Friday 26th February 2021 • £2.40 • €2.70 Subscribers only pay £1.94 www.thecatholicuniverse.com
Build back with the Eucharist as our base Bishop draws inspiration from Book of Genesis and Noah ‘as we emerge from lockdown with a renewed hope in God’
Nick Benson and Simon Caldwell duce the spread of the virus, Bishop As the UK slowly emerges from the Davies recalled how a sign of hope Covid-19 crisis with a glimmer of had been with the public throughout hope, looking to re-establish its coro- the crisis. navirus-ravaged socio-economic sys- Pointing out how the rainbow set tem and freedoms, the Bishop of against the clouds had become a sign Shrewsbury has encouraged Catholics of hope for Noah and his family, Bish- to rebuild the Church on the founda- op Davies recalled how it had also tion of the Eucharist. become a sign of hope during the As Prime Minister Boris Johnson public health crisis “whether painted announced his roadmap to cautiously by children, posted in windows or ease lockdown restrictions in England projected on public buildings”. earlier this week, Bishop Mark Davies The biblical significance of the rain- said the faithful should draw inspira- bow, Bishop Davies said, was to signify tion from the story of Noah in the that God’s purpose is always to save Book of Genesis who, with his family, and bring people to new life in spite he said, “emerged from ‘a state of of their sinfulness and the disasters lockdown’ with renewed hope in God’s that result from sin. saving purpose”. “God’s purpose is always to save While Mr Johnson paid tribute to and bring us to new life,” he said. the extraordinary success of the UK’s “This is our personal experience every vaccination programme and the re- time we make a sincere confession solve of the British public in following and know the grace of the Holy Spirit the lockdown restrictions, which has sent for the forgiveness of sins.” The world’s largest Gothic altarpiece is once again dazzling visitors after a helped to cut infection rates and re- Continued on page 2 six-year restoration project. Conservators concluded their work on the Thanksgiving wooden altarpiece at St Mary’s Basilica in Kraków this month. The masterpiece was completed by Bavarian sculptor Veit Stoss between 1477 and 1489, and features scenes depicting the Dormition and Assumption of END IN SIGHT FOR COVID-19 RULES for Gothic the Blessed Virgin Mary. Route out of restrictions - pg 2 The basilica announced that an act of thanksgiving for the successful Caution welcomed by academics - pg 6 masterpiece completion of the restoration project will be celebrated on 15th August, the feast of the Assumption. This week’s Companion £2.40 €2.70 Winter skincare: Find The best first cars the right moisturiser for first-time drivers your skin needs Can probiotics boost our digestive health? The most iconic album covers of all time 02 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Build back with Eucharist Johnson route map offers as our base Continued from page 1 Bishop Davies noted that more than hope of a ‘normal’ summer 100,000 families throughout the coun- try were now mourning the loss of Prime Minister Boris Johnson has re- • Weddings attended by up to 15 family members from Covid-19. vealed England’s roadmap out of lock- people can take place. Many lessons had been learned down, with a plan to ease restrictions from the pandemic, he added, and over four separate stages. Stage three (no earlier than 17th May) he praised the quiet heroism many Before moving to the next step, the • People can meet in groups of up showed which reflected the demands Government will examine the data to to 30 outdoors and six people or two of Christian life echoed in Lent to assess the impact of previous steps, households can meet indoors. prayer, self-denial and generosity. with assessments made on four tests: • Pubs, restaurants and other hos- The bishop said it was also highly vaccinations, lower hospitalisation pitality venues can seat customers significant that throughout the pan- and deaths, the NHS and variants. indoors. demic the faithful had made “strenu- • Up to 30 people can meet to cele- ous and unprecedented efforts” to re- Stage one – part one (from 8th March) brate weddings or other life events, • All schools and colleges will reopen such as christenings. ‘The faithful had and university students return for • Remaining outdoor entertain- made strenuous practical courses. Face coverings are ment, including outdoor theatres and efforts to turn to recommended for secondary schools cinemas, can open. the Eucharist’ and for parents and staff in primary • Indoor entertainment, including said Bishop Mark schools. museums, theatres, cinemas and chil- • The stay at home requirement re- dren’s play areas, can open. Perform- peatedly turn to the Eucharist, in- mains but people can go outside for ances and large events will be subject recreation – including a coffee or pic- to limits. Indoor events can be at half cluding acts of spiritual communion The routemap offers hope capacity or 1,000 people, while out- when watching Mass over the internet nic – with their household or support that hospitality venues during the times when it was not per- bubble, or with one person outside will be open by May doors they can be at half capacity or missible to attend Mass publicly. their household. 4,000 people – whichever is lower. For Bishop Davies encouraged the faith- • Care home residents can have large venues (at least 40,000 capacity) ful to continue their efforts to fully one nominated regular visitor (see will end but people should stay local and pub gardens can serve customers up to 10,000 can attend re-establish the life of the Church in facing page). as much as possible sitting outdoors, including alcohol • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs reopen. the coming months on the same foun- • Weddings with up to six people in • Outdoor sport facilities will reopen • Gyms and spas can reopen, as • International leisure travel will dation of the Eucharist, promising attendance can take place. and outdoor sports can restart can hairdressers, beauty salons and resume no earlier than 17th May them they could be sure nothing • Parents and children groups can other ‘close contact services’. • Adult indoor group sports and ex- would be lacking in their sense of Stage one – part two (from 29th return but are capped at 15 and must • UK ‘staycations’ are permitted. ercise classes can resume mission if Eucharistic love pervaded March) be outdoors. Indoor groups can take • Children can attend indoor play their parishes. • People can meet outside, with one place for vulnerable children. activities. Stage four (no earlier than 21st June) “The Book of Genesis tells how the other household or within the ‘rule • Zoos, theme parks, drive-in cine- • All legal limits on social contact priority for Noah’s family, having barely of six’, including in private gardens. Stage two (no earlier than 12th April) mas, libraries and community centres can be removed set foot on dry ground, was to build • The stay at home requirement • All shops can open and restaurants can reopen. • No legal limits on life events. an altar for the Lord. In the same way, our union with Christ in the Mass, in the Sacraments and in daily prayer, Catholic educators ready for pupils’ return must be our own enduring priority,” Bishop Davies said. “The very restric- Catholic educators have welcomed the Government is right to prioritise Sean McClafferty, Trust Chief Ex- to be back in the classroom with their tions imposed by the pandemic have the Government’s prioritising of the the opening of schools,” a CES ecutive, told The Catholic Universe teachers and friends. Our staff are helped us treasure our churches as re-opening of schools as one of the spokesperson told The Catholic Uni- that schools had been delivering “high very much looking forward to seeing places of prayer, silence and personal first steps of its roadmap out of lock- verse. quality” remote learning during the all children back in school.” encounter with Christ. down, saying it is important for chil- “This will be welcome news to many lockdown period, which, he said, will The Government has advised staff “I hope we will continue to make dren’s health, development and well- millions of families. Teachers in stand pupils in good stead when they and students in secondary schools generous efforts in 2021, to keep being. Catholic schools have worked tirelessly return to school. and colleges to wear face coverings church doors open wherever this is All students will begin to return to to ensure that Catholic schools re- “Staff across all of our schools will in all areas, including classrooms, possible; and ensuring we give of our face-to-face education in England’s mained open for vulnerable children be well prepared for pupils’ return where social distancing cannot be best in everything connected with the schoold and colleges from 8th March. and the children of key workers.” and will be equipped with the skills maintained and as a temporary extra Mass and the adoration of the Blessed The Catholic Education Service St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi and tools to spot gaps in learning so measure. Sacrament at the heart of every one (CES) welcomed the announcement, Academy Trust, a partnership of the we have urged parents not to worry Wraparound childcare for primary our communities. as it praised teachers for their “tireless” Catholic Voluntary Academies in the about this,” said Mr McClafferty. and secondary pupils will also resume “If Eucharistic love pervades, then work and dedication through the year. Diocese of Nottingham, said that mak- “First and foremost, we want chil- from 8th March where necessary to we can be sure nothing will be lacking “Given the importance of education ing children’s safety and wellbeing dren to return to school feeling safe enable parents to access work, edu- in our sense of mission.” on children’s health and wellbeing, the top priority was welcome. and well and most importantly, happy cation or medical care. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 03 News
A child peers through the window of her home in Sanaa, Yemen Bishop prays route map will ease ‘secondary pandemic’ Nick Benson The Bishop for Healthcare has wel- comed plans to allow all care home residents to meet one visitor from next month from 8th March, saying it will bring an end to what he called Raab leads the “secondary pandemic of loneli- ness”. UN ceasefire The single visitor will be able to hold hands indoors with their relative call to boost and make repeat visits under carefully designed conditions to keep residents, staff and visitors safe. vaccinations Bishop Paul Mason, Lead Bishop UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab for Healthcare at the Catholic Bishops’ has called for a UN resolution for Conference of England and Wales global ceasefires so that vulnerable (CBCEW), welcomed the announce- people living in conflict zones can be ment, saying he was glad the Gov- vaccinated against Covid-19. His call came as he chaired a meet- Bishop Paul said ing of the UN Security Council and news of care urged members to unite and agree a homes visits resolution for negotiated vaccine was a hugely ceasefires. welcomed More than 160 million people are development at risk of being excluded from coron- avirus vaccinations because of insta- ernment had listened to those cham- bility and conflict, including in Yemen, pioning the needs of care home resi- South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. dents. Warning that new variants could “The isolation imposed by the lock- take hold in areas without vaccination downs of the past 11 months has programmes and result in further caused a secondary pandemic of lone- waves across the world, he also urged liness among those in care homes “For nearly a year the only contact members to support equitable access and their relatives unable to visit possible for many relatives has been to vaccines so that the most vulnerable them,” Bishop Mason told The via FaceTime and this does not replace can be protected from the virus. Catholic Universe. “In August last year, the physical contact which is so im- MISSIONARIES “Global vaccination coverage is es- I spoke about the need to acknowledge portant at this difficult time,” he told BEG FOR YOUR sential to beating coronavirus,” said that the care of relatives cannot be The Catholic Universe. “This decision Mr Raab. “That is why the UK is calling replaced, and that love is a crucial is particularly important for people HELP THIS LENT for a vaccination ceasefire to allow part of care. I am glad the Government with dementia who may have forgot- Your gift can make a life-and-death difference for Covid-19 vaccines to reach people has heeded the call for the needs of ten their loved ones during this ex- desperately poor families and for sick and needy living in conflict zones and for a greater those living in care homes to be in- tended time without contact.” people living on their own in the midst of the global team effort to deliver equitable corporated into their strategy.” Every resident will have the oppor- present covid crisis. The Little Way Association access. Ben Bano, director of Welcome Me has received many urgent appeals from bishops, tunity to name one individual, who priests, sisters and missionaries asking for help “We have a moral duty to act, and as I Am, also welcomed the announce- will be required to have a test before- for those in their care. a strategic necessity to come together ment, saying it was particularly im- hand, wear PPE during the visit and They tell us of how the flow of life’s essentials is to defeat this virus.” portant for those with dementia. avoid close contact. being disrupted by public health measures, and how already-struggling economies are experiencing serious depression. It is hard to see how the world can easily return to normal, let alone how the homeless, sick and deprived can Priest launches legal bid to reopen church build a new life. Yet we must not despair. A Glasgow priest has launched legal offer comfort and hope has motivated The Little Way Association tries to respond Fr Thomas Paingottu, Claretian Missionary, India, favourably to all the many requests that we distributing aid packages to the needy. action against Covid-19 related church Fr White’s plea to be allowed to re- receive for the poor and needy but, without our supporters’ generosity we would be closures in Scotland. open his church doors. powerless. This Lent, please can you spare a donation, large or small, for people struggling Scottish worshippers currently face “I am most encouraged by the sup- with the coronavirus pandemic in mission lands. criminal penalties for going to church, port of ADF International in my pur- Every penny that you donate goes intact to provide basic in contrast to their English neighbours suit of lifting the ban on public worship sustenance, water, medicine and housing for the children, who can attend with safety measures – an issue which is weighing heavily families and individuals who need them. in place. on the heart of my community at this All our donors are remembered at Masses offered for their “As a priest, I have witnessed first- difficult time,” he said. intentions and the missionaries always promise prayers for their hand the grief that Covid-19 has “I speak for many in the church benefactors. caused my parish. I know, as a priest, when I say that it’s very important to that we need to open my church to keep people safe and well during this Crossed POs and cheques should be sent and made be able to support them best in their pandemic. payable to: THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common, hour of need,” said Fr Tom White, a “But, this can and should be done priest of the Archdiocese of Glasgow while also allowing people to fulfil London SW4 0PR (Registered Charity No. 235703) Tel. 020 7622 0466. www.littlewayassociation.com and the Dean of the City East St their need to draw close to God and
I enclose £ ...... to be allocated for:- U/26/02 Alphonsus Church in Glasgow. Fr Tom White. worship in community at the church. With support from UK-based hu- Photo: ADF With appropriate safety measures, we £...... SICK, HUNGRY AND DEPRIVED man rights group ADF International, International. can accommodate both of these out- £...... NEEDS OF MISSIONARIES £...... MASS OFFERINGS (Please state no.…...... …) Fr White is leading the effort as part comes, as is shown in England, North- The Little Way £...... LITTLE WAY ADMIN. EXPENSES Association of the Catholic community in making whole of the UK. With a life expectancy ern Ireland and Wales.” Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss) Please tick if you would the case for churches as an essential that was measured in 2006 as being Fr White has issued a pre-action (Block letters please) like an acknowledgement Address service during a time of societal cri- lower than that of Iraq, North Korea letter to the Scottish Government to sis. and the Gaza Strip, the local commu- lift the blanket ban on places of wor- He serves a parish community in nity have experienced acute loss and ship. As The Catholic Universe went Calton, Glasgow, which contains three suffering, especially during the pan- to press he was awaiting a response of the most deprived areas in the demic. The ability of the church to from the Government. ! To donate online go to: www.littlewayassociation.com 04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper
Arms campaigners up for Nobel Peace Prize The Campaign Against Arms Trade challenging the UK’s resumption of (CAAT) has received a Nobel Peace arms sales to the Saudi regime for Prize nomination. use in the war in Yemen. Nobel Laureate the American Dana Aboul Jabine, of CAAT, said Friends Service Committee (AFSC) the group was “honoured” at the nom- and Quaker Peace & Social Witness ination. “The arms trade enables (QPSW) announced CAAT and its death, destruction, and oppression partners, Mwatana for Human Rights, around the world, and nowhere is as their joint nominations. this more evident today than in Yemen The nomination is intended to high- where UK-made fighter jets continue light the suffering of the Yemeni peo- to drop UK-made bombs, killing and ple, who are faced with ongoing bom- maiming civilians,” she said. bardment and blockade from the Sau- “We are grateful that this nomina- di-led coalition. It draws attention to tion intends to highlight our work to- CAAT’s ongoing work to stop the UK wards ending UK arms sales to Saudi Government’s sales of arms to Saudi Arabia, and to other states pursuing Arabia, particularly its judicial review war and repression.”
Ethnic Uyghur women wave flags of the East Turkestan independence Primate apologises on movement during a protest in Istanbul Photo: Murad Sezer, Reuters Below, an ethnic Uyghur demonstrator, Ireland’s day for victims wearing a protective mask Nick Benson we want to make atonement. The Primate of All-Ireland has offered “And I repeat that to them today. I his heartfelt apologies to victims and am sorry for what happened to you. I survivors of abuse and pledged to “do am sorry for the terrible failures and Bishops speak out and my best to ensure that no-one else crimes that happened in your Church, suffers” in that way again. and I want to do my best to ensure “No wonder so many people who that no-one else suffers in the way have been abused find it so very dif- that you did.” ‘stand with the Uyghurs’ ficult to forgive or to trust the Church The Day of Prayer is an initiative any more,” the Archbishop of Armagh, by Pope Francis and was first marked Nick Benson Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti- Catholic clergy and religious, such as Eamon Martin, said, as he marked in Irish dioceses and parishes in 2017. Catholic bishops have joined faith Nazi dissident Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Fr Richard Gibbons, rector of Knock the Irish Church’s Annual Day of Prayer leaders across Ireland in condemning ‘Silence in the face of evil is itself Shrine, in Co. Mayo and homeless for Victims and Survivors of Abuse ‘These victims need the persecution of Uyghurs and other evil...Not to speak is to speak. Not to campaigner Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, on Friday, 19th February. to hear from Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province. act is to act’. of the Religious Sisters of Charity, “These victims need to hear from Church leaders , More than 50 representatives of dif- ‘After the Holocaust, the world said Stanhope Street, Dublin. Church leaders like me, that we realise that we realise the ferent faith communities signed a ‘Never again’,’ the leaders say. ‘Today, Signatories from other faiths include the harm that has been done to them, harm that has statement condemning the persecu- we repeat those words ‘Never again’, Church of Ireland bishops and leaders that we are sorry for that, and that been done to them’ tion, as well as expressing their soli- all over again.’ of Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith darity with Tibetan Buddhists, Falun While pointing out that they ‘are communities, as well as representa- Gong practitioners and Christians neither activists nor policy-makers’, tives from interfaith forums. The Universe Settlement throughout China who, they warn, the leaders recognise that they ‘have Dr David O’Brien of the Ruhr Uni- are facing ‘the worst crackdown on a duty to call our communities to versity Bochum, who researches and – Contacts – freedom of religion or belief since the their responsibilities to look after their writes on ethnic identity in Xinjiang, scheme risks Cultural Revolution’. fellow human beings and act when said: “The Chinese government wants The leaders pledge to affirm ‘human they are in danger’. the world to turn away from the moral exploitation dignity for all by highlighting one of ‘We urge people of faith and con- outrages it is committing in Xinjiang. the most egregious human tragedies science everywhere to join us: in It has consistently denied and covered The Independent Anti-Slavery Com- since the Holocaust’. prayer, solidarity and action to end up, but the evidence and the harrow- missioner Dame Sara Thornton has ‘We have seen many persecutions these mass atrocities. ing testimony continues to mount. To contact a member said it is essential that the potential and mass atrocities. These need our ‘We make a simple call for justice, The international community must risks of the EU Settlement Scheme attention. to investigate these crimes, hold those protect those that have no voice, speak of The Catholic Universe and the UK’s new points-based system ‘But there is one that, if allowed to responsible to account and establish out, and call this what it is, before it team, call: are identified and mitigated. continue with impunity, calls into a path towards the restoration of hu- is too late.” Dame Sara’s call came as she pub- question most seriously the willing- man dignity.’ ADVERTISING SALES: lished a briefing paper outlining po- ness of the international community The statement has been signed by 07984 616950 tential risks of exploitation related to to defend universal human rights for the Catholic Bishops Alphonsus Cul- the schemes. everyone – the plight of the Uyghurs,’ linan, of Waterford and Lismore; Larry The paper sets out how the EU Set- the leaders say, adding: ‘We stand Duffy, of Clogher; Alan McGuckian, CIRCULATION: tlement Scheme and points-based with the Uyghurs.’ of Raphoe; Fintan Monahan, of Kil- 07375 397312 immigration system have the potential Pointing out how some Christians laloe; and Leo O’Reilly, Emeritus of to increase vulnerability to modern rescued Jews and spoke out against Kilmore. ACCOUNTS: slavery the Holocaust, the statement quotes Signatories also include well-known Dame Sara said: “The government 07984 616949 set out its commitment to protect in- dividuals from criminal exploitation EDITORIAL: and unscrupulous employers when 07949 987771 the new points-based system was an- nounced. But both the EU Settlement Scheme and the new immigration GENERAL ENQUIRIES: system has the potential to increase I would suggest celibacy should be a matter of personal choice, 0161 820 5722 vulnerability to exploitation, trafficking not a forced option associated with a priestly vocation. If family is and modern slavery. Supporting Catholic journalism “I have raised these issues with both important, why should our priests be excluded from the joyful ministers and officials. It is essential ‘‘ experience? It might clarify their teaching on a number of issues... that risks are monitored and mitigated www.thecatholic in order to protect the most vulnerable Letters to the Editor, pg 45 universe.com from exploitation and abuse.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 05 News Bishop joins call to axe Cumbrian mine project Nick Benson to offset emissions through adopting “When the works and mine even- The Bishop of Lancaster has joined cleaner energy sources and uses, it is tually closed jobs were lost, but health calls to ditch proposals to open a new a move in the wrong direction. It con- and environment gained.” coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria, tradicts a policy of ‘going green’.” The bishop’s comments come as saying it contradicts the Government’s While acknowledging that a new Christian MP and former Lib Dem policy of “going green”. mine would bring jobs and investment leader Tim Farron has tabled an Early “It’s a ‘no-brainer’, it shouldn’t go to the local area, he recalled his own Day Motion in Parliament calling on ahead,” said Bishop Paul Swarbrick. experiences of living in Kells, White- the government to ditch plans for the He said the proposal has “under- haven, when Haig Colliery was still new mine. standably sparked a massive national active and a chemical works was ad- “Everyone knows that the building out-cry” and has been met with seri- jacent to his parish church. of this new coal mine here in Cumbria ous opposition. The two industrial units meant that is an almighty backwards step in our “The proposal flies in the face of local people were subjected to toxic fight against climate change,” said the urgent need to reduce greenhouse emissions, he recalled. “I saw the the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale. gas emissions,” he said. “For a society damage done to property, peeling Rather, “the Government should and a Government set on achieving paintwork and contaminated gardens. focus on Cumbria’s boundless renew- zero net emissions by 2050 the open- Parishioners had to be mindful of not able resources of water, wind and ing of this new mine makes the goal hanging out washing if the wind was solar to generate sustainable jobs and An artist’s impression of the mining site near Whitehaven, Cumbria. harder to reach. Even if it were possible blowing in off the sea.” sustainable energy.” Photo: W est Cumbria Mining Company. Blanket DNR notes for disabled patients labelled ‘immoral’ Nick Benson never be determined by the status of The Catholic bishops of England and our mental health or capacity,” he Wales have condemned the issuing said. of blanket Do Not Attempt Cardiopul- It is “wholly unacceptable and im- monary Resuscitation (DNACPR) or- moral” to suggest that the challenges ders to people with learning disabilities which some people with learning dis- as “wholly unacceptable and immoral”. abilities face with communicating Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of the symptoms should make them candi- Bishops’ Conference Department for dates for a DNACPR order. Social Justice, warned that the issuing “The issuing of such orders in a of blanket DNACPR orders on those blanket fashion ignores the unique with learning disabilities is a form of gift of each person, instead treating discrimination, which has no place people with learning disabilities as in the health service, or wider socie- though they were all the same. There ty. should be no discrimination of this He reminded society that “all human kind in our health service,” he said. life is endowed with equal God-given The bishop cited the words of Pope dignity from the moment of concep- Francis, who recently said: “If we de- tion until natural death”. prive the weakest among us of the Mencap has revealed that people right to life, how can we effectively with learning disabilities were being guarantee respect for every other told they would not be resuscitated if right?” they were taken seriously ill with He added: “We present Pope Fran- Covid-19. cis’s question to those making the de- Bishop Moth said it is “shocking” cisions to issue blanket DNACPR or- that people with learning disabilities ders for people with learning disabil- were facing such discrimination amid ities.” a time of hope, brought about thanks The bishops also renewed their call to the efficient roll-out of the vacci- for access to treatment and decisions nation programme. about the care of the sick to always “All human life is endowed with be focused on the needs of the indi- equal God-given dignity from the mo- vidual, and for all conversations about ment of conception until natural treatment to be clearly communicated death. Our worth as humans should with the sick and their loved ones. Rules protect university free speech Tougher legal measures to strengthen ously reported on many instances free speech and academic freedom of pro-life groups and individuals at universities in England have been being ‘silenced’ by student unions. announced by the Education Secre- The proposed measures include a tary. They aim to stamp out unlawful new ‘free speech condition’ on higher ‘silencing’ on campuses. education providers, which would Gavin Williamson warned of a be looked over by the regulator, the “chilling effect” where students and Office for Students. This office would staff feel they cannot express them- have the power to impose sanctions, selves freely. including financial penalties, for The Catholic Universe has previ- breaches of the condition. 06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment
The Universe – Comment – Johnson’s cautious roadmap offers hope for normal life We’re still here for UK prime minister Boris Johnson you every week! has announced his long-awaited Prime Minister Boris Johnson roadmap to end England’s announces his ‘roadmap’ from The Government’s road map out of restrictions lockdown was as cautious as had lockdown over the coming months. been predicted, but at least end Lifting restrictions will be split into “really is in sight”, as thePrime four stages, with a minimum of five Minister told MPs. Yet the earliest weeks between each to observe the point for the full resumption of effects of easing restrictions. anything approaching normal Criteria – concerning vaccine social interaction is 21st June, rollout and effectiveness, infection almost four months away. rates and mutations – will need to There is a danger that in its un- be met each time the country is due derstandable eagerness to protect to move onto the next stage. the country from another lockdown Easing restrictions will begin with the Government is losing sight of the reopening of schools on 8th the economic harm being caused March. Here, three academics give to the businesses that contribute their view on the government’s so much to the national coffers plans. and employ millions of people. So-called ‘non-essential’ shops Andrew Lee, Reader in Global (though they aren’t to their owners Public Health, University of and employees) together with out- Sheffield lets like hairdressing and beauty Without adequate control salons will not reopen until April, measures, the epidemic could while pubs and restaurants must rapidly escalate, overwhelming wait a further month before letting public health systems and their customers inside. The arts necessitating painful lockdowns to and entertainment sectors will re- restore control. With that in mind, main in deep freeze until the end the proposed phased release from or hospitality industry staff. Such an children back into school earlier and teachers and children before schools of May and mass gathering events lockdown, allowing the impact of approach could help drive down testing how much additional virus reopen? There is some early still have no idea when they will be each phase to be assessed before the infections more quickly, offset the transmission is added by some evidence that vaccines reduce allowed again. Aviation, too, is still next, is a fairly measured approach. risks of opening up other sectors of schoolchildren returning to the transmission, but currently no plans in the dark, with a task force on its There is, though, no zero-risk solution. the economy, and perhaps allow a classroom. to prioritise vaccinating teachers. future not due to report until 12th It’s right that schools are the first quicker return to some semblance It’s also welcome to focus the first If we don’t tackle transmission, we April, too late for many airlines to sector to open up: the adverse of normality. relaxation of socialising rules on will facilitate the faster emergence plan for the summer. impacts of lockdown on children outdoor gatherings, as we know of dangerous variants and repeat Overall, the prospect of avoiding have been substantial, including the Peter Sivey, Reader in Health from research that transmission of last year’s experiences. Variants are significant bankruptcies and re- loss of learning opportunities. Economics, University of York the coronavirus outdoors is very rare. unpredictable, but they take over dundancies recedes with every ad- Reopening schools fully will lead to Overall, the Government’s plan for The later parts of the reopening their predecessors precisely because ditional week of lockdown. new infections, but this is to be relaxing restrictions seems sensible. plan are ambitious, with many they have evolved advantageous Nonetheless, there is now a clear expected and is not a cause for This plan implicitly recognises that sectors of the economy (such as traits, which arise as a result of new route back to normality, one we alarm. We know the disease tends to despite worries about the new, more domestic travel and indoor infections. If we don’t curb trans- are told is “irreversible”. Boris be mild in children. transmissible variants of the virus, hospitality) ‘back to normal’ as early mission, we will be forced to tighten Johnson won support from across The risk of school infections also the current lockdown has been very as 17th May. This plan is sensibly our control measures again, and we the Commons for his approach reflects levels in the community. successful in bringing down cases, subject to review. But with the can’t afford further lockdowns. though it must be asked what has Falling infections across society hospitalisations and deaths. Slightly vaccine programme progressing We have vaccinated a third of been the point of expediting the mean schools are relatively safe. more so, in fact, than the UK’s first very fast – and the early evidence adults with a first dose, with plans to vaccine roll-out if we don’t take full There are also generally fewer lockdown. released showing the vaccines are extend this to all adults in the next advantage of its speed. infections in children than in adults, Measured from the peak in highly effective in preventing severe few months. Early, unreviewed data The Prime Minister is adamant so there is unlikely to be a January, the number of patients in disease (though this still needs to be is showing that vaccine-induced that by July, restrictions will be a significant impact on healthcare hospital has fallen by 58 per cent reviewed by other scientists) – an protection from Covid-19 is holding thing of the past. But with scientists services. The decision to require after 34 days. During the the first ambitious plan is warranted. true after a number of weeks, with now worried about a flu epidemic secondary school pupils to wear lockdown last year, the number of people set to receive their second in the autumn, will he resist pres- face coverings in class is also a patients in hospital had fallen by Zania Stamataki, Senior Lecturer in dose at three months. sure for another lockdown now welcome measure. only 54 per cent after 34 days. With Viral Immunology, University of But are there plans for a that a precedent has been set? Each phased lifting of restrictions deaths, the seven-day average has Birmingham surveillance system to monitor how will increase the infection risk, fallen by 56 per cent in the 22 days The step-wise easing of long immunity will last in however. The key countermeasure since the January peak. At the same restrictions is prudent, and the four vaccinated people? This will differ The Universe to this is our vaccine strategy, as point after the peak of the first wave tests that need to be fulfilled are across age groups and in those with emerging evidence suggests the in April 2020 deaths had fallen by sensible. However, we are not other conditions. How will we – Direct Contacts – vaccines can prevent transmission only 49 per cent. addressing the thousands of new decide when to vaccinate again, to To contact a member as well as disease. Once those at It is important to prioritise infections recorded daily in the UK, keep transmission down and protect of The Catholic Universe greatest risk are covered, vaccines reopening schools after children and even under lockdown. our vulnerable? How will we know team, call: should target at those most likely to parents have shouldered such a Why are we still recording over who has achieved immunity and ADVERTISING SALES: spread the virus heavy burden during the pandemic. 10,000 new cases daily? We can’t who needs to continue to shield and This could include younger I would have liked to see the simply fall back into our old receive further boosters? We need to 07984 616950 adults, key workers and high-risk reopening starting earlier and being practices and hope that the outcome plan for this, too. CIRCULATION: professions where there is more phased-in as in Scotland. This has will be different. For example, what This article first appeared on 07375 397312 social mixing such as supermarket the benefit of getting younger extra steps are we taking to protect www.theconversation.com ACCOUNTS: 07984 616949 www.thecatholicuniverse.com Supporting Catholic journalism 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. Email: joseph.kelly@ 76 Talbot Road, Email: pool@ Tel: 0161 820 5722 To subscribe, please use the order form GENERAL ENQUIRIES: thecatholicuniverse.com in this issue or call us on 0161 820 5722 0161 820 5722 thecatholicuniverse.com Manchester M16 0PQ
08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Focus has to be on debt relief Rethink your life to stop John Battle UK being waste polluter Research by Savanta ComRes on the impact of the Churches in the UK reveals that 42 per cent of adults now believe they make a positive difference in their com- munity, up from 35 per cent last year. It was notable that the rise was biggest among non-Christians. Sankar Significantly, that difference was made in what might be listed Sivarajah as ‘social actions’, such as provid- ing support to the elderly, assist- The UK is the largest plastic waste ing the homeless, collecting and producer in Europe and one of the distributing food and clothing biggest producers of plastic waste in and helping out with emergency the world, second only to the US. pandemic support. The UK produces 99kg of plastic The focus is unsurprisingly on waste per person per year. And direct charitable action rather shockingly, it exports about two- than collective prayer and worship. thirds of this waste to poorer coun- The three-fold challenge of tries such as Malaysia, Pakistan and Lent, of increasing and deepening Vietnam. our prayer, fasting regularly and Shipping unsorted plastic waste alms giving, focusing on our own from the European Union to non- repentance and renewal, might OECD countries was banned by the also have attracted attention, EU from January this year. But the given the interest in mindfulness UK continues to export plastic waste and meditation and the develop- to developing countries as part of ing ‘eco conversion’ in the face of Toxic plastic waste new post-Brexit regulations. exported from the the climate crisis. Most of the plastic waste is sold to UK is burnt in The long traditions of Christian these countries as the UK currently Jakarta, Indonesia spirituality are increasingly a good does not have the means and capac- fit for the needs of our age. ity to process it at home. But these But the roots of Lent in the Old countries also lack the infrastructure speed up decarbonisation. But this waste crisis. and entry in and out of countries Testament reveal demand for a and capacity to recycle imported is not something that can simply be But there are small things that proving problematic, food shortages wider community commitment to waste. And waste that can’t be recy- forced on people. As my research each one of us can do to prevent and were abundant. ‘metanoia’, a deep transforming cled often ends up dumped in land- shows, people need to support any produce less waste. Many of these Buying local proved to be the al- change in social direction. Leviti- fill or waterways or even burned – changes and have a willingness to solutions are based on principles ternative. Buying local is not only cus, the prophets and Deuteron- releasing toxic fumes into the envi- take up new habits aligned with the from the circular economy – a con- better for the environment but it omy all stress the need to tackle ronment. zero-waste economy. cept that promotes the elimination also helps to support your local structural poverty by paying ‘just Indeed, much of the waste sent to The good news is that the COVID- of waste and continual use of prod- economy and local producers. wages’ and cancelling overburden- these countries is unsorted and dirty 19 crisis has already shown that peo- ucts and materials. Be resourceful – try your best to ing debts at regular intervals. plastics which can hardly be recy- ple are open to changing their con- Here are some affordable and reuse, repair or upcycle before you A recent UK survey found that a cled anyway. sumption habits. Many have started practical tips: decide to throw away things you third of low-paid NHS were using This trade of waste and the shift- to buy locally, are more interested in Use less – stop and reflect on your think no longer work. Be creative in high-cost lenders, such as payday ing of one country’s problem onto buying clothes made out of recycled wasteful consumption practices and how you might repurpose products loans, some charging up to 1,333 another simply cannot continue. materials, and aim to consume less simply use less (as many have dur- and materials. It may simply be giv- per cent interest, just to make Our behaviour as consumers is cen- meat. ing lockdown). ing a new lease of life to your old ends meet. In practice, borrowing tral to tackling this huge amount of For things to really change, we Rethink your lifestyle and only use furniture with a touch of non-toxic £500 means paying back £900; plastic waste – along with the 26 need an all-embracing approach what you need for your daily living; paint instead of getting new pieces. this quickly leads to thousands of million tonnes of general household that engages everyone and inter- not everything may be essential. Think beyond recycling – recy- pounds of debt. The Financial waste produced yearly in the UK. We venes early on in how products are Buy local – in the early stages of cling is good, but we consume more Conduct Authority estimates that therefore all need to start taking re- designed and consumed to solve the the pandemic, with flights grounded than we recycle. So avoid buying some 14.2 million are now in a se- sponsible actions and be held ac- goods that you cannot recycle. This riously vulnerable financial posi- countable for the waste we generate. will push businesses to better design tion at the mercy of credit cards products and ultimately, design out and high-cost lenders. Cultivating change wasteful materials. A Church project such as the St Of course, changing behaviour is Rethink ownership – there is a Vincents Support Centre, an arm not easy or straightforward. rise in new businesses adopting of the SVP in Leeds, has a track In its latest report, the Climate ‘rental’, ‘pay per use’ and ‘on-de- record second-to-none in helping Change Committee, which advises mand’ models for products ranging those in debt, and their skilled ad- the UK Government on the path to from clothes to furniture. visers often get debts cancelled or achieving net-zero carbon, empha- So where possible do not buy written off. sises that change in consumer be- things you use only occasionally; in- West Leeds and Bramley Credit haviour is one of the major ways to stead pay for access to these things Union has managed to keep going when you need them. through the Covid lockdown with Above all, it’s important to re- great commitment from a few vol- member that even very little change unteer. It started over 20 years ago to our consumption habits takes us as a small project centred in our a step closer to reducing the UK’s 26 parish of Christ the King, but now Buy local... it’s not million tonnes of household waste. it’s needed more than ever, not just better for the Achieve that and it will ultimately least with the withdrawal of main put us on track for a more sustain- steam banks from our community. environment but able post-pandemic world. Credit Unions need a boost in it also helps to the coming Budget and our Church- Sankar Sivarajah is Head of School es should all get involved in them support‘‘ your local of Management and Professor of as an alternative community per- economy and its Technology Management and sonal financial management. It Circular Economy, University of would be a public act of Lent. producers. Bradford The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 09 News
70,000 families Perfect storm of inequality left poor faced summer at the mercy of Covid, says report homelessness Almost 70,000 households faced A ‘perfect storm’ of wage, housing test-and-trace system delays, were due to an understanding of local com- homelessness amid Covid-19 re- and test-and-trace issues led to high ‘likely to be significant contributors’ munities’ needs. strictions last summer, new statis- Covid-19 rates in England’s poorest to high Covid-19 rates in some parts A Government spokesperson said: tics reveal. communities, leaked government of the country. “We do not comment on leaks. Despite extra support from the analysis has reportedly found. Researchers looked at six months’ “We recognise this is an incredibly Government, 68,680 households The report by the Joint Biosecurity worth of data from the Covid-hit areas difficult time for many people and approached their local council as Centre (JBC) concluded that people of Blackburn-with-Darwen, Bradford we launched the Test and Trace Sup- homeless or at risk of homelessness in poorer areas were less likely to be and Leicester and compared it against port Payment to help people who between July and September, while able to self-isolate due to being unable three other areas with similar socioe- cannot work from home to self-iso- a further 93,490 households were to afford lost income. conomic issues but lower case rates. late. living in temporary accommoda- The study also found that in Black- Areas with a higher proportion of “We are working with England’s 314 tion. burn-with-Darwen and Leicester, two people employed in public-facing local authorities to monitor the ef- Homelessness charity Shelter areas badly affected by the pandemic, roles were likely to see high infection nomic inequality’ had left black, Asian fectiveness of the scheme – including said the figures act as an urgent call more people had been rejected than rates. and minority ethnic (Bame) commu- any impact on groups who may be to build more social homes. “These accepted when they sought financial The study reportedly said: ‘Having nities more exposed to Covid-19 due ineligible for it. figures show the scale of the prob- help to self-isolate, increasing the high numbers of people in high-risk to living in cramped, multigenerational “Local and national contact tracing lem in housing, and too few social likelihood they could not follow self- occupation is not specific to just these housing in deprived areas and working teams are working in lockstep with houses. There is only one strategy isolation rules. enduring areas. This in isolation is in public-facing jobs. NHS Test and Trace to break chains that will end this crisis for good, According to The Guardian, the re- not a reason for enduring transmis- The JBC report also raised criticisms of transmission, and their efforts are and that is rapid investment in gen- port, produced last month and marked sion, but rather along with a range of of the NHS Test and Trace programme. paying off, with over 8 million people uinely affordable social homes. ‘Official Sensitive’, said ‘interconnected other factors, overlaid, that create the It said ‘anecdotal insight’ pointed contacted and told to isolate by the “Covid-19 has ripped open the factors’ such as deprivation, poor ‘perfect storm’.’ to locally-led contact tracing being 300 local contact tracing partnerships cracks left by the gross shortage of housing and work conditions and It also said that ‘existing socioeco- ‘more responsive and more effective’ in operation.” decent social homes.”
Liverpool’s peace message for Lent
Christian peace campaigners marked the beginning of Lent with a public stand against nuclear weapons in Liverpool. Local members of Pax Christi gathered at the city’s Metropolitan Cathedral on Ash Wednesday to express remorse for the UK’s decision to renew the Trident nuclear weapon system, and to support Pope Francis’ call to reject the use or possession of nuclear weapons altogether. The size of the event was reduced this year, in light of the pandemic, and the traditional procession through the city centre was not held. Instead, Pax Christi delegates stood safely distanced in the piazza, wearing masks, in front of the cathedral, and were a presence when churchgoers arrived for midday Mass, and as they left. 10 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
IN BRIEF Super-spreaders The ethics of quarantine – of Gospelneeded, not of the virus The Bishop of Plymouth has told and who picks up the bill the faithful that they must become “super-spreaders of the Gospel”, not Covid-19. Reflecting on his experience of Australia implemented mandatory hotel receiving his first dose of the quarantines for travellers early in the pandemic. Covid-19 vaccine, Bishop Mark O’- Dominic Toole said he had been invited for it as he is regarded as a potential Wilkinson & ‘super-spreader’ of the virus, given his role working in the community. Jonathan Pugh The nurse who facilitated his vaccine had said to him: “It’s not a nice title for you, Father, but of The UK government announced course you’re a super- spreader of that British and Irish residents who the Gospel”, to which he replied: “I enter England from “red list” coun- certainly hope so!” tries will have to quarantine in a Bishop O’Toole urged people Government-sanctioned hotel for who were doubtful about receiving ten days, at a personal cost of the vaccine to “reflect seriously on £1,750. the matter”, for “although it is a Accommodation must be booked personal decision it is not just a in advance, and people will need to private one”. have two Covid tests during the He said he received the vaccine quarantine period. “out of love” for those he encoun- Failing to quarantine in a desig- ters and hoped others would do nated hotel carries a fine of up to the same, so as to remain healthy £10,000, and those who lie about and in order that they could be visiting a red list country could face “super-spreaders of the Gospel”. a ten-year prison sentence. Other countries have already im- Gambling with an plemented mandatory hotel quaran- tines for travellers, including Aus- early death risk tralia, New Zealand, China and Heavy gamblers are at a greater India. When are such quarantines risk of unemployment, ill-health ethical? And who should pay for and death, a new study suggests. them if they are? The University of Oxford found that high levels of betting are asso- Public health justification ciated with a 37 per cent increase International travel represents a in mortality, and there is a slippery significant transmission risk, and slope from ‘social’ betting to prob- some countries implemented hotel lem gambling. quarantine policies much earlier in Their paper, published in the the pandemic (in March 2020 in journal Nature Human Behaviour, Australia’s case). The public health used data from banks and found risks of international travel are per- that individuals with jobs in the haps higher now due to the new highest percentiles of gambling coronavirus variants that are domi- had a six per cent likelihood of ex- nant in countries such as South periencing future unemployment. Africa and Brazil. Cases of these The report calls for policymak- variants have already been recorded tive. It will depend on whether the able to exercise their right to enter concern was voiced in response to ers to do more to detect and pro- in the UK. person complies with the restrictions, their country. At present, the Philip- the quarantine policy in Uganda. tect the highest-spending gam- One way of preventing further the robustness of the hotel safety pine government still covers the It is also unfair to expect travellers blers. transmission would be to ban all in- protocols, the length of the quaran- cost of quarantine for Filipino work- to pay to re-enter their country coming international travel. The UK tine period, and the reliability of the ers returning from overseas. when they could not have known Root out reasons has indeed imposed a travel ban tests used to determine when a per- But quarantine is expensive, and that they would need to when they from red list countries, but the ban son can be released. However, an ef- money spent on providing it cannot left. Again, in the New Zealand sys- behind obesity does not extend to British and Irish Catholic MP Sir David Amess has fectively implemented quarantine be spent on other pressing public tem, returning nationals will not be nationals, nor does it include third- will help to reduce the transmission health initiatives. charged for entry if they left the called for an examination into the country nationals with residence root causes of obesity. risk of international travel, while re- As such, countries have increas- country before the charges first rights. The new hotel quarantine specting the right to entry. ingly chosen to pass on the cost to came into place (in their case, on His call came as he chaired the policy applies only to these people Westminster Food & Nutrition travellers, either in full or in systems 11th August) and if they are return- who are allowed to travel to the UK Who should pay? of co-payment. ing for more than 90 days. Conference: next steps for reduc- from red list countries. ing obesity in England. Ethical questions remain, though, There may sometimes be ethical It is not yet clear which exemp- But why not ban all incoming in- about how the policy ought to be reasons for waiving the fee. Earlier tions the English policy will allow, or The online conference focused ternational travel? An ethically justi- on Government strategy, active implemented, such as, who should in the pandemic, New Zealand’s whether charges will apply regard- fied policy must be proportionate, pay for the considerable cost of housing minister, Megan Wood, less of when travellers left England. travel, healthy food environments, weighing the benefit of preventing public messaging, and tackling in- quarantine? said that it wasn’t fair for the tax- Mandatory hotel quarantine is prob- the spread of infectious disease Some countries requiring incom- payer to pay for quarantine “if ably ethically justified, but there are equalities. against the harms caused. Despite Describing obesity as “one of the ing travellers to quarantine initially you’ve elected to go on holiday”. Yet also strong ethical arguments to fol- the high transmission risk, prevent- covered the cost. This was fair, in countries may choose to waive the low other countries in granting greatest long-term health chal- ing citizens from entering their own lenges we face in the UK”, Sir some sense. People who have to fee for those who have particularly some exemptions to the hefty fee. country would seem to be dispro- quarantine already need to bear a strong reasons to travel. David said that 67 per cent of men portionate because of the strength and 60 per cent of women were considerable non-financial cost in New Zealand considers waiver ap- Dominic Wilkinson is a Consultant of the individual’s right to enter their the interests of public health. The plications, indicating that they may Neonatologist and Professor of classed as overweight or obese. own country. However, it would be Even more worrying, so were one wider public are the primary benefi- be granted for medical or compas- Ethics, University of Oxford proportionate to ban travellers who ciaries of the quarantine – travellers sionate reasons and financial hard- Jonathan Pugh is a Research in three children leaving primary do not enjoy such strong rights to school . are therefore being asked to pay to ship. Waiving the fee for those facing Fellow, University of Oxford entry. benefit other people. financial hardship is necessary to re- “The root causes of obesity must A mandatory hotel quarantine be examined,” he said. Providing free quarantine also duce unfair inequality in people’s This article first appeared on policy will not be 100 per cent effec- helps to ensure that all are equally ability to return to the country. This www.theconversation.com Breaking the silence Bach’s B Minor Mass
In a time when people of faith have been deprived of sung mass, places of worship have been largely silent and musicians have been unable to perform, we invite you to a series of virtual concerts during Eastertide bringing to life the music, liturgy and buildings of the Catholic Church with one of the greatest and most beautiful musical settings of the Mass.
Opening night Friday 9th April at 6pm
Oxford Bach Soloists * Cardinal Vaughan Schola Cantorum * The Choir of the London Oratory * The Gesualdo Six * Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir * Westminster Cathedral * Oxford Oratory * Tom Hammond-Davies (conductor) * Sophie Bevan (soprano) * Mary Bevan (soprano) * Marta Fontanals-Simmons (mezzo soprano) * William Purefoy (counter tenor) * Nick Pritchard (tenor) * Daniel Norman (tenor) * Roderick Williams OBE (baritone) * Stephan Loges (bass baritone) * A Positive Note production, made possible by CCLA’s Catholic Investment Fund. Photo: Nick Rutter nickrutter.co.uk
Find out more and register for your complimentary ticket at: www.ccla.co.uk/breaking-the-silence
OXFORDOXFORD BACHBACHH SOLOISTSSOLOISTS
CCLA Investment Management Limited and CCLA Fund Managers Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 12 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Africa Feature Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 13 Africa Feature
!.$ '904 (% $!- )3 ! #/,,!"/2! ),% 7(%2% )& 4(% 7!4%2 ,%6%, 7%2% 4/ 4%.$3 4/ 0/3)4)/. ()3 #/5.429 !3 4(% 4)6% %&&/24 "%47%%. ().! !.$ #(!.'% )4 7/5,$ (!6% $2!-!4)# %& 0%!#%-!+%2 /& 4(% 2!" 7/2,$ "9 -% 4()/0)! /2)').!,,9 30%!2(%!$%$ "9 &%#43 /. 4(/3% $/7.342%!- $)!4).' 4()3 '2/7).' #/.&,)#4 %4 4()3 4(% 4/ 02/6)$% 7!4%2 !.$ %,%# (% 7%!0/.)3!4)/. /& 7!4%27!93 )3 7/5,$ 3500,!.4 !5$) 2!")! !3 4(% 42)#)49 4/ 4(% 2%')/. ,4(/5'( ! 342!4%'9 6%29 &!-),)!2 4/ 4(% () 42!$)4)/.!, ,%!$%2 /& 4(% 2!" 7/2,$ 7(%4(%2 "9 !##)$%.4 /2 ).4%.4 4()3 .%3% < 4(%9 "5),4 3)-),!2,9 ).6!3)6% 7()#( 4(% !5$)3 (!6%.4 "%%. ",).$ $!- !,3/ ')6%3 4()/0)! ,%6%2!'% /6%2 02/*%#43 /. #2)4)#!, 2)6%23 )22)'!4).' 4/ ,%!$).' 4/ ! 3%2)%3 /& (522)%$ 4(% %.4)2% 2)6%2 ),% /54( !34 3)! !.$ .$)! !3 ! 7!9 /& $)0,/-!4)# ).2/!$3 7)4( 4()/0)! !.$ (9 )3 4()3 3/ 3)'.)&)#!.4 #/.42/,,).' 4(%)2 .%)'("/523 '904 ()3 ). 452. (!3 $2!7. ). 2!. (% %.!)33!.#% !- )3 ().!3 7(/ ). 3%%).' !5$) 2!")!3 !44%. &)234 !44%-04 4/ )-0,%-%.4 4(%3% 42)%$ 4)/.3 $2!7. 4/ &2)#! )3 ./7 $/5 !.$ 02/6%. 4!#4)#3 !"2/!$ !.$ )4 )3 ",).' )43 %&&/24 ). 3500/24).' ()! !)-%$ 315!2%,9 !4 '904 !.$ 5$!. 2%"%,3 !#2/33 4(% 53,)- 7/2,$ ()3 )3 7(9 )& 4(% )'2!9 3)45!4)/. (!4 -!+%3 4()3 #/.&,)#4 3/ $)&&%2 #/.4).5%3 4/ 7/23%. !.$ #!53% ! %.4 !.$ 0!24)#5,!2,9 4%.3% &2/- /4(%2 7)$%2 02/",%- /& ).34!"),)49 ). %4(.)# #/.&,)#43 ). &2)#! )3 )43 0/4%. 4()/0)! 4(% ().%3% -!9 4!+% ! 4)!, 4/ ).6/,6% /4(%2 -!*/2 0/7%23 -/2% !#4)6% 2/,% ). 4(% 2%')/. !3 ! 7!9 %4 &/2 4(% 7)$% 4(%!42% 4()3 #/.&,)#4 /& '5!2!.4%%).' ! 2%452. /. "/4( 4(%)2 4(2%!4%.3 4/ 4/5#( 4(% 7%34%2. 7/2,$ &).!.#)!, !.$ 0/,)4)#!, ).6%34-%.43 )3 3/ &!2 !"3%.4 &2/- 4(% $)3054% ()3 )3 34),, 3%%. ,!2'%,9 !3 ! #/.&,)#4 "%47%%. 4(% 2!" 7/2,$ !.$ ().!3 ).4%2%343 ). !34 &2)#! 2)4!). !.$ )43 !,,)%3 $/.4 .%#%33!2),9 (!6% !.9 34!+% ). 4()/0)! /2 !4 ,%!34 !. ).4%2%34 4(!4 ()3 $!- ')6%3 7/5,$ $%-!.$ ! -%!.).'&5, ).4%2 4()/0)! ,%6%2!'% 6%.4)/. !4 4()3 34!'% (%2% )3 %6%. !. !2'5-%.4 4/ ./4 /6%2 4(% %.4)2% 2)6%2 ).4%26%.% !4 !,, !.$ ,%4 4()/0)! )- ),% (% $!- )3 "5),4 0,/$% (% #/5.429 )3 #522%.4,9 3%%. !3 ! 4%34!-%.4 4/ ().%3% ).6/,6% /. 4(% 02)-!29 -%.4 ). &2)#! ! 342/.' 02/30%2/53 By Magdalene Kahiu 4()/0)! 4(!4 < 4(!.+3 4/ ().!3 350 www.aciafrica.org/ 42)"54!29 /& 4(% ),% 0/24 < 4!+%3 ! ,%!$).' 2/,% /. 4(% #/. 7(%2% )& 4(% 7!4%2 4).%.43 !&&!)23 43 3%26%3 !3 ! #/- Members of the delegation by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of 0%,,).' %8!-0,% 4(!4 0%235!$%3 -!.9 Ethiopia (CBCE) have described their recent solidarity visit to the ,%6%, 7%2% 4/ #(!.'% /4(%2 &2)#!. .!4)/.3 4/ !##%04 %) troubled region of Tigray within the territory covered by Ethiopia’s )4 7/5,$ (!6% *).'3 /&&%23 /& !33)34!.#% Eparchy of Adigrat as “important and eye-opening.” %4 ./7 ). 4(% ,)'(4 /& 4(% )'2!9!. In their report, the five-member delegation that was commissioned $2!-!4)# %&&%#43 /. 2%"%,,)/. 4(!4 -/$%, )3 ,//+).' ). by the head of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia, Berhaneyesus Cardinal #2%!3).',9 ,)+% ! 7%,,#2!&4%$ ),,53)/. Souraphiel, says the visit was meant to “physically see the Catholic 4(/3% $/7.342%!- !.$ 3)'.!,3 4(!4 ().!3 0/,)4)#!, %& Bishop of the Eparchy of Adigrat and understand the actual &/243 !2%.4 !,7!93 35##%33&5, humanitarian situation and need of the people of Tigray.” ()3 "2).'3 53 4/ 4/$!9 7(%2% 4(% 4()/0)! )3 /.% /& 4(% &%7 !,,)%3 “It was an important and eye-opening visit to see and understand $!- )3 .%!2).' #/-0,%4)/. 4()/0)! ().! (!3 ). &2)#! 7()#( $/%3.4 2% different realities and consequences,” the delegation said in reference (!3 !,2%!$9 "%'5. &),,).' 4(% 2%3%2 15)2% #/.34!.4 &).!.#)!, ).*%#4)/. to the solidarity visit. 6/)2 !.$ 4(% $!- )3 $5% 4/ "% '%.%2 ).4/ 4(%)2 %#/./-9 !.$ )3 ! 342/.' The members of the delegation included CBCE Secretary General, Fr. !4).' %,%#42)#)49 &2/- 4()3 -/.4( /. $%0%.$!",% !,,9 & 4()/0)! 7!3 4/ Teshome Fikre, the Executive Director of Ethiopian Catholic Church 7!2$3 .#% )43 &5,,9 #/-0,%4%$ 4()3 #/,,!03% )4 #/5,$ 054 !. %.$ 4/ () Social Development Commission (ECC-SDCO), Bekele Moges, and 5,9 !,, 4(%3% 02/",%-3 7),, 352%,9 .!3 %&&/243 /. 4(% #/.4).%.4 &/2 '//$ three representatives from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). #/-% 4/ ! (%!$ !3 4(%2% )3 ./ 3#% (%4(%2 4()3 7),, (!00%. 2%-!).3 The visit aimed at meeting “the relevant interim regional .!2)/ ). 7()#( '904 /2 5$!. 7),, 4/ "% 3%%. "54 )& 4()/0)! 7!3 4/ &!), government officials and discuss the humanitarian corridor and !##%04 4()/0)!. #/.42/, /6%2 4(%)2 4/ 2%02%33 )43 %4(.)# -)./2)4)%3 !.$ interventions,” the members of the delegation said. ")9 (-%$ (!3 #,/3% 4)%3 4/ %) .!4)/.3 ,)&%",//$ < )43 7!4%2 3500,9 "%'). 4/ $)3).4%'2!4% 4()3 7),, '/ ! “The number of people in need of food, water and medicine is *).' (!6).' "%%. 02%6)/53,9 ! -%- (% 4()/0)!.3 7/.4 "!#+ $/7. %) ,/.' 7!9 4/ 6)3)",9 $!-!').' ().!3 increasing from the initial project planning by three-fold”. "%2 /& 4(% 7()#( (!3 6%29 #,/3% 4(%2 %6%. )& 4(%)2 #/5.429 ).#2%!3).',9 !-")4)/.3 ). &2)#! Making reference to the situation in Adigrat city where the 4)%3 4/ ().! (-%$3 0/,)4)#!, 35# $)3).4%'2!4%3 $5% 4/ /4(%2 %4()# . 4(% -%!.4)-% 7% #!. /.,9 delegation met the Local Ordinary of the Eparchy of Adigrat, Bishop #%33 ).%6)4!",9 2%,)%3 (%!6),9 /. '2/503 "%).' ).30)2%$ "9 4(% )'29!.3 7!4#( !.$ 7!)4 4/ 3%% 7(%4(%2 4(% 2% Tesfaselassie Medhin alongside members of various Religious Orders, !#()%6).' ()3 !,,93 '/!,3 )& (% )3 4/ %&&/243 / 4()/0)! 7),, -!+% %6%29 ')/. 7),, +./7 ,!34).' 0%!#% /2 7),, the delegation said: “The number of people displaced in search of #/.4).5% 4/ #/--!.$ 4(%)2 3500/24 %&&/24 4/ &/2#% 4(% ).34)'!4/23 /& 4(%)2 $%3#%.$ ).4/ 9%4 !./4(%2 ",//$9 !.$ protection for safety has passed over 50,000. .% 35#( '/!, )3 #/.42/, /6%2 '904 ).34!"),)49 ).4/ 35"-)33)/. 42!')# #/.&,)#4 4(!4 #/5,$ 4%!2 !0!24 There is an urgent need of food, nonfood items, medicine, water, !.$ 5$!. &/2 4(%)2 342!4%')# )-0/2 /7%23 /543)$% /& 4(% 2%')/. !2% 4(% &2)#!. #/.4).%.4 shelter, and psychosocial support. There is also a need for the teachers, 4!.#% < 30%#)&)#!,,9 4(% 5%: !.!, !,3/ 0!9).' #,/3% !44%.4)/. 4/ 4(% $% • William Kelly is studying administration and staff salaries, logistical support, capacity building, (% %.!)33!.#% !- )3 "5),4 /. 6%,/0).' #2)3)3 52+%9 !.$ -/2% politics and International Relations and property rehabilitation.” 4(% #2)4)#!, 02)-!29 42)"54!29 /& 4(% 30%#)&)#!,,9 2%3)$%.4 2$/ !. ). at Liverpool Hope University. The members of the Catholic Bishops’ delegation also stated: “Challenges were noted to timely distribute food and nonfood items due to lack of flexibility in targeting and listing beneficiaries.” “People started dying due to shortage of food and water in remote Ethiopian areas of the region and food delivery is delayed. women who “The hold-up is occasioned by the insecurity, absence of private fled the transport companies to mobilise food and non-food items and the lack ongoing of funds to pay warehouses, labour, transport and salaries of staff and fighting in internet network to communicate with donors and headquarters.” the Tigray region of Ethiopia pictured in Sudan. Pope Francis has made an empassioned plea for peace in Ethiopia. 0(/4//(! -%$ 52%,$). "$!,,!( %54%23 14 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress This Lent, pope urges faithful to centre lives on God, not themselves Carol Glatz Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart, Pope Francis said. “Lent is not just about the little sac- rifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed,” he said, “toward God or toward myself?” The pope’s remarks came in his homily at Mass for Ash Wednesday, which included the blessing and dis- tribution ashes, marking the beginning of Lent for Latin-rite Catholics. But little more than 100 people at- tended Mass and witnessed the dis- tribution of ashes at the Altar of the Chair in St Peter’s Basilica, because of Covid restrictions. Nor did Pope Francis take the traditional walk from the Church of St Anselm to the Basilica of Santa Sabina, to prevent large crowds gathering along the route. The pope received ashes on his head from Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the basilica, and he dis- tributed ashes to about three dozen cardinals, as well as the priests and deacons assisting him at the Mass. The pope said one must bow to re- ceive ashes on the crown of the head, which reflects the “humble descent” one makes in reflecting on one’s life, sins and relationship with God. “Lent is a journey of return to God,” espe- cially when most people live each day ignoring or delaying their response to God’s invitation to pray and do something for others,” he said. “It is a time to reconsider the path we are taking, to find the route that The pope processes into the leads us home and to rediscover our basilica for Ash Wednesday Mass profound relationship with God, on whom everything depends.” “The journey of Lent is an exodus from slavery to freedom,” he said, Local rules still apply as noting the easy temptations along that journey, including yearning for the past, or hindered by “unhealthy Vatican prepares Church attachments, the seductive snares of our sins, by the false security of money and appearances, by the paralysis of for a different Easter our discontents. To embark on this journey, we have to unmask these.” As the Covid-19 pandemic nears its that the sacred mysteries be cele- The way back to God, he said, starts first full year, the Vatican has re- brated in the most effective way with understanding how “we have minded bishops that the guidelines possible for our communities, ended up with empty hands and an it issued last year for celebrating while respecting the common good Pope Francis bows his head humbly to receive unhappy heart” after squandering the Holy Week and Easter liturgies and public health,” it added. ashes from Cardinal Angelo Comastri during God’s gifts “on paltry things, and then would still be valid this year. The congregtion acknowledged Ash Wednesday Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. seeking God’s forgiveness through Local bishops must decide the that lockdown conditions render it Photo: Vatican Media confession. best way to celebrate in ways that impossible for “a more normal pat- Confessors must be like the father are fruitful to the people, but that tern of worship”. needed, but these cannot lead to the • On Holy Thursday, the Mass of in the story of the prodigal son and respect “health and what has been Instead, the congregation said it sterilisation of gestures and rites. the Lord’s Supper should be cele- not use “a whip,” but open their arms prescribed by the authorities re- wanted to “offer some simple The congregation made several brated in the cathedral and in in a welcoming embrace, he added. sponsible for the common good,” guidelines in order to aid bishops.” suggestions for Holy Week: parish churches even without the “The journey is not based on our the congregation said. Social media was a vital tool for • A bishop can decide to post- faithful present. own strength. Heartfelt conversion is The congregation thanked the keeping pastors close to their com- pone the celebration of the chrism • The washing of feet is to be possible only if it begins with the pri- world’s bishops “for responding in munities and yet “problematic as- Mass since it is not formally part of omitted when there are no faithful macy of God’s work” and through his a pastoral manner to a rapidly pects were also observed.” the Triduum. present. grace, the pope said. changing situation this year.” Nonetheless, “for Holy Week, it is • Where public Masses have been • For the Easter Vigil the prepara- What makes people just is not the “We are aware that the decisions suggested that media coverage of cancelled, bishops should ensure tion and lighting of the fire is omit- righteousness they show off to others, taken have not always been easy for the celebrations be facilitated and that Holy Week liturgies are cele- ted, but the Easter candle is still lit, “but our sincere relationship with the pastors or the lay faithful to ac- favoured, encouraging the faithful brated in the cathedral and in and the ‘Exsultet’ Easter proclama- Father,” after finally recognising one cept,” said the note, signed by Car- who are unable to attend their own parish churches. The faithful tion is sung or recited. is not self-sufficient, but in great need dinal Robert Sarah, congregation church to follow the diocesan cele- should be advised of the times for • Processions and other expres- of him, his mercy and grace. prefect and by Archbishop Arthur brations as a sign of unity.” the celebrations, so that they can sions of popular piety that are tra- “And now,” the pope said, “he invites Roche, secretary. For those churches celebrating in pray at home at the same time. ditional around the world during us to return to him, to rediscover the “However, we know that they person, necessary “attention to hy- • Live – not recorded – televisual Holy Week may be transferred to joy of being loved.” were taken with a view to ensuring giene and safety regulations” was or internet broadcasts are helpful. another date. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 15 Rome
Ecumenical drive starts by listening to our neighbours Promoting sincere ecumenical dia- paschal victory over sin and death.” logue can be achieved only when In this time of pandemic, he added, Christians are committed to loving Jesus also calls on Christians “to pray their neighbours rather than viewing for those who have died, to bless the them with doubt or suspicion, Pope selfless service of so many health pro- Francis said. fessionals and to encourage solidarity In a message sent at the start of a among people of goodwill.” Lenten campaign sponsored by the “We need to overcome the pan- Brazilian bishops’ conference and demic and we will do so in the meas- Brazil’s national council of Christian ure that we are able to overcome di- churches, the pope said the campaign’s visions and unite around life,” the goal of promoting dialogue and com- pope said. munion with other Christian com- Recalling his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, munities is “a reason for hope.” on Fraternity and Social Friendship, “We must never forget that we are the pope said the Lenten works of pilgrims journeying alongside one an- prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the other. This means that we must have necessary tools to prevent Christians Conservative cardinal steps sincere trust in our fellow pilgrims, from plunging “even more deeply into putting aside all suspicion or mistrust feverish consumerism and new forms and turning our gaze to what we are of egotistic self-preservation.” all seeking: the radiant peace of God’s The Ecumenical Fraternity Cam- down with pope’s blessing face,” he said. paign, he added, offers an opportunity The theme of the Ecumenical Fra- for Christians to “sit down to listen to A cardinal who was once tipped to ist dictatorship of Ahmed Sekou Toure. It was also announced that 77-year- ternity Campaign for 2021 is ‘Fraternity others and thus overcome the obsta- become the first Black pope has had Then-Archbishop Sarah earned a rep- old Cardinal Angelo Comastri, arch- and Dialogue: Commitment of Love.’ cles of a world that is often a deaf his retirement request approved by utation as one of the few voices coura- priest of St Peter’s Basilica and vicar The event aims to be an “expression world.” the pope. geous enough to defend freedom and for Vatican City State, had also had of communion, conversion and shar- Pope Francis said Jesus’ command- Cardinal Robert Sarah, the 75-year- promote human dignity. his request to retire accepted. ing” through acts of charity and soli- ment to “love one another as he loved old prefect of the Congregation for In his many years at the Vatican Cardinal Comastri had been presi- darity. us” begins with recognising that “re- Divine Worship and the Sacraments, Cardinal Sarah has underlined that dent of the office responsible for the In his message, the pope said the spect for each human person as a was the most senior African prelate the Catholic Church is not a social upkeep of St Peter’s Basilica since Lenten season is “a time of intense creature called to be a child of God at the Vatican, and was appointed service agency; its aim is to lead people 2005 and archpriest of the basilica reflection” on one’s life and an invi- contributes significantly to building head of the liturgy department by to the God who is love, which can since 2006. tation to walk with Christ “toward the fraternity and defending justice. Pope Francis in November 2014. also be expressed through Catholic Though he often has been portrayed charity. as a critic of Pope Francis, especially He warned that Africa must protect because of his traditional approach itself “from the contamination” of in- to the liturgy and views on social creasingly popular Western ideas issues such as homosexuality, Cardinal about family life and sexuality, saying Sarah said people who portray him attempts to redefine the family, to ac- as an opponent of Pope Francis are cept homosexual activity and to pro- being used by the devil to help divide mote abortion as a right undermine the Church. the very fabric of stable societies. “The truth is that the Church is At the conclave in 2013 that saw represented on earth by the vicar of Francis elevated to the papacy Cardi- Christ, that is by the pope. And who- nal Sarah was suggested as a possible ever is against the pope is, ipso facto, candidate to succeed Pope Benedict. outside the Church,” the cardinal said However, his ultra-conservative social in 2019. views led many to suggest Western Cardinal Sarah came to the Vatican cardinals had been detered from vot- after serving as archbishop of Conakry, ing for him, for fear of an overly neg- Guinea, for 21 years, which included ative reaction in their homelands to the last five years of the ruthless Marx- some of his social views. Poland trusted to keep Divine Mercy message Marking the 90th anniversary on 22nd capable of mercy, patience, forgiveness February of the apparition of Jesus to and love.” St Faustina Kowalska, Pope Francis St Faustina witnessed a vision of has told Catholics in Poland that he Jesus in 1931, while she was living at hopes Christ’s message of divine mercy a convent in Plock, Poland. Christ, would remain “alive in the hearts of she said, had one hand raised in bene- the faithful.” diction and the other resting on his The pope was “united in prayer breast, from which emanated two rays with those commemorating the an- of light. She said Christ demanded to niversary at the Divine Mercy Shrine have this image painted – along with in Krakow”, and encouraged them to the words "Jesus, I trust in you" -- ask Jesus “for the gift of mercy.” and venerated. “Let us have the courage to come Her sainthood cause was opened back to Jesus to meet his love and in 1965 by then-Archbishop Karol Wo- mercy in the sacraments,” he said. jtyla of Krakow, who would go on to “Let us feel his closeness and tender- beatify her in 1993 as pope and preside ness, and then we will also be more over her canonisation in 2000. 16 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com World News
Bishops demand 2019 church attack report is published Raab brings sanctions in bid Sri Lanka’s Catholic bishops have called on the Government to publish in full a report into the Easter Sunday 2019 suicide bomb to restrain Myanmar generals attacks, which killed more than 260 people. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab nation rise up to be a new Myanmar The Rev Winston Fernando, the has announced sanctions against of peace and prosperity to all. Let the head of the Catholic Bishops’ members of the Myanmar military rainbow of peace and reconciliation Conference of Sri Lanka, said the for serious human rights violations rise again.” Church was concerned after following the recent military coup at The outspoken prelate warned President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the start of February which overthrew about power, money, arrogance, op- said he would appoint a new Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. pressing others in the fragile nature committee to study the report The sanctions include enforced im- of our life. “The mightiest powers will without sharing it with the mediate asset freezes and travel bans fall and their graves may become his- Church or the public. against three members of the Myan- tory,” he said. “We have a lot of doubts about mar military regime: Minister of De- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference this whole process,” Fernando fence, General Mya Tun Oo; Minister of Myanmar (CBCM) has appealed to said. “Are there people involved for Home Affairs, Lt General Soe Htut; all stakeholders to return to dialogue they want to protect?” he added, and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, following the coup. without elaborating. Lt General Than Hlaing. “We, Catholic bishops, send this The committee, comprising “We, alongside our international appeal specially to those in power, only members of the ruling allies, will hold the Myanmar military pleading restraint in the streets and a coalition, “was not balanced and to account for their violations of hu- return to dialogue,” it said in a state- its integrity was compromised by man rights and pursue justice for the ment, signed by CBCM president Car- the inclusion of people who have Myanmar people,” said Mr Raab. dinal Bo, executive secretary Bishop other court cases pending against The sanctions were announced as John Saw Yaw Han and other bishops them,” he pointed out. protests continue across Myanmar from across the country. The bomb attacks on 21st April, against the forced detention of former Catholic leaders decried bloody 2019, were blamed on two local leader Suu Kyi, with Catholic nuns Young Catholics pictured events in the streets as “the sad and Muslim groups who had pledged and seminarians leading pro-democ- on the streets of Kayah shocking recent events have brought allegiance to the Islamic State racy protests. Photo: Issei Kato, Reuters huge sorrow to our nation.” group. The targets were two Nearly 1,000 Catholics, mostly “The heart-rending scenes of youth atholic churches, a Protestant young people, marched on the streets sands of anti-coup protests gathered tions, the US, the UK and the Euro- dying in the streets wound the con- church and people eating of Yangon last weekend while hun- in front of the embassies of China, pean Union. science of a nation,” the bishops said. breakfast at three top tourist dreds more were seen on the streets Japan and Singapore to make their Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon has “Let not its sacred ground be soaked hotels. A total of 171 people were in Mandalay the day before, praying views heard. called on the faithful to pray and fast in fraternal blood. The sadness of par- killed in the Catholic churches. and reciting the rosary. So far the pro-democracy rallies for reconciliation as the nation is ents burying their children has to A communication breakdown Nuns and priests also joined protests have largely remained peaceful bon locked in hopelessness and despair stop. Mothers’ tears are never a bless- between the then president and in Kayah state, a Catholic stronghold the 20th February two people were through the coup. ing to any nation.” prime minister that led to a lapse in north-eastern Myanmar, as well as killed and more than 20 injured in “This is a time for prayer. This is a Pope Francis has expressed his sol- in security co-ordination was said in several cities in Kachin and Chin. Mandalay during a violent crackdown time for fasting. This is a time for idarity with the people of Myanmar to have enabled the attacks Dozens of Catholic youths also or- by security forces on protesters. conversion for all of us in this country,” and called on the military to release despite near-specific foreign ganised a demonstration in front of That tough response sparked strong he said in a homily. “Let the dove of all detained civilian leaders including intelligence warnings in advance. the US embassy in Yangon while thou- condemnation from the United Na- peace return to our nation. Let this Aung San Suu Kyi. Peru vaccine scandal drags in nuncio Peru’s Catholic bishops have Priest blames EU as refugee crisis deepens called for an investigation into a Covid-19 vaccine scandal that The head of Caritas in Bosnia-Herze- has included the country’s papal govina has called on the EU to help nuncio. refugees stranded in drastic winter The bishops’ conference has conditions in the Balkan country and labelled news that senior officials accused it of ignoring their plight and have benefited from access to seeking to “wash its hands like Pi- vaccines as “the monster of late.” corruption”. The scandal, dubbed “Most people here are hospitable ‘Vaccine-gate’, has forced a to refugees – it’s only a quarter of a number of senior officials to century since war ravaged our country, resign after they jumped the so we know what it’s like to be home- queue to secure vaccines for less, hungry and afraid,” said Fr Tomo themselves and their families. Knezevic, the organisation’s Saraje- “We demand that these actions vo-based director. are investigated and punished so “But there’s a lot of tension, espe- that impunity does not gain more cially in the cities, where migrants are living in parks or ruins, making Many of the refugees space among Peruvians,” the have been left to fend for bishops said. residents uncomfortable. There’s also some criminal behaviour, while pop- themselves in freezing The scandal began in early winter conditions February when former President ulist politicians exploit anxieties to Martin Vizcarra admitted that he, incite a mood against them.” European Church leaders have re- It accepted that many migrants, in- encouraging them to come – yet today his wife and his brother had been The priest said that at least 10,000 peatedly appealed for better support cluding unaccompanied children, cur- people are locked out and sometimes inoculated in October with doses mostly Muslim refugees and migrants for refugees, migrants and asylum- rently lacked “safe and dignified shel- pushed back by force, their fate used from China’s Sinopharm which from the Middle East, Africa and Asia seekers attempting to enter the EU ter, food, water, sanitation, electricity as a deterrent,” the Caritas director had been supplied as part of a were currently stuck in his country, via the western Balkans, where frontier and heating.” said. clinical trial. The papal nuncio, often sheltering barefoot in unheated crossings were closed and fortified However, in his KNA interview, Fr “Most of Europe’s Caritas associa- Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, was tents made of plastic sheets in “misery after a mass influx in 2015-2016. Knezevic said Europe had proved “a tions are unfortunately silent, includ- ing the German one, and our tele- another to benefit from the jab and disgrace.” The EU Commission said up to complete disappointment” for many phones are silent, although we ur- weeks before any Peruvian was He added that some had failed on 70,000 refugees and migrants had en- fleeing war and hardship, while gently need more solidarity to con- given one. 20 or more attempts to cross the EU tered Bosnia-Herzegovina since 2018, Bosnia-Herzegovina was itself still tinue our work. The EU should not Peru has been one of the border into Croatia, while many were adding that humanitarian conditions “badly damaged” and poverty-stricken keep innocently washing its hands countries worst affected by Covid- now “wet, cold, hungry and dirty” had been exacerbated by local gov- after a bloody 1992-95 war. on the refugee issue like Pilate – Chris- 19, with over 45,000 deaths. and had despaired of reaching their ernment restrictions and the closure “The EU, especially Germany, sent goal. of reception centres at Bira and Lipa. out a clear welcome signal to refugees, tians are not allowed to do this.”
18 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com World News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
NJPN Comment Clock ticking in Iraq’s Muslims see pope as a climate crisis
Paul unifier for Islamic traditions
Donovan Cindy Wooden As Pope Francis continues his efforts One of the few positives to come to encourage and engage in inter-re- out of the Covid pandemic has ligious dialogue, his trip to Iraq – due been a worldwide reduction in to begin next weekend – will be an carbon dioxide emissions. Due to opportunity to extend a hand to the a reduction in emitting activities, Shi’ite Muslim community. there was a 6.4 per cent fall (2.3 In Iraq – as in Iran, Bahrain and billion tonnes) in emissions Azerbaijan – more than 60% of Mus- worldwide. Emissions caused by lims are Shi’ite. Worldwide, though, aviation dropped by 48 per cent Shi’ites are a minority, making up less on the preceding year. than 15 per cent of the Muslim com- The UN Environment Program munity. Most Muslims are Sunni. estimates that a cut of 7.6 per cent While the two communities have will be needed each year for the had serious disputes, even violent next decade if global warming is to ones, “the differences between Sunni stay below the 1.5 degrees level re- Islam and Shi’ite Islam are not that quired to stop devastating effects. important or obvious, because for In 2018, the Inter-governmental both there is only one God, and Panel on Climate Change report Muhammad is his blessed prophet warned that there were 12 years and the one who received the Koran,” left to stop run-away warming. said Shahrzad Houshmand Zadeh, a Yet the world is making very Shi’ite Muslim theologian who has slow progress. The reduction of taught at the Pontifical Gregorian Uni- the past year provides a temporary versity in Rome. respite, the problem being that Often referred to as sects or schools when the world economy gets of thought or even denominations, back to normal, emissions will re- the Sunni and Shi’ite communities turn to the previous damaging lev- split early in Islamic history in a dis- A Muslim woman walks past a poster els. What is required is fundamen- pute over who was the legitimate suc- in Baghdad designed to commemorate tal change in the way the world cessor to Muhammad in leading the Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq economy operates, so those CO2 community. reductions occur on an everyday For the Shi’ites, the obvious choice with Sheikh Ahmad el-Tayeb, the greater harmony between Sunnis and One of the most obvious differences basis, not as part of, what we hope was Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, grand imam of Al-Azhar, who is an Shi’ites,” she said. “These encounters, between Sunni and Shi’ite, Housh- is, a one-off crisis. whom they believe was designated authority recognised by many Sunnis which are so courageous, innovative mand said, is the Shi’ite devotion to Certainly, much more needs to by Muhammad. The Sunnis instead around the world, the pope’s meeting and urgent, are a source of hope for saints and, especially to Ali and the be done. In this country, following decided to elect a caliph and chose with Ayatollah al-Sistani will extend humanity.” early imams. Just like Catholics are the financial crash of 2008, the Abu Bakr as the first; but years later that outreach to all Muslims, Housh- In a way similar to what happened devoted to saints, but do not worship Labour Government heavily they chose Ali as the fourth caliph, so mand said. after splits developed within Christi- them, Shi’ites affirm the uniqueness backed the renewables sector. The both recognise him as an important While no common document is ex- anity, once the Sunni and Shi’ite com- of Muhammad as prophet, but believe fledgling sector grew on the back figure in early Islam. pected from the pope’s meeting with munities broke from one another, dif- holiness continues to exist in the of a feed-in tariff scheme which Ali is buried in the Iraqi city of the ayatollah – unlike the document ferences began to develop in the areas world in the lives of the saints and encouraged people to become Najaf, and his mausoleum is a pil- on “human fraternity” signed with of prayer and devotion, theology and that they can mediate between God their own micro-generators. A grimage destination. Pope Francis is the sheikh – “I am certain there will jurisprudence although they continue and people on earth. number of churches enthusiasti- scheduled to visit the city on 6th be a great, perhaps even greater spir- to share the core tenets of faith. And And also like Catholics, she said, cally took part. March for a meeting with Ayatollah itual understanding between the two,” they both insist on the importance of Shi’ites have developed devotional Unfortunately, this industry did Ali al-Sistani, one of Shi’ite Islam’s Houshmand said. prayer, fasting, almsgiving, making a practices, including religious proces- not receive the same support un- most authoritative figures. “I do not know if he means to or pilgrimage to Mecca and giving public sions, which are not a feature of the der successive Conservative-led After his February 2019 meeting not, but the pope also is creating witness to their faith. Sunni community. Governments since 2010. What is needed is to invest in the green economy to get things going. The UK economy is incredi- bly service sector based, which Italian PM cites pope’s ideas to parliament means it will be one of the slowest to recover. This is the time for the Italy’s new prime minister, Mario chose him to form a new government with saving the euro during the Eu- Government to really back the Draghi, took a leaf out of Pope Francis’ after former Prime Minister Giuseppe ropean debt crisis when several EU green/renewable sector, making it encyclical when he made his first ad- Conte failed to secure a parliamentary member states were unable to refi- a bedrock of our economy going dress to parliamentarians. majority. nance their government’s debts. forward. There also needs to be ac- Addressing the lower house of the The political shake-up, which came Born in Rome in 1947, Draghi is a tion to stop the mass extinction of Italian parliament on 17th February, about after Matteo Renzi, an Italian Jesuit-educated Catholic who was also so many species. Draghi laid out his plan for guiding senator who served briefly as prime named by Pope Francis as a member Millions of people have recon- Italy through the Covid-19 pandemic, minister from 2014 to 2016, withdrew of the Pontifical Academy for Social nected with nature over the past as well as the post-pandemic chal- his Italia Viva party from the coalition Sciences in July 2020. year. Rewilding and the promotion lenges the country will inevitably face, government after disagreeing with Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, di- of biodiversity must be the watch- including climate change. Conte’s spending plan to respond to rector of the journal La Civilta Cat- words across all of society. Not only has global warming had a the financial crisis due to the Covid- tolica, said Draghi brings a “refined We all need to remember that “direct effect on our lives and our are the ones who have ruined the 19 pandemic. balance” at an “extremely delicate 12-year deadline to save the world: health,” the land that “mega-cities work of the Lord!’” Draghi added. Nevertheless, the president’s choice time” in the country. we are already a quarter way have taken away from nature could The papal quote was taken from a of Draghi as the new prime minister While political differences led to through the timescale, yet the have been one of the causes of the general audience talk given by Pope was welcomed by many who viewed Draghi’s ascent, Fr Spadaro expressed work has hardly started. transmission of the virus from animals Francis in April 2020 to mark the 50th the renowned economist as a good his belief that the new prime minister’s See: paulfdonovan.blogspot.com to humans,” he said. Earth Day, which was established in choice to lead Italy out of a devastating government will maintain the com- NJPN Annual Conference 23-25 “As Pope Francis has said, ‘Natural 1970 to raise public awareness and recession. mon good of the country as its primary July 2021: ‘2021: Life on Earth – tragedies are the Earth’s response to concern for the environment and its Dubbed ‘Super Mario’ by the Italian objective, “beyond individual ideo- moment of truth’ our mistreatment. If I ask the Lord impact on peopleís health and all life. press, Draghi – who served as presi- logical positions. https://www.justice-and- now what he thinks, I don’t think he Draghi’s premiership came after dent of the European Central Bank “It is a peculiar solution for a very peace.org.uk/conference/ will tell me something very good. We Italian President Sergio Mattarella from 2011 to 2019 – is largely credited peculiar situation,” he said. theCatholic Carol Chris Fr Francis Glatz McDonnell Marsden Papal astronomer celebrates The ‘Colours St David of Mars missions - p21 of Day’- p23 Wales - p28
www.thecatholicuniverse.com TIMESA CATHOLIC UNIVERSE SUPPLEMENT Scottish bishop leads virtual prayer journey
With Covid-19 still restricting travel, Australia and the United States. in simplicity,” he said. a Scottish bishop led a 33-day virtual The virtual journey brought prayer There seemed “to be graces sur- journey of prayer that drew about back into family homes, said Bishop rounding it all around and something 4,000 people from his diocese as Keenan, who is vice president of greater than the sum of its parts,” well as from countries that included the Scottish bishops’ Bishop Keenan said. the United States, Uganda and conference. With spiritual growth Australia. “Creating a habit of a journey theme, a Bishop John Keenan of Paisley prayer is so important 12-year-old girl called said he invited the priests and parish- for families,” he said. Bridget shared one ioners of his diocese and beyond to “If families can create evening: “Lovely to join him on a “consecration journey a routine of coming be with you in prayer to Jesus through Mary,” beginning together to pray, this tonight. Excited for on 9th Janaury. will strengthen them tonight’s gardening,” “I am surprised I haven’t missed and have a profound he said. a single day,” one participant wrote healing effect in the Noting great reluc- on the bishop’s Facebook page. world.” tance among partici- “Normally, I am not able to do such The prayers were pants for the journey things. I don’t think I have finished “characterised by sim- to end, Bishop a single novena in my life.” plicity, confidence and Keenan is continuing For 33 nights, Bishop Keenan led trust,” following the the nightly prayers the prayers and readings live on book Child Consecra- and leads the rosary Facebook. Most nights about 500 tion to Jesus through Mary, by at 9pm on his Facebook page. families and individuals joined in, Blythe Marie Kaufman, the bishop “I do not think I have ever felt the he said, noting that each day’s record- said, noting that this “opened the sort of supernatural belonging that ing had a total viewership of about door to people of all ages, even I feel in these evening gatherings 4,000. Many were from the Diocese children, to join me in this conse- with Our Blessed Mother and all of Paisley and others joined from cration journey.” our livestream family. There is some- Ireland, Poland, Kenya, Nigeria, “More and more, I am seeing the thing of heaven about this conse- Uganda, Canada, Sweden, Ethiopia, beauty and importance of growing cration,” he said. During Lent, Congolese bishop urges helping people displaced by violence
A bishop in eastern Congo urged combined with inadequate facilities had provoked a “mass exodus,” with special humanitarian efforts during for controlling the coronavirus and many reported missing. “The rebels Lent, after rebel forces stormed a other diseases to fuel desperate seek to send a message by attacking church during a Sunday Mass, leav- needs. “It’s time to aid so many or- civilians in places identified as key ing at least 30 dead and injured. phans, widows and widowers – to to social and cultural life. Though Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku assure all those who’ve lost loved it’s difficult to discern their precise of Butembo-Beni said Catholics ones that we will denounce these aim in assaulting churches, the long- “should go beyond compassion by despicable atrocities until they end,” term goal is to control the region. helping those internally displaced, At least 18 people died when mil- Catholics everywhere, especially Fr Willy Raymond, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, blesses a who are now especially numerous itants stormed and burned the Ndelya those living close to churches, now handcrafted Italian sculpture of Holy Cross Family Ministries founder Fr in all four corners of our diocese parish church in Ituri province on fear further moves against the Chris- Patrick Peyton at the Fr Peyton Center in North Easton, Massachusetts, USA, last month. Born in Ireland and known as ‘The Rosary Priest’, he because of the killings being per- 14th February. tian population at a time when there’s professed “the family that prays together stays together.” A candidate petrated.” Patient Akilimali, editor of Radio already very little security.” added for sainthood, the Vatican declared him ‘Venerable’ in 2017. He said growing insecurity had Moto, told reporters the church attack Akilimali. (Catholic News Service photo/George Martell, courtesy Holy Cross Family Ministries) 20 TALKING POINT CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
In brief CLEVELAND: Ursuline Sis- Faiths institute asks ter Dianna Ortiz was teaching indigenous children as a mis- sionary in Guatemala in 1989 when her ministry was torn apart in the midst of the coun- try’s brutal civil war. Gates Foundation to Guatemalan soldiers abducted her from a garden on 2nd November, detaining her for 30 hours. She reported being gang raped and tortured re- peatedly until she escaped. Returning to the United shift tactics in Africa States, Sr Dianna became a human rights advocate and peacemaker, starting an or- Fredrick Nzwili ganisation for torture sur- vivors and becoming a visible An African faiths environmental presence of non-violence at institute is calling on the Bill and vigils and marches in the na- Melinda Gates Foundation to stop tion’s capital. funding green revolution Sr Dianna, 62, died while technologies and genetically in hospice care in Washington modified seeds for the continent, on 19th February after a re- but instead support natural turn of cancer. methods to help Africa achieve Friends and colleagues re- food sufficiency and protect its called Sr Dianna, who for the environments. last year was deputy director In an open online letter that is of Pax Christi USA, for hav- also asking for signatures, the ing a gentle spirit that guided Southern Africa Faith a steely determination to work Communities’ Environment for justice and peace for three Institute said the foundation is decades. “She was a witness fuelling hunger and poverty by to justice and human rights. funding farming methods that fail So much of what she did was to protect small-scale farmers and pretty quiet,” recalled Marie the environment. Dennis, senior adviser to the The Gates Foundation said it is secretary general of Pax working to ensure that small-scale Christi International, who African farmers can lift lived with Sr Dianna in the themselves out of poverty. Assisi Community in Wash- The Southern Africa Faith ington since the early 1990s. Communities’ Environment Institute concerns come as VATICAN CITY: As a last humanitarian agencies continue to Men plant seeds on a farm on the grounds of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Machakos, Kenya, on 26th resort, the Vatican may sanc- warn that millions of people in March, 2017. The farm is where they grow food for the parish and teach the local community about farming. tion employees who refuse Africa increasingly face hunger (inset) Genetically modified corn seedings are seen in this file photo. An African faiths environmental institute to get a Covid-19 vaccine for and poverty, partly due to climate is calling on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to stop funding green revolution technologies and change, conflict and more recently genetically modified seeds for the continent, but instead support natural methods to help Africa achieve food non-medical reasons, accord- sufficiency and protect its environments. (Photos: Catholic News Service) ing to a new Vatican decree. the Covid-19 pandemic. A variety of sanctions for “This is a bold and strong call environment. At the same time, community. This does not mean it works to ensure smallholder anyone violating measures in- that is in line with Catholic social large tracks of land are acquired for that profits alone are ‘bad,’ but farmers have access to a wide tended to slow the spread of teaching principles of solidarity, the crop, leaving many ordinary that a reassessment should be range of resources and innovations the novel coronavirus were preferential option for the poor and farmers without farming lands. The made where new information they need to improve their included in a decree signed care for our common home,” Allen actions disrupt the people’s ability comes in, to re-evaluate the livelihoods and lift themselves and on 8th February and later Ottaro, founder and executive to cope with food-related driving force behind the their families out of poverty. posted on the Vatican website director of the Catholic Youth challenges and environment development,” Papa said in a “We do this by working with by the head of the commission Network for Environmental withstand climatic changes. response to the letter. partners to help make smallholder governing Vatican City State. Sustainability in Africa, told “We urge the Gates Foundation Ottaro cited recent border crops and livestock more While the protocols apply Catholic News Service in a to stop pushing a green disruptions in East Africa where productive, to improve nutrition to everyone at the Vatican, reaction to the petition. “It is in ‘revolution’ that imposes Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and to empower women farmers,” the harshest sanctions are re- solidarity with the African technologies and seeds that are demanded Covid-19 testing or said a short statement from the served for Vatican employees smallholder farmers who are at controlled by companies with certificates of tests from drivers foundation sent to Catholic News whose contractual obligations risk of losing sovereignty over vested interests. Rather, it should and crews, resulting in delaying Service. “Our work is guided by include on-the-job health and their food production in the long be looking at and learning from delivery of food commodities. what smallholder farmers and safety regulations. term, as well as the loss of a small-scale farmers from around This led to an increase in the local agriculture businesses say For employees who lack a variety of food crops that are rich the world who are working to prices of certain foods, such as they need to succeed and by the proven medical reason for in nutrition.” build alternative food systems that fresh fruits and vegetables. priorities their governments have forgoing the vaccine, a refusal The faith communities’ institute are socially just and ecologically The Southern Africa Faith embraced in their national to be inoculated during the said the Gates Foundation has sustainable,” said the faith Communities’ Environment agriculture investment plans.” current health emergency ex- been funding projects that promote communities institute, which Institute – which includes The foundation said it believed poses them to the same range growing of one specific type of includes some Catholic Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, there are many paths to achieving of potential sanctions that crop in large fields at the expense organisations. Baha’i and African traditional sustainable food production. come with refusing any of of mixed cropping, a practice used Prince Papa, programme co- faiths – said widespread hunger in “African farmers, like farmers the other mandatory health by small-scale farmers in Africa ordinator of the Global Catholic the region during the Covid-19 everywhere, should be empowered exams and safety measures for many years. Climate Movement in Africa, said crisis has highlighted a systematic to choose from a range of that are part of their terms of Also, the institute said, in the ventures in agriculture, technology failure of the current profit-driven innovations that can help them employment. The harshest growing of the single crop, the or the entire economy should have system. adapt to stressful conditions like sanction, according to labour projects use heavy machinery, creation at the center of their In a response to the institute’s high temperatures, droughts, regulations issued in 2011, large amounts of fossil fuels, desired outcomes. letter, which was published on floods, pests and diseases, which is a termination of employ- commercial fertilisers and “Resources should also be 23rd February, the Gates continue to intensify due to ment. pesticides in the approaches concentrated in the hands of small- Foundation said that, through its climate change,” the foundation deemed to destroy the scale holders and the least in the agricultural development initiative, said. CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21 21 www.thecatholicuniverse.com Carol Glatz FEATURE Mars missions can inspire next generation scientists, says papal astronomer
As ‘Perseverance’, the latest probe Saturn and its moons and other meteorite collection. on Mars, continues to send to objects in the solar system. “It became apparent that what Earth high-definition images, Born in Fort Worth, Texas, in we had imagined through our video and audio of its 1974, Br Robert told me he only telescope was not the actual case, surroundings, one papal “dabbled a little” in enjoying that Mars is a very different place, The first images arrive moments after astronomer said he hoped the fresh science fiction, influenced by his a very dead world,” he said. NASA’s “Perseverance” Mars rover new discoveries will inspire future father’s interest in the genre, and But that did not deter science spacecraft successfully touched explorers. he credits it with inspiring him to from going back again and again down on Mars on 18th February. With advanced degrees in think of new ideas. for decades, certain that Mars physics, philosophy and theology, But it was the reality of holds a lot of clues for the quest The robotic vehicle sailed through space for nearly Jesuit Brother Robert Macke scientific discoveries that made for extraterrestrial life and (pictured) said: “What really him say: “Wow, these are real planetary formation. seven months, covering 293mn miles before piercing inspired me to come into this field places that you can really explore The many different Mars the Martian atmosphere at 12,000mph to begin its was growing up with the results and photograph and study,” he said missions have led scientists to look approach to touchdown on Mars, with the help of a that were coming out of the in a call from the Vatican for other clues and signs, like parachute, booster rockets and a sky crane spacecraft missions, like Voyager, Observatory in Castel Gandolfo possible evidence of minute and all the photographs that near Rome. microbial life – past or present – or nobody had ever seen before” of “Seeing the results and the something completely unlike structure underneath the surface, “Nakhla,” which fell in Egypt in images that come out of missions anything found on Earth. and it will drive along what had 1911, and was held by Popes like ‘Perseverance’, I hope these “The atmosphere doesn’t have been a lake full of water, because, Benedict XVI and Francis. will be an inspiration to the next signs of the source of chemistry Br Robert said, “when we’re Br Robert said he and a generation of young scientists,” he that would reflect current living looking for life, you follow the researcher in Houston are using said. organisms doing their ordinary water.” data from Martian meteorites and The popular imagination has biology,” he said, so “maybe in the “The more we know about Mars, comparing it with data from come a long way since early past, maybe back when Mars was the more we can direct our focus different Mars orbiters “to better speculations about little green men wetter, when the atmosphere was in the search for life,” he said, understand and characterise the and artificial canals of some thicker, perhaps back then maybe it adding that “Mars is the nearest surface and immediate subsurface ancient civilisation once might have supported life. And so and easiest and biggest laboratory of Mars.” populating the red planet. that’s what we want to look for.” for us to search for life.” The race to Mars has intensified When the Mariner 4 probe flew The ‘Perseverance’ will be able The Jesuit said the Vatican with two other successful missions by Mars in 1965 and took the very to drill under the Martian surface meteorite collection has about half reaching their destinations in first pictures of another planet ever and store sample cores in tubes for a dozen specimens from Mars, February: an orbiting craft sent by seen, “it saw a dry, desolate possible future study. It also has including samples from the the United Arab Emirates, and a planet,” said the Jesuit brother, ground penetrating radar that important Chassigny meteorite, probe set to land by China. who is the curator of the Vatican’s should help understand the which fell in France in 1815, and While those missions may have geopolitical overtones for some, for scientists – the more the better, he said. “In the sciences, and planetary science in particular, we are an international community, and we have quite a tradition of collaborating amongst ourselves quite a bit,” he said. “As far as I know, the data coming from these missions will be shared with scientists around the world,” the Jesuit said. “That is part of this scientific community is not one that is really bound by geopolitical borders.” “That’s one of the marvellous things about science, it’s really an international collaboration of the whole world. You know, the world benefits when we learn more through our science,” he said.
Members of NASA’s Perseverance rover team react in mission control in Pasadena, California, after receiving confirmation the spacecraft successfully touched down on Mars. Papal astronomer, Brother Robert Macke SJ, said he hoped the fresh new discoveries will inspire future explorers. (CNS photo/Bill Ingalls, NASA handout via Reuters) 22 CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
Cindy Wooden VATICAN LETTER Honouring suffering, building bridges: Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq has dual focus
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic heart by everyone, Christians and ongoing security concerns, included,” he said. “Years, Pope Francis is determined to visit decades, of conflict and sectarian Iraq to pay homage to Christian division have really wreaked havoc and other minorities persecuted for on Iraq,” destroying whole their faith and to strengthen the villages, but even more, tearing the commitment of the overwhelming social fabric “to shreds.” majority of Iraqi Muslims to “Christians look forward to the creating a future of peace and pope’s visit to be acknowledged,” harmony. he said. But “across the board, all (L-R): Regina Lynch, Michael La Civita and Jesuit Father Joseph Cassar, are pictured during a Zoom interview As a pilgrim he will visit people of goodwill await this with Catholic News Service on 17th February. During his March 5th-8th visit to Iraq, Pope Francis will pay churches that were destroyed by message of hope, of fraternity homage to the suffering of the Christian community and urge all to recognise each other as brothers and militants of the Islamic State group, from the pope, and they long for a sisters and rebuild the country together. and as a global religious leader, he change in Iraq.” Father also is a sign that the subject to martyrdom because of to restore Catholic and Orthodox will hold an interreligious meeting The fact that rockets were Catholic Church is an artisan of their identity as followers of Jesus.” churches and convents, but also near the ancient city of Ur, launched into Irbil on 15th peace, of reconciliation and In the past 30 or 40 years, the kindergartens and community birthplace of Abraham. February creates additional development.” Eastern Catholics as well as halls, both of which are important “Pope Francis is truly a father concern, Fr Joseph said. It doesn’t While the events on Pope members of the Syriac Orthodox gathering places for Christians and because he really wants all human happen often, “especially in the Francis’ schedule include meetings Church and the Assyrian Church Muslims. The pope is scheduled to beings to be united – not only Kurdistan region, which is really with top government leaders and of the East have given witness to visit the Syriac Catholic Catholics, Orthodox and regarded as a safe haven. This of leaders of other faiths, meetings the “ecumenism of blood,” their community’s Al-Tahera Church in Protestants – but he is broadening course bursts the bubble a bit and I with the country’s Christians are at unity in martyrdom, La Civita Qaraqosh, a church ACN helped his embrace to include the Islamic think it was an intentional message the heart of the visit. said. “These churches are steeped restore. world,” said Shahrzad Houshmand to the coalition forces and the US Michael La Civita, director of in the blood of their martyrs.” One of the most anticipated Zadeh, a Shiite Muslim theologian forces and the new (Biden) communications for the New York- “I think they are getting tired of events on the pope’s calendar is a who has taught at the Pontifical administration to say: ‘Hey, we based Catholic Near East Welfare being called resilient” after private meeting planned for 8th Gregorian University in Rome. can get you anywhere.’” Association, said the trip tells Iraqi suffering through so many waves March with Ayatollah Ali al- Holding an interreligious meeting “The whole of Iraq is in a fragile Christians “that despite their ever of persecution, he said, “but it is Sistani, one of Shiite Islam’s most at the birthplace of Abraham, situation and the outlook continues declining numbers, someone on the remarkable how resilient they are. authoritative figures. The meeting recognised as the patriarch of to be uncertain, but one must never outside cares and that someone But they are not ‘they,’ they’re will be held in Najaf, a city special monotheistic faith by Jews, lose hope,” he said. Covid-19, happens to be the bishop of ‘we,’ our brothers and sisters.” to Muslims, especially Shiites, Christians and Muslims, “can shake political tensions, economic Rome,” the pope; about 80 per cent Lynch agreed, saying the pope’s because it is the burial place of people’s consciences to remind us difficulties and “ongoing, low- of the Christians in Iraq are planned visit “really shows them Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali. of our common origin,” she said. level attacks by ISIS,” including Eastern Catholics, belonging to that they are part of the universal Houshmand Zadeh said the “It’s like going home and finding suicide bombings in Baghdad in either the Chaldean, Syriac or church, that they are united with us designation “ayatollah” among our brothers and sisters again.” January, increase insecurity. Armenian Catholic churches. and we are united with them.” Shiites would be similar to a Jesuit Father Joseph Cassar, the The fact that the pope is going “He will be there to witness, to “It’s easier for people who have cardinal among Catholics, a Irbil-based country director for “at a time when it really is not be in solidarity with this church of not suffered the way the (Iraqi) recognised leader, but al-Sistani is Jesuit Refugee Service, noted that easy because of Covid is a very the martyrs,” he said. Iraqi Christians have to say: ‘We must a “grand ayatollah,” an expert in the theme of Pope Francis’ visit is strong statement,” said Regina Christians “very much understand have reconciliation. We must live Islamic law, theology and “You are all brothers.” Lynch, director of projects for the that because of their identity, together.’ But we mustn’t forget spirituality, who is esteemed not “That message really needs to be Catholic charity Aid to the Church which is both ethnic and faith- that this is what the Christians only in Iraq, but by many Shiite heard loud and clear and taken to in Need. “This visit of the Holy based, they are at any given time have done there for so long,” she Muslims around the world. said. “They’ve always been a “This is the first time a pope has minority in the last centuries and gone to a country with a Shiite yet they are a bridge between majority,” she said, and to meet different groups, different Islamic with al-Sistani and to do so in groups as well.” Najaf “is very, very important.” Lynch was in Irbil in 2014 a “If religious leaders cannot co- week after waves of displaced operate for the common good of Christians arrived in the city humanity, they are not authentic or fleeing Islamic State militants. “I credible,” she said. remember one or two people Fr Joseph also welcomed news recounting how, when they were of the meeting, saying “it is of leaving their homes with the bare huge importance, also because it necessities because they had to sends out the message that the leave really quickly, some of them pope’s visit is not only for were hurt – maybe even bitter – Christians. The pope’s visit is because they saw their former intended to build bridges,” neighbours going into their houses something which also tells the and ransacking them.” country’s Christians that that is One of ACN’s big programmes their mission, too. was to assist Christians who Christians in Iraq, he said, are wanted to return to their villages not supposed to be a “pre- and homes. The charity helped Pentecost” Christian community, rebuild their houses and, as a gift, referring to the disciples and Mary gave each family an olive tree, a closed in the Upper Room before plant that provides fruit and oil, the descent of the Holy Spirit. but also is a symbol of life and of Instead, they are supposed to go Pope Francis is scheduled to visit six cities peace. out and be the leaven of a new during his visit to Iraq next month. Now, she said, ACN is helping society. CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21 23
Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Chris McDonnell JOURNEY IN FAITH The ‘Colours of Day’
A popular hymn of the early 70s paper collages, one of which is in this medium. I had and one that remains in use today, reproduced with this article. They reproductions of both hanging on is known by its first line ‘Colours were constructed from coloured the wall of my room in school. of day’, a hymn from the folk paper taken from magazine The use of found materials, genre of the time. It is worth illustrations, cut and arranged in rearranged in a creative manner reflecting on some of its words abstract patterns. Some shapes can be transformed into something these 50 years on. were torn from the original image, of great simplicity and beauty. leaving a rough, ragged edge In many ways, we can view the Colours of day dawn before re-assembly. Church as collage, a whole edifice into the mind, In a similar fashion the constructed from many fragments, The sun has come up, fragments that form our lives are some with neat clean edges the night is behind, sometimes shaped by clean-cut carefully arranged, each in its Go down in the city, lines, at others roughly torn from place. Others, with roughly torn into the street, our experience of the day to day edges jostling with their And let’s give the message bustle of living. The pieces don’t neighbour, are anxious for space to the people we meet. always fit together like a neat that their voice might also be jigsaw, each carefully interlocking heard. There is almost something post- with another. It is often suggested that one of Covid in that opening verse; the No, the rough edges jostle for the great difficulties experienced sun has come up, the night is space, each anxious to assume by religious communities is the behind. Colour, in contrast to its dominance. The consequent very fact that a disparate group of grey-toned absence, returning to discomfort is one that we have all men or women live together week brighten our days, the arrival of experienced as we learn to take by week, putting up with each expectant hope. Later in the hymn the good times and the not so other’s foibles and forgiving each we are encouraged to:- good times in equal part. Life other, time and again. comes to us multi-shaped, great I suggested in my article at the Go through the park, joys and small pleasures, end of January that the parish was on into the town, enormous hurts and aggravating formed from a number of small The sun still shines on, niggles. All hit us one time or groups. In fact the parish can also it never goes down, another just as the materials of a be seen as a collage, small pieces The Light of the world collage come together to form one of colour assembled to form a is risen again, whole design. great whole, each alongside the The people of darkness Many great artists have used the other, rough and smooth edges are needing a friend. collage technique in their work, alike. creating memorable statements After a journey through through a simple, tactile form. The How about our times of prayer? darkness the light of the world has extensive use of this technique by Surely there is another example risen again. Henri Matisse comes to mind. His of an aspect of life as collage? Our lives resemble in many spiral arrangement of irregular Our times of prayer are never the ways a jigsaw or the art form polygons of colour, entitled, The same. Sometimes the edges are known as collage. Many small Snail is well known. His blue- smooth and everything seems to Collage 92, by Chris McDonnell. pieces that are arranged together to coloured nudes and the rich tones fall in to place. On other occasions form a whole. Back in the early of The Dancers brilliantly the rough edges make for an not suffice. Just sitting will not trying to form. 90s I spent some time working on demonstrate the skill of the artist uncomfortable ride. We do not suffice. It has to be real. Yet what Returning to the collage image choose the time or place, it just can one do? Solitude puts you with that accompanies these few words, happens and we have to cope with your back to the wall, or your face it is formed from many different the consequences. It is just another to it, and this is good. So you pray coloured shapes. Moving across aspect of life that has to be to learn how to pray!” the image, there is change and we managed, one step at a time. If we Honest, direct, no frills. Merton respond differently to the dance of are sensitive to change, then we makes no attempt to cover the its organisation and detail. can learn from the experience. In hardship with well-fashioned making a collage not every cut or phrases or sentiments. He says it Dance of prayer tear or choice of colour is right as it is and concludes that we Taken to the edge first time. The rejected pile of might pray to learn how to pray. we face the emptiness of words materials that grows on the floor Building the collage of prayer is that once had meaning. round the artist’s feet tells the to set out on an arduous journey, stor y. one with many points of failure There we face the loss of surety So too does the litter pile from and darkness, lit occasionally with where in the cold stillness our broken attempts at prayer the light of the presence of God to of each dawn hour, accumulate throughout our lives. encourage our effort. There is a in the breaking light The important thing is that we do nakedness in our effort as we the echo of words remains not become dispirited, that each struggle to live a life in prayer, as and the dance continues. attempt at prayer is seen as a step each tentative step brings with it on our journey rather than an the risk of joy or perceived failure. Sr Wendy Beckett wrote in her occasion of failure. And there lies the nub of our book Simple Prayer that: “The Many books have been written problem; what we speak of as essential act of prayer is to stand on prayer, offering new insights failure may not be failure at all, unprotected before God. What will into well-worn paths. All well and just as a small stumble is not God do? He will take possession good, but reading about prayer is always followed by a serious fall. of us.” no substitute for prayer itself. In a So although our steps falter, the To conclude where we started, journal entry in December 1964, pilgrimage of prayer continues as the people of darkness are needing Thomas Merton tells us: “In the we return again and again to pick a friend. It is through the prayer hermitage one must pray or go to up the pieces, the torn and ragged collage of our lives that darkness The Snail, by Henri Matisse - 1953. seed. The pretence of prayer will fragments of the collage we are finds light. 24 HIDDEN GEMS CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
Fr Michael Collins Controversial painting depicting a scene from the boyhood of Christ
Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, talks regularly of his strong devotion to St Joseph. He has designated a year (8th December 2020 - 8th December 2021) as one of special prayer and honour of the saint. ºWe do not know a great deal learned that he was the son Mary compositions, dating between the at that time did not differentiate showed a precocious ability with about St Joseph. According to the and Joseph of Nazareth and that second and fourth centuries, claim between grades of familial drawing. At the age of 11, he was Gospel accounts, Joseph his family was well-known in the that Joseph was a widower and relationship but used the term accepted as a student at the Royal discovered that his young fiancée, district. that he had children prior to his “brethren” in a broad sense. Academy Schools. Mary, was pregnant even before The Greek word used in the marriage to Mary. The English painter, John At the age of 20, Millais painted they married. Although not the gospels describing Joseph’s trade This would explain the use of Everett Millais, was a popular and a large canvas entitled Christ in father, Joseph decided to marry is tekton, a builder, although the the term “brethren” which was highly talented artist. He was born the House of His Parents. The Mary. Some time later, the child word is erroneously translated as loosely applied to his kinsfolk. It is in Southampton, Hampshire in previous year, when Millais was was born when Joseph and Mary carpenter. Later literary worth remembering that Aramaic August 1896 and from a young age just 19, a group of his artist friends visited Joseph’s family hometown of Bethlehem. The Gospels recount that shortly after Jesus was born, Joseph experienced several angelic visions, in which the heavenly messenger urged him to care of and protect the boy as he grew up. Shortly after the child was born, Joseph and Mary brought the infant to the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, where they were greeted by the elderly Simeon and Anna. On that occasion Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish ritual. The ceremony was usually conducted on the eighth day following the birth. Two turtle doves were offered at the temple in gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the child. In fear of King Herod, whom the Gospels relate ordered the execution of all male children under the age of two, Joseph took his wife and son to Egypt for an undefined period, returning to Palestine only after the death of the monarch. The Gospels are largely silent on the early years of Jesus’ childhood. Some pseudo-Gospels, dating probably from the fourth century, relate that Jesus caused clay models of birds to fly and punished other children who offended him. These are clearly fantasies, made up in an attempt to fill in the frustrating gaps of our knowledge. The last mention of Joseph is oblique, when Mary and the 12- year-old Jesus made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the annual festivals. During this visit, Jesus was separated from his family and was later found in the presence of the learned men of the temple. Mary scolded her son, asking if he had no concern for the worry that he had caused his parents. When Jesus was in his early 30s, he aroused curiosity for his teaching and miracles. People Christ in the House of His Parents (‘The Carpenter’s asked about his lineage and Shop’), by John Everett Millais. 1849-50. CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21 25
Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress came together at his home in the Royal Academy which had person. Her Majesty’s reaction has large trestle table on which Joseph Joseph’s mother, leans across the Gower Street in London. For been founded in 1768. not been recorded for posterity. and a young man are working. table towards a pair of pincers. She several months they had explored The members confined Millais was shocked by the Joseph’s sleeves are rolled back, may wish to remove the tool with and developed the style and hues themselves to painting and public outcry. The members of the revealing pale forearms in contrast when the child had injured of the Quattrocento period of the sculpture with a particular group, who called themselves the to the rugged and tanned hands. himself. A male figure to the left early Italian Renaissance. They attachment to poetry. They were Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, were In the foreground, Mary kneels looks up momentarily to see what delighted in the spontaneity of the Christian and enchanted by the equally alarmed by the negative to kiss Jesus who has just injured the fuss is about while a boy on Italian painters who depicted both spirituality of the Middle Ages. public press. the palm of his hand with a nail the right approaches gingerly with secular and sacred subjects with Millais became embroiled in an The depiction of the Holy protruding from the door. As the a bowl of water to clean the such skill and elegance. unexpected controversy when he Family was rare in Victorian child shows his hand to his mother, wound. The group noted the change of exhibited Christ in the House of England. Children were, in the a drop of blood falls on the instep In the background to the left, style in the mid-16th century, His Parents in 1850. Indignant celebrated phrase “to be seen but of his foot. It is a clear presage of rams and sheep in a pen look notably in the works of letters appeared in the London not heard.” People were surprised the crucifixion. through an open doorway, perhaps Michelangelo, who portrayed newspapers, condemning the at the realistic depiction of the an image of the followers of the evermore elongated and manner in which Millais had family. adult Jesus. A dove, perched on a exaggerated figures. The group portrayed of the Holy Family. The Council of Trent (1545-63) ladder, reminds the viewer of the was more attracted to the work of Among the vocal critics was had encouraged artists to inspire Holy Spirit. the artists of the 15th century. Charles Dickens, who ridiculed the faithful with vivid devotional Pope Francis has a deep Among Millais companions were the stilted composition and wrote scenes. Italian artists in particular devotion to St Joseph and keeps a Holman Hunt, Dante Gabriel that the characters seemed like responded with vast canvases of statue of the saint asleep on his Rossetti, William Michael Rosetti, alcoholics. Others condemned the the life of Christ and the saints. desk. The pope explains that Frederic Stephens and James depiction of Mary and the red- These were generally displayed Joseph seemed to receive angelic Collinson. haired Jesus. over the altars in churches. When visitations during sleep. When The group adopted the As letters to the editors of the first wave of the iconoclasm things worry him, Pope Francis soubriquet, the Pre-Raphaelite various newspapers decried the caused by the English Reformation makes a note on slips of paper Brotherhood, although it was by work of art, Queen Victoria’s died down, artists began once (usually recycled from the back of no means a formal society. The curiosity was piqued. The queen more to depict Christian themes. envelopes) and at the end of the members kept their association requested that the canvas be The Victorian era saw a day places them under the statue. secret for fear of offending brought to Buckingham Palace blossoming of devotional art He himself then goes to bed, influential patrons connected with where she could examine it in which was displayed not only in leaving St Joseph to sort out the churches but also in public spaces Joseph leans forward to examine Church’s problems. and institutions. the wound, bending his son’s Today visitors to the Tate, where The scene takes place in fingers towards him. The action the large canvas now hangs, Joseph’s workshop and comprises evokes the familiar pose of Jesus usually pass by, oblivious to the two female and four male figures. giving a blessing. uproar caused when the work was These stand or kneel around a A woman, perhaps Mary or unveiled in 1850.
Fr Michael Collins is a priest and author living in Dublin, Ireland, with a passion for history, arts, culture and travel writing. His two most recent books are short biographies. NEWMAN A Short Biography, published in 2019 by Messenger Publications, was written to mark the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman. RAPHAEL’S WORLD, published also by Messenger Press, was written in 2020 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of the High Renaissance painter, Raphael Sanzio da Urbino. Follow Fr Michael on Twitter: @frmikecollins 26 CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
I David Torkington’s page is temporarily on hold for a few weeks due to health reasons.
BOOKCASE THE HUMAN SIDE The power Three novels with Catholic themes of questions
“A prudent question is one-half make for engaging winter reading wisdom.” This insight by English philosopher Francis Bacon possesses a fundamental principle A ClEAN HEArT, by John father and his brother have long Rosengren himself went through simple, uncomplicated for coping with today’s disquiet: rosengren. Paperback - 224 pages. denied that his mother’s drinking addiction treatment when he was personalities who seem to glimpse to use the power of the question. SEE No EvIl: A FATHEr GAbrIEl is problematic. And she has always 17 and also has worked in teen truths about human nature that Let’s examine some examples of MySTEry, by Fiorella De Maria. resented Carter’s decision years treatment centres, and his escape others who are caught up in the strength of the questions. Paperback - 225 pages. ago to pass up a promising hockey authentic knowledge illuminates the distractions of modern life. Could much of the disunity we SINNEr AND SAINT: A NovEl career so that he could enter every page. These insights prove remarkably are experiencing be traced to oF FrANCIS oF ASSISI, treatment for his own substance useful in solving crimes and in tribalism? Tribalism is based on by Eyre Price. abuse. See No Evil is the helping others find their moral the behaviour and attitudes that All available to buy online from Rosengren knows third novel in way. stem from strong loyalty to one’s Amazon. how to limn a Fiorella De Maria’s With each of her Father Gabriel own tribe or social group. character in just a Father Gabriel mysteries, De Maria deepens the An article in Psychology Today This trio of novels with Catholic few words. Of mystery series. title character’s persona, and we says tribalism is bad when it themes offers plenty of engaging Mindy, Carter’s Here, the intrepid can only look forward to the next brings people together “out of wintertime reading. clueless co-worker, Benedictine in the series. anger, jealousy and spite, not for In A Clean Heart, John he writes: “Her detective finds collective well-being.” And it Rosengren creates memorable perpetual expression himself in the Sinner and Saint takes on a big adds that bad tribalism “is easy characters such as Carter Kirchner, was that of someone middle of a country subject, the life of St Francis of to provoke but not healthy to a substance abuse counsellor at a suddenly asking house murder Assisi, about whom so much has maintain. Staying angry is drug treatment centre for herself if she had mystery. been written. Yet, Eyre Price stressful” and detrimental to our teenagers. Besides the usual remembered to turn It’s manages to give us a fresh take on health. challenges of helping his young off the iron.” And Christmastime, and the life of the revered saint. He On the other hand, “good clients navigate the road to Sister Mary Xavier’s he has gone, eschews hagiography to give us a tribalism is difficult to build” sobriety, he also must deal with eyes are “dark-blue reluctantly, to a realistic, meaningful portrayal of but when practised for the the heavy drinking of his boss, beams that gripped wealthy local the saint in all of his strengths and common good, it creates Sister Mary Xavier, which you in their gaze and would not let family’s festive party. There he has struggles. inspiring unity. Could it be that threatens both her well-being and go until they had finished their to meet the unpleasant Victor We see the young Francis in bad tribalism is increasing and the centre’s. Then his mother is business with you.” Gladstone, a former reporter who conflict with his wealthy merchant is a major cause of our unrest? suddenly hospitalised with A Clean Heart moves easily abhors clerics and is burdened father, as a hard-fighting soldier Could adhering to outlandish advanced cirrhosis, the result of back and forth between the present with being the sole witness to a and then a prisoner of war, and as beliefs be the result of clever her long-standing alcoholism. and scenes from Carter’s wartime massacre. a young man struggling to find his psychological manipulations that As Carter faces the potentially childhood. The fast-paced When Gladstone is found dead own way of simplicity and service are influencing people’s minds? fatal consequences of her narrative offers many insights the next morning, it appears at first to others. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: addiction, he finds himself trying about recovery and the problems to be an accident – but then Father Also well detailed is the story of “Sow a thought and you reap an to come to terms with his that both the residents and the staff Gabriel starts to wonder who his common efforts with St Clare action; sow an act and you reap dysfunctional family. Both his face in a treatment centre. among the guests to help the poor, and a habit; sow a habit and you might have wished of his lifelong reap a character; sow a him mortal harm. commitment to the character and you reap a Set in Europe in sanctity of the destiny.” Are many of the words the years natural world and the and images that we hear and see immediately environment. Indeed, being used without any following World War he was to become responsibility for our destiny II, a rich period for the patron saint of and that of our children? If so, moral introspection, ecology, as St John how do we combat this? the book’s strength is Paul II named him. As ironic as it may sound, is its nuanced Price’s depiction employing solitude the answer? consideration of of Francis is always Is it possible that our ability to moral culpability. compelling. His develop our interiority is How guilty are we dramatisation of the lacking? Interiority is needed to when we are saint’s story is hard centre our prudence and involved indirectly in to put down, with wholeness. Solitude enables us to behaviour that is dialogue that propels earnestly develop the nobility of immoral? That’s a question that De the narrative so well that you our character. Is the absence of Maria asks us to consider when she almost want to finish the book in thoughtful contemplation at the presents us with the example of one sitting. bottom of today’s tumultuous property stolen from the Nazis and Price, who has published three times? its subsequent sale. Along the way, other novels, writes that he took Have we slipped into an off- De Maria rewards us with “some factual liberties with what the-top-of-the-head atmosphere captivating descriptions of the passes for the established history in which ideas are illogical, landscape and lifestyles of postwar of Francis’ life and times.” His twisted and hollow – hasty England, along with dialogue purpose in making these thoughts at the mercy of a lust faithful to the time period. “embellishments” was to capture for prestige and appeasement De Maria, an Anglo-Maltese “more truly the nature of Francis’ rather than being thoughtful writer who lives in Surrey, has spirit – or at least, what his spirit and guided by truth? Is in- published six other books, represents to me.” depthness on the decline? If so, including the two earlier Father And that is, “an (extra) ordinary are we looking to solitude and Gabriel titles, The Sleeping man whose life of trials and prayer to reclaim it? Witness and The Vanishing tribulations remains ever relevant The hope of raising questions Woman. and whose courageous example is what leads to “what-would- Perhaps not surprisingly, Father continues to offer us a whispered, happen if-we” questions – Gabriel’s character may evoke for but persuasive answer to many of follow-up questions that create some readers aspects of the the questions that plague us healthy progress and a hopeful beloved Father Brown created by today.” destiny. G.K. Chesterton. Both are fairly Reviewd by Nancy Roberts Father Eugene Hemrick CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21 27
www.thecatholicuniverse.com
COMMENT Ellis Heasley Before Rosa Parks, there PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE Pakistan: Christians was Claudette Colvin accused of blasphemy Carole Norris Greene I’ve always been fascinated by the once again highlight story of Claudette Colvin. On 2nd March, 1955, Claudette was a 15-year-old frightened Black problematic laws girl who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated On 13th February, two young her eventual release was bus in Montgomery, Alabama, Christian boys in Lahore, welcome, she is by no means USA. She was jailed nine months Pakistan, were charged with alone. Many others remain before Rosa Parks was arrested for blasphemy under section 295 imprisoned under similar the same civil disobedience, but of the Pakistan Penal Code. charges, often facing lengthy not in the same way. The laws under which the legal proceedings in which Claudette was already in the boys have been charged carry trials and appeals are coloured section of the the death penalty or life repeatedly delayed or Montgomery bus along with other imprisonment and have long adjourned. students from her school. They been criticised as being Blasphemy accusations can were headed home when the white misused to settle personal also have an impact beyond woman expected Claudette to give scores. that on accused individuals, up her seat even though there was The complainant in the case and often trigger mass an empty seat next to Claudette alleges that the two boys, violence against minority and vacant seats across the aisle known as Haroon Ayub communities. For example, in from the girl. Masih and Salamat Mansha 2013 Sawan Masih, a “That was the whole point of the Masih, approached him in a Christian from Joseph Colony segregation rules – it was all local park and gave him a in Punjab, was accused of symbolic – Blacks had to be Christian booklet whilst insulting the Prophet behind whites,” Colvin said in the preaching about Christianity. Mohammed during a 2009 book on her life by Phillip The boys are also accused of conversation. A local mosque Hoose, Claudette Colvin: Twice insulting the Prophet broadcasted the accusation, Toward Justice. Muhammad and the Qur’an. prompting a 3,000-strong The NAACP and other Black Local sources report that mob to attack the Christian civic leaders were already Mr Mansha Masih was neighbourhood of Joseph planning a boycott of the subsequently arrested, Colony. Almost 200 homes segregated Montgomery buses. however Mr Ayub Masih were torched, and hundreds They needed a face for their mass managed to evade arrest and of families were displaced. protest and threw their weight has since gone into hiding Pakistan’s blasphemy laws behind Parks instead of Claudette. with his whole family. are wholly incompatible with Parks was a respectable adult The criminalisation of international standards on blasphemy in Pakistan freedom of religion or belief and not a potentially Claudette Colvin pictured in 1954. uncontrollable teenager who had remains highly controversial. (FoRB), and the country’s become pregnant by a married Who Wasn’t Rosa Parks, Solano and East Tremont Avenue. The blasphemy laws are own commitments under man. gives an easy-to-follow storyline Even today, writers and the poorly defined and have low international law. They are Fast forward to the year 2020 of events that unfolded the day curious never tire of hearing standards for evidence, as also by no means the only and the battle cry against the Claudette was dragged from the Colvin tell why she refused to give they do not require specific concern for religious murder of George Floyd. Consider bus, was physically and verbally up her seat that day in 1955. proof of intent to commit minorities in the country. too the multiethnic Black Lives assaulted by police, and locked “History had me glued to the blasphemy. As a result, Christian Solidarity Matter movement birthed right behind prison bars. Three seat,” she would recall. She and spurious accusations are Worldwide (CSW) continues before then in the wake of other terrifying hours transpired before her classmates had been learning common, and the laws are to receive regular reports of notable deaths. the teen’s parents came with their about Black pioneers who fought often used as a weapon of the abduction, forced What a relief it is for me to see pastor, who bailed her out. against segregation and the revenge against both Muslims conversion and forced that social justice activists have But Claudette Colvin still made atrocities committed against their and non-Muslims to settle marriage of Christian and moved beyond the need to sanitise history one year later as one of race. With her lessons uppermost personal scores or to resolve Hindu women and girls, many victims of injustice the way Colvin four plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, in her mind, Claudette had had disputes over money, property of whom are minors. The was before taking up their causes the landmark case that overturned enough. or business. Ahmadi community also faces and demanding that their bus segregation laws throughout “I felt like Sojourner Truth was Perhaps one of the best- relentless discrimination and oppressors be held accountable. Alabama. A fifth plaintiff pushing down on one shoulder and known cases of the misuse of even persecution, with several Another very informative read withdrew early on due to outside Harriet Tubman was pushing down Pakistan’s blasphemy laws is reported killings of Ahmadis on Colvin is a double award- pressure. on the other, saying, ‘Sit down that of Asia Bibi, a Catholic in recent months. winning article by Abilene Solano, Colvin, now 81, reluctantly left girl!’” said Colvin. Christian mother of two who Please pray for religious a criminology major at St Mary’s Alabama for New York decades “I was glued to my seat” was sentenced to death for minorities in Pakistan. Pray University in San Antonio, Texas, ago. She felt blacklisted back irresistibly emboldened to sit blasphemy in 2010 after she particularly for Haroon Ayub class of 2024. Solano skims over home and needed to find work. In down as a way of standing up for was falsely accused in 2009. Masih, Salamat Mansha nothing, sometimes editorialising 2004, she retired after 35 years of her constitutional right. As long-time readers of this Masih, and all those currently as she tells Colvin’s story. Her being a nurse’s aide at a retirement column will be aware, Ms accused of blasphemy in the attention to even the minutest home in Manhattan and moved I FURTHER Bibi’s case was lengthy and country, asking God to details helped answer several back to Alabama in 2019. In the READING: protracted, with repeated intervene in their cases and questions that remained with me Bronx, a street – Claudette Colvin Claudette delays and appeals. In 2018, protect their families. Pray after I read other accounts. Way – is named in her honour at Colvin: Twice she was finally acquitted, and also for the immediate repeal In Claudette Colvin: The Woman the intersection of Unionport Road Toward Justice, she and her family were of the country’s blasphemy by Phillip eventually taken to Canada to laws, and that the government “When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to Hoose. start their new life. would instead take steps to Available to While Ms Bibi’s case is one protect FoRB and religious get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You have to take a buy online of the post high profile, and minorities across Pakistan. stand and say, ‘This is not right’.” - Claudette Colvin from Amazon. 28 CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
Fr Francis Marsden CREDO St David - a Celtic monk’s life
Spring is coming. The first day of March is St David’s Day, patron saint of Wales. He died in 589 AD in his monastery of Mynyw, now St David’s in Pembrokeshire, Britain’s smallest city (pop.1850). In Welsh its name is Tyddewi, the house of David. The Catholic diocese of Menevia, based in Swansea, takes its name from Mynyw.
As one approaches St David’s bishop Sulien of St David’s. His not in the fields, they prayed, from Fishguard in the east, the aim was to enhance the prestige of studied or wrote. Conversation was land flattens out, the air grows the See, so he amplifies David’s strictly limited. saltier, the roads are lined with miraculous gifts with legends The monks should pray silently, heather, gorse and bracken. Along gathered from local traditions. if not aloud, at all times. After the the Pembrokeshire coastal path, David’s conception resulted evening meal – their only proper dune grasslands alternate with cliff from his mother being raped by meal – they prayed for three hours headlands. The offshore islands of the chieftain Sant of Ceredigion. before bed, and then rose at dawn. Ramsey and Skomer are important He was baptised by his mother’s Continuous vigil was kept from bird sanctuaries. cousin, St Ailbe (Elvis) of Emly, Friday evening to Sunday daybreak. St David (Dewi Sant) is pre- and educated at Henfynyw near “David devoted himself to works eminent among the Welsh saints. Aberaeron – it seems likely that of mercy and practised frequent Less well known are Deiniol of his father provided for his genuflections and total immersion Bangor, Illtyd of Llantwit Major, illegitimate son and the woman he in cold water as his favourite Beuno of Clynnog Fawr, Teilo, had wronged. austerities.” (Farmer) Asaph, and Dyfrig (Dubricius). He became a monk, studying Any postulant hoping to join the Only Winifred with her Holy Well along with St Teilo at Whitland, monastery had to wait outside for in Flintshire attracts numerous under St Paulinus of Wales, a ten days. He was harshly spoken devotees today. Was it David’s “scribe, a disciple of St Germanus to, refused, and given difficult jobs outstanding holiness which God the bishop”. A sixth century to complete before being admitted, has repaid with spiritual celebrity? inscribed stone found at Caeo near leaving all his worldly goods During the sixth century many Llandovery, now in the behind. Despite its strictness, the Romano-British Christians sought Carmarthen Museum, honours this monastery flourished, attracted refuge in the hill country of Wales, Paulinus as “preserver of the faith, many vocations, and became a Cornwall and Cumbria, fleeing the constant lover of his country, model for other foundations. pagan Anglo-Saxons who piled champion of righteousness.” The most famous episode in into Britain from 450 onwards. Paulinus later went blind: David is David’s life came at the Synod of These wild areas had no cities, so credited with miraculously Llanddewi Brefi (c. 545), which the monasteries acted as centres of restoring his vision. was discussing discipline within culture and learning. David’s was Once a priest, David visited the Church and how to combat the prominent among them. various monastic centres in Wales Pelagian heresy. Deiniol of Bangor He was born in 487 AD, a and England, making his own and Dyfrig of Ergyng (Monmouth couple of miles south of the foundations at Glascwm, area) were present. St Paulinus village which now bears his name, Llangyfelach and Raglan. He nominated David to speak to the during a thunderstorm on the cliff settled briefly at Henllan near whole assembly. It is said that he top. His mother was St Non or Cardigan, before being directed by spoke so eloquently that the Nonna. A ruined chapel dedicated an angel to go to Glyn Rhosyn ground rose up beneath him into a to her marks the spot. Within its (now St David’s) where in 530 he small mound, and a dove came to ruins a creed stone bears a carved founded his most famous rest upon his shoulder. Latin ring-cross of c.600 AD. Four monastery, along with several Taking these to be divine signs, standing stones are scattered in the disciples, including Aeddan, Teilo Dyfrig resigned his primacy to field and the nearby bank. The site and Ysfael. David, and thus Mynyw came to also boasts a holy well, which A nearby Irish chieftain named surpass Caerleon in rank. remained popular even after the Bwya disliked the monks and Caerleon, near Newport, is where “Reformation” had destroyed so plotted to drive them away with SS Julius and Aaron, protomartyrs much of Catholic Wales. druidic incantations. His wife sent of Wales, had been put to death “There is a fine Well beside it her maidservants to bathe naked in c.303. (St Non’s Chapel), cover’d with a a nearby stream, to seduce the Dewi Sant died at Mynyw on 1st This mosaic of St David is in Westminster Cathedral. It was designed by Stone-Roof, and enclos’d within a monks from their vocation, but in March AD 589. His last words to Ifor Davies, and created by Tessa Hunkin. Pope Benedict XVI blessed it Wall, with Benches to sit upon vain. Soon afterwards the Irish his monks were: “Be joyful, and on 18th September, 2010. round the Well. Some old simple couple fell into misfortune and keep your faith and your creed. Do cathedral in 1182. Gospel of the Incarnate God and People go still to visit this Saint at departed. those little things that you have The fan-vaulted Trinity Chapel calling all men to repentance, some particular Times, especially David’s austere monastic rule seen me do and heard about.” The contains what were supposed to be sanctifying the land by your holy upon St. Nun’s Day (March 2nd) was adapted from the Egyptian monastery was “filled with angels David’s relics, but analysis prayers. Sanctify our lives also by which they kept holy, and offer monasteries, reminding us of the as Christ received his soul.” disappointingly dated them to your ceaseless intercession as we Pins, Pebbles, Etc at this well.” maritime contacts between the Later on, raids by Viking pirates 1000-1200 AD. honour your sacred memory! (Browne Willis, 1717) Celtic world and the from Orkney posed a constant Nevertheless, his influence is “You appeared before your flock Pope Benedict used holy water Mediterranean. The monks lived danger. Nothing now remains of not in doubt. Fifty pre- as a rule of faith, a preacher of from St Non’s well when he on bread, vegetables and salt. They David’s monastery buildings. In Reformation churches in South repentance and a beacon of blessed the new mosaic of St drank only water and a little milk. 1081 William the Conqueror Wales were dedicated to him. In sanctity. Because of your zeal, the David in Westminster Cathedral in Wine and spirits were completely visited the saint’s shrine. Celtic 1398, Archbishop Arundel ordered Divine Dove rested upon you; September 2010. forbidden. Thus he came to be monastic life gradually ended, and that his feast be kept also because of your lowliness, God St David is mentioned in an nicknamed Aquaticus, the Norman bishops took over. In throughout the province of raised you above all. You taught us Irish Catalogue of the Saints Waterman (Dewi Dyfyrwr). 1120, Pope Callistus II declared Canterbury. Even the Orthodox to be steadfast and joyful, and to (730), and the Martyrology of They did not use animals for David a saint, and decreed that two have composed a liturgy in his keep our faith and our creed, doing Tallaght (c.800). Further details ploughing, but dragged the pilgrimages to St David’s were honour: the little things that you showed us. come from a hagiography of 1090, ploughs themselves, “every man equal to one to Rome. The “You walked the hills of Wales, O holy bishop David, pray to composed by Rhygyfarch, son of his own ox,” so to speak. When Normans began the present O blessed David, preaching the Christ God to save our souls!” CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21 SUNDAY WORSHIP 29 www.thecatholicuniverse.com Christ’s Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles’ faith
28th February 2021 Transfiguration of redemption. Second Sunday of Lent Christ (1685), by Unlike Isaac, Jesus was aware of Luca Giordano – what lay ahead. “The Son of Man First Reading: Genesis Uffizi Gallery, must suffer,” he had said. Shortly 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18 Italy. before the Transfiguration, when The “Binding of Isaac” shows he first told the disciples what he Abraham’s complete obedience to was to suffer, Peter prayed that God. God would not allow such a thing After these things God tested to happen. The Lord’s response Abraham. He said to him: was instant and severe: “Get “Abraham!” And he said: “Here I behind me, Satan. You are thinking am.” He said: “Take your son, not as God does, but as humans your only son Isaac, whom you do” (Mk 8:33). In dealing with love, and go to the land of Moriah, God we must have faith and trust. and offer him there as a burnt On the cellar wall of a bombed-out offering on one of the mountains house in Cologne an unknown that I shall show you.” fugitive, obviously Jewish, left a When they came to the place testimony of trust that only came to that God had shown him, Abraham light when the rubble was being built an altar there and laid the cleared away after World War II. It wood in order. He bound his son read: “I believe in the sun even Isaac, and laid him on the altar, on when it is not shining. I believe in top of the wood. Then Abraham love even when I do not feel it. I reached out his hand and took the believe in God even when he is knife to kill his son. But the angel silent.” That is the faith of of the Lord called to him from Second Reading: Son of Man had risen from the utterly contradict God’s promise Abraham, and is the kind of faith heaven, and said: “Abraham, Romans 8:31-34 dead. So they kept the matter to that the boy would pass on we should seek as well. Abraham!” And he said: “Here I The Father’s love for us is themselves, questioning what this Abraham’s line into the distant am.” He said: “Do not lay your shown by letting his Son die for rising from the dead could mean. future. It was a radical trial of Freedom to let go hand on the boy or do anything to our sake. faith, and no greater test of I came across a sentence in a him; for now I know that you fear What then are we to say about What must be cast aside? obedience could be set. Abraham’s book I was reading recently which God, since you have not withheld these things? If God is for us, who “If your eye should cause you to heart was pierced by the boy’s struck me very forcibly: ‘all love your son, your only son, from me.” is against us? He who did not sin, tear it out and throw it away. It innocent question: “Where is the relationships flourish only when And Abraham looked up and saw a withhold his own Son, but gave is better to enter into life with one lamb for the burnt offering? there is freedom to let go of what ram, caught in a thicket by its him up for all of us, will he not eye, than to have two eyes and be Finding it impossible to tell his is precious, so as to receive it back horns. Abraham went and took the with him also give us everything thrown into the hell of fire!” son that he was the intended as a gift’. It is not easy to let go of ram and offered it up as a burnt else? Who will bring any charge Matthew 18:9). This condemnation victim, Abraham stammered: what is precious. The more offering instead of his son. against God’s elect? It is God who of anything which may prove a “God will provide.” St John may precious someone is to us, the The angel of the Lord called to justifies. Who is to condemn? It is moral stumbling-block for us was well have this episode in mind harder it is to let go of that person. Abraham a second time from Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who deliberately extreme to make it when he wrote: “God loved the The more attractive someone is to heaven, and said: “By myself I was raised, who is at the right stick in people’s minds, and it does. world so much that he gave his us, the more we feel inclined to have sworn, says the Lord: hand of God, who indeed But “hell fire” is not precisely only Son” (3:16). possess that person. Yet, in the Because you have done this, and intercedes for us. what Matthew wrote, but rather the This story raises several acute effort to possess someone we can have not withheld your son, your “fiery Gehenna.” The Hebrew questions. Why did God ask easily lose them. At the heart of all only son, I will indeed bless you, Gospel: Mark 9:2-10 word Gehenna meant the “Valley Abraham to sacrifice his son? loving relationships is the freedom and I will make your offspring as The apostles glimpse Christ’s of Hinnom,” a gorge just south of Why did Abraham intend to obey? to let go of the other, and in letting numerous as the stars of heaven glory, to sustain them through his the Jerusalem Temple. It was a Indeed why did God allow his own go to receive the other back as a and as the sand that is on the imminent passion. place under a curse, for it was there divine Son to be sacrificed? The gift. Parents know that there seashore. And your offspring shall Six days later, Jesus took with that the pagan Canaanites used to connection between Isaac and comes a time when they have to let possess the gate of their enemies, him Peter and James and John, and sacrifice children to their god Jesus is obvious. Isaac prefigured go of their sons or daughters, even and by your offspring shall all the led them up a high mountain apart, Moloch, by throwing them into a Our Lord in that he was to be though they are more precious to nations of the earth gain blessing by themselves. And he was fire. sacrificed on a hill, and he carried them than anything else. They may for themselves, because you have transfigured before them, and his Some breakaway Jews followed on his shoulder the wood for the have to let them go to another obeyed my voice.” clothes became dazzling white, that savage custom until the idol of intended sacrifice. But there the country or to the person whom such as no one on earth could Moloch was finally destroyed in likeness ends. Isaac was the least they have chosen as their future Responsorial: from Psalm 116. bleach them. And there appeared the seventh century BC. The horror notable of the patriarchs, a bridge spouse. Yet, in letting go of their R./: I will walk in the presence to them Elijah with Moses, who of the place survived, and it of transition between Abraham and children, parents invariably of the Lord, in the land of the were talking with Jesus. Then became the refuse dump of Jacob. In contrast, Jesus at the discover that they receive them living Peter said to Jesus: “Rabbi, it is Jerusalem, a place of continual Transfiguration was shown to his back as a gift. Single people too I trusted, even when I said: good for us to be here; let us make smoke from burning rubbish. In three Apostles, as a figure of have to learn the freedom of ‘I am sorely afflicted.’ three dwellings, one for you, one the public mind it became miraculous glory, truly God’s Son letting go what is precious so as to O precious in the eyes of the Lord for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He synonymous with hell, a visible and messenger to the world. receive it back as a gift. In any is the death of his faithful. (R./) did not know what to say, for they image of what that place must be. Despite their enthusiasm, the good and healthy friendship, Your servant, Lord, were terrified. But there was no place for child- Apostles’ faith would be tested people need to give each other your servant am I; Then a cloud overshadowed sacrifice in true worship of God, later on, as Abraham’s was. The plenty of space. you have loosened my bonds. them, and from the cloud there and devout Jews would claim there shining revelation of the divine A thanksgiving sacrifice I make: came a voice: “This is my Son, the never was. They saw the person of Christ was in sharp I Published by kind permission of I will call on the Lord’s name. Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly confirmation of this in the actions contrast to watching him in The Association of Catholic (R./) when they looked around, they of Abraham, their father in faith, Gethsemane sweating blood before Priests, an association for My vows to the Lord I will saw no one with them any more, how God stayed his hand as he was his Passion. The God who spared Catholic Priests who wish to have fulfil before all his people, but only Jesus. As they were about to sacrifice his son Isaac. the son of Abraham and showered a forum, and a voice to reflect, discuss and comment on issues in the courts of the coming down the mountain, he The story of Abraham and Isaac him with blessings, did not spare affecting the Church and society house of the Lord, ordered them to tell no one about is full of high drama. The demand his own Son, but left him in the today. See www.associationof in your midst, O Jerusalem (R./) what they had seen, until after the that Isaac be sacrificed seemed to hands of his enemies for our catholicpriests.ie 30 CatholicTIMES supplement 26.02.21
Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress Questions and answers... with Fr Francis Doyle How many times a day can one receive Communion?
Q. What are the Church’s I’ve even seen parish websites that guidelines for someone receiving demand, for example, that in order Communion more than once a to have their child baptised, day? Some examples are: parents must ‘show their attending Mass on a Saturday willingness to practise their own morning, a Saturday evening faith by attending Mass each vigil Mass and Mass again on Sunday for at least three months’ Sunday morning; also, attending and must verify their attendance a weekday Mass in the morning ‘by placing a note in the collection and then a healing Mass that basket’. same evening. These, I think, are special times A. Succinctly put, a Catholic can for tenderness. A priest’s response receive Communion twice a day, at a moment like this can dictate a within the context of a Mass. family’s relationship to a parish – Canon No. 917 of the Church’s and even to the Church – for years Code of Canon Law states: ‘A down the line. person who has received the most Baptisms are the ideal occasion holy Eucharist may receive it again for evangelisation, for blessing on the same day only during the marriages in the Church, for lifting celebration of the Eucharist in lost sheep onto your shoulders and which the person participates.’ bringing them back. The canon goes on to explain that a person who is in danger of Q. Recently I was watching a death may receive the Eucharist as reality show that featured a viaticum no matter how many ‘medium’ who was times he or she has already communicating messages to a received it on that same day. family from those who had The rationale behind the rule is already passed on. I have always that the Holy Communion is an been sceptical of this, but I was integral part of the Mass, uniting wondering what the Church’s the recipient to the sacrifice made stance is on this subject. by Jesus. A. Mediums are psychics who The Catechism of the Catholic profess to channel spirits of the Church (No. 1388) puts it this way, dead in order to secure information A young woman from the Diocese of East Anglia receives Communion at a Mass on 26th July, 2016, during referencing the words of the World Youth Day in Kraków, Poland. The Church grants the permission of receiving Holy Communion twice in to pass on to the living. Some Second Vatican Council: ‘That one day to meet those situations of a person attending perhaps a wedding Mass and a funeral Mass on the mediums use this ‘gift’ on a daily more perfect form of participation same day, or attending the regular daily Mass and then some special Mass the same day. basis and often charge a fee for in the Mass whereby the faithful, doing so. after the priest’s Communion, whether someone could take regular attendance at the Catholic religion’. The same canon The moral stance of the Church receive the Lord’s body from the Communion even more often, so sacraments so that their child will goes on to say that ‘if such hope is is clear: The Catechism of the same sacrifice is warmly long as he or she participated in have the best chance of growing altogether lacking, the baptism is Catholic Church says in No. 2116: recommended.’ the Mass. up a faithful Catholic. Priests will to be delayed…after the parents ‘All forms of divination are to be In each of the examples your The Pontifical Council for the differ, though, as to how best to have been advised about the rejected: recourse to Satan or question offers, you may certainly Interpretation of Legislative Texts reach that goal. reason’. demons, conjuring up the dead or receive Communion at the second wrote back in 1984, with the I should probably clear up one The wiggle room, I suppose, is other practices falsely supposed to Mass. Some other frequent approval of Pope John Paul II, and misconception first that has to do in the phrase ‘altogether lacking’, ‘unveil’ the future.’ situations that allow the same are: said essentially that twice is the with your belief that a child must and that’s a subjective call on the That same section of the a weekday Mass in the morning, limit. The council recognised what be baptised to get to heaven. priest’s part. catechism goes on to say that with a funeral Mass or wedding a special gift the Eucharist is and In 2007, the Vatican’s Surely, baptism does involve the recourse to mediums contradicts Mass later in that day; or a wanted people to maintain the International Theological pledge of the parents to raise and ‘the honour, respect and loving Saturday morning wedding or proper respect for its uniqueness. Commission, with the approval of educate their child in the beliefs fear that we owe to God alone’. funeral with a vigil Mass for Pope Benedict XVI, said that the and practices of the Catholic faith. The catechism references the Old Sunday celebrated on Saturday Q. About a year ago, I listened to concept of limbo reflected “an The very wording of the baptismal Testament Book of Deuteronomy afternoon. a priest tell the story of how a unduly restrictive view of ritual itself requires an affirmative which warns (18:10-11): ‘Let there I know of a man who takes a bus relative of his asked him to salvation”, that the mercy of God response by the parents to that not be found among you anyone… to several churches on the same baptise their infant child. The offers good reason to hope that pledge. So a priest acts properly who consults ghosts and spirits or day and adjusts his schedule to priest refused because the babies who die without being when he seeks some assurance of seeks oracles from the dead.’ arrive in time to “pop in” and take parents had not been attending baptised can go to heaven. that parental commitment before Having said that, I would not holy Communion at each of those Mass. Later, the parents started Limbo, understood as a place of agreeing to do a baptism. dispute that the souls of the Masses. I believe that this man is coming to Mass again, and the natural happiness but without My own approach on this is to departed may appear to the living doing what he thinks is helpful baptism was performed. communion with God, had been a give to parents the benefit of the and reveal the unknown. Padre Pio and admirable, but objectively he I was under the impression common belief for centuries; doubt. A week or two before the – the 20th century Italian saint, is violating the Church’s guideline that we believe that, for a child significantly, though, it had never baptism, I meet for half an hour mystic and stigmatic – is on two counts: first, by receiving to get into heaven, the child has been defined as dogma and is not individually with each couple who commonly believed to have been Communion more than twice a to have been baptised. What are even mentioned in the current are having their first child visited with apparitions from souls day; and secondly, by simply the Church’s guidelines for Catechism of the Catholic Church. baptised. I am particularly direct of the departed. The difference, it “grabbing” the Eucharist on his baptism? Is it common for a Now, to the heart of your with those parents whom I haven’t seems to me, has to do with from “fly-by” and not participating in priest to refuse a request for question: what to do about parents seen regularly in church, and we which side the channel is opened: the Mass at which he receives. baptism if he feels that the who rarely, if ever, come to Mass talk specifically about their Padre Pio never actively conjured Actually, the Vatican had parents are unworthy? but want to have their child willingness to support the child’s up such visions, nor even desired envisioned this fellow some years A. Your question is an baptised. growth in faith by their own them, while mediums claim to ago: A number of bishops had interesting one because the answer The relevant guideline is Canon practice. And I have to say that have the power to do just that at written to the Holy See and asked involves (as in many pastoral 868 of the Church’s Code of only on one or two occasions have will. whether the word ‘again’ in canon situations) a blending of Church Canon Law, which states that ‘for I ever sensed that this commitment No. 917 meant that the Eucharist teaching and tactical strategy. an infant to be baptised licitly… was ‘altogether lacking’. I Please note that Fr Doyle could be received only twice a day Here, the goal of every priest is the there must be a founded hope that I know that some priests would cannot answer readers’ personal (except in danger of death) or same: to bring the parents back to the infant will be brought up in the differ, and I grant them that right. questions through this column. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 31 News Extra
Christian actor Extras flock to Texas for role loses tribunal over gay beliefs A Christian actress has lost her legal as one of Christ’s ‘Chosen’ case against Leicester’s Curve Theatre after it sacked her over a social media post about homosexuality. Thousands of fans and actors recently Seyi Omooba, 26, had been set to flew to Texas to feature as extras in a appear in the theatre’s production of scene re-enacting the Sermon on the The Colour Purple in the lead role of Mount for crowdfunded religious TV Celie, who is sometimes depicted as series The Chosen. a lesbian. More than 2,000 extras endured She was sacked in 2019 after a Face- strict Covid-19 health and safety guide- book post she wrote in 2014 emerged lines, involving quarantining and ex- in which she said: ‘I do not believe tensive testing to be a part of the pro- you can be born gay and I do not be- duction. lieve homosexuality is right, though The drama series is based on the the law of this land has made it legal life of Jesus Christ and in 2019 it be- it doesn’t make it right.’ came the highest crowd-funded TV The virtual hearing of the Central series or film project of all time. Above, Dallas London Employment Tribunal heard The extras, including many who Jenkins, creator of how her contract with her agency have invested in the project, were The Chosen, with Michael Garrett Associates Ltd was asked to travel to the show’s produc- Jonathan Roumie, also terminated. tion facility in Midlothian, Texas, to who plays the role The panel rejected her claims of re-enact the famous biblical account. of Jesus Christ discrimination, harassment and Dallas Jenkins, creator of the series, Left, the director breach of contract and dismissed her said the scene had originally been issues instructions suggestion that her sacking amounted to the extras planned to shoot prior to the Covid- to discrimination against her religious 19 pandemic, but when the pandemic Photos: The Chosen beliefs. hit, “we thought, ‘Is it possible for us The theatre had offered Ms Omooba to do this and do it safely by following test result and, once at the set, get a “We told everyone to please, please, require health screenings before com- her full salary but she refused it, bring- all the Covid guidelines?’” he told Hol- rapid antigen test on the morning of please, for your sake, be as careful as ing onto a production, as well as the ing legal action on the grounds she lywood Reporter. the shoot and remain in their cars humanly possible because if you test use of face coverings and social dis- had suffered extensive career damage “We thought, ‘You know, maybe if until they were confirmed to be neg- positive, not only are you not able to tancing when possible, for espousing her religious beliefs. we literally test everybody we can ative. be allowed in, but no-one in your car It states that productions ‘should make this work.’” Jenkins said anyone with a positive will be allowed in.” stay informed and take actions based Seyi Omooba Those participating were required result was asked to leave, while those While Texas Covid-19 filming guide- on common sense and wise judgment says she lost to get a PCR test before travelling to staying were asked to remain “extra lines do not place a limit on the num- that will protect health and support work because the set, provide a copy of their negative cautious.” ber of extras allowed on set, they do economic revitalisation’. of her faith views Catholic star shocked as Buffy producer mocked faith and her pregnancy Nick Benson “He proceeded to attack my char- American actress Charisma Carpenter acter, mock my religious beliefs, accuse has accused film producer Joss Whe- me of sabotaging the show, and then don of mocking her Catholic faith. unceremoniously fired me the fol- Carpenter also alleged that Whedon, lowing season once I gave birth.” the creator of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, created a “hostile and toxic” work environment on the set and even requested a meeting with her when she was pregnant to ask if she was “going to keep it”. Carpenter, who played Cordelia Chase in the show and its spin-off series Angel, recently released a state- Whedon (left) asked Charisma if ment saying she had “held my tongue” she was ‘going to keep the baby’ about it for nearly two decades. Claiming that Whedon had “abused She alleged that Whedon also in- his power on numerous occasions” terrogated and berated her in a sepa- while working on the shows’ sets, she rate sit-down meeting regarding a said it had “triggered a chronic physical rosary tattoo she had gotten to help condition from which I still suffer”. her feel “more spiritually grounded She said Whedon had “callously” in an increasingly volatile work cli- taunted her over her weight when she mate”. was four months pregnant, calling Carpenter’s allegations follow similar her “fat” in front of her colleagues. ones from actor Ray Fisher, who ac- She claimed he intentionally refused cused Whedon of misconduct while calls from her agents making it im- filming DC Comics and Warner Bros. possible for her to tell him that she Pictures’ superhero movie Justice was pregnant and when he was made League. aware he requested a closed-door Fisher, who portrayed Cyborg in meeting with her. the film, said Whedon’s on-set treat- “He asked me if I was ‘going to keep ment of the cast and crew was “gross, it’ and weaponised my womanhood abusive, unprofessional, and com- and faith against me,” she said. pletely unacceptable”. 32 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Extra
Relative of Diana and Churchill moves step closer to sainthood
Fr Ben Lodge C.P. Church of England. Pope Francis has authorised the However, close examination of Congregation for the Causes of the early history of the Church led Saints to promulgate a decree ad- him to decide to enter the Roman vancing the cause for the canoni- Catholic Church in 1830, with the sation of the Servant of God, Fr Ig- loss of an annual income of £3,000. natius Spencer. His journey of faith was very simi- The Congregation, which is re- lar to that of his contemporary St sponsible for handling all causes John Henry Newman. leading to beatification and canon- After a course of studies in Rome Altar servers wearing protective masks isation, having examined both the he was ordained in 1832, and re- hold candles as a priest celebrates Mass at historical and theological context turned to work in England, initially a church in Baghdad on 22nd February. of Fr Ignatius Spencer, have de- in the Black Country. Any spare Pope Francis plans to visit Iraq from clared that there are no objections time he had after his parish work, 5th-8th March. to his cause being progressed. Fur- was spent working for Christian Photo: Teba Sadiq, Reuters thermore the decree states that he unity, in particular begging for lived a life of heroic virtue. Conse- prayers to fulfil the prayer of Jesus: quently, from now on Fr Ignatius “That they may be one.” will be referred to as the ‘the Vener- In 1847 he entered the Passionist able Fr Ignatius Spencer.’ In order Religious Order, and for a time for him to be declared Blessed (the lived with Blessed Dominic Barberi Pandemic hits Vatican coffers next stage in the process) a physi- (1792 – 1849). For the next 17 years cal miracle is now required. Ignatius spent his life giving mis- Despite his aristocratic back- sions in England and Ireland, and as budget heads into deficit ground his possible canonisation spent several months at a time tra- will be due to the life he lived versing Europe begging for prayers Junno Arocho Esteves ministrative and financial structures forced the Vatican to close the city- rather than because of whom he for Christian unity. Central to his In the wake of the economic fall out and activities of the dicasteries of the state’s main income generators – the was related to. Both Sir Winston preaching was the need for each due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roman Curia, of the institutions con- Vatican Museums, the necropolis tours Spencer Churchill and Lady Diana individual to be personally con- Vatican Secretariat for the Economy nected to or referring to the Holy See and the museum at the pontifical Spencer were members of his fam- verted before they could look to said it expects to be recording a mul- and of the administrations” falling villas in Castel Gandolfo during 2020 – ily. converting others. timillion-dollar deficit in its budget under the governorate of Vatican City resulting in substantial financial loss- Fr Ignatius Spencer (1799-1864) Fr Ignatius died at Carstairs for 2021. State. es. was born into one of the wealthiest Junction, Lanarkshire, on 1st Octo- In a statement released on 19th The Vatican said the Council for The Secretariat for the Economy and most influential families in ber 1864. February, the Vatican said Pope Francis the Economy is expected to reconvene explained that the 2021 budget in- England. Educated at Eton and He is now buried in Sutton, St signed off on the Holy See’s 2021 budg- in April. cludes a 21 per cent reduction in in- Trinity Cambridge, he was or- Helens beside his co-workers et, which was proposed by the secre- In an effort to provide “more visi- come because of a “reduction in com- dained an Anglican priest, with the Blessed Dominic Barberi and Ven- tariat and approved by the Council bility and transparency to the eco- mercial, services and real estate ac- strong probability that eventually erable Elizabeth Prout (1820 – for the Economy, the Vatican board nomic transactions of the Holy See,” tivities, as well as in donations and he would be made a Bishop in the 1864). charged with overseeing the financial the Secretariat for the Economy also contributions.” operations of all offices and entities. said the 2021 budget will consolidate At the same time, it said, operating “With total revenues of 260.4 million incomes and grants from the Peter’s expenses – except for personnel costs – euros and expenses of 310.1 million Pence collection and “all dedicated also decreased by 14 per cent, which euros, the Holy See expects a deficit funds,” which are expected to bring reflects serious cost-saving efforts of 49.7 million euros in 2021. This is in a net balance of 30.3 million euros even while “employment security con- heavily impacted by the economic ($36.7 million). tinues to be a priority for the Holy crisis generated by the Covid-19 pan- “Excluding Peter’s Pence and the Father in these difficult times.” demic,” the secretariat said. dedicated funds, the deficit of the The Vatican also said 68 per cent of The Council for the Economy met Holy See would be 80 million euros the year’s budget expenses are desig- on the 16th February to discuss the ($97 million) in 2021,” the dicastery nated to sustaining “apostolic activi- Vatican’s 2021 budget, which was pre- said. ties,” while 17 per cent will be used sented by Maximino Caballero Ledo The statement did not mention the to manage property and assets and and Emilio Ferrara, respectively sec- budget of Vatican City State, which 15 per cent for administration and retary general and director of the ad- usually operates at a profit and helps service activities. ministrative section of the Secretariat offset the deficit in the Holy See budg- “If the level of donations remains for the Economy. et. as expected, the deficit will be settled According to its statutes, the council However, like many countries, re- with part of the reserves of the Holy is “responsible for supervising the ad- strictions in place due to the pandemic See,” it said. Anonymous monk’s thoughts lead Lenten retreat Pope Francis chose a 17th-century the Roman Curia “making their own of Rome, who edited the book, wrote book of spiritual meditations as the personal arrangements, withdrawing in the preface that the 17th-century principal guide to members of the in prayer”, the Vatican said. notes highlight ‘the wisdom of com- Roman Curia for this year’s Lenten To assist them in their personal mon sense’ and documents ‘a sensi- retreat. retreat, Pope Francis gave members tivity and experience of the Church This year’s retreat is not taking of the Curia a copy of Abbi a Cuore il in spiritual guidance.’ place at its usual home, the Pauline Signore, a collection of meditations The volume also features a small Fathers’ retreat centre in Ariccia, 20 and notes written by an anonymous treatise on the capital sins and makes miles south-east of Rome, with car- Cistercian monk known as ‘the Mas- ‘useful reading in order to overcome dinals residing in Rome, the heads ter of San Bartolo’ monastery. oneself and go more quickly toward of dicasteries and the superiors of Auxiliary Bishop Daniele Libanori God,’ the Vatican added. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 33 Heart of the Matter
Iraq: full of Debris is seen outside the Church of St Thomas in Mosul, Iraq, in June 2019. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Iraq 5th-8th historic sites March. (Photo: Marcin Mazur) important to understanding Christianity
The historically rich country is full of religious sites important to understanding the antecedents of the Christian faith, making the visit significant for Pope Francis. Here’s a snapshot of some of these places
Dale Gavlak is recognised as the father of faith in one God by Jews, Christians, and embrace all of the Islamic world. lion inhabitants now live. Bashar Warda of Irbil said “interna- Pope Francis hopes to embark on Muslims alike and was born in the Lying 100 miles south of the capi- Heading north, Pope Francis will tional support for livelihood pro- the first-ever papal visit to the bibli- southern town of Ur. The place, tal, Baghdad, Najaf is a centre of Shi- meet the Christian communities of grammes” is needed “to help fami- cal land of Iraq in early March in a which dates back to 6000 BC, lies on ite Islam’s spiritual and political Ninevah Plain, an area overrun by lies remain in Iraq.” Some of those spiritual pilgrimage of sorts to the a former course of the Euphrates power as well as a pilgrimage site for the Islamic State group in 2014 until groups include Aid to the Church in place known in Arabic as the “land and is one of Iraq’s oldest sites. Shiite adherents. Its spectacular its liberation three years later. The Need, the Knights of Columbus and of the two rivers” – the mighty Tigris The pope will see a dry, flat, and gold-domed Imam Ali Mosque is Old Testament prophet Jonah, who Catholic Near East Welfare Associa- and Euphrates – and once renowned ocher-coloured plain renowned for considered the third-holiest site for asked people to repent and return to tion. as Mesopotamia, the “cradle of civil- its well-preserved stepped platform the Shiite Muslims, after Mecca and God, lived in Ninevah. One such programme providing isation.” or ziggurat, which dates back to the Medina in Saudi Arabia. It’s the historic Christian heart- livelihood training is the Christian The Garden of Eden is believed third millennium BC. Also, some of Flying into Baghdad from Rome, land of Iraq, where Christians have Aid Programme Northern Iraq run possibly to have been in ancient the earliest known writing, Pope Francis will be received in an lived since Jesus’ earthly ministry, by Iraqi Father Emanuel Youkhana, Iraq, but certainly the famed Hang- cuneiform, has been uncovered at official welcome ceremony at the when St Thomas brought the Gospel who a priest, or archimandrite, of ing Gardens of Babylon and the Ur. presidential palace. At the capital’s message around AD 35, aided by St the Assyrian Church of the East. Tower of Babel were located there. Around 2000 BC, Ur was a Syriac Catholic Cathedral of Our Jude. The pair were thought to base CAPNI has assisted some “8,500 Jews exiled to ancient Iraq in Old bustling urban centre, drawing Lady of Deliverance, he will meet themselves in the northern city of Ir- displaced Christian families to re- Testament times, such as the traders from both the Mediter- bishops, priests, men and women bil in modern-day Kurdistan, where turn to their Ninevah Plain towns, prophet Daniel, experienced God’s ranean and the Indian subconti- religious, seminarians and cate- they preached to the local people. helping first to rebuild homes, infra- miraculous grace; Daniel was res- nent, until its conquest by Alexander chists. The cathedral was the site of And it is in that city where Pope structure and businesses. Now it is cued from the lion’s den and his the Great a few centuries before a 2010 massacre that killed 58 peo- Francis will be welcomed by reli- providing English language and vo- friends from the fiery furnace. Christ. Pope Francis will participate ple and was claimed by Iraq’s al- gious and civil leaders. Irbil and the cational training for practical jobs “The pontiff said he looks forward in an interreligious meeting there. Qaida group, which splintered into nearby Christian enclave of Ankawa needed in the marketplace,” Fr to visiting our country, which is also Pope Francis will travel to Najaf, the so-called Islamic State. have hosted tens of thousands of Emanuel told me by phone. where Abraham began his journey,” also in the South, for a key en- Mass is scheduled at the Catholic Christians and other religious mi- He said that while Pope Francis Cardinal Louis Sako of Baghdad said counter with one of Shiite Islam’s Chaldean St Joseph Cathedral, also norities forced to escape Islamic “may not be able to visit the rebuild- of the March 5th-8th trip. most authoritative figures, Ayatollah in Baghdad, a city with a rich, sto- State atrocities. ing projects due to time, he will cer- Old Testament patriarch Abraham Ali al-Sistani, as part of his efforts to ried history where some eight mil- Chaldean Catholic Archbishop tainly be informed.” “When he is visiting the churches in Mosul and Qaraqosh, of course, he will be updated on rebuilding ef- forts,” Fr Emanuel said, “because he will ask about that and the destruc- tion that happened there.” An order of nuns now runs a nurs- ery school in Qaraqosh for 130 chil- dren, according to the Italian bish- ops’ conference. The rebuilding of Mosul’s famed Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Hour, along with the Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic Church, is underway. Rebuilding efforts, including that of Mosul’s iconic Al-Nouri Mosque, is to see Muslims, Christians and other communities “work together, to do something positive together,” French Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon told me from Irbil. Then, he said, Christians and other reli- gious minorities must see again that Mosul is “their home and that they are in their own land.” “We know it will be a challenge for The ruins of Ur, Iraq, with the reconstructed Ziggurate in the everybody to rebuild trust among background, are pictured in 1998. During next month’s trip to people, families and communities. Iraq, Pope Francis will visit Ur, the birthplace of Abraham, But this is our faith. We believe in a recognised as the patriarch of faith in one God by Jews, Christians God of mercy, and we believe we and Muslims. (Catholic News Service photo/Norbert Schiller) have this humanity as a common re- sponsibility,” Fr Olivier said. 34 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com AroundUniverse weekly pullout the Parishes CatholiC news and information from aCross the Uk and ireland Capsule captures time of pandemic East Anglia: St Mary’s parish in capture their present experience. Great Yarmouth is planting a time At the last count, the congregation capsule to capture a moment in had members from 48 nationalities, history. and an earlier project involved invit- “It’s 60 years since we had the roof ing them to obtain their national off,” explained Brian Lafferty, chair flags. “We hung them around the of the parish finance committee, church,” said Brian, “and it brought whose idea the capsule was. “It will a real sense of belonging. Pictures of be 60 or 100 years before it needs re- these flags are now going into the placing, so I thought, why not put a capsule, with comments from peo- time capsule in there?” ple about how they are feeling.” He has received contributions for He explained that the purpose of the time capsule from the SVP, the the project was twofold: “We are try- Knights of St Columbo, and nurses ing to create a record of where we in the congregation, who have are and where we have been, so that helped to capture the experience of someone who comes along in 100 the pandemic. Bishop Alan has also years’ time can understand. We are added a letter and a photograph. also raising awareness of our current St Mary’s currently has three Nig- situation: that we need £1,500,000 to eran priests. “That could be of great preserve the church building for fu- It is hoped the conference will interest when the capsule is ture generations.” be held in person, as in 2019 opened,” comments Brian. He com- missioned a report from them “on how they have settled, pleasures and pains of serving us here, freezing weather and all”. NJPN puts spotlight on Local children also shared their experiences of being apart from their friends in this unusual time and asked catechists to invite offer- ecological conversion ings from their groups. Members of the congregation were invited to The National Justice and Peace Net- Glasgow, and in the context of recov- dependent Committee on Climate send photos as well as stories to work (NJPN) has organised its an- ery from the pandemic are critical Change, will also offer his thoughts nual conference in July, pandemic for salvaging a sustainable future. on the conference theme. restrictions permitting. It will be Inspiration will be taken from A numebr of workshops and activ- Eric takes reins at archdiocese held at The Hayes Conference Cen- Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti. ities will also be organised, includ- tre, Swanwick, Derbyshire 23-25 July The conference aims to inspire ing COP26 and divestment; Conflict Eric Kirwan has been appointed as Brooks’ retirement. David has held 2021. Organisers feel the issues of ecological conversion, update Chris- and the Environment; focus on bio- the Archdiocese of Birmingham’s the role since 2018. the conference should not be post- tian witness in light of the climate diversity loss; and etractive indus- next chief operating officer (COO). Eric said: “I’m honoured by the poned for another year. and ecological emergency and tries. He is currently chair of directors at opportunity of working with the Though planned as an in-person Covid-19 and reimagine the justice There will be age-appropriate par- Holy Family Catholic Multi-Acad- clergy and lay community to fur- event, if continued constraints pre- and peace movement and Church to allel programmes for young children emy Company (MAC) in Warwick- ther develop the diocesan plan.” vent the conference going ahead in meet the challenges ahead. and teens, as well as provision of a shire, and was previously a success- Archbishop Bernard said: “I am person NJPN will present the pro- The conference will be chaired by creche. ful CEO in both the private and delighted that Eric will be joining gramme, or similar, as a bookable CAFOD’s Director Christine Allen. The JUST FAIR will consist of charity sectors. us as chief operating officer. only online conference. Marty Haugen, the liturgical com- more than 20 stalls from different Eric is a parishioner and church “I also wish to thank our outgo- The theme is: ‘2021: Life on Earth - poser and pastoral musician, will agencies displaying goods and re- warden at St Francis Catholic ing COO David Brooks for his dedi- moment of truth’. As climate change, lead the liturgy and otehr speakers sources, as well as information and Church in Kenilworth and has been cated service. the biodiversity crisis and Covid-19 include Lorna Gold from FaithIn- ideas about practical action active in the parish community for “He has enabled us to look for- make clear, ecological conversion is vest, Bishop John Arnold, the Spiri- throughout the weekend. many years. ward with hope and to develop a becoming a matter of life and death. tan priest Fr Eamonn Mulcahy and Eric will join the archdiocese in plan to support the mission of the Decisions to be made this year at the the integral thinker Mark Rotherham. Booking forms at: www.justice- early March, following David archdiocese after the pandemic.” November COP26 climate summit in Lord Deben, chairman of the UK In- and-peace.org.uk/conference Ciaran found ‘real beauty’ in Mass on faith journey East Anglia: Ciaran Losasso, leader bers of his family. He was struck by Hamish MacQueen, to raise their in an area of downtown Kingston, of the Ignite youth mission in the the realisation that he was saying online game. Once a month they are serving especially disabled people, diocese, spoke recently on Radio the same words that people had hosting an online chat show from a and discovering poverty on a whole Maria’s Songs in the Wilderness been saying for centuries. newly constructed studio in Norwich new level. show about his favourite music and When he was in his third year at and organising an Ignite Mass on- The trip deepened Ciaran’s social his journey of faith. university Ciaran joined the Ignite line. “So many people stopped going awareness, at the same time as his He told presenter Diane Redmond Lite team. He had already been to to Mass during the first lockdown,” own spiritual life continued to grow. that his faith journey had been one World Youth Day, and he felt he commented Ciaran, “and anecdo- “If everyone in England had a per- of “falling ever deeper in love with wanted to be part of bringing faith tally we hear that lots of young peo- sonal relationship with Christ, the Lord and His Church”. to other young people. ple have lost touch with the wouldn’t that be amazing,” he says. Ciaran grew up in Norwich, and He later joined the Ignite team, Church.” the development of his faith was a which had three full-time members Online Mass is a way of recon- • Ignite is looking for new team gradual process, and it was when he There was a joy and an excitement doing outreach in parishes and necting, and volunteer musicians members for September 2021 – July got to 12 or 13 that it became really about it.” schools, and by his second year they liven up the Ignite Masses. 2022. More information can be his own. It was around this time that he were living in community. Three years ago, Ciaran took an found on www.rcdea.org.uk/ “I found, particularly through discovered Eucharistic adoration, With the lockdown this year, Cia- opportunity to do a mission trip to youth/igniteteam. Mass, a real beauty in the Catholic and began going to Mass during the ran has worked with East Anglia’s Jamaica, staying with the Missionar- The Ignite YouTube channel is at faith,” he told Diane. “It made sense. week from time to time with mem- diocesan director of youth services, ies of the Poor. The group volunteered www.youtube.com/igniteyea. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 35 Around the Parishes
OBITUARIES Son of Ireland who found a warm welcome in Yorkshire Very Rev Canon Joseph Finan RIP Dublin and was ordained in the col- mained for the next 21years, until Leeds: It was with great sadness that lege chapel, for the diocese of Leeds, his retirement in 2007. Pictured are volunteers at Our Lady and St the diocese of Leeds announced the on 16th June 1957. In 2006 he was appointed a Etheldreda parish church death of Canon Joseph Finan, who Following ordination he was ap- Canon of the Cathedral Chapter by died peacefully in the early hours of pointed as assistant priest in the Bishop Roche. Thursday, 11th February at The Little parish of St Mary, East Parade, Brad- Following his retirement Canon Sisters of the Poor, Sacred Heart ford. In 1963 he moved to St Ignatius, Finan initially went to live at Mount Residence, in Dublin, aged 88. Ossett and in 1968 he returned to St Joseph’s Home at Headingley in Newmarket parcels His Requiem Mass and burial took Leeds. In 2010 he returned to Ireland place on Saturday, 13th February in Canon Joe will be and thereafter he lived in Dublin, Dublin. fondly remem- latterly at the Sacred Heart Resi- bered for his project wins Suffolk Please pray for the repose of Fr dence of the Little Sisters of the Joe’s soul and remember him and half- a-century Poor, in Raheny. his family and friends in your of devoted service Following his death, his family prayers at this time. to the Bishops have spoken of the exceptional and Certificate of Merit Canon Finan hailed from Carrow- of Leeds loving care shown to Canon Joe by corragh, Lavagh in County Sligo in Bradford as assistant at St Cuthbert’s the sisters and staff of the home. In East Anglia: The Lord Lieutenant at Our Lady and St Etheldreda the West of Ireland. He was born on parish. turn, Canon Joe will be fondly re- of Suffolk has awarded an parish and Newmarket Commu- 9th October 1932. His parents were The then Fr Finan became a membered for the kindness he ecumenical project in Newmarket nity Church. It has now expanded Charlie and Mary Ann Finan and he parish priest in 1972 with his ap- showed to others and for half-a-cen- her ‘Certificate of Merit’ for its to become an initiative of was one of five children, with two pointment to St Mary & St Monica’s, tury of devoted service to the Bish- work to bring food parcels to Churches Together in Newmarket sisters and two brothers. Both his Cottingley. In 1978 he was appointed ops of Leeds, and to the people of needy families. and District. It had been built on brothers also became priests. to St William’s, Bradford and in 1986 the parishes in which he exercised The Countess of Euston, who is the existing Make Lunch project, Canon Joe studied for the priest- he moved to the parish of St his priestly ministry. Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, sent in which volunteers cooked and hood at All Hallows College in Columba in Halifax, where he re- May he rest in peace. the Certificate of Merit to Deacon served hot lunches one day a week James Hurst from Newmarket during school holidays for families Parish. whose children were eligible for In a covering letter she writes: free school meals. Intelligent, witty sister was always “As Her Majesty the Queen’s per- The project in its new form be- sonal representative in Suffolk, I gan during the first lockdown and would like to thank you for the initially continued until the end of outstanding contribution you all August. It delivered parcels again keen to push ecumenical matters have made to the county during in the October half term and Birmingham: Please pray for the highly intelligent woman, full of wit, noured to be a Sister of Charity of St the extraordinary and difficult cir- Christmas holidays, and re- repose of the soul of Sister Teresa who could always be relied upon to Paul.” cumstances caused by the Covid- launched on January 12 when the Burke SP, who died on 4th February make some astute comments at Sr Teresa held a number of roles 19 crisis. third lockdown was imposed. at St Paul’s Convent, Selly Park in gatherings and to contribute a song through her career, including secre- “Your selflessness and sense of It is currently supplying 95 fami- Birmingham, at the age of 99. at parties. tary of the Archdiocesan Commis- duty are a credit to you.” lies, including 156 adults and 233 Sr Teresa served as the Secretary “Her tireless work in the field of sion for Ecumenism; membership of The project has provided food children. to the Diocesan Ecumenical Com- ecumenism brought her into con- Churches Together in Birmingham parcels to families whose children Over 70 people have volun- mission for many years. tact with a wide variety of people and in England; and a member of are eligible for free school meals. teered for the project, of whom 35 She was born in Emly, Co. Tipper- who enjoyed her company and ap- the Bishops’ Conference Committee The Newmarket parish hall be- are Catholic parishioners. Most of ary in Ireland, on 31st October 1921, for Christian Unity. came a Covid rapid testing centre the remaining half belong to other and made her First Profession as a Sr Teresa was an Her ecumenical work saw her an on Monday 8th February and the churches in the town. The volun- Sister of Charity of St Paul in Selly active member of active member of the Ecumenical project had to move from the hall teers give their time the use of Park on 29th April 1945. a number of Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary, into the main church building. their cars and fuel free of charge. Sr Kathleen Neenan, Congrega- ecumenical the International Ecumenical Fel- Volunteers sent out their last 95 Local businesses as well as tional Leader at St Paul’s Convent, councils and lowship, the Council of Christians parcels from the hall at 12:46 on wealthier families from the local said: “We are all very sad to lose Sr committees and Jews and the Birmingham Inter- 3rd February and had completely school have provided the bulk of Teresa in her 100th year and not national Council. cleared the hall and moved stock funding for the project, and a na- have the opportunity to celebrate preciated her scholarship. She was also a member of the Hu- and boxes to the church by 12:56. tional Catholic fund named after her 100th birthday in October. “Sr Teresa is sadly missed as a man City Institute and studiedthe The project began as a partner- Albert Gubay has also made a sig- “Sr Teresa was known throughout lively, colourful character who was Life and Work of Abbe Paul Coutu- ship between the SVP Conference nificant grant. the Congregation and beyond as a devoted to her Lord and who felt ho- rier. Cathedral choir’s CD gets national airtime on Radio 3 Leeds: On Valentine’s Day, Leeds had as that day’s guest the Leeds Catholic primary schools by Tom Cathedral Choir received a huge economist Tim Harford. the diocese’s Schools Singing Leech boost when its recording of the The recording he chose was Programme. The diocesan choirs are conducts ethereal sacred music of Arvo conducted by the director of Leeds now some of the most-broadcast on BBC Part’s The Beatitudes was played on Diocesan Schools Singing the BBC. Radio 3’s BBC Radio 3. Programme, Thomas Leech, and Many more of the diocesan Choral The national exposure was part of accompanied on the cathedral schools are set to benefit from a Vespers from by the programme Private Passions, organ by Daniel Justin. multi-million pound grant awarded Leeds which was presented by BBC DJ This national airtime isn’t the first to the diocese by the Hamish Ogston Cathedral, Michael Berkeley. for Leeds’ choirs, which continue to Foundation, for the sole purpose of February The show, which features special go from strength to strength thanks expanding this successful pro- 2019 guests who reveal the ‘private to the enthusiasm and musical gramme of evangelisation through musical passions’ that drive them, excellence inspired at an early age in music and liturgy.
To see your parish featured in these pages, contact Michael Winterbottom on 07949 987771 or via [email protected] 36 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Education
It’s back to School so proud her school as it receives a for Megan A Coventry teacher has returned to her former primary school as interim head to give something back to the place which first inspired her to go UNICEF award into education. Megan Scullion has been appointed A Glossop primary school has been of equality, dignity, respect, non-dis- as Interim Head at St Gregory’s awarded the UNICEF Rights Respect- crimination and participation. Catholic Primary School, part of the ing School Bronze Award – and is now Year Two teacher Oliver Wakefield Romero Catholic Academy. going for Gold. is leading the programme at St She joins from Corpus Christi The status has been granted to St Charles’. He said: “There are over 50 Catholic Primary School. Charles’ Catholic Voluntary Academy children’s rights and we are putting As well as leading the school, she is by UNICEF in recognition of the way them at the heart of our school and also set to make a number of changes it has embedded children’s rights into embedding them. A lot of children to the school environment, including its policies, practice and ethos. didn’t know they had rights so we cre- creating a more welcoming front office The Bronze award means that St ated a corridor where their rights are and remodelling the school hall. Charles’ Senior Leadership Team un- displayed and they see them every derstands what is involved in the day. award and is committed to embarking “We talk to them about their rights, It’s a welcome on the UNICEF UK rights respecting like the right to have clean clothes, return to her journey. It also recognises that the and they learn that some children former primary school right foundations are in place for the don’t have the rights that they have, for Megan school’s journey to the second stage for instance, there are a lot of children which is Silver. around the world who don’t have an The school has placed the UN Con- education or a house. vention on the Right of the Child (UN- “We might look at one right a week Rights Respecting School has helped She said: “It’s a real honour to be CRC) at the heart of its practices, help- and then follow that up with a linked to develop our Character Curriculum. appointed as head of my former pri- ing to improve the wellbeing of all activity and talk about what it means. “The school recognises the impor- mary school. children and young people and mak- “We will be working towards the tance of developing character traits “I have so many fond memories of ing sure they realise their potential. Silver award next and ultimately we in our pupils, which include personal my time at St Gregory’s – it’s always UNCRC recognises that all children would like to achieve Gold. The Unicef and social responsibility. had a special place in my heart so it’s have the right to be treated with dig- rights can be brought into every area “As part of our Catholic ethos, we fantastic that I’ve been given the op- nity, fairness, to be protected, to de- for our children; it’s all about that ho- want our pupils to grow into respon- portunity to give something back and velop their full potential and to par- listic approach to education.” sible citizens who care about the world Main photo, Oliver Wakefield and make a difference. ticipate. Headteacher Bernadette Quirke and learning about children’s rights some of the children display their “My former role within the Academy The Award is based on principles said: “Becoming part of a UNICEF helps to create understanding.” UNICEF award. Inset, Ms Quirke meant that I already had a good knowl- edge of the school and its processes, and I already knew all of the staff. “Starting as head of school during Happy family memories inspire school’s £1m dining space the third lockdown has been chal- Memories of happy family mealtimes that home dining experience, a happy “It goes back to traditional values, lenging, but the whole team were very have inspired a headteacher’s vision time together with friends. that sense of belonging and that you well prepared. for a “stunning” £1m dining space at “It struck me when I first arrived should sit down and take time to talk “It’s also meant that I’ve been able a Middlesbrough school. that there was no real dining experi- to each other. to explore positive changes that can Louise Dwyer said the new dining ence, everything was grab and go and “The design is a blank canvas so be made and give the children some- hall will be a major step forward in fast-paced. the pupils can make it their own and where that they can be even more her mission to transform the 1,500- “We want to create a space where have a part in laying the tables and proud of.” pupil Trinity Catholic College and everybody could step away from the serving one another, more like a home She added: “The children are at the Sixth Form. “In my childhood the hustle and bustle and come together. dining room than a canteen. Headteacher Louise Dwyer and heart of everything we do, and I hope most important conversations took I had a vision of a modern Hogwarts “It’s going to be stunning, with out- deputy head Nic Smith with pupils to make their time at the school as place when we were eating together,” hall, where we can gather like fami- side decking for al fresco dining; it and the plans for the dining space memorable as possible – despite the said Mrs Dwyer. “I wanted to recreate lies. will transform the school’s whole ethos.” Photo: Chris Booth. pandemic.” )& "4)/,*$ .*6&23& : 2*%"9 4) "29 37 education St Columba’s Prep looks forward to co-education
. ".5"29 7"3 6&29 )"009 4/ 7&,$/-& /52 '*234 (2/50 /' (*2,3 "3 050*,3 *.4/ 4 /,5-#"3 /,,&(& 2&0 $)//, 3*8 -/.4)3 "'4&2 7& 05#,*$,9 ". ./5.$&% /52 -/6& 4/ $/&%5$"4*/. "4&2 4)*3 9&"2 7& 7*,, 7&,$/-& -/2& (*2,3 *.4/ 4)& /7&2 2&0 ".% 4)& /7&2 *84) "3 7& 2&"$) 4)& .&84 -*,&34/.& *. /52 0)"3&% 42".3*4*/. 4/ '5,, $/&%5$"4*/. 4)2/5()/54 4)& /,,&(& //. 4 /,5-#"3 /,,&(& 7*,, #& 4)& /.,9 $/ &%5$"4*/.", *.%&0&.%&.4 3$)//, *. 4 ,#".3 '/2 "(&3 4/ *6*.( /52 0"2&.43 4)& /00/245.*49 4/ )"6& ",, 4)&*2 $)*,%2&. "4 4)& /.& 3$)//, 7*,, )"6& -".9 "%%*4*/.", #&.&'*43 '/2 4)&- *. 4&2-3 /' 4*-& ,/ (*34*$3 ".% 15",*49 /' ,*'& 4 /,5-#"3 /,,&(& *3 02/5% 4/ #& " "4)/,*$ 3$)//, *. 4)& &%5$"4*/.", 42"%*4*/. /' 4)& 2/4) 4 /52 2&0 $)//, 0&. '4&2.//. /. .% &23 /' 4)& "$2&% &"24 & 7&,$/-& '"-*,*&3 ".% "2$) 9/5 ".% 9/52 $)*,%2&. $". 4"+& " 6*245", 34"'' /' ",, '"*4)3 ".% ./.& 4/52 /' 4)& 3$)//, 7"4$) /52 4&22*'*$ 0&2'/2-&23 )2/5()/54 &"$) 0)"3& /' &%5$"4*/. 2&0 *. "$4*/. ".% )&"2 '2/- $522&.4 0"2&.43 ".% &.*/2 ".% *84) 7& $2&"4& " .52452*.( &.6*2/. 050*,3 !/5 $". ",3/ $)"4 4/ -& ".% /4)&2 -&- -&.4 7)&2& &"$) 050*, *3 $)",,&.(&% 4/ "$)*&6& #&23 /' 34"'' *. " 2&,"8&% &.6*2/.-&.4 4)&*2 /7. #&34 "$"%&-*$ 34".%"2% 7)*,& #&$/- !/5 $". #//+ 9/52 0,"$& /.,*.& 6*" /52 7*4& *.( $/.'*%&.4 2&3*,*&.4 ".% $/-0"33*/."4& *.%* /2 #9 0)/.& ,//+ '/27"2% 4/ 6*%5",3 3&&*.( 9/5 4)&2& )//3*.( 4)& 2*()4 3$)//, '/2 9/52 $)*,% *3 /.& )&. 7& $". )"6& 6*3*4/23 /.3*4& /.$& "("*. /' 4)& -/34 *-0/24".4 %&$*3*/.3 9/5 -"+& "3 " )/0& 4/ 7&,$/-& 9/5 ".% 9/52 $)*,%2&. 4/ /.& 0"2&.4 )//3*.( 4)& 2*()4 3$)//, %52*.( ,/$+ /' /52 7&&+,9 2*%"9 -/2.*.( %/7. 7)&. 9/5 $".;4 6*3*4 *. 0&23/. *.6/,6&3 ". 4"9 ".% ,"9 3&33*/.3 &6&. (2&"4&2 ,&"0 /' '"*4) 4)". ./2-", / )&,0 -"+& 4)*3 02/$&33 "3 342&33'2&& "3 0/3 3*#,& '/2 0"2&.43 7& )"6& $2&"4&% " 3&2*&3 /' *. 2 *$)"2% $".. 4&2"$4*6& ".% *.'/2-"4*6& /.,*.& 0&. &6&.43 &"% /' 2&0 (*6*.( 0"2&.43 4)& *.'/2-"4*/. ".% &80&2*&.$& 4/,5-#"3&"% 4)&9 .&&% 4/ -"+& 4)&*2 %&$*3*/. 38 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Extra Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress
Cichociemni Society judged agents play football at Audley End. Photo from on housing, the collection of the Polish says cardinal Underground Cardinal Vincent Nichols has said that Movement Study one of the hallmarks of a caring society Trust – London, colourised by was secure and decent housing for all. English Heritage. He made his comments as he backed charities in urging the Gov- ernment to tackle the rent debt crisis Inset, the in an effort to prevent homelessness. Cichociemni The Rent Debt coalition of charities, Memorial at tenants groups and landlord organi- Audley End. sations has sent a joint letter to Chan- Photo: English cellor Rishi Sunak calling for private Heritage. renters to be given emergency finan- cial support to pay off ‘Covid arrears’, along with adequate welfare support to keep renters in their homes and prevent rising homelessness. It comes as the Commission of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on Housing, Church and Community has published a report, titled Coming Remembering the Cichociemni heroes Home - tackling the housing crisis to- gether, in which they state that ‘good English Heritage has launched an ap- telligence-gathering and would go on helping the Allies defeat the Germans, “in the hope that their sacrifices go housing should be sustainable, safe, peal for memories to be shared of a to become the pride of the Polish Re- including gaining key intelligence on to inspire future generations”. stable, sociable and satisfying’. unit of elite Polish paratroopers who public. Many undertook their final ahead of the D-Day landings and pro- “We’re particularly interested in In welcoming the “timely” report, trained in Britain and led the resistance stage of training at Audley End House, viding information on the launch hearing from those in the local area Cardinal Nichols said: “The provision against Hitler’s forces in Nazi-occupied an early 17th-century country house bases of V1 and V2 rockets. at the time.” of secure, decent housing for all is a Poland. outside Saffron Walden, Essex, now Between 1941 and 1945, 316 Ci- The project is backed by the Polish hallmark of a good society. The fact The call marks the 80th anniversary in the care of English Heritage. chociemni were dropped into occu- Embassy where the ambassador to that some eight million people live in of their first mission, when the Polish A memorial to the Cichociemni pied Poland. The youngest was 17 the UK, Arkady Rzegocki, said the an- unsuitable housing should shame us. Home Army parachutists were stands proudly in the grounds, com- and the oldest was 54. 103 were killed niversary is “an important date in the So too should the fact that over 4,000 dropped behind enemy lines into oc- memorating their achievements and on operations or executed by the history of Poland, Polish special op- people will sleep rough tonight.” cupied Poland on the night of 15- sacrifices. Gestapo and a further nine were killed erations forces and Polish-British re- He said the archbishops’ report puts 16th February 1941, beginning the English Heritage is calling for those by the communists in Poland after lations. Thank you to all those who forward “a positive vision of what fight back for their homeland. with family connections to, or mem- the war. can help with this project.” makes for good homes and proposes Named the Cichociemni or the ories of the Cichociemni at Audley Andrew Hann of English Heritage Those with memories to share an extended programme of co-oper- Silent Unseen, the group trained in End to share their stories. said he was committed to helping should email press@english- ation in order to achieve this vision”. covert operations, sabotage and in- The group played a major role in share the story of the Cichociemni heritage.org.uk www.thecatholicuniverse.com Environmentalist backs Be part of the conversation... business clean-up fund Nick Benson of industrial processes and reduce A Catholic environmentalist has wel- energy demand through focusing on comed government funding to help the renewables sector. We’re looking for articles polluting businesses clean up, ex- “The Industrial Revolution, with its pressing her hope that it might kick- reliance on fossil fuels, kick-started for future issues of start “a new Green Revolution”. global warming,” she toldThe Catholic Some of the UK’s most polluting Universe. “Hopefully this is a signifi- Education magazine. industries will benefit from £40 million cant contribution to getting a new If you would like to contribute funding to help them cut their carbon Green Revolution underway.” emissions, while reducing their energy She welcomed the lowering of the please contact me – bills, the government announced. minimum grant to £100,000, as it Businesses in energy-intensive sec- offers more flexibility for small busi- on details below. tors, including pharmaceuticals, steel, nesses that are less able to be inno- paper and food and drink, will be vative. able to apply for grants worth up to “They are the ones who must have £14 million through the government’s this extra finance to help them survive Industrial Energy Transformation whilst being more sustainable, low Fund – totalling £289 million in fund- carbon and Earth-friendly. ing up until 2024. “The fund supports the UK gov- Ellen Teague, of the Columban Jus- ernment’s mission to ‘build back tice, Peace and the Integrity of Cre- greener,’ and shows that an energy ation, said the grants will incentivise transition can create new jobs and businesses to improve the efficiency stimulate the economy.” Child fee unlawful says court The £1,012 fee charged by the Home £1,012 for a child to register for British Office for a child to register as a British citizenship. The process itself costs citizen is unlawful, the Court of Appeal £372 and the department uses the re- has upheld in a landmark case. maining £640 profit to cross-subsidise The judge said the Home Office the immigration system. Catherine Kelly Editor on 0161 820 5722 had failed to recognise the impact of It was ruled unlawful after a court or email [email protected] the fee on children, noting that for in December 2019 found a “mass of some families “it is difficult to see evidence” that it prevents many chil- how the fee could be afforded at all”. dren from registering their British cit- PART OF THE UNIVERSE NEWSPAPER DIGITAL NETWORK The Home Office currently charges izenship. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 39 Faith Alive - Lenten Season Lenten meditation
FAITH ALIVE During Lent, I find myself called reading of something remarkable: to Matthew 25:31-46. In this reading, When I visit the sick or feed the hun- Jesus, you tell your friends what is gry, I’m not doing it solely for the in- Effie necessary to make the kingdom of dividual in need. I am quite literally God our heritage. You didn’t lay doing it for you. Caldarola down onerous, bureaucratic rules, In the words of St Teresa of or ask us to memorise catechism Kolkata, Jesus often comes to us “in pages, or become great theologians his most distressing disguise,” the Jesus, as I make the 40-day pilgrim- and scholars. poor. And if that’s where you are, age through Lent, I ask that my jour- Instead, you made what was ex- then that’s where I should be, in re- ney may always be at your side. My pected of us clear in practical and lationship with you. one Lenten goal, indeed the one very human terms: to feed the hun- And in meeting the poor, I am also goal of my life, is to enter into a rela- gry, clothe the naked, give drink to becoming Christ. As St Teresa of tionship with you. What I do, the the thirsty, visit the sick and the im- Avila said: “Christ has no body now time I give to prayer, the sacrifices I prisoned. on earth but yours. ... Yours are the make – I ask that all may be done as Jesus, every day of Lent, I might hands with which he blesses all the a way of growing in my closeness to revisit Matthew 25 and ask, how am world.” you, my friendship with you, my I doing in following these com- During this season of Lent, I find risen Lord. mands? I am especially aware in this myself in a world often consumed by anger and vitriol towards others. Sometimes I even find a slow burn of anger in my own heart. Sometimes the “other” is she who doesn’t agree with me politically. Sometimes the “other” is he who is an immigrant, a refugee, a person who doesn’t look like me. Some- times the “other” are those who try to impose their beliefs on me. Even within the Church, people point fingers and feel anger, self- righteousness, certainty and rigidity about their own ideas. Whose side do I take? Jesus, I take your side. And you al- ways reached out to all of us. You es- A woman prays during Mass in this September 2019 photo. This Lent, how chewed violence, hypocrisy, self-im- will you find time for prayer? (Catholic News Service photo/Tyler Orsburn) portance. You pointed to the tax collector at the back of the Temple, not the self-righteous Pharisee pro- Lent. Giving up chocolate or a ing in this desire? Do I find excuses claiming his goodness in the front nightly glass of wine may strengthen for setting aside prayer time? Do I (Lk 18:9-14). and discipline me. But, in my heart, want to give more, but find my own You spoke of love, not a saccha- I must ask the basic question, what wants getting in the way of generos- rine, greeting card kind of love, but leads me to the heart of Jesus? This ity and service? Let this Lent be a the gritty and hard love that reaches is my life’s sole destination. time to move forwards. across barriers between people and Help me to spend time daily in Lord, you are the companion I shows itself in service. silent prayer. Guide me to the help I seek, my life’s destination. Help me Sometimes at the beginning of need with this. Have I been wanting to be with you this Lent in prayer Lent, I ponder what I should “do” for a spiritual director but procrastinat- and service. The call to prayer. Why pray?
Fr Richard Malloy, SJ phrase in the Bible. Don’t underestimate where you were in contact with God’s grace yourself. God has need of the talents you and love – and when you were not. 4) Notice Prayer changes what we desire. Prayer have been given. Prayer shows us how to what you need to work on. 5) Promise to transforms us into those who can live with use and multiply our gifts (Jn 6:8-11). move in the direction God leads. Pay atten- God forever. Prayer impels us towards Prayer plunges us into powerful tion to consolations, ways we move towards metanoia, repentance, a change in our ways processes of transformation begun at bap- God and others, and desolations, ways we of thinking, doing and being. When we re- tism. God becomes what we are so we might move away from God and others. ally open our minds and hearts in prayer to become what God is. That’s not some crazy Open your heart and mind to the beauty the God who creates and so desperately Jesuit spin on theology. That’s St Athanasius and pregnant possibilities of silence. Trap- A man and woman join a rosary prayer loves us, watch out. Anything can happen! in the fourth century (see the Catechism of pist centring prayer is 20 minutes of just service. During Lent, quietly ponder the So, prayer is a risk. We fear that prayer is the Catholic Church, No. 460). sitting without doing anything but focusing mysteries of the rosary. a waste of time, that prayer doesn’t “work.” I Pray any way you like. Read Scripture. on God. Based on the book The Cloud of (CNS photo/Jim West) prayed that I get a new job or that my Quietly ponder the mysteries of the Unknowing, this is demanding but reward- mother be cured of cancer, and my prayers rosary. Explore the Eucharist. A Jesuit once ing prayer. tively simple. Still, it’s the best book I ever weren’t answered. said: “When we come to celebrate Eu- Jesuit Karl Rahner once asked, in prayer, read on prayer. Or we fear that prayer may really work. charist, we should wear crash helmets.” do we ever really hear anything but our own St Ignatius teaches prayer is like exercise. That God will change us as deeply and radi- At Mass, heaven and earth meet. We are in internal rumblings? Surprisingly, he an- I go to the gym three times a week, once a cally as the people in the Scriptures who communion with all who have gone before swered, “No.” But what happens is, we pray year. The lack of results is obvious. Regular were caught up in God’s plans, tasks and us marked with the sign of faith. We are and then listen. In response, the word God prayer, like regular exercise, will show itself purposes to transform ourselves and our united with all who receive Jesus. speaks to us is our life. in our being more rooted in awareness of world. We can be Moses and Mary and liber- Engage in the Examen of St Ignatius. For good books on prayer, read Mark Thi- God, in service of others, and in the joy and ate our people and bring Christ into the There are five simple steps: bodeaux’s Armchair Mystic, a great intro- peace radiating in our lives. Actually pray- world. We can be the Peters, Pauls and Mary 1) Place yourself in God’s presence. 2) duction on how to actually pray. Father ing, daily, will get us in spiritual shape, Magdalenes of our times. Give thanks for the past 24 hours. 3) Replay, Richard Rohr’s Everything Belongs: The Gift ready to meet the challenges of following “Do not be afraid” is the most repeated gently, the past day in your mind. Notice of Contemplative Prayer is short and decep- Jesus. 40
YOUR WEEKLY LIFESTYLE PAGES INSIDE YOUR UNIVERSE FOOD | DRINK | MUSIC | BOOKS | HEALTH | FINANCE | TV GUIDE | GARDENING uuniverse Osteopathy isn’t just for backache Suffering from migraines? Osteopath hector Wells says perhaps you should look away from the head for the cause health Most people associate osteopathy with back problems, but it can also be used effectively to relieve headaches and migraines, accord- Maintain a healthy ing to an osteopath who runs a daily headache clinic. Migraines are recurring one- sided headaches that can be ac- companied by vomiting, nausea, gut with probiotics visual disturbances and sensitivity to light and sound in severe cases. Hector Wells, Osteopath Symptoms can last hours or even a daily dose of probiotics is incredibly beneficial for our days and can be relatively mild or totally debilitating. Though young Types of tension in the diaphragm bodies and plays an important role in boosting digestive health. adult women are the most common • Head and neck-led migraines can sufferers, migraines can strike peo- be caused by left or right probiotics, often in the form of a eczema, urinary infection and other ple of any age. imbalance, neck tension, postural yogurt or probiotic drink. Another health conditions. The live bacteria and Hector Wells, an osteopath and problems or following an injury way to stimulate the production of yeasts that are good for your member of the British Osteopathic such as whiplash. The human digestive system is a probiotics in the gut is to feed them. digestive balance are known as Association, runs a daily headache • Diaphragm-led head pain can complex microbiome of living or- So-called ‘prebiotics’ encourage the probiotics. Many types of bacteria clinic in Banbury, Oxfordshire. He often be stress-related and is ganisms, and if it’s disturbed, your growth of probiotics and are found come under this classification, but believes headaches and migraines commonly accompanied by a tight health may suffer. What can you do in dietary fibres and grains, the most common types are are most commonly caused by ten- shoulder, most often the left. to keep it in order, and what part do vegetables and fruits. But you would lactobacillus, which is found in sion that originates in three main • Left or right shoulder tension is probiotics play? have to consume fairly large yogurt and other fermented foods, areas of the body: the head and often symptomatic of diaphragm Even a healthy human gut is full of portions of these to get enough and bifidobacterium, found in some neck, the diaphragm and the pelvis. tension, as is heartburn and billions of living organisms – yes, prebiotics to be helpful, so again, it’s dairy products. “I’ve found that a migraine begins indigestion. some of them are bad bacteria, common to find prebiotics in the as a person starts trying to relax,” • Pelvic-led problems can be caused viruses, yeasts and fungi, pathogens form of diet supplements. Because says Hector. “A lot of headaches are by periods or following childbirth. which can cause disease, but many prebiotics are not living, they don’t associated with the start of relax- Although massage can help relieve are essential to the proper function- need to be stored and handled as ation. Some people never quite re- tension, an osteopath seeks the ing of your metabolism. In fact, it’s carefully as probiotics and are not so lax and perhaps don’t even realise cause and will align the body to believed that the health or otherwise likely to be destroyed by the gastric this. If someone suffers from balance the left and right sides, of the gut microbiome can have an acids in the digestive system. headaches it’s because tension has helping it return to its natural effect on the immune system, heart Over-consumption of prebiotics built up in a particular area of the state. function, and even the health of the can have side-effects however, such Lactobacillus – found body causing an imbalance.” brain. as abdominal bloating and in fermented foods Osteopaths work in conjunction “Cold items on the face gently discomfort, so you should always with other forms of healthcare and encourage the body’s para- How can we improve our adhere to the dosage instructions on medication. Wells says many of his sympathetic system to release microbiome? Can prebiotics help feed probiotics? the product, and cut your intake if patients are often able to move tension. If you suffer from sinus An imbalance of healthy and Many processed foods have these you feel any discomfort. away from medication altogether headaches, stand in the shower, unhealthy microbes, known as gut bacteria removed as part of the One thing to be aware of is that after receiving osteopathic pinch your nose at the bridge and dysbiosis, may contribute to weight manufacturing process, so we may because probiotics and prebiotics treatment. When suffering from a apply pressure to one side, gain. It’s been shown in studies with end up with a deficiency. We can are classed as food rather than headache, he suggests something breathing at the same time and identical twins that the gut also lose probiotics when we are ill, medicine, they don’t have to go as simple as a cold face flannel or allowing the water to run down microbiome, and not genetics, can or have to take antibiotics. In this through such rigorous testing. In using a cool water spray on the face your face, then switch sides. This be a factor in obesity. Imbalance in case, it is common to restore the some cases it is possible that the can make a difference. should help clear the sinuses.” the gut biome can contribute to balance by taking supplements products may not contain the “If your headaches or migraines irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, containing the appropriate bacteria they claim, or in the often come with heartburn, quantities stated, or they may not “If someone suffers indigestion or shoulder pain, they survive in the gut long enough to from headaches, it’s could be caused by diaphragmatic “It’s believed that the gut microbiome actually do any good. If you have tension lower in your body. Placing any doubts you should consult your because tension has a heat pack on the front and back can have an effect on the immune doctor. But a good understanding of built up in a particular of the diaphragm and drinking a the importance of intestinal health, system, heart function, and even the warm drink at the same time together with diet, exercise, and area of the body, should help relieve the tension and lifestyle choices put you on the path health of the brain.” get your body to a relaxed state.” to better living with your gut. causing an imbalance.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 41
uuniverse The magic of moisturisers Finding the best moisturiser starts with understanding your skin type – and knowing which ingredients are best suited to you breakouts, and rashes that can easily health be managed with the right lotion and skincare regimen. When it comes to choosing the right With so many options to choose moisturiser, understanding your from, it can be very confusing trying skin and its needs is key. First, de- to figure out which cream is right for cide what you want your moisturiser your skin. Whoever knew we had to to do for your skin, then look for get familiar with hydroquinone or products that contain the necessary poly-hydroxy acids and what they ingredients. can do for our skin? Thanks to a booming beauty mar- It might all sound like marketing ket and the amazing possibilities af- mumbo-jumbo, but science never forded by innovations in the beauty lies and a good few skincare prod- industry, we have a huge range of lo- ucts and moisturisers on the market tions and creams within our reach. today are backed by science. Here’s a We are literally one click away from handy tip: always select your creams having the magic potion to give our and lotions according to your skin- skin exactly what it needs. care goals. Decide what you want From perfectly toned complexions your moisturiser to do and look for to wrinkle reduction and youthful products that contain the magic in- skin, there’s a moisturiser for every gredients. Take a look at the ingredi- skin’s needs. There are even mois- ents that can help you achieve the turisers ideal for those doctors and skin you desire. nurses who have had to spend hours covered in protective suits and N-95 masks since Covid-19 emerged ear- lier this year. Being covered up for so “Decide what you For wrinkles softening light that is bounced off For protection from UV rays long often leaves them with dry skin, Creams and lotions that contain your face. However, while they will Look for micronised zinc oxide, want your retinol, which is a vitamin-A give you instant results, their effect titanium dioxide, and Parsol 1789 moisturiser to do derivative, are great for fighting is only temporary. (also known as avobenzone). These wrinkles. Retinol encourages the three ingredients block both UVA and look for production of collagen which, over For protecting delicate areas and UVB rays. Vitamin C has also time, plumps up the skin and around the eye been shown to have a photo- products that reduces the formation of wrinkles. The skin surrounding your eyes is protective effect on the skin. For best results, use a moisturiser far more delicate than the rest of contain the magic containing retinol twice daily on your face and requires a bit of extra For dry, irritated skin ingredients.” cleansed skin. For fine lines, try care. It is important to use a cream The best moisturisers for dry and moisturisers that contain gentle that is designed for the eye area. Not irritated skin contain ingredients exfoliating ingredients. Alpha, beta, only will it reduce reactions in like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, soy, For removing dark spots and poly-hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs allergy-prone skin, but it will also and colloidal oatmeal which are Sun damage is the leading cause & PHAs) are exfoliants that work to produce great results, like firming or known to have soothing, hydrating of dark spots, known as hyper- remove the surface layers of your reducing circles and puffiness. effects. These moisturisers are great pigmentation. Some drugs, such as skin which will improve its Eye creams contain a number of for people who experience dry skin, the contraceptive pill, can also cause appearance and rub out tiny lines. active ingredients which tighten as well as essential workers who your skin to produce patchy-brown Again, use these moisturisers twice under-eye skin to reduce puffiness experience skin irritation from or dark spots from the over- daily or apply treatments weekly. and lighten dark circles. When you wearing head-to-toe protective gear production of melanin. are shopping for one, look for for long hours. The best way to reduce dark spots For clear skin firming ingredients: caffeine, is to use a moisturiser with a high- Moisturisers containing alpha, alcohol, retinol, alpha-hydroxy For reducing dark circles factor sunscreen (15SPF or higher). beta and poly-hydroxy acids (AHAs, acids, copper and vitamin C. These include vitamin K, kojic Consider using a skin bleaching BHAs & PHAs) will buff your skin Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, copper acid and hydroquinone. Vitamin K product to help reduce sports’ and bring healthier, more radiant and vitamin C actually work under has been shown to inhibit bruising appearance. Look for products that skin cells to the surface. Use twice the skin to stimulate collagen and helps to counteract dark contain hydroquinone and kojic daily to get more luminous skin. growth. shadows caused by too much blood acid, which lighten over-pigmented Also, many moisturisers and Because collagen supports the flow and minor bruising. Kojic acid Consider a high-factor areas. However, note that with these foundations contain light-diffusing skin from within, stimulating its and hydroquinone are skin- sunscreen to reduce dark spots skin lightening products, it can take particles which give the illusion of growth may, over time, firm the skin lightening agents, often found in up to two months to see results. softer, more luminous skin by and smooth lines and wrinkles. bleaching and age-spot creams. 42
uuniverse Why mind-mapping works If you feel the need to get a bit more organised –for work, to sort out your feelings or just to see what you can come up with creatively –then a mind map may be the tool for you. health Mind-mapping is one of the simplest, yet most powerful tools a person can have in their creativity toolbox. It is a non-linear way of organising information that allows you to cap- ture the natural flow of your ideas. A mind map is essentially a multi- coloured and image-centered radial diagram that represents connections between portions of learned mate- rial. It is extremely helpful for a range of tasks such as writing Make room for memos, preparing a meeting agenda or trying to get a bird’s eye view of a complex project. The maps can be drawn by hand or as rough notes, for family fitness example, during a lecture or meet- ing, or they can be more sophisti- cated in quality. There are other practical There are also a number of soft- health considerations to a family fitness ware packages available for produc- If you’ve got the space at home or room. Safety aside, exercisers ing mind maps. Graphic organisers in a garage, why not dedicate it to a should be able to secure or stow similar to the mind map have been fitness centre? It will ensure you gear that little ones could hurt in use for centuries, mainly for keep fit – and it could be a great themselves on. When everyone is learning, brainstorming, memory, place for the kids to hang out, too. done using the room, there should visual thinking, and problem solving But to achieve the maximum effect, be a place to put everything –so by educators, engineers, psycholo- you need to follow some simple make sure there is plenty of storage gists and people in general. rules. room and space for everyone to beauty and individuality. These in Guidelines for Making a Choose the biggest space you exercise. A wardrobe with ample Retain information turn aid creativity, memory and Mind Map can for the fitness area, but don’t shelving and drawers for each However, the claim for the origini- specifically the recall of information. 1. Start in the centre with an image forget to create an atmosphere of person’s towel and exercise clothes nator of the mind map has been The maps help you to make a dis- of the topic, using at least three warmth. That way it will be an is essential, as is ample shelving for made by British psychologist Tony tinction between your mental stor- colours. inviting space for the whole family. holding equipment such as Buzan. He claimed the idea started age capacity and efficiency. 2. Use images, symbols, codes and Experiment with different types of dumbbells, and a few towel racks forming as he wrote An Encyclopae- Storing data efficiently multiplies dimensions throughout your mind lighting and use cherry or walnut would be a good idea too. dia of the Brain and its Use in 1971. your mind’s capacity. It is like the map. trim for added luxury. Durable, The space behind the climbing He argues that articles rely on the difference between a library with or 3. Select key words and print using self-adhesive carpet squares help wall could also serve to store reader to scan left to right and top to without an organised system of re- upper or lower case letters. cushion floor exercises. Blinds offer equipment when you need more bottom, while what actually hap- trieval. 4. Each word/image must be alone privacy while one person is work- floor space for aerobics or the next pens is that the brain will scan the Tony Buzan claims that mind- and sitting on its own line. ing out and others are watching TV. time the kids want to roll out the entire page in a non-linear fashion. mapping has many applications in 5. The lines must be connected, Conversely, keeping the blinds up mats to do a little tumbling. He also uses popular assumptions personal, family, educational, and starting from the central image. The allows exercisers to watch TV or about the cerebral hemispheres in business situations, including note- central lines are thicker, organic and even incorporate exercise videos Convenience is key order to promote the exclusive use taking (a modified variant of brain- flowing, becoming thinner as they into the workout. Putting mirrored For most families, the key to fitness of mind-mapping over other forms storming) summarising, revising radiate out from the centre. panels on the back wall not only can be summed up in one word: of note making. and general clarifying of thoughts. 6. Make the lines the same length as reflects light and gives the room a convenience. Few things are more Radiant thinking is at the very For example, one could listen to a the word/image. more open feel, but also has a convenient than having all the heart of mind mapping. It means to lecture and take down notes using 7. Use colours in your own code practical function. Being able to essentials of a fitness club right in spread or move in directions from a mind maps for the most important throughout the mind map. see yourself when performing the middle of your house. But the given centre and refers to our asso- points or keywords. One can also 8. Develop your own personal style strength-training exercises helps room ideally must work as part of a ciative thought processes. It is the use mind maps as a mnemonic tech- of mind mapping. you check your posture for better home and as a part of the lives of natural and automatic way which all nique or to sort out a complicated 9. Use emphasis and show results and less risk of injury. the family using it. human beings have functioned. idea. Claims have also been made – associations in your mind map. So remember, if you’re going to Mind-mapping is really a tool to including in some advertising for 10. Keep the mind map clear by using Fitness for kids commit a space in your home to capture and develop our natural mind-mapping software and litera- radiant hierarchy, numerical order or And for the kids, why not make the fitness and exercise, you have to thought process. Though drawn on a ture – that managers and students outlines to embrace your branches. centrepiece of the room a wild, make it inviting and motivating. A two-dimensional page, mind map- find mind-mapping to be useful be- wavy climbing wall? It will create weight bench and an old treadmill ping represents a multidimensional cause the techniques beind them mind-mapping techniques. an interesting design element and down in a dark corner of the cellar reality that encompasses space, time make retaining information easier. So the next time you are preparing provide endless fun for the won’t really work. You should want and colour. There have also been outlandish that important project for work, try youngsters. More importantly to spend time there and make it so They may be enhanced and en- claims that mind-mapping can com- using mind maps to increase your though, it will ensure kids make there’s something for everyone: riched with colour, pictures, codes bat bullying and tap into the deeper stimulation and unleash a torrent of exercise a lifelong habit. you, your spouse, and the children. and dimension to add interest, levels of consciousness by using memory-boosting ideas. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 43
uuniverse Tech tips to keep your home office fresh As more of us are forced to continue working from home, it’s important to remember the basic practices and troubleshooting tips for managing your office tech. TechNOlOGy How to cut your fuel costs How long should we expect our rela- tionship with our tech to last? If From driving efficiently to supermarket we’ve spent a small fortune on a computer, then you might want it to offers; it can be possible to cut your fuel last ‘forever’, while tech geeks might costs with some simple tips. prefer to swap their models as soon as they see a younger model... Keep your car in good shape The reality, as most suppliers Keeping your tyres at optimal should tell you, is that if your com- MOTORING pressure to save on fuel – under- puter hardware is three to four years Although fuel prices have dropped inflated tyres cause resistance and old and getting creaky, it is time to to a four-year low due to the coron- require more petrol. Oil should be save yourself time, pain and money avirus pandemic, it’s still possible changed once a year or every 7,500 and get a replacement. So, it’s a bit to maximise your fuel savings by miles in a petrol car or every six of a ‘throw away culture’ when it simply doing your research, taking months or 6,000 miles in a diesel. comes to most IT hardware. And, care of your car and adapting your Clean oil keeps fuel consumption since more of us are remote working driving style. low. as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there are the additional risks from Don’t overload moving equipment around. Even Check prices before you buy Being prepared is the name of the There is a reason that lorries are so the most robust of laptops will only avoid! If you want to ensure you computers don’t like damp, cold or game when it comes to saving on expensive to run. Weight needs take so many knocks before they have reasonable protection, look at extremely hot environments either. petrol. Websites such as more fuel, so lose any excess break – you may have found this out leading brands. Better still, if you are petrolprices.com can guide you baggage such as baby buggies or already! using your computer for business 3. Use the right equipment towards the cheapest fuel in your golf clubs when you’re not using you should consider more rigorous Use a robust case if you are carrying area. them. Likewise, roof boxes, bike Five tips for tip-top IT security like Cyber Essentials. Some your equipment around – don’t be racks and roof racks are not only Here are five remote working tips to companies which handle sensitive tempted to shove it in a carrier bag Take advantage of heavy but affect the streamlining of help you stay in business: data and financial accounts, such as just because you are running late! supermarket offers a car, negatively affecting fuel law firms and accountants, should Supermarkets regularly offer a few consumption. 1. Cyber security have this but ensure it is extended 4. Keep up with your pence off petrol at their pumps Don’t give cyber criminals a helping for use wherever you are working. computer updates when you buy in their main stores. Don’t use air conditioning hand by leaving the door to your Yes, they can be a right pain but Do your sums and, if the combined Unless it’s absolutely necessary apps and online accounts wide 2. Be careful where you use your don’t ignore software updates cost of your grocery shopping and abandon your air con in favour of open. At the very least invest in computers because they help your devices last discounted petrol adds up to a fans or an open window. Using air reputable cyber protection software Unfortunately, lots of homeworkers longer – they’ll provide fixes for saving, take advantage of their conditioning can add up to 10 per on your home computers (hopefully have smashed screens or spilt their some performance issues and tactics to keep you on side. cent to your fuel consumption, your office should have this hot drink over their laptops, possible bugs. You can always opt to particularly when travelling at already!). You pay for what you get rendering them useless. This is even schedule them for when you’re not Drive slowly lower speeds. so don’t pick a free one. Some of more likely now that users are using your devices. The faster you drive, the more fuel these are actually scams anyway – working at home. Generally, A word of warning: be careful that your car needs. In fact, slowing Drive carefully it’s a real update. There have been down from 60mph to 50mph can The most petrol is used during some cyber attackers using very save up to 15 per cent of your fuel. acceleration and deceleration so convincing update messages that So leave earlier and take a leisurely drive as steadily as possible, look like they have come from drive to work. keeping a steady pace and changing Microsoft, for example. Don’t click speed gradually, leaving slamming on links without checking they are Leave the car at on the brakes and pulling away at genuine first and don’t download home break-neck speed to the boy racers. apps unless you know they’ve come It’s an obvious from a safe source. strategy but a Drive smooth roads good one. In the same way that driving slowly 5. Be insured Leave the car at can help to keep your fuel use low, Don’t leave it all to chance – insure home for those driving on the smoothest possible your equipment. If you use warranties shorter journeys surfaces also uses far less petrol that’s a good start. But even if you and walk, take a bus or a train and than gravel, potholes, and bumpy have an extended warranty, the you not only save money on fuel country roads. So try to choose the ‘wrong’ bit of the computer could but help the environment too. tarmac road over bumpy country break, so it pays to get insurance. lanes wherever possible. 44
uuniverse Top cars for new drivers on the road
Fiat 500 Citroen DS3 Using industry demographics and current models, what are the Over the years Fiats have become The Citroen DS3 came onto the options for your son or daughter’s first set of wheels? the “in”car to own and the Fiat 500 is market in 2010 and since then has not only one of the most stylish but won many prestigious awards for has a distinctive and appealing retro its style and performance in the look. It’s a great car for travelling supermini range. French MotorIng around too and very easy to fit into manufactured, this car was the Predicting who will buy which the smallest of parking spaces. There primary model of the premium DS type of car has always been diffi- is a comprehensive range of exterior line. Citroen has long been cult for vehicle manufacturers, colours available and owners can renowned for its outstanding but nevertheless they do not add chrome inserts and stripes if diesel and THP petrol engines make cars without knowing the desired, including Gucci or Diesel both in terms of performance and target market and matching each trims to give the car a more running costs. The DS3 can be model to specific demographic fashionable look on the special customised with a whole range of groups. There are naturally excep- edition Fiat 500. These cars are not technology including an MP3/CD tions, but generally demographics only stylish and visually appealing player. However, it’s the style play a huge part in how new mod- but more environmentally friendly options available with this car that els of cars are marketed. Large sa- with lower CO2 emissions. really make it a popular choice. loon and estate cars are usually The TwinAir two cylinder engine There is a wide and diverse range aimed at families and are often puts the Fiat 500 under the 100g/km of exteriors to choose from driven by dads. Mums tend to be emission limit, allowing free together with purchasers being less concerned with visual appeal movement around London without able to select contrasting roof and and performance so are likely to congestion charges. As first cars go, wing mirror colours. choose MPVs or SUVs for the se- you can guarantee that your son or curity that a bigger car offers. As daughter will be Suzuki Swift people get older they are more in- Ford KA is a popular choice and has Ford Ka attracted to these An absolutely fantastic supermini. clined to drive a car that is reliable been redesigned with a range of The Ford Ka has been in the models and that The TwinAir Despite being relatively compact it with cheaper running costs and options to customise the interior marketplace for several years and is each one has its two cylinder does have a magnificent sporty perhaps some extra space for trips and music being a priority. particularly popular with female merits in terms engine puts the Fiat look and the latest models have out with the grandchildren. Naturally, these are broad drivers, making it an ideal choice for of economy, 500 under the more gadgetry than previous range. generalisations and stereotyping a daughter’s first car. Wide rear style, gadgetry, 100g/km emission Technology includes a USB port, Stereotypes work in the car people in terms of which cars they haunches defined the previous performance limit. Bluetooth and a CD player and the industry are likely to purchase by sex or age model of the Ka, but the latest and safety. style is guaranteed to impress. The young male driver is likely to could easily attract criticism, yet this model is much more dynamic and With very economic running go for a car which is both sporty seems to work for the car stylish, synonymous with the costs and a variety of engine sizes and cool but this will depend on manufacturing industry. Using these appearance of all recent models in to choose from, the Swift has great how much money they or their demographics and looking at the Ford range. Featuring straight performance and has attained the parents have available and their vehicles currently on the market we lines and angles, the Ka has been Euro NCAP maximum 5 stars for restrictions on what they will have come up with some redesigned with a range of options safety due to its ESP (Electronic permit their sons to drive given suggestions for parents who are to customise the interior. With a Stability Programme) which is safety concerns. Daughters often thinking about purchasing a car for range of engine sizes available the standard across the range, anti- choose cars that are smaller and their sons or daughters, some of Ka is efficient, reliable and whiplash front seats and easier to drive, with phone devices which are cheap and others less so. economic on running costs. Fiat 500 additional safety kit.
Pinups - David Bowie (RCA Records) Arguably the most famous covers Music greats: The art of the cover album ever, it doesn’t contain any obvious tracks. Instead its success When top musicians cover others’ work it looks like charming voice of Brazilian artist and reverence results from Bowie’s Seu Jorge ensures these covers of unique versions, as is evidenced in a cop-out – but not with these classics. David Bowie classics are given a new songs by Bert Berns, Syd Barrett and lease of life. Reminiscent of Pete Townshend, among others. American everything that’s right about lazy MUSIC Recordings - Johnny evenings in warm locations, the one Through the Looking Glass - Siouxsie Cash (American original arrangement is great, too. & The Banshees (Polydor) The Duke - Joe Jackson (earMusic) Recordings) The re-imaginings of Strange Fruit Multi-talented musician Joe Jackson Cash’s 81st studio Goodbye 20th Century - Sonic Youth this covers LP of Nelson’s songs and The Passenger here are almost gives Duke Ellington’s big band jazz album won a (SYR) takes that western ethic and applies equal to the original recordings. a refit for the 21st Century. It Don’t Grammy, and even Arguably the greatest avant-garde a veil of modern, sun-soaked indie Considering those two pieces of Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That had a single end up on MTV’s Beavis rock band ever stamps their ‘wall of folk, with the finished product music are unquestionably bona fide Swing) even has Iggy Pop singing a & Butthead. Recorded in the sound’ ethic all over this collection something truly remarkable. classics, it gives you an idea of the duet, while R&B diva Sharon Jones legendary singer’s living room, this of strange and beguiling recordings. standard punk queen Siouxsie also appears. doesn’t contain his finest cover Hurt, Work from composers such as John The Covers Record - Cat Powers reached with this album. originally penned by Rage Against Cage and Christian Wolff add to the (Matador Records) Kicking Against the Pricks - Nick the Machine – but remains fantastic, sense of highbrow listening. Chan Marshall’s fifth LP is known for Raising Sand - Robert Plant & Cave & The Bad Seeds (Mute) nonetheless. one thing; the powerful, stripped Alison Krauss (Decca) John Lee Hooker, Johnny Cash, To Willie - Phosphorescent down version of (I Can’t Get No) Since Zeppelin Plant has grown Jimmy Webb, Lou Reed, Roy Orbison The Life Aquatic Sessions - Seu Jorge (Dead Oceans) Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. increasingly rootsy, and it comes to are all covered by one of the most (Hollywood Records) To Lefty From Willie was the title of That’s a little unfortunate, as a the fore in this collaboartion with iconic and unique vocalists in the Recorded as the soundtrack to the country legend Willie Nelson’s further 12 tracks grace this CD, and with bluegrass-country songstress modern rock n roll landscape. film The Life Aquatic, the utterly tribute album to Lefty Frizzell, and they’re all pretty strong. Alison Krauss. The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 45 Letters
Your opinions: Letters to the Editor We want to hear your views on the big Catholic issues. Write to: Joseph Kelly, Editor, The Universe, Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ E-mail: [email protected]. Please keep letters concise; we reserve the right to edit.
We cannot keep the historically a very bad year for flu; Compassion needed A group of men known as the the years surrounding that spike av- Church on same path Nazarenos (Nazarenes) put eraged out at 17,000 a year for the on quarantine rules I read Fr Christopher Basden’s re- down a statue of Jesus during entire UK. In 2018-19 it caused just I am all in favour of reasonable cent article on vocations with a de- the Stations of the Cross on 1,692 deaths. measures being taken to prevent the gree of incredulity and not a little the first Friday of Lent, 19th Compare, with fingers covering spread of Covid-19, in particular of sadness. (Where have all our voca- February, in Chalatenango, El our eyes, those numbers with the new variants that might enter the tions gone? Universe, February 12th Salvador. Catholics in horrific statistics that present us country. 2021). northern El Salvador are from Covid. UK-wide the death toll However, placing a cost of £1,750 There are numerous issues facing encouraging social distancing as we near a year blighted by this on quarantine might mean that our Church where informed teach- and the wearing of masks so pandemic is over 120,000. If I wish many will be unable to afford to ing should follow careful listening. that Lenten customs and to err on the side of caution I’d say travel to the UK for a funeral or to Many of the social issues of our time practices can continue during this past 12 months is 6 times worse say a final goodbye to loved ones. the pandemic demand an understanding that can than anything flu has had to throw I understand that other countries, Photo/Rhina Guidos only come about if we are willing to at us in the past two decades. If I New Zealand being one, have a be attentive to the arguments, reflect was being churlish and wanted to process by which these fees can be on what we hear and absorb the de- make your leader writer out to not waived on compassionate grounds. I tail, before we teach. be in full communion with the facts, think this country should adopt the It is also a time of rapid movement, I’d pick the much smaller number same process. where change is no longer a slow from 2018-19 and say it was 75 times Elsie Bridge, and deliberate process, but is has- worse. That’s like a stomach upset ... Manchester. tened by circumstance. but 75 times worse. Nowhere is this clearer than in our Globally, the World Health Organi- How much we have concern for the future of the or- sation estimates that flu kills be- dained priesthood. In this country tween 290-650,000 people a year, lost this year On our daily walk this weekend I re- and many others in the Western depending on the strain. Covid has marked to my husband that a sad world, the age profile of serving topped two million – and most ana- aspect of our current existence was priests is rapidly advancing, while at lysts say that that number if proba- that we had become used to the clo- the same time the numbers entering bly low, as testing for Covid-19 in sure of pubs, restaurants and ‘non- the seminaries, those remaining Africa is still poor, whereas the con- essential’ shops. open, are at an all-time low. tinnent’s testing for flu is quote so- Back home, I read this in The Sun- In many of our dioceses, the prob- phisticated now, as health services day Telegraph: ‘A senior government lem is being patched by amalgamat- have had decades of practice in source confirmed that from 8th ing parishes, creating numerous is- identifying the virus. March people in England would be sues of adjustment for the laity as The facts speaks from themselves. allowed to drink coffee on a park well as placing an almost impossible The Government should not rush bench, or have a picnic with anyone burden on the shoulders of the reverting society back to its pre-pan- from their own household. priest asked to serve enlarged com- demic status, nor should we accept What on earth has become of this munities. high levels of Covid within the pop- country and us in one short year? It is time that we addressed the ulation. For me, anything higher Toby Stevens problem that is glaringly evident, by tial messages of the Council, which in our place and told to behave. than 500-1,000 cases a day is cause Lytham St Anne’s asking some serious questions be- over the intervening years have been It is time that we all woke up to for real concern. In an ideal world Lancashire. fore we have to face the reality of the steadily eroded in an attempt to put smell the coffee. we need to get the new case trans- impending crisis. The circumstances the clock back. Chris McDonnell, Secretary mission below 500 a day before we implied in the title of Brendan That route, of time reversal, only Movement for Married Clergy do anything like opening up society Enjoy life on wrong Hoban’s recent book, ‘Who will ends up with our facing a wall at the once more. side of the pond The good news is, if you don’t like break the bread for us?’ (2013), are end of a nameless cul-de-sac. It is clear from their recent state- Not right to compare my analysis, there is an alternative, closer than we think. Fr Blasden speaks of the witness ment that the Duke and Duchess of but it is a bit brutal. Accept death. The attempt at a fully shared dis- to the power of chastity, which I do Covid with flu Suffolk believe service is ‘universal’, Yours, your wife’s, your partner’s, cussion within the English and not contend, but I would suggest Your comment writer (Universe, 19th and it is equally clear from their ac- your grandpa’s, your child’s. Petition Welsh Church, which came with the celibacy should be a matter of per- February), in suggesting the time tions that they believe the financial for re-opening society, say ‘to hell’ National Pastoral Congress in Liver- sonal choice, not a forced option as- has come to open up society from rewards are better in America than with restrictions, but sign on the pool in 1980 and the publication of sociated with a priestly vocation. If lockdown, misses a vital point about the UK. dotted line where it says ‘I am pre- The Easter People, withered on the family is important, why should our Covid-19. We now need to get the Oprah in- pared for my loved ones to be sacrif- vine. priests be excluded from the joyful He repeats the oft-quoted idea terview – and the inevitable furore ical lambs in this decision.’ We need to try again. experience? It might clarify their that ‘we will have to live with Covid, that it will cause – out of the way, so And as you stand – socially dis- It is time for the bishops of Eng- teaching on a number of issues. as we do with flu’, adding that with we can close the book on this selfish tanced, one would presume – at land and Wales to call a national Our Church exists in the milieu of cases falling to below 10,000 a day, couple and allow the rest of our your loved one’s grave you can say commission of laity and priests to our times. We cannot avoid the cir- surely time is near when we can set hard-working Royal Family to get on that most telling of phrases: “Sorry, I examine the future circumstance of cumstances in which we find our- an acceptable level of cases and with providing a real service. parish ministry and the exercise and selves. We are challenged to live our simply crack on with life without re- got that wrong, didn’t I.” Richard Guise, Chris Beaumont nature of priesthood. It would have faith within – not withdrawing verting to lockdowns or restrictions. Bristol as its brief the task of examining from – a cultural context radically The point he misses is that Covid Sheffield vocation in the broadest possible different to that of the mid 20th is not like flu at all. You may as well sense and to offer guidelines for a Century, let alone the years preced- compare a bad stomach upset with My duty this Lent is realistic option for change would in- ing it. dysentery. After all, both cause Three with cheese is to the gin industry deed be welcome. Fr BVlasden speaks further of our bowel problems... just as flu and clearly a crowd... My parish priest maintains that one Fr Blasden presents an image of ‘Traditional Liturgy’, as though it Covid create problems with the res- During the BBC’s Look North pro- should do something extra during the Church that was familiar to me were something sacrosanct. When I piratory tract. gramme on Friday, 19th February) Lent rather than simply giving as a youngster in the 1950s. He high- taught in the classroom I used Yet anyone with the most fleeting there was an item about the police something up. lights a number of points that he words that pupils could understand. knowledge of dysentery will know raiding a number of ‘house parties’ With this in mind I shall repeat my suggests are causal to our present I feel sure that the Good Lord under- that it isn’t just ‘a bad tummy’. And in Scarborough. Lenten observances as in previous predicament. They encapsulate a stands me when I give praise in my in the same way, Covid isn’t just ‘a In an interview a policeman said: years by providing as much custom Church that was, rather the one that natural tongue. bit of a bad dose of flu’. “Inside we found these three people, as possible to the workers who toil is or one that will be. He concludes by referencing ‘ex- Compare the stats. In 2017-18 – drinking alcohol, having a party, both night and day in the country’s I can still remember the buzz of hausted bishops… trying to fill because flu has a traditional ‘season’ with some form of cheese board on gin distilleries. excitement during the mid-60s empty parishes’. If only there were running from autumn through to the side.” But if anyone still feels the need to Council gatherings and in the im- recognition that the laity has much spring, flu stats always mirror those I didn’t know whether I should give something up, then might I sug- mediate years that followed. Our to offer, we would not suffer the of a football season – 22,000 people laugh or cry. gest moaning. major failure that we need to ad- consequences of persistent clerical- in England died from flu. It should Tom Percy, Michael Harper, dress has been the loss of the essen- ism. But time and again we are put be pointed out that that year was Scarborough. Rye, Sussex 46 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Classified/Crossword/Sudoku
BOOKING IS AS EASY AS 1,2,3 ... 1) Choose your style – A, B or C 2) Compose your wording etc Classified 3) Book your advertisement ... uLinking you to your Catholic Community By phone: call 07984 616950 (We’ll need your wording, images, special instructions, date/ dates ad is to run, and a phone number we can contact you on,to arrange proof and payment.) By post: Please send your cheque or PO, made out to:- Universe Media Group Ltd, to: Classifieds, Universe Media Group Ltd, FUNERAL DIRECTORS 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ.
STYLE A Please call 07984 616950 CATHOLIC STUDY GUIDES: We have a wide for special prices on larger sizes, selection of Catholic books and pamphlets bulk bookings and inclusion in aimed at deepening your knowledge of the our other Catholic titles Catholic Faith. Suitable for Catechism classes, adult study groups, and individual learning. STYLE C Written by leading experts in their field. Please call 020 000 000 for latest catalogue and prices. Catholic family run Funeral Up to 70 words Heading of your choice Two column wide, fully designed, with £24 per week Up to 100 words frame FREE design service, Directors for over 230 years £30 per week Heading of your choice £72 per week £180 for 3 weeks Remembering STYLE B £336 for 6 weeks PERSONALISED MEMORIAM CARDS, BOOKMARKS AND Personalised Stationery •Funeral Mass sheets•Wedding Order of Service ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, •Cards•Party invites•Thank-you cards NOTELETS ? ALL STYLES Fully designed ad Remember pictures are the best memories Samples / Information Heading of your Bernie O’Brien - Photo-journalist KENNEDY PRINTERS choice £42 per week 07962 100 872 BANTRY, CO. CORK, IRELAND 7 St David’s Close, Sale, Cheshire M33 7DL Tel: 00353 (0)27 50102 [email protected] www.kennedyprinters.ie www.BernieOBrien.co.uk email: [email protected]
The Catholic Universe Crossword No. 686 Experts in Worldwide Repatriation 24 Hour Service Across 6. Fan (7) 7. Voiced (5) 020 7237 6366 or020 7313 6920 9. Utter (3) 10. Conspicuous (9) 12. Impoliteness (11) www.albins.co.uk 15. Project (11) 17. Change round (9) 19. Sob (3) The Catholic Universe Sudoku No. 286 21. Berate (5) 22. Limp (7) Down 1. Put off (5) 2. Humble (3) 3. Carry (4) 4. Consciousness (9) 5. Ardent (7) 8. Quantity (6) 11. Inequality (9) 13. Random (6) Every Sudoku has a 14. Methodical (7) unique solution that 16. Corn (5) can be reached 18. Chasm (4) logically. Enter 20. Freezing (3) numbers into the blank spaces so t hat each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. SOLUTION - Stuck? see page 47 see page 47 The Catholic Universe | Friday 26th February 2021 47 Classified/Crossword/Liturgical Calendars
CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION MEMORIAM CARDS PRIESTS & BROTHERS Crossword Solution (from p46) Special Offer! An opportunity too good to be Across: 6 Devotee; missed. We are not offering a job, career or even 7 Vocal; 9 Say; a way of life. 10 Prominent; We offer an invitation to explore if you have 12 Discourtesy; been invited by the Lord, to follow him in a 15 Proposition; special way as a priest or religious as an 17 Rearrange; 19 Cry; Augustinian Recollect friar. 21 Slate; 22 Flaccid. We offer you the fellowship of our Down: 1 Delay; 2 Low; communities… the opportunity to share prayer 3 Bear; 4 Cognition; and spiritual growth… the challenge to know 5 Earnest; 8 Amount; MASS TIMES VOCATIONS yourself and your purpose in life… an 11 Disparity; 13 Casual; opportunity to serve God as a missionary in 14 Orderly; 16 Grain; remote parts of the world, or in an inner-city 18 Gulf; 20 Icy. Jesuit Church, Farm Street parish in London or New York. Sudoko Lockdown Mass times: OUR LADY OF FIDELITY The need is always there and so is the invitation. The Church needs religious sisters URGENTLY Solution (ministers of religion) to bring Christ to others by Our ‘ Special Offer’ is a lifetime opportunity to (from p46) SUNDAY: 18:00 (Saturday Vigil)11:00 (Latin), 18:00. a life of prayer and service lived in the community follow the call of God to serve him as an MON-SAT: 10:00, 18:00. of Ignation spirituality. Daily Mass is the centre Augustinian Recollect friar. Due to severity of Covid-19 in London, the church of community life. By wearing the religious habit For more information: will be closed during celebrations of the Mass. we are witnesses of the consecrated way of life. Fr Gerald Wilson O.A.R., All Masses are livestreamed on our website. If you are willing to risk a little love and would St Rita’ s Centre, Ottery Moor Lane, Honiton, OPENING HOURS: like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette. Devon, EX14 1AP. 01404 42601 ex 1 SUNDAY: 12.30-15.30. MON-SAT: 11:00-17:30. Mature vocations considered. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY [email protected] SUNDAY: 12:30-16:00. MON-SAT: 11:00-16:00 1 Our Lady’s Close, Off Hermitage Road, Upper Norwood, London. SE19 3FA. www.augustinian-recollects.org.uk Confessions are available by appointment only. Tel: 0044 (0) 7760 297001 Visit us on Facebook or Linkedin. www.farmstreet.org.uk Email: [email protected] COLUMBARIUM SERVICES BOOKSELLERS
St Patrick’s Columbarium Redfield, Bristol
St Patrick’s Catholic Church in central Bristol is pleased to offer leases in our newly constructed Columbarium.
Located within The Chapel of the Resurrection, each vault can contain the cremated remains of two loved ones in an elegant and dignified setting.
Contact Tracy McNama at the Parish LITURGICAL CALENDARS Office on 0117 955 7662 or for an information pack or visit Ordinary Form Liturgical Calendar www.saintpatricks.co.uk Sunday Year B, weekday cycle 1 February: Month of the Holy Family St Patrick’s Church, Dillon Court, Wednesday, 3rd March: Jer 18:18-20; Ps March: Month of St Joseph 30; Mt 20:17-28 Netham Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9PF St Patrick’s Church Altar Second Sunday of Lent, Sunday 28th February: Gn 22:1-2,9-13,15-18; Ps 115; Thursday, 4th March: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1; Rom 8:31-34; Mk 9:2-10 Lk 16:19-31
CHARITIES Feast of Saint David, Bishop, Patron of Friday, 5th March: Gn 37:3-4,12-13,17- Wales, Monday 1st March 28; Ps 104; Mt 21:33-43,45-46 Phil 3:8-14; Ps 1; Mt 5:13-16 Saturday, 6th March: Mi 7:14-15,18-20; NOTICE FROM THE CHARITY COMMISSION Tuesday, 2nd March: Isa 1:10,16-20; Ps Ps 102; Lk 15:1-3,11-32 Charity: Ampleforth Abbey Trust 49; Mt 23:1-12 Extraordinary Form Calendar according to the Special trusts in connection with the parish of Our Lady and All Saints, Parbold, Lancashire Roman Missal of 1962 (Tridentine Rite) established by an indenture made on 20 May 1884. e Commission proposes to make a Scheme (a legal document) for this charity. Sunday, 28th February: Second Sunday Thursday, 4th March: Feria in Lent: 1 Thess 4:1-7; Mt 17:1-9 Jer 17:5-10; Lk 16:19-31 e Scheme will amend the objects of the charity. A copy of the Scheme can be seen at: www.charitycommission.gov.uk/our-regulatory-work/how-to-comment-on-a-scheme/schemes-and-orders/ Monday, 1st March: Feria (In Wales: St Friday, 5th March: Feria (If you cannot access this please call our contact centre on 0300 066 9197). David), Dan 9:15-19; Jn 8:21-29 Gen 37:6-22; Mt 21:33-46 Comments or representations on these proposals can be made to the Commission within one month from Tuesday, 2nd March: Feria Saturday, 6th March: Feria 17 February 2021 by completing the form on our website. Please quote reference C-521569. 3 Kgs 17:8-16; Mt 23:1-12 Gen 27:6-40; Lk 15:11-32 From Ampleforth Abbey Trust: e intention is to end the Benedictine specific permanent endowment trusts and transfer the parish Wednesday, 3rd March: Feria Compiled by Gordon Dimon, Senior MC and all the parish related assets to the Archdiocese of Liverpool on their general charitable trusts. Esth 13:8-17; Mt 20:17-28 of the Latin Mass Society 48 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Sport (SWIFT) Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper The long and winding road
Dr Colm Hickey
Do you ever the marvel at the ac- complishments of others? People who do extraordinary things raising money for charity and good causes and inspiring others? Captain Tom Moore who died recently was such a person and was an inspiration to us all in these lockdown times. He raised over £30million for charity, had a No1 hit record and was knighted, all at the age of 100. What he achieved was magnificent and humbles us all. You may well have donated to his having spent more seasons in the the fastest to cover the 6,720 miles risk of exploitation and street vio- website (I did) and in doing so that top-flight? that separate all the Euro 2021 Host lence, award-winning mental health felt (as I did) that somehow you No, current standings are not fair Cities. It begins on 1st March and projects and healthy walks pro- were playing your part in making because all the clubs are at different participants can log miles in nearly grammes. It has supported the com- the world a better place. If you did, starting points. Yet neither can you 80 different activities (subject to any munity through the coronavirus you were right. For what is the point go just on history because that dis- government guidelines). These in- pandemic with a community hub in of fund raising if no one donates? torts the current reality. You cannot clude everything from gardening Greenwich, in partnership with the So, as the saying goes: ‘It is in giving compare Arsenal with Leyton Orient and car washes to walking, running, Royal Borough of Greenwich. Sec- that we receive’. Conscience as- given the disparity of their respec- swimming, golf, tennis, and football. ondly, it will increase participants’ suaged; job done! tive income and resources. If we are An event portal will chart the individual levels of fitness which can That is all well and good, but is it to compare clubs it should be in an progress of each Club team and as only be a good thing. Finally, it is a enough? After all, the money we do- equal competition and on a ‘level each squad reaches a host city, in- fun competition and in these diffi- Former Charlton Athletic FC nate is what we can afford. There is playing field’. If that were to be done formation about that city and its cult times we could all do with a bit captain Simon Webster will be little suffering involved. Have we re- all supporters would have to accept footballing history will be unlocked. of cheering up. taking part in ‘Race Europe’. ally pushed ourselves? Have we the result and bragging rights over This initiative is good for three made a difference to ourselves, to all other London clubs would be se- reasons. Firstly, it connects football Three major interests in my life are education, football and running. our friends, to our local community? cured for many seasons to come fans with their clubs in a very real I have been inspired by teachers; I support Charlton and I love The answer is almost certainly ‘no’, (and for supporters of the winning way with the money each club raises running. So, I have entered ‘Race Europe’ running for the Charlton and our lives go on in our humdrum club no doubt the matter will have going to its Community Trust. For Athletic Community Trust. I have a fundraising page at ways with our bank balance that lit- been settled for all time!) example, at Charlton Athletic (my https://cact.gives/fundraising/colm-hickey. Each day I will write a tle bit lighter. Happily, such a competition, club) the Community Trust worked short piece of a soccer schoolmaster, a man who played elite football, I know what I am talking about ‘Race Europe’ has been devised. The with 46,778 people across South and who made a positive contribution to his community. They have set because I am just the same as every- event will see 14 London Football East London and Kent. In addition, example, I before me and in I am proud to follow in their footsteps. one else; more willing to support the Clubs race across Europe in a virtual it has a Down’s syndrome football Any donation you make will help disadvantaged people in our fund-raising efforts of others rather activity challenge. Working in team as well as various programmes community and I thank you for your support. than put myself out, to push myself squads of 23, each Club aim to be aimed at mentoring young people at to try and contribute to the com- mon good. Just like you, I often say: ‘I’d love to do that. Next week, year… I’ll give it a go’. The truth and reality are that all too often ‘tomor- row never comes’ and I remain in a state of charity atrophy I believe in it, but I am not prepared to do any- thing about it. Not unless someone can give me a good reason to get in- volved in an event that captures my imagination and gives me the moti- vation to do something. I would rather go to the pub. Do you remember pubs? Can you recall chatting with your friends on a saturday evening after going to a football match (remember that) and arguing that your team is the best, but how do you judge? Do you take current league placings? So, who- ever is highest in the league is the best team? This week in London it would be West Ham. Only ‘Ham- mers’ supporters could argue that it was a better club than Chelsea, Tot- tenham, or Arsenal, yet they would, wouldn’t they? What about Millwall? Their fans would say their club was better than local rivals Charlton Ath- letic despite the latter having ap- peared in two FA Cup Finals (one QPR FC Women midfielder Laura Hennessy is a member of their ‘Race Europe’ squad, in aid of QPR in the Community Trust. win) to Millwall’s one (a loss) and
Published by Universe Media Group Ltd, 2nd Floor, Oakland House, 76 Talbot Road, Manchester M16 0PQ. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office. Printed by Mortons Print, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR. All rights reserved.