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UK leaves poorest to balance the budget Faith leaders united in attacking plans to slash foreign aid at time world is still reeling from Covid-19 pandemic Nick Benson They stress that “we must not walk Cardinal Vincent Nichols and the Arch- by on the other side”. bishop of Canterbury have joined Chancellor Rishi Sunak has de- forces to condemn cuts to the UK’s scribed the cut as a ‘temporary’ meas- Aid budget, saying that the move will ure to cope with the deficit caused by do “real damage” to Yemen, Syria, the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the South Sudan and other countries in 0.7 per cent target would return when crisis. finances allowed. The decision has also been attacked However, some MPs fear that the by Catholic aid agencies, who pointed reduction could be permanent. out that in the USA, President Biden “Saying the Government will only has asked Congress to increase aid do this ‘when the fiscal situation al- spending, saying it was crucial the lows’ is deeply worrying, suggesting Pope adds condolences as he world’s wealthiest nations acted to that it will act in contravention of its help the poorest as they struggled to legally binding target,” the Church come to terms with the impact of leaders said. Covid-19. “This promise, repeatedly made salutes Duke’s public service The UK government has said it even during the pandemic, has been would not meet the 0.7 per cent target broken and must be put right.” Nick Benson “commitment to the education and In a Requiem Mass, celebrated in the coming financial year and The 0.7 per cent baseline for Britain’s Pope Francis has offered the Queen advancement of future generations.” last weekend in Westminster spending will be cut to 0.5 per cent of aid budget is enshrined in law by the his “heartfelt condolences” for the The pope’s message was one of Cathedral for the repose of the soul loss of her husband last Friday, as thousands sent paying tribute to of Prince Philip, the cardinal national income – a move that would International Development (Official he praised the Duke of Edinburgh the Duke from politicians, faith described the duke as the “faithful Development Assistance Target) Act save the UK about £4bn a year. for his devotion to his marriage, leaders and other civic dignitaries. rock” of the Royal Family. But Cardinal Nichols and Archbish- of 2015. family and public service. Cardinal Vincent Nichols said the “Every family in grief needs op Justin Welby hit out at the decision Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop In a telegram sent by the nation would “miss Prince Philip’s comfort and support, and none in a joint article carried by The Evening Welby pointed out that one of the Vatican’s Secretary of State, presence and character, so full of more so than a grieving wife, our Standard, saying that “balancing the most important lessons Covid-19 has Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy life and vigour. He has been an Queen. May our prayers contribute books during a pandemic on the backs taught society is that “we depend on Father paid tribute to Prince example of steadfast loyalty and to her comfort and support,” he of the world’s poorest is not accept- each other around the world”. Philip’s “distinguished record” of duty cheerfully given. May he rest said. able”. Continued on page 3 public service and his in peace.” Full tribute: See page 2 This week’s Companion £2.40 €2.70 Olive oil: Amazing Easy ways to uses from skin care make your rental to around the home flat feel like home
Sibling rivalry - The Moon & The Forest Positive ways to help An enchanting release siblings get along from guitar pioneer Miloš 02 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress Duke’s deep faith underpinned his life and its values, says Sentamu
Michael Winterbottom The sad news of the death of Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh last Fri- day prompted a flurry of tributes from at home and further afield. Many expressed respect for the way in which the Prince dedicated his life to the service of the nation, his support for the Queen and especially the sac- rifice of the naval career that he loved. There was also respect and admi- The Queen with ration for the way he rose above a Prince Philip in 2011 childhood scarred by turbulence and family tragedies and spent largely in “There was this unbelievable depth exile; and for his overcoming the hos- of his rootedness, because (Philip) tility and suspicion of an establish- was so rooted in Christ, he didn’t have ment that regarded him as an un- any problem in relating to people trustworthy “foreign prince.” about their faith or people who didn’t But there was also another far deep- believe at all,” he went on. “Her er side to the Prince, and that was his Majesty is exactly the same.” deep and lasting Christian faith. The aftermath of the Duke’s death Born into the Greek Royal family Prince Philip holds up a bottle has proved, Dr Sentamu said, how as a Prince of both Greece and Den- of whiskey as he and Queen the Royal family is no “different in Elizabeth II present gifts to mark. Prince Philip was baptised into grief to anybody else”. “They are having Pope Francis during a meeting the Greek Orthodox faith and was re- at the Vatican in 2014. a small funeral, they want to be part ceived into the Church of England Photo: Maria Grazia Picciarella of the grieving for the nation, for the before his wedding on 20th November many people who died from Covid- 1947, in a private service conducted 19 and for those who have not been by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, tween the forces of religion and the able to be present when their loved Dr Geoffrey Fisher, at Lambeth Palace. forces of conservation.” one is being buried.” He maintained close links with his The former Archbishop of York Dr Prince Philip’s deep faith may have Christian roots throughout his life. In John Sentamu, who was born in Ugan- been partly a legacy of his mother, the 1960s, he helped set up St George’s da, spoke movingly of Prince Philip’s Princess Alice of Battenberg, who es- House, a religious study centre at faith in an interview with the BBC. tablished an order of nuns, sheltered Windsor, where he would join clergy, He said he and the Duke of Edin- Jews in Nazi-occupied Greece during academics, businesspeople and politi- burgh had first discussed faith when World War II and is buried below a cians to discuss the state of the world. His Royal Highness was deeply trou- Russian Orthodox Church in east He was also a regular visitor to bled about his children and their mar- Jerusalem. Mount Athos, a monastic community riages. “I suspect that it never occurred to and religious sanctuary in Greece, He recalled how they prayed to- her that her action was in any way and was a long-time patron of the gether at an official event – and joked special,” the Duke said on a 1994 trip Templeton Prize, the award dubbed that Prince Philip would have appre- to Israel, where he visited his mother’s the ‘Nobel Prize for life’s spiritual di- ciated his shortened funeral service, grave. “She was a person with deep mension’; among its winners was because “the duke could not stand religious faith, and she would have Mother Teresa. what he called ‘long church’”. considered it to be a totally human His longstanding environmentalism, “I think it was the ambassador’s action to fellow people in distress.” which saw him serve as patron of the dinner at Buckingham Palace and he His interests in religion and ecology Worldwide Fund for Nature, was con- really was feeling very, very sorry for family like any other family, and every course, the Queen and I are so strong have been passed on to the Prince of nected to his faith. He organised a some of the things that were happen- family goes through good times and in Jesus Christ’.” Wales who is a renowned environ- 1986 summit in Assisi, where repre- ing in his family – particularly his bad times. The important thing is that Dr Sentamu, long regarded as the mentalist and has said he wants to sentatives of Christianity, Islam, Ju- sons,” the retired Archbishop said. you realise that if people are married Royal family’s favourite clergyman be- be “the defender of faiths” when he daism, Buddhism and Hinduism “He said ‘What would you say to they are not just a couple, there is a cause of his force of personality and takes the throne, rather than the pledged to protect the environment. me about the trouble that was hap- third and that’s Jesus Christ, and they practical wisdom, said Prince Philip monarch’s official title as ‘Defender He said at the time that “a new and pening with all my family?’ I said should begin to go to Jesus Christ’. asked him to pray for his children, of the Anglican faith’. powerful alliance has been forged be- ‘Well, your royal highness, you are a “His reply moved me: He said ‘Of and that they did so at the dinner. Universe Comment, page 6
The Duke leaves the World sends condolences to the Queen stage, and a life well led Continued from page 1 sense of pride and inspiration to military his “joy at life, his enquiring mind and his Dr Gavin Ashenden, a former chaplain personnel,” he said. ability to communicate to people from to Queen Elizabeth II and an Anglican bishop The Primate of All-Ireland recalled the every background and walk of life”. who converted to the Catholic faith in 2019, prince’s regular visits to Northern Ireland “He was a master at putting people at said Prince Philip “exemplified the kind for charitable work and the major impact their ease and making them feel special,” of humility and self-giving that Christianity the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has he added. has at its heart”. had on the lives of young people. Rabbi Mirvis paid tribute to the duke’s The Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm “His visit to Ireland along with Queen “interaction with, and affection for the McMahon, recalled the prince’s “life of Elizabeth in 2011, stands out as a cherished Jewish community in the UK and his con- loyal public service to our country” and moment of peace and reconciliation and nection with Israel, where his mother is his family, while the Bishop of the Forces, as an historic demonstration of the im- buried and which he visited in 1994”. Paul Mason, praised his duty and service portance of mutual understanding and re- Tributes also came from the United Reformed over so many decades as “an example to us all”. spectful relationships between these is- Church; the Muslim Council of Britain; the “Seeing active service in the Royal Navy lands,” he said. Hindu Council UK; and the Sikh Federation during WWII as well as his ongoing support Archbishop Welby said the legacy Prince UK, as well as many other faith groups and of the Armed Forces has brought a great Philip leaves is “enormous”, as he recalled organisations. The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 03 News
Williams ‘gave politics Campaigners demand more a good name’ Tributes have been paid to Catholic peer Baroness Shirley Williams of Church action on climate Crosby who has died at the age of 90. Originally a Labour MP, Baroness Catholics are calling for stronger lead- Catholics For Williams was part of the ‘Gang of ership on the climate crisis from the Christian Four’ who quit the party to found the bishops of England and Wales. Climate short-lived Social Democratic Party Catholics For Christian Climate Ac- Action prayer in March 1981. It dissolved in 1988 tion held prayer protests outside West- protests and Baroness Williams later went on minster and Cardiff cathedrals to raise outside Westminster to support the SDP’s merger with the concerns about the climate crisis and Cathedral. asking for stronger leadership on the Liberal Party and the Photo: formation of the Lib- issue by the Bishops’ Conference of Melanie eral Democrats. England and Wales in advance of the Nazareth/ Prior to this, Bishops’ Spring Plenary Assembly. Catholics For Williams had been The campaigners prayed for the Christian a leading member Catholic Church to take a more active Climate of the 1970s Labour lead in demonstrating the urgency Action. government and one of with which the UK needs to act on the first women cabinet ministers. the climate and ecological emergency She retired from political life in ahead of COP26. 2016, after leading the Liberal De- “The only way to avoid even more leaders could make a big difference.” consistent with limiting global tem- miracle of God’s creation and that is mocrats in the House of Lords. dangerous warming is for countries Those taking part in the prayer perature increases to 1.5°C. being held in every moment by God,” She died peacefully in the early to stop emitting CO2 and the need protests want an immediate commit- Participants also took the oppor- she said. “We of all people need to be hours of Monday 12th April. for action grows ever more urgent ment by the Church to fully divest tunity to pray in thanks for the positive at the forefront of calling for the pro- Lord David Alton of Liverpool said and more difficult,” said Melanie from fossil fuels and funders of fossil actions that have already been taken tection of our earth. So, I am praying Baroness Williams “gave politics a Nazareth, of Catholics for Christian fuel projects by the end of 2022, as by the Bishops’ Conference. that our bishops will be inspired.” good name and all who knew her will Climate Action. well as advocating a commitment Columban Sr Kate Midgley said she Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who was greatly miss her wonderful spirit”. “I want our Catholic leaders to speak to net zero carbon emissions by 2030. prayed outside Westminster Cathedral not in central London at that time of “A rising generation, interested in out more about what the UK must do They are also asking the Church to “because there are some things that the protest, said: “I assure you that politics, should carefully reflect on to protect our brothers and sisters in advocate for the Climate and Ecolog- need to be shouted from the house- every bishop in England and Wales is her life, times and ideas,” he said. more vulnerable parts of the world.” ical Emergency Bill, which now has tops!” fully aware of the issues to which you “She respected conscience – but she She added: “This is a time of Kairos, the support of 106 MPs, as a measure “We are in a climate and ecological are drawing attention and have been also expected others to respect her the time of choosing for the world that would ensure that the UK con- emergency. As Christians, as Catholics, addressing them, in various ways, for conscience”. and for us. The voices of our Church tributes fairly to climate mitigation we believe that the whole earth is a some time.”
YOUR EASTERTIDE GIFT TO OUR RISEN CHRIST UK leaves poorest to balance budget HELP TRAIN A YOUNG MAN FOR The Little Way Continued from page 1 Association THE MISSIONARY PRIESTHOOD “Our freedoms, our safety, our Each year THE LITTLE WAY health and that of our families, and ASSOCIATION receives of course our faith: these are all very numerous requests from precious. We have each benefited re- Religious Orders in mission cently from coronavirus vaccinations. lands for help to train their How fortunate we are. seminarians. “And how much we long for all our It costs approximately sisters and brothers, wherever they £84 a month (£1,000 are and whatever they believe, to know per year) to feed, the same security. The pandemic has clothe and educate reminded us that no one is safe until a student for the we are all safe. Our lives are connect- ed. priesthood “Of course, our traditions and scrip- The great majority of young men who come forward to offer tures have taught us this for centuries. their lives to God, and His people, come from poor families. We must not walk by on the other Their parents do not have the means to support them financially. side, and love must prevail over fear when it comes to our global neigh- quires leadership on international de- Supporters say not only is it the moral- The cost of educating and maintaining seminarians is often a bours,” they said. velopment”. ly right thing to do, but that it would heavy burden on the Religious Orders. It costs approximately £84 a month (£1,000 per year) to feed, clothe Citing Britain’s role in the COP26 The clerics’ call comes as President increase US influence around the and educate a student for the priesthood. We appeal UN climate negotiations in November, Biden has decided the USA should world at a time of fracturing relation- wholeheartedly, this Eastertide, to all readers to help train the Church leaders also stressed that take the opposite approach to the UK ships between many nations. and support a candidate for the priesthood. leadership on the climate crisis “re- and increase foreign aid spending. Biden backed: See page 16 Any donation you can send will be most gratefully received, and will be sent without deduction, to help to train a young man for the priesthood. Canterbury award for ‘tireless’ Pax Christi vice-presidents Crossed POs and cheques should be sent and made payable to: THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION Bruce Kent and Dr Valerie Flessati, of the ecumenical pilgrimage towards Bruce Kent Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common, vice-presidents of Pax Christi Eng- a healed world’. and Dr Valerie London SW4 0PR (Registered Charity No. 235703) land & Wales, have been awarded the ‘Valerie Flessati and Bruce Kent Flessati were Tel. 020 7622 0466. www.littlewayassociation.com
hailed as U/16/04 Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lambeth chose spiritual warfare on all violence I enclose £ ...... to be allocated for:- Cross for Ecumenism. and war,’ it said. worthy The couple received the award ‘for It also highlighted Mr Kent’s lead- winners of £...... TRAINING YOUNG MEN FOR THE PRIESTHOOD £...... HUNGRY, SICK AND DEPRIVED exceptional, tireless and lifelong ded- ership of the Campaign for Nuclear Anglican Please tick if you would award £...... MASS STIPENDS (please state no. ) like an acknowledgement ication to the Christian ecumenical Disarmament (CND) for many years £...... LITTLE WAY ADMIN. EXPENSES search for peace, both individually which had, the citation said, inspired Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss) (Block letters please) and together’. more than one generation to follow Address In announcing the couple as re- the path of peace and to fight for an cipients, Lambeth Palace pointed end to the UK’s nuclear weapons ar- ! out that ‘peace is one of three pillars senal. To donate online go to: tinyurl.com/lwadonations 04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper
Priti gives way on NHS Police apologise after raiding staff visas Thousands of frontline health workers Mass for alleged Covid breach and their dependents will be granted free visa extensions, Home Secretary Nick Benson gation. He welcomed the officers and Priti Patel has announced. Police officers have said they “deeply Commitment to their “kindness and fruitful conver- Free one-year visa extensions will regret” any upset caused by shutting Healing and sations” in moving on from the inci- Collaboration in be automatically granted to eligible down a Good Friday service at a dent as part of a new commitment to Catholic church in London. Balham. healing and collaboration. overseas health and care workers Photo: whose visas were due to expire before Two police officers attended a serv- Expressing deep sadness at the ice at Christ the King Polish Catholic Mazur/cbcew.or events, the archbishop said the officers 1st October 2021. g.uk Since starting the free extensions Church in Balham, south London, on have since listened to the “genuine last year, the Home Office has ex- Divine Mercy Sunday 11th April to concerns” of the community. tended the visas of more than 10,000 address the congregation. They halted “We all share the same desire to people across the UK. It is expected the Good Friday service, instructing move forward in friendship, working that the announcement will benefit the faithful to go home, with those together for the common good,” he a further 14,000 applicants. failing to comply facing a £200 fine said. “We are committed to enabling This will mean that doctors, nurses, or arrest, The Catholic Universe re- freedom of worship for everyone, in paramedics, midwives, occupational ported last week. safe and secure environments.” therapists, psychologists and others However, Detective Superintendent Mgr Władysław Wyszowadzki, parish will be able to continue their work in Andy Wadey attended Mass last week- priest of Christ the King, added: “In the fight against Covid-19. end to apologise to the congregation, him and Supt. Arditti to Divine Mercy start of a renewed deep and lasting the spirit of the Gospel, we willingly saying there had been “significant re- Sunday Mass, Det. Supt. Wadey added: relationship, with the parish of Christ extend our hand to the police in order flection and learning” since that day “The Metropolitan Police truly wishes the King, Balham and also the wider to build a deep and lasting relationship Schools step in to by himself and Superintendent Roger to serve and protect you in the best Polish communities.” between us, based on mutual respect help poor pupils Arditti, who was also at the service. possible way. The Archbishop of Southwark, John and regard for the rights of worship- Thanking the parish for inviting “I truly hope that today marks the Wilson, also addressed the congre- pers to freely practice their faith.” School staff have been handing out clothes, food and furnishings to fam- ilies who have been struggling finan- cially amid the Covid-19 pandemic, teachers have revealed. Catholic medics leader says he has no Some children have turned up at school with holes in their shoes and without winter coats, while others have been left worried about when worries about the AstraZeneca vaccine they will get their next meal, the Na- tional Education Union (NEU said. Nick Benson other common drugs,” he said. A survey found the majority of The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine re- “If you won’t take the vaccine, then members are working with intakes mains safe for almost all people, an why are you happy taking Indigestion where more than a fifth are considered adviser on health to the Catholic Bish- medicines or common painkillers? to be economically disadvantaged. ops’ Conference of England and Wales Nothing is risk free. The safety profile More than two in three (68 per cent) has said. of this vaccine remains good.” want more government support for Professor Jim McManus, Director However, Prof. McManus urged children in poverty. of Public Health for Hertfordshire, those with a history of clots to speak Vice-President of the UK Association The Universe of Directors of Public Health and a ‘The AZ vaccine has member of the national Vaccine Equal- shown fewer side – Contacts – ities Board, said he has already re- effects than Aspirin ceived his first dose of the Oxford- or many other AstraZeneca vaccine and is looking common drugs’ forward to receiving his second. Prof McManus His comments come as under-30s and those with a history of blood clots with their doctor. have been told they will be provided As a further precaution, it is also with alternative vaccines following recommended that anyone who had To contact a member reports of cases of unusual blood clots major blood clots and low platelet of The Catholic Universe with low platelets occurring in people All medicines and vaccines have vestigations into the vaccine, as well (red blood cell) levels after the first team, call: who received the Oxford-AstraZeneca adverse event, he pointed out. as providing under-30s and those with dose of the vaccine should not have vaccine. “The UK vaccination programme a history of clots with an alternative, the second dose of the Oxford-As- “The latest news does not change has saved at least 6,000 lives in the should give reassurance that regulators traZeneca vaccine. Those who did ADVERTISING SALES: my view of the vaccine and the bene- first three months and will help pave have made safety their primary con- should discuss this with their doctor. 07984 616950 fits still far outweigh the risks. I will the way back to normal life,” he said. cern. As a final precaution, those who take the second dose of the AZ vac- Prof. McManus, who is also the first “No drug is safe. But the AZ vaccine have persistent new headaches more CIRCULATION: cine,” Prof. McManus told The Catholic Catholic President of the Guild of has shown – proportionately – fewer than four days after the first dose 07375 397312 Universe. Health and St Raphael, said the in- side effects than Aspirin or many should call 111 for advice. ACCOUNTS: 07984 616949 No to vaccine passports in church Prime Minister Boris Johnson has should require some special certifi- cerned at the prospect of a vaccine EDITORIAL: been urged not to impose controver- cation is antithetical to the very nature certificates that would bar those who 07949 987771 sial vaccine passports on churches in of the church as a place of refuge for have not had a vaccine from church. England. the most vulnerable in our society. “It makes little sense when churches GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Christian Action Research & Edu- ‘Others have highlighted the are already abiding by regulations and cation (CARE) told the PM the idea prospect of a ‘two-tiered system’. On taking care not to expose visitors to 0161 820 5722 was ‘antithetical to the very nature of the one hand, citizens who are vacci- unnecessary risks. the church’, adding in a letter that nated would be free to go about their “I urge the Prime Minister to think Supporting Catholic journalism ‘the imposition of vaccine certificates lives. On the other, those who are not about this in the coming weeks, as I on churches would be unwelcome vaccinated would be barred from cer- know he will be, and provide an as- www.thecatholic and a fundamental undermining of tain entitlements.’ surance to the Christian community basic freedoms.’ Nola Leach, CEO of CARE, said: that the government will not go down Westminster Cathedral. universe.com ‘The idea that access to a church “Christians are understandably con- this path,” Ms Leach added. Photo: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 05 News Alton wants Prayers for church doors to open in Ireland world to unite in supporting Hong Kongers
Nick Benson families who settle in the UK will re- Lord David Alton of Liverpool has ceive a £43 million dedicated support Catholics stand outside Ss Anne and Mary called for an “international response” package, including help to access Cathedral in Cork, Ireland, praying that the to the Chinese Communist Party housing, schools and jobs. Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, will open (CCP)’s “systematic destruction of Councils in England, who are al- the doors. Public worship remains banned in the Hong Kong’s freedoms”. ready playing a key role to ensure country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While praising the UK on its dedi- BN(O) status holders are warmly wel- Photo: CNS photo/Cillian Kelly cated package of support for Hong comed and supported, will benefit Kong citizens arriving here, the from £30.7 million to provide targeted Catholic peer urged all countries to support for new arrivals, covering join in with “the lifeboat arrange- English language support and help MP vows to keep pressing on breakfast clubs ments” to help those trying to flee with housing costs for those who need the CCP. it. Catholic Labour MP Meg Hillier has the Government’s £38 million invest- why I joined Emma Lewell-Buck MP “The government deserve congrat- A further £5 million will be used to vowed to continue pressing the Gov- ment in the National School Breakfast in urging the Government to scale up ulations for putting together a com- establish 12 virtual welcome hubs ernment to support a universal break- Programme (NSBP). school breakfast funding and make prehensive welcome package for Hong across every region to co-ordinate fast club offer for every school child. However, Ms Hillier said the NSBP support to schools permanent,” she Kongers on arrival in the UK,” Lord support and give practical advice and Her pledge comes as Minister for “does not go far enough and is “likely said. assistance in applying for school Children and Families Vicky Ford re- to only provide breakfast club support “I’ll continue working with col- A Hong sponded to a letter from concerned to four per cent of children in the leagues across Parliament from all Kong citizen places, registering with GPs and even with his setting up businesses. MPs regarding school breakfast pro- UK”. parties to press the Government to British Communities Secretary Robert Jen- vision. “Every child deserves to start their support a universal breakfast club National rick said: “We are a champion of free- In her response, Ms Ford highlighted day with a healthy breakfast. That is offer for every child.” (Overseas) dom and democracy and will live up passport. to our responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong, so that these families will come to find the UK a place they can call home.” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the scheme reflects the UK’s “commitment to the people of Hong Kong – and those who have now cho- sen to start a new life here”. Alton told The Catholic Universe. However, Lord Alton insisted that “ I would like to see other countries – while the UK welcomes those who especially other Commonwealth coun- have escaped the CCP’s totalitarian- tries – also joining in the lifeboat ism, “we must never close our eyes to arrangements to help those trying to the millions who will be unable to do flee. so or to the brave pro-democracy “The systematic destruction of Hong campaigners who are now incarcer- Kong’s freedoms needs to be met by ated in CCP prisons and psychiatric an international response which units or arraigned before the courts”. demonstrates to the Chinese Com- “Nor should we forget what is hap- munist Party the unity and resolve of pening to Uyghur Muslims facing the free world in responding to the genocide, to Christians and other mi- CCP’s totalitarianism.” norities who are persecuted, and to Hong Kong British National (Over- lawyers, journalists and dissenters seas) (BN(O)) status holders and their who languish in CCP jails,” he added. China likened to Nazis by MP The Chinese government is trying to over thousands of miles, as part of a control every deed and thought of its campaign ‘intent on the eradication citizens, former Tory Party leader Sir of the Uyghurs based on their reli- Iain Duncan Smith has warned. gion and race’. The Catholic MP pointed out that Defining this as ‘genocide’, Sir Iain while all such ‘totalitarian’ regimes likened China’s treatment of Uyghurs fail, as its people reject their need for to Hitler’s totalitarian regime. He control, China is using vast data- also borrowed Neville Chamberlain’s bases, artificial intelligence and fa- words on the Sudeten dispute, saying cial recognition cameras to spy on that China’s regime is no longer iits people. ‘By spying on their every about ‘a quarrel in a far away coun- move – not by informants but by try of whom we know nothing’. computers – China is assembling the ‘The time has come for the UK to bleakest digital dystopia ever con- show global leadership and recognise ceived,’ Sir Iain wrote in The Telegraph. that what China is doing to the He warned that the Uyghurs are ‘at Uyghurs is genocide, and for us to us the forefront of this process’, with to disrupt the construction of Chinese authorities tracking them China’s digital dystopia,’ he added. 06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment
The Universe – Comment – We’re still here for Aid is a vital tool to keep the you every week! world on a democratic path
The reign of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most illustrious in our island’s history and the role played by the Duke of Edinburgh in that Miguel achievement can never be over- Nino- estimated. After serving with dis- tinction during the Second World Zarazua War, a promising naval career was surrendered when his wife became Democracy is having a hard time. In monarch at an unexpectedly early India, once the world’s largest age in 1952. democracy, the pandemic has has- From then on he subsumed his tened the country’s slide toward au- life to public service and when he thoritarianism. In the US, the Trump pledged at his wife’s coronation to administration’s attacks on demo- be her “liege man of life and limb cratic norms reached new lows …”, he stuck to it. when the former president, backed The Duke was often caricatured by the Republican party, refused to as gaffe-prone and old fashioned accept his loss in the November but this was a man who was never 2020 elections. out of touch, especially not with In fact, studies show democratic young people with whom he norms are in decline worldwide. worked for many decades through Freedom House recently argued the award scheme which bears his that democracy has been declining name and is to this day the world’s since 2005, while the latest leading youth programme. report from the Varieties of Democ- Moreover, he was an innovator. racy Institute reveals that 68 per Heiko Maas, recently advocated for We had three main findings: first, crease a country’s risk of democratic His patronage of wildlife charities cent the world’s population now live a ‘Marshall Plan for democracy’, aid specifically aimed at improving backsliding into authoritarianism, at and the environment predated in autocracies. while US President Joe Biden has democratic infrastructure and insti- which point it is harder for aid to current concerns about the eco- More countries have slid down the called for a Global Democracy Sum- tutions has a modest but positive help. This means we should recon- system and the future of the planet. democracy ladder in the last decade mit. impact overall. This impact is clearer sider the role of aid in middle-in- Prince Philip was never a mere than have moved up. States such as But we should not paint too rosy a than for the impact of development come countries. It is many of these adjunct to the Queen; rather, he Hungary, Turkey and Venezuela that picture of democracy aid. Since its aid generally, but there is no evi- countries in Latin America, eastern was an individual who through his enjoyed a period of growing demo- origins in the US Marshall Plan of dence that either has a negative im- and central Europe that have seen support for the Crown made a last- cratic norms now see a dramatic 1948, foreign aid has been closely pact on democracy on average. sharp cuts in development and ing contribution to the nation in freefall in political freedoms. Several linked to the strategic political con- Second, aid aimed at supporting democracy assistance over the past his own right. countries in south Asia, sub-Saharan siderations and interests of the civil society, media freedom, and decades, where there is now a pro- There was also a deeply spiritual Africa and the Middle East are mov- donor country. The implications and human rights seems to be the most nounced slip into authoritarianism. side to the Prince. He had a deep ing towards authoritarianism, while potential impact this has on local effective in terms of its impact on Third, direct aid toward the core faith and wide theological knowl- Brazil, Mexico and South Africa have needs deserves careful attention. democracy. elements of democracy: human edge. Received into the Church of recently experienced deterioration In fact, a number of researchers Third, democracy aid is more ef- rights, democratic participation and England before his wedding, with of democratic institutions. have long claimed that foreign aid is fective at supporting ongoing de- civil society, and a free media. A re- the Dean of Windsor, Robin This entails not just loss of civil actually bad for democracy. US mocratisation than at halting demo- cent analysis, for example, reveals 70 Woods, later Bishop of Worcester, liberties and political rights for economist William Easterly argues cratic backsliding. per cent of the world lives in coun- he explored theology and the im- those in ‘backsliding’ countries, but that foreign aid empowers dictators. tries with limited media freedom. pact of faith on the world. He was also a major shift in the international Other research lays out the ways in The options ahead Assistance to other areas can sup- keenly interested in the relation- liberal order, with potentially which aid can weaken local account- In short, democracy aid works, port democracy as well, but this is ship between scientists and the- far-reaching consequences for ability, governance processes and but it’s not magic. The sums in- where the best democratic returns ologians. Letters between the economic progress, prosperity and state institutions. vested are usually pretty modest in on investment can be made. Prince and Michael Mann, later peace worldwide. Equally, there is research comparison to the funds available to Which nations among the inter- Dean of Windsor, on the concept that challenges these positions, domestic opponents of democracy, national community can we expect of evolution, were published in Champions and sceptics showing how effective democracy such as in electoral autocracies like to act? Embroiled in its own domes- 1984 as A Windsor Correspondence. of foreign aid aid specifically can be. For instance, Russia, Nicaragua and Turkey. And tic politics, the role of the US in pro- Baptised in the Orthodox faith, These trends alone could make it was foreign aid support that facili- democratisation of a country tends moting democracy remains in ques- he shared in a truly global Chris- the case for investing in promoting tated Mozambique’s transition from to be a long, hard road – demon- tion, although the new Biden tian faith. May he rest in peace and democracy, through democracy war to peace and multi-party poli- strating that something has a specific administration has signalled a more rise in glory. aid – that is, foreign aid specifically tics in the early 1990s, or symbolic impact along the way is a challenge. active position to push back the ad- to support core democratic and financial assistance in support The international community vance of authoritarianism. processes and institutions including of multiple free and fair elections in needs to staunch democracy’s global Against this backdrop, support for The Universe elections, political parties, civil Benin. decline, and our analysis identifies democracy from the heart of Europe – Direct Contacts – society groups, the media and human Our study built on existing evidence some clear recommendations. is now more important than ever. rights. to create a new analysis of the impact First, maintain and consider in- To contact a member The use of diplomatic carrots and of democracy aid in 148 countries creasing democracy aid. It surely Miguel Niño-Zarazúa is a Non- of The Catholic Universe sticks also plays a role. For example, between 1995–2018. Our approach will not work everywhere, but the Resident Senior Research Fellow, team, call: in 2019 Sweden launched its Drive married quantitative analysis to evidence shows it can be effective. World Institute for Development for Democracy, which made democ- the large amount of research on de- At the same time, domestic expecta- Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), ADVERTISING SALES: racy central to its foreign policy in- mocratisation to present a frame- tions need to be managed. United Nations University 07984 616950 cluding security, development and work that addresses how aid should, Second, recognise that prema- This article first appeared on CIRCULATION: trade. Germany’s foreign minister, in theory, support democracy. turely cutting democracy aid can in- www.theconversation.com 07375 397312 ACCOUNTS: Supporting Catholic journalism 07984 616949 www.thecatholicuniverse.com EDITORIAL: Universe Media Group Limited, News and feature items: Subscription rates: 07949 987771 Editor: Joseph Kelly 2nd Floor, Oakland House, All enquiries: (Annual) £99 UK; £129 Ireland/Europe. GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Email: joseph.kelly@ 76 Talbot Road, Email: pool@ Tel: 0161 820 5722 To subscribe, please use the order form 0161 820 5722 thecatholicuniverse.com Manchester M16 0PQ thecatholicuniverse.com in this issue or call us on 0161 820 5722 The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 07 News Priest praises brave mum at the heart of a triple tragedy
and defeat us. Anne O’Sullivan loses Happier “Tragedy, and serious tragedy, can times: Tadg, fight for life after Mark and come and haunt us and change our coping with death of Anne lives irreparably. O’Sullivan. “The clouds that can, and do, settle husband and sons Inset, over our lives sometimes rob us of Diarmuid fulfilment and peace, of an ordered and easy existence. Mourners at the funeral of a mother “They bring a darkness into our whose husband and two sons died in lives that we feel cannot be shaken. a suspected murder-suicide last year We feel helpless and, even perhaps, One of the vandalised posters have been reminded that “Christians afraid. never lose hope”, even “in the face of “Darkness came into Anne’s life all darkness”, including death itself. when she lost her family in very sad Fr Toby Bluitt told mourners at the and tragic circumstances, and when Church of the Immaculate Conception she lost her battle with the illness she Aontú hits in Kanturk, Co. Cork, that Anne O’- had fought so courageously. Sullivan, 61, had faced unimaginable “All of which brings us face-to-face loss in 2020 when her entire immedi- with the mystery of life: of its meaning, back after ate family was taken overnight in of the sense of it, and why, sometimes, tragic circumstances. life troubles us and troubles us deeply. Mrs O’Sullivan was praised for her We can find ourselves in a dark place. posters are courage in how she fought her battle We can be troubled. with an illness and dealt with the “Yet, in the face of all darkness, unimaginable tragedy, even finding even that of death itself, Christians vandalised the strength to attend a joint funeral never lose hope. We are people of All-Ireland political party Aontú has of her husband Tadg, 59, and son Di- hope even when trouble comes our condemned the defacing and tearing armuid, 23, and a separate service for way. down of posters calling on everyone her son Mark, 26. “The fact is that when someone to cherish all the children of the nation She died earlier this month following the fact that Anne’s untimely passing “It would seem like a great gift from dies there is this great sense of empti- equally. a serious health condition. was not the only tragedy in her life,” life to be thus blessed, to go to our ness, this enormous sense of loss. Aontú Deputy Leader & Mid Ulster Mrs O’Sullivan’s husband and sons Fr Bluitt told mourners. forebears fulfilled and content that “And we have an added sadness, I Cllr Denise Mullen hit out at the van- died at the family’s home at Assolas “We here in our community are our work was done, that we had played think, that for Anne, for one family, dalism and called on all political par- near Kanturk over what is understood well aware of the recent painful and our part in life’s great rotation and life didn’t work out the way it might ties to condemn the undemocratic, to be a tragedy caused by a dispute tragic loss that Anne suffered – a that our own cycle had come to an have. So, that we are in fact troubled, illegal actions. over an inheritance. tragedy that affected us all. end. We had no more to do. we are at a loss. “It is incredible that our posters, Mourners heard how “darkness “I suppose in an ideal world we “Like I said, in an ideal world. We “A nurse by profession, Anne which articulate a simple democratic came into Anne’s life” when she lost would like to think of ourselves as don’t live in an ideal world, that’s the brought an attitude of care and con- message calling on everyone to cherish her family. living long and happy lives with friends problem. cern towards those who were entrust- all the children of the nation equally, “I know that we are conscious of and family to support us to the end. “Illness can come and challenge us ed to her.” are being vandalised, stolen and de- faced in the north,” she said. Earlier this month, Aontú members Yes we must be in the six counties began to hang up posters across the North which spoke Pro-abortion taskgroup in inclusive – but about ‘Cherishing all the Children Equally’ in response to Sinn Féin and the SDLP’s stance on abortion being Church teaching imposed on the North. threat to ban peaceful vigils “Sinn Féin had reversed 200 years comes first of Republic policy which opposed Pro-lifers in Northern Ireland have Ms Smyth pointed out that Northern She criticised the pro-abortionists The Primate of All-Ireland has said Westminster legislation for any part condemned a report from an abortion Ireland recently commemorated the “calling for more babies to be killed” that the Church must be “as inclusive of Ireland and actively lobbied London group calling for ‘exclusion zones’ to first anniversary of Westminster’s im- as well as the criminalisation of “in- as possible”, while maintaining its to impose this law,” Cllr Mullen said, be introduced outside abortion cen- position of its abortion law on the nocent people who make a public “strong teaching about marriage”. adding: “While the SDLP leadership tres. country and mourned the 1,345 lives stand to protect and save lives of un- Responding to comments criticising ditched not only the will of the people The group, NI Abortion and Con- that had been lost due to it. born babies”. the Vatican’s stance on blessing same- of the North but the will of their own traception Taskgroup, is comprised sex unions, Archbishop Eamon Martin party and reversed a right to life policy of pro-abortion doctors, nurses, mid- said the Church must be “sensitive” that went back to John Hume.” wives, GPs and academics in Northern to gay people. “I do believe there’s a However, “rather than debate dem- Ireland. Its report makes 38 recom- huge amount still to do in reaching ocratically on these issues, it seems mendations supporting more abortion out, and ensuring that the Church is some people have deceived to deface, in Northern Ireland. as inclusive as possible – even though steal and vandalise posters that con- The implementation of ‘exclusion we also have our strong teaching on tain a key line of the Proclamation of zones’ would prohibit protests, marriage,” he told Kieran Cuddihy on the Irish Republic,” said Cllr Mullen. demonstrations and pro-life prayer Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder. Commenting on the symbol for vigils. He pointed out that the Church womanhood being used to deface the Bernadette Smyth, director of Pre- doesn’t have a difficulty with blessing posters, Cllr Mullen said as “one of cious Life, the largest pro-life group people. However, the blessing of a the many politically active women in in Northern Ireland, has condemned same-sex union “would give the im- Aontú who has fought discrimination, the call. pression that this was the same as prejudice and censorship for years” “Since our formation in 1997, Pre- marriage” and “wouldn’t be in accor- the party “abhor the misuse of this cious Life has held daily prayer vigil dance with current Church teaching”. symbol”. and outreach offering help and sup- He added that this would also count “This type of vandalism will not port to vulnerable women outside for the blessing of a union between a stop us. It will galvanise us into fighting abortion centres,” she said. man and a woman who have already for a society where all the children of been married. “We can’t bless that ei- the nation are cherished equally,” she Pro-life supporters attend a vigil ther in a heterosexual situation,” he added. Photo: Brian Lawless, Reuters. said. 08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
A huge cloud mushroom over Signs of longer Bikini atoll in the Marshall Islands 1st July 1946 after a US term thinking atomic bomb test
John Battle
As a side effect of the international pandemic and efforts to tackle it with vaccinations there are emerging developments of longer term economic and political prac- tices. No longer is the mantra all about creating a ‘small as possible state’; it is all about intervention, as highlighted by government furlough money to protect jobs and huge state investments in private sector scientific and phar- maceutical companies to speed up vaccine developments. President Biden has launched a major investment package to re- build American infrastructure, in- vest in a green future and the care economy. President Trump deleted the veto of rising public debt by cutting taxes to the super rich and he even broached giving cash direct to the poor. But Presi- dent Biden’s approach is not reck- less debt regard. He has put for- ward an international proposal to raise corporate taxation on world- wide company profits and to tackle tax loopholes and tax The atomic cloud still hangs havens. He has cited the Catholic social teaching tradition from Re- rum Novarum for fairer trading and distribution of wages. His proposals are now gaining over US-Pacific relations surprising support from the world trading and financial organisations Opinion in Australia split along When a UN resolution to halt US structure is due to age, sea water in- such as the IMF as a means of political lines. Conservative Cold testing was voted on in July, Aus- undation and storm damage exacer- controlling the largest digital and War warriors, chief among tralia voted for its continuation. But bated by climate change were con- technology multinationals that them Robert Menzies who became the tide of public opinion was turn- tested in a 2020 Trump-era report. move their activities to the cheap- prime minister again in 1949, kept ing against testing. The events of The Biden administration’s est tax and regulatory jurisdic- Patricia Australia in lockstep with the US, 1954 dispelled the notion atomic current renegotiation of the Com- tions and their profits to low tax O’Brien and downplayed the ill-effects of waste was safe and could be con- pact of Free Association with the Re- countries around the world, thus testing. Left-wing elements in Aus- tained. The problem of radioactive public of the Marshall Islands, and depriving nations of resources to tralia continued to draw attention to fish travelling into Australian waters its prioritisation of action on climate invest in social needs such as This year marks 75 years since the the “horrors” it unleashed. highlighted these new dangers, change, will put Runit Island high public health and education with- United States launched its immense The atomic question came home which spurred increasing world on the agenda. There is an opportu- out which there can be no com- atomic testing programme in the in 1952, when the first of 12 British wide protests until the US finally nity for historical redress for the US mon good and nations cannot Pacific. The historical fallout from atomic tests began on the Monte- ceased testing in the Marshalls in that is even more urgent given the survive. tests carried out over 12 years in the bello Islands, off Western Australia. 1958. upsurge in discrimination against Here in Britain the Chancellor’s Marshall Islands, then a UN Trust Australia’s involvement in atomic In the 1970s, US atomic waste was US-based Pacific Islander commu- future proposal to raise corpora- Territory governed by the US, have testing expanded again in 1954, concentrated under the Runit nities devastated by the Covid-19 tion tax may prove part of a longer framed seven decades of US relations when it began supplying South Aus- Island dome, part of Enewetak Atoll pandemic. Some are peoples who term international vision. with the Pacific nation. tralian-mined uranium to the US (about 3,200 miles from Sydney). were displaced by the tests. Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Due to the dramatic effects of and UK’s joint defence purchasing Recent alarming descriptions of how Australia is also embarking on a Tutti provided a moral lead. It climate change, the legacies of this authority, the Combined Develop- precarious and dangerous this new level of engagement with the saud: ‘Global society is suffering history are shaping the present in ment Agency. Marshall Islands: it is due to open grave structural deficiencies that myriad ways. Australia’s economic stake in the its first embassy in the capital Ma- cannot be resolved by piecemeal This history has Australian dimen- atomic age from 1954 collided with juro in 2021. solutions or quick fixes. Much sions too, though decades of diplo- the galvanisation of global public It should be remembered this bi- needs to change through funda- matic distance between Australia opinion against US testing in Eniwe- lateral relationship has an atomic mental reform and major renewal.’ and the Marshall Islands have hid- tok. The massive ‘Castle Bravo’ hy- history, too. Australia supported the An economy that is an integral den an entangled atomic past. drogen bomb test in March exposed US testing programme, assisted with part of a political, social, cultural In 1946, the Marshall Islands Marshall Islanders and a Japanese data collection and voted in the UN and popular programme directed seemed very close for many Aus- fishing crew on The Lucky Dragon to for its continuation when the to the common good ‘could pave tralians. They feared the imminent catastrophic radiation levels Marshallese pleaded for it to be the way for different possibilities launch of the US’s atomic testing “equal to that received by Japanese stopped. which do not involve stifling hu- programme on Bikini Atoll people less than two miles from It is also likely Australian-sourced man creativity and its ideals of might split the earth in two, cata- ground zero” in the 1945 Hiroshima atomic waste lies within Runit Is- progress but rather directing that strophically change the earth’s cli- and Nagasaki atomic blasts. land, cementing Australia in this energy along new channels’. mate, or produce earthquakes and Graphic details of the fishermen’s history. He insists ‘true statecraft is deadly tidal waves. suffering and subsequent manifest when in different times A map accompanying one report deaths and a Marshallese petition to Patricia A. O’Brien is Historian, we uphold high principles and noted Sydney was only 3,100 miles the United Nations followed. Visiting Fellow in the School of think of the long term common from ground zero. Residents as far History, Australian National good’. Perhaps we should now away as Perth were warned if their Sir Robert Menzies, who became University and Adjunct Professor in send every MP a copy of Fratelli houses shook on 1st July, “it may be prime minister again in 1949, kept the Asian Studies Programme, Tutti as necessary reading. the atom bomb test”. Australia in lock-step with the US. Georgetown University The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 09 News Politicians told to ‘cool it’ as hardliners stoke sectarian flames The Bishop of Down and Connor has to disperse young rioters. urged politicians to be more careful The last couple of weeks have seen about their language following vio- a number of attacks on security foces, lence across Northern Ireland. with petrol bombs, fireworks and Bishop Noel Treanor has also ap- stones thrown. A journalist has also pealed to young people “to stop en- been attacked and a bus driver was gaging in disturbance and violence” injured when his bus was set on fire. after more than 70 police officers have “Sadly, we have experienced a return been hurt in what police are calling to civic unrest and violence on our Northern Ireland’s worst violence for streets,” Bishop Treanor said. “These Debris burns as riot scenes are deeply concerning for all years. police clash with Tension has risen after the decision of us who believe in and have worked protesters in Belfast not to prosecute members of Sinn for a shared, brighter future. Féin for breaches of Covid-19 restric- “I wish to express my concern and tions at the funeral of republican Bob- support for those police officers who mechanisms of accountability and of the violence from youths has oc- controlled by others who urge you by Storey. Northern Ireland’s First have been injured, and for their fam- influence to deal with any concerns curred near so-called ‘peace lines’ - on to violence while they themselves Minister and leader of the DUP, Arlene ilies. The police service is an integral that may arise,” Bishop Treanor added. walls erected to prevent clashes be- stay in the background so that they Foster, has been deeply critical of the part of our society, made up of women Church leaders on both sides of the tween Catholic and Protestant com- don’t get caught,” Bishop Treanor said. decision and called on police chief and men from every background and divide have pleading for rioters to munities. The unrest comes almost 23 years Simon Byrne to resign. tradition. They deserve our support. stop. People as young as 13 have been Addressing young people directly, to the day – 10th April – when the In the aftermath of that decision “I ask politicians to weigh carefully arrested for disorder. Bishop Treanor urged them “to stop Good Friday Agreement was signed, the country has witnessed some of the impact of their words, to avoid Police said they are concerned that engaging in disturbance and violent which brought an end to 30 years of the worst rioting in recent years, with the deeply damaging politicisation of hardline loyalist paramilitaries may activity now”. the Troubles and sectarian killings by police forced to deploy a water cannon civic policing and to use the available be orchestrating the violence. Much “Beware of being manipulated and paramilitaries. Scotland’s bishops point to Catholic issues as key to ballot Nick Benson conscience, or free, vote,’ they point Scotland’s Catholic sponds to their own convictions. The Catholic bishops of Scotland have out. bishops have called They also note that the next group urged the faithful to ‘play our part’ in Highlighting the Catholic duty to on the electorate to of MSPs should follow Pope Francis’ the forthcoming Holrood elections share the Gospel and help form the think about the most teachings on the environment and by ‘putting human life and the invio- public conscience on key moral issues, vulnerable in society ensure that the scourges of poverty, lable dignity of the human person at the bishops say: ‘This election is an as they cast their human trafficking and modern slav- ballots, and to the centre of Scotland’s politics’. opportunity to be the effective witness eryare tackled. consider the The issues of freedom of speech, In a letter addressing the country’s our Baptism calls us to be.’ fundamental rights Catholic population ahead of the 6th They note that the new parliament of parents to educate expression, thought, conscience and May elections, the bishops note that, and government will be tasked with their children as they religion are also critical following the while party politics can be an impor- leading the recovery from the damage see fit passing of the SNP’s Hate Crime Bill. tant consideration, particularly in the wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic Photo: Scottish ‘If Scotland is to be a tolerant, open, Scottish Parliament list system, it is and to tackle the significant impact it Catholic Media diverse country then we must be free ‘critical to ascertain candidates’ per- has had on many aspects of life in- Office. to discuss and debate ideas, even sonal values and opinions and not cluding health care, mental health those which are deemed by some to concentrate solely on party policies’. and wellbeing, religious freedom and be controversial,’ the bishops say. ‘It is individuals who will make up care for the poor. life, human dignity and the value of mental human right to life’ from con- ‘Whilst being mindful of the need the parliament and form a govern- ‘It must also build on the positives community,’ the bishops say. ception to natural death; the ‘flour- to protect citizens from hate, govern- ment; and some of the most important arising from the pandemic, including They urge Catholics to consider a ishing of family life’; and the ‘funda- ment must not overstep into unjust issues, including abortion and assisted caring for the most vulnerable and a wide range of issues in the forthcom- mental’ right of parents to choose a restrictions on free speech, conscience suicide, are commonly decided by a renewed sense of respect for human ing election, including the ‘funda- school for their children that corre- or religion. 10 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
IN BRIEF Rate your maternity Kind words and jokes are scheme launched A panel of experts will begin work to rate the Government’s progress on meeting its own targets to im- prove maternity services. a fitting way to remember The targets will be assessed on halving the rate of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and brain injuries that occur dur- ing or soon after birth by 2025. our grand old Duke The expert panel will give a Care Quality Commission (CQC) style rating to the Government’s overall CATHOLIC performance against each target, COMMENT grading them from ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’. The panel, chaired by Professor Dame Jane Dacre, is made up of Caroline clinical experts, patient represen- Farrow tatives, lawyers, economists and qualitative researchers. The Government will also be as- The outpouring of grief following sessed on the progress it has made the death of the Duke of Edinburgh against its commitment that every is a reassuring sign that although woman expecting a child get a per- society may have lost its way when it sonalised care and support plan by comes to many matters of morality, 2021 and the majority see the we are still, deep-down, a decent same midwife throughout their and compassionate nation. pregnancy. I was particularly moved by the sight of one young woman in her Countryside respect early twenties outside Buckingham post lockdown Palace, wiping away a tear. The As the UK began unlocking social responses evoked the reaction restrictions, Catholic MP Damian following the death of Diana, Hinds has urged the public to re- Princess of Wales but were less spect the renewed Countryside mawkish and lacking the over-the- Code. top sentimentality than witnessed in Mr Hinds said lockdown had 1997. given everyone a ‘greater apprecia- The reasons for this are manifold; most obviously the Duke’s death was The Duke of Edinburgh tion’ of nature and proven how pictured with Prince George not unexpected, Palace sources of ‘valuable’ it is to access green in an image taken by the spaces. The updated Countryside my acquaintance began alluding to Duchess of Cambridge Code is a ‘timely’ reminder for his imminent demise over 18 everyone on how to enjoy the out- months ago. Some of the fuel behind doors in a safe and respectful way. the hysteria surrounding Diana was meant that he could get away with it decided against deference, she consciousness. “It’s as simple as sticking to both her age and the brutal manner in a way that his sons or grandsons smiled and winked. Apparently he Philip’s death also reignited the paths to protect crops and wildlife, of her demise, whereas the Duke would not. If Princes Edward, let out a laugh, smiled and winked sense of loss felt by my family when ensuring gates are secured, not had the sort of death that most of us William or Harry ever came out with back without speaking a word. my grandmother passed away just a feeding animals you pass, dispos- would hope for; at home in his own similar lines, they would very Social media has been full of few weeks shy of her 100th birthday ing of litter and dog mess prop- bed, surrounded by his wife and quickly be shamed and portrayed as similar anecdotes all testifying to and we felt cheated of the milestone, erly,” he said. family. Unlike the tragic Princess of total sleazebags by a nation which Prince Philip’s warmth and wit as although I don’t imagine that Philip The code also gives general Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh was seems to be losing its taste for a bit well as his devotion to public duty would have been eagerly guidance on how drivers should also fortunate enough to enjoy of harmless innuendo. and, of course, his family. It was anticipating a telegram from his behave on roads with horses; cy- seeing not only his children grow up Annabel Goldie – the Tory in pleasing to see this reflected in the wife! clists and horse riders on paths but also grandchildren and great- question – reportedly found it official statement from the Vatican, Those who can remember a time with walkers; and walkers with all grandchildren. hilarious too. She hooted with along with the mention to the when Elizabeth wasn’t the monarch other path users. While many of the tributes laughter and retorted: “I couldn’t Duke’s commitment to the are growing few in number. Philip’s focused on the fact that the Duke of possibly comment – and even if I did education and advancement of death foreshadows the end of an Edinburgh wanted minimal fuss and (have a pair of knickers made out of future generations. momentous era in UK and world Pandemic drive on wouldn’t have liked the attention, I the papal tartan), I couldn’t possibly Having found the circus around history. His death is a moment of food must continue think he would also be gratified to exhibit them”! Diana’s death distasteful, I was grief, not only for his family who will Government ministers must main- learn that despite his reputation for Other anecdotes about the Duke unexpectedly moved by the news miss him terribly, but also for us on tain the “impetus” to feed poverty- tactless gaffes and possibly because of Edinburgh speak to his overriding this week. I think it has affected an individual level, not just because hit people witnessed during the of them, he had earned a place in kindness. On a visit to Dorking, a most of us more than we his presence leaves a gaping hole in Covid-19 pandemic and consider the nation’s heart. My particular town in my diocese, Philip noticed anticipated, partly because over the the Royal Family, but because it enshrining in law a “right to food”, a favourite being an exchange which the look of disappointment on a years Philip had endeared himself reminds us of our own feelings cross-party group of MPs has said. took place at a reception for the little girl’s face after the Queen and earned the status of national when a family matriarch or The Commons Environment, papal visit of Benedict XVI at hadn’t spotted her patiently waiting treasure. I dread to say it, but Prince patriarch dies. A sense of grief and Food and Rural Affairs Committee Holyrood House, Scotland in 2010. with her bouquet. He lifted the little Andrew’s description of his father as solemnity is entirely appropriate. also called for the Government to Spotting that the Scottish Labour girl up over the barrier and told her “grandfather of the nation” was Thankfully, there has been little appoint a minister for food secu- leader, Iain Grey was sporting a tie to run over to his wife and hand her bang on the money. cynicism on display, partly because rity in a recently published report. fashioned from the special papal the posie. That’s a gesture which has Philip was from a generation the a public death reminds us of the Tory MP Neil Parish, who chairs tartan, Philip turned to the female doubtless never been forgotten. like of which we will not see again. A universality of both death and grief. the Commons committee, said the Conservative leader and asked her if My friend has a funny one about generation who had witnessed the He may have not been British by efforts to feed the most vulnerable she had a pair of knickers in the the time his wife met the Duke of horrors of the war and yet birth, but Prince Philip belonged to people during the Covid-19 crisis same material! Edinburgh in a corridor, of all unflinchingly got on with things all of us. Well done good and faithful should “set a precedent” for the fu- Of course, it was desperately places, when she was walking without the need for endless navel- servant. May you rest in peace and ture. There are 5.9 million adults in inappropriate, which is what made between rooms at a conference. gazing and self-pity. He probably rise in glory. the UK who experienced food it quite so funny! Prince Philip had a Noting the tall man was walking reminded all of us of our fathers or poverty in the six months up to knack of cracking jokes in order to towards her, she realised it was His grandfathers and most of us Caroline Farrow is a Catholic February and 1.7 million children put people at their ease and both his Royal Highness and thinking quickly probably can’t remember a time journalist and UK campaign living in food-insecure house- age, the generation he came from as to what she should do and when he wasn’t a part of the royal director and media commentator holds, according the report. and, of course, his royal status knowing his cheeky reputation, she family or in the public for Citizens Go The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 11 News Fr Ray calls an end to his reality TV career Celebrity Irish priest Fr Ray Kelly has called time on his career in reality TV. Fr Ray Kelly on The parish priest of St Brigid’s & St Ireland’s Mary’s parish in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Dancing with the shot to fame in 2014 after a video of Stars. (RTE) him singing a modified version of Leonard Cohen’s classic hit Hallelujah at a couple’s wedding went viral. Since then, he has released an al- bum, titled Where I Belong; reached the semi-finals of ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent; and featured on the Irish edition of Dancing with the Stars. However, Fr Kelly recently admitted reality TV doesn’t appeal to him. “I’d never do a reality TV show again,” he told The Irish Mirror. “Some- times doing something like that is kind of like a drug as well. You can get hooked on it and want to be doing it all the time. “Maybe it is because you’re putting yourself out there and you’re in the media and all that. It isn’t something I crave towards at all. “There are always the ones who make judgements. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done, they will want you to become what from the negative points of reality TV. During his time on the dancing they want you to be rather than who He said he had the full support of show, Fr Kelly received a number of you are. the Bishop of Meath, Tom Deenihan, death threats, which he reported to “I enjoyed the shows when I did when he told him about his invitation Gardai. them but I have another life here, to feature on the show. “I get an odd anonymous letter still which is great. A lot of people during coming into my email,” he said. “It the Covid times were out of work just says stuff like ‘you’re a priest and completely, but I had another life to you shouldn’t be this or you shouldn’t get on with as best as I could.” Bishop Tom was supportive ... be that’. However, Fr Kelly, who released his he just said to be aware that “I just ignore it at this stage. I only memoir, Hallelujah: Memoirs of a get one or two of those emails in the Singing Priest, in December 2019, said there will be‘‘ people out there last year. But for most people it’s his- if he were to write another book he who will bring you down tory now.” would like to focus it on his experi- However, despite his retirement ences on Dancing With The Stars. “He just said to be aware that there from reality TV, Fr Kelly’s musical ca- “I really enjoyed it,” he said of his will be people out there who will bring reer continues. His forthcoming al- time on the show, while admitting you down and try to influence you bum, Hallelujah Day, is set for release that he did have to “unshackle” himself and all that,” he added. on 23rd April. ‘Being frank, it’s easier to say I’m alcoholic than a Catholic’ Stand-up comedian Frank Skinner ‘Here’s some of my prayers’,” he told Skinner’s revelations come as he has admitted that speaking to people The Telegraph. recently released his own prayer book. about his alcohol problems was easier “I think they were delighted to find Titled A Comedian’s Prayer Book, than trying to talk to them about his that those who seem to have every- the publication features his musings Catholic faith. thing going for them have got dark on faith; Heaven and hell; his beloved Skinner, 64, who hosts Absolute Ra- demons. late mother, Doris; and the X-Men. dio’s Saturday breakfast show and po- “When I was doing interviews 25 “Is there a place for comedy in etry podcast, said he had often opened years ago, I would talk about how I prayer? If there’s a place for comedy up about his faith during interviews Frank Skinner: in life, there’s a place for comedy in earlier in his career but these particular ‘People like to find prayer,” said Skinner. comments were always cut from the that those who seem “God is a tough audience as far as article that followed. to have everything audible response is concerned, but I Although he grew up in a Catholic have dark demons’ love that I don’t have to explain the family in the West Midlands, Skinner references.” left the Church when he was 17 before read poetry and had two English de- Skinner said that praying to God is reconnecting with the faith in his 20s grees, and that I was a Catholic, but it the only place he feels he doesn’t need after struggling with alcoholism. never made it into print.’ to put on an act. However, he recently revealed that During his more than 30-year-career “When I pray, it is the only conver- he found it easier discussing his drink- as a professional comedian, Skinner sation I have where I utterly drop my ing problems with people rather than also revealed that the number of reli- guard about every doubt and fear and his faith. gious believers he’s met among his idiocy and imperfection. If I didn’t “People are much easier with my peers “would, if assembled, just about pray, I don’t know where I’d find that battle-with-the-booze stories than fill a Vauxhall Corsa”. unwrapping of myself,” he said. 12 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper
Pornography left children Police hunt ‘corrupted’, say teachers vandals after Easily accessible pornography has “corrupted” schoolchildren, teachers have warned. Jesus window Mary Bousted, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said social media and the easy avail- ability of pornography had caused a backward step in boys’ respect for left shattered girls. Her comments came after the NEU Vandals have left a local community Built in 1859 to replace a medieval recently debated the issue of sexual devastated and Christians disturbed church, St Helen’s is a redundant An- assault at its virtual annual confer- after they used the faces of Jesus and glican church. ence. saints depicted in stained glass win- CCT said the stained glass windows “It’s become ‘that’s the way things dows for “target practice”. were installed from 1860-1890 and are’, and teachers in our service said The Churches Conservation Trust include depictions of Christ and the they were unsure about how to deal (CCT) said it recently discovered that Doctors; the Presentation in the Tem- with it and ‘if I stopped and dealt vandals had shot at the Victorian win- ple; Noah’s Ark; the Baptism of Christ; with it all the time, I would never get dows at St Helen’s, Little Cawthorpe, and the Crossing of the Red Sea. any teaching done’,” Dr Bousted told Lincolnshire, deliberately aiming for It said the crime is “particularly up- Sky News. the faces of the biblical figures, in the setting” for the local community, who “We need a national programme lead up to Holy Week. “cherish this church and who saved to help schools tackle this behaviour. “The faces of saints and of Jesus it from certain demolition in 1996”. “I think we’ve gone back in this re- Christ have been used for what can CCT now owns the building and spect,” she added. only be described as target practice,” keeps it open for everyone to visit “I think the way girls are treated on the CCT said. and use. social media, I think the fact that so The national organisation, which “Our conservation team are inspect- many boys watch pornography, that protects historic churches at risk, said ing the damage and specialist stained really has corrupted the way boys and the carefully aimed projectiles had glass experts will be brought in to girls think about each other. fractured specific areas of the glass, evaluate the best way to repair the “It’s lowered girls’ expectations for mainly several heads and faces of the damage,” said CCT. how they should be treated by boys depicted human figures and animals. “Sadly this will likely cost thousands and its enabled too many boys to “Examination of the centres of im- of pounds.” think that girls are just objects.” pact which are circular and measure The organisation has launched an Dr Bousted’s warning comes as over about 3mm-5mm in diameter would appeal to help fix the smashed win- 14,000 allegations have been made suggest an airgun pellet or small stone dows, while Lincolnshire Police has by school pupils on the Everyone’s fired by a catapult,” it said. launched an investigation. Vandals deliberately targeted Invited website, where people can “Some of the damage is at a height • Anyone with any information the windows and were precise anonymously share their experiences too great to have been attacked from regarding the incident, has been in hitting the faces of Jesus of abuse. ground level except with some kind asked to contact Lincolnshire (above) and left, the saints. of long implement using exceptional Police, quoting crime reference Photo: Graham White/ Churches Conservation Trust. The Universe force.” number 21000175385. – Contacts – IVF firms accused of failure by Betting firms told to fund exploiting vulnerable couples addicts’ help To contact a member The former chairman of the Human financially and mentally, the IVF in- human embryos have perished in the Gambling firms should pay a com- of The Catholic Universe Fertilisation and Embryology Authority dustry also turns embryos into a com- development and practice of IVF.” pulsory levy to fund addiction treat- team, call: (HFEA) has hit out at the IVF industry modity, with many destroyed. The spokesperson also pointed out ment, the national mental health di- for taking advantage of vulnerable “SPUC’s basic objection to IVF is that “apart from the ghastly human rector for NHS England has said. women and couples. that it amounts to the manufacture price tag, in terms of human lives lost Claire Murdoch accused bookmak- ADVERTISING SALES: Sally Cheshire said IVF clinics are of human beings,” said a spokesper- to IVF – 174,622 embryos in 2017 in ers of profiting during the Covid-19 07984 616950 charging “eye-watering” prices as she son. the UK alone – the mental and finan- pandemic while leaving the NHS to accused them of taking advantage of “The practice of IVF assumes that cial cost for couples is horrendous”. “pick up the pieces” of addiction. CIRCULATION: women who had “lost a year of their our offspring may be produced in the “We should not forget that IVF is The current system to help addicts lives” due to Covid-19 lockdowns and laboratory, and that the role of the an industry preying on vulnerable is funded by voluntary contributions 07375 397312 subsequent delays in the NHS. natural mother, in safeguarding with women, as well as couples, who have from the betting firms, but it is thought Her criticism comes as some clinics not been able to conceive by natural to raise as little as £10-£15m a year ACCOUNTS: are currently charging up to £20,000 Sally Cheshire said means,” they said. from a billion pound industry. Some 07984 616949 per IVF cycle. IVF clinics are The pro-life group has also joined firms donate as little as £1 so that The latest data from HFEA revealed charging “eye- Ms Cheshire in criticising the IVF in- they are included on the list of donors. watering” prices, that the number of women opting to dustry for profiteering from the pan- “After seeing the destruction the taking advantage EDITORIAL: freeze their eggs or embryos in the demic. gambling industry has caused, it is 07949 987771 of women who had UK rose 523 per cent rise between “lost a year” due to “Covid-19 is now being used to clear that firms are focused on profit 2013 and 2018. the pandemic make even more money out of heart- at the expense of people’s health, GENERAL ENQUIRIES: Ms Cheshire, who recently stepped break, seeing embryos as a commod- while the NHS is increasingly left to 0161 820 5722 down from her role as chairman at her own body the welfare of the em- ity, women as a source of money, and pick up the pieces,” Ms Murdoch said. HFEA after 15 years, told The Daily bryo from conception, may legiti- pandemic as an opportunity for “While fighting the pandemic, the Telegraph that she would have set a mately be transferred to other peo- greater gains,” said the spokesper- NHS has also been treating hundreds Supporting Catholic journalism limit of £5,000 per IVF cycle. ple. son. of people with severe gambling ad- However, the Society for the Pro- “IVF thus makes embryos vulnera- Last November, SPUC reported that dictions. The industry must take more www.thecatholic tection of Unborn Children (SPUC) ble, exposing them to the risks of only 20 per cent of IVF cycles in Britain responsibility and agree to a manda- has warned that as well as preying on being discarded, frozen or experi- lead to a live birth – an 80 per cent tory levy to pay for dealing with the universe.com vulnerable women and couples both mented upon. Many thousands of failure rate. harms of problem gambling.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 13 News
Celtic chief Hunters’ shock as river reveals wants action on racism a fragment of military history More must be done to eradicate racism and discrimination from football, Celtic Chief Executive Pe- Nick Benson Beau Ouimette holding the A fragment of a hand grenade thrown fragment of a hand grenade ter Lawwell has said. during one of the most significant thrown during the 1689 Battle His call came after representa- battles of the first Jacobite rebellion of Killiecrankie moments after tives from the club joined other has been discovered in a Perthshire discovering it in the River teams at a Scottish Football Asso- river. Garry in Perthshire, Scotland. ciation (SFA) summit on the issue Rick Edwards, presenter of Sky His- Photo: River Hunters/Sky in response to onfield abuse re- tory’s River Hunters, and US YouTube History. ceived by Rangers midfielder Glen sensation Beau Ouimette, a river de- Kamara during a recent clash with tectorist with over 30 years’ experience, Slavia Prague. unearthed the iron fragment from the The star has since said he has River Garry more than three centuries continued to receive abuse “every after the Jacobites defeated a govern- day, easily” since the incident. ment army at the Battle of Kil- Mr Lawwell said Celtic would be liecrankie. delighted to engage with the SFA However, the Jacobites victory came on the issue. at a heavy cost, including the death “Unfortunately, across many of leader John Graham of Claverhouse, years, numerous Celtic players 1st viscount of Dundee, known as and staff have been subjected to ‘Bonnie Dundee’. various forms of racism and dis- The battle, which took place on crimination,” he said. 27th July 1689, was the first major “Whether it relates to Celtic or clash between the opposing forces, any other club, it is time it as the Jacobites fought to reinstate stopped. Racism or any other Catholic King James II of England and form of discrimination should VII of Scotland to the throne. have no place in football or soci- The Catholic King had been ejected ety and we need to do all we can from the throne a year earlier in favour to eradicate such prejudice. of his Protestant daughter Mary and “We will continue to do all we her Dutch husband, William of Or- can to promote this hugely impor- ange. tant message and we look forward The battle saw the first usage on to working with other clubs and British soil of grenades and during the wider football authorities to the recording of the River Hunter’s of joy” at the “incredible” find. Ouimette added: “It’s certainly one colleague Ouimette’s contribution to tackle this issue.” episode, Ouimette made what Ed- “This is very likely to be a grenade of my most rare finds. I can’t believe Scottish military history, saying he Mr Lawwell’s call was echoed by wards described as a “find of national from the battle, which is extraordinary we actually found it... it’s exactly the had made a priceless find. Rangers skipper James Tavernier, importance”. “It’s only the second time as there has only been one other frag- kind of battlefield evidence we came In response, Ouimette said: “I think who also attended the summit. a hand grenade fragment of this age ment of grenade found and that was hunting for”. that’s why I do what I do, because I “Every black player in our squad has ever been found on British soil,” up in the field…so there are only po- “It’s fantastic because we spoke want to contribute to the historical had been the victim of racist the presenter said. tentially two of these objects,” said about the fact that this was an inno- record and people will be able to look abuse this season, either online or Archaeologist Dr Natasha Ferguson Dr Ferguson. vative battle and I didn’t dare to dream at that and see it in the museum.” in the case of Glen Kamara, on the admitted that her jaw dropped when “An object that’s as important as that we would find something to prove field of play,” he said. “This is un- she saw the grenade fragment, while this will go into a museum collection just how innovative,” he said. • River Hunters series two airs on acceptable and must stop. Dr Murray Cook said he shed “tears so that everyone can see it.” Rick Edwards praised his hosting Sky History on Mondays at 9pm. In recent months many foot- ballers have been targeted by trolls on social media. The abuse has included racial New website SNP hit with ‘anti-life, anti-family’ tag slurs, as well as sectarian attacks. to boost the amid fears of assisted suicide support Thousands praise Christian vote The SNP has been branded “an anti- galisation of assisted suicide in Scot- future and what it describes as “com- football hero A website has been launched to help life, anti-family party” after it said it land, according to reports in the Scot- plex issues”. Thousands have paid tribute to Christians in Scotland and Wales make would assess the law on assisted sui- tish media. Reports that these complex issues former Scottish footballer and an informed vote in the countries’ cide if it is re-elected in the May elec- The Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland will include a review on assisted sui- teacher Alex Kiddie, following his May elections. tions. was established in 2019 by the Scottish cide laws has caused great concern death at the age of 93. The website, launched by Christian The party has pledged to run annual Government; it consists of around among pro-lifers. Dundee-born Kiddie played for Action Research & Education (CARE), Citizens’ Assemblies to discuss “com- 100 citizens drawn from across the “The realisation that the SNP is an Aberdeen, Falkirk, Celtic, Arbroath, includes full lists of all candidates; plex issues”, such as reviewing the le- country who deliberate on Scotland’s anti-life, anti-family party is becoming Brechin City, Montrose and Forfar retiring MSPs and MSs; manifesto clear as now it chooses to position Athletic. analysis; an online hustings event itself against vulnerable, ill people,” In the last few months of his life guide; and blogs concerning the elec- said Michael Robinson, the Society Kiddie held the status of being the tions. for the Protection of Unborn Children oldest living former Celtic player “As Christians we want to vote in (SPUC)’s director of communications. following the death of Tommy these elections because it’s a crucial Scotland’s First “Assisted suicide fails to protect the Docherty on 31st December 2020. way we participate in the democratic Minister Nicola right to life of all citizens no matter While only 20 people were pres- process and make our voice heard,” Sturgeon how weak, vulnerable or disabled their ent at Kiddie’s funeral at St said Dr Stuart Weir, CARE for Scotland’s lives may be. Leonard and St Fergus RC Church, National Director. “The SNP now appears to be setting Dundee, due to Covid-19 restric- “Let’s be praying for God to move itself against vulnerable people in tions, thousands paid tribute on- this election season both at Holyrood Scotland by envisioning a society line and in personal messages. and at the Senedd and raise up men which devalues their lives. Tributes included messages and women of character and integri- “We must oppose every move to from Kiddie’s former pupils and ty.” legalise the abhorrent practice of as- colleagues from the two Catholic Both Scottish and Welsh parliamen- sisted suicide in Britain.” schools he taught at in later life, tary elections take place on 6th May. In 2015, MSPs rejected the Assisted Lawside Academy and St John’s RC See CARE’s website at: Suicide Scotland Bill by 82 votes to High School. elections21.care.org.uk 36. 14 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Brazil still has most Catholics Francis urges World Bank to but Philippines is closing fast act over poor nations’ debts The Vatican’s Statsitical Yearbook has revealed that the countries with the Repeats calls for fairer, decision-making and facilitating ac- Developed countries, he said, can place to take precedence over the law most people baptised Catholics con- cess to the international market” but pay this debt by “significantly limiting of love and the health of all.” tinue to be, in order: Brazil, Mexico, more humane society also a significant reduction in their their consumption of non-renewable “It is my hope that in these days, the Philippines, the United States and to rise from pandemic debt. energy or by assisting poorer countries your formal deliberations and your Italy – the same top five nations as “Relieving the burden of debt of so to enact policies and programmes of personal encounters will bear much last year. – and fairer access to many countries and communities to- sustainable development, but also by fruit for the discernment of wise so- But the order and countries are dif- vaccines that does not day is a profoundly human gesture covering the costs of the innovation lutions for a more inclusive and sus- ferent when looking at the number that can help people to develop, to required for that purpose.” tainable future, a future where finance of dioceses or other Church jurisdic- let ‘law of market’ rule have access to vaccines, health, edu- Pope Francis also said financial is at the service of the common good, tions, the number of ordinations and cation and jobs,” he said. markets must be regulated and geared where the vulnerable and the mar- the number of children under the age The pope also highlighted the “eco- toward serving the common good ginalised are placed at the center, and of seven baptised over the previous Junno Arocho Esteves logical debt” that exists in the world during the current health crisis. where the earth, our common home, 12 months. Poor countries cannot be expected caused by “human-induced ecological Calling “a justly financed vaccine is well cared for,” the pope told dele- According to the yearbook, Brazil to recover from the current financial degradation and biodiversity loss” solidarity,” the pope said governments gates from the World Bank Group and had 177 million baptised Catholics crisis if the world returns to an eco- that have affected poor countries. cannot allow “the law of the market- International Monetary Fund. by the end of 2019; Mexico had 115.5 nomic model in which a small mi- million; the Philippines had 89 million; nority of people owns half of the the United States had almost 74 mil- world’s wealth, Pope Francis said. The saints are always with you when you’re at prayer lion; and Italy 57.8 million. In a message to participants at the But the top-five countries in terms World Bank Group and International of the number of dioceses, eparchies, Monetary Fund 2021 virtual spring prelatures and other jurisdictions meetings, the pope said that despite were: Brazil with 278; Italy with 228; “our deeply held convictions that all the United States with 195; India with men and women are created equal, 175; and France with 99. many of our brothers and sisters in On baptisms, there were more than the human family, especially those at 1.6 million baptisms of children under the margins of society, are effectively seven in the Philippines, the largest excluded from the financial world.” number. This compares with Mexico “If we are to come out of this situa- (1.48 million); 1.05 million in Brazil; tion as a better, more humane and more than 595,000 in the US; and solidary world, new and creative forms more than 442,000 in Colombia. of social, political and economic par- The pope’s Argentina came close ticipation must be devised, sensitive to breaking into the top five, with to the voice of the poor and committed 441,572. to including them in the building of As for ordinations, two countries our common future,” he said. were tied for the top position: the Although countries are formulating United States and India, each with their own recovery plans, the pope 415 new priests.Following them were wrote, there is a need for a global Nigeria with 410; Brazil with 390; and plan to create new institutions to ad- Italy with 317. vance “the integral human develop- The Statistical Yearbook also con- ment of all peoples.” tains figures for the number of Catholic Using his message to repeat his call schools at every level and other insti- for debt forgiveness for poorer coun- tutions the Church runs to care for tries, the pope’s appeal coincided with people in need. the launch of a campaign by the Vat- The countries with the most ican’s Covid-19 commission calling Catholic hospitals, not counting dis- for debt relief in Africa, where the sit- pensaries, are: India with 754; the uation of many countries has wors- Pope Francis is pictured above in He used the weekly event – held prayer but instead are United States with 551; Germany with ened because of the pandemic. the library of the Apostolic Palace socially distanced in line with accompanied by countless saints 439; Congo with 419; and Brazil with Poor nations, the pope said, not at the Vatican as he leads his regulations – to stress that who have preceded them. 278. only must have “an effective share in general audience. Christians are never alone in Photo: Vatican Media Tributes paid to Fr Küng, the critic who loved the Church Tributes have been paid from around Church superfluous and did not want for Promoting Christian Unity. “However, in my judgment, he went the world to Fr Hans Küng, the world- it to perish. He wanted a renewed He served as a doctoral assistant to too far – beyond Catholic orthodoxy – renowned Swiss theologian who died Church, a Church for today’s people,” Fr Küng from 1961 to 1964, before a and so did not remain tied to a theol- on 6th April, aged 93. Bishop Gmür said. long period of distance and deeply ogy based on the doctrine of the German and Swiss bishops who “He fought for a Church that would diverging views on a host of theological church, but ‘invented’ his own theol- knew and worked with Fr Hans de- deal with the realities of life as they questions and the proper way to raise ogy.” scribed him as a man who loved the are and with the world as it is. them. The cardinal said he found “unac- Catholic Church, even though he “He wanted a Christian Church and But in the past few decades, the ceptable” the way Fr Küng had some- sometimes went beyond the limits of a Christian faith and people of Chris- cardinal said, their relationship was times spoken about Pope Benedict Catholic doctrine and criticised the tian faith who listen and are heard, one of “mutual respect” and exchanges XVI, with whom he had served as an decisions of Church leaders. with whom one can discuss, who get of cards and letters for holidays and expert at the Second Vatican Council, At times the Swiss-born cleric involved, who live out of their trust other celebrations. “Certainly, the the- but “I know Benedict prayed for him.” seemed like he was fighting the in God, who serve peace together ological differences remained, but on “He knew deep in his heart that he Church, one bishop said. Bishop Felix with other believers,” the bishop said. a human level, the relationship was was Catholic and never left or wanted Gmür of Basel, president of the Swiss Fr Küng had lived and taught in straightforward and peaceful.” to leave the Church, even if his be- bishops’ conference, said that for all Tübingen, Germany, for decades. One Fr Küng was more than a critic of haviour was not always that of a his criticism, “Hans Küng was a lover of his closest friends and then fiercest the Church; “he was a person who Catholic.” of the Church.” critics before a reconciliation was Ger- wanted to promote renewal of the But in challenging the Church hi- man Cardinal Walter Kasper, the re- Church and realise its reform,” the Obituary to Fr Küng: See Catholic erarchy “he did not want to make the tired president of the Pontifical Council cardinal said. Times, page 27 The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 15 Rome
Pope Francis delivers the IN BRIEF homily at Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in Rome’s Church of the Holy Spirit. To comply with Symposium to offer Italian state regulations, the theological take on congregation was sparse to allow for social distancing mission of priests The cardinal tasked with organis- ing a major theological symposium on the priesthood next year says that at its heart will be a drive to deepen the foundation of the Church’s mission. However, Cardinal Marc Ouel- let also said it would look at im- proving the way laypeople and priests work together and ensure that service, not power, motivates the request for ordination. The theological symposium will not offer practical solutions to all the pastoral and missionary prob- lems of the Church, but it can help us understand ministerial priesthood and get away from the idea that ordained ministry is linked to ‘ecclesiastical power,’ the cardinal said at a news con- ference. The three-day gathering, titled Toward a Fundamental The- ology of the Priesthood, will run from 17th-19th February 2022. The relationship between bap- tism and ordained ministry needs greater emphasis today, Cardinal Ouellet said, but reviewing the foundations of a theology of priesthood also “involves ecu- menical questions not to be ig- nored, as well as the cultural movements that question the place of women in the Church.”
Pope calls all Catholics to be Cardinal Cassidy, ecumenical expert dies, aged 96 Australian Cardinal Edward I. missionaries of God’s mercy Cassidy, a long-time Vatican diplomat and former president of the Pontifical Council for Promot- Cindy Wooden the Risen Lord appears to them and the wounds of his crucifixion, the ing Christian Unity, died on 10th Like the disciples, who experienced “raises them up with his mercy.” pope said, he was not simply proving April 10 in Newcastle, Australia, Jesus’ divine mercy after the resur- “Having received that mercy, they he had risen, but also made it possible aged 96. Cardinal Cassidy was re- rection, all Christians are called to become merciful in turn,” the pope for them to see and touch “the fact gared as one of the Church’s finest become missionaries, sharing the said. “It’s very difficult to be merciful that God has loved us to the end. He experts and supporters of ecu- Gospel of God’s love and mercy with if you have not been shown mercy.” has made our wounds his own and menical matters. others, Pope Francis said. Saying, “Peace be with you,” Jesus borne our weaknesses in his own He celebrated his 80th birthday “Today Jesus tells us, too, ‘Peace be sets their troubled hearts at ease and body.” nine months before the death of with you! You are precious in my eyes. forgives their failings, he said, lifting The day’s first reading, from the St John Paul II, so was not eligible Peace be with you! You are important them up and filling them with the Acts of the Apostles, recounted how to vote in the April 2005 conclave for me. Peace be with you! You have a courage they need to be his witness- the early Christian community shared that elected Pope Benedict XVI. “I mission. No one can take your place. es. everything they had in common. “This missed the cut by a few strokes, as You are irreplaceable. And I believe “The disciples were guilty; they had is not communism, but pure Christi- they say in the golfing world,” in you,’” the pope said. run away, they had abandoned the anity,” the pope said. Cardinal Cassidy told Catholic Pope Francis celebrated the Mass master,” the pope said. “Sin brings The disciples “discovered that they News Service at the time. “It for Divine Mercy Sunday at the Rome torment; evil has its price. Our sin, as shared the mission, the forgiveness would have been a special occa- Church of the Holy Spirit, just a block the psalmist says, is always before and the body of Jesus, and so it seemed sion” to have been part of the away from St. Peter’s Square. The us.” natural to share their earthly posses- conclave, “but you turn 80 and, church is the Rome Shrine of Divine pope told them they represent “reali- “Like those disciples, we need to sions,” he said. “Their fears had been there you go.” Mercy, a devotion begun by St. Fausti- ties where mercy becomes concrete, let ourselves be forgiven,” the pope dispelled by touching the Lord’s Cardinal Cassidy spent 48 years na Kowalska and promoted by St. draws close and serves those in diffi- said. “Let us ask for the grace to accept wounds, and now they are unafraid abroad, the last 11 of those years John Paul II. culty.” that gift, to embrace the sacrament to heal the wounds of those in need, as president of the Pontifical Because of Covid-19 restrictions, After reciting the Regina Coeli of forgiveness. And to understand that because there they see Jesus. Because Council for Promoting Christian fewer than 100 people were present prayer with those present, the pope confession is not about ourselves and Jesus is there in the wounds of the Unity and as president of the for the Mass, wearing masks and seat- greeted each individual personally, our sins, but about God and his mer- needy.” Commission for Religious Rela- ed only two people to a pew, except if shaking hands, blessing them and cy.” Catholics today, he said, need to tions with the Jews. they were members of the same fam- even posing for a few selfies. “We do not confess to abase our- ask themselves if they show others He said the greatest privilege he ily. In his homily at the Mass, Pope selves, but to be raised up,” he said, the mercy they have been shown by enjoyed as the Vatican’s chief ecu- At the end of the Mass, Pope Francis Francis focused on how, prior to the and “we – all of us – need this badly.” God and if they feed the hungry like menist was signing in 1999 the thanked those invited: nurses and resurrection, the disciples misunder- Speaking to priests, Pope Francis Jesus feeds them in the Eucharist. “Joint Declaration on the Doc- doctors from the hospital next door, stood so much of what Jesus said and said that anytime they hear someone’s “Let us not remain indifferent,” trine of Justification” with the refugees, people with disabilities, how they abandoned or even denied confession, they “ought to convey the Pope Francis said. Lutheran World Federation, pro- priests serving as “missionaries of him at the hour of his passion and sweetness of mercy ... the sweetness “Let us not live a one-way faith, a viding a common basis for under- mercy,” inmates from several correc- death. of Jesus, who forgives everything. God faith that receives but does not give, standing how people are justified tional institutes and representatives But when the disciples are hovering forgives everything.” a faith that accepts the gift but does and saved. of Italy’s civil protection service. The in fear in the closed room, he noted, When Jesus showed the disciples not give it in return.” 16 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com World News
The throwaway street children Biden praised as he backs
Fr Shay increase in foreign aid Cullen At a time when the UK government poverty, especially during the Covid- pear hell-bent on reducing their com- of Boris Johnson has come under fire 19 pandemic. mitments to helping the poor. for slashing its commitments to for- “Covid-19 has plunged tens of mil- Such a move “will weaken their in- We’ll call him Angelico; he’s just eign aid spending, President Biden lions of families further into poverty, fluence and standing around the globe, one of the 250,000 or more home- has announced that the USA’s fiscal threatening their ability to put food while the US is increasing its own,” less Philippines children who live budget for 2022 will include a request on the table,” O’Keefe stated. “The they added. on the city streets, alleyways, in to increase foreign aid, with a focus US is a blessed nation. It’s our moral More worryingly for US Catholics, rubbish dumps and open markets. on fighting poverty. responsibility to protect the life and the 2022 federal budget is also ex- They have no secure home, love, The news came as a surprise and dignity of those most in need.” pected to spark a debate over taxpayer care, security and dignity. Most was welcomed by Catholic aid agen- Increased foreign assistance will funding of abortion. have no parents who accept them. cies, who described it as a vital step help the United States counter the Biden’s budget request did not They are the throwaway children in helping the world’s poorest over- threats of climate change and future specifically mention abortion funding, of society yet for true Christians come the impact of Covid-19, and a pandemics, O'Keefe said, adding that but pro-life groups are warning that they are the most important people move that would re-establish Ameri- it will also boost the US response to a proposed $340 million increase for in the world, of great human value can influence around the world. “the complex challenges plaguing the Title X family planning programme above all others. To accept and “The administration’s proposal to Central America.” would fund pro-abortion groups. help them is to accept Jesus of increase poverty-focused international CRS was highly critical of President While the Trump administration Nazareth, as he said himself via assistance in its FY22 budget request Trump’s decision to slash foreign aid set up safeguards against Title X fund- Matthew 18:1-6. demonstrates a steadfast commitment spending by nearly 25 per cent in ing of abortion clinics – forbidding Angelico was abandoned by his to American leadership abroad,” stated infectious diseases around the globe, 2018. grantees from referring for abortions biological parents and was left to Bill O’Keefe, executive vice president as well as $2.5 billion for international A spokesman for Caritas Interna- or being co-located within abortion live a day-to-day existence scrap- at Catholic Relief Services (CRS). climate programmes. tional said the planned foreign aid clinics – the Biden administration is ing out a living on the streets, beg- Included in the request is $1 billion O’Keefe said that the proposed increase comes in sharp contrast to currently in the process of rolling back ging, stealing and eating from the in US foreign assistance for fighting funding “will be vital” to fighting global those “other wealthy nations who ap- those requirements. rubbish carts. Astonishingly, it is estimated that there are 126 million such children in the world. They live in constant stress, anxiety and fear of US archbishop appeals for prayers as tensions rise capture and abuse. They develop Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint are grieving in a different way.” mental health conditions that few Paul and Minneapolis in the United The shooting of Wright came as people know or care about. They States has called for the city to unite tensions in the state were already high are the throwaway children, con- in prayer after the latest fatal police because of the trial of Derek Chauvin, sidered useless to society, being il- shooting in the city. the Minnesota police officer accused literate, diseased, malnourished Daunte Wright was shot and killed of killing George Floyd. The coupling and suspected of having ‘criminal by a police officer after he resisted of events has sparked protests, rioting, minds’ for acts such as stealing a arrest. Officers had stopped him for and looting across Minneapolis. The banana or bread to survive the bit- a motoring violation before discov- National Guard was deployed and a ter pangs of hunger. ering that he had a number of arrest curfew was imposed. But they are not criminals: the warrants against his name. “While early indications point to- real criminals are the corrupt It is believed the officer who shot wards the shooting being accidental” authorities who abuse them and Wright had meant to use his taser the archbishop said, “I encourage al- ignore their plight. rather than his handgun. lowing investigators to complete a When they are arrested many “I have been praying for [Wright’s] thorough investigation before coming are held illegally in detention eternal repose, for his family and for to any personal judgments as to what camps. The irony is the reason all those who loved him,” Archbishop occurred.” most are arrested is because police Hebda said. He added that he was He called on the community to see them as troublemakers when “also praying for the police officer in- “pause and pray, particularly during they find them out on the street volved in the shooting, and for her this time of already heightened tension late at night. But how can you not family and friends. I suspect that they due to the Chauvin trial.” be on the street late when you have nowhere to live? The good news is that in this case, Angelico survived. It was tes- timony to his resilience and con- Catholic investors pressure Bolsonaro to protect Amazon viction that he was a good boy and Lise Alves was cut down between August 2019 and the environment in the encyclical pressure Bolsonaro to change his poli- somehow, he made his way back More than 93 Catholic investors from and July 2020, the letter said the in- Laudato Si',’ the letter said. cies in regard to the Amazon region to the provincial town. The author- around the world have called on the vestors, ‘as Catholics and citizen of The Catholic institutions said they and the people living there,” Francis- ities in the provincial town were Brazilian government to better protect this world,’ are extremely concerned wanted to enter into a dialogue with can Brother Rodrigo de Castro Amedee more caring than those in the city the Amazon and the rights of its in- about the continuing destruction of the Brazilian government ‘to motivate Peret, a member of the Churches and and when they found Angelico digenous population. the Amazon rainforest. you to finally respect human and en- Mining Network and one of the sig- they brought him to the Preda The group sent a letter to Brazilian ‘This devastating environmental vironmental rights and take appro- natories to the letter, which also in- Foundation where he was accepted officials, including President Jair Bol- damage is in stark contrast to the priate countermeasures to remedy cluded several European – but no and given welcome, affirmation, sonaro, listing concrete demands for Catholic guiding theme of preserving the current situation,’ the letter added. UK – banks. kindness and understanding. the rainforest and its peoples. creation and the call of his holiness Among the demands made by the “There has been a dismantling of He is now happy, is studying, ‘Today we approach you not only Pope Francis to protect the climate entities is the implementation of a the protection system of the Amazon having therapy, learning practical as Catholic institutions, but also as consistent plan to combat deforesta- region. This government adopted a skills in vocational training and investors and potential investors in tion, including a specific budget and predatory model, allowing the ad- enjoying freedom from fear, Brazilian government bonds as well measurable intermediate goals. vancement of illegal miners and illegal hunger and want. He enjoys art, as in shares and bonds of Brazilian The group warned that if no actions clearings all over the territory,” he playing games and basketball. companies,’ said the letter. were taken, they would divest from said. He has found a happy childhood Among the Catholic groups’ de- Brazilian companies and government The response from Brazilian gov- with many others. If only every mands is the implementation of a bonds. ernment representatives “was imme- street child’s story ended the same consistent plan to combat deforesta- The initiative could force President diate, signalling that at least officials way. tion, including a specific budget and Bolsonaro to act, as his government are listening,” Br Rodrigo added, after measurable intermediate goals. The letter demands is desperate for overseas investment it was revealed the ministries of Justice Visit www.preda.org, and on Citing data that shows that more better protection as it struggles to counter the impact and the Environment were looking Facebook, Preda Foundation. than 400 square miles of rainforest for the indigenous of Covid-19. “The initiative seeks to at the demands. The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 17 World News Failure to co-operate Your chance to purchase a beautiful, hand crafted on Covid labelled the white resin statue of ‘world’s biggest failure’ Our Lady The sister charged by Pope Francis to “But the overarching one,” she said, truth is some of those people died lead the Vatican’s response to Covid- “has been the inability for individuals, simply because they could not get 19 has criticised the way nations have corporations and nations to work to- the care they needed. Inequality is co-operated to beat the virus. gether in a transparent way.” not a new problem, but Covid-19 has Untier of Knots Sister Carol Keehan said the pan- Sr Carol heads the health task force brought it into sharp focus.” A popular devotion, this statue is demic has exposed how unprepared of the Vatican Covid-19 Commission Sr Carol said the Vatican is trying the world is to work together to stop established by Pope Francis. The to use already-established networks extended to the Blessed Virgin’s an urgent crisis. health task force has focused on the and agencies for vaccine distribution, intercession for us in Heaven. Sr Carol, a Daughter of Charity, told equitable distribution of vaccines and such as religious communities that The knot is a good representation a World Health Day symposium on treatments as well as reducing resist- have worked in poorer countries for of the results of sin in our spiritual health equity that if the lessons of ance to getting the vaccine. decades and already have local facil- life: As we engage habitually in this pandemic are not learned, more It was clear from the beginning of ities and – more importantly – the people will needlessly die in future the pandemic more than a year ago trust of the people they serve. sin, it becomes harder and harder calamities. that health equity would be an issue, “One of the most senior scientists to return to virtue, just as a knot “The paramount issue is the im- and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said to me, ‘Sister, you can have the that is pulled tighter and tighter portance of honest transparency,” Sr director-general of the World Health brightest scientists and these people becomes harder to untie. God’s Carol said. “This pandemic has been Organization, told the symposium will not pay attention. But many of made so much more serious and dev- that the lack of equity has been deadly. these people have had someone of grace, however, offered to us astating by multiple failures – clinically, “More than 2.7 million have lost their faith with them during the pandemic, through the intercession of the ethically and politically. lives,” Ghebreyesus said. “The hard and they will listen to them’,” Sister Virgin Mary, can undo any knot Keehan said. and conquer any sin. A Rwandan Establishing partnerships is vital, man receives and Sr Carol said her task force is the Covid-19 Pope Francis said: vaccine. willing to work with almost anyone Failure to of goodwill. “We’ve been meeting with ThroughTh Mary, ensure pharmaceutical manufacturers,” she vaccines said. “All the knots of our heart, have gone to “They are often maligned for only every knot of our the poorest being interested in money, but we’ve countries is conscience can bbe undone.” one of the had very good conversations, and examples of they’ve done some wonderful things STRICTLY LIMITED how the to help the situation.” world has The task force is also working closely £34£34 OFFER ORDER NOW! failed during with COVAX, a WHO partnership incl P&P&P the * Statue is 8 inches high pandemic, Sr aimed at getting vaccines to countries Carol said that cannot afford them. Celebrating 190 years of the devotion of the Kenyan bishops beg government to Miraculous Medal ONLYONLLYY drop plan to close refugee camps £24.99£24.999 Fredrick Nzwili incl P&P Catholic bishops in Kenya have led calls for the government to shelve Purchase this beautiful plans to close two refugee camps in Sterling Silver Crystal edged the north, which are currently home Miraculous Medal to refugees from civil war and famine and 18” silver chain in Somalia and South Sudan. The bishops’ appeal came after the government ordered the UN Refugee Agency to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in northern Kenya. To order online visit : The two camps host 400,000 people. “It i regrettable that the intention www.thecatholicuniverse.com/knots to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps comes at a time that these people need help,” said Archbishop to order by cheque or PO please send a cheque or PO for Philip Anyolo of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops. “This is the time item/s, with your full name, phone number and details to to give protection and embrace the The Universe Media Group, 2nd Floor, Oakland House most vulnerable in our society.” has temporarily barred the closure, disrupted by various reasons, includ- 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 OPQ. He called on the government to analysts say the camps controversy ing effects of climate change and in- shelve the decision, increase security will persist as Kenya and Somalia en- security. for the refugees and treat them with gage in a maritime border dispute in “Forcefully returning refugees to care during the Covid-19 pandemic. the International Court of Justice. Somalia, where there is still insecurity To order by credit card please call Kenya first said it would close the Archbishop Anyolo said hosting the and attacks on civilians, will lead to 0161 820 5722 and give your card details Dadaab refugee camp in 2016 after refugees has been a good gesture, more suffering of vulnerable women claiming it had become a recruiting necessary, important and human to and children,” Archbishop Anyolo ground for al-Shabab, the Somalia support the most vulnerable in the said, calling for a comprehensive ap- based al-Qaida affiliate in East Africa. society. proach to solve Kenya’s complex ToTo vivisitsit our shop Go o to:to: wwwwww.thecatholicuniverse.com.thecatholicuniversse.com Although the Kenyan high court He said the refugees’ lives had been refugee problem. 18 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
NJPN Comment Energised or Catholic who defied US Navy paralysed? Paul ‘jailed’ for his role in protest Southgate
A Catholic peace campaigner who Pope Francis proposed a striking broke into a US Navy secure dock in image of Church: “I see the Church a symbolic act of protest against the as a field hospital after battle.” nuclear weapons he believes are stored What the Church needs most to- there has been given a 21-month day, he says, is the ability to heal prison sentence.. wounds and to warm the hearts of Mark Colville of New Haven, Con- the faithful; it needs nearness, necticut was a member of the group proximity. known as the King’s Bay Plowshares This is the very quality Covid who broke into the Georgian naval has denied us. We have been iso- submarine base in 2018. Once inside lated, socially distanced, locked he and his fellow anti-nuclear pro- down, furloughed, un-hugged and testers painted peace symbols on dock un-plugged. office equipment and caused some Francis’ battlefield image is not minor damage. a comfortable one: it evokes terror Despite the minor nature of the and trauma, suffering and sacri- vandalism, Justice Lindsey Wood said fice, death and devastation, and the actions were worthy of a federal wondering where God is in all this. charge and handed down a 21-month To make a difference, to uncover sentence. However, as Colville has God’s promise of “I will be with been held in jail for 15 months as he you” makes “nearness and prox- awaited trial, the judge applied his imity” the crucial strategy. time served to the sentence and al- The Battle of Brexit gave us the lowed him to walk free. opportunity to explore national Colville, a member of the Catholic identity, common values, interna- Worker Movement, was ordered to tional relations. We wasted it and pay a share of the $33,503.51 the US are now losing sight of our national Navy said it cost to clean and repair ideals, our national compass. the damage caused by the group. He concluded his statement by read- founder Dorothy Day. near Seattle in 2017. There is not even the suggestion of Colville told the hearing that he be- ing A Prayer for Our Earth by Pope Elizabeth McAlister of New London, The ‘King’s seven’ cut their way into healing and warming, of bridge- lieved his family and the wider com- Francis, which was included in the Connecticut, was also sentenced to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in building over a growing and cata- munity “have a right to live without a 2015 papal encyclical, Laudato Si’, on time served after spending more than St. Marys, Georgia, the East Coast clysmic rift in the national spirit nuclear gun on hair-trigger alert held Care for Our Common Home. 17 months in prison awaiting trial. home of the Trident submarine. The highlighted at the referendum. perpetually to our heads.” Four of the King’s Bay Plowshares The seventh participant, Jesuit Fa- Navy’s fleet of Trident submarines What are we steering by, guided “That right is ours, both by birth participants are currently in prison ther Steve Kelly of the Bay Area in carries about half of the US active by, aiming towards? What do we and by law. It is neither granted by for their role in the protest, which California, has been in federal custody strategic nuclear warheads, according value most? On what basis can the courts, nor denied by them, but this was rooted in the Book of Isaiah’s call since his arrest more than three years to military observers. UK stay together or will we disin- court’s refusal to defend that right – to ‘beat their swords into plowshares’. ago. He is scheduled to appear in a United States military officials have tegrate? Maybe the rich and pow- or even recognise it – has ... placed it One of the quartet to be jailed is video hearing this week for violating neither confirmed nor denied the ex- erful do not want the debate. Does firmly in a posture of criminality,” he Martha Hennessy of Vermont, grand- a probation order stemming from an- istence of nuclear weapons at the the Church? said. daughter of Catholic Worker co- other protest at Naval Base Kitsap base. So, on to the Battle of Covid and its fearsome aftershocks. Will the Church be energised or paralysed? The bishops’ ‘The Common Good’ Catholics step was published 25 years ago in Five priests, two nuns, three 1996. Cardinal Hume introduced it by saying: “The future of humanity in as eruption does not depend on political reform, social revolution or scientific ad- laypeople kidnapped in Haiti hits islands vance. Something else is needed. It starts with a true conversion of Catholics across the West Indies have mind and heart.” Clergy and religious are among the of the population,” he said. It was regret” over the latest kidnapping, but rallied to send aid to their neighbours Now is the opportune time to latest victims to be targeted in a spate possible the group was targeted be- also its “anger at the inhumane situ- on St Vincent and the Grenadines re-frame ‘The Common Good’, to of kidnappings in Haiti. cause the kidnap gang thought the ation we have been going through for after the La Soufrière volcano erupted, fashion solidarity with our allies in Police are said to be concerned Church was “wealthy enough to pay more than a decade,” Fides reported. showing islanders with ash and forcing other Churches and faiths and call after a group of 10 people, including the ransom.” Kidnappings for ransom by armed thousands to flee. for a new conversion – ecological, five priests and two nuns, were ab- Local sources confirmed with Fides gangs have increased over the past “There is an immediate response educational, economic, equality. ducted together on their way to a the names of the 10 people kidnapped several months. with the things they need most,” said Our young people ask, ‘What’s parish near the capital of Port-au- in the town of Croix-des-Bouquets. Bishop Pierre-Andrè Dumas of Archbishop Jason Gordon of the Arch- the point?’ as they see their aspira- Prince early April 11. They were: four priests who are mem- Anse-Veau et Miragone, vice president diocese of Port of Spain, Trinidad and tions and prospects drain away. In recent months kidnapping cases bers of the Priestly Society of St. of the bishops’ conference, told AFP, Tobago, who is co-ordinating aid to We absolutely owe it to them to are happening almost daily in Haiti. Jacques, one of whom is a French na- “This is too much. The time has come the affected islands. “At this stage they make the point, inspire their hope The Caribbean nation has been ex- tional; a priest of the Archdiocese of for these inhuman acts to stop.” need emergency shelters, food sup- and vision, get alongside them to periencing increasing insecurity, po- Cap-HaÔtien; a French member of “The Church prays and stands in pliers and clean water. educate, encourage and equip litical turmoil and gang violence; it is the Sisters of Providence of Pommer- solidarity with all the victims of this La Soufrière first erupted on 9th them. The elders need to dream the poorest country in the Americas. aye; one family friend and three rela- heinous act,” he said. April, forcing between 16-20,000 peo- dreams so that our young people “This new case is a reflection of the tives of another priest, who was not Haiti is officially the poorest country ple to move away from the immediate can see visions and prophesy (Acts collapse of the security apparatus of captured. The relatives included his in the Americas, with many of its cit- danger zone. Over 3,000 people have 2:17). the state and the country. No one aunt, a member of the Little Sisters izens existing on a handful of dollars been placed in emergency shelters. A member of the Justice & Peace seems to be safe anymore,” Redemp- of the Child Jesus. a week. Corruption is said to be en- Fr Alando Williams, diocesan chan- Co-ordinating Council in torist Father Renold Antoine told Fides, Fr Ludger Mazile, secretary of the demic, and many aid agencies have cellor of the Kingstown Diocese, said Hexham & Newcastle diocese, the news agency of the Congregation Haitian bishops' conference, told questioned whether financial support that many islanders had fled with Paul is Chair of the National for the Evangelization of Peoples, on Agence France Presse that the kid- sent to the country gets through to nothing but the clothes they stood Justice and Peace Network 12th April. nappers had demanded a ransom of its desperately poor people. in, and getting food to them was a (NJPN). NJPN Conference 23-25 He blamed the latest kidnapping $1 million for the group’s release. It has also suffered severely in recent challenge. He said local water supplies July at https://www.justice-and- on “outlawed groups who continue The Conference of Haitian Religious years from increasing extreme weather “had been badly contaminated from peace.org.uk/conference/ to sow fear and sadness in the hearts issued a statement expressing its “deep events, including hurricanes the volcanic ashfall.” theCatholic Carol Fr Michael Fr Francis Glatz Collins Marsden Abuse cases will help train The dominance of Florence The best preserved canon lawyers - p22 during the Renaissance - p24 book in history - p28 www.thecatholicuniverse.com TIMESA CATHOLIC UNIVERSE SUPPLEMENT Italy issues arrest warrant for Vatican Observatory broker in Vatican property deal launches new podcast The Vatican in 2018 bought this building at 60 Sloane Avenue in Chelsea as an investment after first owning a partial stake in the and website property. The acquisition of the building has devolved into multidimensional scandal. In the latest development, Italian Vatican Observatory fans and as- authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gianluigi Torzi, an Italian tronomy nerds will want to check broker who served as the middleman in the Vatican’s purchase of out the observatory foundation’s the property. The building is pictured in 2012. (Photo: © Marcin Mazur) new podcast, website and online store for the usual “merch” of hoodies, ball caps, tote bags and phone cases but also bright posters of the Horsehead Nebula, the Milky Way and other starry scenes. People will find everything at vaticanobservatory.org and new content posted on social media: facebook.com/VaticanObservato- ry; instagram.com/vaticanobser- vatory; twitter.com/VaticanOb- serv; youtube.com/c/vaticanobser- vatory; and linkedin.com/compa- ny/vaticanobservatory. The podcasts are available on several platforms and they feature one of the pope’s own Jesuit as- tronomers speaking with a notable figure in the world of space ex- ploration or science. For example, one episode fea- tures Jesuit Brother Guy Consol- magno – a planetary scientist, di- rector of the Vatican Observatory and president of the foundation – speaking with US astronaut Nicole Stott and her husband Christopher Stott of the International Institute of Space Commerce. They talk about moon tourism and what liv- ing on or in the moon would look like as well as a lot of personal an- ecdotes, including how their faith not been served because Torzi is in project. dering, and assets from his company Junno Arocho Esteves fits in with their love of science. the UK. The broker’s Italian lawyer According to the leaked docu- Vita Health Limited, the fund used “The Vatican Observatory is one Italian authorities issued an arrest vowed to file an appeal against the ments, the Vatican Secretariat of to receive the Vatican’s £12 million of the oldest active astronomical warrant for Gianluigi Torzi, an Italian warrant, Reuters reported. State purchased a majority stake in payment to Torzi, were frozen. observatories in the world with its broker who served as the middleman The arrest warrant is the latest the property in 2018, incurring mil- However, a UK judge reversed roots going back to 1582 and the in the Vatican’s majority stake pur- chapter in the investigation of the lions of dollars in debt. the order to freeze Torzi’s assets in Gregorian reform of the calendar,” chase of a property in London’s questionable property deal that has Last June, Vatican authorities ar- March. In his 42-page ruling, Judge according to its website. Chelsea district. been at the centre of claims about rested Torzi, accusing him of ex- Tony Baumgartner said that after The observatory conducts as- According to court documents, financial mismanagement at the Vat- torting £12 million from the Vatican considering all matters related to tronomical research and public Italy’s finance police requested the ican. as payment for the majority stake the case: “I do not consider there is outreach to promote a “scientific warrant after an investigation into Vatican police conducted a raid and his role in brokering the deal. reasonable cause to believe that Mr understanding of our universe,” Torzi and three associates who are on offices in the Secretariat of State After spending 10 days in a Vat- Torzi has benefited from criminal it said. The website dedicated to suspected of money laundering, and the Vatican financial oversight ican jail cell, Torzi was granted a conduct.” the observatory’s scientific activ- fraud and tax violations, the Reuters office in October 2019. The next conditional release after providing The judge also criticised what he ities is at vaticanobservatory.va news agency reported on 12th April. day, the Italian magazine L’Espresso “a detailed memorandum” and doc- said were omissions by the Vatican /content/specolavaticana/en.html. Although the charges are related published an internal notice as well uments “deemed useful for the re- prosecutor regarding the accusations The Vatican Observatory works to violations against Italian finance as leaked documents alleging the construction of the facts under in- against Torzi and said the Vatican’s with the Vatican Observatory regulations, the charges stemmed raid was part of a Vatican investi- vestigation.” “non-disclosures and misrepresen- Foundation to educate and engage from the Vatican’s investigation into gation into how the Secretariat of Nevertheless, he still faced Vatican tations are so appalling that” re- the public about astronomy and Torzi. State used £145 million to finance charges of extortion, embezzlement, versing the order to freeze the assets dialogue between faith and sci- As of 13th April, the warrant had the London property development aggravated fraud and money laun- was justified. ence. 20 CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
In brief TALKING POINT MINSK: While Church leaders in Belarus appear to be avoiding Carmel Matthews and Rita Ray visit their mother, public issues, Catholics across Rosalyn Redmond, 92, in a specially constructed the country continue to demand outdoor visiting cabin with a room divider to protect against the spread of Covid-19 at St Glady’s Nursing the freeing of political prisoners Home in Dublin on 14th March. The sisters have not and an end to regime repression. been able to hug their mother in over a year due to “Bishops and priests are under government restrictions on social interactions. pressure not to speak out about (Catholic News Service photo/Clodagh Kilcoyne, Reuters) human rights, and many believe this follows Vatican recommen- dations,” Kaciaryna Laurynen- ka, a Catholic theologian and historian, said in an interview with Catholic News Service. “The previous widespread en- thusiasm has given way to a more pessimistic attitude, with fewer expectations of change. But while many clergy and laity are afraid to talk openly, much work is being done to help those in need.” Ihar Baranouski, an online editor with Belarus’ Eastern Catholic community, said more than 350 internationally recog- nised political prisoners were still incarcerated in Belarus, where 30,000 people had re- ceived “administrative punish- ments” and more than 2,300 faced criminal charges for par- ticipating in protests. He added that residents of the capital who showed soli- darity with protests still risked “severe repression” – including the cutting of water supplies to apartment buildings “allegedly for technical reasons. Such bru- tal repression has certainly af- Pandemic will never deter care for fected the mood among Catholics, most of whom realise rapid change can’t be expected. But the possibility of a prayer the fragile, religious orders vow life in parishes has enabled them to endure these trials in a hopeful Christian way. Many Carol Glatz their members have given their to be “heavy” because of the many The religious congregations are writing to the imprisoned commitment, energy and even victims among caregivers, signing the statement reaffirmed and offering material support Leaders from dozens of religious their lives to care for those workers, patients and residents, he their “commitment to continue to to the families of those fined orders dedicated to providing affected by the insidious virus,” it said. place the person at the centre of and convicted, so they don’t health care services and residential said. “The pandemic found us all the services offered and the feel abandoned and forgotten.” homes for the elderly and the Many members of religious unprepared,” he said, noting how promotion of life in the best disabled reaffirmed their orders who caught the virus died, difficult or impossible it was at the possible quality as the specific VATICAN CITY: In an effort commitment to continue serving and sometimes it was in “painful early stages of the novel purpose of our institutions, to reach out to people with dis- the most vulnerable as the global ‘solitude’ but always accompanied coronavirus’ spread to get needed seeking to continuously improve abilities, the Vatican earlier this pandemic continues. by the affection, prayer and protective equipment in some parts the quality of our offerings” as month launched a new Sign Despite having to face the closeness of their religious of the world. they run numerous residential Language service on its pandemic’s onslaught one year ago families,” it said. Now that the vaccine has been services for the elderly or those YouTube account, and plans with inadequate supplies of The past year was both prioritised for health workers, with disabilities. are being made to develop other protective equipment – resulting in “consoling and hard-going,” said those living in residential facilities While governments have been technological tools that would numerous deaths for workers and Father Carmine Arice, superior and the elderly, there has been an encouraging the help the disabled more easily residents – religious men and general of the Brothers of St immediate decrease in Covid-19 “deinstitutionalisation” of access papal content. women will continue to obey the Joseph Cottolengo, in an interview deaths for this segment of the assistance to people who are not On Easter Sunday, the Vati- Lord’s commandment to love and on 8th April with Avvenire, the population, he said. self-sufficient, the statement said can’s new No One Excluded care for the weakest, the leaders daily newspaper of the Italian However, the latest spikes in that “based on the experience of project formally went live, of- said in a joint statement. bishops’ conference. infections are now “most of all many of our realities, it seems fering those with hearing dis- The statement was signed by the The consolation came because among people living together as a useful to us to support the abilities access to the pope’s superiors general of 45 men’s and consecrated men and women family,” he said, emphasising how presence of facilities that, due to livestreamed general audiences women’s religious congregations, “showed vitality, generosity and the priorities in vaccinations the possibility of providing even and Angelus and Regina Coeli marking a review of the past year, urgency in responding to the should shift according to the actual more specialised services, can be addresses. renewing their commitment and emergency, even at the cost of realities on the ground. at the heart of the network of Sometime in the next few making an appeal for action. It was their life,” said the priest who led The joint statement said services on the territory.” months, the Vatican is also ex- published on the website of the the initiative for the joint members of religious orders hope They will continue to support pected to release a mobile app Rome-based International Union statement. that “all the populations of the and advocate for the family as the for those with sensory disabil- of Superiors General on 25th Calling these men and women planet, even the poorest, will have best place for people to live the ities allowing for integrated use March. religious “martyrs of charity,” he access to this providential final stages of life, it said. of the Vatican’s social media One year after the start of the said the orders were compiling a vaccine.” “Effective collaboration between content, with particular attention Covid-19 outbreak, “the superiors list of their names and “We urge all religious men and residential institutions and the to the visibly impaired, as well general of religious congregations documenting how many died the women to promote this family of origin is possible and as those with communications at the service of the most fragile past year as a consequence of commitment both in their own gives good results in terms of disabilities. people give thanks to God for the assisting those struck by the virus. religious families and in the areas quality of life and continuity of generosity with which so many of In fact, the past year has proven where they work,” it said. care,” it said. CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21 21 www.thecatholicuniverse.com FEATURE New Catholic says she ‘really enjoyed this journey’ leading her to the Church
Mark Zimmermann Sean Montgomery – a Catholic Although she didn’t grow up in a first step to convert to who works as a project manager – religious family in China, Shen’s Catholicism.” Taking a momentous journey is she sometimes went to Mass with paternal grandparents were The couple decided to postpone not a new experience for Jillian him and his family. The couple Christian and would say grace their wedding due the pandemic, Shen. became engaged in 2018, and they before every meal. She remembers and they hope to get married at a Born and raised in China, she decided they wanted to be married as a little girl her father telling her Catholic church in Rome, San moved to the USA to earn a in the Catholic Church and raise to put down her chopsticks, that Pietro in Montorio, in May 2022, bachelor’s degree in psychology at their children Catholic. her grandmother was going to say after their marriage preparation at the University of California in Los After discussing their future life grace. St Matthew’s Cathedral. She’s Angeles and her master’s degree in together and with Sean’s Consequently, Shen said she has writing her dissertation and hopes that subject at California State encouragement, she joined the always been “very curious and to complete work on her doctorate University. Rite of Christian Initiation of respectful about religion in this summer. Then she moved to Maryland, Adults programme at the general.” During the pandemic, Shen said, where she is working on her cathedral, and her journey of faith “When they (my grandparents) there were so many uncertainties doctorate in applied developmental officially started, she said. were in their 80s, they would take in life and she found herself losing psychology at the University of During the pandemic, the a bus to the only church in my direction. Maryland in Baltimore County. weekly RCIA classes were held hometown city,” Shen “Studying Christianity in And this past year, Shen has virtually, and Shen remembers remembered, adding that as an general and Catholicism brought been on a spiritual journey being struck by one of the first adult when she would speak with peace to my mind,” she said, preparing to become Catholic, and lines in the Catechism of the her grandmother on the phone, noting that she felt she didn’t know she received the sacraments of Catholic Church: “The desire for “she would always encourage me how to pray properly, so she asked baptism, confirmation and first God is written in the human to seek out Christianity.” her fiancé and also googled “how (above) Jillian Shen poses for a Communion during the Easter heart.” Shen added: “I’d like to say my to pray” and watched related photo after the Easter Vigil at the Vigil on 3rd April at the Cathedral “That really resonated with me,” grandparents planted a seed in YouTube videos. Cathedral of St Matthew the of St Matthew the Apostle in Shen told the Catholic Standard, me,” and then meeting, dating and “When I felt depressed, lost, I’d Apostle in Washington on 3rd Washington. newspaper of the Archdiocese of becoming engaged to her fiancé feel this urge for praying,” Shen April, when she joined the Shen said after she began dating Washington. “gave me the nudge to take the said. “When I felt that urge, it was Catholic Church, receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and her first Communion. (Catholic News Service photo/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard)
(left) Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory baptises Jillian Shen during the Easter Vigil. (CNS photo/ Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard)
like God was calling me to build this relationship with him.” This year, Shen observed Lent for the first time, and she and Montgomery decided on something simple to observe the season. It harkened back to the example of her grandparents in China: They prayed together before dinner. “It’s a start for us, to be more mindful as a family to strengthen our relationship with God,” she said. Interviewed a few days before the Easter Vigil, Shen said: “I’m very excited, a little nervous, too. I feel like it’s a big moment.” Asked how her life would change after Easter, she said: “It’s almost like I’ve adopted a different mindset” when facing challenges. ... The long-term goal is to strengthen my relationship with God, and with other Catholics, too.” And she’ll continue learning about her faith. “That’s a lifetime journey,” she said. The woman who said she had to learn how to pray added: “I pray every day now.” And as for all that led her to this moment of becoming a Catholic, she added: “I really enjoyed this journey.” 22 CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
Carol Glatz VATICAN LETTER Past abuse cases will help train canon lawyers
When Pope Francis abolished the recent university news release. 2021 to May 2022 at the sign a confidentiality agreement, to discuss cases,” he said. “When a “pontifical secret” covering the “There is a need to learn canon Gregorian campus in Rome, is he said. place like this is created for Church’s judicial handling of cases law not only in the theoretical meant for anyone working in The lifting of the pontifical discussion, everyone learns, both of the sexual abuse of minors, it dimension, but also in its Church tribunals or with a bishop secret only applies to cases the professors and students, was hailed as a major step forward applications,” Jesuit Father in a diocese, because it will cover involving the abuse of a minor, because there is always someone in promoting greater transparency Damián Astigueta, a canon law not just criminal procedures, but leaving other cases still who sees something the others and accountability. professor at the university and co- also disciplinary proceedings and inaccessible, Fr Damián added. don’t or asks a question that makes At first glance, it means victims ordinator of the diploma, said in sanctions that are imposed without But it still opens a whole new way you think and this is a huge help.” and witnesses are free to discuss a the news release. a trial, but that still require an in- of learning and skills-building for The course also will include case and, even though Vatican The release said people working depth understanding of people’s a field that is complex and lacks input from the university’s Centre officials are still obliged to in abuse investigations and trials rights, Church norms and what what would be called “a body of for Child Protection “in order to maintain confidentiality, it “shall for the Church can struggle with constitutes a fair process, he said. jurisprudence” – that is, access to see the tragedy of the abuse of not prevent the fulfilment of the questions, such as: What “clues” The course also will cover what reasons for and analysis of minors from the psychological obligations laid down in all places will help understand what the to do with accusations and cases of decisions from prior cases, point of view,” he said. by civil laws,” the amended law “reality” is when sorting through economic or financial crimes and including facts and events related This way, students will “not said. documents, emails, photographs abuse, such as cases of unfair to a case, what relevant laws and simply be people who apply the But an additional consequence and other evidence? How are facts wages for employees, the norms were referred to and how law, but who know how to of this landmark change, enacted to be reconstructed? How should mismanagement of Church funds were they interpreted. understand what is the underlying in mid-December 2019, will be its presumed victims and the accused or the illicit sale of Church assets, Fr Damián, who has problem of a case” of abuse, he potential to provide much-needed be questioned? And when is Fr Damián said. collaborated with the doctrinal said. They will also learn how to practical training and there the moral certainty But one thing that congregation, including as a judge understand “what kind of abuser multidisciplinary studies for those of guilt or not? makes the course unique in ad hoc tribunals, said often he we may find” and how to involved in the handling of abuse Fr Damián (pictured) and unprecedented will had proposed that officials of the adequately and appropriately cases. told Catholic News be students’ access to Congregation for the Doctrine of question and listen to the accused The faculty of canon law at Service that “the documentation from the Faith meet regularly with and presumed victims in a way Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian problem has been that past abuse cases, so canon law professors teaching at that gets needed facts without University recently announced it is many who work on they can gain insight Rome’s pontifical universities to triggering or revictimising them, offering a new diploma in penal church trials do not have from real-life examples discreetly discuss certain abuse he said. jurisprudence – an “innovative” enough experience” in some and legal precedents that had cases “because this clearly would People working in canon law yearlong course designed to give legal proceedings, and those who been inaccessible due to the help our teaching” and, in turn, usually don’t have this kind of canon law graduates practical do are more familiar with working “pontifical secret.” help students benefit from the experience when it comes to skills and guidance in handling on marriage cases than with However, the “secret of office” congregation’s experience. canonical crimes, he said, evidence, appropriately criminal proceedings for abuse and strict confidentiality continue “But it could not be done and resulting in poorly worded questioning the different parties cases. to be tied to these cases, which is now, with this proposal (of a questions and not following up on and gleaning insight from actual The course, which will be in why the course will not be offered course), it is a way to create a what a person says. past abuse cases, according to a Italian and runs from October online, and students will need to forum with students and professors A precise and professional line of questioning also helps in “trying to unmask a lie,” he added. “There are many, many cases, the majority I would say, that are true (accounts of abuse), but, unfortunately, right now we are seeing an increase in which there are many false accusations,” he said, or sometimes the accused is found guilty without sufficient proof. But the scenario that hurts the most, the priest said, are those cases in which the accused is truly guilty, but it could not be sufficiently proven. “This is serious because everybody loses – the community, the offender, the victim, everyone – because the process was handled poorly,” he said. The new course is meant to ensure the process “is carried out better in every way possible,” Fr Damián said, and to serve the whole Church because “with due process, everyone wins.”
An activist protests to demand justice against a Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a minor, outside the courts in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on 22nd February. The Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome is offering a new diploma that will help canon lawyers working in abuse investigations and trials for the church. (Catholic News Service photo/ Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters) CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21 23
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Ana Borovecki JOURNEY IN FAITH The Lord will guide our lives to resurrection
This year the time of Lent was When all our hope seems to be important for me as a physician Let us all hope that, lost, we are reminded that we have and a person of faith. During this in preparing for witnessed the suffering of a man time of pandemic, I embarked on a Pentecost, the who is also God, a risen Christ. spiritual gifts of journey with Jesus the man, wisdom, And the act of his resurrection prophet and also God. I understanding, brings a new turn in our lives but contemplated his life following the knowledge, good also puts us to the test. accounts in Scripture. counsel, fortitude, Can our everyday existence, When everything in our world piety and the fear of which has been plagued so long was in turmoil – when the the Lord will guide with the darkness of the pandemic, pandemic entered its third wave, us and enlighten us. really be transformed? Can we truly when all our human flaws were find through our faith in the risen seen in the countless problems we Christ love and hope for our fellow were facing, in our doubts and men and women and continue uncertainties and squabbles protecting health as a personal and regarding vaccination – I saw him social value? Can his patience and being tempted in the desert as we humility teach us patience and were tempted in our lives. humility in continuing our journey However, he was victorious over until the end of this pandemic? the temptations because he The message of the risen Christ displayed courage, humility and is clear: “I am the resurrection and trust in God, a lesson so important the life.” Let him transform your in these times of pandemic. life, bringing the good news that Letting Jesus be a part of our lives, love, hope and faith will be knowing him as a good friend, victorious. experiencing his love in everything In the end only the love of God around us, deepens our faith. It will remain, and the path to this enables us to meet him, to walk on love goes through loving and the water as Peter tried but failed understanding our fellow men and because of his lack of faith. We women. Let us all hope that, in must put our trust in God. preparing for Pentecost, the I also saw Jesus being spiritual gifts of wisdom, transfigured, announcing his future Jesus’ human existence was of our own lives is revealed, understanding for the dying and understanding, knowledge, good glory in eternity. I saw him raise contracting before our eyes. precisely as was witnessed by patience for their fears and doubts. counsel, fortitude, piety and the Lazarus as he has raised our lives Thirty-three years of a man’s life many of those health care workers We may feel sadness as we fear of the Lord will guide us and from the ashes and as he has raised were put to the test in three last who cared and still care for the remember those moments, but we enlighten us. the lives of many who have faced days of his earthly existence, people dying in this pandemic. should not be lost in despair. We I culminating in the three hours of They saw the suffering of Christ in may feel anguish, but we are not Ana Borovecki is a physician uncertainty, fear and a lack of faith with the school of medicine at the during the past year. agony on the cross. their fellow men and women and without hope, because we know University of Zagreb in Croatia Then, as we approached Easter, In the passion of Jesus and his tried as he did in his last days and that after the suffering comes and is a corresponding member of the greatest mystery of our faith, suffering on the cross, the mystery hours to display love and resurrection. the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Laura Kelly Fannucci FAITH AT HOME Ripping the roof off the house
Since I was young, leafing was no concern. They needed to sign. The Gospel truth is tearing (literally or metaphorically) I’d “Every house should have a through colourful pages in my get their friend closer to Jesus down our own defenses. likely yell or scold first. But Jesus Christ’s room. The coat which children’s Bible, I’ve loved the now. Jesus sees and affirms the faith sees what matters most: the need hangs in your closet belongs to the Gospel story where the friends This Gospel story teaches an of the roof-wrecking friends. He of the suffering man and the faith poor. If your brother comes to you lower the paralysed man through important truth about dismantling doesn’t yell at them for making a of his friends. He does not worry hungry and you say, Go be thou the roof of the home where Jesus barriers that keep others from hole or shame them for not using about the externals. filled, what kind of hospitality is was staying. God. The friends open up the roof, the door like everyone else. He He reminds us there is always that? ... It’s a story to seize the making a way where there was no heals their friend’s paralysis and room, beyond what we think “Of course husbands must be imagination: the crowd pressing way. What roof might need to be forgives their sins – even more possible. considered, and wives must be close, the creativity of determined ripped off the structures we have than they had hoped for. Christians are called not to close considered, and children. One friends and the drama of a man built, to help people get closer to Who in our life might be longing ourselves off to the world but to let must look after one’s own family, being lowered on a stretcher to Jesus? to get closer to God – and might others inside our homes and holy it is true. But Fr Coady said once, Jesus’ feet. Many of us spend heaps of time, need us to rip off the roof of the places and help them come closer ‘We can all do 10 times as much But the part that catches me energy and money on the way we’ve always done things? to God. as we think we can do’” (The now – as a homeowner – is the maintenance of our homes. But do How could our homes become Servant of God Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, 1947). roof. They ripped it off the house. we stop and ask what in our lives more welcoming to friend and urged people to keep a “Christ How can we be unafraid to rip Whether they removed tiles (Lk might be keeping people from stranger alike, with all their messy room”: a place where strangers off the roof and help others (and 5:19) or opened a hole in straw closer communion with Christ? humanity? would always be welcomed. Every ourselves) to get closer to God, and clay (Mk 2:4), they decided no If this story feels uncomfortable Our first reaction might not time I read her words, I’m whatever it takes? How could the barrier could keep their suffering like a pebble in the shoe or always be the most compassionate challenged to consider whether walls of our hearts become more friend from the hope of healing. unsettling like the shaking of a or Christ-like. If my kids tore a this is true for my own home or porous, letting in all whom God Whether the roof could be repaired firm foundation, this is a good hole in the roof of our house heart: asks us to love? 24 HIDDEN GEMS CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
Fr Michael Collins The de’ Medici ( Part 2) The dominance of Florence during the Renaissance
The birth of twins to Piccarda Benedict XIII the third and last Bueri and Giovanni di Bicci de’ claimant to the papal throne. In Medici on 10th April, 1389 1417, the cardinals at the council ensured the continuation of the de’ elected Cardinal Oddone Colonna Medici family name. The boys who took the name Martin V, thus were christened Cosimo and effectively ending the schism. Damian in honour of two brothers, With the accession of Pope Arab physicians, who were Martin, Cosimo moved to Rome martyred during the persecution of where he remained for three years Christians under the emperor fostering new business at the papal Diocletian at the turn of the fourth court. He purchased a villa south century. Damian died shortly his of Rome at Tivoli close to the site birth. of the Emperor Hadrian’s country Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici residence. sent his firstborn to school with Shortly before he died on 20th the Camaldolese monks at Santa February 1429, Giovanni Maria degli Angeli, who taught summoned his two sons and Cosimo de’ Medici. Portrait by him writing, geometry, Latin, Bronzino. entrusted the bank to them. His Greek, French and Germany. parting advice was to remain in the When he graduated from the Nonetheless, the young bride shadows, avoid irritating other school, Giovanni employed the brought with her a generous dowry prominent Florentine families and humanist scholar, Robert de’Rossi, and properties. As was the custom only render public service when Scarcely had the Florentines villa outside Florence. He deposed as his son’s tutor. of the time, the marriage was pressed. The sons knew that their signed the financial pledge than chests of coin and jewellery in a Despite exposure to classical arranged by the groom and bride’s most pressing public enemy was more Milanese troops arrived, this variety of religious houses which literature, Giovanni was fathers, and bonds and money had the Albizzi family, with whom time led by the fearsome Niccolò had benefitted from his generosity. determined that his first born and been exchanged to ensure the they soon came into conflict. Piccinino. When the Florentines It was a prudent move, for in his second surviving son, Lorenzo, stability of the union. Rinaldo di Messer Maso, head tried to flood the Lucchese troops, September 1433, he was born in 1395, would follow him Cosimo and Contessina were of the Albizzi clan, urged Florence the soldiers turned the diverted summoned by the city fathers to into banking. never close but their marriage to engage in war against the river Serchio on their enemy. the Palazzo della Signoria. Giovanni repeatedly warned his remained stable over four nearby city state of Lucca, which Cosimo sensed that the war Cosimo met with Gonfaloniere, sons against both extravagance and decades. had sided with Milan in a military would soon turn definitively Bernardo Guadagni on 4th the dangers of drawing attention to In 1410, Giovanni’s client offensive against Florence. against Florence and he had no September. The de’ Medici had the family, telling them of various Cardinal Baldassare Cossa was Cosimo was elected, despite his desire to be part of Council of Ten many supporters and grateful members who had died in jealous elected at the Council of Pisa, protestations of unworthiness, to when Lucca claimed the victory. clients who owed their financial strife. taking the name John XXIII. The the Council of Ten, an assembly As the Albizzi pushed Florence security to the family. Cosimo While still a young man, Cosimo election was not valid as Gregory which met to govern the city in the towards an uncertain war against knew that he could count on the was dispatched to Rome to serve XII was still alive, claiming to be face of war. Lucca appealed to Lucca, Cosimo resigned, influential support of a small band in the family bank where he met the true pope. Milan for help and Duke Filippo magnanimously claiming that of articulate scholars who would and married Contessina de’ Bardi, In 1414, Giovanni took Cosimo Maria Visconti dispatched troops others should share the honour of influence the council. Guadagni the daughter of Giovanni de’ with him to the Council of under the command of the serving. He then travelled to told him to appear three days later Bardi, his father’s partner in the Constance where some 600 condottiere Francesco Sforza. Verona to watch events unfold at a to explain “certain voices” to the Rome branch of the family. bishops and theologians tried to Florence was unable to raise an distance, calculating that the Signoria. The de’ Bardi family, once resolve the schism. John XXIII adequate army, forcing the city undoubted disaster about to flood Cosimo returned to the palazzo extremely rich, had suffered from was deposed and Gregory council to pay off the Milanese upon Florence would also wash on the morning of 7th September. a series of unpaid loans. abdicated, leaving the Spaniard, with a bribe of 50,000 florins. away his enemies. But rather than enter the chamber, From Verona, Cosimo sent he was detained by the guard in a numerous letters to his allies and small cell overlooking the piazza. relatives, assuring them of his Two days later, the people were BEHIND ROMAN EYES patriotic concern for their welfare summoned to hear the and his hopes that the city would pronouncement of the Priori be spared the violent ire of the (members of the government of Join Father Michael Collins Lucchese. He concluded his letter, Renaissance Florence between assuring the recipients of his 1250 and 1532). As they gathered How The Ancient Romans prayers and expressing hopes that in the piazza, supporters and the warring families would always enemies of the de’ Medici jostled Depicted The Human Body bear the greater good of Florence towards the window where a in mind. judgement would soon be Free webinar 26th April at 5.00pm Cosimo underestimated the pronounced. A crowd of Albizzi power of the gossipmongers whose supporters called for Cosimo’s Registration at tongues were lubricated by the execution, shouting that he wanted money of the Albizzi. to become the ruler of Florence. www.thelongevityforum.com As the conspiratorial whispers The claims unnerved the Priori grew louder, Cosimo moved to his who listened apprehensively to the CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21 25
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The Palazzo Medici, also called Few could make out Cosimo’s After six months of theological the Palazzo Medici Riccardi after largesse. It was difficult to wrangling, and with pressure from the later family that acquired and understand if they had been bribed both pope and emperor to expanded it, is a Renaissance or simply been the objects of his conclude business, the bishops and palace located in Florence, Italy. It open-handed generosity. Most theologians agreed on a is the seat of the Metropolitan City chose the latter interpretation, formulation to end the Schism of of Florence and a museum. The palace was designed by although those who had been 1054. Michelozzo di Bartolomeo for bribed with de’ Medici coin may On 6th July, Pope Eugenius Cosimo de’ Medici, head of the have commended themselves for promulgated a bull, Laetentur Medici banking family, and was discreetly pocketing the money Caeli, ‘Let the Heavens Rejoice’ – built between 1444 and 1484. while preserving their pride. celebrating the reunion of the When plague broke out in Greeks. The promised unification exorbitant interest on loans. Ferrara in 1439, Cosimo never came about. The Byzantine Cosimo’s banking enterprise convinced Pope Eugenius IV to empire was on the verge of brought the family vast wealth, transfer the Ecumenical Council collapse and the emperor wanted although he himself continued to then in progress at Ferrara to military and financial support live with an outward show of Florence. Finances for the council from the West. The pope promised frugality. The external walls of the were running low and Cosimo to send military troops, using palazzo in which the family extended a loan to the pope. money borrowed from the de’ resided were marked by austere For weeks the city streets echoed Medici bank. But the effort was to rustic panels. Eschewing fine silks with Greek as delegates from prove fruitless. Fifteen years later, and velvets, Cosimo dressed in Constantinople discussed in 1453 Constantinople would fall plain linen and simple serge wool. theological issues. The emperor to Muslim forces, marking the end His enemies grumbled that he John VIII Palaiologos attended of the Roman Empire. ruled the city without ever with his colourfully dressed speaking a word. attendants. I To be continued
Fr Michael Collins is a priest and author living in Dublin, Ireland, with a passion for history, arts, culture and travel writing. His most recent book is a short biography. RAPHAEL’S WORLD, published by Messenger Publications, was written in 2020 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of the High Renaissance painter, Raphael Sanzio da Urbino. The book is available to buy from www.messenger.ie Follow Fr Michael on Twitter: @frmikecollins list of grievances. the Dominican friars in 1436. The de’ Medici hired a number Eugenius, formerly the Cardinal of armed soldiers who took up Protector of the Dominican titular position just outside the city. Their church of San Clemente in Rome, presence was enough to convince had forged a close relationship the Priori that Cosimo de’ Medici with the friars and often referred should be banished, rather than potential patrons to them. Cosimo executed. The sentence was followed the pope’s advice and commuted to an exile to last no commissioned the architect less than five years during which Michelozzo de Bartolozzo to he should not be allowed carry on amplify and enlarge the convent, his banking trade. adding a new refectory and library Cosimo left for Venice where he in the classical style of ancient took up residence at the Rome. Benedictine abbey of San Giorgio Upon completion of the works, Maggiore. In a show of Cosimo asked the prior to inform magnanimous generosity, he paid the pope of his generosity, for the restoration of the monastic whereupon, some weeks later, he library, claiming with a flourish received a fulsome letter from that it was the least he could do for Eugenius assuring him of God’s God who had obtained his pardon and blessings upon his wife liberty. and children. Cosimo placed the The city of Florence soon felt parchment in a chest in his library, the absence of the Medici money, perhaps wondering if he might and the clients whose visits also redeem it at the gates of Paradise. enriched the local economy. The friars continued to enjoy Cosimo’s luck changed when his Cosimo’s bounty, so much so that faithful supporter, Niccolò di a popular saying maintained that Cocco, was elected Gonfaloniere. “the friars of San Marco eat the The decree of banishment was bread of the Medici.” rescinded and Cosimo was The family business continued recalled to Florence. to spread throughout northern According to the Florentine Europe. Branches opened in book seller, Vespasiano da London, Antwerp, Bruges, Bisticci, Cosimo once asked Pope Lübeck, Cologne, Lyons, Geneva, Eugenius IV how he could be Basel as well as in the Italian absolved by God of his sins and peninsular cities of Venice, yet retain his properties and riches. Ancona, Bologna, Pisa, Venice The pope proposed that the banker and Naples. The diversification pay 10,000 florins to embellish the allowed the Medici banks trade in Convent of San Marco in Florence many currencies, accruing profit which had come under the care of from exchange rates as well as 26 CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
I David Torkington’s page is temporarily on hold for a few weeks due to health reasons. EVANGELISATION New document from US bishop looks to inspire deeper love of the Eucharist
Joyce Coronel Utilising the annual celebration of the Last Supper as a focal point, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix released a landmark document on 1st April on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Described by Bishop Olmsted as an “apostolic exhortation” and titled Veneremur Cernui – Down in Adoration Falling, the document explores the key history and theology as well as the beauty of the Eucharist. The bishop called on priests and laity to embrace a deeper love for and understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Catholic faith. Holy Thursday, which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, seemed the appropriate time for issuing the document, Bishop Olmsted said. “I as your shepherd implore each of you to seek out Jesus in the Eucharist to be strengthened and renewed in your faith,” he wrote. A vivid personal narrative near the beginning of the document described the bishop’s upbringing in an ardently Catholic family that prayed together daily. From the reverence his parents showed and the witness of their pastor, he wrote, “a solid conviction about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist” was embedded in his heart. In setting the stage for the document, the bishop acknowledged the “grave crisis of faith in the Eucharist” the Church is experiencing – from declining Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix celebrates Mass at St Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale, Arizona, on 29th March. vocations to the priesthood, (Catholic News Service photo/Billy Hardiman, Catholic Sun) marriage and religious life to ritual meal,” he explained. is present to the faithful at every means. Every time we come to the Bishop Olmsted also addressed “abysmal Mass attendance” and Objections that Christ’s words at Mass throughout time. Eucharist, we are invited to imitate his brother priests, encouraging attacks on the truths of the the Last Supper ought to be In the second part, Bishop this sacrificial love of Christ,” it them to make the Eucharist the Catholic faith. He observed that understood as merely symbolic are Olmsted clarified that the added. source of their priestly “in such troubled waters, our addressed as well. Eucharist is “truly the sacrament The third part contains practical fruitfulness, setting aside time greatest anchor in these storms is “Jesus meant exactly what he of Christ’s love” and encourages suggestions for priests and before the Blessed Sacrament each Christ himself, found in the holy said: He is truly present in the the faithful “to go all out” in their laypeople regarding the Eucharist. morning before engaging in Eucharist.” Eucharist,” the bishop wrote. “If response to “Jesus’ most Bishop Olmsted encouraged lay pastoral work, having a daily The three-part document takes Jesus had meant it as a symbol, he extravagant gift of himself.” Catholics to attend daily Mass, eucharistic Holy Hour and its title from Tantum Ergo, the would not have repeated this In consuming the Eucharist, “a spend time in eucharistic adoration celebrating Mass each day. hymn composed by St Thomas message seven times in this Christian ... is transformed into and honour Sunday as the Lord’s He also urged them to “start or Aquinas in the 13th century that dialogue. ... Despite the uproar Christ” and is invited to accept day, enumerating specific ways to join a Jesus Caritas group to illuminates the mystery of the caused by his teaching, Jesus did “Jesus’ invitation to walk the same accomplish such ideals. provide fraternal love and support Eucharist. not soften his claim. On the path of sacrificial love,” the He quoted the Catechism of the ordered around Jesus’ eucharistic The first part explores the contrary, he strengthened it.” document said. Catholic Church to underscore the love for his priests.” A call to history of the Eucharist, laying Whenever the Mass is Bread and wine themselves are significance of the Sabbath. pastors to make eucharistic groundwork by describing how celebrated, Bishop Olmsted powerful symbols of what “Sunday is a ‘day of protest adoration more available and to Jesus brought the first Passover explained, “the sacrifice of Jesus sacrificial love entails; from the against the servitude of work and organise yearly eucharistic experienced by the Israelites to on Calvary that happened in the harvesting, thrashing, crushing, the worship of money,’” he wrote. processions at their parishes are ultimate fulfilment at the Last past is really made present to us at grinding, kneading and baking to “Sunday is the time to herald to other key elements of the Supper. Mass, here and now.” the plucking and smashing of the world that we are no longer document. “At the Last Supper, which the The sacrificial love that Jesus grapes, we see a foretelling of the slaves to sin and death. This day is I The full text of Bishop Church commemorates today, showed by his self-offering on the agony Jesus suffered in his passion meant to be a weekly gift from Olmsted’s exhortation is available Jesus took part in and forever cross, he continued, is an eternal and death, it said. God to his people: a day of online at https://dphx.org/ transformed the Jewish Passover sacrifice that transcends time and “This is what true love really freedom, joy, charity and peace.” veneremur-cernui CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21 27
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OBITUARY Ellis Heasley Influential Vatican II PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE China: Church elder nears a theologian, dies at 93 month in criminal detention Zhang Chunlei, an elder of Regular readers of this Love (Ren’ai) Reformed column will know that the Anli Serfontein Church in Guiyang in experiences of Christians in Father Hans Küng, the prominent China’s Guizhou province, Guizhou and Chongqing are and sometimes controversial Swiss has now spent nearly a full by no means isolated. Catholic theologian, died month in detention after a Christian Solidarity peacefully in his sleep in the police raid targeting a Worldwide (CSW) continues university town of Tübingen, Christian gathering. to receive reports of Germany, where he had lived and Elder Zhang (pictured) Christians, along with lectured since 1960, said a was detained on 15th members of other spokesman for his Global Ethic March after he went religion and belief Foundation. He was 93. to the police station communities across Fr Küng was one of the most to make inquiries the country, facing outspoken Roman Catholic about 10 Christians widespread violations theologians and one of the who had been arrested of their right to sharpest critics of St John Paul II earlier that day. The freedom of religion or and Pope Benedict XVI. He had arrests took place when local belief (FoRB). worked with and studied with police and officials from the Violations vary according to Pope Benedict, then-Father Joseph Religious Affairs Bureau religion, location, ethnicity, Ratzinger, in Tübingen in the stormed a privately rented attitudes of local officials, and 1960s. property where a number of other factors, and include the Along with Fr Ratzinger, Fr Christians had gathered. forced closure and demolition of Küng was one of the youngest Swiss-born Father Hans Küng, a prominent and sometimes Officers also raided his places of worship, harassment, theological experts advising controversial theologian who taught in Germany, died on 6th April, aged home, as well as those of intrusive surveillance, bishops at the Second Vatican 93. He is pictured in 2015. (Catholic News Service photo/Harald Oppitz, KNA) several other Church arbitrary arrest, detention and Council in 1962-65, but not long support for the demands of saying the Catholic Church was members, and subsequently imprisonment, enforced after the council he stirred grassroots organisations calling for seriously, possibly terminally ill, issued Elder Zhang and three disappearance, and torture. controversy with his views on more democracy in the Church. and only an honest diagnosis and others with penalties of Those who defend the right papal infallibility. Yet in 2005, just a few months radical therapy could cure it. administrative detention for to FoRB are also often Because of this he had his after Cardinal Ratzinger was In Can the Church Still Be ‘illegally operating as an targeted. Last month CSW missio canonica, the licence elected pope, he and Fr Küng Saved? he argued that the malady association.’ learned that charges against needed to teach Roman Catholic spent several hours together at the of the Church went beyond sexual While those detained human rights lawyer Chang theology, withdrawn in 1979 and papal summer residence in Castel abuse scandals and included alongside him were released Weiping have been changed was no longer allowed to teach as Gandolfo. The papal spokesman at resistance to reform, its secrecy, on 20th March, reports later from ‘inciting subversion’ to a Catholic theologian at Catholic the time said Pope Benedict and Fr lack of transparency and misogyny. emerged that Elder Zhang ‘subversion’. universities. Thereafter, he became Küng “agreed that in the space of Speaking at a book launch in had been criminally detained. Chang, who had professor of ecumenical theology this meeting it made no sense to Munich in 2011, he said that at the He is now approaching a full represented clients in cases in Tübingen, until his retirement in enter into an argument about the time the Catholic Church in the month in detention, and his relating to FoRB and other 1996. Fr Küng remained a doctrinal questions remaining United States had lost one-third of case provides an indicator of human rights issues, has been Catholic priest. between Hans Küng and the its membership. “The American the ongoing crackdown in detention since October In 2019, on the occasion of the magisterium of the Church.” Catholic Church never asked why,” against Christians in Guizhou 2020, and was also previously 40th anniversary of having his Instead, the spokesman he said. “Any other institution that province, and indeed across detained in January 2020, mission canonica withdrawn, Fr continued, they focused on two has lost a third of its members the country. during which time he alleges Küng told KNA, the German topics of Fr Küng’s recent work: would want to know why.” At least two house churches he was subjected to torture by Catholic news agency, that after an the possibility of developing a He also said that at the time, 80 in Guizhou have been the Chinese authorities. The exchange of letters with Pope “global ethic” drawing from all per cent of German bishops would formally banned since the recent move to change his Francis he saw himself as “quasi- religious traditions and the welcome reforms. Chinese Communist Party charge is particularly informally” rehabilitated dialogue between Christian faith He said it was not possible for (CCP) official Shen Yiqin was concerning, as the charge of ecclesiastically. He spoke about a and science. Pope Benedict to reform. In an promoted to Guizhou party ‘subversion’ can carry “handwritten, fraternal letter” and But on the fifth anniversary of interview with Ecumenical News chief at the end of 2020. Shen punishments of up to a life insisted that a public rehabilitation Pope Benedict’s papacy, he International, when asked why, Fr previously served as the sentence, compared to by the Church was “not so published an open letter to bishops Küng recalled how, as a young secretary of the Guizhou charges of ‘inciting important” to him. What matters, in several newspapers around the student after World War II, he had Political and Legal subversion’ which could carry he said, is that things move globe in which he listed the travelled through Europe to Committee, during which a sentence of approximately forward for the people and for the opportunities that the new pope explore, while the young pope time she oversaw an intense five years, depending on the Church. missed, like long-term “did not want to travel. He is, in crackdown on the act and level of involvement. After his retirement in 2011, he reconciliation with Jews, dialogue essence, a person for medieval unregistered Living Stone Please pray for the co-founded the Global Ethic with Muslims and helping the liturgy, theology and a medieval Church involving the closure immediate and unconditional Foundation at the University of people of Africa fight HIV. He said Church constitution.” of various church premises release of Elder Zhang Tübingen, “not least because my he was motivated by his “profound Referring to the celibacy debate and the arrest, detention and Chunlei, Chang Weiping, and years are numbered and I would concern for our Church, which now that arose after the sexual abuse imprisonment of several all those detained in China in like my life’s work to be continued finds itself in the worst credibility cases, Fr Küng said: “The Roman church leaders and members. connection with their religion, after my death,” Fr Küng told KNA crisis since the Reformation.” Catholic Church survived for the Shen’s former colleague, belief, or the defence of at the time. Behind the project was The criticism of Pope Benedict first thousand years without Chen Min’er, was Guizhou human rights. Pray also for his conviction that, without peace was nothing new. In 2009, Fr celibacy.” He remained strongly in party chief when Living Stone an end to the targeting of among religions, there can be no Küng criticised the pope as favour of allowing priests and Church was targeted. Chen religion and belief peace among nations. isolated and unable to take creative bishops to marry. has since been moved to communities across the In the decades after Vatican II, steps to deal with a series of Fr Küng, who was born on 19th Chongqing to be the party country, and for the he frequently criticised mandatory internal Church questions, March, 1928, in Sursee, chief there, where two other international community to priestly celibacy, the loss of the including priestly celibacy and Switzerland, was a prolific writer unregistered house churches hold the CCP to account for Church’s credibility, the ban on birth control. and wrote several bestsellers that have been shut down in 2021 its ongoing and egregious women priests and the “Kremlin”- He published a book in 2011 were translated into more than 30 so far. violations of human rights. like Roman Curia. He expressed and spoke of clergy sexual abuse, languages. 28 CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
Fr Francis Marsden CREDO The New Testament: The best preserved book in history
“If Jesus rose from the dead, then better recorded and attested to than 100 AD in the tradition of classical you have to accept all that he said; any other document of the ancient biography but with a strong moral if he didn’t rise from the dead, world. and faith commitment to the then why worry about any of what Let me explain by taking one of subject. The Acts of the Apostles he said?” Timothy Keller the most famous characters of record the continuation and (American pastor and apologist) classical Rome, Julius Caesar. Try preaching of Jesus’ work. The In the face of growing numbers to keep Shakespeare’s version out Epistles explore elements of Jesus’ of “nones” – non-religious – in of your mind! teaching and apply it to Britain, it is important that The key historical sources for contemporary issues in the early Christians realise how well Caesar are his own account of the Christian communities. Revelation grounded Christianity is in history. Gallic Wars, hardly impartial is an apocalyptic vision of the end We perhaps speak too much about because he was interested in times, so of little historical value. faith and not enough about fact, proclaiming his own military The New Testament books are the hard facts of history, successes, and the speeches of far better attested than their demonstrable by the normal Cicero. Sallust’s Bellum Catalinae classical companions. Our earliest techniques of historical research. praises Caesar and Cato for manuscripts appear within decades Christ is risen indeed! The preserving the republic from of their composition. The fragment Temple Establishment of Catalinus’ ambition. Suetonius’ De p52 in Manchester’s Rylands Jerusalem, the High Priests and Vita Caesarum gives biographies Library is dated around AD 125 the Sanhedrin, never denied the of the first twelve Emperors. and carries a few verses of John empty tomb, although they Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble 18. The Bodmer Papyrus p66 energetically opposed any idea of Greeks and Romans covers 48 dated 150-200 AD has most of Rylands Greek P 457, The St John Fragment. On display in the Rylands Jesus’ Resurrection. The empty personalities, Julius Caesar being John’s Gospel. P75 carries Luke Gallery at John Rylands Library in Manchester. tomb was a mystery to them. How one. and John’s Gospels and dates to Photo: RylandsImaging, Wikipedia had unarmed disciples managed to How well grounded are these 175-225 AD. The Chester Beatty 4,100 Slavic, 500 Armenian, 350 For example, the Greek satirist overcome or hypnotise the Roman sources for Julius Caesar? The Papyrus (200 AD) in Dublin also Syriac, 75 Arabic etc. A total of Lucian of Samosata wrote in the guards, move a massive boulder, earliest manuscript copy of his De contains major portions of the over 19,000 manuscripts. Nothing late second century: “The and spirit away the corpse? And bello Gallico, dates from 900 AD, New Testament. in the ancient world can compare Christians, you know, worship a now these uneducated idiots were nearly 1000 years after its By the fourth century we come with this. man to this day – the distinguished disturbing the whole city with talk composition. There are ten copies to the great Uncial Codices. Codex The early Fathers quote the New personage who introduced their of the Nazarene’s Resurrection! extant. Vaticanus of 300-325 AD has Testament over 36,000 times. Even novel rites, and was crucified on Pilate himself was not interested Cicero’s Letters to Caesar are almost the entire Bible, written in had the original been lost, it could that account…You see, these in the fate of one more crucifixion lost, but three speeches before Greek capitals, on 759 leaves of almost all have been reassembled misguided creatures start with the victim. He crucified tens, if not Caesar survive, plus some orations vellum. Codex Sinaiticus of 350 is from Patristic quotations. As a general conviction that they are hundreds of criminals each year. and a letter to Brutus. There are in the British Museum and historical document, the New immortal for all time…that they are The Jewish religion with its about 15 manuscripts ranging contains most of the Old Testament is absolutely rock solid. all brothers from the moment they interminable internal quarrels was from AD 400 to 800, but most of Testament and the complete New Further evidence for Jesus and are converted, and deny the gods of simply an added nuisance in the his works are in medieval or early Testament. Up to 500 AD we also the early Christians comes from Greece, and worship the crucified dirty job of government. So long Renaissance copies. Only a single have the Codices Alexandrinus hostile pagan writers: the Roman sage and live after his laws.” as the Jews paid their taxes, kept page of On the Republic comes (British Museum), Ephaemi historians Tacitus and Suetonius, We must leave for another the peace, and did not sully his from the fourth century. (Paris), Bezae (Cambridge), Pliny the Younger, Governor of occasion the internal criteria reputation with Caesar, he couldn’t A few fragments of Sallust Washingtonensis and Bithynia, Thallus, Phlegon and a which support the genuineness of have cared less about their survive from the second to fourth Claromontanus. Stoic philosopher, Mara bar- the New Testament accounts. religious disagreements. centuries, but the earliest complete Up to the invention of the Serapion. The Jewish historian Nevertheless: “The benefit of the Jerusalem was always a tinder scrolls were created in the ninth printing press in 1460 we have no Josephus and the Talmud are also doubt is to be given to the box at Passover time. Fortunately century. Because of his style, he less than 5,800 Greek manuscripts important if unsympathetic document itself, not arrogated by the Passover of 29/30 AD had was popularly used for teaching of the New Testament. It is the witnesses. the critic to himself.” (Aristotle) passed over without insurrection. rhetoric and Latin in the Middle best preserved book in history. If one were to reject the New Its possible rebel leader, the Ages. Our earliest copy of Slight variations due to scribal Testament, then to be consistent, Nazarene, was dead, even if his Suetonius comes from Tours in miscopyings affect only one-two one must also reject almost corpse had mysteriously France, written about 820 AD. per cent of the verses, and none everything we know about ancient evaporated. Plutarch’s Lives appear in six key has any doctrinal import. The Greece and Rome and their On the other hand, the Apostles manuscripts from the 10th and copying process was exceptionally characters: Alexander the Great, spent the rest of their lives 11th centuries. careful. Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero and proclaiming the Resurrection, at Classics scholars have Compare Homer’s Iliad, 643 Caligula, Socrates, Plato and great risk and cost to themselves. constructed our understanding of copies, the earliest 400 years after Aristotle, Archimedes and All but John met a martyr’s death. Caesar around these sources, its writing. Plato seven copies, Pythagoras. The disciplines of “I believe witnesses who get their although the manuscripts mostly with a 1,300 year time gap. Livy, ancient history and classics, of throats cut,” commented Blaise come a thousand years after his 19 copies, after a 1000-year gap, Greek philosophy and Roman law, Pascal. death. Pliny seven copies, gap 750 years. would need to be scrapped, and Our faith in the Resurrection Now compare and contrast: for New Testament manuscripts are replaced by a cloud of unknowing. rests upon the testimony of the Jesus Christ we have no not only in Greek. Starting from The New Testament is the most Apostles, as crystallised in the autobiographical writings. We 400 AD we have over 10,000 Latin certain document we have from New Testament, a book which is have the four Gospels, written 60- Vulgate copies, 2000 Ethiopic, Page from Codex Vaticanus. the ancient world, bar none. CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21 29 www.thecatholicuniverse.com
SUNDAY WORSHIP ‘Why did you fear, Oh you of little faith?’
18th April, 2021 - God is one of fear. The first time Third Sunday of Easter “…look at my hands and my feet; see that it is fear is mentioned in the Bible is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not when Adam and Eve sinned. We 1st Reading: Acts 3:13-15 are told that they hid, because they Peter blames his Jewish have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” were afraid. From then on, most listeners for the death of Jesus, contacts with God begin with the then calls them to repentance. words fear not; be not afraid. This The God of Abraham, the God was even said to Mary, as it was to of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the the shepherds. It is reckoned that God of our ancestors has glorified Jesus used this expression several his servant Jesus, whom you dozen times throughout the handed over and rejected in the gospels. When the apostles cried presence of Pilate, though he had Out to him in the storm, he decided to release him. But you replied: “Why did you fear, Oh rejected the Holy and Righteous you of little faith?” Today’s gospel One and asked to have a murderer speaks of the apostles being given to you, and you killed the terribly frightened. This seems Author of life, whom God raised strange, as the reason for the fear from the dead. To this we are is the one person who had always witnesses. been their best friend. This fear certainly shows up the limitations Responsorial: from Psalm 4 of our humanity. It was always a R./: Lord, let your put-down, when I was a child, to face shine on us. be told that I was afraid of my When I call, answer me, shadow. O my just God, Imagine Jesus pleading with you who relieve me them to believe him. He invites when I am in distress; them to touch him, to give him have pity on me, and something to eat, to examine his hear my prayer! (R./) hands and his feet. Human nature Know that the Lord does is so fragile, and so fickle. I’m not wonders for his faithful one; blaming anyone here. Obviously, the Lord will hear me this is the first time the apostles when I call upon him. ever came across a situation like O Lord, let the light of your this. We might think that seeing countenance shine upon us! Lazarus, or the daughter of Jairus, You put gladness The appearance of Jesus to the disciples as depicted in a fresco in the Basilica di Sant’Andrea in Mantua, or the young man in Naim, getting Italy. into my heart. (R./) up and walking after seeming to be As soon as I lie down, the breaking of the bread. While Jerusalem. You are witnesses of almost nothing to do with dead, should have prepared them I fall peacefully asleep, they were talking about this, Jesus these things. intellectual understanding. To for this moment. They had known for you alone, O Lord, himself stood among them and know God means to have a close Jesus on a personal basis, and had bring security to my dwelling. (R./) said to them: “Peace be with you.” Repent and be forgiven and personal relationship with our felt at home in his company. This They were startled and terrified, “You see how it is written that Maker and Father. This happens time things were different. He had 2nd Reading: 1 John 2:1-5 and thought that they were seeing the Christ would suffer, and on the most surely if we live in imitation broken free of the constraints of Even Christians are prone to a ghost. He said to them: “Why are third day rise from the dead, and of Christ, or put on Christ, as St the human body, and there was a sin. But if we sin, forgiveness is you frightened, and why do doubts that, in his name, repentance for Paul says. Being Christians gives unique presence in him that they available to us. arise in your hearts? Look at my the forgiveness of sins would be us the great privilege of a had never seen before. My little children, I am writing hands and my feet; see that it is I preached to all the nations.” This relationship with Jesus; but it also We cannot grasp the utter these things to you so that you may myself. Touch me and see; for a prediction or mandate of the risen makes great demands on us, for we transformation they felt, when not sin. But if anyone does sin, we ghost does not have flesh and Christ is echoed by Peter in the cannot be like Christ unless we someone they knew and loved was have an advocate with the Father, bones as you see that I have.” And first reading: “Now you must aim to become pure in heart. so utterly transformed, and now Jesus Christ the righteous; and he when he had said this, he showed repent and turn to God, that your There was a poor and simple has an unearthly aura about him. is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, them his hands and his feet. While sins may be wiped out.” In John’s man who regularly visited a While they still doubted, they were and not for ours only but also for in their joy they were disbelieving epistle too, we are urged to stop certain church, and there pray on filled with joy and wonder as Jesus the sins of the whole world. and still wondering, he said to sinning, and if we have sinned the his knees before a large crucifix. spoke to them about the promises Now by this we may be sure that them: “Have you anything here to sacrifice of Christ can take our When he was asked why his lips of scripture, and how he had we know him, if we obey his eat?” They gave him a piece of sins away. People who live without never moved while praying before fulfilled them. Then he sent them commandments. Whoever says: “I broiled fish, and he took it and ate thought of God or of His will, may the cross he said: “I just look at to continue what he had begun. In have come to know him,” but does in their presence. silence their consciences with the him, and he looks at me.” Words the following line, that is not not obey his commandments, is a Then he said to them: “These promise of repenting some future had given way to contemplation. included in today’s gospel, he liar, and in such a person the truth are my words that I spoke to you day. But is it possible that a change Those who look long enough at promises that he will send them does not exist; but whoever obeys while I was still with you – that of heart can happen in a single Christ, will finally become like the Spirit and they will have a his word, truly in this person the everything written about me in the day? Can we our character and Christ, seeing him as he really is. whole new power, when they will love of God has reached law of Moses, the prophets, and habits possibly improve by an act share in the new power into which perfection. By this we may be sure the psalms must be fulfilled.” of our will? Empowered with trust he has now entered. that we are in him. Then he opened their minds to Some may be inclined to This is one of the many post- understand the scriptures, and he wonder: “Why all the fuss if resurrection appearances of Jesus, I Published by kind permission of Gospel: Luke 24:35-48 said to them: “Thus it is written, everyone is a sinner, and if except that here more than The Association of Catholic The risen Jesus appears to his that the Messiah is to suffer and to forgiveness is easily got?” To this, elsewhere, he is at pains to convince Priests, an association for apostles, for he is real and not a rise from the dead on the third day, St John has a sober warning: “We them that he is real, that all has Catholic Priests who wish to have and that repentance and can be sure that we know God happened as foretold in scripture, a forum, and a voice to reflect, ghost. discuss and comment on issues Then they told what had forgiveness of sins is to be only by keeping his and was part of a divine plan. affecting the Church and society happened on the road, and how he proclaimed in his name to all commandments.” Knowing God It’s an extraordinary fact that today. See www.associationof had been made known to them in nations, beginning from has a moral dimension and has one of our basic attitudes towards catholicpriests.ie 30 CatholicTIMES supplement 16.04.21
Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress Questions and answers... with Fr Francis Doyle Does the Church still observe Rogation Days?
Q. Years ago, our parish in a farming community celebrated Rogation Days. If I remember correctly, these were the three days before Ascension Thursday, which often came during or right after planting time. At Mass we would pray for good weather and a bountiful harvest. The priest would even visit the farms and bless the fields. I’m no longer in farming, but I was wondering: Does the Church still observe Rogation Days? A. The marking of Rogation Days, set aside to bless the fields, has a long history in the Church. Rooted in the Latin verb meaning ‘to ask’ and traditionally tied to the spring planting, the days were first instituted in the fifth century by a bishop in France whose diocese had suffered greatly from pestilence and other natural disorders. By the ninth century, the observance had been extended to the universal Church. In 1969, when the Church’s Rogation procession, Hungary, 2017. The Rogation Days are 25th April, called ‘Major’, and the three days before the feast of the Ascension, called liturgical calendar was revised, the ‘Minor’. celebration of Rogation Days became optional, at the discretion outliers), the unitive aspect staffing our parish schools. I, entrust an unbaptised infant to the would sometimes try to answer of national conferences of bishops remains. though, am still a strong believer mercy of the Lord, knowing that your question with technical – primarily due to the fact that the Sexual intimacy can be an in the value of Catholic education. God wants all people to be saved precision: They spoke of three Western world had become important part of that loving From direct experience, I am and that Jesus said: “Let the principal parts of the Mass – the increasingly industrialised, with union, even into old age. The familiar with Catholic schools children come to me.” offertory, the consecration and the the primary focus no longer on Church recognises this, endorses it today, which are staffed by faith- Surely, though, the ideal is that (priest’s) Communion – and said agriculture and the changing of the and encourages it. True, the nature filled laypeople, using texts that the child be baptised soon and that if you missed any one of those seasons. of that intimacy and its frequency are theologically solid and turning raised a Catholic, so you should parts, you could not ‘count’ the In some rural communities, depend on the agreement of the out students who are academically look for an appropriate Mass. though, the celebration continues couple; often, a frank sharing of proficient and spiritually sound. opportunity (perhaps you’ve done Since the liturgical renewal, with to be observed, particularly in feelings with a physician or As for your grandson, I, too, am this already) to explain to the its emphasis on the overall unity of certain parts of Europe, and a counsellor (especially one who bothered that he is not yet parents how much your faith the Mass as an act of worship, no recent posting by the Bishop of shares your moral outlook) can baptised, but you should not means to you, how it has helped to one takes such a minimalist Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the help in this regard. baptise him yourself. First of all, guide your life and how deeply approach. The current Code of United States, suggested that this for a baptism to be done licitly you desire that your grandson Canon Law (No. 1247) says might be an opportune time to Q. I know I speak for many, (i.e., lawfully) in a non-emergency might have that same gift. simply: ‘On Sundays and other revive the Rogation Days, given many concerned grandparents situation, it is required by the Code Don’t discount, either, the holy days of obligation, the the plight of so many farmers who who put their children through of Canon Law, in No. 868, that at importance of prayer. For decades, faithful are obliged to participate are struggling to make a living. Catholic school in the 1980s and least one parent (or the person Monica – with daily prayers and in the Mass’. (Note that it doesn’t 1990s, foolishly trusting that the responsible for raising the child) many tears – pleaded with God to say ‘part’ or ‘certain parts’ of the Q. What does the Church teach schools were still truly Catholic, must consent and that there be a guide her son Augustine to the Mass.) regarding sex in marriage as they were when we attended well-founded hope that the child Catholic faith, and he became, in By answering your question during later adult years? My them. will be raised in the Catholic faith. the end, one of our greatest saints. directly, I might give the wife insists that since we are no I am not naive; I remember Technically, if you were to (mis)impression that some parts of longer capable of having when we lost the wonderful, perform the baptism yourself it Q. At the church I attend, the the Mass are unimportant. But I’ll children (Abraham and Sarah devoted nuns who taught me and would be ‘valid’ – i.e., it really priest has been telling the take that risk by saying that I think we are not), sex is something my friends. But now we agonise happened, provided you had the congregation (or having the one who leaves just before the that should no longer be an over our precious grandchildren, right intention. But it would lector tell us) that people do not final blessing has substantially important part of our marriage. who are not being baptised violate Church law. Even if it were fulfil their Sunday obligation if fulfilled the Sunday obligation. But I believe that intimacy is because their parents were never lawful for you to perform the they leave Mass before the final My question, though, would be, important at any age for a really taught the faith. I feel baptism, I would advise against it. blessing. Is there any “Why would you want to?” Not couple to keep a strong and terrible guilt now that I didn’t If the child’s parents were to documentation to validate that? only are you depriving yourself of healthy marriage intact. go over their religion texts find out, they could be legitimately I understand that priests don’t the priest’s blessing, but you are Obviously, much depends on the thoroughly. resentful, which would drive them like parishioners to leave before insulting the faith community with agreement of both spouses, but My question is this. I further from the faith and make it Mass is completed, but this sort whom you have joined in a public could you enlighten me on the desperately want my precious less likely that your grandson of threat does not sit well with act of worship. Church’s view? eight-month-old grandson to be would ever be raised a Catholic. me. I remember years ago when You have also taken away the A. The Catechism of the baptised. If I ask a priest to do My guess is that you are worried we were told that we had to hear opportunity to thank God properly Catholic Church speaks in No. so, I’ll probably be turned down. that, should the child die without the scriptural readings in order for the gift of his son. I remember 2363 of the ‘twofold end of Can I baptise him myself, or being baptised, he could never for Mass to ‘count’, but aren’t being taught that ‘the priest is the marriage: the good of the spouses would that baptism be valid only enter heaven. You should lay that such rules technicalities that last to enter church and the first to themselves and the transmission of if there were danger of imminent worry to rest. The Church has miss the point of why we leave’. That strikes me still as good life’. When the procreative aspect death? (God forbid.) never defined limbo as dogma, and participate in the Eucharist? advice. A. Like you, I regret that the the current Catechism of the A. A half-century ago, before is no longer possible (you’re right: I Please note that Fr Doyle Abraham at 100 and Sarah at 90 days are long gone when we had Catholic Church suggests in No. the Second Vatican Council, cannot answer readers’ personal would have to be considered as large numbers of women religious 1261 that we can confidently canonists and moral theologians questions through this column. The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 31 Feature A final flourish from the pen of one of Ireland’s finest poets
Michael Winterbottom other poems (Smith|Doorstop, he does so, a gift for poetry and new Like a Tree 2019), brought together poems writ- access to the healing power of the Cut Back... reviews the last ten over the last decade of his life. written word. the last published work of But now his last and much Before meeting his own history work in the awaited book Like a Tree Cut Back backwards, surrendering to the mo- stellar literary celebrated Irish has been published posthumously. ment and embracing his younger career of self in ‘A Tree Cut Back’, Michael re- priest-cum poet, Like a Tree Cut Back actually com- Fr Michael bines two biographies in one: it in- flects on the 200-year history of Car- McCarthy Fr Michael McCarthy terweaves the life of Michael Mc- low College in ‘A Chink of Light’. He (above) Carthy and the history of Carlow merges historical materials archived College, St Patrick’s, in Ireland. in the college’s Keefe Library with I met Fr Michael McCarthy only The College motto, Rescissa vege- new poems generated by the en- once, when I had the good fortune tior assurgit – ‘that which is cut back counters and conversations that en- and pleasure to be seated at the burgeons forth more abundantly’ – riched the period he spent as poet- sence of voices from those posi- complete typescript on Friday, 8th same table at a luncheon shortly be- encapsulates essential features of in-residence at his alma mater in tioned even lower down that social July, just three days before he died. fore his death. both. 2017. scale, the ‘Aboriginal youth’, repre- The creative clarity left little for I knew nothing of him before that The book opens with ‘the acci- Mining the biography of one of its sented here only as Therry’s those he asked to look after the proj- afternoon but the meeting remained dent’ that cut short the young life of first students, Fr John Joseph Therry, prospective charges or as the ‘Black ect – Peter and Ann Sansom, Richard in my memory long after the event. Michael’s brother, James, leaving an he orchestrates a chorus of voices Native’ that one of the convicts con- Scholar and his niece Ita McCartyme He was gentle, erudite, witty and, indelible mark on the lives of his that testify to the horrors of penal fesses to having murdered. Offering – to do. of course, a great raconteur but what family members. Overshadowing colonies in 19th-century Australia a messier picture than we are per- ‘My Journey of Conversion’, the last left an indelible mark on my mind Michael’s early years in 1950s Ireland, and Van Diemen’s Land. First pub- haps used to seeing in our history part of the book, offers an eloquent was a deep spirituality that shone it is also the tragedy that renders lished in Rev. Eris M. O’Brien’s book, books, ‘A Chink of Light’ brings to retrospective on the entire process through him. sweeter and all the more delightful Life and Letters of Archpriest John life the desperate struggles that pit- of Michael’s turning to poetry and Michael McCarthy was a poet as the innocent pleasures of rural child- Joseph Therry, Founder of the ted the 19th-century poor against evolving spirituality. well as a priest. He grew up on a hood, a ‘Growing up Among Ferns’. Catholic Church in Australia (1922), the ruling classes and their adminis- farm in West Cork, Ireland. His first James’s death remains a backdrop Therry’s correspondence becomes trators across the colonial globe. Published 1st April 2021 poetry collection, Birds’ Nests and in ‘Beyond Childhood’, through the the raw materials for ‘found poems’, Michael’s diagnosis with incurable 178pp Paperback, gatefold, £9.95 Other Poems (Bradshaw Books, triumphs, trials and tomfoolery of as Michael calls them, which give pancreatic cancer in April 2018 (ISBN 978-1-912196-36-4) 2003) won the Patrick Kavanagh Michael’s young adulthood and his voice to convicts and to others who threatened an untimely truncation Hardback (limited edition), £12.95 Award and was followed by chil- studies at Carlow College. sought, in the hours before death, of Like a Tree Cut Back. Fortunately, (ISBN 978-1-912196-93-7) dren’s books, which have been Later on, after Michael has been the ‘consolation of religion’. as he wrote in an unpublished letter eBook, £6.95 translated into 17 languages. At the ordained a Catholic priest, the child- These poems bear witness, too, to to Fr Conn Ó Maoldomhnaigh, he (ISBN 978-1-912196-49-4) Races (Smith|Doorstop, 2009) was hood trauma continues to make its the threat to authority posed by fig- was blessed in his last months of Readers can purchase the book the overall winner of the 2008 Book presence felt, manifesting itself in a ures like Therry: they show colonial life, not only with ‘a calm spirit and a online from the Poetry Business & Pamphlet Competition, chosen by sense of inferiority and deep-rooted secretaries and governors conspiring deep gratitude for the life I have https://poetrybusiness.co.uk/produc Michael Longley, while The Healing anxiety offset only by acute powers against him and his support for the been given’, but also with ‘a burst of t/like-a-tree-cut-back/ Station (Smith|Doorstop, 2015) was of perception and an eloquent hu- poor and downtrodden. Notewor- creative energy’. or order it in Waterstones or selected as a Book of the Year by mour that set him apart from the thy, here, is the alignment not so He thought of this as the upside to directly from The Catholic Universe Hilary Mantel in the Guardian. rest. much of Irish versus English or of a terminal diagnosis and wished for online shop Michael worked as a priest in In 1990s Chicago, Michael finally Catholic versus Protestant in the pe- ‘the necessary time and the creative https://thecatholicuniverse.com/pro North Yorkshire where he died in turns to confront the unspent grief nal colony, but of powerless versus clarity’ to ‘pull it off’. Michael found duct/like-a-tree-cut-back-by- July 2018. The Bright Room and of the little boy he was. He finds, as powerful. Noteworthy, too, is the ab- the time: he rested his pen on a michael-mccarthy/ A joy to work with... and be around Peter Sansom, Co-Director His poems can be angry too at so- launch reading at Wordsworth’s Fr Michael was a great friend to His poems can be of The Poetry Business and cial injustice, but their key note is Dove Cottage. us as well as one of our most cher- angry too at social Fr Michael’s editor, pays his compassion and caring. He cared Ann (Sansom) and I had both ished writers. He led the service about people and about language, worked with Michael for some when our eldest son died, and we injustice, but their key own tribute as the poet’s last he was a natural story-teller but months on that collection; he en- felt supported by him especially al- work is published with a lyric gift and grace. joyed being edited and was quick to ways from that time. note is compassion A poem like ‘Cold Hill Pond’ grasp what needed doing, the small His memoir, Like a Tree Cut Back, and caring. He‘‘ cared It was a privilege and nothing short speaks for all time about a twist of changes here and there, and cru- has at its centre a number of short about people and of a joy to publish Michael Mc- road he always took too fast, with cially was always willing to revise essays, about growing up on a rural Carthy. He had great insight and its body of water whose ‘depth is more fully, to get to the truth of the farm in Co Cork, and about his time about language, he warmth and was quick to notice upwards. The mirror it makes is experience in the poem. studying for the priesthood; then was a natural story- and to understand — which means what matters’. One Saturday when a later book about his early time in his work as a that his poems are often moving That is from his first collection came out, he rang us to say he’d parish priest. teller but with a lyric and sometimes profound — but with us; I remember he signed the just fallen off his chair reading The His clear-sighted and often gift and grace. also just as often they make you contract actually after the book Guardian because Hilary Mantel touching warmth comes through, smile and sometimes laugh out was published, in a pub in the Lake had chosen him as her Book of the lighting up the writing. It was a loud. District in fact after a mesmerising Year. pleasure to work with him. 32 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Feature History questions give us faith to believe in Jesus and his disciples
Pentecost, a period in time when CATHOLIC everything changed. VIEW Lent last year was a very real jour- ney. Last Easter I understood why Dr Lucy the disciples were afraid and hiding. All of us were afraid and hiding be- Russell hind closed doors. For the first time, I felt I knew something of how Jesus’ friends must have felt: in fear for How do we come to belief? Do we their lives. Terrified. Hopeless. Be- believe because our parents believe? reaved. The apostles thought that if It was important to the Gospel writers they were caught, they too would be that there were rational witnesses to crucified. It was easy to identify with the resurrection. As it says in the their feeling of devastation. First Reading from the Acts of the What I couldn’t reconcile was how Apostles on Easter Sunday, ‘You just 60 days later, Jesus’ friends had must have heard about the recent done a 360 degree turn and were out happenings in Judaea; about Jesus on the streets telling everyone and of Nazareth... now we are those wit- anyone that Jesus was alive. In his- nesses – we have eaten and drunk tory we look at cause and effect. So, with him after his resurrection from what had happened? the dead.’ Like my Year 7 student, I am a Reports of the shroud, an angel Catholic. I believe in God and I be- and an empty tomb are followed by lieve Jesus is the Son of God. I am resurrection accounts where Jesus also confident Jesus existed as a per- walks among the living and eats and ciety and provide perspective. It’s of questions we should ask of the make sense of the present? son in history. But until last year I drinks with his friends. These ac- about where we have been and past: How did people in the past Just before the start of Holy Week, hadn’t thought about the events of counts are presented by trusted wit- where we are now. One of the things view their world? What were the Year 7 were learning about the Pentecost as a historian. nesses. But do we trust them? I most enjoy about my subject is en- causes of past events? What were the medieval Church and Thomas The Apostles, still in Jerusalem, I teach history at St Edmund’s couraging students to think like a effects? How did past decisions and Becket. It led to some wonderful gathered in a safe house for the feast Catholic School in Dover. The pur- historian and develop their critical actions affect future choices? What questions. A couple of years ago, my of Pentecost. Suddenly, ‘there came pose of teaching history is to give thinking skills. On one of the display has changed? What has stayed the Cambridge graduate cousin ex- from Heaven a sound as of a violent students a sense of ownership of so- boards in my classroom are examples same? How does the past help us pressed surprise that Jesus existed wind which filled the entire house in as a figure in history. Her first-class which they were sitting; and there honours weren’t awarded for theol- appeared to them tongues of fire; ogy. I gently pointed out to her that these separated and came to rest on Jesus is different to the person of the head of each of them. They were Father Christmas. The choice of all filled with the Holy Spirit’ (Acts whether to believe Jesus is the Son 2:2-4). of God was hers to make, but the We don’t have any historical evi- fact Jesus exists as a figure in history dence or accounts from inside the is just that. Since then, I have taken room. But what we do have is this every opportunity to make this clear dramatic development: around this in my own teaching. So, when one of time the disciples lost their fear. my Year 7s piped up, “Miss, I am a They came out of hiding and reported Catholic and I do believe in God, but – in public – seeing Jesus, risen from do you mean that we know Jesus the dead. They preached about Jesus was actually a real person who ex- as the risen Christ. When accused by isted?”, I was happy to say, “yes”. the Romans, they stood their Jesus was born in Palestine towards ground. When convicted, they em- the end of the reign of Herod the braced their martyrdom. Great, around 4 BC. He lived in a The scholar Reza Aslan writes highly structured and class-con- that, ‘One after another of those who scious society. One of the most ex- claimed to have witnessed the risen citing things about Jesus is that he Jesus went to their own gruesome turns history inside out because he death refusing to recount their testi- teaches as he lives. His teaching mony.’ style is egalitarian, which is one of What would have made me stop the reasons he attracts so much at- hiding, stop being afraid, and go out tention. Jesus doesn’t simply teach on to the streets and preach about with words – he backs this up with seeing the risen Christ? The only ex- his actions. He spends time with planation for such a dramatic turn- people who are despised (tax collec- around is that it is true. Arthur Co- tors), touches people who are con- nan Doyle wrote some brilliant sidered to be unclean (lepers) and words for Sherlock Holmes: ‘Once invites children to come and sit with you eliminate the impossible, what- him after the disciples have tried to ever remains, no matter how im- chase them away. Jesus is a great probable, must be the truth.’ teacher. We know that Jesus lived How do we come to belief? I’ve and died. come to belief because it makes The more interesting question for sense. me as a historian is whether there is Dr Lucy Russell teaches at St historical evidence that he died and Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover lived. It’s interesting to apply some and is editor of Journeying with of those questions from my class- Jesus: Personal Reflections on the room wall to the events that took Stations of the Cross and place between Good Friday and Resurrection (Bloomsbury). The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 33 Heart of the Matter To foster inclusiveness, Nigerian nuns mainstream pupils with disabilities
Valentine Iwenwanne not attend and face stigma and re- administrator, told me. To meet the needs of the pupils jection. The country has the highest She said children with disabilities and ensure that those who are slow Nigeria has few schools On a sunny afternoon, the Rev. number of out-of-school children in also have the rights to live and exist learners can keep up, the sisters put Gideon Oyabugbe, a minister at a lo- the world, and absence of official in society without any limit to their two teachers in each class together for children with cal Baptist church, walked into St data to determine the percentage of basic rights, including rights to edu- with student teachers from local disabilities, so many do Vincent’s Centre for Inclusive Edu- those with learning disabilities cation. “So, if the children without universities. not attend and face cation to pick up James, his eight- makes everything difficult, including disability are not exposed to inclu- Staffer Precious Timothy uses the stigma and rejection. The year-old son. James has autism establishing educational plans. sion, they may not be able to relate Montessori pattern of teaching and spectrum disorder, a condition that Part of the challenges children properly with those with disabili- playing to help the children learn country has the highest impairs communication and social with special needs encounter stems ties,” Sr Scholastica told me. quickly. number of out-of-school interaction. from lack of awareness of learning In each of the classes, the sisters “When you are teaching a child, children in the world, and Rev. Gideon had never heard disabilities coupled with teachers combine the pupils. This, Sr don’t just be the child’s teacher about ASD until James was diag- and parents who expect quick and Scholastica said, will enable those alone, be the child’s friend, the absence of official data to nosed with it as a baby. miraculous solutions. with disabilities to learn faster and mum; with that, he’d get so close to determine the percentage “We noticed it from birth as he In a bid to address the challenge, a eliminate discrimination and com- you and you achieve what you want. of those with learning was growing up; he has not been school of inclusive education run by munication barriers. The nuns and So, for them to learn quickly, you’d able to speak, and sometimes he the Daughters of Charity of St Vin- their staff teach the pupils total need patience.” She told me it re- disabilities makes seems to hear, more like he has a cent de Paul ensures that children communication, which is the use of quires a lot of time and patience everything difficult, partial hearing challenge. So we took with disabilities enjoy full access to both words and sign language to when teaching children numbers, including establishing him to the hospital, and the doctor education with no exclusion on speak. “you can take them for a whole educational plans. said it could be a problem from the grounds of disability, language, gen- “It’s not enough to talk with fin- week; you emphasise on it each day, brain that is interpreting sounds, der, ethnicity or any other barrier. gers alone,” said Sr Scholastica, not- as we’re playing, they are learning asking us to give him some time as Sisters Scholastica Achinkumbur ing all students are taught to write numbers, shapes and colours.” the children at home. Rev. Gideon he grows,” Rev. Gideon told me. and Victoria George currently teach and to communicate in sign lan- Children in primary 3, 4 and other rarely attends this programme, so So as James grew, his parents ex- at the centre and specialise in spe- guage. If all students “are not ex- classes have a unique way of greet- the school gave him a book to help pected him to speak, but he could cial education. Twenty teachers and posed to inclusions, they may not be ing parents and visitors in sign lan- him learn, and he has downloaded not. They knew the problem was as nine auxiliary staff deliver inclusive able to relate properly with those guage when they enter their classes: some visuals on the internet. a result of his inability to hear, education to more than 100 stu- with disabilities.” The class monitor beats the desk to “Sometimes when (James) signs, I which also affects his speaking, and dents. “But because we have started in get everybody’s attention, including go on the internet to find out what thought about getting him a hearing “The essence of establishing this that manner with them, you’d see those with hearing impairment, to he is saying and how to respond,” aid, but their family doctor advised school is to help children without that they mix up very well, you won’t enable them stand and greet visitors Rev. Gideon told me. “And most against it. disability coexist and break the even see the difference, because simultaneously. times, his younger sister helps with Nigeria has few schools for chil- myths and stigma surrounding their they have been taught how to live The school also runs a programme interpretation,” because she, too, at- dren with disabilities, so many do conditions,” Sr Scholastica, school with them.” to help parents to communicate with tends the inclusive school. (right) David Polycarp works with students in sign language at the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul school of inclusive education in Uyo, Nigeria. Nigeria offers few schools for children with disabilities.
(below) Sr Scholastica Achinkumbur, school administrator, poses in her office on 9th March. (Catholic News Service photos/Valentine Iwenwanne) 34 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com
“Remembering Universe weekly special all those in our parishes who have lost their lives Around theParishes during the pandemic” CatholiC news and information from aCross the Uk and ireland
OBITUARY Rev Dwight 1992 and served the Diocese and Hayter RIP Cathedral parish of Brentwood for many years before his retirement. A requiem mass was celebrated last He was a well-known, respected week at Brentwood Cathedral for the and popular figure both in the Rev Dwight Hayter who died at the cathedral parish and wider commu- end of February. nity. Please remember him in your Dwight was ordained as a perma- prayers and especially his sons who nent deacon at the cathedral in May grieve his loss at this time. Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles you have inspired the Church to commission certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ. Bless Dwight Hayter, who faith- fully and humbly served your Church and who has now gone to rest with you, in the hope of rising again. May he rest in peace. We ask this through Christ, our After the Easter Sunday Family Lord. Amen May the Lord reward Service at St George’s Southwark him for his ministry of service and creme eggs were handed out to the faithfulness. Eternal rest grant unto young (and young at heart) ... him, O Lord. Photo: Mazur/Catholic Bishops Of your charity please pray for his Conference, Westminster soul. Finchley Foodbank continues tackling Light of Easter celebrated food poverty one year into pandemic with Church newcomers Five catechumens and two candi- the symbol of the risen Lord, all the Fr Peter Michael Scott, risen dramatically. During the first As an independent foodbank, dates became full members of the candles were lit, and the whole Parish Priest at St Mary’s, week of the lockdown, we supported Finchley Foodbank can tailor some Church as Bishop Alan Hopes cele- cathedral is ablaze with light. It is as East Finchley and Chair of 107 clients. One year on, we are reg- of our food distribution to clients’ brated the Easter Vigil at St John’s if God had said, all over again, as at Finchley Foodbank ularly supporting over 400 clients. needs. For instance, we are able to Cathedral in Norwich. the moment of creation, ‘Let there We are fortunate to be able to offer Halal products alongside meat, In his homily Bishop Alan re- be light.’ One year on from the start of the house the foodbank within St Mary’s fish and vegetarian food. We also flected on our journey from chaos “Third, water. We are made part of pandemic, Finchley Foodbank Parish Hall and to use the grounds provide durable masks and a weekly and darkness into the new creation the new creation, undergoing a new would like to thank everyone who around the church to distribute food newsletter informing clients of the and the light of Easter. “The Resur- birth through the waters of baptism. has given donations in the past pan- and provisions. We are also blessed latest developments in the Covid-19 rection of our Lord Jesus Christ from We die to our old ways of life and are demic year. with excellent volunteers who live pandemic. the dead is the unique event on born again as His children and Finchley Foodbank was founded within the East Finchley neighbour- Our projected aim for this year is which the whole of our history made members of His body, the in 2013 and is based at St Mary’s hood. The local community has to organise a Finchley Foodbank turns,” said the bishop. “That is why Church.” Catholic Church in East Finchley. We been generous in its support. In ad- helpline, empowering clients to ex- we celebrate this Easter light with as Unlike the apostles, the Bishop are independent, seeking to help dition, we have been particularly plore their benefit options or to ac- much joy and thanksgiving as we said, we have no need to go and look those suffering from food poverty in helped by Caritas Westminster and cess educational courses. can muster.” at the empty tomb. the London borough of Barnet. Foodbank Aid. The project has also As with every foodbank, we rely He spoke of the powerful symbols “For as we gather around His altar, Before the pandemic, our average been supported by the Coronavirus on donations. If you would like to which we use to express the mystery we know that He will be truly pres- client numbers were just above 50 Community Support Fund, distrib- help, please visit our Finchley Food- in which we believe. ent among as again in all His risen but sinec March last year and the uted by The National Lottery Com- bank Facebook page or visit “First, darkness. We begin our vigil glory. As were receive this heavenly first lockdown, that number has munity Fund. the Finchley Foodbank website. in the dark. Like the chaos and dark- food for our earthly pilgrimage, His ness which existed before God cre- risen and glorified life fills our lives ated the universe. Like the darkness and heaven is with us long before we of the tomb in which Jesus had been are in heaven.” buried. “The Lord is risen,” Bishop Alan “Second, light. The new fire was concluded. “He is risen indeed. kindled, and from the Easter candle, “Alleluia!” Bishop Alan baptises one of the new members The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 35 To see your parish featured in these pages, contact Michael Winterbottom Around the Parishes on 07949 987771 or via [email protected] Aquinas altar restored for 800th anniversary of English Dominicans
Very Rev. Fr Lawrence Lew OP of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Dominic, Haverstock Hill, reports on a stunning restoration project that has brought new life to a historic altar just in time for a landmark occasion
The altar of Saint Thomas Aquinas, at the top of the south aisle of Our Lady of the Rosary and St Dominic, sits right up against the great organ. It was donated by Mrs Monselle in memory of her four sons, all of whom became priests. As the brass plaque to the left of the altar indi- cates, three of her sons (two of whom were Dominicans) died tragi- cally young. Heartbroken, Mrs Monselle erected this beautiful altar, a verita- ble shrine, dedicated to St Thomas Aquinas, to whom her sons must have had a great devotion. St Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar and priest, the pre-eminent Pictured: Main photo, the gilded theologian and philosopher of the altar. Below, inset, how it looked Catholic Church, and declared the before the restoration project. Common Doctor of the Church, who Far right, the ‘missing’ finial was happily found and restored. died on 7th March 1274. His feast Below right, the brass plaque day is still celebrated on this date in commemorating Mrs Monselle’s the Dominican rite calendar, although original generous donation in the Universal Church now observes memory of her sons. his feast day on 28th January, the Photos: Fr Lawrence Lew OP anniversary of the translation of his relics to Toulouse where they are en- shrined in the medieval Dominican church (L’eglise des Jacobins). This year, the English Dominican predella and around him. The sun Province gives thanks to God for its and stars are inspired by this verse 800th Jubilee, for the first Domini- of scripture: ‘They that are learned can friars arrived in England in 1221, shall shine as the brightness of the sent by St Dominic himself. They heavens: and they that instruct established their first priory in many to justice, as stars for all eter- Oxford on 15th of August 1221. nity.’ (Daniel 12:3) In commemoration of this historic Funding for this project came event, and to celebrate the 800th an- from generous donations, including niversary of the province, the friars one from members of the Priestly at St Dominic’s, London decided to Fraternity of St Dominic. This was restore and, for the first time, gild particularly fitting, given the inten- the altar of St Thomas Aquinas. The tion of the original donor of this al- plan to gild the altar, as it was a new tar. addition to the interior of this Grade A Mass will be celebrated for all II* listed building, had to be those who donated towards this submitted to the Historic Churches restoration. Commission for consent. We trust that Mrs Monselle will be The friars noted that the three al- pleased with this work, and we ask tars in the Lady Chapel, which have St Thomas Aquinas to pray for her similar stonework and gables to the and her sons, and for the English St Thomas altar, are all gilded, and Dominican Province. felt it would be fitting to thus com- May the Lord grant us many voca- plete the gilding of this set of four al- tions, fervent lovers of divine wisdom tars, which are the only altars in the and preachers of truth like St church not dedicated to one of the storer was prepared to re-create this, the entire work. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor. Mysteries of the Holy Rosary; the using a historic photograph to help The Aquinas Altar was completed For more on this story see other fifteen altars in the church, in- him replicate the original finial. and beautifully gilded just in time Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary cluding the High Altar, are effec- As work commenced and the altar for the saint’s dies natalis, his heav- and St Dominic’s Parish tively Rosary altars. was cleaned, the original finial, al- enly birthday, on 7th March. The - https://rosaryshrine.co.uk/ Happily, approval was granted by though broken in parts, was found gold highlights include the carving Facebook: www.facebook.com/ the HCC, and they were asked to on top of the altar. This saved time of the Holy Spirit in the form of a RosaryShrineUK/ consider replacing the finial that and money so the finial was repaired dove, the edges of the pages of his Twitter: twitter.com/rosaryshrine surmounted the central gable but and then gilded and put back in its books, the sun emblem on St Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/ which had gone missing. The re- place, where it beautifully crowns Thomas’ chest, and the stars on the RosaryShrineUK 36 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Education
Fellowship honour for It’s all go at Good Shepherd vice-principal Professor Malcolm Todd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity as pupils visit local parks University, has been awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher A Catholic school in Coventry has Education Academy (PFHEA). been named winner of a council active The honour recognises a sustain- schools challenge which encouraged ed record of effective strategic pupils to visit their local parks. leadership in academic practice Good Shepherd Catholic Primary and academic development as a School, part of the Romero Catholic key contribution to high quality Academy, was one of five schools in student learning. the city to win the Go Parks: Active Fellowship also demonstrates a School Challenge. personal and institutional commit- The free-to-enter challenge was or- ment to professionalism in teach- ganised by Coventry City Council in ing and learning in higher educa- partnership with Coventry East and tion, and recognises professionals West School Games Organisers, who influencing this across the wider host sport and physical activity com- UK university sector as well as in- petitions across Coventry’s schools. ternationally. There are only The school finished first in its group around 1,300 other Principal Fel- after working tirelessly throughout lows of the HEA around the world. February to complete challenges set Professor Todd said: “I am de- by Coventry City Council. lighted to be awarded Principal Fel- Pupils and their families visited lowship and represent Leeds Trinity. parks across Coventry and shared “As a university, we are commit- their visits on social media – while ted to excellence in teaching and also scanning the Go Park QR code learning, enhancing the student ex- when arriving at their park of choice. perience and developing highly Good Shepherd earned a total of employable graduates. I look for- 21,345 points and contributed to the ward to engaging further and con- overall city total of 385,905 points. tributing to this community.” The school has been awarded with Professor Charles Egbu, Vice- a £250 prize after winning the com- Chancellor at Leeds Trinity, added: petition and the money will be in- “We are incredibly proud that Pro- vested in outdoor play and sports fessor Todd has been recognised equipment – with the goal of encour- with this prestigious award. The aging pupils to keep active and enjoy Fellowship highlights Malcolm’s the outdoors. commitment and contribution to Principal Andrew McConville said: student learning, as well as strate- “It has been brilliant for the school to gic leadership in teaching. It is a be involved in the Go Parks challenge fantastic achievement for him and and the response received from pupils and their families heading out and same time. I know everyone at the mentum generated from the challenge great news for the university.” and parents has been phenomenal. taking in the benefits of visiting a school thoroughly enjoyed the day- going over the coming months.” Fellowship “In a time where we spend so much park, which has great physical well- to-day challenges set by Coventry City Pictured above with the award are, demonstrates time in front of a screen the challenge being and mental health benefits. Council and made a real effort to from left to right, back: Andrew Professor Todd’s has encouraged everyone to head out- “The challenge has had real social complete the tasks. McConville, Declan Connelly commitment to side, get some fresh air and explore benefits too, with pupils able to share “We will be using the prize to further (Coventry City Council) and excellence in their local parks. their park visits digitally and keep in support outdoor physical activity at Michael Kirby. teaching “The challenge has seen our pupils touch with their classmates at the our school and plan to keep the mo- Front – Emily and Jaden. St Mark’s Primary is gold Egg-stravagant fundraiser at Barlborough Hall Barlborough Hall School pupils hosted an Easter ‘egg-travaganza’ standard for languages which raised more than £500 for local charities. A languages programme has awarded “The teaching of languages at St Pupils donated 165 Easter eggs and St Mark’s Primary School in Ipswich Mark’s is really outstanding, and well everyone in school was invited to buy Gold Accreditation for its teaching. done to your amazing pupils for all raffle tickets to win them back. More Claire Jackson, headteacher of St their hard work.” than 1,000 tickets were sold and each Mark’s, said she was very pleased to The programme has been devel- year group had a first, second and receive the accreditation, along with oped to help primary schools meet third place winner. language teacher Carole Starling and the statutory requirements for primary “This was a fantastic Easter fundraiser which involved our whole her pupils. languages teaching. The programme school community,” said Barlborough Dr Dixon from Linguamarque said: is used throughout the UK, and has Hall headteacher Karen Keeton. “We “Congratulations to you all – you truly currently been adopted in four coun- raised an amazing £560 for the Good deserve this. ties in East Anglia. Shepherd Fund which will be used to help children in the Hallam diocese.” “We also had eggs left over which have been divided up between local charities including the New Hope Food Bank in Killamarsh.” Mrs Keeton said it was wonderful to be able to do something as a school family at the end of a term which began with remote learning. She added: “This was a wonderful initiative which encompasses the very essence of what we are about – shaping young people to become young men and women for others.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 16th April 2021 37 To see your Catholic school or college featured in The Catholic Universe, send your stories Education in to Michael Winterbottom at [email protected] or call him on 07949 987771 Pupils rise to the challenge of walking to Jerusalem As part of its 2021 Lent Challenge, pupils from St John Lloyd Primary School in Cardiff walked all the way to Jerusalem. The journey – all 3,827 miles to the Holy Land – wasn’t done in one go, obviously, but completed a bit at a time, with the pupils counting up Jack with Mr Mobberley their steps during the week, seeing and his prized Walsall shirt how far they had travelled together on what became a virtual pilgrimage. The idea came from teacher Miss Chapman who broke the journey Walsall FC treat is a ‘well done’ to Jack down into small stages, setting the Jack Patterson, a Year 7 pupil at St alised shirt and signed ball and pro- player himself, both for the school children goals each week. Initially she Francis of Assisi Catholic College in gramme courtesy of Walsall Football and his club Holly Lane. thought the children would only get Aldridge and parishioner at Christ Club. Jack received his award in school as far as Canterbury in the first week the King in Kingstanding, Birming- In addition to this, later in the year from headteacher Mr Salkeld and was but they walked so well and collected ham, received a special surprise last Jack has been invited to have a meet- absolutely delighted. so many steps that they walked all week when he was rewarded for the ing with some of the players and lead Mr Salkeld described him as a credit the way to Ghent in Belgium, where the brilliant work he has done in his out the teams at a match at The Banks’s to St Francis of Assisi and himself and they virtually visited the cathedral of lessons, both at school last term and Stadium and act as a ball boy and really does demonstrate all the values St Bavo. at home during lockdown. mascot. the school stands for. The next week’s collection of foot- Jack’s English teacher Mr Mobberley This gift was chosen as Jack is a big Well done Jack and keep up the steps took the group all the way to arranged for him to receive a person- football fan and promising football amazing work. Milan in Italy, where they learned about St Ambrose and Pope Paul VI, were both bishops there. The journey continued through Italy, passing Assisi where we remem- bered St Francis, and Rome where we prayed for Pope Francis. 7*6:.7*) "*59*2'*7 Another week of walking took the pupils across the water, (only they had to go by boat as they sensibly &.38(&1* #! & ? reasoned they couldn’t walk on water!), Jerusalem and rode into the city on a arriving in Trikaala, Greece, where donkey while the people waved palms they discovered some of the very ear- at him. Jesus held the Last Supper in liest Christian churches. Jerusalem. He was crucified on a cross By the following week the intrepid on a hill called Golgotha and rose #-* &25.43 "(-441 explorers had collectively reached Is- from the dead three days later. As a tanbul in Turkey where Pope John school community we are very proud $.3,1*9>* &3* 473(-:7(- XXIII worked for many years in the to spiritually walk to Jerusalem and 88*= ! % Cathedral of St Anthony of Padua. challenge ourselves to get as close to The last leg of the journey took the Jesus as we can.’ children through Syria and Lebanon, The children were so excited each finally reaching Jerusalem in time for week to see their journey on the map #-* &25.43 "(-441 .8 8**0.3, &3 *39-:8.&89.( &3) <*11 6:&1.+.*) ,7&):&9* 94 1*&) Palm Sunday. on the school’s Twitter page (@SJL- After completing their task the chil- CARDIFF) and find pictures of them- 9-* ! *5&792*39 .394 .98 3*=9 5-&8* 4+ )*;*1452*39 #-* 8:((*88+:1 &551.(&39 dren were asked why they had picked selves out walking and to learn about <.11 '* *=5*(9*) 94 9*&(- :5 94 " &3) 1*;*1 .3 &