist bered at a special Mass at St Church. him in the running of St Aloysius’ Church, Garnethill “I was glad to be able to cele- Andrews and Edinburgh Arch- Glasgow. brate Mass for the Filipino com- diocese. Many members of Scotland’s munity in Glasgow, most of Since 2005, Mgr Burke has Filipino community attended the whom are Catholic, and some of been working as an official at the Mass, some of whom had rela- whose relatives were caught up Vatican’s Congregation for the tives caught in the midst of in the dreadful effects of the Doctrine of the Faith and had Typhoon Haiyan, which killed typhoon which laid waste to been tipped as a possible succes- more than 2000 people, and left large stretches of the country,” sor to Cardinal Keith O’Brien, many more homeless, when it Archbishop Tartaglia said. “I who retired as Archbishop of St struck the Philippines early last was able to tell them that dona- Andrews and Edinburgh earlier month. tions from parishes, schools and this year. News reports and images of individual donors had allowed Mgr Burke joins Mgr Philip the devastation caused by SCIAF to raise more than Kerr and Mgr Alistair Lawson as Typhoon Haiyan sprung many £800,000 for the suffering peo- vicars general for St Andrews people into action, with chari- ples of their homeland. They and Edinburgh Archdiocese. ties, including the Scottish were very touched by the gen- Catholic International Aid Fund erosity of our people. It was a Pilot scheme on Pope (SCIAF) quickly setting up great moment of solidarity.” Francis faith awards emergency appeals to come to Typhoon Haiyan is the dead- A TOTAL of 50 primary schools the aid of those affected. liest Philippine typhoon on across Scotland have agreed to buries Clutha crash PC Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of record and is the strongest storm pilot the Pope Francis Faith Glasgow, Fr Paul Curtis, St recorded at landfall. Award, which is being offered Aloysius’ parish priest and arch- PIC: PAUL McSHERRY by the Bishops’ Conference of The six other victims of the Clutha bar heli- parent to his children, who was just beginning to Scotland. copter crash were Gary Arthur, Samuel McGhee, get his life back on track after the loss of our The Faith Award, similar to Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins, John McGarrigle mum. the Caritas Award—which is and Mark O’Prey. “As you can imagine this has been an intensely open to senior pupils at Scot- Mr McGhee’s funeral Mass took place last Fri- painful experience for us but we’re strengthened land’s secondary schools— day at St Margaret Mary’s Church in the by the knowledge that he passed away a happy invites young people in Castlemilk area of Glasgow. man, among friends at a place he loved.” primaries six and seven to use Among the congregation were Mr McGhee’s It has not yet been established what caused the the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in son and daughter by his late partner Liz— helicopter to fall from the sky on November 29, their homes, schools and Michael, 25, and Kerry, 20—and his son from a although investigators say initial evidence rules parishes and is directly con- previous relationship, James Diver, 33. out engine or gear box failure. nected to what young people are Prior to the funeral Mass, a message from Mr learning about the Sacrament of McGhee’s children said: “Our father was a dedi- I [email protected] Confirmation. cated partner to our late mother and a dedicated PIC: ANDREW MILLIGAN/PA The Faith Award will be launched at the pilot schools just before Lent 2014.

GLASGOW City Council St Oswald’s Secondary to move to St Margaret Mary’s range of secondary subjects and Appeal for Glasgow’s has confirmed that pupils utilise the state of the art facilities.” care fund from the city’s St Oswald’s ions on the plans. tion’ he is confident that the city Margaret Mary’s will provide St Oswald’s pupils will stay in ARCHBISHOP Philip Tartaglia Secondary School, for young As the SCO previously council has done everything it can inclusion opportunities for pupils their current building until June of Glasgow has made an appeal people with additional sup- reported, many parents of St to ensure St Oswald’s pupils have in both schools. “The school, to be next year but will have opportu- on behalf of the St Nicholas Care port needs, will be moved to Oswald’s pupils expressed deep the best facilities possible in their relocated to a separate wing and nities to visit St Margaret Mary’s Fund, the archdiocese’s own char- a new shared campus with St concern that their children could new surroundings. He added that within existing capacity in St Mar- before the beginning of the new ity for assisting local people Margaret Mary’s Secondary be placed in a mainstream school. St Oswald’s pupils will also have garet Mary’s Secondary,will retain school year inAugust 2014. Glas- affected by poverty, disadvantage, School in Castlemilk, next Following the council’s deci- transport provided for them to St its own identity but there will now gow City Council has also illness or misfortune. Parishioners year. sion, Canon Robert Hill, Glasgow Margaret Mary’s. be the opportunity to extend the approved a new school campus in the archdiocese heard a letter The news follows a period of Archdiocese’s representative on Stephen Curran, Glasgow City curriculum for the young people— on the current site of St Brendan’s from Archbishop Tartaglia at consultation, during which par- the local authority’s education Council’s executive member for something that wasn’t possible in Primary School, in the north west Masses last weekend saying that ents, staff, the Church and mem- committee, said that although ‘he education and young people, and their current building,” Mr Curran of the city. It will include a people in their own parishes were bers of the school community had appreciates the concerns of parents his colleagues believe that the relo- said. “St Oswald’s pupils will now non-denominational school and affected and encouraging those the opportunity to voice their opin- on what is a very emotive situa- cation of the school to the site of St be able to access an extended nursery. who can to donate to the fund.

JOE WALSH TOURS LEISURE TIME TRAVEL OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR OF GLASGOW, A HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM DUNKELD & GALLOWAY DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGES TO LOURDES ALL AT LEISURE TIME TRAVEL PLAN YOUR 2014 GROUP OR PARISH PILGRIMAGE NOW 2014 Pilgrimages Featured in our new colour brochure KRAKOW PRAGUE LOURDES MEDJUGORJE HOLYLAND ROME FATIMA KNOCK Lisieux 4 days . Paris 4 days . Rome 4 days . GROUPGROUP & PARISHPARISH PILGRIMAGESPILGRIMAGES Fatima 4 days . Lisieux-Paris-Lourdes . » )XOO\ ÀH[LEOH LWLQHUDULHV » /RFDOO\ EDVHG RSHUDWLRQV LQ /RXUGHV )DWLPD ,WDO\ 0HGMXJRUMH Rome - San Giovanni - Assisi . Shrines . » Professional co-ordinators and guides Rome - Assisi . Nevers-Paris-Lourdes . » Incentives for group organisers » 6SHFLDO FRQGLWLRQV IRU JURXS ERRNLQJV Fatima-Santiago de Compostella .

By Archbishop Leo Cushley Hanukkah, and for Christians it truth is expressed above all in the of St Andrews and Edinburgh is Christmas. For us, it is also a Incarnation, the birth of Jesus time when the weather is at its Christ, true God and true man. I FIND myself in a dilemma coldest and family occasions Jesus is God’s ‘yes’ to life, this Christmas: do I buy hun- are a welcome way of drawing His Yes to humanity, always dreds of cards, or do I put a us together. struggling in sin and darkness small ad in a newspaper, say- It is no coincidence that and death. It is a comforting Bishops’ ing: “Instead of sending me December 25 practically marks thought and a happy one as we greetings, donate to the the return of the longer days, the celebrate with our family, so Philippines’ appeal—and by turn of the winter back towards maybe I should send cards. And the way, Happy Christmas?” the summer. a gift to SCIAF to support their Many religions have a feast In creation, at this time of the work in the Philippines, would- in which is expressed a sense of year, believers see the goodness n’t hurt either. loving belonging, a genuinely ferred by children. For Hindus, of creation and the hand of God. A very happy and holy Christ- happy feast usually the one pre- it is Diwali, for Jews it is For Christians this theological mas to you all!

tuted towards the end of the for this great feast with the way. As a result of this, Christ- third century as a Christian four-week period of Advent mas has become, for many, lit- response to a new Pagan cele- and our celebration has become tle more than an annual excuse bration that had been intro- an extended one. for over-eating, over-drinking duced by the Emperor Aurelian On the Sunday following and over-spending. great Feast of Christmas, we in 274AD to honour the sun- Christmas Day, we celebrate the It is all important, therefore, draw comfort from the god. It was called, dies natalis feast of the Holy Family, while that when we celebrate Christ- warmth of family relation- Solis Invicti—The Birthday of on January 1, we honour Mary mas this year, and every year, ships and the prospect of the Unconquered Sun. the Mother of God. On the Feast we reflect on what it is that is being together with those From the beginning of the of the Epiphany, we rejoice in the so special about Christmas. we love to celebrate the third century, one of the titles fact that although the Son of God Christmas should be a happy news of God assuming that was applied to Jesus Christ was born a Jew, He became man time. It is an annual reminder human flesh to come among was ‘Sun of Justice.’ The sub- to redeem the whole human race. to us of how much God loves us and save us. By Bishop John Cunningham stitution of Christmas for the Sadly, many people today do us: “For God so loved the The birth of Christ was of Galloway pagan festival cannot be proved not attach any religious signifi- world that He gave us His only memorably described by with certainty, but it remains cance to their celebration of begotten Son, so that everyone Blessed Pope John Paul II as FOR nearly 300 years, the the most plausible explanation Christmas. Indeed, there are who believes in Him may not ‘the centre of the universe and only feast that was cele- for the dating of Christmas. some who wish to replace the perish but may have eternal By Archbishop Philip of history.’ (Redemptor brated by Christians every- Nowadays we take the term Christmas with that of life.” (John 3:16) Tartaglia of Glasgow Hominis 1) And so it is. where was that of Easter. annual celebration of the feast ‘Winter Festival.’ In addition to God bless you and your This year, as every year, we According to the experts, the of Christmas for granted, and this the commercial world has families this Christmas and AS WE draw closer to the look to the crib scene in our feast of Christmas was insti- within the Church we prepare become involved in a very big throughout the coming year. By Mgr Basil O’Sullivan, By Bishop Joseph Toal of previous generations who found will be given to Scotland’s polit- Diocesan administrator of Argyll and the Isles their way here also to seek work ical future, we pray that Scot- Dunkeld and settle in our little country. land will continue to give a DURING 2013 we have It is good to be reminded that generous welcome to all who AS WE celebrate the birth of celebrated two ordinations Scotland is made up of people of come to live among us, and that Our Saviour at Christmas, our to the priesthood in St many different nationalities and the Christian faith will continue thoughts inevitably turn to the Columba’s Cathedral in backgrounds, and, as we cele- to be upheld by ourselves and coming year, 2014. Oban—that of Fr Anthony brate Christmas, to welcome one our country men and women, Among a myriad of happen- Wood on July 3, and that of another in Christ’s name. The honoured as a precious part of ings and events, 2014 will com- Fr Stanislaw Pamula recently Child Jesus was welcomed into who we are and the sure guide memorate the 100th anniversary on December 5. the world by Mary and Joseph, for our future well-being. of the outbreak of the First Word It has been a great blessing for the shepherds and wise-men, the We pray also for an increase War. That war was meant to be Argyll and the Isles Diocese to angels of Heaven and the beasts in vocations to the priesthood the war to end all wars, but it planet, so bountiful, so lovely, have had two new priests Stoke-on-Trent in England and of the stall, and we like to think and the religious life, so that the turned out to be only half time in so fragile, and then watch as ordained during the Year of Faith Fr Stan from Gdansk in Poland. of the whole world rejoicing in Word of God may be preached Europe’s civil war, the second mankind tore each other to pieces, and we are most grateful to both They are examples, therefore, His presence among us, The and the sacraments celebrated and worse half was still to come to say nothing of destroying each Fr Tony and Fr Stan for respond- of the people of many different Word made Flesh, The Light of across our land. in another quarter of a century. others’ cities, towns and villages. ing to the Lord’s call and for nationalities who have come to the World, The Saviour. May the Lord Jesus bless you, One can only wonder what Followers of the Lord Jesus coming to serve as priests in our live in Scotland in recent times, As we look forward to a New your families, and all in Scot- Almighty God thought of it all— look to the Prince of Peace to diocese—Fr Tony came from like many of our ancestors in Year, in which much attention land this Christmas. having given to us this beautiful save us from our sinfulness and

By Fr Brian McGee, director of ants and animals then lived. tions. We have cribs in our present Pope is inspired by St Francis is inviting reflection and Marriage and Family Life for You can imagine the smell homes, schools, Churches and Francis’ simple and evangelical response from all Catholics. Paisley and noise throughout the town squares. It is good for us imitation of Christ. The Pope has Let me ask again: what do church! Francis intended that to remember that the first ever recently called a Synod of Bish- you see as you gaze into your THE tradition of putting worshippers, shocked by the crib was not for decoration but ops to discuss the importance of crib? At the centre of every cribs in churches was begun utter poverty, which Christ had rather to encourage reflection family life and the spread of the crib, no matter how big or by St Francis of Assisi. freely embraced, would be and conversion. What do you Gospel today. Before the synod small, are the three figures of However, instead of placing inspired to a more sincere see as you gaze into your crib? begins, the Pope wants to dis- Jesus, Mary and Joseph. At the statues in a mini stable, imitation of Christ. What does it say to you? How cover how the world’s Catholics, heart of each crib is a family, Francis actually built a full- Cribs are now an integral are you moved? in rapidly changing societies, the Holy Family. What does the size one in which local peas- part of our Christmas celebra- We have all noticed that our understand family life. Pope first Christmas teach us about

Entrance St Aloysius’ College is a Catholic,c, independent school for pupils ageded 3-18 that balancesces an academic Assessments education withth an emphasis on service to others. As a January 2014 Jesuit school,, the College seeks to develop the whole person and thehe gifts and talentss of every child.

St Aloysius’Aloysius’ KG: w/c Mon 27th Jan The College is now welcoming applicationsapplicationscations fforor entry in AAugustugust 2014. Forms canan be downloaded ffromroom our websitewebsite or obtained P1: w/c Mon 20th Jan CollegeCollege from the Admissionsssions ManagerManager,r,, Mrs MarMargaretgaret WWrightright (m(mwright@wright@ P2-P7: Sat 25th Jan 9.30am staloysius.org, 0141 331 9269), whoo would be happyhappy to ofofferfferer Building on S1-S2: Sat 25th Jan 9.30am any further assistance.istance. 45Hill St, GlasgoGlasgoww G3 6RJ Strong www.staloysius.org/admissionswww.staloaloysius.org/admissions www.staloysius.org Tel: 0141 332 3190 Email:ail: [email protected] [email protected] FoundationsFoundations Company Ltd byy Guarantee NNo.o. SC4059511 RRegisteredegistered Charity NNo.o. SCO42545 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MESSAGES FOR THE DIOCESES 7 Prayers for our bishops Messages O God, who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for the glory of Thy Majesty and the salvation of mankind; grant that they whom He hath chosen to be His ministers and the stewards of His mysteries, may be found faithful in the fulfillment of By Bishop Hugh Gilbert the ministry which they have received. Through the same Christ Our of Aberdeen Lord. Amen. MAY I wish all the readers of the Scottish Catholic Observer a really joyful and peaceful GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Christmas, whether you will be keeping it alone or with others. May we make our way to God, eternal shepherd, you tend your Church in many ways and rule us homes and parishes, to draw continents from loved ones and Bethlehem, in the great company with love. You have chosen your servants to be shepherds of your flock. inspiration and new energy in liv- those children who do not have of believers from all the ages and ing out our faith and family life. loving parents to care for them. all over the world. May we make Give them the spirit of courage and right judgement and the spirit of We see in that stable a perfect As ever this Christmas, our our way there, praying for peace knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to model for our existence: a fam- parishes will have a collection throughout the world, carrying ily united in love, caring each box placed near the crib—to everyone in our hearts. And may their care, may they build your Church as a sign of salvation for for the other, surrounded by the raise funds for the St Mar- the Christ, whom Mary shows us, the world. Amen. support and affection of others garet’s Children and Family be born, even in the tumble-down from the wider community. Care Society, which is expand- stable of our own hearts. As we give thanks to God ing its services, despite the dif- this Christmas for our families, ficulties, to support more let’s not forget those for whom families and young people. When Christmas comes we Himself to our needy world. all in the diocese. family life has become a bur- Be kind in your giving. Be should be at our very best—full Let us truly thank the Lord then We commend this intention, den or a trial: those who have generous in your loving. Be of joy as we welcome the Lord, this Christmas for His good- and many others, to the inter- lost a partner through death; strong in your faith the Babe of Bethlehem, the ness, and for the blessings He cession of Our Lady of Good those wounded by divorce or Christus natus est pro nobis. Saviour of the World, and full bestows upon all of us even Aid, patron of the diocese, and separation; those separated by Venite adoremus! of love as we present our gifts when life is difficult and pain to Blessed Joseph, Her spouse. to those we love and gratefully or sadness touches our lives. As they watched over the Child accept their tokens of love and In Motherwell Diocese, as Jesus at Bethlehem, may they savagery. There was another away from us, not even the shrill affection for ourselves. we patiently await the appoint- keep us close to Him and prince of peace around when demented choirs of wailing shells, It is a wonderful time then of ment of a new bishop, we pray united in prayer and charity, so Jesus was born—the Roman as the poet describes from the celebration in our homes and in for the one who will be chosen, that we strive to be His faithful Emperor who brought peace to trenches. The peace of this world, our churches, blessed and that he may be filled with the followers, and humble yet the world by the force of Roman including that of the Roman enlightened by our faith in Our joy of the Holy Spirit and be a strong witnesses of the Gospel arms and Roman power. Emperor, is deceptive and by its By Bishop Joseph Toal, Lord Jesus, God’s present of wise and inspiring shepherd for of Life. Our Prince of Peace, Jesus of very nature does not last. Apostolic administrator of Nazareth, brings a totally differ- Christ gives us a peace, not as Motherwell ent kind of peace—not an the world gives, but a peace that enforced peace but the peace reconciles us with God and DURING Advent, we await that passes all understanding, the neighbour, bringing spiritual the Lord’s coming and we peace of a heart and life recon- well-being and tranquillity into prepare by drawing closer to ciled with God and neighbour the depths of our hearts. He gives the Lord in prayer and loving You thought we just sold cars? through the death and resurrec- us a peace that lasts for the rest of service of our neighbour. tion of Jesus Christ. our lives and for all eternity. The time we spend in com- It is what the angels announced May I take this opportunity to munion with the Lord, in com- on Christmas night: “Glory to wish all readers of the Scottish munal and private prayer, God in the highest Heaven and Catholic Observer a Blessed encourages us to recognise Him on earth peace among those Christmas and the Peace of in others and to respond to their whom He favours.” Christ in 2014. need as best we can. Nothing can take that peace the family? Jesus needed a human family. It was here that The Healthy He was loved, nourished, Alternative learned, grew and experienced the Father. Later, during His ministry, Jesus graced the couple’s marriage at Cana, taught the divine origin and true PlanYour Family Naturally nature of marriage and blessed families with His personal friendship. Each Christmas families New & Used Car Sales | Commercial Vehicle Sales gather and bonds are strengthened. Our human efforts join Car & Van Rental | Servicing & Repairs | Parts & Accessories | Accident Repairs with God’s grace. Should not Contract Hire | Vehicle Management | Fleet Management Christmas be an opportunity for reflecting, in the light of faith, Motability | Car, Travel & Home Insurance on the quality of our family life? For St Francis, Christ can 1WEBS O. IT touch our hearts through the To successfully achieve or avoid N E Save Thousands on cost new | Search over 15,000 new & used cars crib. Pope Francis is currently pregnancy WINNER Select from 24 new car franchises J inviting us to reflect on family A 2 N 01 life in the reality of our modern Contact Fertility Care Scotland - DEC 2 age. Perhaps as you gaze into the crib this Christmas you will 0141 221 0858 allow Jesus to say something to you about your marriage and [email protected] family life. www.fertilitycare.org.uk Visit the UK’s Number 1 Dealer Website VISIT OUR WEBSITE: Fertility Care Scotland wishes all WWW.SCONEWS SCO readers A Happy & Holy Christmas & New Year Models shown for illustrative purposes only. 98530 .CO.UK Registered Scottish Charity No. SC022875

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 ADVERTISEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013

We at The ST MARY’S KINNOULL JERICHO COMMUNITY Thanks you for supporting Would like to thank you for your help Jericho Houses during 2013. and support. We look forward to your continued May Your Christmas be Happy! support inthe years to come Daily Prayers Promised A very happy Christmas throughout 2014 and a blessed New Year “MATER SALVATORIS” HOUSE To ALL SCO Readers, from all at Beads with Fr KieranBrady C.Ss.R (Rector) Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire PA10 2PY Faith. www.beadswithfaith.com and the REDEMPTORIST COMMUNITY The BOBBY MAIN Talbot Association Monumental Sculptors A Happy Christmas wishes all of its supporters to all the Observer readers A Peaceful Christmas wishes all its helpers and best wishes for the New Year and a Prosperous New Year and benefactors...... 282 MAIN STREET CAMBUSLANG, GLASGOW, G72 7EG and also to offer thanks for the kindness shown A Very Happy and Telephone: 0141 - 641 - 0088 to homeless people throughout the year Holy Christmas (Opposite hoover factory - beside the railway station) Donations to THE NATIONAL SERVICE TEAM OF Dominic Sherry SCOTTISH CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL Seasons greetings from B/1 19 Westminster Terrace Michael Burns Glasgow, G3 7RU Registered Charity No.281074 and all the staff at WISH YOU A Burns Publications HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS May the Word made Flesh, incarnate of Mary find a home in your heart

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/VATICAN NEWS 9 Concern over lack of support for Christmas should be a time of hope suffering Middle East Christians IRAQ’S most senior By Stephen Reilly Catholic leader has begged the west to show greater CHRISTMAS should be a time of concern for suffering Chris- ‘hope and tenderness’ that is focused tians in the Middle East. on the meeting of God and His peo- “We feel forgotten and iso- ple, according to Pope Francis. lated,” Patriarch Louis Sako In a lengthy interview with an Italian (right), head of Iraq’s Chaldean newspaper, published last Sunday, the Catholic Church, said. “We Holy Father said that the meaning of sometimes wonder, if they kill Christmas was ‘the encounter with Jesus.’ us all, what would be the reac- Christmas is a meeting between God and tion of Christians in the West? His people, the Pope said, and it is also a Would they do something consolation, ‘a mystery of consolation’that then?” ‘speaks to us about tenderness and hope.’ At a speech in Rome last Fri- These realities, Patriarch “Many times after the Midnight Mass I day, the patriarch made clear he Sako said, are driving Chris- have spent an hour or so alone in the was not asking for a mobilisa- tians away in growing numbers. chapel before celebrating the dawn Mass,” tion ‘to protect Christians,’ but He cited a recent estimate from the Pope said. “I experienced a profound rather Western efforts to sup- the UN High Commission for feeling of consolation and peace. I remem- port ‘harmonious societies for Refugees that 850,000 Chris- ber one night of prayer after a Mass in the all human beings,’ based on ‘a tians have left Iraq since 2003, Astalli residence for refugees in Rome, it civil state in which the only cri- by some estimates representing was Christmas 1974 I think. For me Christ- terion is citizenship grounded almost two-thirds of the coun- mas has always been about this; contem- in full equality under the law.’ try’s Christian population. plating the visit of God to His people.” fer?’ has always gone round in my heart,” small party ahead of his 77th birthday on The patriarch said that at the He warned that the same The Pope also dismissed those who he said. “There is no explanation. This Tuesday, giving him a cake and a sweater. moment, the actions of nations trends are currently gathering seek to trivialise the celebration of Christ- image comes to mind: at a particular point “I thank you for this visit,” the Pope such as the UK and the US seem force in both Syria and Egypt, mas with a few persuasive words. of his or her life, a child ‘wakes up’, does- said to them. “Thank you for the love you to be based purely on self-interest. citing estimates that in the last “When one doesn’t have the capacity, or n’t understand much and feels threatened, have, the joy of these children, the gifts, “All they do is create prob- 18 months some 100 churches if there is a human situation that doesn’t he or she starts asking their mum or dad the cake... It was beautiful! Later I’ll tell lems, sell weapons and take in Egypt have been attacked, permit you to understand this joy, you live questions. This is the ‘why’ age. But when you if it was good or not. Thank you so oil,” he said. “This is a sin.” while 67 churches have been the feast with a worldly cheer,” he said. the child asks a question, he or she doesn’t much! May the Lord bless you.” In terms of the Catholic assaulted in Syria and more “But between the profound joy and mun- wait to hear the full answer, they immedi- The Holy Father then affectionately response, Patriarch Sako pro- than 45,000 Christians have left dane cheerfulness there is a difference.” ately start bombarding you with more greeted the children one by one and posed that the Church produce the country. Also in the interview, the Holy Father ‘whys.’ What they are really looking for, laughed greatly when one young boy a new document directed In effect, he warned, what is expressed his desire to go to the Holy more than an explanation, is a reassuring attempted to swipe his skullcap (above). specifically at Muslims to lay happening puts the survival of Land himself to meet with ‘my brother look on their parent’s face. When I come The Pope has also marked the Christ- out the case for moving beyond Syriac Christianity at risk, Bartholomew, the Patriarch of Constan- across a suffering child, the only prayer mas season by arranging for 2000 tolerance to ‘religious freedom which he described as one of tinople,’ and said he would never create a that comes to mind is the ‘why’ prayer. envelopes containing free public transport and full citizenship.’ the great early traditions in the female cardinal and said he was not a Why Lord? He doesn’t explain anything to tickets and telephone cards to be distrib- Patriarch Sako, 65, became the church alongside Hebrew, Latin Marxist as it was a ‘mistaken ideology’ but me. But I can feel Him looking at me. So I uted to the poor of Rome. Chaldean Patriarch in January, and Greek, which he said was he had know many Marxists who were can say: You know why, I don’t and you The envelopes will also include a succeeding Cardinal Emmanuel bad for Muslims. good people so he was not offended to be won’t tell me, but you’re looking at me and Christmas picture signed by Pope Francis III Delly. The Chaldean church is “Christians are important to called one. I trust you, Lord, I trust your gaze.” and a stamp from the Vatican’s post office one of 22 Eastern rite churches in the Middle East because of The Holy Father also said he thought The Holy Father’s personal concern for so that the recipient can also forward them communion with Rome, and their culture, high levels of often about the plight of suffering children. sick children was obvious last Saturday to family or friends and will be handed out represents the largest Catholic education, skills, qualifications, “One man who has been a life mentor when he visited the Pediatric Dispensary by nuns from the order of Mother Teresa body in Iraq. openness, their spirit of cooper- for me is Dostoyevsky, and his explicit and of Santa Marta for sick children. of Calcutta, who serve meals to the poor The patriarch bluntly ation and their institutions, such implicit question: ‘Why do children suf- The children surprised the Pope with a and the homeless. described what he termed a as schools, hospitals, orphan- ‘mortal exodus’ of Christians ages, homes for the aged and from the Middle East today, the poor, as well as their eco- Archbishop condemns government immigration policies as ‘inhuman’ which he said is fuelled by nomic enterprises and small sectarian conflict, rising Islamic businesses,” he said. extremism, and criminal gangs Patriarch Sako called the ARCHBISHOP Vincent today, must see both the folly of he said. “And yet British citi- that often see Christians as Christian presence in the Mid- Nichols of Westminster has this policy and how it is an zens do not enjoy the same convenient targets. dle East ‘a guarantee of a better condemned the British affront to the status of British rights. The feeling of being vic- He believes more than 1000 future for Muslims’ and said Government’s immigration citizenship,” he said. “The gov- timised by one’s own govern- Christians have been killed in Muslims should embrace ‘a policies as shockingly ernment’s intention with these ment is a bitter pill to swallow.” Iraq since the US invasion in new reading of their religion,’ ‘inhuman.’ new regulations is to cut the MPs are currently discussing 2003, while scores of others have arguing that moderates ought to Archbishop Nichols (right), number of immigrants from out- the final details of the Immigra- been ‘kidnapped and tortured.’ be more outspoken in challeng- president of the Bishops’ Con- side the European Union. But in tion Bill, which is at the com- He said that 62 churches and ing ‘sectarian and provocative’ ference of England and Wales, doing so, is it the government’s mittee stage in the House of monasteries have been attacked. stances within Islam. said rules that prevent foreign intention to penalise British citi- Commons. spouses of UK citizens moving the UK with their British hus- zens? To undermine marriages It aims to bring forward a here would blight the lives of band or wife unless they can and to split up families?” number of measures designed US teen charged with rape of nun thousands of British children. show an annual income of at The archbishop said the to crackdown on illegal immi- He called on the government least £18,600. policy was not consistent and grants and welfare tourists, A US teen has been charged Authorities found the teenager to rethink the legislation, which “Anyone truly concerned for showed a double standard. including curbs on welfare enti- with the rape and beating of through a description, as well as came into force in 2012, that the family as the building block “Other EU citizens are free to tlement and tighter checks on a retired nun in the parking a shoe imprint he left in the prevents people from outside of society, and realistic about come and live in the UK with patients registering with GPs lot of a Catholic church. snow. After questioning, he then the European Union settling in the mobility of British people spouses from outside the EU,” and applying for social housing. It is allegedAndrew Bullock, 18, reportedly confessed to police of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, con- what he had done. fronted the unidentified, 70-year- A judge later ordered Mr Bul- the King was razed by one of der of a Muslim whose body was “No matter how small this old nun last Friday outside St Titus lock be held in lieu of $50,000 NEWS ROUNDUP many fires that broke out during mutilated. “We have become ani- gesture may seem, the sending Church, located near Pittsburgh. bond on charges of felony rape, a three-week battle between gov- mals, the abuses go beyond rea- of an inspirational prayer/wish The youth reportedly asked the aggravated assault, sexual Muslims help rebuild ernment forces and rebel guerril- son when someone is killed and provides genuine support to nun if she needed help, then flashed assault, as well as a raft of other Filipino church las. When the fighting ended, his arms brandished.” those who receive them,” a her after she declined his assistance misdemeanour charges. A GROUP of Muslims has only the chapel’s back wall and Members of the Séléka rebel statement released by the charity and thanked him for his concern. “The Sisters of St Joseph are helped to rebuild a ruined church altar were left. coalition assumed power in the said. “It is a sign of hope. It is a He is accused of then grabbing deeply saddened and heartbroken in the city of Zamboanga in the nation in March, sparking sign that people outside the the nun’s neck, choking and by the assault of one of our sisters,” Philippines. African archbishop months of violence. Islamist region care about them and that punching her, according to police. a statement from the order report- The group turned up last week makes call for peace Séléka members, some of them they should not give up. It is a Then, he reportedly raped her. edly said. “As we offer continued bearing tools and got to work ARCHBISHOP Dieudonné Nza- foreigners, have been attacking sign that change for a real peace Police said the nun could not prayers of healing for our sister, we rebuilding. palainga of Bangui has urged Christian institutions, raising is possible.” speak when they first arrived also pray for the young man who “We thought they were just Christians not to take vengeance fears of genocide. While English is the preferred because of a dislocated lower jaw, has been arrested in the assault.” looking for damaged mosques to against Muslims in the strife-torn language, non-native English but managed to write down on a The order said the victim is ‘a rebuild,” local man Jimmy Vil- Central African Republic. Send messages of speakers may use their mother piece of paper that she had been passionate advocate of non-vio- laflores, said. “We have not “Many Christians have said hope to Bethlehem tongue. raped. She was reportedly taken lence, peace and justice, and each heard of any Muslim helping that they are going to seek THE Catholic charity Pax Christi Messages can be emailed to to a local hospital, where she was month she conducts a prayer vigil build a chapel before.” revenge,” he said in his homily is urging people to send Christmas the Arab Educational Institute at able to speak with police before for peace in the chapel of our Built in the early 1980s, Christ last Sunday, following the mur- messages of hope to Bethlehem. this address: [email protected] surgeons worked to fix her jaw. motherhouse.’ WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 Act 3, Scene 1, of this new Pontificate HUGH McLOUGHLIN ponders how many men Pope Francis will elevate to cardinal early next year Speculation has started to mount over the ARLY in the New Year, men that Pope Francis will elevate to quite possibly at the gen- cardinal next year eral audience on Wednes- day, January 8, Act 3 Scene 1 of this new Franciscan Pontificate will be played out. The case here, by a prelate who can be cre- names of those prelates who are to be ated cardinal at the first opportunity. So Ecreated cardinal on February 22 will on September 21, he appointed Arch- be made public. (An announcement on bishop Baldisseri as Secretary of the this date would give a clear six weeks Synod in place of Archbishop Nikola for plans to be made by those to be Eterovic (62) who was sent as Apos- honoured and by those wishing to tolic Nuncio to Germany (from where accompany them to Rome). he will in the fullness of time no doubt Act 1 is the continuing, patient and return to Rome as a cardinal). personal assessment by Pope Francis In light of recent comments from of the Roman Curia he inherited from Rome relating to the future of the var- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The lat- ious Pontifical Councils, there must be est scene of the opening Act was some question as to whether any of the staged on St Andrew’s Day when Pope presidents of Pontifical Councils not Francis confirmed in office the Prefect yet cardinals will be considered for and Secretary of the Congregation for elevation at this time. Catholic Education, respectively Car- dinal Zenon Grocholewski (74) and hat of the Church in the Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani wider world? Well, obvi- (63). (The Holy Father also took steps ously Archbishop Mario to strengthen the membership of the AurelioW Poli (66) appointed as his own Congregation.) successor in Buenos Aires by Pope Act 2 is the continuing reassessment Francis, will be on the list. Equally by the Council of Cardinals of the obviously, Mgr Orani João Tempesta Roman Curia, per se, in light of the (63), the Cistercian Archbishop of São views expressed by the members of the Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, will be on Scared College of Cardinals— indi- the list. His Excellency was appointed vidually, severally and together — in on February 27, 2009, and three con- the meetings of the General Congrega- sistories have come and gone without tions during the recent sede vacante. his having been elevated because his This, of course, will in time produce a John Paul II was never overly con- Curia and associated institutions which both were senior colleagues of the predecessor, Eusébio Oscar Cardinal new Apostolic Constitution to replace, cerned to respect that restriction, even up to now have had to have had as their good monsignor in the diplomatic Scheid, was still a Cardinal Elector. and not simply tweak, Pastor Bonus on two occasions considerably heads a cardinal, or, an archbishop who service of the Holy See. Archbishop (Although why he was not elevated at and effect the establishment of a exceeding it. Pope Emeritus Benedict would be raised to the cardinalatial Beniamino Stella (72), then President the mini-consistory in November last renewed Roman Curia which, hope- XVI was more fastidious but even he dignity at the next consistory. The most of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Acad- is a puzzle. Cardinal Scheid celebrated fully, will resolve the ‘one long neg- in his fourth consistory (February 18, important of these posts are the Secre- emy, the Academia of which Mgr Leo his 80th birthday a mere fortnight after lected problem’ to which I referred in 2002) allowed himself a little leeway tary of the Secretariat of State and the is a proud graduate, was on that day it was held.) March in anticipation of the conclave, and, taking into account the fact that Prefects of the nine Congregations, but appointed Prefect of the Congregation These metropolitan appointments in that of ‘the central governance of the five cardinals would lose their rights the Archivist of the Vatican Secret for the clergy. And, of course, there is part address the imbalance within the Church, the Roman Curia’ so that we as cardinal electors in the five months Archives/Librarian of the Vatican the very interesting case of Archbishop Scared College between to developed might finally ‘see the proper imple- following the consistory, he exceeded Library, a joint appointment, is also Lorenzo Baldisseri (73). and underdeveloped world and mentation of the rightly interpreted the limit by five. most definitely another such post. After his election, when Pope Fran- between the global north and the fruits of the Second Vatican Council.’ On the day of the consistory, as Under Pastor Bonus, the Secretary cis returned to the Sistine Chapel from global south. But that rebalancing Act 3 will see Pope Francis attempt things stand there will be 106 Cardinal of State is the Pope’s prima creatura. the Room of Tears and received the could immediately be undone. to fashion a College of Cardinals, or, Electors and so, in theory, Pope Francis (Art. 39: “The Secretariat of State pro- homage of the cardinal electors, he In Italy, two of the nine traditional to be more precise, a College of Car- can appoint 14. During the course of vides close assistance to the Supreme then received the homage of the Sec- ‘Red Hat Sees’are currently headed by dinal Electors, designed to deliver on the rest of next year, ten more cardinals Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme retary of the Conclave, the Master of an archbishop. Mgr Cesare Nosiglia his vision for the Catholic Church and will reach the age limit: two in March, office.”) Therefore, it is expected that, the Papal Liturgical Ceremonies and (69) was appointed Archbishop of her commitment to the New Evangeli- one in May, two in August, three in despite the fact that he has indicated the two Assistant Masters of Cere- Turin on October 11, 2010, and has sation as we, hopefully fearlessly, September and two in December (and that he is already aware that Pope monies (who acted as notaries). As the also been excluded from three consis- push out into the deep in this still new another one on January 3, 2015). But Francis intends to change his job Secretary, Archbishop Baldisseri, tories under Papa Ratzinger’s policy on Third Christian Millennium. But since will he nominate the bear minimum? description at some point in the future, knelt, Pope Francis placed on his head succession. However, his predecessor, the Holy Father has adopted festina Or, give himself some leeway and Archbishop Pietro Parolin (59 on Jan- the scarlet cardinal’s skullcap of which, Cardinal Poletto, turned 80 last March. lente, hasten slowly, as his motto, at nominate anything up to 24 or 25? Or, uary 17) will head the list (and so have naturally, he had no further use. Thus Archbishop Francesco Moraglia was least in so far as Church governance will he ignore the limit and seek once the signal honour at the public consis- the new Pope indicated his intention, appointed Patriarch of Venice on Janu- has been concerned, it is debatable and for all to significantly rectify tory of addressing the Pope on behalf according to an ancient tradition not ary 31, 2012, after his predecessor, how far Acts 1 and 2 will affect Act 3 inbuilt imbalances in the composition of all the new cardinals). always followed in modern times, to Angelo Cardinal Scola, was translated in its first scene. (And to add to the of the Sacred college? Then there are two prelates who, in reward the Secretary of the Conclave to Milan (June 28, 2011). clamour, confusion, cacophony, call it theory at least (see above), should with the Sacred Roman Purple at the Pope Benedict thought nothing of what you will, as of the announcement he second thing of interest about have been created cardinal by Pope first opportunity. (It should be noted offending Italian sensibilities by mak- of the list of new cardinals, all three the list will be the inclusion, or Emeritus Benedict XVI at his last con- that this was not entirely a leap in the ing newly appointed Metropolitan acts will be being played out at the exclusion, of heads of various sistory in November 2012. These are: dark. Pope Francis knew Archbishop Archbishops wait for a ‘Red Hat,’ not same time!) Tdicasteries, departments, of the Roman Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Baldisseri well through CELAM, the failing to include the good people of Curia. And closely associated with this appointed Prefect of the Congregation Archbishop having served in Latin the Patriarchate, but, particularly n any Pontificate, a first list of new consideration is where these new car- for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 2, America as an Apostolic nuncio, most absent the operation of the Benedic- cardinals is always eagerly awaited dinals in curia are positioned on the 2012, and; Archbishop Jean-Louis rently in Brazil, 2002-2012.) tine policy, will an ethnic Italian dare to see if any clues are given as to list. Since the consistory of February Bruguès, OP (70), appointed archivist The Holy Father had decided early, do likewise? I can’t see it. Ihow the new Pope wants to lead the 2001, recognising that these cardinals and librarian on June 26, 2012. again in view of the sentiments And, of course, there are our friends Holy Mother Church. And to where. are de facto the Pope’s principal advis- For another two prelates who should expressed by the cardinals in the Gen- on the other side of Hadrian’s Wall. On this occasion, the first thing of ers, the list has always been headed by be on the list we must appropriately eral Congregations during the sede Will Archbishop Vincent Gerard interest will simply be the list’s length. those curial prelates being honoured enough refer back to the day of Mgr vacante, that the Synod of Bishops was Nichols (68) at last receive the Red Currently, the College of Cardinal (excepting that an Eastern Rite Patri- Leo Cushley’s episcopal ordination to be central to his Pontificate. After Hat normally offered Westminster? Electors, comprised of those cardinals arch would precede all but the number and installation as Metropolitan Arch- due deliberation, he has obviously fur- Now that Papa Ratzinger is in retire- under the age of 80, is limited to 120 one on the list). bishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, ther decided that in consequence it has ment there is no reason why that now in number. However, Blessed Pope There are 21 posts in the Roman September 21. Appropriately because to be headed by a cardinal, or, as is the won’t happen.

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

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

BY PETER KEARNEY

URING autumn a number of national newspapers ran a story about a pet cat, which had been shot with an airgun. One breathless headline, in an otherwise sober daily paper, told how the catD was ‘almost killed’ by the shot. The same paper went on to relate that: “Nibbles was targeted in Cam- buslang, South Lanarkshire, and left with a pellet lodged in its throat.” Nibbles, perhaps as a result of the attack, was not available for comment, but luckily both the SPCA and the Police were. The former claimed Nib- bles was ‘lucky to survive’ while the latter stated: “Due to the location of the pellet, Nibbles may require spe- cialist treatment at Glasgow Vet School to have it removed but, at the moment, she is at home with her family and being kept comfortable.” In case you think the above para- graphs are taken from the script of a comedy programme, I can assure you; I am not making any of this up. Animal cruelty must not be tolerated, but in Scotland in 2013, injuring a cat makes headlines. On the same day as Nibbles was subject to this egregious, though fortunately, not fatal attack, there were 34 abortions carried out in Scotland. None of the newspapers, which so readily gave over their pages to the reports on the injured cat, mentioned this. No newspaper that day bemoaned the fact that 34 unborn babies would never be at home with their families, ‘being kept comfortable.’ In Scotland in 2013, taking an innocent life, does not make headlines. e live in a grotesquely dys- We are called to cherish life functional society, where we slaughter the innocent onW an industrial scale but worry about cats stuck up trees or dogs which have been poorly fed. We always, not just at Christmas should, of course, treat animals properly, and causing them to suffer cannot be justified. Equally, however, There is no doubt that as a society the affection due only to persons.” for this purpose. In 1978 the charity for or cured by them in a hospital or treating them as if they were human we have displaced the affection, love CCC 2418. which was formerly known as the clinic, we will never laugh or sing beings is certainly not justified. and concern due to humans and in The Dogs Trust is the largest dog National Canine Defence League, along with them as they perform in a According to recent research by a many cases transferred it on to ani- welfare charity in the UK. Its mis- came up with the famous slogan: “A concert hall or television studio, we major supermarket, the average mals. The pet dog, who in an earlier sion is, in dog is for life, not just for Christ- will never watch them play for their annual cost of owning a dog is cur- era would have fed on the scraps its own mas.” team or score for their country, win a rently £1183. This doesn’t take into from the family table, now dines on words, Throughout the month of Decem- Wimbledon final or a Nobel prize. account how much the dog cost to designer dog food and ‘enjoys’ ‘to bring ber there will be around 1000 abor- They will be robbed of life and we buy to start with! The cost of keeping Christmas treats often at a cost about tions carried out in Scotland. As we will be robbed of their contribution cats is not much different. The super- greater than the amounts spent on the day celebrate the most important birth of to our society. How encouraging it market concerned was urging shop- many poor children. when all all time, the very chance of birth would be if this Christmas a new slo- pers who owned pets to take out their dogs will be taken, violently from gan were to emerge into our often- brand of pet insurance. s with so many other aspects can 1000 of our distorted world. One which puts In the research they presented, of our modern lives, the teach- enjoy a fellow citi- people first and makes the welfare of they found that on average pet owning of the Church offers a happy zens. We the most vulnerable a priority. As we ers spent about £400 per year on Arational corrective to our excesses and life.’ will focus on the birth of Christ and all food for their pets. Other costs, our flaws. On animals, the words of In never that it means for the world, perhaps including toys and ‘treats,’ grooming the Catechism are simple and clear: “It 2012 see we could turn our minds to just such costs and vet bills add a further is contrary to human dignity to cause the them or a slogan, here’s one to start with: £700-£800 to the bill. With an aver- animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is organi- hear them, we “Lets cherish life, and not just at age life expectancy of 13 years this likewise unworthy to spend money on sation will never be Christmas.” means when you take into account them that should as a priority go to the raised served by them in inflation and rising costs, the lifetime relief of human misery. One can love £71 a shop or café, we I Peter Kearney is the director of the cost of ownership is nearly £18,500! animals; one should not direct to them million will never be cared Scottish Catholic Media Office

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 Finding Christ amidst modern frenzy Birth of Jesus gives proper meaning to a world filled with distractions and the ‘danger’ of consumerism

HE Christmas pop songs of Slade and Shakin’ Stevens float over the festive George Square in the heart of Glasgow. You can hear the laughter and shrieks of joy which cut through the music as novice Tskaters stumble across the ice rink. It’s the perfect Christmas scene, but there is a lonely child in the square. Beyond the rink and obscured by trees stands a life-sized crib scene. The wise men, shepherds and angels are all there. But something seems to deter people from going near. Maybe they suspect BY JOHN DEIGHAN some militant atheists are hidden behind the trees that line the glass casing. In any case, I decide to take the walk today’s world, pervaded as it is by along the pathway that leads to the consumerism, is the desolation and reserved holy space of the square. But anguish of a complacent yet covetous then I’m acutely aware of the thoughts heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous that must deter so many: ‘I’ll attract pleasures, and a blunted conscience.’ attention to myself,’or ‘people will stare.’ Feverish pursuit were exactly the The walk towards the crib suddenly words that sprang to mind when I saw feels more like the walk on the ship’s a video of brawling shoppers being plank. But I feel duty bound to keep wrestled to the ground by armed secu- going and I’d look silly stopping rity staff in an American store. It was halfway. I get there unscathed of part of the shopping phenomenon course. The skaters are still laughing, Black Friday which has now started in Wizard is playing on the PA system our own country as a day for attract- and no one is staring. Now I can relax, ing bargain hunters on their Christmas I follow the gaze of Mary and Joseph shopping. At the same time most of us The Nativity scene can bring value to the economics, transport, housing, health to the vision of the future in Scotland. and my eyes rest on the crib. are probably aware of the spread of events in our life and help them ‘take on and education etc. but slight refer- But for Pope Francis the centrality of In Pope Francis’ new teaching doc- food banks around Scotland. We are their proper meaning’ ences to the religion are only con- evangelisation for the wellbeing of ument—Evangelii Gaudium—he aware too of the so many broken tained in the final section on questions society is obvious. That does mean uses the phrase ‘we must...turn our homes and children missing the sta- ‘The Joy of the Gospel’—is a vision of that have been asked about independ- working with and promoting the good gaze to what we are all seeking; the bility and protection of a mum or dad. a better society that will arise if we take ence. These points affirm that parents of people of all faiths. radiant peace of God’s face.’ The The material advance of recent responsibility for evangelising it more will continue to have a choice in terms To use Francis’ approach, the future manger scene has always been a way decades has broken down community effectively. One commentator noted of faith schools and it also affirms that of Scotland is not in the hands of of attracting us to see God’s face in a life in so many ways. Careers and that the Pope seems to be highlighting there are no plans to change the status experts or elites but will rest on the little child. It’s commendable that so money are portrayed as more important how everyone could participate in mak- of any churches. values of all of the people. Those val- many city councils are still making than children; living for today seems to ing society better rather than leaving it These issues, of course, are more to ues will be greatly influenced if our these available across the country. be the spirit of the consumerism that to the experts or the elites. do with how powers will be used by gaze can find Christ amidst the dis- the Pope warns against. He sees a need the present government under Alex tractions of the world. Like my visit to he peace that Pope Francis com- for ‘the creation of a new mindset olitically, Alex Salmond has Salmond’s leadership. There will the crib we will surely find that the mends is not widely evident which thinks in terms of community introduced his own vision docu- undoubtedly be many who will debate good things of the world don’t come around the world. At the begin- and the priority of the life of all over ment for the future of Scotland. over how powers on these matters to a stop when we seek out the child Tning of Evangelii Gaudium the Holy the appropriation of goods by a few.’ PIt centres around the debate on inde- should be used in future. What is clear born in a stable, but they take on their Father writes that ‘the great danger in Evangelii Gaudium—or in English pendence but entails a wide account of is that religion or Faith is not central proper meaning.

The views expressed in the opinion What do you think of JOHN DEIGHAN’S comments on finding faith? Send your points of view pages of the SCO are those of to the SCO. Write to or e-mail informed individuals and groups and Letters, SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT [email protected] not necessarily those of the newspaper or the Church Don’t ever lose sight of the true meaning and stories of Christmas

ST NICHOLAS was a fourth many cultural ideas. It is hard to Those of us who still go to Generosity is part of Christmas. one story that has a certain century bishop. He lived in ignore these influences, more dif- church on a regular basis proba- Celebration is part of Christmas. potency in our tradition. The orig- Myra, now part of modern day ficult still for Christian men and bly take a certain pride in trying The birth of Jesus is at the very inal accounts were written for Turkey. He is often called Fr Eddie women not to lose focus on what to keep a proper perspective on heart of Christmas. That is reason very different purposes. In ‘Nicholas the wonder worker.’ lies at the heart of the celebration. Christmas. That is difficult. There enough to rejoice. Matthew’s account of the birth of He was particularly noted for McGhee Along with Rudolph there are a are pressures on us to conform Many of you will have attended Jesus we have Magi, a star and his generosity and care of the plethora of songs or carols that socially and to make Christmas an a school Nativity play. These are gifts. In Luke’s account of the poor. He would secretly help and mistletoe have a pedigree struggle to capture what we believe end in itself rather than a begin- wonderful events and for families, birth of Jesus we have shepherds, those who were most in need, that pre-dates even St Nicholas. to be the essence of the Christmas ning. The reason that I am so fond form part of the treasured memory a manger and a heavenly choir. hiding his generous deeds They were part of the winter cel- season. Away in a Manger gets of medieval Christmas carols is store. They bring something spe- Interestingly, nowhere in either of under the cover of darkness. ebrations of our pre-Christian much closer. It is given heartfelt because in their construction, they cial to our Christmas celebrations. the accounts do we have a stable. He died in 343AD and his feast ancestors, as they struggled, in the voice at a multitude of school bring us from the birth of Jesus Over the years, I have seen some It would be good for all of us to is December 6. In the 1700 years northern hemisphere, with the Christmas concerts, and begins to right through His life and death to truly amazing and creative inter- read the original accounts in or so since his death, something darkening days of winter. Some- say something about the reason for His Resurrection. Without resurrec- pretations of the Christmas story. Matthew’s Gospel and in Luke’s strange has happened to St how they too have been accom- the season. My own tastes run tion, none of this makes sense. That If I have any concern, it is that too Gospel and try to understand what Nicholas. From all of the myths modated in the way that we now towards the more medieval in is a difficult concept to retain as we few of us know the actual stories they were trying to say to us about and mythology, he emerges as the celebrate Christmas. Christmas carols. I think that they face the barrage of conflicting val- of the birth of Jesus as they are Jesus. How we might tell the story ‘Santa Claus’ figure much-loved by There are those who would say give a more rounded picture of ues that much of the Christmas told in the Gospels of Matthew today is part of the whole evolu- children everywhere. He has, in this that how we celebrate Christmas what we are celebrating. Whatever season has become. We are afraid and Luke. Essentially, what has tion of our Christmas celebrations. transforming process, become an is nothing more than a Victorian our preference musically, it of being considered ‘Scrooges.’ happened over the centuries, as If we don’t lose sight of the origi- integral part of the way that we construct. Christmas trees, Christ- becomes evident that the way we One of the things that has been the stories are retold, is that they nal stories, we can happily allow celebrate Christmas. mas cards, decorations, even the celebrate Christmas has changed conveniently forgotten in the won- have begun to lose their connec- our understanding of Christmas to I’m not so sure where Rudolph, Advent wreath, have all been and continues to change. Does this derful Dickens story, A Christmas tion with their origins. evolve. However Christmas the Red Nosed Reindeer fits into imported and moulded to fit our evolution enhance or obscure our Carol, is that Ebeneezer Scrooge In the Scriptures we have two evolves for you in 2013, I wish all this story, nor any other of the fan- ever-changing awareness of this awareness of Christmas and of the changed. After the visitation of the very different accounts of the of you love, peace and joy. tasy figures that have become asso- season. Christmas has become birth of Christ, which gives the cel- spirits, Scrooge knew how to keep birth of Jesus. Historically, we ciated with Christmas. Yule logs something of a melting pot for ebration its name? Christmas better than any man. have woven them together to form I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER JOURNEY OF FAITH 13 Year of Faith was the start of our journey JOE McGRATH looks back on the Year of Faith and forward to 2014, and how we can continue our life of spirituality

JOE McGRATH’S JOURNEY OF FAITH

ELL, that was the Year of Faith. It’s over now and we can move on. Before we do, I’d like to just look back on the year to see what it did for me, and possibly you. The Year of Faith was launched with some fanfare and lots of resources were set in place for us, much ofW that online. There were events and celebrations before it all went into the background. So, when I look back, did it help me in my per- A priest begins a relay race on the main road leading to There we have it in a nutshell: our journey of back now. I’ll be following Read The Gospels in a St Peter’s Square at the Vatican as part of a Year of sonal journey of Faith? I looked into where my Faith Faith event Faith is not a journey to a place, it is a journey that Year, a link to which you can find below. came from. That was easy: it came from my parents, must take us beyond ourselves and lead us to place my grandparents and the Faith community I was ourselves entirely at God’s disposal, to do with as I http://theviewfromjoemcgrath.wordpress.com born into. The Faith was passed down to me, a bit ten by Fr James Martin SJ. I bought it as an e-book He wishes. We must take our free will and choose, like an Olympic torch—or should I say a Common- on my Kindle. I’ve just started using it and I’m find- freely, to place it at God’s feet. Jesus put Himself I Fr Martin’s Book Together on Retreat is avail- wealth Games Baton? Now it’s up to me as a parent ing it very helpful. It’s a bit like having an expert in entirely at the service of the Father. We must, in able on Kindle from Amazon. and—as it was a while ago—as a teacher, to pass your pocket to help with your spiritual life. our various ways, do the same. that same torch, that flame of Faith on to others. The basis of the retreat is, of course, prayer. Fr The Year of Faith is not the end; it is the begin- I Read The Gospels in a Year – sign up at I found lots of resources online. I got a daily Martin started off by describing some different ning of the life of Faith. There can be no going http://flocknote.com/gospel email from Read the Catechism in a Year and approaches to prayer. Let’s face it, if I want to get Daily Catholic Quotes. Between the avalanche of on better with God then I need to converse with stuff that poured through my computer screen and Him. Not just recite prayers, but open up to Him the coverage in the Scottish Catholic Observer, I about how I find myself at that moment and look was well resourced. out for His answer. I found that Faith was not just about believing in A few months ago I mentioned my problems of God but much more than that. My Faith is a power being distracted in Mass. Fr Martin gave me a in my life and it is up to me to be open to this won- deeper insight into why that might be. He pointed derful gift. It is something that I have to nurture out that sometimes God pops thoughts into your and grow for my good and for the community of head, not as a distraction, but to draw your atten- Faith as a whole. I need to see if I can get my Faith tion to some issue you need to deal with. My atti- to be as big as a mustard seed. Now, growing tude to distractions has changed for the better. things was never my strong point as anyone who looks at my garden will tell you. So how can I s part of my journey of Faith I decided on nourish my Faith? a real journey. I went to France to start my The answer to that is, again, simple. The Sacra- personal pilgrimage, walking the Camino. ments exist to do just that. It’s up to me to make IA started my journey by train, travelling to London, more use of the Sacraments and to avoid falling on to Paris and then overnight to Bayonne and up into the trap of treating them as routine. When I to Saint Jean Pied de Port. On the overnight train made my First Communion it was a big thing. All I met a German who was doing his journey in smartly dressed, cleaned and polished. This was stages. He alighted in Lourdes to continue on foot. Jesus coming to me. Why should First Commun- I considered getting off there myself, but didn’t. I ion be taken more seriously than the second, third only managed to walk three days before having to or five-hundredth communion? I must strive to give up with back problems. regain that sense of awe that I had for the Sacra- I did learn a lot about myself and my Faith on ments as a child. I need to remember just how the journey. As I write this, I’m preparing to go off wonderful they are. again, this time to Lourdes for the December 8 cel- Our new Holy Father has been a great guide and ebration. Strangely enough, my flight takes me inspiration. He has reminded me of the need to con- into Bilbao to continue by bus to Lourdes. I passed centrate on the fundamentals of Christ’s teaching through Bilbao on my way home from the and not to get bogged down in the rules. The rules Camino. Now I’m going in reverse to Lourdes. are important but we must never let them get in the Perhaps that is where I should have been going in way of the essential message ‘Love thy neighbour.’ the first place. This time I will not be alone. My That’s another thing I’ve realised this year, my wife is coming along to keep me out of trouble. Faith is not just about me. It is about how I behave That has taught me another lesson: it is never towards other people. Is my focus on myself or am finished when you think it is. My pilgrimage will I thinking of others? Christ’s focus was always on go on. In the same way the Year of Faith will go others. I think that is a clear message for all of us. on. That year was just to get us started. We are all on our Journey of Faith. hings have changed over the years in the I recently came across a pastoral letter from the Church. I can remember when we had parish Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Rt Rev Kieran Exclusive Reader retreats, class retreats and even evening Conry. He was reflecting on what we might have Tretreats. These gave us opportunities to step aside achieved in this Year of Faith. In it I found a won- Christmas Offer from the ‘production line’ that is daily life and take derful quote. “In the document on revelation in the time to spend in contemplation. I experienced Second Vatican Council,” it says, “Faith is seen not retreats where we were expertly guided to find that as the communication and reception of facts, but £19.99 Buy 1 Get1 Free. peace where God’s message for us becomes the giving of God Himself, and our response is not Use code SCO atcheckout. clearer. These don’t seem to be so popular today. an intellectual response, but, the document says, There is a need in all of us for a guided retreat. ‘by Faith, man freely commits his entire self to www.shrinejewellery.com I recently came across a book by a Jesuit priest God.’ In other words, our Faith is a personal Beautiful handmade bracelets studded with which attempts to guide us through a DIY retreat. response to God’s love and an acceptance of that The book is called Together on Retreat and is writ- offer of God’s friendship.” genuine Czech crystals WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013

“All of us are ready to join W forces with Your Holiness to IRE attack the labels that D I perpetuate stigma,” the N writers say. It may be comforting to know that even the Holy Father puts An SCO diary his foot in it occasionally. GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ALTHOUGH Pope Francis, named TIME Magazines’ WHILE the deadline for person of the year last sending Christmas cards week, has been receiving may have passed, you can plaudits from many quarters still send the Holy Father a this weather, there are some happy Christmas message. people who are not his Using the Vine and biggest fan. Instagram sharing platforms The leaders of through the Vatican’s organisations of people Pope2You website anyone affected by leprosy from can send the Pope a festive nine countries and Yohei video message. Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Record and post your Ambassador for Leprosy video using Vine or Elimination and chairman of Instagram, adding any The Nippon Foundation, additional notes and prayers have written to Pope Francis in the dialogue box. urging the Catholic Church If you want, you can also to speak out against send the links directly from leprosy-related your device via email to discrimination and labels [email protected] adding that perpetuate stigma. any written words you want The letter has been in the email. prompted by the Pope’s use The only downside is that of the term ‘leprosy’ in the videos that the Vatican reference to aspects of the site collects won’t be Church that he seeks to presented to Pope Francis reform. In recent months he until sometime after has said that ‘careerism is a Christmas. leprosy’ and ‘the court is the leprosy of the Papacy.’ GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG The letter, written by representatives of people IF YOU think you are affected by leprosy from struggling to make ends Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, meet this Christmas, spare a Ghana, India, Indonesia, thought for the bishops of Japan, South Korea and the the West African nation of If Our Lady is ‘not a postmaster,’ United States says that Guinea-Bissau who using the disease as a declared December 13 a metaphor for something day of prayer and fasting for negative or corrupt peace and asked Catholics what of Medjugorje’s messages? ‘perpetuates deeply to send the money saved ingrained stereotypes and through fasting to the makes it harder to alleviate victims of Typhoon Haiyan. remarks, about visionaries and Lady at Medjugorje occurred Fatima were either united with the devastating social, According to the Our Lady not being a postmas- on June 24, 1981, when the then God by an early death or, in the economic and psychological International Monetary Fund, ter sending out messages every Yugoslavia was under Commu- case of Sr Lucia, spent her impact that leprosy can Guinea-Bissau is one of the day, are evidently directed nist rule. The problems of dis- remaining years in the auster- have.’ world’s 16 poorest nations. against the longstanding phe- cerning events and realities in a ity of the religious life. All six “May our prayer and our nomenon of Medjugorje and Communist dictatorship, the of the Medjugorje ‘seers’ are fasting lead us to accept the ceaseless flow of alleged apparent good faith of the six now married. Of course there peace through a life marked messages from Our Lady it has ‘visionaries’ and the undoubted is nothing wrong with that: by truth, justice and generated for more than 31 piety of pilgrims drawn to the marriage is a vocation as is the reconciliation,” the bishops said in a statement. “World years. site naturally induced the consecrated life. leaders, Africans, and While this was not a full- Church to maintain an open It is strange that not one of six Guineans must think about blooded bell, book and candle mind on this matter until time people said to have been privi- the poorest of the poor. The BY GERARD rejection of Medjugorje, it was should clarify the issues. leged to enjoy direct communi- democratic spirit must fill an unambiguous indication that That has now happened. The cation with the Mother of God the hearts of everyone, WARNER when the long-awaited verdict most self-evidently condemna- found a religious vocation. If especially of politicians and of the commission appointed in tory aspect of the phenomenon such people eschew the conse- the military.” 2010 to investigate the phenom- is what Pope Francis dismissed crated life, it does not bode well enon finally reports, the verdict as the ‘postmaster sending out for the vocations’ crisis. Leprosy, also known as GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG N THE homily delivered may not be unfavourable. There messages every day.’ The total Instead, the ‘seers’ enjoy life Hansen’s disease (Gerhard during his daily Mass on had already been recent author- number of alleged messages in gated communities or behind Henrik Armauer Hansen, A REMARKABLE new US November 14, Pope itative indications of this. On from Our Lady has now passed the wheel of a BMW. One of above, identified the film about the life of nuns is Francis said: “Curiosity October 21, the Apostolic Nun- the 40,000 mark. That contrasts them lives in an $800,000 villa bacteria), is a bacterial seeking a title. pushes us to want to hear ciature to the United States with around half a dozen at with swimming pool and is disease that mainly affects The film follows the that the Lord is here or over declared, on behalf of the Con- Fatima, of which Medjugorje is married to a former Miss Mas- the skin and peripheral journey of three Catholic there, or it leads us to say: ‘Well, gregation for the Doctrine of the claimed to be a continuation. Is sachusetts. nerves. Left untreated, it can sisters, Sr Simone I know a visionary who receives Faith, that in the light of the it credible that Our Lady, who There is nothing un-Catholic lead to permanent disability. Campbell, Sr Chris Schenk I Around 230,000 new cases and Sr Jean Hughes. letters from Our Lady, messages condemnation of the Medju- showed Herself so urgently about prosperity, but ‘seers’ from Our Lady.’” But, added gorje phenomenon by the concerned for the plight of the touring parishes and receiving are reported annually. The trailer suggests it will the Pope, Our Blessed Lady is Yugoslav Bishops’ Conference world at Fatima, would trivi- a ‘message’ from Our Lady on Although the disease is be fascinating and the ‘not a postmaster of the post in 1991, Catholics, both clergy alise Her warning by communi- a pre-announced date in front curable and treatment is filmmakers are searching for free, people affected by office sending out messages cating thousands of times in of an audience—that is more a new title for their film and and laity, ‘are not permitted to leprosy still face every day.’ participate in meetings, confer- three decades—far more than appropriate to a white-suited are hosting an online discrimination in various contest to gather ideas. The target of this rebuke ences or public celebrations all the recognised apparitions tele-evangelist. parts of the world, leaving Some of the suggestions could not have been more during which the credibility of of Her and Her Divine Son In 1997, when the Bishop of them isolated and so far are ‘Fighting in Good obvious. The Pope’s initial such ‘apparitions’ would be throughout 20 centuries? Mostar repeated his condem- marginalised. Faith’, ‘Justice Sisters’, words were clearly a reference taken for granted.’ Nor do these messages con- nation of Medjugorje, one of In their letter, the ‘When You Pray, Move Your to St Matthew 24: 26 where, tinue the key themes of Fatima the objections he cited was that signatories say they would Feet’ and ‘Holy Mischief.’ after warning that false Christs public meeting in the in the same tone and with the the ‘Madonna’ appears ‘at the ‘welcome a strong call by To watch the trailer and and false prophets would arise, US under the auspices same urgency. Some of them “fiat” of the visionaries.’ the Catholic Church on the make a suggestion, visit: Our Lord said: “If therefore of one of the six ‘seers’ have, in fact, contradicted Medjugorje has attracted occasion of World Leprosy http://sisterthefilm.com/title they shall say to you: Behold Aof Medjugorje was subse- Church doctrine. more than 30 million pilgrims; Day 2014 for an end to contest and you could win a he is in the desert, go ye not quently cancelled. Clearly, their piety is edifying, but if not stigma and discrimination prize, although be warned, out: Behold he is in the closets, things do not bode well for the hen there is the question an authentic site, that represents against people affected by Nuns on the Run is unlikely believe it not.” Medjugorje movement. The of the lifestyles of the 30 million Faithful diverted leprosy. to be a winning choice! The Pope’s subsequent first alleged apparition of Our T‘seers.’ The children of from Fatima and Lourdes. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 15 Heartwarming advice this Christmas If guidelines on fuel/food use make your blood boil, channel that energy into helping a food bank

F YOU belong to one of the tens of thousands of households in Scotland which expects to encounter problems this winter meeting the cost of heating your home, providing food andI buying Christmas gifts then thank the Lord for the Conser- vative Party. Soon, it seems, they will be more deserving of the title ‘Party of the People’ than Labour. Never again can they be accused of being out of touch and lacking in concern BY KEVIN McKENNA for the everyday problems of the hoi-polloi. Good Lord, no. you are a homeless I would first of all commend to you the kindly person. Baroness Elizabeth Rawling, a 72-year-old life On nights when peer and heiress to one of Britain’s biggest textile it is particularly fortunes. The Baroness, still a very sprightly and cold2 gather all handsome septuagenarian, once dated the Aga your furniture Khan. A couple of years ago she featured in the together and make society pages of the posh people’s magazines a bonfire. Before when she put her 13-bedroom Georgian country doing so, of mansion on the market for £7m. course, please con- During a speech in the upper house last month sult government health and safety guidelines. Distressingly, Celtic FC, the club that exists (there are now hundreds throughout Scotland) and she recommended that we all use electric blankets Go to the pub much more. You can purchase a through the support of generations of pop along with some basic foodstuffs that if we’re feeling a bit chilly but are fearful of the half-pint of lager and most landlords will let poor people have refused also to pay are vital for many of our poorer brothers next energy bill. “They are the answer to many of you3 sit for a few hours sipping it slowly, watching the Living Wage to its entire staff. In and sisters. If you have children then take the Government’s aims,” according to the satellite TV sports and getting a heat. doing so they displayed a callousness them too and show much suffering greed, baroness. “They are very green as they use little Form an energy collective with neighbours. bordering on contempt for the founding corruption and profiteering have caused electricity and they reduce the need for so much Each of you will take a turn once a week of principles of the Marist Brother Walfrid in this country. heating in the home. They also make the home cramming4 all your friends into your home for a who guided its first steps. And if you are a priest or bishop, you very energy efficient—that is, they cost less.” mass sleepover. This means you only need to heat The existence of food poverty and fuel can spell it out too from your pulpit this Baroness Elizabeth’s kind advice to the poor your home once a week. Everyone can take a turn poverty in this, one of the most affluent weekend. followed a similar, heart-warming burst of com- for a couple of hours with the electric blanket. nations on earth, is one of the sins that cry passion from 10 Downing Street a few weeks pre- If some of you must abjure food for a while out to God for vengeance. The least we I SCO columnist Kevin McKenna viously. That was when a government spokesman because you’ve just paid the gas or electricity can do is to locate a food bank near you writes for the Observer newspaper advised us all to consider wearing a jumper bill5 then ask your better off neighbours to keep the in the house if we are concerned window open while they are cooking. That way about paying the energy bills. your children can go to sleep with a square meal in Last week another their nostrils if not their stomachs. super-annuated Don’t grow too attached to house- panjandrum hold pets. [This one is self explana- took time 6tory.] Have You Ever out from his busy sched- his weekend, before the Celtic ule to hand vs Hearts game, something down his own much more important than a Considered Adoption? advice. Chris Train, a football matchT takes place. Celtic’s much- senior director of the maligned Green Brigade and Celtic FC Founda- National Grid, may or may tion have organised a collection for the local food not be a Tory, but he certainly bank in the Calton Parish Church on Helenvale shares the party’s concerns about the Street. This work of mercy will occur in the neigh- HAVE YOU ROOM cost of energy. He described the amount of elec- bourhood where Celtic FC was founded in May, tricity families in the UK use as a ‘luxury.’ Mr 1887 to help provide funds for the soup kitchens IN YOUR HEART? Train warned that providing ‘the luxury of elec- that kept thousands of our ancestors alive in the tricity that we desire’ would mean customers pay- face of starvation and disease. ing billions more to upgrade the power network. Some 126 years after Celtic was founded many Do you have: Mr Train’s comments came as the cartel of people will need to swallow their pride and avail energy companies, whose greed and profiteering themselves of a food bank this winter, simply to • energy & imagination has edged many hard-working families to the edge provide food for their children. This is one of the of poverty, refused to rule out further price hikes great evils in Scottish society today. It is an next year despite the government making a £50 cut obscenity which represents a far greater danger to • stability in the green levies that they have to pay. traditional family life than anything that our homo- I have some other great ideas for those strug- sexual brothers and sisters do. gling to pay household heating bills on account of Most of the people using food banks this winter • love & enthusiasm unemployment, low wages and greedy energy will be hard-working in jobs that pay them wages St Margaret’s firms. In a spirit of social justice and community below what the Living Wage Foundation says is • patience and humour cooperation I would recommend them to the Con- the minimum required to pay rent, run a small car servative Party and the energy companies for and buy healthy food. Adoption is about providing the right inclusion in their next self-help booklets. Yet multi-billion enterprises such as Tesco and Children family for a child. We are looking for new Marks and Spencer still refuse to pay the living Gather all members of the household into one wage of £7.45 an hour. The accountants who adoptive parents to offer a home. 1room and jump up and down vigorously. Do advise them in these matters will always put prof- and Family this at regular intervals. This works outside too if its before people.

The views Care Society What do you think of KEVIN McKENNA’S expressed in the opinion pages of comments on indepedence? Send your the SCO are St Margaret’s Children points of view to the SCO. Write to Letters, those of informed and Family Care Society, individuals and 26 Newton Place, Glasgow G3 7PY SCO, 19 Waterloo St, Glasgow G2 6BT or e-mail groups and not necessarily those Telephone 0141 332 8371 · [email protected] [email protected] of the newspaper or the www.stmargaretsadoption.org.uk Scottish Charity Reg SC 028551 Church 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 I back the love of the common people After the Clutha bar tragedy, FAITH IN CULTURE shows the discrepancy between the ‘man on the street’ and his image

By Richard Purden

RECENT lecture Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of by Mayor of Lon- Glasgow (right) looks at the floral don Boris Johnson tributes left near the site of the Clutha suggested that Vaults bar tragedy last month by people from Glasgow and beyond there are a percent- age of people that are not smart enough to make it in life. Also abled and mentally ill and helps Awhen discussing human beings with the process of securing help he referred to humanity as a through the benefits systems, he ‘species’ while celebrating the often speaks of the mess govern- Gordon Gekko character from ment have made and how difficult Oliver Stone’s 1987 film Wall it has been for people who are Street repeating his often imi- genuinely ill and in need to get tated mantra ‘greed is good.’ He help. The value at present is eco- added that the ‘hedge fund nomic benefit over human beings kings’ should do more to help and, as a result, many years of the poor. How do you put that progress has been reversed as into action? food banks, charities and This present elitism is promot- churches deal with the fall out of ing some dangerous ideas and the system’s shortcomings. narratives. Last year chancellor Like everyone in Scotland, I George Osborne presented his watched in disbelief as news ‘shirkers not workers speech’at broke about the Clutha Vaults bar the Tory Party conference where tragedy. Quite often our country is he said: “Where is the fairness, portrayed as being divided; High- we ask, for the lander or Low- shift-worker, lander, East leaving home in In the face of Coast or West the dark hours Coast, Catholic of the early such sorrow, or Protestant… morning, who the feeling the list goes on. looks up at the In the face of closed blinds of amongst such sorrow and SUDOKU their next-door adversity, how- neighbour everyone was ever, the feeling sleeping off a amongst every- life on bene- one of one was one of 3 7 1 2 SIMPLE fits?” In truth, a solidarity. large portion of solidarity In the news FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A 6 1 8275 9 3 4 the welfare coverage it was 4 3 WAY AS EVERY ROW AND budget is spent on subsidising apparent how much faith mattered COLUMN AND EVERY 3 BY 3 3 4 5 6 9 8 7 1 2 low-income wages. A recent poll as different religions and social 931 5 BOX CONTAINS THE NUMBERS 749 2 1 3 8 6 5 suggested the British public worlds came together to show 1 TO 9. NO GUESS WORK IS 137 4 2 8 9 6 5 believed 27 per cent of the wel- their unity. The image of a local REQUIRED AND THERE IS 2 8 6 3 5 1 4 9 7 fare budget is exploited by benefit Muslim man who lit a candle in 5 2 9 6 8 ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 5 3 9 4 7 6 2 8 1 cheats, that figure is actually 0.7 St Andrew’s Cathedral is one of per cent. Rather than creating a many examples of how faiths 9 4 7 IS THE DEC 13 SIMPLE 4 6 7 9 1 3 5 2 8 sense of a shared community, the united in solidarity. There was no SOLUTION 8 2 1 7 6 5 3 4 9 current government ideology is sense of difference or selective- 6 8 3 4 9 9 5 3 8 4 2 1 7 6 undoubtedly divide and rule. ness as football managers, politi- All most people want is a cians, pub-goers, well known decent living wage and a safe, personalities and Scots of all 6 835 affordable place to live but often backgrounds paid their respects we are given a representation of while showing support. Everyone 3 1 the working class that presents an was on the same human level. undeserving poor. The commenta- Jim Murphy MP was inter- tor Owen Jones suggested that viewed in the immediate after- 8 1 7 5 there is a dangerous myth taking math, helping those as part of a root in our society, ‘human chain.’One comment left “What the Tories are doing is on a newspaper website said they MODERATE placing the chav myth at the heart didn't believe that such a thing 79 5 of British politics, so as to could happen. If they knew Glas- FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A entrench the idea that there are 54 6 2 79318 gow, they might know better. Our 7 2 6 8 WAY AS EVERY ROW AND entire communities around Britain hope and our prayers stretch out 9 3 7 8 1 6 2 5 4 COLUMN AND EVERY 3 BY 3 crawling with feckless, delin- to the injured and those connected 1 824 9 5 6 3 7 quent, violent and sexually 1 63BOX CONTAINS THE NUMBERS to the men and woman who lost 5 7 8 3 6 1 4 2 9 debauched no-hopers. Middle their lives at the end of last month 1 TO 9. NO GUESS WORK IS England on the one hand and in Glasgow.At this time we look 8 1 6 2 REQUIRED AND THERE IS 6 4 9 5 2 8 1 7 3 chavs on the other,” he said. to spiritual renewal and strength ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 2 1 3 9 4 7 8 65 In a recent BBC 4 lecture he in Christ as we focus this season 87 IS THE DEC 13 MODERATE 842 1 7 5 9 3 6 pointed out how favourable work- on His coming to earth, to such SOLUTION 7 9 4 6 3 2 5 8 1 ing class characters presented in ordinary beginnings as a baby 3 56 1 8 4 7 9 2 comedies such as The Likely Lads offering new life, light and hope 2 7 9 5 or Only Fools And Horses have for us all. been replaced with cartoonish 6 8 7 grotesques such as Vicky Pollard I Richard Purden is a freelance in Little Britain. Make no mistake journalist, the author of We are about it, those at the bottom of Celtic Supporters and Faifthful 5 2 4 1 life’s social ladder are being met Through and Through, an SCO with contempt and hatred. A feature writer and a married 1 2 6 friend of mine works with the dis- father of two WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER THAT’S LIFE 17 I cannot choose Santa over our Saviour THAT’S LIFE discovers that, when it comes to religious versus secular goods, it is best not to de-Christianise Christmas

your on-trend red and white Scandinavian look. I The round robin always seemed to land on the mat is to be in the world but not of the world. Advent am all about tradition. When it comes to the when my boy had come home with a yet another is a time of preparation and anticipation; a time to Advent calendar the natives are becoming restless. punishment exercise for not having done his increase in Faith. In Advent we are preparing to Uncomplainingly, in shops awash with calendars homework or forgotten his gym kit. Anyway, who meet the Son of God made man. At the heart of our By Mary depicting reindeers and snowmen, I search for one wants to know that little Johnnie got a merit cer- contemplation is Our Lady as she carried her son with a nativity scene. I have a notion that some- tificate for his prowess in chess or the family cat in her womb. It is a time of great hope. The mes- McGinty one, somewhere, in the higher echelons of retail, is met his demise after 14 long and happy years. sage of Christmas is not tarnished if others choose working on a comparative study of religious versus But these trivial things matter not. Our challenge to disregard it secular Christmas merchandise. If I choose Santa CARROT, a mince pie and a wee nip over the Saviour I will be part of the de-Christian- of the man of the house’s best malt. ising of Christmas. That is the way we do it. When Santa comes down our chimney he knows his year I presented my manger scene where he is. He is welcomed in the Advent calendar only to be asked would it kill same manner as always and the scene never varies. me to buy a chocolate filled one, just once. The decorations on the tree are the ones the chil- TWould they lose their Faith if I buy one with an image Adren made long ago. A little ragged, even tattered, of the jolly fat man instead of the baby Jesus? But I they are part of the fabric of our family story. The hold out as long as I can, tut-tutting in the post office angel that adorns the top is a cut-out from the queue at customers not insisting on holy stamps. The Twinkle comic circa 1991. The only difference is message of Christmas is safe with me. that the son of the house no longer throws a strop Maybe it is because I have a December birthday when we refuse permission for his Celtic snow- but for the whole of Advent I walk around with an man to take to take pride of place atop the tree. If inner glow; I love everything about Christmas; I say that enough times maybe next year it will everything except the round robin letter. That tra- come true. dition is one I can do without. Fortunately it has all The way we did all those years became the tem- but disappeared, thanks to its almost universal bad plate for all our Christmases. If it ain’t broke why press. Hearing about and sharing in the happiness fix it? Even the menu remains largely unchanged. of other people is one thing but the ‘sexed-up’print The décor has to have the warmth of red, green and version which is a triumph of PR is quite another. gold.You can keep your purples and silvers and I sound all bah-humbug and with good reason.

SISTER MARGARET DUNCAN terms of what most people achieve JUNE 29 1917- OBITUARY in a lifetime, it was staggering. NOVEMBER 28 2013 People in Bosnia were so bowled over by the convent’s SR MARGARET Duncan had no efforts they invited Sr Margaret out real concept of her age. Not long there to meet some of those she had before her death at age 96, she told helped. In 1998, I accompanied her me how upset she was about to Sarajevo and watched her inter- another nun who had died at 83. act with people who had lost every- When I expressed my condolences, thing: their homes, husbands, she said, quick as a flash: “It’s brothers, fathers, towns, even their alright, hen, she was very elderly.” graveyards; people caught up in Anyone who knew this extraor- this latter-day Holocaust, not so dinary woman will be aware of the much traumatised by war but seri- high regard in which she was held ously neglected in its aftermath. —and by an astonishing range of a packet of cigarettes for her jour- We travelled to Bakovici, a psy- people—from Kwikfit’s Sir Tom ney. “I smoked the whole way to chiatric unit north of Sarajevo. On Liverpool,” she told me. “It was the wards, some of the patients Farmer through to the poorest, DERECK ALOYSIUS FOWLES homeless person on the streets of dreadful, never again. It’s a dis- grabbed her by the hand. Others He was certain that it was the Edinburgh when she lived at the gusting habit.” threw their arms around her. At FEBRUARY 26 1927- OBITUARY Loch Ness Monster. Holy Family Convent in Leith. She You may well have read about times she was overwhelmed— NOVEMBER 3 2013 Dereck left the Abbey School addressed everyone as ‘hen’ or Margaret over the years. She hit the especially when one patient tember 16 1950. His teaching first in 1964 for Notre Dame in Dum- ‘son,’even Cardinal Keith O’Brien headlines in 1995 at the funeral of admired her white cardigan. Imme- post was at Prior Park, Bath. After barton. In 1974 he left Notre diately Sister Margaret took it off MARY Margaret Cole (whose Dame and moved to St Patrick’s who wrote to her a week before he union leader Sam McCluskie when family was originally Irish) and a year, they decided to go to the resigned earlier this year. When she plucked a red ribbon from a and gave it to her. elite Harrison College in Barba- in Coatbridge as deputy head and “Being here is like a dream Walter John Fowles had met dur- then was appointed rector at St informed of his fall from grace, her wreath and handed it to Tony Blair, ing the First World War. Their son dos, founded in 1733. They response was: “I don’t care what then Labour leader. She said to come true,” she said. “It’s fantastic arrived in Jamaica by sea, spent Margaret’s, Airdrie, until 1992. to see people actually wearing the Dereck was born in Fishponds, Dereck emphasised the impor- he’s done, hen, I love him anyway.” Blair: “Wear this ribbon on election Bristol in 1927. He was sent to ten days there then flew to Barba- Born in 1917, in Stoneyburn, day and when you become Prime clothes we sent out. The people of dos. He continued his love of the- tance of school uniforms but also Bosnia said we had brought them the Christian Brothers School in motivated staff, students, parents, West Lothian, as Jean Henderson, Minister don’t forget the Scots who the city but joined the Navy in atre, not only producing plays to parents Alison Paton and James put you there.” hope when the rest of the world had with the pupils of Harrison Col- local businesses to raise money to forgotten about them.” 1944 as a midshipman. He served buy Auchteraw House just out- Henderson, Sr Margaret was one of She was also known for her in the Australian Pacific region, lege, but also with the Barbados three siblings, with an older sister, many trips to Lourdes in a jumbu- Sr Margaret cared deeply about Theatrical Society, which he side Fort Augustus, to which staff those who struggled to survive. under attack from Kamikaze and students came to cook, clean Grace, and a younger brother, lance. She loved to recount the raiders at Okinawa and was on joined. Dereck took part in Cin- George. Tragedy struck early. In story of how, somewhat perversely, They had no electricity, no gas, no derella as an ugly sister. He pro- and enjoy the magnificent phones and very little water. Some the King George V battleship scenery. February 1926, when she was just she had a heart attack on the way when the peace treaty was signed duced Hamlet at the college nine, her mother died of blood poi- into Lourdes and had to be rushed 30,000 women were raped in the where he also taught the cricketer Today, Tony Hannah, one of war. There was an unwanted baby with Japan on September 2, 1945 the children brought up from Air- soning. Then, on her 15th birthday, to hospital, sirens blaring and lights in Tokyo Bay. Sir Gary Sobers. her father died in the local Foul- flashing. boom for which nobody was pre- He returned to the UK to teach, drie to the Highlands, commented pared. Sr Margaret did not judge The following year he came that ‘I was one of the lucky ones.’ shiels Colliery. Grace had already Nicknamed Scotland’s Mother home to study English and His- first in Liverpool, then in Sunder- left home and it fell to the newly Teresa, she lived solely for the ben- those women the way they judged land. In 1956 he went to the After he retired Dereck chan- themselves but did her best to tory at Bristol University. He also nelled his immense energies and orphaned Margaret to care for her efit of others, frequently fundrais- found time to work at the Bristol Abbey School, Fort Augustus. He brother by working at a nearby ing, anything from knitathons to understand their shame as she sup- made an immediate mark, as talents into Buchanan Commu- plied them with soap, nappies, bot- Old Vic, studying stage manage- nity Council. He was chairman of farm shawing turnips. riding pillion on a Harley Davidson ment, production, direction and many of his former pupils testify. At the start of the Second World aged 86. The philosophy of the tles and blankets. This year many One of his sayings has always the Lomond and Stirling of those children she helped turned lighting. During his time there he LEADER, a European Union War, Margaret trained as a welder. Holy Family founder, Pierre Bien- was involved in the production of stuck with me: “By their fruits She met and married George Dun- venu Noailles, demands its nuns 21. They will never forget the nun you will know them.” community initiative that empha- who made them feel wanted. several plays in the 1947-48 sea- sized co-operation between rural can, a sergeant in the Seaforth adapt to the changing needs of the son, including Leonid Leonof’s His method of teaching was a Highlanders. They had a son, times. Poverty was Margaret’s On September 6, 2013, Sr Mar- Socratic one; he would try to areas. In 2009 he was awarded the garet celebrated her diamond The Apple Orchards, which fea- MBE for his services to the com- James. But tragedy continued to main concern. Unlike most of us, tured Allan Cuthbertson, Paul involve every child in the class, stalk Margaret. Her beloved hus- she had no comprehension of terms jubilee at Rock Ferry Convent, many of whom were unenthusias- munity in the Forth Valley and Birkenhead. She was delighted to Rogers, Elizabeth Sellars, Donald Lomond Local Action Group. In band was killed in Normandy, in such as ‘chancer’ or ‘scrounger.’ Sinden and Jane Wenham. tic. Sybil recalled that Dereck was 1944, at the Battle for Caen and For 17 years, Sr Margaret receive a letter of congratulations never home as he was always at his spare time Dereck enjoyed from the Queen and a certificate of He met Sybil Grace Sparey and fresh water fishing basin. baby James died of meningitis aged worked tirelessly for Bosnia and her friend Paddy at Brights school. He cycled to school each 18 months. For the second time, visited that war-torn country 12 apostolic blessing from Pope Fran- day/the Liberal politician Russell Along with Sybil, Dereck cis. Everyone I have spoken to department store on Queens Road leaves five children, eleven Margaret found herself bereaved. times until she was no longer able. in April 1948 and they had both Johnson was a close friend. She became a Catholic then a nun. She raised funds for children there, since her death has floated the In the spring of 1957 Dereck grandchildren and one great belief that if ever there were a mod- just finished a shift as nurses at a grandchild. As a result, her Protestant family orphaned and disabled as a result of local hospital. They were engaged was driving to Inverness and, near disowned her. Margaret’s main the war. The convent in Leith was ern candidate for canonisation by Urquhart Castle at Drumnadro- Funeral Mass was at St the Catholic Church, it was this three weeks later. Anthony’s, Balfron, followed by memory of the journey to the novi- always awash with cardboard He graduated with BA Hon- chit, he saw ‘a hump like and tiate at the age of 32 was of two boxes. More than 250 tons of aid compassionate woman who did so upturned boat’ and a smaller interment at Drymen Cemetery. much for so many from her hum- ours in history and English in MICHAEL TURNBULL priests seeing her off at Waverley passed through this convent to the 1949. Marriage followed on Sep- object, ‘like the head of a seal.’ Station in Edinburgh, each bearing charity, Edinburgh Direct Aid. In ble home in the Port of Leith. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 18 GÀIDHLIG SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013

Grian Lissmoir di Alba GÀIDHLIG In his Gaelic column this month, ANDREAS WOLFF discusses the 6th century St Moluag, who founded more than 100 monasteries and who led a colourful life while spreading the Christian message

S COLTACH gur e seo far-ainm an Naoimh th' air agus gur esan ‘coarb’ de Naomh Moluag. Is acasan a tha an tiotal seo. Chaidh ùrachadh a ciallachadh ‘manachainn’ ann an seann Ghàidhlig. Moluaig ann an seann Ghàidhlig. Thog mi e seann tiotal a th’ ann de chuideigin nach robh na dhèanamh air an leabhran as t-samhradh. A-rèir an fhaclair aig Dwelly is e ‘gàradh’ a th’ leabhran beag ann an Ionad Naomh Moluag phearsa-eaglais a bha a’ sealltainn as dèidh Tha tòrr rudan inntinneach na bhroinn, ach chan ann, agus ged a bha ciall eile aig an fhacal aig aon air Eilean Lios Mòr o chionn ghoirid. Tha paraiste. Tha Clann Mac Dhun Leibhe aig Bachail urrainn dhomh na tùsan a dhearbhadh. Thàinig an t- àm cuideachd chan eil "manachainn" nam measg. an t-ughdar ag ràdhn gur e Niall an t-ainm a air Eilean Lios Mòr a’ cumail a-mach gur ann ainm ‘Moluag’ bho fhear ris an canar ‘Lughaidh.’ Is coltach gur e eilean naomh nan Cruithneach a Chaidh pios a chur ri toiseach an fhacail (mo-) air- bh' ann, agus gun robh na rìghrean aca air an son spèis a shealltainn ris. Tha sinn eòlach air tiodhlacadh aig Cnoc Aingeil. Bha cathair-bhaile I deireadh ‘-ag’ mar chuideigin gràdhach. Bhuin- aca ann am Meadarloch air tìr mòr fon ainm Bere- Ann am Beurla (In English) neadh an Naomh Moluag do theaghlach Dál gonium. Ach a-rèir Coimisean Rìoghail nan nAraide ann an Uladh, Èirinn a Tuath. Thathar a’ Cuimhneachain Eachdraidheil an Alba chaidh an t- smaointinn gun do rugadh e aig toiseach na 6mh ainm sin a thogail gu ceàrr bho na mapaichean aig ‘THE Sun of Lismore in Alba’ is a (above, left) founded more than 100 monas- linn. Thuirt an Naomh Pàdraig agus e ri faid- Ptolemy o chionn fhada. Is e ‘Rerigonium’ a bu description of St Moluag according to a teries of which place-names such as Kil- headaireachd gur e easbuig a bhiodh ann an chòir a bhith ann. wee booklet which I picked up at the St moluag and Kilmalu bear witness. The author Lughaidh san àm ri teachd còmhla ri còignear eile. Dh’iompaich an Naomh Moluag na Cruithnich.A- Moluag Centre on the island of Lismore claims that the first syllable of the island’s Is ann mar sin a thachair. Bha e na easbuig ro 552 rèir ughdar an leabhrain cha robh cus trioblaid aige (island church shown above right). It name—‘Lios’ in Gaelic—means monastery. agus uile gu lèir stèidhich e còir is 100 manachainn. leotha.Ach tha e coltach nach robh cùisean an còmh- has recently been updated by its author According to Dwelly’s dictionary of the Tha e fìor gu bheil ainmean àiteachan leithid Cill naidh rèidh eadar muinntir an Naoimh Moluaig agus who calls himself ‘Niall, Coarb of St Gaelic language it symply means ‘garden.’ Moluag no Kilmalu am pailteas air Ghàidhealtachd. muinntir an Naoimh Cholm Chille ann an Dail Riata. Moluag.’A Coarb apparently is a person The year 562 is said to be the year of the Chaidh an Naomh Moluag a stèidheachadh mar an who is not a clergyman who looks after foundation of the Lismore monastery. tèidhich e manachainn air Eilean Lios Mòr naomh do mhuinntir Dhail Riata aig a’ cheann thall a church. I have not been able to verify According to a well known legend, St ann an 562. Bidh sibh eòlach air an sgeu- ge-tà. Chaochaill e ann an 592. Is coltach gun deach the sources in the book. Moluag approaching Lismore cut off a fin- lachd mu mar a bha an Naomh Moluag agus a thiodhlacadh san Lios. Tha là Naomh Moluag air Amongst the well known facts is the ger and threw it onto the island while pro- an Naomh Cholm Chille a’ seòladh a dh'ionnsaigh 25 An t-Òg Mhìos agus bidh daoine ag ùrnaigh explanation of the saint’s name: He was claiming that he had taken possession of it. S an eilein. A-rèir na sgeòil bha Moluag draghail gun dha gus leigheas iarraidh do chuideigin a chaidh a called ‘Lughaidh.’ The prefix ‘mo-’ was a He feared that St Columba was going to reach ruigeadh Colm Cille an t-eilean an toiseach, gheàrr leòn no a tha air a dhol às a chiall. sign of respect whereas the suffix ‘-ag’ is a the island first in his boat. The author doubts e an ludag aige agus thilg e e gu tìr. Le sin b’ Sin e bhuamsa an turas seo à Lios Mòr. Cumaidh common Gaelic term of endearment. He was that this actually happened. Lismore appar- urrainn dha cumail a-mach gun robh e ann an sinn oirnn a’ sgrùdadh an leabhrain seo aig àm a born at the start of the 6th century in Ulster ently was a holy island for the Picts whom toiseach, agus gur ann leisan a bha an t-eilean. Tha choireigin eile. Gus an ath-mhìos: Beannachd leibh. and became a bishop in 552. St Moluag St Moluag is said to have converted. teagamh aig an ughdar a bheil fìrinn san sgeul seo. Tha Niall a’ cumail a-mach gun robh ‘lios’ a’ I [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER STRONG IN FAITH 19

A weekly discussion chaired by young strong in faith Catholic students Holy Mass should be at the heart of our Christmas celebrations By Aidan Michael Cook A family prays at a nativity crib, displaying the Faith at the heart of Christmas VER recent years, there has been a growing campaign to ‘keep Christ in ning. We have a whole 12 days of Christmas.’ Does this Christmas to celebrate. Recently, we mean that we should reject have had it somewhat back to front, with all Christmas celebrations and traditions Christmas starting in Advent and wind- that are not directly religious? Not at all! ing down after Christmas Day, whereas OIt simply means that we should remem- Advent should be the preparation for the ber the reason for our joy and celebra- celebrations that begin on Christmas tion, that behind the mince pies and the Day and last until the Epiphany, Christ- mistletoe is the great mystery of the mas Day’s forgotten older brother. Incarnation and the birth of our Saviour. So on Boxing Day, when you’re And so at the heart of our celebra- wondering what to do now that Christ- tions should be Holy Mass. The mas is over, remind yourself that it isn’t, Eucharist, that great Sacrament of the and organise a party for the Epiphany to Body and Blood of Christ, is so inti- proclaim to the world that Jesus is God. mately linked to the Incarnation that So we see that Christmas is a season there could be no better way to cele- of joy and celebration, and it is no bad brate it. Indeed, it is so fitting a cele- thing—indeed, quite the opposite—if bration that tradition foresees three our joy spills over from the religious separate Christmas Masses: Midnight into the secular. Mass, Mass at dawn, and Mass during So long, that is, as we remember that the day. at the heart of it is the story our God But Christmas is so great a feast that who loved us so much that He sent His its celebration could in no way be lim- only begotten Son into the world to take ited to Mass. For just as the Liturgy is on human flesh, so that we might not the source and summit of Christian life, in its traditions. It is fitting that the most pies—which I don’t actually like that dinner, surrounded by family and perish but have eternal life. so too should it be the high point of our family-oriented holiday of the year is much, but Christmas wouldn’t be the accompanied with crackers, bad jokes And that truly is something worth Christmas celebrations, but also the that with the Holy Family at its centre. same without them— as well as giving and paper hats. celebrating! source of many more. So what are my favourite Christmas presents to commemorate the great gift Given that Christmas is about a birth, traditions? Well, going to Midnight that God has given us; a brisk walk in he celebration of Christmas, I Have your say in the Strong in Faith it is a natural and wonderful thing that Mass is always special, perhaps fol- the crisp winter air while the turkey though, doesn’t stop with Christ- discussions online at https://www. family should find such a special place lowed by mulled wine and mince roasts in the oven; and a classic roast Tmas Day: that’s just the begin- facebook.com/scostronginfaith AN ARTICLE FROM THE SCO ARCHIVES .....1913.....1920s.....1930s.....1940s.....1950s.....1960s 100 years of change, yet many similarities remain

A LOOK back at the head, to Motherwell. The news- the paper calls ‘a notable Catholic Observer from 100 paper report suggests he had a scholastic success.’ years ago shows both how short but happy career at Park- An advert on the same page, much life has changed over head, playing seven times carries the amusing head- the past century, but also and never being on the line ‘You must wear how much it has stayed the losing side. “White- clothes!” The Mer- same. head was well treated chantile and General The 1913 Christmas by the Parkhead club Trading ad, goes on Observer revealed the latest and leaves Parkhead to inform the reader statistics about Glasgow Arch- as nearly every that fortunately diocese. At that time, the arch- player has done, ‘they need not pay diocese could boast 120 with pleasant mem- more for them’ and separate Catholic schools and oires of the kind- promises ‘every- had 292 active clergy working ness shown him by thing required for within it. The newspaper also manager, directors personal wear.’ carried a report on a recent by- and players,” the The newspaper election in South Lanarkshire, Observer reported. also had a special which was won by the hon- Glasgow Labour MP Christmas supplement ourable William Watson, a Geo [George] Barnes containing a number of staunch member of the Conser- (above) has an opinion column lovely tales of Christmastide. vative and Unionist party, a feat in the paper where he denounces Perhaps the most charming of unlikely to be repeated today. bloated ‘big navy’ schemes. these is The Adventures and Mis- Mr Watson’s election did not Condemning an increase in mili- adventures of Andy the Pup. meet with the approval of the tary spending he warns that ‘jis This attractive animal 1913 Observer as it reported the real enemy!’ “The more guns belonged to Observer writer members of his party had been and warships and barracks Frank McGloin, and Andy distributing ‘no Popery’ litera- means more men in uniform apparently quickly became a ture in the run up to the elec- breathing an atmosphere of favourite of the Observer staff tion. However, it did find some braggadocio and vain glorious- and readers. Sadly being his reason for optimism, reporting ness all the time,” he writes. owner is not all plain sailing, as that candidates in South “We should demand a halt being Mr McGloin discovers when an Lanarkshire who supported made afore the nation is stran- angry policeman threatens to Home Rule for Ireland had gled by the hydra headed mon- arrest Andy for stealing some actually secured a majority of ster behind the guns.” sausages. the vote even if Mr Watson The edition also carries a Fortunately, he is able to per- did not. picture of the talented Forrester suade the officer to drop the On the sporting front, there family of Partick, a family of charges and Andy remains a was news of the transfer of a four children who had all grad- free dog and enjoys a very Celtic player, George White- uated from university, in what happy Christmas.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 20 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER DECEMBER 20 2013 DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 21

A Christmas short story by THE CHARITY SHOP JAMES BARCLAY

HE St Mary's Hospice charity shop was "But who cares," Joe went on. "The old man was squeezed between an electrical shop and a bar- always a stickler for promptness… everyhing had to be ber's in the town's high street. Joe Allan done YESTERDAY. stopped and pressed his nose against the window. He saw the usual jumble of items...nick- oe found it hard to sleep that night. Something was in knacks, vases, books clothes and a few pieces of furniture the wind. Sir Joseph McKenzie's palatial mansion scattered around. stood in majestic, lush grounds on his estate just out- The young lady in the shop was busy arranging things side the city. Tbut she noticed Joe, an waved him to come inside. Joe J"Wish me luck," Joe said, as he left. He pecked Mary's was embarrassed. He shook his head. He had only a few cheek. coins in his pocket. That's all he seemed to ever have "I'll have a word with my guardian angel," the wee girl since he was made redundant when Grimleys shut down said. just over a year ago. And it was just a year after his Mary "Yes, you do that," her dad said and left with a cheery was admitted to her namesake hospice where she lived wave. for just two weeks. The workers gathered in a plush state room… about God, had forgotten Joe. So Joe forgot God. He became 200 of them. bitter. But he still had his little angel, Mary—named after They were not kept waiting. Old Sam made his entrance his dear wife. Mary, just 10 years old, but a tower of accompanied by his fiancee. The old man had a water strength who kept their little flat sparkling like a new pin. melon smile and was beaming. Jeannie was radiant even AND she could cook, too. Her mum had taught her that. Joe trimmings with your family.?" family? It made him think of Christmasses in the past in her old age. was an atheist now. A bitter man whom God, to his mind, "I have no family" when that was so. When He and his two Marys sat at the The room fell silent. had robbed him of all happiness. "You have your little girl." table with the golden, plump turkey ready for carving in Joe had never seen the old man smile before. Christmas was near, however, and he had young Mary to “Yes, I have, haven't I,” Joe said softly. the centre. The plum pudding with the sprig of holly pro- "My friends," Sam began. "It does my old heart good to consider. "Take the wreath," lady said pushing it towards him. truding from the top and the Christmas crackers in their see all of you here today. You all know how that same old The lady in the shop was smiling and beckoning Joe to "Wreaths are for funerals," Joe said, taking it in his place by the side of the plates That was a lifetime ago... heart was broken when we closed shop. But it was come in. Joe shrugged. What did he have to lose? He might hand and throwing it to the floor where it landed heavily, yes, in another life. unavoidable at the time. And, at this time of the year, it's find something that cost just a few coins. A record player tearing the blue ribbon." Young Mary made a cup of tea and Joe sat down to harder than ever. was playing carols has he closed the door behind him. "Oh, I'm sorry about that," he apologised. read his paper.There was nothing in the jobs column. But "But today, my friends, I have some good news. Grim- Adeste Fideles filled the shop. Taking the old crib up, he thanked the lady for her gift he was stunned when he saw the headlines on page two. ley's is about to rise again thanks to my dear lady who will "Come away in," the lady said. "Looking for something and left. "Mr Sam Grimley, chief of the now defunct department become a partner... Grimley & McKenzie's we'll be special?" At least this is SOMETHING to give Mary. He would put it store, to wed Lady Jeannie McKenzie, widow of the late called—although, very soon, it should really be Grimley & "Something for my wee daughter for Christmas," Joe next to the mini plastic tree on the floor. Sir Joseph McKenzie, the supermarket tycoon.” Grimley." said. Joe put the paper down, sat back and sighed. The old man chuckled and the audience applauded. "I've got just the thing," the lady said, taking him by the oe caught the bus home with the crib tucked under "Och well," he thought. "The old fellow deserve some "For those who want it, your old jobs are there and I hand and leading him to the back of the shop. his arms. The glazed figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby happiness, I suppose." thank you for your loyalty and patience," he added. "How about that?" she said, pointing to a little nativity Jesus, and a couple of farm animals had been put in a The article went on to tell how the couple had met many “Things should get moving immediately after the Christ- scene.. a wooden shack that had seen better days. plastic bag by the shop lady. years before and how they were separated by the war. mas holiday, and we're sorry we couldn't make it sooner." "The baby Jesus is pitiful," Joe said, interrupting her, JHe sat by the window and, as the bus sped along the How they had planned to wed... Joe felt a great burden lifted from his shoulder. Maybe adding. ‘Look at those marks on his head and hands. " high street. He watched busy folk with gaily wrapped sea- Now Sam and Jeannie had met again and love blos- Mary was right about her angel. "It was beautiful once," the lady said. sonal paper parcels hurrying past. He was one of them at somed once more. After Sam's talk there was a buffet reception where "It's all baloney anyway," Joe said. "But I must consider one time...but not now. Somebody had left a copy of the Sam and Jeannie mingled with the happy crowd. my wee girl who loves Christmas. local newspaper on an adjacent seat which Joe folded and ary was now busy at the sink cleaning the crib "Ah… Joe, great to see you again," Sam said , shaking "You sound very bitter," she said. "Such shame at such put in his pocket. He would read that at home... the Situa- figures.. Joe's hand. a joyful time." tions Vacant column. "Bill Fraser speaks very highly of you and I couldn't "You would be bitter, too,” Joe said and went into his He had been head salesman in the haberdashery dept "There, " she said with a smile. "They are all nice and agree more. Haberdashery was always a good going woeful narrative about losing his wife his job at Grimleys in Grimleys department store most of his working life and clean".M department and I'd like my nephew, Josh, take it over as where he had been for 20 years and left with a 10-year-old when the sudden news that it was to close fell. It was so Christmas was near. head salesman." girl to raise. unexpected and a catastrophe to many of the older work- Joe sat Mary on his knee. Joe felt his heart sink. The lady squeezed his hand. ers. "Well sweetheart I'm sorry I can't make this a happier Sam saw the look on Joe's face. "Pray MUCH!" she said. Old Sam Grimley had built up his department store from Christmas for you," he said sadly. "But I want you to take over as manager of the furniture "How much for that decrepit crib?" Joe said. nothing. He was a hard taskmaster.A grumpy old so-and- "We have each other, dad," Mary said in her grown-up department. Bill Fraser is retiring. It would be an increase "Oh, we ARE a charity shop," she said. “This "decrepit" so some said. voice. "That's the main thing... and don't forget my in salary of course. What you say?" crib was once mine and I'm sure I could give it to you as a It was rumoured that he was disappointed in love when guardian angel." Joe was elated and shook his boss's hand warmly. gift... if you promise me..." he was a young man. Old Bill Fraser, manager of the furni- "Oh, and is he with us, too?," Joe laughed. With a smile Sam returned to the podium. "What?" ture department knew Old Sam then. They were buddies "SHE," Mary corrected. "My guardian angel is a lady." "As you know," he said, "it was always Grimley's cus- "That you will rekindle your faith and pray to your right from the start, and he told of how Sam doted on a "How do you know that?" Joe asked. tom to give my workers a small bonus at Christmas. Of Father in heaven." young Beauty, Jeannie McLean They were engaged but "Oh, I just know," Mary replied. "I speak to her all the course as things were this was impossible. But my dear "I can't promise you that," Joe said. "He has forgotten then Sam went to war Sam was posted missing, presumed time.” lady here understands your misfortune and wishes to give all about me… IF there IS a HE." killed in action. But he survived the war, a prisoner, and "What does she say?" Joe raised his eyebrows. all of you a little something in advance." "Oh, yes, there IS a HE and he hasn't forgotten about when he returned years later he found Jeannie had mar- "She says we're going to have a wonderful Christmas." A smiling Jeannie stepped forward. "Oh, all little girls love drawing," the lady said, smiling. Joe's heart melted when he saw his wee girl's tears. turkey, in the middle. Plum pudding and crackers laid you. ried. She had wed money. Sir Joseph McKenzie owned one "Oh, is she gonna supply the turkey and all the trim- "This is just a little token of my future happiness. God Mary would be at school when he got home and Joe had "All right," he said, "Come on.. .for you my wee lamb." beside two plates. The crib glowed so that you could almost "I wish I could believe that," Joe sighed of the largest supermarket chains in the country… a mings?" Joe Said facetiously. has given me and I would like to share it with you.’ plenty of time to hide his goodies away. "Not for me, Daddy... not for me." smell the beautiful freshness of the manger's hay. "And how about a Christmas tree, too," she said, hand- multi-millionaire. "That's not nice," Mary's said with a pettied lip. A former worker came around handing out a Christmas Joe found himself joining in the carols and, inwardly, "Oh, dad, didn't my guardian angel do well?" Mary cried. ing him a little tree, just 18 inches tall, and tucked in a lit- It broke Sam's heart and made him the dour, morose, "I'm sorry,” Joe said. card to everyone in the room. ary was non-plussed when she arrived home thanked God for what he had...what had been given to him." "Maybe she got a helping hand from Jesus Himself see- tle block of wood. man he now was. He threw everything into building up his Guardian Angel? She'd be as well talking to the Tooth Joe, hand shaking, opened it to see the £50 note. from school to her father’s news. "I told you that I ing it was HIS birthday," Joe said. Joe laughed. business to become he successful man he once was. Fairy Joe thought. The letter came the following day. His heart leapt. Jeannie was indeed a Genie... this was would tell her," she said, hugging her dad. t was snowing heavily as they made their way home. Father and daughter had a wonderful Christmas, Mary "It's better than no tree at all, I suppose" he chuckled. Mary picked it up from behind the door and, excitedly, MAGIC, or was it? He wondered and couldn't wait to get on "Yes, well, you tell her thanks," Joe said. "Isn't that wonderful" Mary said, kicking up the snow. was delighted with her nurse's uniform and couldn't wait to "Even it only has plastic leaves." ittle Mary clapped her hands gleefully when Joe handed it to her father. that bus and hurry home to break the news of his good MMary could hardly hide her excitement when Christmas "It's Christmas, sweetheart. It wouldn't be Christmas put it on. "Here, take this, too," the lady said, handing him a holly entered the house and laid the crib on the floor. Joe "It's probably a gas bill, " Joe said, screwing up his fortune. But, before arriving, he bought a small goose and Eve arrived. without the snow...like the icing on the cake, eh.” A few days later and the last cracker had been pulled, wreath with a blue ribbon emblazoned across it proclaim- opened the plastic bag and the little figures spilled- nose. "I get only bills these days." plum pudding He made his way to the charity shop. The The little tree stood on the floor and was decked with a IMary laughed. Joe wanted to go back and thank the charity shop lady for ing "A happy Christmas to all." out. Mary hung over his shoulder as he tore open the enve- same young lady greeted him as he entered. coloured paper chain Mary had made in the classroom. With They stepped out of the lift and stopped at their door. her kindness and tell her how happy she had made young "Hang it on your outside door,” the lady said. Mary gathered them ups and put them in their proper lope. “I was hoping to pick up some small gift for my 10-year some left over, she had decked out the room. "What's THAT?" Mary cried, pointing to the holly wreath Mary. He couldn't find it. The electrical shop and the bar- L "Right dad," she said, "We're off to Midnight Mass." stuck above the letter box. ber's shop were clamped close together... nothing in "What? Three up on a high rise,” Joe said. “Never!” order in and around the crib. "Maybe you've won the lottery," she cried, clapping her old daughter," he said, his eyes scanning the shop. The "It's the spirit of Christmas," the lady said "Thanks Dad," she said, pecking his cheek. hands. shop lady nodded. Joe felt a pang of guilt strike his heart. "Oh, it's a Christmas wreath,” she cried, "Oh, look, the between. "That's only for those who believe," Joe replied. "One other thing," Joe said, pulling out the little tree. "We can't afford entering it," Joe said. "I’ve got the very thing," she said going through to the "You go," he said. “Mrs Reilly next door will take you." ribbon's been torn." Joe went into the barber's shop. "Even those who, sadly, do not believe, they still enjoy "Oh! A tree... lovely.!" And it was not a gas bill either. Joe's jaw dropped as he back and returning with a child's nurse's uniform, with St "I'm not going without YOU," the wee girl said, stamping Joe could say nothing. "It's your over imagination, pal, the barber said. "You've the spirit of this wonderful season,” the lady said. "It's a bit wee," joe said, in way of an apology. “But it's read the note. Mary's Hospice across the apron. Joe was sure Mary her foot. "We ALWAYS went together." The pair of them stood mesmerised as they entered. Mary been imbibing too much over the festive season. There's "Only if you have money," Joe replied bitterly. the only one the lady in the shop had." "It's from Mr Grimley's office," he said with surprise.. would like that. She was always playing nurses.” "I'm sorry, Mary, I'm not going jumped with glee, clapping her hands. Joe's jaw never been a charity shop here... NEVER! "Although you do not believe, I"m sure you will be cele- "That doesn't matter," Mary smiled. "It's Christmas. He's holding an urgent meeting for former employees at "And what about this, too,?" the lady said, handing Joe "But what am I going to tell my guardian angel? She droppedThe little Christmas tree blinded them with its gaily Joe left the shop and stood on the pavement. His eyes brating Our Blessed Lord's birth deep down whether you We'll just pretend it's six-feet tall and full of twinkling the McKenzie mansion at two o'clock TOMORROW." a painting book and coloured crayons. “She loves draw- helped us… she helped YOU,” tears came flooding into to coloured fairy lights winking and blinking. It stood six feet went from the electric shop to the barber's. There was noth- will admit it or not." fairy lights... just like we had when mum was here." "TOMORROW?,” Mary cried. ing." Mary's eyes. tall. Mary's paper chain had been transformed into little ing between. "How can I?" Joe shook his head. A lump came to Joe's throat. The lady in the shop had "Yes, he's not giving us much time, is he?" Joe said. "How do you know that?" Joe said, for Mary, indeed, "Tell her I'm sorry. I'd feel like a fraud”. flashing fairy lights dotted all around the room. And the He smiled knowingly and headed for the bus stop and "Won't you be having Christmas dinner with all the asked if he would be having a Christmas dinner with his Mary shook head. loved drawing. "You're not a fraud, daddy, you're not a fraud." table was set for a banquet... a plump, steaming golden went home.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 20 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER DECEMBER 20 2013 DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 21

A Christmas short story by THE CHARITY SHOP JAMES BARCLAY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 A CHRISTMAS STORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 A GRANDMA FOR CHRISTMAS A short story by CATH DOHERTY

T JOSEPH’S Church was Martha’s second home. companion, staring at her, For as long as anyone could remember, she’d “All rosy cheeks and twinkly eyes,” been there, sitting in her own special seat, third She leaned forward. row from the front, in the shelter of a pillar, in the “You could be my Grandma, if you like. I haven’t got a side aisle. Always dressed in brown, she arrived Grandma just now. She went away with Gramps in their first and left last. When she slipped into the church for an camper van to a far place where he sun shines all the time. afternoon visit, she sometimes encountered a wedding and And it’s a nice place, so they’re not coming back for ages... stayed,S unobtrusive, to drink in the happiness that eddied and my other Grandma stays away in a far place as well... round the place. “So I need a Grandma,” she finished hopefully, fixing Once, long ago, she had been one of a row of neatly Martha with innocent eyes... dressed children sitting in that very same place, with par- If you were my Grandma you could come and sit in our ents who looked with pride at five little heads bowed in garden and do your knitting and watch me bounce on my prayer. trampoline...and then we could go to the park and feed the Those days had long gone, the family scattered to the ducks...” four winds with only Martha remaining. When commit- She warmed to her subject then and delivered a list of tees were being formed, no one thought to ask Martha duties to be expected of Grandma. to join and she simply went on attending to the “Mummy could look after the Menace and we could go duties she’d set herself long before... things places... like maybe to the seaside one day... and then, when which were overlooked but which were impor- I go to school after the summer time, you could maybe tant just the same. Martha tidied up. Tum- come and get me at home...and you could help me with my bled hymn books were restored to neat reading book... piles, discarded parish bulletins picked up, There was a short silence while Martha struggled to find confetti swept from the church steps after an answer for the enquirer. weddings, flower arrangements fresh- “Do you like my hat?” asked Mary Ellen, patting her ened... First to arrive, last to leave, unno- bright red bobble hat. ticed, she was as much a part of St Joseph’s She held out her red-gloved hands. as the pillar beside which she sat. Sometimes, “My Grandma knitted my hat... and my gloves...f or the after a wedding or some such celebration, she winter time...before she went away with Gramps in the would take an Order of Service, a discarded camper van. Are you a good knitter?” flower or ribbon trim or suchlike, and put it in the Hap- “Don’t you want to go and see Santa Claus with your lit- piness Box that she kept at home. Now and again, she tle brother?” was the best Martha could manage. would sift through the box, smiling to herself at the mem- The other shook he head... ories in it... “That one’s not the real one,” she whispere. Christmas was her favourite time of year. Midnight “He’s wearing trainers. But Declan doesn’t know, ‘cos Mass, with its carol singing, the church wrapping its com- he’s only little... Daddy wrote a letter to the real Santa for fort round her, or morning Mass, with the children clutch- me,” she lowered her voice to a confidential whisper. ing new and already treasured toys, each leaving a carefully “But I didn’t ask for a Grandma on it.” wrapped present in front of the altar for other children less “Santa only brings toys and things... not Grandmas. I’m kept front doors shut and managed nothing more than a fortunate than themselves...Then, one day, things changed... goin’ to ask the Baby Jesus for a Grandma when I go to polite greeting when met. All except Mrs. Jolly, of course, It all began with a wave. Not even a proper wave, but church on Christmas morning if I can’t find one ...” who was Martha’s next-door neighbour. Jolly by name but just the flutter of a small hand... On the last Sunday of She directed an enquiring glance at Martha. not by nature... Advent, a little girl paused on her way out of church, smiled “What happens when your real Grandma comes back As Martha passed her door, it sprang open. and waved to Martha, who returned the compliment, from the place where the sun shines all the time?” Martha “I presume that your invitation to share Christmas dinner You could amused... said, feeling suddenly a bit light-headed. still stands?” be my The following day, stopping to take a little rest on a “Oh, she can be my Other Grandma when my real one Mrs Jolly stood there, beautifully dressed, immaculately bench in the shopping mall, before catching the bus home, gets back,” Mary Ellen slipped off her seat and went to coiffed and reproachful Martha had a sudden jolt into Grandma, if and smiling at the queue of small hopeful people waiting rejoin her mother and little brother. Once, she paused and remembering that if dinner was served at her house she’d outside Santa’s Grotto, Martha felt someone tug her coat. turned back. have to clear away the slightest evidence of clutter from her you like. I Under a bright red bobble hat, blue eyes like glass marbles “Will you?” she called. living room, perhaps cut back a bit on the familiar decora- haven’t got a regarded her with an unblinking stare. “I’ll think about it,” was the reply, and there was a small, tions put up on Christmas Eve and make an effort to look “I saw you in the church and I waved to you,” the little fluttery wave from a red gloved hand. out the set of napkins rings she knew that she had some- Grandma just girl said almost accusingly. where... Then, studying Martha for a moment, she added, “I’m feeling just a little bit fragile just now, so I thought now. She went “You look like a Grandma. You’ve got nice rosy cheeks utside, although there was sleet blowing in a chill it might be better if you were to bring Christmas dinner and twinkly eyes...” wind and the bus was late, Martha felt suddenly here,” said Mrs Jolly, her door half open. away with Her mother, struggling with a scarlet-faced toddler aban- light-hearted... Another set of possible problems eased themselves into Gramps in their doned her place in the queue for Santa’s Grotto. OAs she let herself into the deserted hallway of her retire- Martha’s mind. Mrs. Jolly’s bouts of fragility were leading “I’m sorry... I hope Mary Ellen’s not bothering you,” she ment flat, its silence suddenly hit her like a hammer blow. to fetching extra shopping for her, and once, vacuuming the camper van to said as her daughter claimed a seat beside Martha. It would be her first Christmas here in her new home, away carpet after she had sacked her home help for failing to vac- “Not at all,” was the smiling reply. from the cottage with the faulty plumping, the chimney that uum under the hearthrug. a far place Mary Ellen sighed. gave trouble and frequently blew smoke back into her liv- “I’ll supply the china and glassware, of course... and I’ll where the sun “That’s my wee brother Declan. He’s a menace, Daddy ing room, the garden that, in summer, was becoming just a lay the table if I feel up to it,” Mrs Jolly smiled engagingly, says, but he’ll grow out of it...” little bit overgrown. Moving to a neat flat all mod cons had “But I’ll let you know about that. And of course, I’ll con- shines all the The Santa queue moved forward and Declan calmed seemed a good idea at the time. The clincher had been that tribute dessert. Trifle or Christmas pudding is much too down. her new home would be nearer to St Joseph’s, but there was heavy for me. I have a delicate stomach...” time. Martha and Mary Ellen sat in companionable silence for something missing. People, Martha supposed, thinking of Martha handed over her neighbour’s shopping, her inner a minute or two. the cleaners who came and went, unseen, to keep the voice reminding her that it takes all sorts to make a world. Then, “You’ve got a Grandma face” remarked Martha’s entrance hall and corridors immaculate, the neighbours who “Oh... please remember that I’m allergic to cranberries...”

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER A CHRISTMAS STORY 23

Mrs Jolly’s voice floated after her as Martha made the she saw Mary Ellen take her place in the procession of chil- Christmas is for friends old and new. They can just pop in at way back to her own flat, the cheerful Christmas wreath dren bringing gifts to lay at the manger. Then, when the any time. It’s a sort of open day...” already pinned on the door... Mass had ended, the last carol sung and the congregation “Please come if you have the time. Phone and one of us will dispersed, she went over to the Crib to sweep away yet come to collect you...” he days fairly flew past then and Christmas Eve more scattered straw and to tidy up a giant pile of brightly They were interrupted by shriek of delight from Mary Ellen. found Martha engulfed by food preparation and put- wrapped parcels. “Look,” she called, dancing out on the church steps, ting up her Christmas decorations. Leaving the dec- “I’ll help you,” said a small voice... and there stood a beam- “It’s snowing...” Torations until the day before Christmas had always been ing Mary Ellen. “But I’ve got to say a prayer first,” she added, She held out her hands and turned her face up into the a family tradition for her. She wondered if it had been with a firm nod of her head. snowflakes. kept alive by others, living in their far-flung Martha waited patiently in the front seat while Mary Ellen “Those aren’t snowflakes,” Martha told her, “They’re feath- worlds... said her prayer at the Crib and then they finished tidying up ers from the angels’ wings...” But there was comfort in the memories together. Mary Ellen scampered back to her side. “Only Gandmas which were shaken out of their boxes “This came off one of the parcels,” said the little girl at last, know things like that,” she said encouragingly. together with the Crib, the little Christmas handing Martha a length of gold ribbon tree with its chipped glass angels, the clus- made up of tiny stars. Martha slipped it into ome again, Martha hung up her brown coat ters of silver bells she’d made from foil her pocket as memento for her Happiness and donned her apron. Then, remembering milk-tops when she had been Mary Ellen’s Box... her scrap of ribbon for her Happiness Box, age, with their trimming of scarlet ribbons Mary Ellen’s parents were waiting in Hshe reached into her pocket. which had matched the ribbons plaited into the porch with Declan. There was the ribbon. Tucked beside it her hair by her mother on a Christmas morning. For once, the Menace was half asleep was one of Mary Ellen’s treasured red Now and then, Martha sang a snatch of a long- in his father’s arms. gloves. remembered carol as she finished decorating her liv- “Worn out,” smiled his mother... Martha laughed out loud. Her little ing room. At last it was finished, and for the first time, the “Both of them were up at crack of friend had sad her prayer to the Baby place looked like home... dawn to open their presents.” Jesus at the Crib, but just to make Having decided to go to the morning Mass on Christmas “The house is in chaos, but we’ll sure of a visit on St Stephen’s Day, Day and to pray for the strength to survive Christmas din- manage some sort of Christmas din- if only to return the glove, she’d left ner with Mrs Jolly, Martha arrived early, swept up the straw ner...” it as a reminder that she wanted a which was escaping from the Crib and trodden into the cen- They told Martha then about their Grandma for Christmas... tre aisle. She tidied up the votive candle stands then and recent move to the area. And at the particular moment, Martha retired to her usual seat. She smiled as passing toddler held “It’s our first Christmas here at St had the feeling that Mary Ellen’s prayer up a giant teddy bear for her inspection and smiled again as Joseph’s,” they said “...and the day after would be answered.

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 24

LETTER OF THE WEEK Celebrations were recently held at St Quivox Church, Prestwick, Ending Church year with marking 75 years since the good news foundation of the parish. Bishop John Cunningham of IT WAS wonderful to see the new Bishop Galloway led the celebrations, at of Dunkeld announced in last week’s SCO. which he was joined by his After the difficult year the Church in predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Scotland has been having, how lovely to Maurice Taylor, Fr Philip Kitchen, St Quivox parish priest, clergy end the year on some good news up in from across the diocese, Dundee. parishioners, past and present, of It pained me that the national and local St Quivox and friends of the press made so little of Bishop Robson’s community. appointment but it does not come as a The parish of St Quivox was surprise. Even the ordination of established with a congregation Archbishop Leo Cushley earlier this year of 700 people in 1938. Almost a was given low-key coverage compared to decade later, the parish hall the magnitude of the occasion. Is it down became established as St Quivox to something we are doing wrong by Church when a new hut was built failing to communicate and interact with as the parish social centre. the media as a Church or is it the Scottish A new church extension was habit of focusing on bad news, especially opened in 1969 and the old bad news about the Church, such as the church was re-dedicated by loss of Cardinal O’Brien under a dark Bishop Joseph McGee of cloud and incorrect attempts to link his Galloway. Bishop Taylor then misconduct to child abuse when they, too, opened a new hall and revamped church entrance in 1998 ahead of are very seperarte issues? restoration work being completed I refuse to shrug my shoulders and for the Great Jubilee, 2000. accept that it may be prevailing Many memorable events, anti-Catholic bigotry that sees journalists pictures and stories from St revel in the bad and overlook the good. I Quivox’s 75 years were on display attribute it to being a Scottish trait. Thank for parishioners to enjoy after the goodness we have the SCO. My jubilee Mass. grandmother and my father always said it “One of our parishioners, was an important publication but I am only Jimmy Murphy, has maintained a just beginning to realise how important as a tremendous parish archive,” Fr constant voice that follows neither fad nor Kitchen said. “Everybody was fashion. greatly impressed by this.” B MacKay EDINBURGH

The Scottish Church needs fortnight yet cannot get a bishop despite having careful guidance two years notice needs to be questioned. And, Is it Time to reassess our the fact no one sees that this situation is measuring stick? I AGREE entirely with Hugh Dougherty’s important enough to provide information is ESTABLISHED IN 1885 assertion that there should be a strategic worrying! The Church is not too different from WHAT a positive step to see an plan for the Catholic Church (SCO other ‘big businesses’ and needs to be well independent global publication such as December 3). Yet why do I doubt that it managed. Wedo need to stop drifting yet I am Time Magazine name Pope Francis person would ever be taken on board? not too sure that five years would be a realistic of the year last week, but why do we need an We are where we are today, especially in timescale, but at least it would be a start. We outsider such as this title, more than any Scotland, because [mistakes] within the have good priests, we have good parishes, other, to tell us what we should already Church/dioceses—and the word we have good bishops... yet the franchise Let faith help you find peace know? And to see the Catholic press make ‘accountable’ needs to be highlighted to which is our Church needs to be guided. such a big deal about it, playing the news press home the need for change. John Halpin this Christmas, and in 2014 cycle game instead of following its own path! The fact we can elect a Pope within a EAST KILBRIDE Yes, all too often our Church only grabs headlines when something has gone wrong, T CHRISTMAS and New Year, many of us reflect and it is good to hear positive news for a Our laity is in desperate need Misleading responses to on the year, and indeed the years, gone by. If we are change. Pride, however, is a sin and all of of instruction natural family planning lucky enough to spend our Christmas holidays with us rely too heavily on popular media and family or friends, it is natural to reminisce. Those culture as a mirror to give ourselves and THAT letter from JR on divorce remaining The responses given to the questionnaire who face the Christmas period alone, however, are our lives meaning and value when we an issue that needs addressed is incredibly concerning the Church’s teaching on not the only ones who may be looking back with grief or regret, should be looking elsewhere. sad. How far the Catholic laity has fallen! Marriage and Family Life which were unable to count their blessings. The doors are open in parishes While I am sure Pope Francis is pleased JR has a specific vision of what he believes printed in your newspaper recently are throughoutA the country, however, to go and celebrate the birth of with the ‘honour,’ he, more than anyone, the Church to be. Unfortunately, this vision potentially misleading. Natural Family Christ by going to Mass, whether you are a regular church-goer, knows that being head of the Catholic is radically different from the clear Planning is only permitted as a short-term have fallen away from your Faith or wish to find out more about Church is much, much more than a instructions set out by Christ and the solution to a serious problem. It cannot be Catholicism. Why not bring a friend or neighbour along? popularity contest or a snappy quote. He traditional teaching of the Church. used in the long-term or for selfish reasons. This year marked the end of the Church’s Year of Faith. It will know the press will be just as quick, if The Church is the ark of salvation, the This is morally wrong. We must be encompassed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and not quicker, to cut him down at the first only means of salvation. Her primary duty absolutely clear on this if we are to avoid a the election of Pope Francis. We witnessed World Youth Day in oppourtunity as it has been to build him up. is to ‘baptise all nations.’ Whilst the contraceptive mentality. Brazil and Scotland’s Rio. Pilgrims joined the National Year of NAME AND ADDRESS Church’s charitable actions are important, Raymond O’Leary Faith visit to the Holy Land. SUPPLIED they are secondary to Her missionary GLASGOW Yet 2013 saw many challenges surface for the Church in Scot- duties. land, and highlighted the work to be done and further challenges JR also claims that the Catholic Church to come in rebuilding confidence in our Church; restoring the One opinion for another on is merely one ‘Christian sect.’A properly York leading the way in the Episcopal conference to full strength and to better supporting family issues informed Catholic would never use such a Latin Mass priests, the religious life and lay Catholics in the important work term. Neither would they have to ask they do now and the work that lies ahead. I WOULD just like to ask, who the devil is ‘which (Christian ‘sect’) is right. I WAS in York recently and went to St Next year our country faces a major decision regarding inde- this Gerald Warner? What century is he The Catholic Church is the one, true Wilfred’s parish church to check out Mass pendence. While our Church is ready, with its own bishops’ con- living in? Does he have any idea what like Church of Jesus Christ outside of which times. Imagine my surprise to find that one ference, there is no uniform Christian answer as to the best way it is to bring up children in today’s world. there is no salvation, as Lumen Gentium of the Sunday Masses was the old Latin forward, and each must decide for his or herself. We can, how- How dare he Pontificate on the subject of clearly states. Mass. Then I discovered that there are ever, pray for guidance as well as listening to the political argu- birth control and divorced Catholics. Surely this letter brings home an three such Masses every Sunday in ments. We can, for example, remain steadfast in our call for Unless you walk in a person’s shoes for a inconvenient truth for the bishops of this parishes in York. I spoke to the priest and it elected officials to go beyond religious tolerance and protect reli- spell you have no idea what people have to country? turned out that he, and another Oratory gious freedom in our country; we can continue to demand the pro- endure. So I would like to say to Mr We have a laity in desperate need for Father, had only taken up residence. This tection of life and the continuation of state Catholic education. Warner: Keep your opinions to yourself! instruction in the Truths of the Faith. was at the request of Bishop Drainey of Renewed in hope by the birthday of our Saviour, we can begin Margaret R McPherson Peter Mackin Middlesbrough that they take over the again renewed in 2014. BY E-MAIL RENFREWSHIRE running of St Wilfred’s and establish an If you are making any New Year’s resolutions, keep your Faith Oratory. To my knowledge there is at the forefront of your mind. Think how wonderful it would feel, G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements absolutely no Sunday provision (except by this time next year, to look back over 2014 with no regrets, G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily shared by SCO the Society of St Peter in Edinburgh) of the having done everything in your power for your family and your G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the above address old Mass in Scotland. Or am I wrong? Faith. G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or your letter will I Rutherford May the peace and grace of God be with you this Christmas not be used SHETLAND and New Year and always. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S PAGE 25

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

Christmas Day—Birth of Jesus Christian Community, to strengthen and Responsorial Psalm foster our faith commitment to live as a 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12a. CHILDREN’S Reflection disciple of Christ. Mary pondered the call, (R) Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. THE prophets proclaimed Her ‘yes’ to God, and to live Sing a new song to the Lord! revealed God’s Will Her call to holiness, for the sake of the Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the Lord, CROSSWORD 12 for the Israelites people of God. She is the first disciple to sing and praise His name. whether they wanted witness the Incarnate Word of God—our (R) Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. to listen or not. Jesus Redeemer, within Her womb. Day after day announce: “The Lord has saved 1 2 3 4 5 is born of the House us!” of David. The Discussion Tell every nation on earth: “The Lord is won- 6 I lengthy genealogy of How have you given witness to the birth of derful and does marvelous things!” 7 God’s Promise, Christ within you? (R) Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. I Fidelity and unconditional Love is Ho w well do you live your call to holiness; Tell the heavens and the earth to be glad and 8 proclaimed for us this day. to live as an ordinary person extraordinarily? celebrate! The Hebrew Scriptures begin the Story of I Ou r Baptism calls us to bear witness to the Command the ocean to roar with all of its crea- 9 God’s promise to send a redeemer, often to a Living Word of God, the Scriptures. How well tures and the fields to rejoice with all of their people that resisted hearing what God had have you live your Baptismal call to be Living crops. 10 11 12 to say. The Church has given us this graced Saints? (R) Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. filled season to remember the earliest Story I The Incarnate Word of God lived a human of our faith; the Christian Story. We now life in an extraordinary way, calling His Second Reading 13 14 celebrate the Season of Christmas. disciples to follow his Way. What does your God’s grace has been revealed to all people. A reading Traditionally, this is a time to reflect upon discipleship look like? How well do you live from the first letter of Paul to Titus 3:4-6. 15 16 the fulfillment of God’s Word to all peoples: your call to be priest, prophet and Servant? Brothers and sisters, God our Saviour showed “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him!” How well do you live your call to be all that us how good and kind He is. He saved us 17 The story began with the reminder that God intended for you? because of His mercy, and not because of any we are a people in need of a redeemer to good things that we have done. 18 free us from our inclination to turn away Activity God washed us by the power of the Holy from God: Sin. Jesus is born among us, like G Th e primary focus of this day is the Crib. Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh begin- us in human nature, the Incarnate Word of Children of all ages marvel at the beauty and ning. God sent Jesus Christ our Saviour to give ACROSS God—God with us. God promised the awe of such a scene. We are given but a glance us His Spirit. 1 Secret agent 007 (5,4) young woman, Mary, to be ever present, to into the ordinary life of humanity. The birth of The Word of the Lord 6 Fishing stick (3) be Her strength, to guide Her along the Jesus gives us peace, hope and the grace to Alleluia 7 The coming and going of the sea (4) way. Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the Holy live our ordinary lives. Born in poverty, in a 8 He or she sells medicines (7) Family, must continue to travel from place culture of political, religious and military Luke 2:10-11. to place, to seek refuge from an ever unrest, by an unwed mother, and supported by (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 10 Spud (6) increasing dangerous political unrest. a loving step-father—our Holy Family. This is Good news and great joy to all the world: 11 Person making use of something (4) The birth of Jesus stirs the hearts of our ordinary human life. today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. 13 An ambassador’s office (7) many; those who have long prayed for His G Prep are a modern crib scene. Our Baptismal (R) Alleluia, alleluia. 15 Uncommon (4) coming; the poor, the marginalised, the call begins at birth surrounded by our ‘holy Gospel 17 Removes the skin from fruit (5) throw-away people of society. There are also family.’ 18 Person who works in a restaurant (6) those who have long awaited the promised G Materials needed: Photos of ordinary people, Today a Saviour has been born for you. A reading Messiah: our Jewish brothers and sisters. In an infant child (as Jesus), a young woman (as from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14. the first century, as the Scriptures mention Mary), and an adult male (as Joseph). Paste, Emperor Augustus gave orders for the names of DOWN and the writings of Josephus, a Jewish construction paper or copy paper. all the people to be listed in record books. 1 Plane (3) chronicler for the Romans, who wrote about G The younger ones will need some help. The These first records were made when Quirinius 2 He had a tea party in Wonderland (3,6) the military battles of the Romans and the older children may want to expand the family was governor of Syria. Everyone had to go to 3 Part of the house where you wash (8) Chosen People; thus they hoped for a to include relatives. Mary had parents, Joachim their own hometown to be listed. So Joseph had 4 Waste water runs down these pipes (6) Messiah that would be for them a religious and Anna; and extended family members of to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to leader, a political leader and still yet a Elizabeth, Zachariah and John (the Baptist). Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had 5 Newspaper boss (6) military leader—to wage a battle on their been King David’s hometown, and Joseph went 9 Small common bird (7) enemies. The Birth of Christ, the Messiah, First Reading there because he was from David’s family. 12 Simply (6) the Chosen One of God, became for A son is give to us. A reading from the book of the Mary was engaged to Joseph and travelled 14 Top cards (4) Christians a promise of peace and love; a prophet Isaiah 9:2-4, 6-7. with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to 16 Consume (3) message contrary to the cultural milieu of Those who walked in the dark have seen a have a baby, and while they were there, She the first century. bright light. And it shines upon everyone who gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed This historical event of birth of Jesus took lives in the land of darkest shadows. Him in baby clothes and laid Him in a manger, LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION place in a prepared, simple, and ordinary Our Lord, you have made your nation because there was no room for them in the inn. ACROSS place; birthed from a young, simple, stronger. Because of you, its people are glad That night in the fields near Bethlehem some 1 Lucky 3 Sweet 6 Grandfather 8 Dough 10 Badger ordinary woman, named Mary (Miriam); and celebrate like workers at harvest time or shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at 12 Total 13 Dance 14 Round 15 Opera 16 Library and fostered by an ordinary man, named soldiers dividing what they have taken. once an angel came down to them from the Joseph. Too often we let this reality become You have broken the power of those who Lord and the brightness of the Lord’s glory a part of the Christmas Story. Mary and oppressed and enslaved your people. You have flashed around them. The shepherds were DOWN Joseph were ordinary people, living in an rescued them as you did from Midian. frightened. But the angel said: “Don’t be afraid! 2 Coal 3 Stand 4 Exhausted 5 Tar 6 Grab ordinary household of the first century. For us a child has been born. A son has been I have good news for you, which will make 7 General 9 Holiday 11 Dinner 12 Thumb 13 Door Their lives, however, were not so ordinary, given to us, and He will be our ruler. His everyone happy. This very day in King David’s but rather, ordinary people who responded names will be: Wonderful Adviser and Mighty hometown a Saviour was born for you. He is in faith to an invitation of God to live life in God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. Christ the Lord. You will know who He is, The Children’s Liturgy page is published an extraordinary way—in their humanity. His power will never end, and peace will because you will find Him dressed in baby one week in advance to allow RE teachers We too, are called by our Baptismal call, last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom and clothes and lying in a manger.” to live extraordinary lives as witnesses of make it grow strong. He will always rule with Suddenly many other angels came down and those taking the Children’s Liturgy at Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. We are honesty and justice. from Heaven and joined in praising God. They weekly Masses to use, if they wish, this given three-fold gifts to assist us, namely: The Lord All-Powerful will make certain said: “Praise God in Heaven! Peace on earth to page as an accompaniment to their The Word of God-Scriptures, God’s that all of this is done. everyone who pleases God. unconditional gift of Grace, and a Catholic The Word of the Lord The Gospel of the Lord teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCIAF YEAR IN REVIEW 26

Faith through action, aid and affection As 2013 draws to a close, SCIAF looks back at a year of global charitable work by Scottish Catholics

S THE official international aid charity with accommodation for refugees and their hosts. of the Catholic Church in Scotland, the Then in early November, Typhoon Haiyan hit Year of Faith was an important oppor- the Philippines killing more than 3000 people and tunity to show how SCIAF’s work is leaving 12 million in need. Again, through the Car- an expression of Faith in action. itas Internationalis network, SCIAF has been able SCIAF’s Lent appeal focussed on the work of to channel aid directly to those who need it most, its partners in Burundi, bringing peace and heal- including clean water, food, temporary shelters, Aing to communities affected by war and conflict. hygiene kits and medicines. As with all such emer- Fr Deo, the inspiring founder of SCIAF partner the gencies, SCIAF’s support will remain long after Agakura Agricultural Training Centre, visited the television cameras have gone, helping people Scotland during Lent to explain more about the rebuild their lives and livelihoods, and supporting centre’s work and how support from people here is long-term recovery. making a real difference. Once again, our Lent appeal was launched by iving, reflecting, and acting with SCIAF singing sensation Susan Boyle, well known to are all ways in which people can live out Scotland’s Catholic community. She was also their Faith. School and parish volunteers joined by David Smith MBE, gold medal winning makeG a huge difference by raising money, organis- Paralympic rower, who had visited Burundi with ing coffee mornings, bingo nights, auctions, fun runs SCIAF to see our work first-hand. and more, inviting everyone to learn more about The role of Faith in building a more just world SCIAF’s work, and by remembering people in was the theme of a major conference in Edinburgh developing countries in their thoughts and prayers. shortly after Easter, jointly organised by SCIAF, People also came together in huge numbers the national and diocesan Justice and Peace Com- throughout the year to support the Enough Food for missions, and the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Everyone IF campaign. To coincide with Prime Office. Minister David Cameron hosting this year’s G8 Delegates from dioceses and parishes across Summit of world leaders, the campaign set out to Scotland came together to look at the current tackle some of the root causes of global hunger. global economic and environmental crises through While the world produces enough food for every- the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Moving tes- one, a shocking one in eight people still go hungry. timony from key speakers was followed by work- SCIAF was one of more than 170 organisations shops exploring how ideas lsuch as fairtrade, which backed the campaign, and the response from credit unions, and eco-friendly living can help us supporters in Scotland made a huge difference. live simply so that others can simply live. Thousands of people signed campaign action cards or wrote directly to decision makers in sup- SCIAF’s work throughout the year has helped people resignation. Within the charity there is a deep n July, SCIAF workshops at the Scotland’s Rio across the globe, including Syrian refugee children port of the campaign. Many parishioners met with (top). At home, the charity’s Robin Hood Tax appreciation of the great selflessness of his act and event in Stirling, which coincided with World their MP in the run up to the UK Budget campaign continued its tug-of-war with the rich (above) of his legacy to the Church culminating in the Year Youth Day in Brazil, helped young people announcement in March, helping us to achieve the of Faith. Iunderstand the Gospel call to build a just world, long-held goal of spending 0.7% of national Likewise, the election of Pope Francis was wel- and how SCIAF works to achieve its vision of a income on international development. And in Justice Fund, and more than £600,000 to support comed with surprise and delight. In his first encycli- world where everyone can live life to the full. June, 200 hardy souls braved wind and rain to the country’s Development Education Centres cal, the new Holy Father stressed that Faith ‘helps us The global reach of the Church, through the travel from Scotland to Belfast, close to the loca- which promote active global citizenship. Helping to devise models of development which are based not Caritas Internationalis network, came to the fore tion of the G8 summit, to join thousands of others young people better understand international simply on utility and profit, but consider creation as with two major emergencies in 2013. The refugee in a rally demanding action. G8 leaders made com- issues, and the central role of their Faith in creat- a gift for which we are all indebted; it teaches us to crisis caused by the war in Syria has left more than mitments to clamp down on tax dodging and sup- ing a more just world for all, was also central to create just forms of government, in the realisation two million homeless and in need in Lebanon, Jor- port countries in Africa improve the management the launch of SCIAF’s new youth website that authority comes from God and is meant for the dan and Turkey. A request from the Bishops’ Con- and governance of land. (www.sciafyouth.org.uk) and a new RE resource service of the common good.’ ference to every parish in Scotland helped SCIAF Meanwhile in Scotland, with more than 4000 for schools, This is Our Faith in Action. With words such as these to inspire us, SCIAF to raise more than £475,000 for emergency aid emails and postcards sent to MSPs in support of Like most of the Catholic world, staff and vol- and its supporters in the Catholic community can including medical care, trauma counselling, food, the IF campaign, the Scottish Government unteers in the SCIAF office were shocked and sad- look forward to 2014, ready to put our Faith into clothes, blankets, mattresses, stoves, fuel and help announced an additional £3 million for its Climate dened by the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s action, helping to build a more just world for all. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER ACN YEAR IN REVIEW 27

OR Aid to the Church in Need, 2013 began with an urgent grant of emergency aid for Syrians who were then— as now—besieged by a bitter winter as well as a fierce civil war. As more than £130,000, providing food,F blankets and medicine, was sent out, the charity’s Middle East expert, Fr Andrew Halemba, described the wors- ening situation in the country, where countless numbers of people had fled their homes. Fr Andrew said: “Syria’s Christians live in fear. We get reports about how much the people are suffering from the fighting.” He stressed the importance of supporting Christians spiritually as well as materially in this time of humanitar- ian crisis, saying that: “Food, medicine and blankets are important but as a Church pastoral charity we are also obliged to give the refugees religious sustenance and make ourselves available as pastors.”

he urgent necessity of helping the Middle East’s suffering Christians has been reflected in Aid to the TChurch in Need’s activities over the last 12 months. “For Scotland, 2013 has been a year in which our main focus for prayer and fundraising was Syria,” Lorraine McMahon, ACN’s head of operations in Scotland, said: “The events started off with a Mass in St Paul’s, Ayr in May when we prayed for Christians in Syria. “A very fitting beginning, given that St Paul persecuted Christians himself and was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus.” Scotland’s fundraising for Syria continued with a Marilla Ness concert at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Carfin. Described as the UK’s number one Christian recording artist, Irish-born Marilla Ness performed songs from her more than 20 CDs. Neville Kyrke-Smith, Aid to the Church in Need (UK)’s national director, told concert-goers in Carfin about This year’s ACN Persecuted and the charity’s help for the region. Forgotten? was launched in October at Christ the King Church, Glasgow. “In many parts of the Middle East (Above) Archbishop Emeritus Mario Christians are being targeted for their Conti and Patriarch Gregorius III, faith and the support of Aid to the head of The Melkite Church, Syria, at Church in Need is vital,” asking for the Mass with parishioners and and prayers for Archbishops Boulos Yazigi clergy from the archdiocese and Yohanna Ibrahim of Syria, who PIC: PAUL McSHERRY were kidnapped on April 22 and their fate is still unknown, he said. Mr Kyrke-Smith also described seeing first hand the work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Lebanon who were caring for refugees not just from Syria but also tending to those who had left FROM SCOTLAND TO SYRIA Iraq as well. In particular they were providing medical care to those who needed it. JOHN NEWTON looks back over the last 12 months on Aid to the

r Hanan of the Good Shepherd Church in Need’s focus on the increasing tragedy in the Middle East Sisters visited Scotland in October and described some of the prob- Slems which had led to Christians aban- But the sister from Lebanon was not extremists—who had come into Syria According to the Chaldean Catholic where it is helping our suffering brothers doning their homes and seek a new life the only visitor from the Middle East to from outside—were targeting Christians Church, Christians in Iraq have fallen and sisters, such as Pakistan, the nations in neighbouring countries. come to Scotland at ACN’s invitation in and other religious minorities. by almost three quarters of a million of Africa and various countries under “In the Middle East, the Christians 2013. “He gave a clear message that we before the invasion to around 4-500,000 Communist control. have been suffering for many reasons as “At the Persecuted NndForgotten must pray for the Christians in Syria today. Similarly Egypt has also seen In a personal message to supporters, they are a minority and are not able to event in Christ the King Church, Glas- that they have the courage and faith to more than 200,000 Christians leave ACN’s UK director, Neville Kyrke- help themselves,” she said. gow we had the honour of having as a stay in their own land and pray that out- since early 2011 and continuing politi- Smith, said: “We thank our Scottish “For example, cases have happened guest the Patriarch of Antioch,” Ms side influences will retreat,” Ms McMa- cal instability may see the figure rise. benefactors for having enabled the love that people from many families have McMahon said. “School students, hon said. The patriarch’s call for prayer was of God to be shown not only in the Mid- been kidnapped for ransom—it became parishioners of Christ the King, friends The patriarch’s warning that Chris- heeded and there was an Aid to the dle East, but throughout the world over a kind of business and taking advantage and benefactors shared a solemn start to tians were being driven out of the coun- Church in Need Day of Prayer for Syria the last 12 months. of their houses and properties, raped, the event as we bore witness to the try by the violence was reinforced by across Scotland on Decembe 4r—the “Those whom we help hold our faith- beaten and left to die if no care is taken. clergy murdered and kidnapped in Syria Aid to the Church in Need’s 2013 Per- feast day of the seventh-century Syrian ful Scottish supporters in their hearts as “Usually they kidnap the oldest child in 2013 in our own Scottish way, to the secuted and Forgotten? report which saint, John Damascene. they prayf—rom the sisters caring for in the family, if it so happens that the sound of the MacPherson Lament suggested there were serious questions Across Scotland, Masses were offered refugees to the bishops and priests car- child is a girl then it is a huge disaster.” played on the violin.” about the long-term survival of Christi- and prayers raised for Syria’s suffering ing for their people in a time of turmoil. ACN helped keep the sisters’ clinic in anity in the Middle East. As the report people, as we commemorated one of “On behalf of all those whom we Beirut open with a grant of £160,000 — atriarch Gregorios III, head of the was published in October, reports from their greatest saints, who is renowned serve in faith and hope, may we wish this gave them a vital lifeline at a time Melkite Greek-Catholic Church— the UN came in stating that the number for his hymns and theological treatises, you a blessed and joyful Christmas and when other charities were cutting help an Eastern Church in full com- of refugees who had fled Syria had now particularly his work on the Assumption we kindly ask you to keep our suffering for Iraqi refugees to focus on the crisis Pmunion with the Pope—spoke about the topped 2 million—and around a third of of Our Lady. In 2014 the charity will brothers and sisters in your thoughts engulfing Syria. need for all sides to work for peace to the country’s Christians (c. 450,000) continue to keep the Middle East in its and your prayers throughout the com- “The Iraqis are usually Chaldean bring an end to the conflict. have been displaced by the conflict. prayers and provide practical aid for ing year.” Christians who have fled terror to reach In his address to the charity’s bene- The problems are similar for Chris- Syria—but will also be focusing on here,” Sr Hanan added. factors, the patriarch also explained how tians in neighbouring countries. some of the other areas around the world I www.acnuk.org WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 28 REFLECTIONS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 Advent: waiting with ‘attitude’

By Fr Jim Crampsey are anticipating. And what a Lauriston Jesuit Centre story they will tell on their way back. This adoration of WHEN I was a small boy, the Magi seems to be the ear- I always felt Advent was liest Christian painting in the about waiting. Like a catacombs. And artists down puppy straining at the the years have tried to cram leash, I was trying to get as many people as they can to Christmas before it into their paintings. In the arrived. I could feel it, birth of Jesus God has gone touch it and taste it; it was public, what social media there for the taking. would call viral. ‘Patience,’ I was told, In the shepherds and the ‘just wait!,’ ‘don’t get too kings we see two different excited.’ In those days kinds of waiting. The shep- too, my father, like many herds are going about their people in Scotland, had to normal business, probably work till midday on waiting desperately for the Christmas Day so most night to be over, and are presents were not opened taken by surprise. The magi till he came home. have a sense that something Now at the other end of is going to happen and they my life I find myself trying want to be there when it to keep Christmas at bay. does. So they set out on their Apart from the advertising, pilgrimage anticipating that The darkness we carry can be the Carols in the shops, I what they desire is going to receive many invitations to meet them on the road. If Christmas meals with one you remember the first Sun- group or the other. I have day of Advent, the first read- nothing against the groups, ing from Isaiah and the pierced by the light of Christ in fact I often enjoy being psalm are all about pilgrim- with them, but I would like age—I rejoiced when I As we approach Christmas, DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST CECILIA look at Christ’s power to keep the celebration of heard them say, let us go to Christmas to its proper day. God’s house. Pilgrimage can to lift our spirits, and the traditions of Advent that mark the progress of our lives I want to wait. be described as waiting with From time to time I get a attitude. There is a focus, a glimpse that I am a lot more goal and a journey on which miserable than I think I am. we think, pray, laugh and cry A SPIRITUAL This is one of those and above all rub shoulders moments. It is as though I with some people we don’t REFLECTION want to have an experience really care for. We may of Christmas that is private wonder why they are there, and personal. I think we but we may grudgingly should all experience Christ- admit that they have a right mas in a private and per- to be called into God’s love. sonal way, but not in an I think that quite rightly exclusive way. The birth of we get annoyed about the Jesus is something to be commercialisation of Christ- shared and told. mas that we see exploding One of the big words around us earlier and earlier about Christmas is the word in the year. that names the feast on But if I am tempted to go HOSE who walked in dark- January 6 Epiphany. Lady to the opposite extreme and ness have seen a great Julian of Norwich had a be miserable with Jesus by light…” (Isaiah 9:2). What simpler word for the way myself, I am missing some- darkness do you carry in God communicates to us, the thing central. Christmas is your heart this Advent and showing. supposed to burst out with Christmas? What steals your smile or halts Jesus is Emmanuel, God an abundance that enfolds your laughter? with us. In a sense, Jesus is everyone, with the love of ‘TThere is no darkness that the light of Christ God’s showing, Jesus is God shown forth in Christ cannot pierce. “For by His incarnation the God’s publicity which needs Jesus our Lord. In the person Son of God has united Himself in some fash- to be seen. And there is an of the child Jesus brought ion with every man,” says Gaudium et Spes, exuberant quality about the forth by Mary, God has the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Nativity with its choir of made a pilgrimage to us. If Modern World #22. Christ Himself has lived angels waking the shepherds we think that the commer- the full experience of human beings, from who will be in the market cialisation of Christmas is conception to death. He has experienced the place the next day unable to over the top, let us take death of loved ones, faced a sentence of contain their story. Then out advantage of it to remind death, known poverty, been saddened by the of nowhere come these wise ourselves that God has gone waywardness of friends, and wept for the men on a quest and a pil- over the top to come close to destruction of His own city and people. grimage and the likelihood is us. God also waited with Gaudium et Spes goes on to remark: “By that they have gathered oth- attitude till his Word took suffering for us He not only provided us with ers by the story of what they flesh in Mary. an example for our imitation, He blazed a trail, and if we follow it, life and death are”made holy and take on a new meaning.’ In life’s dark moments, Jesus has become our way, He has lighted it with His love, and He waits to walk it with us. The new mean- Worshippers stand near candles in the Church of year each member of the family has a fresh ing of our darkness is that we are not alone, the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine (top) and hope, a newer strength than it had the year celebrate Christ who died for our sins (above) and when we are borne with Christ, He will before. Yet the figure of Jesus in the manger actually ‘fit us for heaven to live with him remains the small baby boy, the image of there,’ as the carol Away in a Manger sings. a beautiful set, to place in the home and con- love newborn, constant and unchanging. He template in this holy season. is God with us, Emmanuel, as He has always isual aids can be a help to us as we Imagine the scene from the Nativity fig- been and always will be. seek for Christ’s light. The Christmas ures’ point of view, looking up into the faces May the joyful light of Christ reflect in crèche, the Nativity set, is a wonder- of the family gathered around it. Every year our eyes as we gather around the Christmas fullyV fitting aid to our meditation. Each the family grows, old problems have been crib and ponder God’s radiant love this Christian family should have one of its own, solved, different ones have arisen. Every Christmastide. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 29 Imagine there’s no Christmas: Faith in Christ can realise dream of peace As shops and supermarkets bombard us with Christmas songs, JOE BRADLEY looks at John Lennon’s Imagine, its commendable aspirations to world peace and brotherhood, and its deeply flawed approach to religion

Imagine there’s no heaven It’s easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will live as one. John Lennon - Imagine

MAGINE there was no Christ- mas. Among the experiences we encounter from November—and earlier—onwards in the western ideological construction of a commercialised and materialistic festive period is Christmas music, played in supermarkets, car showrooms, I John Lennon’s Imagine pictures a world of clothes shops, eateries and elsewhere. spective one might judge the song’s on substance, for it is a dream that less admirable ones, can only become On the basis that these songs appear peace and brotherhood, but a belief in peace seeking as pertaining to a dream entails no heaven, no hell and no reli- possible when it is recognised that God Christ can make this dream a reality appropriately atmospheric and ‘joyous,’ of a house built on sand rather than on gion. Lennon was undoubtedly sup- became incarnate and gave meaning to one might mistakenly evaluate that more solid foundations. portive of a number of worthwhile and human life. most people are therefore enjoying the originally released prior to Christmas Lennon’s wish for a world living in justice-seeking causes and he can be Christmas is a beginning, a fresh spirit of Christmas. 1971 and then again rose in the charts harmony is praiseworthy. So also is his admired for that. start, a reminder, a point on the journey. The release of a record around to number one when he was killed wish for people absent of a need to fight However, a Christian perspective to Humanity can achieve nothing of deep, Christmas time and any corresponding before Christmas 1980. It is the former and die for countries—because there view the world through this Christmas meaningful or everlasting value on its chart success invariably means that part Beatles singer’s best selling single of wouldn’t be any countries in Lennon’s time reflects that regardless of all the own, as individuals or even together; of our memory associates various songs his solo career, with millions of hits on imaginative construct. In addition, what fine human dreams ever dreamt, despite the ‘brotherhood of man’ as Lennon with this joyous time. Inclusion of the YouTube and countless awards and some may argue is indicative of the positive social, cultural and politi- says. Christmas for many is a yearly word ‘Christmas’ or a video backdrop accolades. Lennon’s Christian background— cal aspirations and plans to improve reminder that humanity needs Christ. In of snow can often be enough to have Lennon’s Imagine is a song which though he himself would probably deny humanity, the vision offered by Christ’s a similar sense, Lennon’s Happy Xmas songs considered ‘Christmassy.’ can also emerge at any time of the year it—arises when he stresses his dream of birth, life, death and resurrection (War is Over) is a more direct seasonal Over the years this has seen many in relation to themes of peace. Of ‘no possessions... no need for greed or remains the most profound, meaningful composition, but although containing songs occupy the British-US Christmas course, for Christians, peace is central hunger, a brotherhood of man; Imagine and everlasting. challenging lyrics, it again excludes catalogue, such as Merry Christmas (I to the life, message and meaning of the all the people sharing all the world.’ Through his birth at Christmas—and Christ from its message—and like Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) by The coming of the Messiah, the ‘Prince of For many these are Christian val- teachings, life, death and resurrection— Slade’s song, even from its title. Ramones, Step into Christmas by Elton Peace,’ but just as with the vast major- ues—for Lennon they were socialist Christ offers a way to find and build His John, My Only Wish (This Year) by Brit- ity of songs played at Christmas, the ones—and as far as being a Christmas Kingdom. A route partly conceptualised magine there was no Christmas! ney Spears, Last Christmas by Wham, epitome of true peace is nowhere to be or peace song saying something, albeit in human terms as honesty, truth, serv- Ironically, once we go beyond some and the ever popular Slade song Merry seen in Imagine—and increasingly on indirectly, about Christ the Saviour, it ice, dignity, prayer, charity, equality, of John Lennon’s honourable senti- Xmas Everybody. Such music does not most Christmas cards. acquires merit. selflessness, peace, holiness, and of Iments we might be left with just that: a reference the birth of Christ or the mean- Nevertheless, whichever way we like course the greatest gift of all, love. Christmas free vision of human exis- ings that arise from this event. In fact, s youngsters, all of The Beatles to label it, Lennon’s lack of under- God’s imagination becomes concrete tence. Of course, there are many more we have probably learned not to expect had fairly strong religious con- standing or recognition of the person of in His dream for humanity, His promise songs, particularly in popular music, these kinds of songs to allude to Christ, nections. George Harrison and Jesus comes through with other of the of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation that are much more destructive of the while even Britain’s favourite Christmas APaul McCartney were both Catholics of song’s lyrics. In these words, Lennon’s confirmed through the message of Christ- spirit of Christmas than this one, but song according to polls, the above men- Irish immigrant stock, Ringo Starr was vision can be recognised as worldly; a mas, a matter that can only become pos- this is a song with a particular reso- tioned Slade track, utilises ‘Xmas’ as its an Evangelical Anglican, and John vision Catholics are taught to engage, sible when the dignity and rights of nance at this time of year and often pre- key word and not ‘Christmas.’ Lennon, also from an Irish Catholic but not to be consumed by. human beings, born and unborn, regard- sented to us by the media as Like other pop songs throughout the background on his father’s side, was Such a perspective looks beyond the less of colour, culture, ethnicity, creed, ‘Christmassy.’ year, some Christmas hits will be char- brought up Anglican. However, by the physical historical world and recognises sex, age and ability, are acknowledged However, a less materialistic and acterised with a greatly distorted percep- time the four songsters were young life’s true meaning. Pope John Paul II and respected; when the pride and arro- ephemeral dream can only be invoked tion of human sexuality, sometimes with adults, institutional religion was anath- spoke in a similar light. “Life is a long gance of human beings who think they via the true meaning of Christmas and a an accompanying pornographic video. ema to them. Indeed, the band courted road on which each human being strug- can prosper without the creator, saviour vision built that brings to fruition the The reality is that a host of secular songs several related controversies during gles to find a safe and stable dwelling and loving Father is vanished. reason why we are born, live and die. are played year after year when the fes- their career, including their claim in place,” he said. “The passing of time History can be held up as evidence of The true Christmas message is one of tive period falls. Many are fun, others are 1966 that they were more popular than confirms to the human person that this ‘man’s inhumanity to man’ and our anticipation and hope, foreshadowing a disrespectful, some sordid. Jesus. They latterly dabbled with some dwelling place is not to be found here inability to find a fruitful and virtuous journey of service and love, ending in Although not specifically about eastern religions and later claimed to be on earth. Our true and definitive home ‘human only’ way. Arguably, history the promise of God’s company and the Christmas, John Lennon’s Imagine has ‘spiritual.’ is heaven.” demonstrates the impossibility of sharing of His infinite and eternal love. become one of the most well known of Despite Lennon’s song’s promulga- achieving the above list of characteris- For this vision politics can be a mecha- a more thinking, meaningful batch of tion regarding peace, a different read- he first line of Imagine indicates tics if Christ is absent from our lives. nism and a small stepping stone. But to songs replayed at Christmas—at least in ing might see another reality in the that, despite some of its laudable The commendable words in John develop fully we require the true Light comparison to many of the rest. It was song’s lyrics. From a Christian per- ideals, Lennon’s rendition is short Lennon’s Imagine as opposed to the of Christmas to be central to our dreams. TWWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CROSSWORD 30

1 2 345 67 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 First entry out the hat when we 18 return after Christmas will be the winner 19 20 21 22 23 24 Send your completed crossword 25 26 27 entries—along with your full name address and daytime 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 phone number—to CROSSWORD 37 38 39 CONTEST SCO 19 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT

40 41 The winner’s name will be printed in January 3 2014. 42 43 44 45 46 47 The editor’s decision is final 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 DECEMBER 13 56 57 SOLUTION 58 59 60 61 62 LAST WEEK’S 6463 65 66 SOLUTION

67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 ACROSS 75 76 77 1 Bog 3 Quicksilver 8 Travel 9 Conserve 10 78 79 80 Apron 11 Tot up 13 Pupil 15 Biscuit 81 82 83 16 Galatea 20 Moody 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 21 Sheaf 23 Jetty 24 Hospital 25 Skewer 91 92 93 94 26 Paternoster 27 Lea

95 96 97 98 99 DOWN 100 101 102 103 104 105 1 Bits and bobs 2 Glad rags 3 Queen 1106 107 108 109 4 Cyclops 5 Inset 6 Verity 7 Roe 110 111 112 113 12 Penalty area 114 115 13 Prism 14 Leafy 17 Tea-towel 116 117 118 18 Douglas 19 Tea-set 22 Friar 23 Joker 24 Hip

119 120 121 Last week’s winner was: Jean Lahbib, Stirling

ACROSS 62 The lower edge of the roof (5) 120 Going off the point (10) 52 How one might see Ken as a reptile (5) 1 Daintiness is enough for a patron of 65 Edgar Allan, author of ‘The Raven,’ 121 How one slept with the dread of making 53 Ruler doing a 117 across (4) Paris! (5,5) etc (3) a climbing device (10) 54 Thrilling episode (9) 6 Cosseted dwelling of one who pulls 66 Drink from 'The King and I"? Right (3) 55 See 51 down tusks? (5,5) 67 Dense (5) DOWN 59 Not as many (5) 11 Two-wheeler (7) 68 Lubricate part of the boiler (3) 2 Are certain cases heard thus for the 60 Headgear (3) 14 Parasites get the correct marks! (5) 70 Item of furniture (5) benefit of photographers? (2,6) 63 See 53 across 15 Lacking in self-confidence (8) 74 Keen to break up the joint (4) 3 Paper hankie (6) 64 Equine creatures (6) 17 Channel-hopper (6,7) 75 Restitution occurs as pm begins (6) 4 How can a headless chauvinist 65 Theatrical production that's fun 19 A hill or a horse (5) 77 Many a bird is cowardly (6) survive? (5) to do? (4) 20 It's the result of a combination of 78 Ensure that someone is currently 5 Wishy-washy (7) 69 Append (3) factors! (7) empowered! (9) 7 Making the live circus tour around is the 71 Is this dish supposed to taste 23 Shade, colour (3) 79 Persistent (6) epitome of positive reinforcement (8,6) rubbery? (4,10) 24 In gainful employment (7) 80 Oriental wrestling style (4) 8 Tall tale (4) 72 Father has a part in getting one a 25 Hatchet (3) 83 Desert wolf that chases the Roadrunner 9 They show resistance when working for release from jail (6) 26 Study, lair (3) in the cartoon series (6) a monarch, initially (4) 73 Peacefully, without the slightest 28 Fuel obtained from the bog (4) 84 Cloth repair-work worn over the eye? (5) 10 Smelled of smoke (6) 30 Scandinavians eaten by vegetarian 86 More powerful (8) 11 Brother Kenneth is smashed (6) agitation (8) cannibals? (6) 88 The beard of barley might be wan (3) 12 Slice Vincent or Nick Nick? Either is a 76 Fly majestically (4) 33 & 36 Cavan too is, strangely enough, found 89 Most pleasant (6) bargain! (3-5) 77 Chorale about a disease (7) here in Canada (4,6) 93 Remove from a record or file (6) 13 Possibly Sir Hector's singers (10) 81 Hooded 52 down (5) 37 With Georgia in the drink, you'll find 95 & 107d Cloth purporting to bear a likeness of 14 & 16 In London, are King's and Charing two 82 One who acts on your behalf (5) these in the sea (5) Christ (3,5,6) of this set of fourteen? (3,8,2,3,5) 85 Blessed with ESP (10) 38 Holy song about lamps (5) 97 Climb over this to get into a field (5) 18 The site of the Taj Mahal (4) 87 Native American carving (5) 39 Place or site oneself or one's business 98 English composer who might have 21 It's not a short Y by this account (5) 90 Applaud (4) somewhere new (8) given it large! (5) 22 Adult males (3) 91 Wherefore (3) 40 One with pull in the rag trade! (6) 100 Plump, pulpy (6) 23 Possess (4) 92 Paces (5) 42 Certainly (6) 101 Laws regulating apostolic deeds? (4) 27 Do remarkably well (5) 94 Popular beverage (3) 44 Fruit that features in an effigy (3) 103 When you are due to get your salary (6) 29 Run away from (4) 95 Affirmative signal given by those 45 Paternal (8) 105 Lacking in colour (4) 30 What Americans call a golf bunker (4,4) seeking a lift (6,2) 47 Thomas initially enquires for jobs (5) 106 Texting service that's grand in a 31 Small (3) 96 Covered a cake (4) 48 'Knights of the road' (6) ship (1.1.1.) 32 It's the shape of the pill, see? (7) 99 Trains run on this system (8) 49 The ‘N’ of ENT (4) 108 Jump on one foot (3) 34 No speed to speak of (5) 100 Castle (4) 50 Regional speech inflection (6) 110 Allow back in (7) 35 Change (5) 102 Bashful (3) 53 & 63d A quick drawing - of part of the 111 Concealed (3) 36 Pigpen (3) 103 Previous kind of abbot (5) hand? (9,6) 112 Acting boldly, the cardinal leads part of 41 Please pass this way (6) 56 Famous film dog (6) the baseball match (7) 43 Record tee shot found in part of a 104 Might a Tory hug this dairy product? (7) 57 Gratitude from a multi-Oscar winner 113 Escargot (5) computer (4,5) 106 A wisp of hair on the beach (6) (not S Tracy) (6) 116 Seasonal hints for those who received 45 Receptacle of holy water (4) 107 See 95 across 58 What a bookie will quote no letters from St Paul (13) 46 Adolescents (6) 109 African country, capital Banjul (6) theologians (4) 117 How to get rats to have top billing (4,4) 47 Pill - one of a pair given to Moses? (6) 113 Dawn (5) 59 Newly-baked or newly-picked (5) 118 Reserves some tomes (5) 51 & 55d Being evil, it's not as bad as EVIL 114 Passable kind of market (4) 61 Burnt tree? (3) 119 Got away from confinement (7) (3,6,2,3,5) 115 Avails of (4) WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 31 THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES OUR LADY OF LOURDES, CARFIN

PASSIONIST COMMUNITY FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ST MUNGO’S CHURCH Holy Mass 5pm (Vigil), 9am and 11am 52 Parson Street, Glasgow 6pm Sung Evening Prayer and Benedic*on by CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2013 Candlelight CHRISTMAS EVE,TUESDAY 24TH DECEMBER FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT - MON & TUE 6pm - Vigil Mon and Tues Holy Mass 10am 11.30pm - Carol Service 12 Midnight - Solemn Concelebrated Mass of the Nativity Monday and Tuesday - Adora*on of the TH Blessed Sacrament 12noon un*l 3pm in the A leadership skills course for 13-17 year olds CHRISTMAS DAY,WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER Hands on sessions where you will acquire great Masses at 10am and 12 noon only. Glass Chapel skills for life There will be NO Evening Mass until 28th December. Monday - Holy Mass 1pm in the Glass Chapel

TH TH Includes optional supervised study and THURSDAY 26 &FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER Monday - Sung Evening Prayer and Benedic*on individual mentoring (4-6pm) Masses at 10am and 12.15pm only. by Candlelight 7pm Friday evenings between 6 and 8pm ST (includes a meal) TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER CONFESSIONS £30/term; £75/whole year if paid upfront. 6PM Mass of Thanksgiving for 2013 Mon 23rd and Tue 24th December contact: [email protected] 52 First Gardens, Glasgow, G41 5NB 0141 427 7036 ST RD 10.30am-11.15am WEDNESDAY 1 TIL FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2014 Masses at 10am and 12.15pm only. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON STALOYSIUS’ CHURCH 25 Rose Street CONFESSIONS Tuesday 24th December – Carols and Readings Glasgow G3 6.30pm; th (off Sauchiehall Street) 16 - 21st December Vigil Mass of Christmas with choir 7pm Confessions at usual times Wednesday 25th December - Dawn Mass with SUNDAY MASS: TH WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER carols 9am Saturday Vigil 5.45pm; 9am; 10.30am (Family Mass); Day Mass of Christmas with choir 11am 12noon (Sung); 9pm 7.30pm Parish Reconciliation Service ALL WELCOME Tuesday 31st December – A Service of WEEKDAY MASS: Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December Thanksgiving for the old year and to ask God’s Monday - Friday: 8am; 12.30pm; 5.45pm blessing on the New Year, with Sung Night Saturday: 10am; 12.30pm 10.30am - 12noon only Prayer and Benedic*on 11.30pm CONFESSIONS: Thursday 26th - Friday 27th December Wednesday 1st January - Solemnity of Mary, Monday - Friday: 11.30am - 12.15pm; 5.15pm - 5.30pm the Mother of God Solemn Mass of the Feast Saturday: 10.30am - 12.15pm; 2pm - 3.15pm; 4.15pm - 5.15pm No Confessions 10.30am EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Saturday 28th December Saturday: 2pm - 5.15pm Weddings permitting Sunday: 1.15pm - 8.30pm Confessions at usual times

ROSARY: Monday 30th December Monday - Saturday 12.00pm before 12.30pm Mass Confessions at usual times

st rd PILGRIMAGE TOKNOCK Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 January 2014 Website Directory & LOUGH DERG / DONEGAL No Confessions www.jandmsewing.com Top quality, reasonably priced LAUNCHING th Saturday 4 January Church Robes (Bishops, Clergy, 2014 Deacons, Diocesan Vestments, IN 2014!!! Knock & Lough Derg - £180 (unwaged £170) Confessions at usual times Choirs, Servers) all made to order Knock & Donegal - £275 (unwaged £265) in the UK. The SCO’s 30th June - 4th July 2014 www.sconews.co.uk Website Directory With a readership of 50,000, the 1 - 5 July 2013 Scottish Catholic Observer is Each pilgrimage departs from George Square, Glasgow Scotlandʼs only weekly Catholic ADVERTISE Monday 7.45am>> Returns Friday 9.30pmapprox newspaper and is available in 98% of parishes. YOUR To book send name, address, telephone number and £10 deposit ONTHLY M www.customartkids.co.uk WEBSITE (balance is due 2 months before departure) to: Made to measure, designed for Fr G Dunn, Nazareth House, 1647 Paisley Road West life, personalised for you. Wall art, HERE!! Glasgow G52 3QT EDJUGORJE Personalised Christmas Childrens M gifts. Any Occassions gifts Telephone: 0141 258 9284 call Mo on LEGACIES EVENING 01412416105 [email protected] We’ve been caring for seafarers for ST JOHN THE BAPTISTʼS CHURCH nearly 100 years, please remember Lower Millgate Apostleship of the Sea in your Will. UDDINGSTON Prayer Group Meeting Times

on Monday 30th December 2013 Diocese of Motherwell G N Healing Ministry, Rosary at 7.00pm Mass at 7.30pm Tent of Divine Mercy Ministry, Light refreshments in the hall afterwards Meets on the 1st Saturday of the month, www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk St Francis Xavier’s Church, Carfin, Registered charity in Scotland number SC043085 ALL WELCOME Saturday 2 – 4.30pm 32 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 CHURCH & PUBLIC NOTICES FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS GALBRAITH Morag, aged 74 years, who died on September 8, 2008. R.I.P. LEGION OF MARY CHRISTMAS CRIB Macrae Deep in our hearts you will IN SCOTLAND Betty and Gemma Macrae wish always stay, APOSTOLATE 2013 to send Christmas Blessings to Loved and remembered in every all our friends this wonderful way. Dates and venues where the Holy Rosary will be prayed in public: season of advent. No tears no verse can every Deo Gratias. say, GLASGOW GREENOCK - Clyde Street How much we miss you every Saturday 21st December, 11am – 12noon CATHIE WALKER, 4 Casimir day. The Braes - Castlemilk Shopping Place, Daliburgh, would like to By your husband and family, HAMILTON wish all my family, friends and home and away. Band Stand - Quarry Street neighbours in South Uist, Centre Glasgow and Mallaig a very GEMSON Happy and Holy Christmas and Saturday 21st December, 11am - 4pm In loving memory this Christmas Saturday 21st December, 11am – 1pm a prosperous New Year 2014. Tuesday 24th December, 11am - 4pm of our parents and family, Alice, Knightswood Shopping Centre Justin, John, Paul, Marie, Dou- IRVINE - Irvine Shopping Mall CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE glas and Pat. Saturday 21st December, 11am – 1pm May they rest in peace. Our Lady of Knock, pray for Saturday 21st December, 2pm – 4pm AUSTIN Paisley Road West (no Rosary) Christmas memories of Cathy, them. JOHNSTONE - Piazza who died March 2, 2008, dearly Saturday 21st December, 11am – 1pm loved sister-in-law and aunt and Saturday 21st December, 10.30am – 1pm Billy, who died March 19, 2010, brother, uncle and best friend. COSGROVE DUNDEE In loving memory of Helen and Sadly missed and loved by PAISLEY – Dunn Square William Cosgrove. Kathy and family. Remembering you both at Wellgate Shopping Centre Requiescant in pace. Saturday 21st December, 11am – 1pm Christmas. From the family. Monday 23rd December, 1pm - 3pm BOYLE ST ANDREWS, FIFE - Church Square Treasured memories of my dear EDINBURGH aunt, Theresa, died September CURRIE Catherine Harvie Saturday 21st December, 1pm - 3pm 26, 1989. No one knows the broken heart, I hold you close within my heart, City Centre Crib, St Andrew’s That lies behind my smile, And there you will remain, During Christmas week a crib No one knows the loneliness, GRAY To walk with me throughout my Square That’s with me all the while, Remembering at Christmas, will be displayed in the life, Silent tears do gently fall, Alex, who died on August 2, Saturday 21st / Sunday 22nd December, window of the Wayside Club, Until we meet again. Which others do not see, 2004, beloved husband of 32 Midland Street, Glasgow. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for For the kind and loving mum, Teresa, much missed dad of from10am onwards her. Who meant the world to me. Gerry, Hilary, Frances, Stephen Catherine. St Pio, pray for her. and Patti, a dear papa and Loving son William and friend. Roselynn and grandchildren Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for JERICHO him. “The Barry, Nicola and Liam and great-granddaughter Riley May he rest in peace. JOE WALSH TOURS Compassion of Rose. MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE Jesus.” JOHN Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I 2nd July 2014 wonder where you are. – Je Contact Hugh 01698 824359 Refuge for Victims of T’aime. Domestic Violence, 27th August 2014 Supported Accommodation Contact Frances 01698 813156 for the Destitute, the Distressed, and all being 5th October 2014 ‘passed by on the other side.’ Contact Sadie 01698 334373 A COMMUNITY OF Half Board £559 (includes insurance) MEN OF PRAYER FOR OUR TIMES (founded 1970) Special Offer if paid in full by 9th January £100 discount - Vocation info from FLAHERTY, John Bro Patrick Mullen, Christmas and treasured £459 The Jericho Society, memories of John, who died Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, suddenly on July 26, 2006, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY LEYDON Scottish Charity SC016909 dearly loved husband of Kathy, loving dad of Bernadette, In loving memory of dearly Tel: 01505 614669 missed John, beloved husband St Joseph’s Parish Faifley Email: father-in-law of Brian, and of Rosemary, father of Carol, [email protected] CASEY devoted papa of Lorraine and Callum, Elizabeth and John Remembering with love at Jennifer. Christmas our dear parents, our Paul, brother and grandfather, Divine Mercy Prayers To know we never said loving father, Joseph, whom who died on May 19, 2004 and goodbye, and God called home on November whose birthday was on Decem- 20, 1970. Will always bring regret, ber 9. Eucharistic Adoration Do you feel that Also our darling mother, Helen, But the hearts that truly loved As the years go by we miss you God is calling 7pm who went home to God on July you, still and remember you with love you to the 18, 1997. Are the hearts that won’t forget. this Christmas and always. You Missionary Go home in peace Mum and Always in our thoughts and are in our hearts, our thoughts 31st December 2013 Priesthood Dad, we love you. prayers. and our prayers when we put up Then we Infant Jesus, Child Divine, Blessed John XXIII and Blessed the Christmas decorations, can help Make our hearts like unto Thine. John Henry Newman, pray for when we go to Mass on Christ- you Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, him. mas Eve and when we gather We place all our trust in Thee. Requiescat in pace. round the table as a family on Inserted by your loving daughter Christmas Day. We love and EXPERTSERVICES miss you. Sheila and all the family. FRYARS Our thoughts are always with 7th Anniversary you, CLARKE Loving memories of John, who Remembering at Christmas my Your place no one can fill, Contact: died December 16, 2006. Also The Entertainerʼs Mobile Disco dear sister Anne, who died on In life we loved you dearly, A Traditional Musical Experience for your August 17, 1984. my dearest son, John (Jnr) who In death we love you still. Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday & Christmas Party The Vocations Director It does not need a special day, died on November 7, 2007. From the Leydon family of Cam- Where music is played to be enjoyed and conversations can be heard SMA FATHERS to bring our minds, Missing you both at Christmas buslang, Glasgow. and always. 50s through to todayʼs hits St Theresaʼs For days we do not think of you We are thinking about you at Anne, are very hard to find. Forever in our hearts. Christmas, Grandad Leydon. Special rates for primary school pupil parties Clarendon Place, Dunblane Inserted by Margaret, Angus, Your loving wife Ellen and all the Love from Ryan, Heather and Tel: 07789 540 609 or 01698 833383 Perthshire FK15 9HB Matthew and Mark. family. xx Ross. FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 33 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

O’NEIL Remembering with much love Frank. Thank you for the love, joy and happiness you brought to our lives. Inserted by Marie and Gerard and family. Remembering also our dear mother, Rebecca. Missing you at Christmas and always. Inserted by the family. LEES, Margaret McGUIGAN MARTIN, Betty Boyle SMITH McGUNNIGLE Please pray for our mum. Treasured memories at Christ- My dearest wife, mother and Christmas Remembrance Treasured and loving memories We often lie awake at night, mas time of my beloved wife grandmother, died August 30, In loving memory of Sadie, a of our dearly loved Joseph, son, While the world is fast asleep, Sadie. 2011. much loved wife and mother, brother, brother-in-law and We think about the mum we lost, They say time heals many You meant so much to all of us, born to eternal life May 27, 2002. uncle, whose birthday occurs on December 30, also remember- With tears upon our cheeks, things, You were special and that’s no We thank You, Almighty God, for ing your much loved dad, We cannot get over losing you, But not the sadness Christmas lie, the treasured gift of love, for those we have shared our lives Hughie. R.I.P. No matter how we try, brings, You brightened up the darkest with, and the memories we are Each Mass we hear, each We’ll keep you in our hearts, The pain in my heart will always day, Until the day we die. And the cloudiest sky, blessed to hold in our hearts. prayer we say, remain, Little Flower in this hour, pray Your smile alone warmed Remembered with love this day Is offered up for you. Until the day we meet again. for her. hearts, and every day. In our hearts you will always stay, Loving husband Ian. Missing you always, love you Your laugh was like music to Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her. Loved and remembered every forever. No presents to give you, hear, Inserted by Joe, Josephine and day. St Joseph, pray for him. Daughter Tracey and son No wishes sincere, I would give absolutely anything, PRETE Bill. Gerard. Only the heartache, To have you well and standing Remembering with love at Inserted by his loving Mum, five Of not having you near. near. Christmas, Annie (Tracey), a WALKER/HENDERSON/ sisters and families. LEES Kathleen and family. Your ever loving husband dear wife, beloved mum and MORRISON Margaret Weatherall Ronnie. much loved gran and great- Christmas Remembrance God called your name so softly, McGUIRE St. Anthony, pray for her. gran, who sadly died on October 35th Anniversary of my dearest That only you could hear, Remembering our dear parents, Every day we think of you, 6, 2001. husband, Donald Andrew, and And no-one heard the footsteps, Patrick, who died September Missing you more and more, And remembering with love our father and grandfather, who Of angels drawing near, 26, 1996, and Catherine, who Just wishing we could see you, John Prete, a dear husband, died on December 24, 1978. It broke our hearts to lose you, died July 22, 1994, also our Come walking through the door, beloved dad and much loved Always in our thoughts and But you did not go alone, dear brother-in-law, Roy Moon, We still cherish the memory, granda and great-granda, who prayers. Our Lady of the Isles, pray for For part of us went with you, who died September 28, 1998. Of a mum and granny we loved sadly died August 17, 2005. him. The day God called you home. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for so dear. Special memories of you both St Pio, pray for her. Her daughters Liz-Anne, Elaine, this Christmas and always. Inserted by his loving wife them. Cathie and family at home and Love and miss you Mum. Sadly missed by all the family. Marie-Louise, son-in law Arthur May the winds of time blow gen- Daughter Roselynn, Wullie and and “The Magnificent Seven”. tly, away. grandchildren Barry, Nicola and And whisper so you’ll hear, Also remembering my dear McQUILLAN grandson, Alistair Stephen Hen- MacNEIL Liam and great-granddaughter MONAGHAN That we will always love you, With loving memories of our son In loving memory of our dear derson, who died suddenly on Riley Rose. In loving memory of our parents, And wish so much you were and brother, Domhnall MacNeil, father and grandfather, Thomas, July 1, 2011 and whose 37th Bill, who died September 16, here, whom God called home on May our loving mother and gran, birthday occurs on December 1969, and Nancy, who died In our hearts you have left a 2, 2001 and whose 28th Alice Theresa, and beloved sis- 26, 2013. Remembering son-in- August 25, 2004. gap, birthday occurs on December 20. ter and aunt, Rose Mary. Those who die in grace go no That no one else can fill, law, Ronnie Morrison, died Sending birthday wishes to you Forever in our hearts. further from us than God, and You have gone and yet it March 2013. above, Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for God is very near. seems, Rest in peace with the angels Fondly remembered with all our them. Inserted by the family. That you are with us still, and saints. love. St Anthony and St Joseph, pray We picture a beautiful garden, Granny Cathie. Thinking of you and your brother for them. NOLAN And by that gate you stand, Michael every day and Inserted by Bobby, Sarietta, Treasured memories of my dear One day that gate will open, especially at Christmas. BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE Mum, Dad, Clare-Anne, Bobby and Thomas. son and brother of Clare, Brian And you will take our hand. Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant Mairead, Sarah-Ann and young Joseph, died August 1, 1989, Domhnall. aged 21 years, also his dearest them eternal rest. Love and miss you both so dad, Dominic, died July 12, much. MOUNT McDUFF, Bertha 2001. Till we meet again. Special thoughts of Kathleen, a Remembering our dear mum, Find your softest pillow, Lord, From your loving family. xxxx loving daughter and sister, died June 29, 1976, aged 10 years, who died June 1, 2003. Also her To rest his head upon, The many things you did for us, whose birthday is on Christmas sister, Ellen, who died January Place a kiss upon his cheek, In your kind and loving way, Day. 25, 2013. And tell him who it’s from. Give us memories to treasure, Every day without you, Never more than a thought Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, On this Christmas Day. away. Since you had to go, pray for them. Gran and Granda – you were Is like summer without sunshine, Loved and remembered every Mum. the best. day. And Christmas without snow, Watch beside him, Guardian Love and miss you both always. Our Lady of Knock, pray for her. We always feel you close to us, Angel, From your loving grandchildren COONEY (nee Houston) And though you’re far from sight, Inserted by her loving daughters and little great-grandchildren. -Bridget (Bunty) We’ll search for you among the Alice, Margaret, Tina, Maimie. Virgin Mother, light his way, Heart of Jesus, grant him mercy, xxxx Remembering with love and stars, pride, our treasured Mum, Mum- That’s my prayer for Brian each That shine on Christmas night. McFARLANE RUDZINSKI in-law and Grandma, Bunty, who Also remembering Charlie and day. Remembering at Christmas Joyful memories of many happy died on April 4, 2007, and loved ones gone before. Jessie and James McFarlane, Clare and Richard. past Christmas celebrations with whose birthday occurs on From Mum and all the family. formerly Raglan Street; Kearney our parents Susan and Jan December 21. family, formerly Raglan Street. NOLAN Rudzinski. St. Pio, pray for her. O’DONNELL Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Treasured memories of our dear Special memories of Raymond Remembering too, Jim and In loving memory of John, who them. nephew and cousin, Brian and Andy. John, also gone before us. died on May 20, 2008, and Always missed. Joseph, died August 1, 1989, Oh so dearly loved. Eternal rest grant unto them, O whose birthday occurs on Charlie and Nancy. aged 21 years. So sadly missed. Lord, December 15. Also his son, And let perpetual light shine Quietly today your memory we Sleep in heavenly peace. Dominic, who died on March 4, McSHANE upon them, 2007, and whose birthday treasure, We love you. Cherished memories of our lov- May they rest in peace, Amen. occurs on December 21. Loving you always, forgetting Rosemary, Susan and all the To ing parents, grandparents and family. Inserted by the family. May they rest in peace. great-grandparents, John and you never. Mary McShane. Also our St Joseph, pray for him. Place Your Intimation McCLAFFERTY ROBINSON place an beloved sister Rosemary MacIn- Uncle Pat and Aunt Catherine. Announcing, Mary Rose, beloved mother and Treasured memories of my dear My gift is just a simple prayer, Remembering, granny, who died June 15, 1990, husband, John (Jackie), a tyre. Thanking We hold you close within our God Bless and keep you in His Births, Marriages, and whose birthday occurs on devoted husband and father, intimation Deaths,Anniversaries December 29, also remember- who died on March 7, 2000, and hearts, care. ing our dear father, John, who Kevin. whose birthday occurs on And there you will remain, died July 29, 1986 and our December 21. Call: 0141 To walk with us throughout our Gentle Jesus, in Heaven above, brother Dominic, who died Sep- Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for lives, Give Uncle Brian all our love. tember 29, 2007. him. 241 6106 Until we meet again. His godson Kevin, Stephanie Contact St Anthony, pray for them. Inserted by his loving wife To place a Family Announcement Their loving family. and Michael. Patricia Cairney: 0141 241 6106 Inserted by their loving family. Josephine and family. 34 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

BRADY CASSIDY LAVERY McALEER McCRORIE RELIGIOUS MEMORIAM In loving memory of Danny, a In memory of my beloved hus- Of your charity, please pray for In loving memory of my dear 16th Anniversary beloved husband, father and band, Tony. the repose of the souls of our mother, Elizabeth Knight, who In loving memory of my dear DONNELLY grandpa, who died on Decem- Every day without you parents George, who died died December 22, 1991, also husband, much loved dad, Of your charity please pray for ber 20, 2004, also Michael, a Since you had to go, December 27, 1985 and Kath- my dad, James, who died Feb- father-in-law and grandad, John, leen (McGlynn), who died who passed away on December the repose of the soul of Fr beloved son, brother and uncle, Is like summer without sunshine ruary 25, 1985 and also my wee who died on May 11, 1990, And Christmas without snow. December 27, 2009. 30, 1997. Andrew Joseph Donnelly, sister, Margaret McKeown, who aged 23. I wish that I could talk to you Eternal rest grant unto them, O In our hearts you are always O.Carm. who died on December died December 22, 2000 and 26, 2006. Also his brother, Fr In our hearts you are always There’s so much I would say, Lord, there, her husband, Bill, who died Patrick Donnelly, W.F. who died there, Life has changed so very much And let perpetual light shine Loved and remembered in every October 11, 2004. on February 13, 1997. Loved and remembered in every Since you went away. upon them, prayer. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray prayer. I miss the bond between us May they rest in peace. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Our Lady, St Joseph and St for them. Loving wife Kathleen and all the And I miss your kind support, St Joseph, pray for them. them. Anthony, pray for him. St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, family. You’re in my mind and in my Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Loved always, Mary. Helen, family and the grandchildren. pray for them. heart them. Loved and remembered always, BRADY, Patrick And every Christmas thought. Inserted by the family. Leam. Treasured memories of Patrick, I’ll always feel you close to me a loving and devoted husband, And though you’re far from LAVERY McCABE In loving memory of our dear father and grandad, who died sight, In loving memory of a dear December 24, 2005. I’ll search for you among the parents, Sarah, who died on father and grandfather, John A, Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for stars January 1, 2003, and John, who who died December 25, 1985. him. That shine on Christmas night. died on March 24, 1962. Inserted by his loving wife Betty Your loving wife Elsie. xx Those who die in grace go no Beloved husband of the late and family. A day to remember, sad to further from us than God, Sadie. recall, And God is very near. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for BRITTON Without farewell you left us all. Inserted by the family. him. In loving memory of our dear Sadly missed. R.I.P. Inserted by the family. mother Annie (Bradley) who Love Mary-Ann, David and boys. LEES died December 28, 1982 and 33rd Anniversary of our dear FRIEL also our dear father William who DOHERTY, Rose mother, Margaret (Maggie Wil- 28th Anniversary died April 26, 1983. In loving memory of our mother son), who died on December In loving memory of Sister Anna May they rest in the peace of Rose who died December 23, 20, 1980. Friel, M.M.M. (Brazil and Christ. 2003. We had a mother with a heart of Kenya), who died suddenly on Inserted by the family. St Francis, pray for her. gold, December 27, 1985, at the Inserted by Val and Bill. Who was more to us than Motherhouse of the Medical BURNS wealth untold, Missionaries of Mary, Drogheda, 16th Anniversary EASDALE – CLARK – BROWN If we had all the world to give, Ireland. In loving memory of Michael, In loving memory of my dear We’d give it, yes and more, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her. who died December 18, 1997. mother, Sophia Easdale, who To hear her voice and see her In the shelter of Thy Sacred died December 29, 1975, smile, ROBERTSON Heart, beloved wife of the late Joseph And greet her at the door. In loving memory of Canon John Dear Jesus, may he rest. Easdale, her dear sister, Maria Little Flower at this hour, pray McCAFFERTY Robertson whose anniversary McCRUDDEN We miss him much but still we Clark, died January 1, 1994, for her. 15th Anniversary occurs in December. 33rd Anniversary know, and my dear cousin, Gordon Son Bobby, grandchildren and In loving memory of Jacqueline, Inserted by Mr Murney. In loving memory of our dear Thy Holy will is best. Brown, who died December 23, great-grandchildren. our daughter, sister and aunt to father, John, died December 27, Inserted by the family. 1983. R.I.P. Forever treasured are memories Lily, who died on December 22, 1980, also our loving mother, MEMORIAM of you. 1998. Mary, died August 3, 1948, and Today, tomorrow and all life Forever in our thoughts. our dear sisters, Josephine, through. ALEXANDER Inserted by her family. died September 10, 2001, Rose, 20th Anniversary St Francis Xavier, pray for her. died October 28, 2004 and In loving memory of my dear Son Andrew and Agnes Julie. Mary, who died December 31, You were always there when we McCANN husband, Calum, and our dear 2012. needed you, In loving memory of our mother, father, who died on December Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant No task too great or small, Annie (Carr), died December 3, 28, 1993. them eternal rest. With willing hands and a heart 2011, and our father, Pat, died Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Inserted by their loving family. of gold, August 3, 2013. him. For us you did them all. Together again. Agnes and family. St Anthony, pray for her. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for From Tress, Dave, grandchil- them. ANDERSON dren and great-grandchildren. In loving memory of James, Also Jordan Waters, daughter of CAMPBELL FOLEY A thought for all, a heart of gold, dear husband and father, died Carol Anne. 1st Anniversary 7th Anniversary One of the best this world could December 24, 2000. Sleeping with the angels. Treasured memories of John In loving memory of my beloved hold, Deep in our hearts you will From the family in Kilsyth, Campbell, loving husband of the husband, Terence (Terry), who Never selfish, always kind, always stay, Kirkintilloch and Cumbernauld. late Eileen, father and grandfa- died on December 22, 2006. These are the memories you left Loved and remembered every ther, who died January 1, 2013. Deep in my heart you will behind. day. Those who die in grace, go no always stay, St Margaret, pray for her. Ann and family. further from us than God, and Loved and remembered every Son Peter. Our Lady of the Isles, pray for him. God is very near. day. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Your loving wife Catherine McCULLOCH AUSTIN him. (Cathie). In loving memory of our dear 22nd Anniversasry Inserted by his loving daughters Sacred Heart of Jesus grant him mother, Ellen, who died on Treasured memories of our Angela and Clare. eternal rest. December 29, 1973, and our youngest sister, Margaret Ellen dear father, Edward, who died (nee Docherty), who died tragi- CAMPBELL GIBBONS on March 1, 1996. cally on December 22, 1991. In loving memory of Iain Mathe- In loving memory of our dear Our Lady of Lourdes and St Loved by us forever. son, a precious son, brother and father and grandfather, Jim Gib- Theresa, pray for them. Mary, Elizabeth, Rosina and uncle, who died on December bons, who died January 16, Patricia. 16, 2007, aged 29 years, and 1998, our mother and grand- MacDONALD also his father, Iain, a loving mother, Bridie Gibbons McCARTAN Treasured memories of our dear In loving memory of our mother, BEECHEY husband, father and Gen who (McClorey), who died December parents and grandparents, Rona Ellen, who died on December In loving memory of my dear died on December 27, 1994. 20, 1994, and our sister, Anne MacLellan, died January 2, 27, 1995, and our father, Arthur, wife, and mother, Annie R.I.P. Hill (Gibbons), who died June 1990, Iain Mor, died September LENNON who died January 2, 2002. Beechey, who died January 2, Silent thoughts of time together, 17, 1998. In loving memory of our Dad, 12, 2008. Those who die in grace go no 1976. Hold memories that will last Infant Child Jesus of Prague, Vince, who died on December In the shelter of Thy Sacred further from us than God, and Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her. forever. pray for them. 24, 2004. Heart, Dear Jesus may they rest. God is very near. St Bernadette, pray for her. Mum, Annmarie, Marion and We love and miss you Dad. Sadly missed. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Inserted by her husband and families. We think of you every day and GILDAY them. family, Clydebank. Treasured and happy memories you will always be in our hearts. MacEACHEN Inserted by the family. CLARK of Eddie Gilday, who died From all the family. In loving memory of our dear BLAKE 34th Anniversary December 29, 1986, devoted parents, Peter, who died on Treasured memories of our dar- In loving memory of my mother, father of John and beloved hus- December 29, 1965, and Jessie, ling granddaughter, Claire Ash- Annie, who died December 27, band of Patricia. who died July 8, 1969. Also our ley, who died December 20, 1979. May he rest in peace. much loved brother, Peter, who 1989, aged 11 months. Will those who think of her today, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for died September 25, 2002. You are always in our thoughts. A little prayer to Jesus say. him. Our Lady of the Isles, pray for Gran and Grampa Coyle and Inserted by Margaret Anne, Jim Our Lady of Fatima, pray for them. Aunt Camille. and family. him. Alistair, Margaret and Shona. FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 35 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

MacGILLIVRAY MacINNES MacNEIL 4th Anniversary 6th Anniversary In loving memory of my dear In loving memory of our dear Treasured memories of our dear wife, mother, nana and sister, mother, Dolina, who died mum, Doris, who died Decem- Isabella, who died on December 31, 2010. December 20, 2009. ber 22, 2007. Also remembering our dad, Hector, who died Feb- Mother of Perpetual Succour, If we could visit heaven, ruary 20, 1998 and our brother, pray for her. On this our saddest day, John, who died February 7, Inserted by Michael and family. Then maybe for a while, 2008. R.I.P. Our pain would go away, You left us beautiful memories, MacNEIL We’d put our arms around you, Your love is still our guide, Cherished memories of Isabella, And whisper words so true, Though we cannot see you our loving sister, sister-in-law For living life without you mum, mum, and aunt, who died December You are always by our side. McLAUGHLIN 31, 2010. McSHANE O’HARE Is very hard to do. Precious memories of a loving We’re thankful for the times we Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her. 11th Anniversary of Brian, who In loving memory of our much Remembering our dear father, husband, Neilly, died January 2, died December 31, 2002, aged shared, Iain, Lol and families. beloved brother, Gerard O’Hare, Duncan, who died March 23, 2000. 36, loving son, brother, uncle And the priceless memories too, who died on December 21, 1976. 1986 and brother, John, who A life well lived is a precious gift, and friend. For those memories are a com- MacNEIL God, grant him eternal rest. died February 7, 1970. Also Of hope and strength and grace, In loving memory of our dear Loved and missed always. fort now, God the Holy, From someone who has made mother, Catherine MacDougall, Rest in peace. nieces Ellie Joe and Katie Lee When we think of you. God the strong, our world, died December 23, 1997, father, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him. and brother-in-law Rob. Inserted by her loving family. Immortal God, have mercy on him. A brighter, better place, Donald Joseph MacNeil, died From all the family. Our Lady of the Isles, pray for Look around the garden Lord, From Aileen, Margaret, Lucy, It’s filled with moments sweet June 4, 1995, Ronald MacNeil, them. And when she turns and smiles, John, Joseph, Rosie, Frances, and sad, died October 31, 2003, Iain MORRISON, Morag With smiles and sometimes tears, Thomas and Theresa. Inserted by all the family. Put Your arms around her, Alex, died February 18, 1993, 3rd Anniversary With friendships formed and And hold her for a while. and Christine, died so suddenly In loving memory of a dear mum good times shared, With love today and always, on August 11, 1998. and granny, who died December your grandchildren. And laughter through the years. 24, 2010. Also a dear dad and Always in our hearts and prayers. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, loved ones gone before. MacINNES St Anthony, pray for him. She left a beautiful memory Loving wife May and family. And let perpetual light shine 16th Anniversary upon them, And a sorrow too great to be told, In loving memory of our dear May they rest in peace. We who loved and lost you mother and granny, Kate Effie, McLAUGHLIN Your memory will never grow old. In loving memory of Sally, who Amen. who died January 1, 1998. R.I.P. Missed so much by all your died December 2000. loving family. January comes with sad regret, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for MacNEIL It brings back the day we’ll her. 8th Anniversary never forget, From the family. In loving memory of a husband, NEILSON In loving memory of our dear You fell asleep without goodbye, dad and grandfather who died O’DOHERTY But memories of you will never on January 1, 2006. daughter, Ann Maree, who died 4th Anniversary McINTYRE on December 26, 1999. McGLOIN die. Neil, died April 1996, Francie Till memory fades and life departs, In loving memory of my darling Although you are not beside us, 15th Anniversary Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for and Betty, died June 2000, You live forever in our hearts. husband, Eamonn, dearly loved Remembering with love my dear her. James died 2011. Loved and remembered every day. You are never far away, dad and granda, who went to You are always in our hearts, husband, John, our loving Inserted by her loving family. Our hearts are full of memories, St Martin de Porres pray for him. sleep on Tuesday, December 29, With every passing day. To us you were someone special, We’ve gathered through the Inserted by his wife Dene, all 2009. father, father-in-law and devoted As time goes by without you, Life goes on without you, but Someone good and true, years, the family and grandchildren. 7 granda, who died on December And days turn into years, things are not the same, You will never be forgotten, And all the happy times we Northbay. 27, 1998. shared, They hold a million memories, It’s hard to hide the heartache Granny, when someone speaks your name, A loving husband and father so Are treasured souvenirs. And many a silent tear. Because we thought the world McNULTY St Columba, pray for her. We think about you always, and true, Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant 15th Anniversary of you. Love Mum and Dad and all the talk about you too, No one on earth we’ll find like them eternal rest. Treasured memories of Kevin Her loving grandchildren. family. We will always have our memo- you, May and family. John, who died peacefully on ries, but wish we still had you. For us you always did your best, McKEE December 30, 1998, precious Sadly missed, God bless, and NEILSON hope you are at peace… God grant your soul eternal rest. 7th Anniversary son of Monica and the late 14th Anniversary Those we love don’t go away, In loving memory of Margaret, John, twin of the late Michael, Your loving wife, Sarah, your lov- In loving memory of my cousin, ing family, Rose, Brian and June, They walk beside us every day, beloved wife of the late Jim, beloved brother of Monica, Ann Maree, who died December loved and loving uncle of Marion and Tom, Eamonn, and In our hearts you are always loving mother of Pauline, dear 26, 1999. Niamh, Mairead, Michael and your granddaughter, Sarah. there, aunt of Liz, died December 30, When the emptiness of missing Our Lady of the Rosary, St 2006. Louis, lovingly remembered by Loved and remembered in every you, Joseph and St Anthony, pray for Sadly missed. his aunt, uncle and cousins. Is just too much to bear, prayer. him. Inserted by her daughter Inserted by his loving mum and We whisper that we love you, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Pauline. sister. And feel somehow that you’re WALKER him. there. Mar chuimhneachan air ar Inserted by his loving wife Anne McKEE McNULTY Inserted by Margaret and Erin. deagh charaid agus ar nàbaidh, Please pray for our much loved and all the family. 19th Anniversary Iain Alasdair, a bhàsaich air a nephew and cousin, Kevin, who In loving memory of Jim, NEILSON cheathramh latha den Fhaoil- McLAUGHLIN died on December 30, 1998. leach 2006. Gad ionndrainn. beloved husband of Margaret, 14th Anniversary 6th Anniversary of Jim His memory lives on. Fois siorraidh thoir dha. Iain dear father of Pauline, died McLaughlin, died December 21, In loving memory of Ann Maree, Holy Innocents, pray for him. Ruairidh agus Katie. December 29, 1994. 2007. who died December 26, 1999. Inserted by the McVey, Deeny Sadly missed. Treasured memories of my won- Life goes on but memories stay, and Winter families. For you are remembered every WALKER May he rest in peace. derful husband, Jim, father to In loving memory of our dear day. Inserted by his daughter Pat, Margaret, Elaine and Ann- father and pappy, John A. died McNULTY Inserted by Auntie Morag, Uncle Pauline. marie and son-in-law, Scott, on December 21, 1988. Our grandfather of Nadia. Remembering with love, my John and Brian. mum and gran, Catherine died Forever in our hearts, very dear nephew, Kevin John, on June 10, 1996. Our brothers MacKINNON Always in our thoughts. a much loved cousin of Caroline, POTTER (née Thompson) 29th Anniversary and uncles, Kenneth died on Sadly missed. Rest in peace. Christopher and Anne-Marie, 10th Anniversary December 31, 1985 and Iain In loving memory of my dear From Isabel and the family. who died on December 30, 1998. Precious memories of a dear Alaisdair died on January 4, 2006. husband and father, Ronald, St Anthony, pray for him. Sleep in heavenly peace Kevin. and loving mother, grandmother, May they have eternal rest. who died on December 19, Rosemary and family. sister and aunt, Julia, who died Those special years cannot return McGRORY 1984. R.I.P. McLAUGHLIN on January 1, 2004. Also our When we were all together, 4th Anniversary Softly from the shadows, In loving memory of our dear MacPHERSON dear brother, Tommy Thompson, But as God calls us one by one Precious memories of Paul, our There came a gentle call, mother and grandmother, Remembering with love and who died November 16, 2013. The links shall join again. darling boy, who died December With farewells left unspoken, Helena Mary, who died on affection, my darling husband, Just a prayer from the family 29, 2009. You quietly left us all. December 24, 2003. Colin, who died on December who loved you, InsertedTHANKSGIVING by their sorrowing family. Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 24, 1999. In our hearts you will live forever. Always remembered, always Rosary, pray for her. him. Your memory is so precious, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for them. loved. Inserted by her loving family. Inserted by his wife Betty and Your presence missed so much, May they rest in peace. DEAR HEART OF JESUS From his loving mum Josephine. Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I family. You’ll always be remembered, Inserted by their loving family, MacLEAN have asked you for many And loved so very much. Castlemilk. 15th Anniversary favours, this time I ask you for MacINTYRE Dolina. MacKINNON Of your charity, please pray for this special one (mention favour), 10th Anniversary 2nd Anniversary of Donald SHIELDS the repose of the soul of my take it Dear Heart of Jesus, and In loving memory of our dear MacKinnon (Don Dhugain) MORGAN Treasured memories of our place it within Your broken heart brother, brother-in-law and Borve, Barra, died December beloved husband and our dear In loving memory of our dearest mum, Elizabeth Davie, who died father and grandfather, John, where your Father sees it, then uncle, Alistair, who died January 27, 2011. son and brother, John, who died December 17, 1979, and dad, in his merciful eyes it will become who died on December 26, 1998. 2, 2003. Dad remembering you is easy, tragically on December 21, James (Jimmy), died March 7, 1999. Your favour, not mine. Amen. we do it every day, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for 1990, aged 20. Say for three days, publication Missing you is the heartache for him. R.I.P. mercy on them. promised. – P.B. him. that never goes away. Isabel, Hamish, Iain, Mirella and Always remembered. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for Inserted by his brother and Treasured memories from your grandson Jonathan; Lenzie, St Anthony, pray for him. them. THANKS to St Martha for sisters, home and away. loving family. x Prestwick and Sydney, Australia. Mum, Dad and all the family. Inserted by the family. favours received. – H.P.G. 36 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk Frank J Lynch Ltd. SUN DEC 22 12NOON Ordination to the Funeral Directors diaconate of Gareth Thomas CP, St Mungo’s. Gorbals 156 Crown Street, Glasgow, G5 9XD Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, Tel 0141 429 0300 TUE 24 12PM Midnight Mass, St Andrew’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cathedral. WED 25 10.30AM Mass, St Margaret’s Partick 323 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AL Tel 0141 339 1122 Hospice, Clydebank. FRI 27 7.30PM Visit to the 53 Morrison Street Glasgow Wayside Club. JAN 1 10.30AM Mass with the Possilpark Gilchrist & Lynch 136 BalmoreRoad, Glasgow, G22 6LJ 0141 429 4433 Little Sisters of the Poor, Robroyston. Tel 0141 336 2300 Funeral Packages from £1280 ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY One of the few privately owned companies left in Glasgow Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans available John Clark Funeral Service www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com

All Arrangements TUE DEC 24 11.30PM Carol Service, St Mary’s Completed Cathedral, Edinburgh; 12PM Midnight Mass, St ToYour Satisfaction JAMES Mary’s Cathedral. WED 25 9.30AM Christmas 24 Hour Service Day Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral; 3PM Mass with Pre-Payment Funeral SHERRY Missionaries of Charity, Edinburgh. SAT 28 Plans FUNERAL DIRECTORS 12NOON Pro-Life Mass for Feast of the Holy A sign that we care Professional & caring Staff our services are Innocents, St David’s, Dalkeith. provided at any time in any district BISHOP TOAL Tel: private rooms of Argyll and the Isles, www.rcdai.org.uk T&RFUNERAL O’BRIEN DIRECTORS 01698 842233 repose and service ESTABLISHED 1890 10 Jubilee Way, rooms available TUE DEC 24 11.30PM Carol Service followed by Bellshill, ML4 1SA 104-106 PARK ST Midnight Mass, St Columba’s Cathedral, Oban. It is our business to care. Every member of staff is MOTHERWELL dedicated to delivering the best service possible—with 01698 264000 professionalism, compassion, and sensitivity. BISHOP GILBERT Dignity Caring Funeral Services AT ALL TIMES We are members of the “Stay independent... Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com National Association of Funeral Directors family-owned... SUN DEC 22 9.30AM Mass, St Mary’s, Blairs; offer a prompt and Organist 11.15AM Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral; TUE 24 Woodside Funeral Home, 110 Maryhill Road 11.30PM Carols followed by Mass at midnight, St Tel. 0141 332 1708/1154 personal service East End Funeral Home, 676 Edinburgh Road, Glasgow Mary’s Cathedral. WED 25 11.15AM Mass, St Tel. 0141- 778 1470 24 hours a day... & Mary’s Cathedral. THU 26 Guild of St Stephen Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral. WED JAN 1 11.15AM make it affordable.” Cantor Mass, St Mary’s Cathedral. MEMORIAM CARDS Thomas Marin 1926 Four generations later, his words are just Available for weddings as important to our family business today. and funeral services BISHOP CUNNINGHAM Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk REMEMBERREMEMB ER Listen online at: Thomas Marin www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk A LOVED ONE INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS TUE DEC 24 12PM Midnight Mass, St Margaret’s 62-64 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX MemorialMemorial Bookmarks, KeyringsKeyrings & CardsCards Tel: 0131 556 7192 or 0131 556 6874 (24 hrs) Cathedral, Ayr. WED 25 11.30AM Christmas Day www.thomasmarin.co.uk T. 01698 325 493 Mass, St Margaret’s Cathedral. BISHOP ROBSON St Andrews and Edinburgh ADVERTISING TERMS AND For a brochure and samples phone: 01610161 887373 77457457 CONDITIONS Email: [email protected] · www.catholicprint.co.uk Advertisements submitted must contain FOLLOW THE SCO ON complete and accurate information and comply with requirements of all relevant TWITTER: SCO_NEWS Memorare Memoriam Cards Ltd legislation, the British Code of Advertising Full-Colour Traditional Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, Practice, and the Advertising Standards Single Cards, Acknowledgement and Bookmark Cards Authority. The publisher has the right, at For your free sample Pack posted by 1st Class Mail, simply its discretion, to refuse, omit, suspend, or Telephone 0141 812 4491 change the position of advertisements, or 50% Off selected cards require artwork or copy to be amended to SUPPORT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER You can speak with Margaret until 9.00 P.M Every day including all weekend * comply with any moral or legal obligations. Please visit our web site. http://www.memorare.co.uk The publisher will not be liable for any loss MAIN SWITCHBOARD Never beaten on price, quality or delivery, we come highly recommended. of revenue to the advertiser incurred as a Tel: 0141 221 4956• Fax: 0141 221 4546 Now in our 12th year. consequence of non-publication or incorrect EDITOR reproduction of an advertisement. Liz Leydon—Tel: 0141 241 6109 Advertisements may be cancelled within 14 [email protected] days of an order being received and not less DEPUTY EDITOR than a minimum of 24 hours before deadline Ian Dunn—Tel: 0141 241 6107 MEMORIAMCARDS for entry. Any cancellations outside this [email protected] designed & printed to your exact requirements period will not affect the buyer’s liability for REPORTER we can produce order of service for Requiem Masses payment for the advertisement. Payment for Martin Dunlop—Tel: 0141 241 6103 and also design and print jubilee cards, bookmarks, advertisements must be received within 30 [email protected] and acknowledgment/thank-you cards please call for full details of the personalised service we can provide days. Any order, verbal or written, which is SUB-EDITOR placed for the insertion of an advertisement Gerard Gough—Tel: 0141 241 6115 0141 569 4724 • 07818 645 863 mobile amounts to an acceptance of these [email protected] conditions. FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER EWTN/LAY READERS 37

EWTN PROGRAMMES and Scotland’s only National Catholic Weekly

SUN 22 DECEMBER THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS WITH FR 10AM BERNARD MCGUCKIAN SJ Bring you the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package THE WORD IS BORN: CHRISTMAS 9.30AM 11AM CHURCH AND THE POOR: THE SIGNS OF THE for as little as £7.50 per month. LIVE ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS TIME 11.30AM 11AM Direct Debit Only - Saving £66 per year on over-the-counter price. ADVENT REFLECTIONS THE ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS 1PM 1PM • Magnificat every month LIVE SUNDAY MASS LIVE SUNDAY MASS 8PM 8PM • SCO every week COUSINS IN CHRIST: FAMILY CHRISTMAS GOD'S DOORKEEPER—SAINT ANDRE OF 9PM MONTREAL • Magnificat Advent Companion SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME 9PM 10.30PM SUNDAY NIGHT PRIME • Magnificat Lent Companion VATICANO 10PM 11PM VATICANO Sent by post direct to your home LIVE BENEDICTION 11PM MONDAY 23 DECEMBER BENEDICTION & DEVOTIONS for only £7.50 per month 1PM MON 30 DECEMBER LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM saving you time and money. 7PM LIVE HOLY MASS TIME TO REMEMBER (A) 9PM Subscribe online: www.sconews.co.uk/subsdeal 9PM THE ANGELS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE Simply fill in the direct debit form and send to: A STAR SHALL RISE TUES 31 DECEMBER TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER 1PM Scottish Catholic Observer, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6BT 1PM LIVE HOLY MASS Call: 0141 241 6112 for more information LIVE DAILY MASS 4PM LIVE 8.30PM VESPERS OF THANKSGIVING Name: Postcode: SOLEMN MASS OF CHRISTMAS EVE IN ROME 9PM Address: WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER PRIESTS OF THE SACRED HEART: A LIGHT IN 11AM THE DARKNESS OF OUR DAYS Phone: LIVE URBI ET ORBI: MESSAGE AND BLESSING WED 1 JANUARY Ultimate Catholic Reading Package 5PM 5AM The Catholic Herald Ltd, Freepost 22527, Herald House, 15 Lamb’s Passage, Bunhill Row, London, EC1B 1EY LIVE SOLEMN MASS OF CHRISTMAS DAY SOLEMN MASS OF REPARATION FROM EWTN Names of Account Holder(s) (BNSIC) 9AM 8.30PM LIVE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD Bank / Building Society Account No. Branch Sort Code IN CONCERT: SING NOEL: A CHRISTMAS CON- 9PM CERT AN AMERICAN APPARITION—OUR LADY OF Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society To: The Manager Bank or Building Society THURSDAY 26 DECEMBER GOOD HELP Originator’s Identification Number 1PM THURS 2 JANUARY 6 8 5 2 7 2 LIVE DAILY MASS 1PM Reference Number (for office use only) 8PM HOLY MASS FOOTPRINTS OF GOD: JESUS: THE WORD 9PM Instruction to your Bank or Building Society. Please pay the Catholic Herald Ltd Direct Signature(s): BECAME FLESH FRIAR ALESSANDRO: VOICE OF JOYS Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER FRI 3 JANUARY Date: 1PM 1PM Catholic Herald Ltd. and, if so, details passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account LIVE DAILY MASS HOLY MASS This guarantee should be detached and retained by the Payer: The Direct Debit Guarantee 8PM 8PM This Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own Bank or Building Society. LIVE THE WORLD OVER THE WORLD OVER If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, The Catholic Herald Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as 9.30PM 9PM otherwise agreed. If an error is made by The Catholic Herald Ltd. or your Bank or Building Society you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your bank of the amount paid. LIFE ON THE ROCK THE SETON LEGACY: DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of the letter to us. SATURDAY 28 DECEMBER 9.30PM 1PM LIFE ON THE ROCK LIVE DAILY MASS SAT 4 JANUARY 7PM 1PM LIVE PATH OF THE MESSIAH, PART 1 HOLY MASS 9PM 7PM JOYFUL HOUR A HILL OF REDEMPTION SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 9PM 9AM DOGMATIC THEOLOGY SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY SUBSCRIPTION OFFER LAY READERS’ GUIDE 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 We want you to experience the beneﬁts of having SUNDAY DECEMBER 22 SATURDAY The Sco'sh Catholic Observer delivered to your door every week – and Advent 4. Isaiah 7:10-14. Response: Let Feast of the Holy Innocents. 1 John 1:5- the Lord Enter! He is the king of Glory. 2:2. Response: Our life, like a bird, has to show you how good our newspaper is. That is why we are making Romans 1:1-7. Matthew 1:18-24. escaped from the snare of the fowler. you this excep&onal oﬀer, which has gone down a storm with readers MONDAY Matthew 2:13-18. Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24. Response: Stand SUNDAY DECEMBER 29 who are keento get anintroduc&onto Scotland’s erect, hold your heads high, because your Feast of the Holy Family. Ecclesiaticus na&onal Catholic weekly newspaper. liberation is near at hand. Luke 1:57-66. 3:2-6, 12-14. Response: O Blessed are TUESDAY those who fear the Lord and walk His Morning Mass: Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12,14, ways. Colossians 3:12-21. Matthew 16. 2:13-15, 19-23. Response: I will sing forever of your love, MONDAY O Lord. Luke: 1:67:79. St John 2:12-17. Response: Let the Vigil Mass: Isaiah 62:1-5. Response: I heavens rejoice and earth be glad. Luke will sing forever of your love, O Lord. Acts 2:36-40. TUESDAY 13:15-17.22-25. Matthew 1:1-25. Feast of St Sylvester: St John 2:18-21 Midnight Mass: Isaiah 9:1-7. Response: Response: Let the heavens rejoice and Today a Saviour has been born to us; He is earth be glad. John 1:1-18. 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £4.50 Christ the Lord. Titus 2:11-14. Luke 2:1-14. Christ the Lord. Titus 2:11-14. Luke 2:1- WEDNESDAY 14. Return with cheque to: Scosh Catholic Observer, Christmas Day Dawn Mass: Isaiah WEDNESDAY 62:11-12. Response: This day, new light Solemnity of Mary. Numbers 6:22-27. 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT or telephone will shine upon the earth: The Lord is Response: O God, be gracious and bless born for us. Isaiah Titus 3:4-7. Luke 2:15- us. Galatians 4:4-7. Luke 2:16-21. 0141 241 6112 to order and pay by card 20. Mass during the day: Isaiah 52:7- THURSDAY 10. Response: All the ends of the earth St John 2:22-28. Response: All the ends Name: have seen the salvation of our God. of the earth have seen the salvation of our Hebrews 1:1-6. John 1:1-18. God. John 1:19-28. Address: THURSDAY FRIDAY Feast of St Stephen. Acts 6:8-10;7:54-69. St John 2:29-3:6 Response: All the ends Response: Into your hands, O Lord, I of the Earth have seen the salvation of commend my spirit. Matthew 10:17-22. the Lord. John 1:29-34. FRIDAY SATURDAY St John, Apostle and Evangelist. 1 John St John 3:7-10. Response: All the ends Email Address: 1:1-4. Response: Rejoice, you just, in the of the earth have seen the salvation of Lord. John 20:2-8. our God. John 1:35-42. Telephone Number: 38 CELEBRATING LIFE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013

Son of Hibernian remembered by football dignitaries and global supporters By Gerard Gough (Top left) Some of those who came from legend, and descendent of Hibs’first ever across the world to pay respects to Dan captain Michael Whelahan—in front of a McMichael, including Hibs manager Terry HIBERNIAN FC officials and sup- sizeable crowd, which counted among its Butcher who spoke at the graveside (top porters came together at the Eastern numbers Hibs owner Sir Tom Farmer and right). Mr McMichael (right) led Hibs to Cemetery recently to pay tribute to a huge number of the McMichael family the club’s early Scottish Cup and league one of the club’s finest sons. from all over the world. successes PICS: GERARD GOUGH Fans from throughout the country and Speakers included Dougie McLeod, further afield joined Hibs manager Terry the St Patrick’s branch chair, Pat Stanton, Butcher and chairman Rod Petrie for the patron of the St Patrick’s Branch, Mike “Full credit to the St Patrick’s Branch unveiling of a headstone dedicated to the Riley, Hibernian Supporters’Association for going the extra mile and showing club’s former manager, secretary, treas- chairman and Anthony McMichael, Dan true Hibernian spirit to make the head- urer and physio Dan McMichael. McMichael’s great grandson. stone become a reality.” Irishman Mr McMichael, who man- Newly appointed manager Terry The St Patrick’s Branch also wanted aged Hibernian to a Scottish Cup win in Butcher also took time to say a few to place on record its gratitude to all 1902 and a League Championship tri- words, in which he said that he hoped to who had helped contribute to the umph in 1903, passed away in 1919 bring the same passion to the club that event’s success. after a long and glorious association Mr McMichael did during his tenure. “We would like to thank all who have with the club, but had occupied an Chairman Rod Petrie then stressed how contributed to this memorial day,” a unmarked grave in the cemetery, which Mr McMichael is very much woven into spokesperson said. “Formed only a few lies a mere stone’s throw from the the fabric of Hibs’ history, before Fr years ago, the branch has made enor- club’s Easter Road stadium. John McFadden OMI, parish priest of St mous progress in promoting the historic The St Patrick’s Branch of the Mary’s Star of the Sea, Leith—Mr links between Hibernian FC, its foun- Hibernian Supporters Association McMichael’s own parish where he was dations, supporters and those who have sought to rectify this and provide a a member of the Catholic Young Men’s served the club so well over the decades headstone for the Hibs legend and had Society—blessed the new Celtic Cross since our club’s inception.” been fundraising in order to do so. More style headstone. than £1700 was raised thanks to the “The club are delighted that such a fit- I For further information on the St efforts of the supporters, one of whom, ting memorial to Dan McMichael has Patrick’s Branch of the Hibernian Hugh Cockburn, cycled from London been created,” a Hibs spokesperson said. Supporters Association, visit: to Edinburgh in May. “It’s almost 100 years since he passed www.hiberniansaintpatricks.co.uk The gravestone was finally unveiled away, but he made a monumental contri- earlier this month by Pat Stanton—Hibs bution to Hibernian Football Club. I [email protected]

PIC: JOEY KELLY

Perth school’s Nativity play is out of this world

YOUNG pupils from St (above) brought the play to life the Christmas story through John’s Academy in Perth’s through the eyes of aliens from their acting, music and song. St Monica’s pupils elevated by archbishop’s visit primary campus got the outer space, who had landed in Headteacher Audrey May Christmas season underway Bethlehem after their spaceship praised the efforts of all those who ARCHBISHOP Philip St Monica’s pupils played an A St Monica’s pupil is helped with a as they delighted an audience broke down. The curious beings took part. “It was a whole school Tartaglia was welcomed by important part in the celebration reading at the school’s jubilee Mass of parents and friends with from another galaxy learned the effort,” she said. “At this busy pupils of St Monica’s in of a jubilee Mass, as friends of PIC: PAUL McSHERRY their Nativity play. story of Christ’s birth as pupils time of the year it is so important Crookston, Glasgow, as he the school Fr John Lyons, Mgr Recounting the traditional story from each year group brought a for us all to make time to hear joined them to ‘celebrate’ the Matthew Coakley, Fr Peter O’Donnell concelebrated with in an unusual way, the children mix of reverence and humour to the good news of Christmas.” school’s 60th anniversary. Dowling and Deacon Michael Archbishop Tartaglia.

E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected] FRIDAY DECEMBER 20 2013 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CELEBRATING LIFE 39 A gift of a magi raises funds for SCIAF and sick children

By Dan McGinty Queen Margaret Academy pupils with artist Peter Howson’s painting (top pic) and with SCIAF are set to benefit from the First Minister Alex Salmond (bottom pic) launch of First Minister Alex Salmond’s Christmas card. at the centre of the order of things. The charity is among four organisations “I am very grateful to Peter for donat- selected as the recipients of the funds ing this outstanding painting. As you raised by the annual charity card, com- might expect, it’s a typically powerful missioned by the First Minister. image—unmistakeably Howson—and I This year’s card features artwork by am sure it will go on to make a signifi- renowned Scottish artist Peter Howson, cant figure for these four very good telling the legend of Artaban, the fourth causes at auction next year. wise man who missed the birth of the “Since we launched the charity Christ- Christ child, which will be auctioned in mas card initiative in 2007, sales of artwork the New Year. and prints have raised a substantial SCIAF representatives and pupils amount—more than £148,000—for char- from Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr ities across Scotland. I am confident that, were among those present as the art- with such an iconic artist providing the work was unveiled by Mr Howson and image this year, we’ll have another fantas- Alex Salmond, and supporters of Scot- tic result for these excellent organisations.” land’s national Catholic charity are “It is a huge honour for SCIAF to be looking forward to the financial boost chosen by the First Minister to benefit from from this year’s Christmas card. his Christmas card initiative,” Philippa “The legend of Artaban, or the fourth Bonella, SCIAF’shead of communications wise man, is based on a novel by Henry and education, said. “Artaban by Peter van Dyke,” the First Minister said. “It Howson is a fantastic painting and I’m tells the tale of a Persian scholar who, sure its sale will be a great success. delayed by helping the vulnerable, fol- “SCIAF helps people in some of the lows the star to Bethlehem but arrives just poorest countries in the world to work too late to herald the birth of the Christ their way out of poverty and overcome child. Thirty years on in Jerusalem, at natural disasters, such as the devastating Passover, Artaban is still searching. typhoon which hit the Philippines. The “Now an old man, he parts with the last money given to us will help people in of his three gifts to Jesus—a sapphire, a desperate need to turn their lives around.” ruby and a pearl—to save a young girl SCIAF will share the proceeds with from slavery. However, in a dying vision, the Children’s HospiceAssociation Scot- Artaban is comforted that his devotion to land, CLIC Sargent, and Combat Stress, the distressed has secured him entrance to Mr Howson’s nominated charity. the kingdom of heaven. The story reminds us that hope, Faith and self-sacrifice are I [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT ON

Archbishop celebrates St Joseph’s 50th year ARCHBISHOP Leo Cush- achievements over the last 50 off with a Christmas disco for ley was on hand to lead cel- years, current pupils and staff pupils and their families, but ebrations as St Joseph’s welcomed former pupils, retired the celebrations will continue Primary School, Linlithgow, staff, families from the school into 2014 with the creation of a marked its 50th anniversary. community and friends of St fruit orchard and plans are The archbishop’s visit was Joseph’s to the school for a spe- already underway for a family one of his first to a school in the cial celebration. fun day in the summer. archdiocese since he was The festivities for the jubilee The celebrations in St installed as Archbishop of St year began this June, with the Joseph’s, which was founded in Andrews and Edinburgh, and he school musical—a prodction of 1889, echoed those in 1963 when Parishioners in St Columbkille’s in Rutherglen celebrated with Margaret Devlin as she was recently presented was joined by school chaplain Joseph and the Amazing Tech- the school building was opened with the Bene Merenti medal by Bishop Joseph Toal, Apostolic Administrator for Motherwell Diocese. Fr Pat Fr Paul Kelly as they celebrated nicolour Dreamcoat—and have by Mgr James Monaghan, then Hennessey was also in attendance as, after Mass, the faithful parishioner was honoured for her many years a thanksgiving Mass (above). continued throughout the rest vicar general of St Andrews of service in welcoming people to the parish hall during times of great happiness as well as those of sadness for local families PIC: TONI QUIGLEY Recalling the school’s of 2013. The year was rounded and Edinburgh Archdiocese.

E-MAIL CELEBRATING LIFE EVENTS TO DAN McGINTY AT [email protected]