Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 93 No. 25 December 9, 2015 Winnipeg synod Pope opened Year of Mercy on Dec. 8 With the conclusion of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg’s By Carol Glatz give the starting signal for a fren - lished just a few days before the that condemnation is not the path,” centennial year, Archbishop zied wave of pilgrims to Rome. Dec. 8 start of the jubilee year. he said. “Because the church her - Richard Gagnon is seeking VATICAN CITY (CNS) — More than call to sign up for an Discovering God’s generous self sometimes follows a hard line, wide participation in a When Pope Francis planned the Eternal City package tour, the love kick-starts a virtuous circle, she falls into the temptation of fol - synodal process, its next Year of Mercy and the opening of pope is inviting people to strike which “leads us to acting in a way lowing a hard line, into the temp - long-term initiative. the Holy Door, he did not mean to out on a yearlong spiritual journey that’s more tolerant, patient, ten - tation of underlining only moral — page 3 to recognize a loving God who’s der” and just, he said. norms, but so many people remain 100 years already knocking on their door. Speaking with Credere , an on the outside,” he said. He says he wants the Year of Italian weekly magazine run by The pope said the thought of all Sister Helen Hoffart, an Mercy to usher in a “revolution of the Pauline Fathers, the pope gave those people — sinners, the doubt - Ursuline Sister of Prelate, tenderness.” an in-depth look at why he sees ful, the wounded and disenfran - celebrated her hundredth Once people realize “I’m such an urgent need to highlight chised — conjured up that iconic birthday in November. wretched, but God loves me the God’s mercy. image of seeing the church “as a — page 6 way I am,” then “I, too, have to “The world needs to discover field hospital after the battle.” love others the same way,” the that God is father, that there is Response to TRC pope said in an interview pub - mercy, that cruelty is not the path, — OPeN dOOrS , page 15

Campion College, a federated college with the Climate change march held in Saskatoon University of Regina, has outlined three initiatives By Kiply lukan Yaworski environment on the eve of an Roman Catholic Diocese of it intends to take in international gathering on climate Saskatoon, who also serves as chair response to the Truth and SASKATOON — Hundreds of change being held Nov. 30 - Dec. of the Justice and Peace Com- Reconciliation Commission. people of all ages walked, cycled 11 in France. mission of the Canadian Confer - — page 7 and pushed baby strollers in a The 21st Conference of Parties ence of Catholic Bishops, pointed Dystopian visions Saskatoon march Nov. 29, one of (COP21) to the United Nations to Laudato Si’ , Pope Francis’ recent many public events around the Framework Convention on Climate encyclical calling for care of the CNS/Malcolm Grear Designers The concluding episode of world calling for action on the Change involves leaders from earth and for justice for those most The Hunger around the world discussing an affected by climate change. international agreement on climate “That document was published Games: The Canadian refugee aid change, with a goal to keep global in June precisely so it could be in Mockingjay warming below two degrees centi - the public domain before Paris - Part 2 was to top $1 billion grade by limiting greenhouse gas (COP21),” Bolen said. “In that released last emissions. document Pope Francis notes that month, but By michael Swan Money spent in the region The Saskatoon march from our world is falling into serious whether it’s the Catholic register helping refugees survive the next Kiwanis Park across Broadway disrepair.” worth seeing is debatable, winter, keep their kids in school Bridge to Oskayak High School Humanity is caught in a spiral writes Gerald Schmitz. TORONTO (CCN) — Another and peacefully co-exist in their concluded with presentations by a of destruction with a way of living — page 9 $100 million in federal govern - new situation will help far more number of speakers representing that is contaminating the earth’s Opening doors ment aid to Syrian refugees flee - families and individuals than a range of concerned environ - waters, land and air, and bringing ing their nation’s civil war brings resettling refugees in Canada, he mental, justice, and faith groups. about changes to the global cli - As we begin this Jubilee Year Canada’s spending on the refugee said. Mark Bigland-Pritchard of mate, said the bishop, quoting from of Mercy, there’s been a lot crisis so far to nearly $1 billion. As a former program director Climate Action Saskatoon wel - the papal document. “Pope Francis of talk about opening doors, But a dollar-for-dollar matching for Oxfam-Quebec working in the comed participants to the event. draws attention to the human di - writes Gertrude Rompré. fund open until Dec. 31 with Palestinian refugee camps of “We want strong targets set in mension of the crisis as well. The How do we as Christians approved charities is certain to Lebanon, Leduc is familiar with Paris and we want strong policies same tendencies and structures about to celebrate Christmas push Canada’s aid to the region the challenges of refugee life in that can actually meet those tar - which lead to environmental disas - open the doors to both our well past that mark. the region. gets and we want justice in the ters also contribute to increasing hearts and our homes? The Canadian Catholic Or - world,” he said. — page 10 ganization for Development and — PeaCe , page 5 Bishop Donald Bolen of the — eNVirONmeNtal , page 6 Peace is among the organizations Wired for eligible for matching funds. Its pro - violence? grams and partner organizations in the region deliver such basic neces - Given the terrorist attacks sities as food and warm clothing of the last few weeks, one but also are involved in education, might be forgiven for feel - trauma counselling and community ing a bit bleak about the organizing. Development and human species, writes Peace has so far raised $1.1 million Marcia Pally. “It turns out, to be matched by the government. Between January 2013 and Sept. however, that we’re evolu - 12 this year, when Ottawa an - tionarily wired not for vio - nounced its Syria Emergency lence but for co-operation.” Relief Fund, Development and — page 11 Peace had raised another $3 million Welcoming outside the matching fund pro - gram. refugees Aid to the vast majority of Syria’s 4.2 million refugees in It is heartening to see Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Canadians rallying to wel - Egypt, as well as the country’s 6.5 come Syrian refugees, but million internally displaced peo - before we congratulate our - ple, is the right thing to do, said selves too heartily we Development and Peace executive should acknowledge that director David Leduc. our contributions are modest “Absolutely it’s important and and the need is great, writes I would say in some ways more Dennis Gruending. important (than resettling refugees Yaworski — page 12 in Canada),” Leduc told The Climate marCh — hundreds of people gathered in Saskatoon Nov. 29 to call for action on the envi - Catholic Register. ronment. 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS December 9, 2015 Missionary spirit means witness, not proselytizing

By Junno arocho esteves The early opening of the Holy Door at the cathedral of VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Bangui, he said, was done as “a Missionary spirit is manifested by sign of faith and hope for that preaching love, humanity and people, and symbolically for the faith through one’s witness and whole African population who not through proselytism, Pope are most in need of rescue and Francis said. comfort.” Faith in Jesus Christ is shared Pope Francis said that the final first through “witness then with mass at the Bangui stadium was words,” the pope said Dec. 2 at “wonderful” and marvelled at the his weekly general audience. sight of so many young people. The pope dedicated his audi - He also expressed his admira - ence to reflecting on his trip to tion for the work of missionaries Africa Nov. 25 - 30 when he vis - in Africa, men and women “who ited Kenya, Uganda and the have left everything” for the Central African Republic. Gospel. Speaking off-the-cuff, the He said that his first stop, pope recalled meeting an 81-year- Kenya, was a country “that repre - old Italian nun along with a three- sented the global challenge of our year-old girl who called her time” in presenting a “model of “nonna ” (“grandma”). Both made development” that cares for cre - a harrowing trip to Bangui for the ation in a “balanced, inclusive papal visit via canoe. and sustainable” way. However, The nun, he said, told him that he said, there also is a noticeable she works as a nurse in the Congo situation of “wealth and misery” and went on to become an obste - existing side by side. trician, helping to deliver over “This is a scandal, not only in 3,000 babies. Africa but also here, every - “That is how missionaries are, where,” the pope said. “Co- CNS/Paul Haring they are courageous,” the pope existence between wealth and ChildreN Greet POPe FraNCiS — Children sing and wave flags before Pope Francis’ meeting with said. “Like this nun there are misery is a scandal, a shame for priests, religious and seminarians at the cathedral in Kampala, Uganda. in his general audience talk dec. 2, many, so many nuns, so many humanity.” Pope Francis said he marvelled at the sight of so many young people during his trip to africa. priests, and so many religious Stressing the need for giving who ‘burn up’ their lives to witness to the “natural and spir - executed 148 Christian stu - An example of the fruits of still strong. Pope Francis announce Jesus Christ. It is itual wealth” of the country, the dents. such a witness was reflected in thanked the catechists, charitable beautiful to see this! It is beauti - pope remembered the victims of “Their blood is the seed of the history of Uganda, the sec - organizations and the youth of ful!” the terrorist attack at Garissa peace and brotherhood for Kenya, ond leg of his trip, where the the country who “protect the gift The pope appealed to all University April 2 where Al- for Africa and for the whole memory of the 19th-century of hope and seek to live accord - young people, calling on them to Shabaab militants targeted and world,” the pope said. Catholic and Anglican martyrs is ing to the Gospel and not accord - reflect on their vocation and “to ing to the world; going against not exclude the possibility of the current.” becoming a missionary” and to Shooting at clinic antithesis of pro-life The pope said that the final preach with their lives, not by stop of his trip, the Central proselytizing. By Veronica ambuul antithesis of the pro-life cause. departed shortly afterward African Republic, took him to “Those who are looking for “We want the conversion of because of the snowstorm hitting “the heart of Africa” and it was something else are the ones that COLORADO SPRINGS, Planned Parenthood, not their the region. the primary reason for his visit (proselytize),” he said. “Faith is Colo. (CNS) — A priest who cel - destruction,” said Rev. Bill “We were long gone” before given that it “is a country that preached first through witness ebrates mass every Friday morn - Carmody, the longtime Respect the attack started, Carmody told suffers so much.” then with words — but slowly.” ing on a sidewalk near the Life director for the Diocese of The Colorado Catholic Herald, Planned Parenthood clinic target - Colorado Springs. “The pro-life the diocesan newspaper of Climate deal must transform, ed by a lone gunman Nov. 27 said movement has no place for vio - Colorado Springs. the shooter’s actions were the lence.” Others who regularly pray out - papal envoy tells Paris talks The attack on the clinic in side the clinic also said they did northwest Colorado Springs left not recall seeing Dear at any pro- three people dead, including a life events. By Carol Glatz tion that requires the broadest col - police officer, and nine others Law enforcement officials laboration possible in order to wounded. The clinic reported that would not discuss a motive for VATICAN CITY (CNS) — reach a common plan,” it is none of its employees or patients the shootings because their inves - Heads of state discussing carbon important the agreement recog - was among those killed or seri - tigation was still underway. Dear emission limits must create a nize everyone’s responsibility to ously wounded in the Black was scheduled to appear in court global and “transformative” help others and according to one’s Friday attack. Nov. 30. agreement built on justice, soli - abilities and means. The clinic sits near a busy According to The Gazette darity and fairness, a papal repre - An agreement must send “clear shopping centre that includes a daily newspaper, Dear previously sentative told the UN climate con - signals” to governments, busi - grocery store, a bank and several lived in South Carolina and North ference in Paris. nesses, the scientific community other businesses. After the attack Carolina and had arrest records in Pope Francis has said “it would and local communities on how to broke out around 11:30 a.m., both states. Voting records show be tragic” if special interests adjust or change their behaviour local time, patrons and employees that Dear maintains a residence in “manipulated information” and and policies in ways that lead to a of the businesses “sheltered in Hartsel, a small town about 200 won out over the common good, low carbon economy and integral place” for nearly six hours while kilometres west of Colorado Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican human development, he said. police tried to contain the alleged Springs, The Gazette reported. secretary of state, said Nov. 30. Finally, the cardinal said, the shooter, Robert Lewis Dear, 57. “Yesterday, our community The cardinal delivered a COP21 endeavour must be part of The standoff ended with Dear’s experienced an act of pure evil at speech on behalf of the pope dur - an ever-evolving commitment to arrest at 4:52 p.m., local time. the local Planned Parenthood ing the Nov. 30 - Dec. 11 future generations with constant Among those killed was clinic,” Bishop Michael J. Conference of Parties, or COP21, updates, followup and enforce - Garrett Swasey, a police officer at Sheridan of Colorado Springs in Paris. The Vatican released a ment. the University of Colorado at said in a statement. “As Pope copy of the speech Dec. 1. “It’s necessary to take into Colorado Springs and father of Francis recently reminded us, A global agreement must have serious consideration the realiza - two. ‘The path of violence and hate three interrelated goals in mind: tion of models of sustainable pro - The clinic is the frequent site can never solve the problems of “alleviate the impact of climate duction and consumption and new of prayer vigils and other activi - humanity.’ ” change, fight poverty and let the behaviours and lifestyles,” he ties, in addition to the pro-life The National Right to Life dignity of the human person said. CNS/EWTN masses, leading several national Committee’s president, Carol flourish,” the cardinal said in a “Technical solutions are neces - media outlets to speculate that Tobias, said her organization speech delivered in French. sary but not enough,” he said, mOther aNGeliCa — A meaningful global pact must adding that teaching and support - mother angelica, who spearhead - Dear was a member of the pro- “unequivocally condemns unlaw - ed the founding of the eternal life movement. ful activities and acts of violence be guided by a clear ethical vision ing sustainable lifestyles are criti - Word television Network, has However, Carmody said he did regardless of motivation. The pro- that sees all of humanity as cal. People must become more been placed on a feeding tube as not recall ever having seen or life movement works to protect belonging to one human family, aware of their responsibility and she continues to battle lingering spoken to Dear. On the day of the the right to life and increase and has “no room for the so- that today’s lifestyles based on an effects of two strokes she suffered shootings, he had celebrated his respect for human life. The called globalization of indiffer - unsustainable “culture of waste” 14 years ago. She is pictured in an usual weekly mass, but he said unlawful use of violence is direct - ence,” he said. have no place in new models of undated photo. that he and others in attendance ly contrary to that goal.” “Given the urgency of a situa - education and development. December 9, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Quebec/Ottawa battle shaping up on euthanasia

By deborah Gyapong go it alone on this,” he said. The judge said Criminal Code directly or indirectly, in the euthana - in the jurisdictions like Holland If the extension is granted, the provisions apply until the Carter sia of human beings,” said Living and Belgium where it is legal it is OTTAWA (CCN) — A juris - federal government will establish decision comes into effect Feb. 6. with Dignity in a press release. not classified as health care the dictional battle between Quebec an all-party special parliamentary The judge pointed out that the Saba, who sought the injunc - way Quebec is trying do to. and the federal government over committee to study the issue and SCC did not add the word “med - tion as an individual, though he is The jurisdictional battle has euthanasia and assisted suicide is make recommendations to the fed - ical” to aid in dying, and there - president of the Coalition of Attorney General Jody Wilson- heading for the Supreme Court of eral government on a legislative fore did not shelter provincial Physicians for Social Justice, said Raybould on the hot seat with Canada (SCC). approach. The Criminal Code pro - laws that are incompatible with the Quebec law would force him journalists for intervening in the On Dec. 3, the federal govern - visions would remain in place. The federal criminal law. as a physician to either perform Quebec case. ment asked the SCC for a six- extension would also ensure The Euthanasia Prevention euthanasia or refer patients. “I In a Dec. 4 scrum, Wilson- month extension on the Carter provinces and territories “have the Coalition, the Physicians’ Alliance will neither perform the act nor Raybould tried to convey a concil - decision that had struck down necessary time to continue the good Against Euthanasia and Living with refer so my ability to practise iatory message. “We’re working to sections of the Criminal Code work that is underway and respon - Dignity, the Quebec-based grass - medicine is prejudiced,” he said. find a solution that will ensure that against assisted suicide. The sibly prepare for the full implemen - roots group opposed to euthanasia, He could be “severely sanc - we respect the substantive work Carter decision comes into effect tation of the Carter decision,” a jus - welcomed the injunction. tioned” by the College of that Quebec has done with respect Feb. 6, 2016, but the extension, if tice department release said. “With this clarification by the Physicians for refusing to be to their legislation, recognizing granted, would extend the sus - “Canadians have made it clear Quebec Superior Court, one cannot involved in an act “that goes other provinces and the pension until August 6, 2016. they are looking for a real conver - hide behind the obligation to pro - against the practice of medicine.” Government of Canada as we That would leave the present pro - sation about personal choice, vide ‘medical care’ in order to force “Euthanasia is not a medical move forward on this very sensi - hibitions against assisted suicide health care and end-of-life care, Quebec physicians to participate, act,” Saba said, noting that even tive and important issue,” she said. and euthanasia in place until then. and strong protection of the vul - Quebec argues “medical aid in nerable,” said the release. dying” is health care and falls The Attorney General’s factum under provincial jurisdiction. It to the Supreme Court notes the wanted to go ahead with its importance of protecting “vulner - euthanasia law as planned Dec. able people who might be at risk 10 and seeks an exemption from of a premature death, contrary to the extension. Interested parties their true wishes. The signifi - were given a Dec. 10 deadline to cance of such a risk cannot be file with the SCC. The federal overstated.” government asked for an expedit - However, the Quebec National ed hearing on the matter. Assembly passed a unanimous Euthanasia Prevention Coali- motion Dec. 2 demanding Ottawa tion (EPC) executive director recognize the validity of its Alex Schadenberg said his organi - “medical aid in dying” law. zation would prefer the use of the Quebec politicians also expressed notwithstanding clause and no law outrage that the federal govern - permitting euthanasia and assisted ment had intervened on the side suicide. However, EPC has filed a of Montreal physician Dr. Paul factum with the court opposing Saba and a disabled woman, Lisa Quebec’s being granted an D’Amico, who successfully exemption. Schadenberg said the sought an injunction against the worst scenario is a patchwork of law. differing laws on euthanasia Quebec Superior Court Justice across the country. Michel Pinsonnault granted the Art Babych “The Quebec law is euthana - injunction Dec. 1. ChriStmaS liGhtS aCrOSS CaNada — the 31st edition of the Christmas lights across Canada sia,” Schadenberg said. “It’s not Pinsonnault ruled the federal program was launched dec. 2 at an official illumination ceremony on Parliament hill that included a 13- another form of assisted suicide government has jurisdiction over minute multimedia show that cost $350,000. the show features a musical soundtrack and a quest for light with a few little interesting the Criminal Code and “medical by the main characters — a bear, a fox and a snowman. the show plays continuously each evening until caveats. The Quebec law says aid in dying” is a euphemism for Jan. 7, and will be reprised in the annual program in the following two years. doctors will do lethal injections.” euthanasia and creates confusion “From the beginning we say in the public between euthanasia Quebec does not have the right to and palliative care. Synod will ask fundamental questions

By James Buchok number of lay people who will At the synod’s conclusion Whitehorse bishop named come together to hear and listen there will be a series of large pub - WINNIPEG — With the con - to different points of view that lic gatherings in which future By evan Boudreau few weeks.” clusion of its Jubilee Centennial will help frame the Catholic register Vila will be making the trip, Year, the Archdiocese of Winni peg archdiocesan direc - about a 10-hour flight from is embarking on its next long-term tion for years to TORONTO (CCN) — Toronto, as part of his preparation initiatives, namely, the archdio - come,” the arch - Growing up, Rev. Hector Vila to take over as bishop of the cese’s first synod, and a review and bishop said. never dreamed of visiting the Diocese of Whitehorse. revitalization of its Stewardship An archdioce - Yukon. But now the Redemptoris “What I’m looking forward to Office and annual appeal known as san Office of the is meeting the people,” he said. Sharing God’s Gifts. Synod will be cre - “My main concern is to get to “Pope Francis has asked that ated that will guide know them, to get to know the the church become a synodal the synodal pro - needs that they have and see or to church and this is very timely for cess. Focus groups seek whatever is within my power us because the Archdiocese of will be gathered to help them.” Winnipeg has never held a synod throughout the The date of Vila’s ordination as and now that we have celebrated archdiocese in bishop of Whitehorse has yet to our 100th anniversary it is a good large listening ses - be finalized. Until then he will time to begin this process in the sions with a vari - continue to server as rector of local church,” said Archbishop ety of people, “to Toronto’s Redemptoris Mater Richard Gagnon. hear what they Missionary Seminary. The archbishop explained that have to say,” the Spanning 725,000 square kilo - synod is a Greek word meaning archbishop said. Buchok metres, which includes areas of “to walk together. It will be an “Much of the work SYNOd iNitiatiVe — With the conclusion of northern British Columbia as well assembly of the archdiocese, to of the synod will the archdiocese of Winnipeg’s Centennial Year, as the entire Yukon, the Diocese listen to each other, to learn from be decentralized in archbishop richard Gagnon is seeking wide of Whitehorse is among the each other. To take our baptismal the archdiocese.” participation in vital initiatives. world’s largest geographically responsibilities in the church in Gagnon said despite only having 23 parishes listening to and proclaiming the discussions will revolve around directions will be finalized. Then Catholic Register/Boudreau and missions. Gospel of Christ.” central themes in the same way the archbishop will promulgate rev. hector Vila “It is a vast area,” he said. The synod process will be former Archbishop James the various initiatives and propos - “The distances to travel from one undertaken over a two-year time Weisgerber’s 10-Year Pastoral als that come out of the synod Mater priest from Peru can’t stop place to another is going to be a frame, beginning in the spring of Plan, which concluded in October that will frame the way the thinking about making his first challenge.” 2016, and will determine future 2014, had four basic pillars. Archdiocese of Winnipeg oper - trip to northern Canada. Not only are the diocese’s 7,500 directions for the Archdiocese of “The synod will ask funda - ates going forward. “It never crossed my mind,” parishioners spread across the Winnipeg. It will involve a wide mental questions in order to Gagnon is now in the process said Vila, “but now I plan to spectrum of people, including determine future directions,” the make a short trip within the next — ShOrtaGe, page 13 clergy and religious, “and a good archbishop said. — GaGNON , page 5 4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS December 9, 2015 Rabbi traces history of Jewish-Christian relations

By ramon Gonzalez encyclical on climate change, and And so they were not personally responsible for the Western Catholic reporter couldn’t help but be amused at for 2,000 years. Holocaust, Jews will forever the pontiff speaking of “Judaeo- In 1095, for remember the “deafening silence EDMONTON (CCN) — Christian values.” example, Pope of the Vatican” during the Second Catholics and Jews have a lot in “To hear Pope Francis refer to Urban II called World War, Friedman said. common, says Rabbi Daniel Judaeo-Christian values is shock - upon Christians “That was the Christianity that Friedman of the Beth Israel ing and amusing because our to rid Jerusalem we knew for thousands of years,” Synagogue. Judaeo-Christian relationship of of infidels. “Tens he said. But “everything was sud - “There is more that unite us thousands of years has been of thousands of denly turned around” with the than what divides us. We are very fraught with tension.” Christians took release of Nostra Aetate in 1965. fortunate to be able to sit here and Friedman walked his audience up arms and “With great courage, with share together our Judaeo- through some of the history began a crusade,” great bravery, the Vatican did a Christian heritage.” between Jews and Catholics “so lamented 180 (degree turn) on Judaeo- That’s all thanks to Nostra we can truly appreciate what hap - Friedman. Christian relations.” Aetate , the Second Vatican pened 50 years ago at the Second The rabbi said In 1979, Pope John Paul II Council’s Declaration on the Vatican Council.” some Christians prayed at Auschwitz and asked Relation of the Church with Non- Christianity, he said, grew as a realized many for forgiveness. In 1986, he was Christian Religions. sect out of Judaism. Christians “infidels” were the first pope to visit a syna - “It has taken 50 years to watch hoped all Jews would join. When also living in gogue. In 1993, the Holy See our relationship blossom, to watch that didn’t happen, they appealed Europe and so established diplomatic relations our relationship come to fruition, to the pagans. they began the with Israel. to be able to sit like this together Slowly but surely this new sect killing at home, Friedman said the Jewish com - and wonder what the fuss was ever within Judaism took on a life of its slaughtering hun - munity and the Catholic Church about because it seems like we own. “It bothered the Christians dreds of thou - now share a strong bond. “Today have always gotten along.” that Jews didn’t get it. Why don’t sands of Jews and WCR/Gonzalez the Catholic Church, particularly But as Friedman said, it took they understand that Jesus is our decimating hun - rabbi daniel Friedman here in North America, is a strong Christians and Jews 2,000 years Saviour, that Jesus is our Messiah, dreds of Jewish friend of Israel.” to get along. In a presentation that this is the correct path?” communities along the way. We are talking 12,000 years’ Catholics and Jews share marking 50 years of Nostra During the first period of In 1242, Pope Gregory IX worth of work publicly burned in Judaeo-Christian values. “We Aetate, the rabbi outlined cen - Christianity, the Church Fathers declared that the Talmud, a cen - Paris at the decree of the pope.” stand shoulder to shoulder against turies of persecution and exclu - developed a doctrine of the rela - tral text of Rabbinic Judaism, In 1487, Pope Innocent VIII the onslaught of secularism and sion. tionship between Jews and should be burned. “Twelve thou - began the Spanish Inquisition and pagan values that are attempting More than 200 people attended Christians. Jews who had failed sand volumes of the Talmud were Jews were told to either convert to take over our Judaeo-Christian the 50th anniversary of Nostra to accept Christianity were publicly burnt in Paris, France, in or leave. “Those who were found values,” Friedman said. Aetate at Beth Israel Synagogue, wrong. They were put on this 1242,” lamented Friedman. to still be practising Judaism were “We share the Judaeo- including Auxiliary Bishop Greg earth simply to bear witness to “These were the days before burned at the stake in the name of Christian values of life, whether Bittman. the origin of Christianity “but the printing press, the days when Christianity. These were our at the beginning of life or at the Friedman said he read part of they should be reviled, repudiat - it would take a scribe a year to Judaeo-Christian relations.” end of life. We share traditional Laudato Si’ , Pope Francis’ ed, persecuted and oppressed.” painstakingly write the Talmud. Even though Pope Pius XII is family values. Alberta food banks scramble to meet skyrocketing demand

By thandiwe Konguavi across Alberta grapple with a 23 for their families.” “When the economy is boom - Christmas hampers, the response Western Catholic reporter per cent increase in food bank Across Alberta, 75 per cent of ing, often people at the bottom is always tremendously positive,” usage this year. food banks reported an increase are in even worse shape because he said. EDMONTON (CCN) — According to HungerCount in demand for services in 2015. the price of everything gets dri - Anawim Place distribution co- Anawim Place is not scheduled to 2015, the national study of food Significant increases were seen in ven up, especially housing.” ordinator Donna Farrell said she open for another 30 minutes, but bank use in Canada, Alberta saw Calgary, Edmonton, Parkland Tamisan Bencz-Knight, has also seen more donors sup - early on a chilly fall morning, the the highest jump for food bank County, Samson First Nation, spokes person for the Edmonton port the agency directly as aware - lineup in front already stretches usage in the country. Wood Buffalo, Red Deer, Atha- Food Bank, said the organization ness has grown of the need. past the entrance, slinking along Bob McKeon, former co-ordi - basca, Olds and Medicine Hat. started seeing its client numbers “Last Friday, we were just the building. nator for the Edmonton archdio - Sheri Ratsoy, executive direc - increase in September 2014. down to bones but we have never The volunteers in the back cese’s office for social justice, tor of the Parkland Food Bank, “We didn’t know why, but all had to send someone away with quickly huddle together to say said it is interesting that Alberta’s which provides food assistance to of a sudden the numbers started nothing,” said Farrell. “It’s provi - Grace and a prayer for the men, numbers went up so much, while residents of Spruce Grove, Stony going up and we were like, ‘OK, dence.” women and children they will the national numbers showed rel - Plain and Parkland County, said this isn’t normal.’ Then of course Anawim Place, which does not serve, before opening the doors to atively little change. the charity has seen a 35 per cent November and December is when have the resources to advertise, let them in. “People have lost their jobs increase in the amount of people they started talking about layoffs also reaps the benefits of increased “You have to bear with us,” and they’re trying to hold on. One fed this year over 2014, averaging in the oil industry. We actually donations to the main food bank. said Sister Estela Andaya, direc - thing they can do is get some help 250 families fed on a weekly felt that barometer in the econo - Food bank programs and ser - tor of the food depot operated by from a food bank,” said McKeon. basis. my before announcements were vices are not government funded the Sisters of Providence and “So that’s sort of the human face “We were already seeing an being made,” she said. and rely on donations from indi - many lay volunteers. “It’s really of what we read in the business increase in client usage due to the In one year, numbers for the viduals, community groups and like a stampede.” sections of oil companies laying high cost of living in the area, but Edmonton Food Bank have gone businesses. The demand at the inner-city people off; there’s a very human the decline in the economy is up 21.5 per cent, she said. In Bencz-Knight said people charity is not an unusual sight face of people showing up in our responsible for most of the October, the agency provided have been especially generous these days, as meal providers communities trying to get food increase,” said Ratsoy. 17,722 people a food hamper this year, with records broken at McKeon agrees that the down - through its hamper program and the Tackle Hunger and Heritage turn in the economy is not the served about half a million meals Festival food drives last summer, only thing driving up food bank and snacks. and at the agency’s city-wide usage. “Those are huge numbers for drive in September. Children account for about 40 us and it’s been a struggle,” she “But all that food is gone. It’s per cent of those being helped by said. “The food is being donated because of the volume we’re try - food banks in Alberta; a number but the food is going out faster ing to help right now,” she said. he said is “way too high. To feed than it’s coming in.” “We’re doing our best, but the their kids, people are going to The primary warehouse has shelves are pretty lean.” food banks. We need to really not run out of food but agencies The spike in food bank usage look at better solutions.” have. will likely continue through 2016, John Gee, community develop - For the first time in 30 years, the she added. ment facilitator for the Anglican west end St. John the Evangelist Diocese of Edmonton, said initia - Parish food depot ran out of food tives such as Mayor Don Iveson’s last month. Volunteers had to direct Are you Moving? End Poverty Edmonton task force, clients from the neighbourhood to Please let us know a month in are looking at the root causes of the main food bank. advance. poverty, including high housing In addition to the main food Write to: costs and insufficient social bank doubling its food shipments, Circulation Dept. Prairie Messenger allowance rates. the parish has coped through the Box 190, Muenster, Sask. S0K 2Y0 The boom and bust cycle is generosity of parishioners, said [email protected] WCR/Konguavi especially harmful for people volunteer Vince Klemen. Undeliverable papers cost twice as COPiNG With demaNd — Volunteers at anawim Place in edmonton who are just struggling to get by, “When we have a need or much to return. scurry to get ready for the morning rush of people seeking food. said Gee. when we put out an appeal for December 9, 2015 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 5 Advent a perfect time to reconcile with the past

By Jean Ko din The commission was first are a good start, said the Anglican glican and Catholic, and other “I think the problem before the Catholic register established in 2008 to collect bishop, but Christians can do churches as well, that they find was that there was a hidden documents and testimonies to more, even as lay people. better ways to welcome people.” assumption that indigenous peo - TORONTO (CCN) — The record the history of Canada’s “If even three of you decided Overall, MacDonald said he ple would have to adapt and truth part of the Truth and residential school system over the to go to your MP and say ‘I am had great hope in the resilience of become like everybody else,” he Reconciliation Commission previous century. Many of the outraged at the disparity of edu - the Aboriginal people. The young said. “I think I’m very hopeful process is done; now is the time more than 150,000 Aboriginal cation for First Nations people to people, especially, value both and very excited for the young for Canada to enter into reconcili - children who attended residential every other Canadian; I am out - their Aboriginal heritage and their people who are able to carry their ation, said Anglican Bishop Mark schools experienced physical, raged that people in Canada don’t Canadian heritage. In that, indigenous identity into a hopeful MacDonald. psychological and sexual abuse. have access to drinkable water,’ ” MacDonald said, is a good sense of broader identity within MacDonald, who is the first The report released in June said MacDonald. “I think if that glimpse of a better future. Canadian society.” National Indigenous Bishop of marked the conclusion of the was expressed strongly and posi - the Anglican Church of Canada, commission’s investigation. The tively, I think we would see a spoke at Toronto’s St. Gabriel’s 381-page document outlined 94 very different picture.” Parish Nov. 25 to reflect on what recommendations, including spe - MacDonald also suggests peo - Christians can do to repair cific recommendations for a sec - ple be more engaged with the Canada’s relationship with the ond papal apology for the native people’s culture and tradi - indigenous people. Catholic Church’s role in running tions. The 2011 census estimates He said the Advent season is a about 60 per cent of the 139 resi - that 56 per cent of Aboriginals good time to reconcile with the dential schools. The report also now live in urban areas. church’s dark past surrounding called for the church, along with MacDonald suggests that a Indian residential schools and other faith communities, to work good way to learn more about move forward with an improved with indigenous spiritual leaders indigenous culture is by seeking vision of the future. to recognize “the responsibility out local powwows and creating “At the beginning of this that churches have to mitigate community relationships. It’s also Advent . . . we also should begin such conflicts and prevent spiritu - important, he said, to seek out to identify where the living Word al violence.” ways to be more welcoming to of God lives among us,” said “During the Truth and Recon- the native culture within the MacDonald. “And I would like to ciliation process, a lot of Catholic church community. suggest that the living Word of indigenous people were very criti - “There is a (Native) Peoples’ God lives among us in the recov - cal of the Catholic hierarchy,” said Mass at St. Anne’s Church (in ery of indigenous rights.” MacDonald. “I think that it’s time Toronto). You might want to MacDonald is of Ojibwa for the Roman Catholic Church to attend that,” he said. descent himself and can speak reclaim its past . . . I believe that “The indigenous people here from his family’s experience, as God is calling the Christian in Toronto who are Roman well as his experience as the pas - churches, the Roman Catholic Catholic probably would love to Art Babych toral leader of indigenous min - Church in specific, to a reset of attend a mass that has some of mP diaGNOSed With alS — Ottawa-area liberal mP mauril istries. He said the report issued our relationships and to begin to their symbols and culture inte - Belanger, seen here with his wife, Catherine, announced Nov. 30 that by the Truth and Reconciliation live in hope, justice and peace.” grated . . . I think that as more he has been diagnosed with alS, also known as lou Gehrig’s disease. Commission in June offers The 94 recommendations out - cultures are integrated into the the popular mP dropped out of the race to become the new Speaker of Canadians hope. lined in the commission’s report life of our churches, both An - the house of Commons and says he will chronicle his ordeal so Canadians can learn more about the disease and the medical search for a cure. On his twitter account to Belanger, Prime minister Justin ‘Peace is needed to stop this crisis’ trudeau wrote, “my thoughts are with you my friend. Stay strong. We will always have your back.” the average life expectancy for those with alS is two to five years. Continued from page 1 Canadian Jesuits International, lack of understanding of the reali - the JRS concentrates on educa - ty in the Middle East,” Hetu said. “It can be a cruel winter . . . in tion in refugee camps, but also “All are equally victims of war, Gagnon looking for Lebanon in particular, where the delivers forms of basic aid from but in this case minorities such as refugee camps are located in the food to clothing. Education is one Christians are also victims of per - people to take leadership north in the Bekkah region, win - way to keep problems from get - secution because of their faith. In ters are very cold, with a lot of ting worse, Piché said. northern Syria there are hundreds snow and ice. When you’re “It helps to stem those kinds of of Christians held prisoner by Continued from page 3 gesting a need for a clearer, sim - spending your time in an unheat - problems that occur a generation ISIS since last winter because pler formula. ed tent, it’s very difficult.” later. We see those problems they are Christian.” of putting together an archdioce - Though there have been many The Canadian money will go when people don’t have the edu - Even a billion dollars from san synod office and calling questions and concerns over the to the United Nations High cation.” Canada isn’t going to solve the together members of a synod function and goals of the appeal Commissioner for Refugees, Syrian crisis, said Hetu. commission. “I am looking for and the stewardship office over which manages and co-ordinates “Peace is needed to stop this people to take leadership,” he the last 15 years, there is ac - hundreds of programs working crisis,” he said. said. knowledgment that in many ways with thousands of non-govern - Peacebuilding and community The formal opening of the Sharing God’s Gifts and the mental and governmental organi - engagement is precisely where synod will take place with a litur - Stewardship Office have served zations in the region. Development and Peace is con - gy at St. Mary’s Cathedral. the archdiocese well. Development and Peace partners centrating much of its effort, said Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of It is Gagnon’s belief that, as are likely to benefit from the Leduc. Winnipeg has begun a review of we complete our Centennial Year, UNHCR funding. “We’re not there for the first its Stewardship Office and its “now is the time to examine how The Jesuit Refugee Service week or the first month or the annual appeal, Sharing God’s the appeal and the stewardship also works closely with UNHCR. first year,” he said. “We are there Gifts, with the creation of a steer - office can be made stronger.” There’s a clear need to fill in for to ensure local citizens are active ing committee that is examining The purposes of the review are shortfalls in funding to organiza - players in the decision-making in the forms the office and appeal to: tions on the ground in the region, terms of disaster relief and recon - have taken since their inception in — Create a simpler and clearer said JRS Canada country director struction and long-term rebuild - the late 1990s. formula for the Sharing God’s Norbert Piché. ing of their community.” The archdiocese has engaged Gifts appeal target for each parish “That’s where the problems Unlike many agencies, both the services of a consultant spe - and mission that pastors and are the most severe,” said Piché. CNEWA-Canada and cializing in diocesan transforma - parishioners can understand and “They’re just not able to function Development and Peace aren’t tion. Focus group meetings have agree is fair; properly with the amount of fund - limited to the refugee camps out - been held over the last few months — Provide ongoing informa - ing they get from different coun - side of Syria. Their contacts and at St. Dominic’s Church in tion, education and formation tries or the UN or whoever is CCN/Gyapong partners include churches and Neepawa, and at St. Anthony of from archdiocesan leadership with financing them.” david leduc agencies inside the country, Padua Church (West Kildonan), in respect to community life and how The needs both in official where the UNHCR has identified Winnipeg. the archdiocesan operations and refugee camps and for refugees While the UN system is proba - 13.5 million people in need of Gagnon said the gatherings pastoral needs are funded; living independently come down bly the most efficient way to aid. Well over 250,000 Syrians, have produced positive engage - — Discuss and decide upon to basic survival, said Piché. deliver aid to the region, Catholic mostly civilians, have been killed ment, with the participation of a ways of integrating the Steward - “We hear stories of parents not Near East Welfare Association and more than one million wide cross-section of people, both ship Office and process with the getting enough to eat themselves, Canada executive director Carl wounded since the civil war laity and clergy. Many who have appeal process; and because they want to make sure Hetu worries that governments broke out in 2011. been part of the focus groups have — Foster laity and clergy own - their kids get enough to eat,” he are mistaken or naive in trying to “It’s taken some years really expressed appreciation for the ership and active support for the said. “When you hear those sto - make their humanitarian funding for people to feel how severe and opportunity to be consulted. stewardship and appeal efforts ries you say, ‘There’s a problem religiously neutral. how horrific it is for the ordinary There has been some confusion and process. there that needs to be resolved.’ ” “Ignoring religious minorities family that is living there,” said around the appeal and parish An initial consultant’s report is Funded in Canada through as a criteria is showing a serious Leduc. assessment and people are sug - expected by the end of January. 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS December 9, 2015 Ursuline celebrates Jesuits endorse middle school

100th birthday By Frank Flegel for our staff and students. This use their wealth to better their will allow us to have a little more own community. REGINA — Mother Teresa access, to have people come in The Hills became aware of By louisa Brost, OSU nine-month stay at the Providence Middle School (MTMS) now has and some of the re sourc es are the Nativity Miguel Middle Hospital for the treatment of the official endorsement of the there to deepen the faith and the Schools in the U.S. and decided SASKATOON — Sister Helen tuberculosis. She completed her Jesuits of the English Province of spiritual component of what we to bring it here. It offers faith- Hoffart, an Ursuline of Prelate, teacher training the next year. Canada. While MTMS is based on provide.” based middle school education celebrated her 100th birthday In 1942, it was clear that teach - Nativity Miguel Middle schools The school follows the five for underprivileged children; an Nov. 8 at St. Angela Merici ing art was Hoffart’s forte. She founded in the United States by Jesuit principles of education: expanded curriculum, pre- and Residence in Saskatoon. began with students from the the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) graduate students that are loving, after-school programs as well as towns nearby Prelate — Sceptre MTMS here was not sponsored by intellectually competent, reli - summer programs, a mentoring and Leader. She tackled the huge Canadian Jesuits. Its administra - gious, open to growth and, com - program and a support system task of painting an outdoor tion and faculty are lay people, mitted to doing justice in the that follows students through Christ mas crib set, and this was although Jesuits in training do vol - world. high school and post-secondary soon followed by demands to cre - unteer at the school. “We’ve got a good Jesuit foun - institutions. ate stage sets for drama programs “It links us officially to the dation,” said Kleisinger. “Our The first Grade 8 graduates in at St. Angela’s Academy. network (Jesuit schools) in animating principle is that we June 2014 are now in Grade 10 A desire for missionary service Canada, it also links us to the believe God is present in all and have an attendance record of was awakened when the call came schools in the U.S.,” said MTMS things.” Everything the school 92 per cent and a passing rate of for her to teach at LaLoche in Director of Edu cation Curtis does is deeply aligned with Jesuit 93 per cent. MTMS is now an northern Saskatchewan. Here she Kleisinger in an interview. The tradition and closely aligned with associate school of the Regina spent eight years facing many chal - en dorsement agreement was Scripture. Roman Catholic School Division. lenges, one of which was a fire signed by Provincial for English The school was established in As an independent school it which destroyed part of the trailer Canada, Rev. Peter Bisson, SJ, 2011 by the Hill family following receives 80 per cent of the fund - in which she and her companion, and MTMS board chair Paul Hill a visit with Mother Teresa. As ing provided other schools and Sister Bernadette Feist, OSU, lived. at a special event held Nov. 30 at Hill told the story at the time, relies on donations for its special Hoffart’s thirst for missionary the school. Mother Teresa would not accept programs such as breakfast, work took her to Swaziland from The Regina school is the only cheques from the group in the lunch, snacks, uniforms and spe - 1978 - 1982, where she worked at one in Canada, but a similar visit but urged them instead to cial programs. Bernice Duratha a rehabilitation centre for the school is being Sister helen hoffart, OSU handicapped at St. Joseph’s organized in Mission near Manzini, Africa. Winnipeg. A program with messages, trib - When she returned to Saska- Kleisinger said utes, a biographical slide show, toon, Hoffart spent a brief time there won’t be and sharing of memories, a mass assisting with the work of the much change in celebrated by her nephew, Rev. infirm and spent several months the way the school Louis Hoffart, OMI, and a banquet in a renewal program at Arnprior, delivers its pro - marked her milestone birthday. Ont., in 1983 - 84. grams, but it will Hoffart’s life had a double Her achievements were many. require more liai - focus: her creative talent in art She restored and painted statues for son with the Jesuit and her passion to assist the poor. churches and chapels such as Duck Canadian Province Born Nov. 3, 1915, on a farm Lake, St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral and to ensure it contin - near Kerrobert, Sask., she was the the Liebenthal Heritage Church, and ues with Ignation third youngest in a family of 12 many more statues were brought to principles of edu - children. They moved to her while she resided at St. Angela’s cation. Tramping Lake when she was Convent in Prelate. She taught art in “It’s something eight years old. She attended St. the classroom at the academy for we’ve always done Paul Labelle Angela’s Academy at Prelate to many years. In her retirement years, since we began in GOSPelFeSt — Our lady of Guadalupe parish choir was one of the groups singing finish her Grade 12 and entered her painting has expanded to paint 2011,” said at the second annual Guadalupe Gospelfest held Nov. 28 at St. mary’s Parish hall in the novitiate in 1933. Hoping to on almost anything — velvet, tro - Kleisinger. “We’ve Saskatoon. Singers from Saskatoon, Canoe lake, ile a la Crosse and deschambeault begin a career in teaching, she phies, hand saws, bottles, old clocks been very inten - lake participated in this year’s Gospelfest, which ran from noon to 10 p.m. went to Normal School in Moose — always creating an array of inter - tional in providing admission was free and two meals were served during the grassroots community Jaw, but was interrupted by a esting works. the spiritual piece event. Environmental degradation has a negative impact on the poor

Continued from page 1 responsibility for others and for make changes to achieve the goal ining an alternative system to our let’s imagine a future where recon - our world, he noted. “That in - of reducing global warming. own. Where is our imagination ciliation and solidarity and equity economic inequality that leads bil - cludes a sense of responsibility to “We are calling upon leaders to for a new economy, for a way of guide our collective decisions lions of people in poverty.” future generations.” adopt a fair, ambitious and bind - living on this planet together?” about what matters most.” Environmental degradation Indigenous rights advocate Nina ing international agreement that Malena-Chan described how the Think about someone you know has a particularly negative impact Wilson, a co-founder of the Idle No will keep global warming below prospect of climate change gener - under the age of 10 — the ones that on the poor, Bolen added. “Tech- More movement, pointed to the two degrees Celsius, recognizing ates feelings of fear, paralysis, and we love — to imagine this new no logical and scientific discover - importance of the treaties to living that two degrees is still going to despair — a conviction “that our world, she said. “What kind of ies have not been accompanied together in harmony, and working have catastrophic impact for many story will end all too soon.” world will they grow old in?” she by an increasing maturity in our “to help save sacred Mother Earth” people. We further call on the However, the tone and the conver - challenged. “If we take on our role decision-making.” for future generations. Canadian government to commit sation can and will change when as the transition generation, what It is not too late to intervene “Corporations come to the to a national, justice-based cli - the narrative changes, she said. kind of place might it become?” positively, the bishop stressed. most impoverished people and mate policy,” she said. “We need “Leadership is about telling She urged all those concerned “We can shoulder our responsibili - offer trinkets so that we poison our to wake up every single day with stories about those that we refuse about the future to become part of ties. The challenge is urgent. own children,” Wilson said. “We the intention of shaping our to leave behind, about lines that this transition generation. “Let’s Prosperous nations such as Canada are not impoverished by accident.” future.” we will never cross, about action not be last. Let’s be the transition. bear a major responsibility. There Service Employees’ Inter - Rachel Malena-Chan, a gradu - that we must take together,” she Let’s listen and learn from those is an increasing recognition that national Union (SEIU) West ate student at the University of said, calling for a new narrative who live in balance with the land. we are depleting our natural President Barb Cape spoke from a Saskatchewan, spoke about being of purpose and hope. Let’s get ready to rebuild our sys - resources and those of many other trade union perspective, challeng - a member of a transition genera - She quoted a friend’s Face book tems to promote life instead of nations as well, and we are not liv - ing the “false choice” of jobs ver - tion. “We know we cannot con - post: “Climate change makes me destroy it. Let’s stop waiting for ing in a way that is sustainable.” sus the environment. She pointed tinue to live on this planet as we feel alone, but when I think of our leaders to give us the courage What is required is genuine to studies about the long-term job have, and we know that in our green energy, a green economy and to act, and start empowering one conversion, Bolen said — “with creation in renewable energy sec - lifetime everything will change. a collective understanding that the another to make bold decisions, personal, corporate, economic tors, and called on government We are a generation on the environment is sacred, I feel excit - because there is no time to lose.” and political dimensions.” leaders to promote a green econo - brink,” she said. “Right now we ed, rejuvenated, and inspired.” Advocacy and materials related There is a need to face reality my and the economic benefits and are living our story like we are Malena-Chan added: “Instead to climate justice by groups such about the threat to our common the quality, skilled jobs that go the very last ones who will enjoy of wasting time on old narratives as Climate Action Saskatoon, home, enter into dialogue, and along with it. “To change every - the planet as we’ve known it.” about endless growth or new ones Development and Peace, and blue - take concrete action, Bolen said. thing, we need everyone,” she said. A bold and courageous new about knee-capped economies and dot.ca were also highlighted during “We must be willing to pay the Jenna Gall, a member of the vision is needed in order to austerity, let’s start talking about the event, which concluded with price for a new and healthier way Canadian youth delegation team inspire meaningful action, she the future we actually want and get Nancy Greyeyes singing the White of living on this planet.” that is submitting resolutions to stressed. “We so often have an inspired and excited about the tran - Buffalo Calf Woman Song, a Indigenous peoples have long COP21 in Paris, stressed the im- easier time imagining the end of sition to a new economy. Instead of reminder to work together as a recognized that we have a shared portance of taking action now to our civilization than we do imag - facing the uncertainty with fear, human family. December 9, 2015 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Stained glass windows recognize pioneers

By Paul Paproski, OSB The theme was chosen after con - displayed on the bottom of each. sultation with Elaina Adams of The project at St. Peter’s Parish MUENSTER, Sask. — St. Prairie Glass, Humboldt, who was successful because of the Peter’s Parish, Muenster, has an designed the windows and tremendous support of the parish - addition that gives the parish a installed them. ioners who gave generously of sense of completion. Twenty-eight “Elaina once mentioned to us their time and money, Ralph Britz, new stained glass windows com - that she thought her strong point project supervisor, said. He memorating pioneer families and was choosing glass for the win - expressed his appreciation to those the religious who once served dows. I would agree with her. involved in the painting of the them have been added to the Look closely at the windows and sanctuary. Britz, 82, joked that it church. The windows were in- the colours and textures and swirls was a challenge to climb scaffold - stalled during the renovations of of the glass, and the detail the ing that went 20 — 35 feet high. the church, Christy Waldner said glass itself lends to the image or Similarly, it was a challenge work - to 150 people gathered Nov. 22 at shape it is representing,” Waldner ing with carpenters who did not the St. Peter’s Parish celebration in remarked. speak English. The two carpenters recognition of the completion of Families were given the oppor - who came to install the siding on renovations and the installation of tunity to choose religious symbols the church were from Quebec and the windows. and customize their windows with only understood French. However, The church is an historical natural landscapes familiar to they worked very well with every - building that was built in 1910 and them. Window designs incorporate one, he laughed. Paproski it is famous for its 80 life-sized local history which gives a The renovations, which were frescos, painted in 1919 by Count glimpse into the past and offers completed in October, began in St. Peter’S PariSh — a candle, rosary, praying hands and musical notes adorn the bottom of a stained glass window at St. Peter’s Parish, Berthold Von Imhoff, an artist thanks for God’s abundant bless - 2008 with improvements to the muenster. the symbols represent the importance of faith to a pioneer originally from Germany. The ings. The two choir loft windows, church’s exterior foundation. In family, and their love of music. the window is sponsored by the John sanctuary honours the saints, and The Good Shepherd and Our Lady the spring of 2009, new windows, and anna Korte family and is among 28 stained glass windows that now they are joined by the pio - of Guadalupe, emphasize themes doors and outside siding were were installed in the church. neers and the Ursulines, Fran- of colour, she said. The upper win - installed, as well as new outside ciscans (Elizabethans) and Bene- dows, in the main body of the steps. Five windows that had leak - continued from October to May Muyres, OSB, pastor during the dictines, said Waldner, who serves church, have symbols that are age problems were removed from each year until 2012. Repairs were renovations; Louise Sarauer of on the St. Peter’s Parish meaningful to their sponsors. The each of the church towers and made to the sanctuary ceiling and Saskatoon, an original member of Fundraising Committee. semi-circular window above the sealed. Some improvements were walls which had cracks or peeling the fundraising committee; and the The large stained glass win - back door of the church displays made to the roof to correct water paint. The church was repainted other two committee members, dows in the lower sanctuary incor - the keys of St. Peter. The four win - seepage. using some new colour schemes. Glenda Rueve and Teresa porate a landscape theme which dows in the sacristy incorporate Work resumed on the church The Stations of the Cross were Wassermann. A DVD presentation complements the rural district. the four seasons. A Bible verse is sanctuary in the fall of 2009 and it repaired and repainted. The side was given of the history of the ren - altars and radiators were given a ovations. The evening concluded fresh coat of paint. with the blessing of the windows, Campion College responds to TRC Attending the celebration were tours of the parish, dessert and fel - Elaina Adams; Rev. Daniel lowship. By Frank Flegel Montessori tradition REGINA — Campion College, a federated college with the Uni- versity of Regina, Nov. 18 outlined aids with the aged three initiatives it intends to take in response to the Truth and Rec- By Jacquie Berg ation teams, Hunter and LSCH onciliation Commission (TRC). project lead Murray Tempel re- The TRC, headed by Justice SASKATOON — According cruited volunteers to learn about Murray Sinclair, released a report to Dr. Paulette Hunter, assistant visiting “the Montessori way.” in May with recommendations professor of psychology at St. Eighteen volunteers committed to intended to reconcile differences Thomas More College, residents a minimum of 20 one-to-one visits between Canada’s Aboriginal and living in long-term care often do with residents over the summer. non-Aboriginal population. Most not have adequate access to per - Hunter says that the volunteer- have to do with the impact resi - sonally meaningful activity, and led activities catered to a wide dential schools had on First this has a negative effect on their range of interests and abilities. Nations society. The announce - quality of life. Some residents enjoyed reviewing ment included remarks from Jesuit From May through July 2015, a map of Canada with their volun - provincial for English Canada Hunter collaborated with Luther teer visitor and discussing where Rev. Peter Bisson, SJ, Campion Special Care Home (LSCH) to they had travelled. Others enjoyed College president Rev. John Flegel facilitate a trial of a unique volun - organizing electrical couplers and Meehan, SJ and Cree elder Noel JeSUitS reSPONd — Campion College has outlined three initiatives teer-assisted program to promote other parts in a parts organizer Starblanket. it intends to take in response to the truth and reconciliation quality of life. drawer, making a flashlight work, “As a Jesuit college, Campion Commission. Shown here, from left, are: Cree elder Noel Starblanket; Fifteen residents participated or playing a simple dice game. A plays an important role in pro - rev. Peter Bisson, SJ, Jesuit provincial for english Canada; and rev. in the program, which borrowed female resident who had done a moting reconciliation with indige - John meehan, SJ, president of Campion College. from the Montessori tradition in lot of needlework in her younger nous peoples in Canada,” said childhood education. days greatly enjoyed simply hav - Meehan in a prepared statement Jesuits in training will also MTMS, the Regina Arch diocese The Montessori approach is ing the opportunity to help wrap a following the announcement of work with First Nations at the Aboriginal Relations Com mittee, among several emerging models of ball of yarn. the initiatives. “This is not only a Mother Teresa Middle School First Nations Uni versity, Abo - care tailored specifically for long- Tempel says the program “is a priority in our college’s new here; serve with organizations that riginal Student Centre and Friends term care residents with de mentia. fresh approach to providing mean - strategic plan; it is also a key pri - work with First Nations people on the Outside (FOTO), a group It emphasizes the opportunity to ingful moments for many of our ority of the Jesuits in English and get to know them first-hand to that works with released or participate in personally meaning - residents. Our staff does a great Canada.” learn about their experience. This paroled individuals, helping them ful activities at a level that respects job with recreation programming, A 10-person Advisory Circle initiative is in direct response to deal with issues related to reinte - cognitive, sensory, and motor abili - but they find it difficult to give has been created to advise on prac - the TRC recommendation on gration in society. ties. Initial re search suggests the timely attention to everyone who tical steps to build bridges between training of clergy, said Meehan. Meehan suggested in his state - method has potential to improve needs it, each time they need it. communities. It contains represen - A scholarship fund has been cre - ment that inequalities between mood, reduce agitated behaviour, Putting the Montessori research to tatives from the college, the ated for students at the Mother indigenous and non-indigenous and foster the maintenance or good use, our volunteers interacted Aboriginal and the non-Aboriginal Teresa Middle School (MTMS), a people in Canada remains one of enhance ment of certain abilities. one-to-one with our residents in community. It is charged with the partner institution, to enable stu - the most pressing social issues Unfortunately, what is personal - activities based on that person’s responsibility of developing a dents to attend Campion and the Canada faces and it’s one of the ly meaningful and suited to one specific interests. If we continue to Campion-specific response to the University of Regina. Students top priorities of the Jesuits in resident’s needs does not always improve the present moments of TRC recommendations. from Mother Teresa Middle English Canada. Part of that is meet the needs of others. Given the our residents like that, it obviously Jesuits in training will take a School, established in 2011, will historic, said Meehan. “We came finite resources available for recre - means a lot to their families, too.” summer course at First Nations become of university age in 2017 to Canada 400 years ago to work ational programming in long-term Hunter’s team plans to publish University, another federated when Cam pion celebrates its cen - with indigenous people. More care, recreation teams are not a report on the feasibility of vol - College of the University of Regina, tennial. recently we’ve been very always able to accommodate a resi - unteer-delivered Montessori pro - in what is called an In digenous Meehan said Campion can do involved with the TRC and very dent’s individual interests. Instead, gramming, and is also looking for Immersion Experience. They will much through its academic mis - supportive of those affected by they often focus on group program - possible effects of the summer learn indigenous culture and wis - sion, its care of the person and its residential schools and forthcom - ming that is likely to interest many, program on residents’ mood, agi - dom from elders at “culture camps,” relationship with indigenous and ing with documents” for the though not all, residents. tation, and engagement in goal- ceremonies and other events. non-indigenous partners, including TRC. To support the work of recre - directed activity. 8 Prairie Messenger ARTS & CULTURE December 9, 2015 Film raises questions of concern

By allison Janett privilege, in fact, that even mothers and sibly represent me — a 26-year-old fathers sometimes denied that there may female? What knowledge does a celi - I watched Spotlight this afternoon, a have been suspicious relationships bate man have about my life and my film that depicts the story about a team between their sons or daughters and the story? What right does he have to pass of investigative journalists from The priest who was paying special attention input on my reproductive choices? How Boston Globe who exposed the horrific to him or her. No one wanted to believe can I be part of an organization that dis - years-long sex abuse scandal in Boston that a servant of God could be responsi - criminates against gay people and the by members of the Catholic Church. ble for any vile act. And, if families did transgendered? Why, in 2015, are There is a quote from the film in which reach out with concern, they were large - females still not allowed to be priests? a former priest who is helping the team ly ignored. This is how the toxic perpet - I was born and baptized Catholic, but uncover the story says that he is able to uation of child abuse existed within the am I still considered Catholic if I believe separate spirituality from the institu - Catholic Church for so many years. in heaven, but not in hell? Am I still tion. The quote perfectly articulated I am not so foolish as to blame all Catholic if I pick and choose which my feelings about the church. clergy for the sex abuse scandal, but the practices to follow? Am I still Catholic if I was raised in a small, strongly sheer number of priests and higher-up I have ceased going to church? I’m not Catholic community in the middle of the officials involved in actively and aggres - sure there are answers to my questions. prairies. My grandma and grandpa on my sively covering up the atrocities commit - What I do know is that Catholicism mother’s side were both extremely reli - ted by parish priests is alarming. And the excels at creating shame in individuals, gious and deeply involved with the colossal abuse of trust is nauseating. and I struggle with feelings of guilt for Catholic Church. It was not rare for the I have struggled for many years to not being the right kind of Catholic. But parish priest to join our family for brunch understand how religion fits into my life. by whose judgment? I’m not sure. after Sunday mass. Sisters and monks As a child I went to church regularly There are many aspects of my came by my grandparents’ house regular - with my family. I listened to the adults in Catholic upbringing that continue to ly for coffee or for evening visits. These my family discuss the Sunday homilies. I guide me. We need to be kind, under - people were well-respected, active mem - was even a casual reader and server, but I standing, forgiving, and to do unto oth - bers of the community. I write about did not participate willingly. The only ers as we would have done unto us. them to illustrate that I understand the part I enjoyed was sitting beside my These concepts are important to my OUr ladY OF GUadalUPe — a new documen - deep-seated relationship the clergy may grandma, who played the organ at many daily life. But I keep wondering, how tary film narrated by actor Jim Caviezel offers origi - have with members of their community. a Sunday mass. could an institution that turned a blind nal insights into the details, story and impact of the My experiences give me an under - Now that I’m older, I am able to see eye to the cries of thousands of inno - 16th-century apparition of Our lady of Guadalupe — one of the most recognizable religious icons in the standing of how, in Boston, the Catholic the beauty in attending church — the cent people who were preyed upon by Church and its clergy members had an american hemisphere. the Knights of Columbus-pro - music, the history, the sense of belong - trusted figures be guided by the same duced film, Guadalupe: the miracle and the message, impact on the lives of their congrega - ing. However, there is an underlying, practices? tions. It was a privilege for priests to paints a comprehensive and inspiring picture of the inescapable anger I feel when I attend I suspect I’ll spend most of my life history, facts and legacy of the image of Our lady of pay visits to family households. Such a as an adult, which these days is only in trying to navigate through my thoughts Guadalupe. the documentary will be airing on Salt the case of weddings or funerals. How on what it means for me to be Catholic. and light tV and is available on dVd. For more can an institution whose leadership is Meanwhile, the institution is separate information, visit www.guadalupethefilm.com or fol - Janett is a teacher in Saskatoon. comprised typically of elderly men pos - from my spirituality. low the hashtag #guadalupethefilm. Sinatra’s 100th birthday yields new surprises with Smithsonian release

By Caitlin Ward before he’d been married seven phrasing, Sinatra just ignored it. I I have four or five different ously. And the patter by this col - or eight times. OK, so he was don’t think you listen to Sinatra live versions of One For My umn — well, despite how very I find myself listening to only married four times. That because he sings Porter note for Baby (And One More For the civil rights-minded he was, music more often as the snow still seems a bit excessive. note, though. If you wanted that, Road), not because they sound Sinatra had a tendency to call falls. Spring, summer, and That’s not the point. The point you’d have to listen to someone particularly different from one black men “boys” an awful lot. autumn find me on a bicycle is, as soon as my sister alerted me who was classically trained another, but because his introduc - So even though there’s a per - more frequently than walking or to the existence of this album, I and/or more musically accom - tions are different each time. And sonality in all of it that I just in a car. And despite what some ordered it. They tell me it’ll come plished. each time, they’re solid gold: love, I’m also pretty sure it’s an of my colleagues might insist, in time for Christmas, but in the No, you listen to Sinatra for “It’s rather obvious that his prob - era and a style that’s passed us it’s not a good idea to cycle with meantime, they’ve released a few the heart you can hear in his lem stems from a girl — a broad by. People who try to sing like headphones on. As a result, it’s teaser tracks on Soundcloud that voice and the funny, sometimes — I don’t care what it is, but that these days don’t get it right. during the months that I find the hold pride of place in my iPod. terribly off-colour things he that’s where his problem came Rod Stewart put out a few I’ve listened to them enough says. I have a fantastic rendition from. And this is very difficult to albums of the Great American I Found a New Baby times that I’ve got the patter of him singing Irving Berlin’s defeat. Hitler you can beat, but Songbook a few years ago, and between Sinatra and Nat King though he’s got the dirty woman - Frank Sinatra with the Blue Skies with the Tommy not a dame — it’s murder.” Cole down. And that patter? It’s izing cred, he doesn’t have the Nat King Cole Trio Dorsey Orchestra, in which he Of course, now that I’ve perfect. starts laughing at the male cho - typed that out for the first time, voice. Michael Bublé — well, I haven’t got the album just rus shouting behind him while I’m realizing there’s an under - we all know how I feel about yet, so I won’t be singing its still trying to carry on some sem - current of domestic violence in Michael Bublé. I probably don’t roads too icy to navigate on two praises for a few weeks, at least. blance of the melody. that joke I hadn’t noticed previ - need to get into it again. wheels that I listen to music I’m sure I will be, though, But, you see, while mobile. My iPod doesn’t because it’s exactly the sort of this is why it’s so get much of a look from April to thing I love — and one of the Sinatra: Folks, before we latch up for Her new way of lovin’ exciting that November, but these days, I’m things I am most looking for - the night, how’s about latching on Has made me her slave there are these charging it every second day. ward to is that patter. The thing to the King Cole Trio? All in Her sweet turtle dovin’ new unreleased Luckily, this occurrence has about Sinatra in particular, but favour says ‘aye.’ Is all that I crave Sinatra tracks coincided nicely with the that type of entertainer in gener - Cole: Aye. from his radio Smithsonian releasing a new al, is that half the appeal of any Sinatra: Well, hi, Nat Cole, what tune Sweetest miss, with a kiss full of bliss days. With an era album of mostly never-before of them is how charming and would you like to do? Can’t resist, somehow long gone, it’s heard tracks from back in the funny and quick they are when Cole: Well, I kinda thought we’d kick Tells me lies, but she’s wise not often heard of day when Frank Sinatra was a they’re performing live. around a little thing called I Found Naughty eyes mesmerize, I vow and that there might radio star. You know, before he You see, Sinatra had a distinc - a New Baby, but on one condition. how be a whole set of became Chair of the Board. It’s tive voice, and a good one too, Sinatra: You’ll kick around baby on songs I wouldn’t when he was young, and about but I don’t think that’s what made what condition? I don’t mean maybe know, or a set of as fresh-faced as a tough from him so beloved—in those early Cole: That you kick around with us. patter I’ve yet to Hoboken is ever going to be. It’s days by the bobby-soxers, and Sinatra: First tell me this, you think I just had to fall learn. It’s a time I when his voice was closer to later on by seemingly most of the this tune’ll stand that much kicking I got myself a new baby wouldn’t want to tenor than baritone, when he western world. He never sang around? A new baby, that’s all ever have repeat - sang with Tommy Dorsey, songs the way they were sup - Cole: Oh, this tune is kind of rugged. ed, but I do like posed to go. It’s a curious irony, Sinatra: OK, real tough. Let’s break (piano interlude) to visit now and for example, that he was instru - her down. again. And for Ward is a Saskatoon- mental in popularizing the songs Spoken: That boy’s gone, you know the first time in a based freelance writer who of Cole Porter, when apparently (singing) that, don’t you? He’s gone. very long time, spends her days (and most Porter despised every Sinatra ren - I found a new baby I don’t mean maybe I’ll be able to nights) working at a small dition of a Porter song ever done. Found a new girl I just had to fall hear a new ver - Catholic college. Her less elo - Porter wrote songs with complex My fashion-plate baby ’Cause I found a new baby sion of a Sinatra quent thoughts can be found at and exact melodies. Instead of Has got me a whirl A new baby, look at me now song for the first www.twitter.com/newsetofstrings trying to match Porter’s difficult time. December 9, 2015 ARTS & CULTURE Prairie Messenger 9 Youth, violence, tyranny, fear: finding resistance

Screenings & Meanings

Gerald Schmitz

We live in fearful times and, pale in comparison to the real-life although a movie called Joy horrors currently being perpetrat - arrives Christmas Day, there are ed and disseminated to a global precious few tidings of comfort audience. Many of the victims of and joy on theatre screens this Syria’s civil war are children. Advent season. I don’t take seri - Equally appalling is the indoctri - ously sappy “holiday” movies like nation of children and the young Love the Coopers released in by fanatical jihadist organizations November along with the Santa — poisoning their minds with Claus parades and ubiquitous jin - hate, training them to kill, some - gles urging us to buy more stuff. times as suicide bombers. In con - For the kids, the Disney Pixar ani - trast to ISIS propaganda videos, mated feature The Good Dinosaur at least the ultimate Hunger may be a minor diversion. Fans of Games is just a movie. CNS /Lionsgate the Rocky franchise may be Whether Mockingjay - Part 2 mOCKiNGJaY - Part 2 — Natalie dormer and Jennifer lawrence star in the hunger Games: tempted to get back into the box - is worth seeing is debatable but mockingjay - Part 2. “Whether mockingjay Part 2 is worth seeing is debatable but i’ll give it a maybe, ing ring with Creed, receiving I’ll give it a maybe, mostly mostly because of a twist in the conclusion that offers a way out of the cycle of violence,” writes Gerald respectful reviews on the strength because of a twist in the conclu - Schmitz. of its director Ryan Coogler and sion that offers a way out of the lead actor Michael B. Jordan who cycle of violence. advised by Snow’s turncoat for - There is, however, one under - Contracts were cancelled, people teamed up in the 2013 Sundance A twilight of chaos has mer chief gamesmaker Plutarch lying theme of the Hunger Games were fired, families suffered. top prize winner Fruitvale Station. descended on “Panem” ruled over Heavensbee. (He’s played by the saga that resonates beyond its Suspicion also fell on leading Generally it’s a rather grim by the tyrannical evil President late Phillip Seymour Hoffman young-adult demographic and actors like Edward G. Robinson violent world on screen as we Coriolanus Snow (Donald who appears in key moments world of make believe — namely (Michael Stuhlbarg), a close await the biggest blockbuster of Sutherland), determined to use excepting a last crucial one that that of resistance to the corrup - Trumbo friend and supporter until all — a new Star Wars epic set to his “peacekeeper” army and high- had not been filmed when he died tion of power and the manipula - later, under duress and desperate to splash across over 10,000 screens tech defences of explosive “pods” in February 2014. Instead games tion of the masses through fear. save his career, he would name Dec. 18 — and the year-end spate to protect the privileged caste of veteran Hamish reads his final Sometimes it takes individual acts names and claim to have been of weighty dramas and Oscar- “the Capitol” from the outlying words from a letter.) of resistance to challenge a cli - duped. That betrayal was more qualifying prestige pictures (e.g. districts, some devastated by civil Coin and cohorts are preparing mate of fear. painful to Trumbo than the hostility In the Heart of the Sea, Carol, The violence as loyalists battle insur - to launch an assault on the That was famously the case in of right wing super-patriots like Danish Girl, the aforementioned gents. Recalling previous Capitol in the name of freedom Hollywood’s own dream factory John Wayne (David James Elliott), Joy, Macbeth, The Revenant, episodes, the figurehead of the for the oppressed. But Coin during the Red Scare and cowed studio bosses, and the arguably The Hateful Eight). rebellion is the ultimate survivor orders Katniss to stay back from McCarthyism of the late 1940s relentless vitriol against “dangerous That’s not counting the horror of Panem’s deadly teenage the frontline, arguing that she will and 1950s targeting a “black list” radicals” of Hollywood gossip genre (Crimson Peak, another games, the “mockingjay” Katniss be most useful as a propaganda of show business figures accused maven Hedda Hopper (Helen “Paranormal” travesty, Victor Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), an symbol for the revolution, not as of being “communist” subver - Mirren at her viperish best). Frankenstein). There’s been a lot inspirational heroine with more a fighter. You might suspect sives. The investigations by the Trumbo found ingenious ways to leave one with a shudder. lives than a cat, and lethal with there’s more to it than that. In any notorious House Un-American to get around the blacklist, enlisting Hardest to ignore is the movie her ever-present bow and arrows. event, no way is Katniss going to Activities Committee swept up family members (Diane Lane plays that most exemplifies the popular As the movie opens Katniss is stand down. Her mission is per - many liberal Democrats. There his wife Cleo and Elle Fanning his current trend of adapting young- broken up over Snow’s evil deeds sonal. She wants to be the one to were also those who did have an spunky eldest daughter Niki), in adult fiction in which the young that include brainwashing her fel - confront and kill President Snow. association with the Communist making deals to put others’ names are the protagonists in dystopian low games survivor, and love The capture of the Capitol pro - party, a legal organization, and on his scripts, and slumming for the nightmarish visions of societies interest, Peeta Mellark (Josh ceeds in drawn-out agonizing and who vigorously defended both unabashed B-movie factory of based on violence, fear and Hutcherson). He’s been rescued ultra-violent stages in which workers’ rights (including those of Frank King (a scene-stealing John oppression. The concluding from captivity but turned into a some of the valiant perish, includ - striking film crews) and their First Goodman). Trumbo was a sustain - episode of the hunger Games: hostile threat unless somehow ing some close to Katniss. (Some Amendment rights to freedom of ing force among blacklisted writ - mockingjay - Part 2 was deprogrammed. He’s also got of the scenes made me think of speech and association. One of the ers, represented by the cancer-rid - released last month along with competition from Gale Hawthorne images from the Syrian civil war: most prominent on the list was the den composite character Arlen Hird bombastic theatrical trailers for (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss’ bombed-out streets; the flight of novelist and legendary screen - (Louis C.K.). The 5th Wave (January) and The childhood fellow hunter who still displaced people, many women writer Dalton Trumbo who was a While blacklisted, two of Divergent Series: Alegiant carries a torch for her. Katniss and and children, toward a savage party member from 1943-48. Trumbo’s scripts won Oscars under (March). In September there was company are young warriors in fate.) Cutting to the chase, once Director Jay Roach’s trumbo , another’s name and a pseudonym Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. the vanguard of the rebellion the takeover is complete, with based on Bruce Cook’s biography, — the first in 1954 for Roman Frankly these movies depict - being led by the icy Alma Coin Snow completely isolated and recalls both the man and the era Holiday and the second in 1957 for ing evil afflictions to come almost (Julianne Moore), now being alone, Coin promptly installs her - with great panache and a pointed The Brave One (a beautiful story of self as the new president. It’s a dig at the politics of fear. Bryan a Mexican boy and his bull that brave new era but, as they say, to Cranston (Breaking Bad) delivers was shown on the Turner Classic the victor go the spoils. an amazing performance as Movies channel last month). As Coin has a proposal that Trumbo, capturing his voice, man - this became known and famous reminded me of the refrain in The ners and outsized character that at actors and directors approached Who’s song Won’t Get Fooled times exasperated family and Trumbo openly — Kirk Douglas Again: “Meet the new boss, same friends as well as enemies. for Kubrick’s Spartacus and Otto as the old boss.” Katniss agrees to Trumbo was a prolific genius at Preminger for Exodus — the black - it, provided she’s given the hon - the typewriter, sometimes while list was effectively broken. our of dispatching Snow to the propped up in a bathtub fuelled by Not only does Trumbo the netherworld. Everything comes cigarettes, booze and Benzedrine. movie have a fine cast and script, it down to one arrow. You just Fittingly the movie brims with ter - does an excellent job of evoking knew it would be up to Katniss rific dialogue and wit. the period, expertly blending in whether there’s hope for Peeta Trumbo was Hollywood’s high - telling archival footage with recre - and for peace in Panem. est paid writer on contract to MGM ated scenes. (Don’t miss the 1970 If teenage fantasies aren’t your when compelled to appear before clip of Trumbo’s reflections during thing, wait for Jennifer the House committee in 1947. the closing credits.) The result is Lawrence’s very adult star turn as When he and others refused to tes - both highly entertaining and timely. Joy in Joy . Fellow Oscar winner tify or admit to any wrongdoing “In our political environment Bleecker Street Julianne Moore also delivers they were cited for contempt of these days, the use of fear and trUmBO — Bryan Cranston and hellen mirren star in trumbo, a much more substantial roles in the Congress. Eventually, when a outrage and victimization is very film about the novelist and legendary screenwriter dalton trumbo. moving true story Freeheld and Supreme Court appeal was lost, the common,” says director Roach. “I the film, based on Bruce Cook’s biography, “recalls both the man and the dramatic comedy Maggie’s “Hollywood Ten” (nine of whom feel it’s just as much a film about the era with great panache and a pointed dig at the politics of fear,” Plan, both of which premiered at were writers) had to serve a degrad - today as it is about what is was writes Gerald Schmitz. the Toronto film festival. ing one-year prison sentence. back then.” 10 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH December 9, 2015 Fling wide open the doors of our hearts and homes

door to Mary and recognizes the coming of her Saviour. Finally, we ought to reflect on how we open the doors This door-opening moment, however, would not have of both our hearts and homes. Do we open the door a been possible without a prior door-opening moment, the crack, tentatively peeking to seek who it might be that Liturgy moment when Mary responded to the angel’s announce - wants to come in? Or, do we fling the doors of our lives ment with an open heart, “be it done to me according to wide open, embracing the other graciously and with gen - and Life your word.” By opening her heart to God, Mary became erosity? I suspect Elizabeth chose the latter option and that the bearer of the one who “shall be peace” (Micah 5.5a) we, as Christians, are called to do the same. and ushered forth the coming of our Saviour into the world. All this talk about opening doors is especially poignant Gertrude Rompré It all hinges, pardon the pun, on our willingness to open doors. So how do we as Christians about to As we begin this Jubilee Year of Mercy, there’s been a celebrate Christmas, open the doors to lot of talk about opening doors. On the first Sunday of both our hearts and our homes? Advent, Pope Francis opened the door of Bangui’s First, we need to recognize that door Cathedral in the Central African Republic, calling citizens opening is a spiritual practice. It begins of that wartorn country to work for peace. On the Feast of with an act of faith where we choose to the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) he formally declared hope, as the pope suggests, in the possi - the Year of Mercy by opening the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s bility of being loved forever. For many of Basilica. Now, the tradition of opening Holy Doors will us, this is a fundamental challenge. It’s continue throughout Advent at cathedrals around the world, easy for us to believe that we are unwor - reminding us that mercy is “the bridge that connects God thy of love, to focus on the sinfulness and and humanity, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved brokenness of our lives. As Christians we are called to a different response, to micah 5:2-5a Fourth Sunday believe ourselves loveable, to open our Psalm 80 of advent hearts to God’s love, and then extend that hebrews 10:5-10 december 20, 2015 love to the wartorn landscapes — both luke 1:39-45 local and global — of our world. This brings me to my second point — forever, despite our sinfulness” (Pope Francis, The Face of the need to translate this spiritual Stushie Art Mercy). So perhaps it is fitting that the main event of this encounter into action. The reading from week’s readings happens around the opening of a door. Hebrews, with its focus on the will of God, helps us under - as we prepare, as a nation, to welcome refugees. Will we Let’s imagine that moment. . . . Mary arrives at stand how to do this. We are called to discerning action as open the doors of our nation just a crack, begrudgingly let - Elizabeth and Zechariah’s house, likely a little saddle sore we listen and respond to God’s will. It is not a question of us, ting them in but relegating them to the margins of our and weary, and knocks on the door. Before she even has a as individual Christians, taking up every good cause that communities? Or, will we fling the doors wide open, invit - chance to say hello, the child leaps in Elizabeth’s womb comes our way. Rather, it is up to us to respond to the specif - ing them in as Elizabeth greeted Mary, reminding them and she proclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and ic call to action that the Spirit has planted in each of our that we are blessed to welcome them into our home? blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Elizabeth opens the hearts. As St. Paul taught us in his letter to the Corinthians, May our celebrations of Christ’s birth fill us with there are a variety of gifts (1 Corinthians 12.4). But there are love, hope and joy. May these, in turn, give us the also a variety of needs, many doors of human suffering that courage to open the doors of our hearts and homes, wel - Rompré is the director of Mission and Ministry at St. we can open. To which need is God calling us to offer hospi - coming those who will bear Christ to us in new and sur - Thomas More College in Saskatoon. tality at this time? prising ways! The hiddenness of God, the darkness of faith, and overpowering light

surrounded by the mother that, temperaments, your strengths, your standing than by understanding. paradoxically, it cannot see the weakness, and your habits. I under - Our relationship to God works in In mother and cannot have any con - stand you.” Would you feel under - the same way. Initially, when our cept of the mother. Its inability to stood? I suspect not. Now imagine a intimacy is not so deep, we feel that see or picture its mother is caused very different scenario. A friend we understand things and we have Exile by the mother’s omnipresence, not says to you: “You’re a mystery to firm feelings and ideas about God. by her absence. The mother is too me! I’ve known you for years, but But the deeper we journey, the more Ron Rolheiser, OMI present, too all-enveloping to be you’ve a depth that’s somehow those feelings and ideas will begin seen or conceptualized. The baby beyond me. The longer I know you, to feel false and empty because our has to be born to see its mother. So the more I know that you are your growing intimacy is opening us to too for us and God. Scripture tells own mystery.” In this non-under - the fuller mystery of God. Para dox- When I first began teaching the - tions of our stock answers to this us that we live, and move, and standing, in being allowed to be the ically this feels like God is disap - ology, I fantasized about writing a question. And there was a pot of breathe, and have our being in God. full mystery of your own person in pearing and becoming non-existent. book about the hiddenness of God. gold at the end of the search; it led We are in God’s womb, enveloped that friend’s understanding, you Faith, by definition, implies a Why does God remain hidden and me to the mystics, particularly to by God, and, like a baby, we must would, paradoxically, feel much paradoxical darkness: the closer invisible? Why doesn’t God just John of the Cross, and to spiritual first be born (death as our second better understood. John of the Cross we get to God in this life, the show himself plainly in a way that writers such as Carlo Carretto. birth) to see God face to face. submits that the deeper we journey more God seems to disappear nobody can dispute? What’s their answer? They offer That’s faith’s darkness. into intimacy, the more we will because overpowering light can One of the standard answers to no simple answers. What they Second: excessive light is a begin to understand by not under - seem like darkness. that question was this: If God did offer instead are various perspec - dark ness. If you stare straight into manifest himself plainly there tives that throw light on the ineffa - the sun with an unshielded eye, wouldn’t be any need for faith. But bility of God, the mystery of faith, what do you see? Nothing. The that begged the question: Who and the mystery of human know - very excess of light renders you as NOW AVAILABLE wants faith? Wouldn’t it be better to ing in general. In essence, how we blind as if you were in pitch dark - e-Edition subscriptions just plainly see God? There were know as human beings and how ness. And that’s also the reason we visit: www.pmonline.ca other answers to that question of we know God is deeply paradoxi - have difficulty in seeing God and for more information Receive 45 issues per year course, except I didn’t know them cal, that is, the more deeply we why, generally, the deeper we or didn’t grasp them with enough know anything, the more that per - journey into intimacy with God, depth for them to be meaningful. son or object begins to become less the deeper we are journeying into Mail coupon to: Prairie Messenger, Circulation Dept. For example, one such answer conceptually clear. One of the most Light, the more God seems to dis - Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 Phone: (306) 682-1772 Fax: (306) 682-5285 taught that God is pure Spirit and famous mystics in history suggests appear and become harder and email: [email protected] that spirit cannot be perceived that as we enter into deeper intima - harder to picture or imagine. J J through our normal human senses. cy we concomitantly enter into a We’re being blinded, not by God’s One Year $37.00 Two Years $67.00 J J But that seemed too abstract to me. “cloud of unknowing,” namely, ab sence, but by a blinding light to U.S. $126.00 Foreign $152.00 And so I began to search for differ - into a knowing so deep that it can the unshielded eye. The darkness Applicable tax included ent answers or for better articula - no longer be conceptualized. What of faith is the darkness of exces - J New J Renewal does this mean? sive light. Three analogies can help us A final analogy: deep intimacy is Name: ______Rolheiser, theologian, teacher here: the analogy of a baby in its iconoclastic. The deeper our intima - and award-winning author, is mother’s womb; the analogy of cy with anyone, the more our pic - Address: ______president of the Oblate School of darkness as excessive light; and the tures and images of that person Theology in San Antonio, Texas. analogy of deep intimacy as break - begin to break down. Imagine this: City/Town: ______Prov: ______He can be contacted through his ing down our conceptual images: A friend says to you: “I understand Postal Code: ______Tel: ______website: www.ronrolheiser.com. First: imagine a baby in its you perfectly: I know your family, Follow Father Ron on Facebook: mother’s womb. In the womb, the your background, your ethnicity, Visa/MC: ______Expiry: ______www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser baby is so totally enveloped and your psychological and emotional

December 9, 2015 FEATURE Prairie Messenger 11 We are wired not for violence, but for co-operation

By marcia Pally from competition for what others ©2015 religion News Service have but from fear that they will take what we have. This was Given the terrorist attacks of the Hobbes’s point: fear drives peo - last few weeks, one might be for - ple to “us-vs.-them” polarization given for feeling a bit bleak about and to zero-sum thinking. It over - the human species, its frequent use rides our co-operative biological- of violence and its failure to nego - default and yields Hobbes’ tiate solutions. We must be hard- famous “war of all against all.” wired for violence. Or perhaps A second violation of our “rec - “war is a force that gives us mean - iprocal altruism” is the absence of ing,” as Chris Hedges put it in his a life commitment. The search for 2002 book of the same title. pur pose beyond survival and It turns out, however, that “life style” pushes us toward our we’re evolutionarily wired not for greatest achievements in work, violence but for co-operation. art, and moral conduct. A lack of “The vast majority of the people such meaning — of self-transcen - on the planet,” writes Douglas Fry, dence — is corrosive. It leads to “awake on a typical morning and the fa mil iar apathy, substance live through a violence-free day abuse, crime, suicide, and vulner - — and this experience generally ability to any “meaning” that continues day after day after day.” comes one’s way. The real story should be the Millions of people in the Middle 13,748 gazillion times human CNS/Paul Haring East, Central Asia, and immigrant beings default to co-operation and hOPe — a child lights a candle in Republique square in Paris Nov. 14 in memory of victims of terrorist neighbourhoods of the West have kindness! attacks. “Given the terrorist attacks of the last few weeks, one might be forgiven for feeling a bit bleak reasons to feel that what they had So we might want to look a bit about the human species, its frequent use of violence and its failure to negotiate solutions, writes marcia (resources, dignity, control over closer at aggression and its causes. Pally. “it turns out, however, that we’re evolutionarily wired not for violence but for co-operation.” one’s life) has been taken away For three millennia, the Abra - from them or their societies. Or they hamic religions have said we’re First, the idea that religion lightenment — Sebastian Castellio, group rite that releases pent-up can’t see any future opportunities. created — “wired” by God so to causes violence is belied by the Baruch Spinoza, Roger Williams, aggression and unites the group. This is the upshot of longstanding speak — for covenantal relation - staggering amounts of it perpe - and John Locke — were schooled in This rite, Girard held, is the root of regional problems, political and ships. Violence is a sin against trated by secular regimes. The Judaeo-Christian teachings. religion and other societal institu - economic corruption, colonial poli - God. mayhem of the 20th century was With this in mind, blaming tions. cies, and globalization that leaves But in the modern era, some unleashed by Europe’s economic religion for human aggression is Trouble is, Girard’s theory is entire economic sectors and socio- think religion causes violence — competition, by Stalinism, and by like blaming adultery on the mar - unsupported by evolutionary biol - economic classes out of the game. though the French philosopher Nazism. riage vows. ogy and anthropology. We are not So when a chance for purpose Rene Girard, who died earlier in None of these had the defining And to the list of modern reli - governed by competition but comes along, a chance to belong, November, believed violence feature of faith: a transcendent gious leaders who championed rather by “hyper-co-operation.” to repair wrongs, and work for a causes religion. being whose principles one cannot peace (Dorothy Day, Cardinal The evolutionary benefits cause that gives one status and a These causal claims miss the tweak to suit oneself. We can look Joseph Bernardin, Martin Luther include improved hunting among sense that one matters, it’s invit - target. also at the violence committed by King Jr., Desmond Tutu, Emma - co-operative rather than competi - ing. Self-sacrifice in war or terror Pinochet, Idi Amin, Robert nuel Levinas, Abraham Joshua tive clans and basic survival, as can seem the greatest self-tran - Mugabe, Mao, and the remaining Heschel, etc.) we can add the families and communities helped scendence of all. Pally teaches Multilingual roster of faithless murderers. Or Grand Mufti of Egypt, the Council each other rear children. Even war This is by no means justifica - Multicultural Studies at New York we can look to the violence of East on American-Islamic Relations and is not genetically hard-wired but tion for violence, just a bit of University and is a guest profes - Asia, which proceeded for millen - many other Muslims who condemn emerged through historical/ cultural explanation of how our co-opera - sor in the theology department of nia without religion as motive. ISIS and its recent attacks. processes that are neither universal tive default gets sabotaged and Humboldt University, Berlin. Her In fact, the major faith tradi - So it seems religion doesn’t nor biologically necessary. ISIS-type “causes” move in. book, Commonwealth and Cove - tions move us to compassion and cause violence. But neither does The idea that our gravest Something to think about if we nant: Economics, Politics, and understanding. violence cause religion, as Girard aggression is not biological but cul - want to halt the violation of our Theologies of Relationality, will The first advocates of tolera - held. The religion scholar main - tural suggests that we don’t need to biological good-naturedness so be out in early 2016. tion before the 18th-century En - tained that a scapegoat must be alter our co-operative nature but to we can get to the 13,749 gazil - found to resolve societal strife. The address perversions of it. lionth human encounter of co- scapegoat is then expunged in a One perversion comes not operation and kindness.

PRAIRIE MESSENGER PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

KAPOOR, SELNES, & KLIMM Barristers & Solicitors John Schachtel W. Selnes, B.A., LL.B.; 1201 - 8th St. East G. Klimm, B.A., LL.B.; Saskatoon, Sask. J. Streeton, B. Comm., LL.B. (306) 978-5200 Phone (306) 752-5777, P.O. Box 2200 Melfort, Saskatchewan S0E 1A0   
  Phone (306) 873-4535, P.O. Box 760     Tisdale, Saskatchewan S0E 1T0 
     WeBer        
 B&arr iGsteras &S SPoliecitrors russel Weber (B.A., LL.B.) MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK tabbetha m. Gasper (B.A., LL.B.) FUNERAL HOME 517 Main Street, Humboldt, Sask. Phone: 306-682-5038 HWY 5 EAST HUMBOLDT Humboldt’s only 100% Fax: 306-682-5538 locally owned and operated. E-mail: [email protected] PH : 306-682-1622 Assante Financial raYNer aGeNCieS ltd. Management Ltd. www.rayneragencies.ca Est. 1948 Peter Martens, FICB 301 - 500 Spadina Crescent East General insurance Broker Systems Ltd. Financial Advisor Saskatoon, SK S7K 4H9 motor licences & Notary Public T: (306) 665-3244 1000 Central Avenue, Saskatoon Hearing Aid Sales, Service & Repair Cara Martens, CFP Your Best Insurance 1-800-465-2100 Is An Insurance Broker Financial Advisor Phone: 306-373-0663 Ph: 306.979.4543 #16-1945 McKercher Dr. E: [email protected] Shawn Wasylenko Norbert Wasylenko Cell: 306.881.8602 Saskatoon, SK S7J 4M4

VOLUNTEER INTERNATIONAL Muenster, Sask. CHRISTIAN SERVICE MAURICE SOULODRE S0K 2Y0 requires Teachers, Administrators, Medical Professionals and Architect Ltd. Ph: 306-682-1770 Trades People, aged 21 - 65. If you are interested in serving Fax: 306-682-5285 Maurice Soulodre , B.A., B.Ed., M.Arch., SAA, MRAIC Fine Quality Printing overseas for two years, we may have an 1815C Lorne Ave., Saskatoon, SK S7H 1Y5 [email protected] assignment for you! Please call 306-374-2717, Email: [email protected] or visit our Tel: (306) 955-0333 Fax: (306) 955-0549 Place your professional ad here Website at www.volunteerinternational.ca E-mail: [email protected] Call 306-682-1772 12 Prairie Messenger FEATURE December 9, 2015 Canadians rally to welcome Syrian refugees

Nations says that seven million also needs more support. The UN for their dreamed-of caliphate; have been internally displaced. has been forced to limit rations other countries, including Iran Another four million who fled the and to shut down entirely in some and Saudi Arabia, are engaged in country have become convention areas because it lacks money to a proxy war in Syria; and finally Pulpit refugees, while many others purchase food. The world’s gov - the United States, Russia, France remain undocumented. Most of ernments must step up their and Canada have all been bomb - & Politics these people are living in neigh - humanitarian assistance and indi - ing at will. Ironically, our bombs bouring countries which can ill viduals can also donate to organi - are partly responsible for creating Dennis Gruending afford to support them: 1.5 mil - zations such as the Humanitarian at least some of the refugees who lion in Lebanon — about one Coalition, the Mennonite Central we will now be accepting in refugee for every four Lebanese; Committee or the Red Cross, all Canada. 1.4 million in Jordan; and 1.9 of them credible organizations No turning back It is heartening to see months in terms of government million in Turkey. involved on the ground. Canadians rallying to welcome sponsorships. Humanitarian assistance Political solution A political resolution to the Syrian refugees, but before we That political deception aside, conflict remains elusive so in the congratulate ourselves too hearti - private sponsors appear ready to We must resettle Syrian Ultimately, however, the solu - interim we should continue to ly we should acknowledge that do their share to help out. I fre - refugees, but that is only part of tion must be a political and diplo - resettle refugees and provide our contributions are modest and quently attend at an Ottawa church the solution. There is an urgent matic one which ends the civil humanitarian assistance. We can - the need is great. In the 2015 which decided recently to sponsor need for humanitarian assistance war in Syria. The Assad dictator - not turn away. I overheard a reset - election campaign, the Liberals related families involving nine allowing people to remain in host ship continues to attack and bomb tlement co-ordinator for a rashly promised to provide for Syrians. The cost to the congrega - countries such as Lebanon until its own people; ISIS and other Canadian NGO say recently that 25,000 government-sponsored tion to support the new arrivals for they can go back home. The jihadist groups are carving out this is a marathon and not a refugees by Dec. 31, 2015. one year will be approximately United Nations Food Program large portions of Syria and Iraq sprint. Immigration Minister John $60,000, but nobody blinked and McCallum has now announced the motion to proceed was accept - that this deadline cannot be met ed unanimously. and it has been moved back. That Vetting refugees is sensible, but it also represents a sleight of hand. Unfortunately, recent despica - Revised plan ble attacks in Beirut, Paris and Mali have created some fear and The revised plan is for Ottawa uncertainty in Canada regarding to sponsor 15,000 Syrians by Syrian and other refugees. Those March 1, 2016, and to rely on pri - attacks, however, were carried out vate sponsorships, including faith for the most part by homegrown groups, for the remaining 10,000. terrorists and not refugees. What’s McCallum has also promised an more, the Canadian government additional 10,000 government will accept only those Syrians sponsorships by the end of 2016. already in refugee camps and who That means it will take the have been vetted by both the Liberals 15 months to accomplish United Nations and Canadian offi - what they promised to do in three cials. In fact, Canada’s priority will be to accept women, children and families but it will refuse to con - A shorter version of this post sider most single men as govern - appeared on the United Church ment-sponsored refugees. This is Observer website (www.ucobserv - discriminatory and not necessary er.org) on Nov. 26, 2015. given all of the safeguards in place. Gruending is an Ottawa-based Millions displaced writer and a former member of CNS/Alkis Konstantinidis, Reuters Parliament. His blog can be Millions of Syrians have been We CaNNOt tUrN aWaY — a Syrian refugee carries her child in a thermal blanket as refugees and found at http://www.dennisgru - driven from their homes by migrants arrive Nov. 10 on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of lesbos. the extensive vetting ending.ca armed conflict. The United process that all refugees undergo before arriving in Canada means there is no threat to Canadians’ safety. Contemplation amidst the sanctuary of pines and poplar

spawned by comparison — the I built a fire, got up a sufficient woods, resent their capacity to grand consumerist levelling. base of heat and gave the branch - engulf me, reduce me, and re - There are, of course, many es, top, and decaying pieces to the mind me of my incapacity and ways to find a place of centring flames. The rest I cut into split - contingency. and renewal. For me reflection is ting lengths and stacked between But then there are times I best found in the wild. the trunks of two trees. stay still, lie on my back and Porch Light I used to find reasonably re - I spent the rest of the day watch the sky through the scaf - mote trails west of our city. Now, clearing deadfall from a trail, folding of spruce and poplar and Stephen Berg more often than not, I head to the tending my fire, watching squir - allow all this to wash over and few acres of bush I’ve been rels and making peace with a pair away. I know then I’ve been blessed with. of agitated northern goshawks called here to give up my gnaw - Thomas Merton, who wrote as Contemplation is not a mecha - Resisting the impulse to tackle whose territory I had obviously ing need for approval, to accept much as anyone about the con - nism for getting answers, or fash - the wild and accomplish some - invaded. They flew to trees near - my acceptance, relearn the art templative life, stated somewhere ioning a strategy for life. It is thing, I try simply to take my by and squawked at me at from of listening and regain my love that nothing can be said about simply the practice of clearing an news-hollowed mind and traffic- above. After an hour or so they for creation and her occupants silence and solitude that has not avenue between the creative heart addled bones to where things like received me, or dismissed me — through what the monastics call already been said better by the of the divine, or the transcendent to grow on their own — to see I was fine either way. otium sanctum , serious play, wind through the pine trees. heart of creation, and our own what comes. My sanctuary is here in the holy leisure. The ancient Hebrew poets yearning hearts. The late fall morning ru- woods. I meet myself and touch agree. When they ask us to con - There is something in this un - moured more rain, but by noon a something transcendent with the template the handiwork of the derstanding that keeps me coming breeze came up, the sky cleared, aid of hawk and squirrel, rain and creator in the natural world we back to the woods. and the sun reached me through woods, sun and blossom. To advertise in the are not asked to tighten our grip The city has its captivating the trees. Here, not drawn and quartered on Intelligent Design theory. delights and its conglomerate I took down a poplar that was by the arbitrary, or played by Prairie energy, but too long in its palm sick at the core. Carpenter ants had impulse and caprice, I taste, in can jangle nerve endings, sear the made a general go of it at the base some way, the domain of possibili - Messenger Berg works for Hope Mission, ears, and stampede the pulse. of the trunk and had constricted ty. call a social care facility for homeless Without a reorienting break, sap flow. The tree was choking But I’ve also dropped out, not people in Edmonton’s inner city. downtown’s ubiquitous plate- and, unlike the ants, would not last taken the risk of self-discovery 306-682-1772 His poetry and prose have been in glass mirrors will surely distract, many more seasons. I notched the inherent in the risk of solitude. or fax staged performances and have disquiet, belittle you; and too tree’s north side close to its natural For it’s also possible to let dis - 306-682-5285 long in the suburbs will drain the lean, then with one slant cut on the traction follow you into the appeared in such publications as email: the Edmonton Journal, Orion, colour from your imagination. south side it collapsed — grateful - woods — to bring possessive - [email protected] Geez, and Earth Shine. He blogs Without the fuel of reflection ly I thought — along my intended ness instead of receptiveness; to at growmercy.org we yield to the competition path. bring one’s insecurities to the December 9, 2015 CHURCH AT HOME Prairie Messenger 13 Upside of insomnia is finishing stacks of novels

Then there’s the Jesus prayer: you should get up and do some - have been abused by Smith when “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, thing, otherwise your body will he picked him up as a hitchhiker. have mercy on me, a sinner.” I’ve come to equate being in bed with Formal charges were never Around the recited a good few hundred of not sleeping. My body made that brought, as Smith settled the cases those as well, trying to get to connection long ago. Still, I often through his insurance company, Kitchen Table sleep, but I find my mind making get up in the night and cruise the but the allegations were enough to up little tunes for each line, which Internet. Ear buds ensure that I end his television career. is distracting, and I can only don’t disturb the rest of the family. He died in 2004, yet he still Donald Ward imagine what Jesus is thinking, if I enjoy watching cooking goes on — at two and three and he’s still listening by that time. shows. Back in the I once counted backward from ‘80s there was a You can only say so many sleep?” asks the angel. 500 to one, telling myself with flamboyant chef rosaries. My record is five in a “I could,” says Mary, “But each breath that I would fall called the Frugal row, one after the other. I can that’s not the point. You’re sup - asleep at one. I didn’t. Gour met, whose imagine Mary saying to one of posed to be attentive during the Insomnia manifests itself in weekly half-hour pre - the angels, “It’s Ward again. He’s rosary, meditating on the myster - many ways, but basically it comes sentations are now trying to get to sleep.” ies. Half the time Ward doesn’t down to the inability to sleep — available on You - “Can’t you just put him to even know what mystery he’s on.” to fall asleep, to stay asleep, to Tube. Jeff Smith, his sleep restfully or deeply. Google name was. He had a “sleep disorders” and you get over degree in philosophy and sociology, and Dynamic, growing parish seeks full-time 21 million hits. Google “insom - nia” and you get nearly 55 mil - was an ordained min - lion, so it’s not rare. According to ister in the United Youth Minister one source, some 40 million Methodist Church. Christ the Redeemer Parish in Swift Current, Sask., Americans suffer from it, and we His TV program ran for a total of 261 epi - is looking to hire a dynamic, faith filled individual with a heart can assume that a comparable sodes, though only a for young people and their families. number of Canadians do as well. I envy people who can fall fraction of those are The successful candidate will be: asleep the minute their head available on You - G a faithfully practising Catholic touches the pillow. My wife, Tube. I have watched G willing to engage in ongoing training Colleen, can lie down and go to each of them at least G possess excellent interpersonal, organizational and sleep whenever the fancy takes twice. D. Ward communication skills her. Mind you, she is suffering He was once criti - BedSide readiNG — the upside of insom - G able to work well both independently and as part of a from a brain injury, and they are cized for being nei - nia, writes donald Ward, is that you can get an team. notoriously exhausting. But even ther frugal nor a awful lot of reading done. before her aneurysm, I can gourmet. His re - Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience and remember only one night of all sponse was that being frugal didn’t four o’clock in the morning. education. our married life together when she mean that you were cheap or only Perhaps his sins have been forgiv - en. Perhaps mine will be, too. In For further info contact: had trouble sleeping. It is a gift. cooked with inexpensive ingredi - the meantime, I read and watch Jackie at Christ the Redeemer Parish (306)773-9524. On the upside, you can get an ents, but that you threw nothing awful lot of reading done when away. Following this philosophy the Internet and I pray, waiting for Please send resumé and references to: you’re not sleeping. My bedside has sometimes made me want to blessed sleep. Whatever happens, Youth Minister Committee library is teetering with books gag — such as when he prepared all this prayer can’t be bad for me. c/o Christ the Redeemer Parish that I have finished reading in the pig’s intestines — but still, he Shortage of 600 Circle Drive middle of the night. I prefer mys - always makes me smile. Swift Current, SK S9H 4E1 tery novels, though I occasionally Smith fell from grace when Email: [email protected] resort to the classics. I finished seven men charged him with sex - priests an issue two one night before giving up ual abuse. Six of them claimed he Deadline for submissions is . December 31, 2015 and getting out of bed. abused them as teenagers in the Continued from page 3 They say that if you can’t sleep 1970s; the seventh claimed to large area, they also have an inade - quate number of priests to serve them — slightly more than one priest to every 1,000 Catholics. BOSCO FOUNDATION Not only “is there a shortage of John Bosco priests,” he said, the eight already Child & Family Services Foundation serving in the diocese are reli - gious order priests meaning that The John Bosco Child and Family Services Foundation (Bosco “they are only there for a short Foundation) is a public foundation dedicated to the provision of period of time.” Born in Lima, Peru, Vila is the buildings and facilities used for the treatment, education and youngest of 10 siblings and in housing of children, adolescents and adults who are in need of 1979 came to Canada with his support. father at the age of 16. Eventually Bosco Foundation believes in assisting non-profit and charitable Vila would study mechanical engi - organizations who provide vital services which aid vulnerable neering at Toronto’s George Brown Col lege followed by a people in our society. We do this by providing our facilities to career in the field. various non-profit and charitable agencies at below market level Then in 1988, less then 10 rental rates. years after immigrating to Our facilities are used for social services group care, foster Canada, Vila headed to Rome where he had been accepted to care, adult mental health care, the St. Francis Food Bank, two study at the Redemptoris Mater AA groups and a NE Edmonton cadet core among others. Missionary Seminary. In addition, we provide volunteer services to assist two small non- In 1995 St. John Paul II or - profit organizations working with low income seniors and victims dained Vila, welcoming him into the priesthood. Upon returning to of stroke with fundraising and volunteer recruitment assistance. Canada in 1998 Vila took over as The Bosco Foundation is currently working with a large service rector of the Redemptoris Mater organization on a joint project with the aim of providing seminary in Toronto where he has affordable housing for low-income seniors. remained. “Coming from the Diocesan 100% of donations go toward charitable purposes. Missionary Redemptoris Mater Administrative expenses are covered by other sources. Seminary in Rome established by St. John Paul II, I was humbled by Please forward your donation to: this new call to serve God’s peo - Bosco Foundation ple in the Diocese of White horse, 315-6770 129 Avenue NW, in knowing that God has a plan Edmonton, AB T5C 1V7 N and will guide me on His path,” Tel: (780) 809-8585 Fax: (780) 809-8586 said Vila. www.boscofoundation.com “I look forward to this new *Charitable Tax Number: 85985 8664 RT0001* mission.” 14 Prairie Messenger EDITORIALS December 9, 2015

God is full of mercy committed. And you will know that I am Yahweh, shall be patient with you, rather than destroy you” (Is when I treat you as respect for my own name 48:9). Pope Francis initiated the Year of Mercy by requires, and not as your wicked behaviour and cor - This picture of a God merciful beyond our com - opening the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica on rupt actions deserve” (Jerusalem Bible, 20:44). prehension is best portrayed in Jesus’ parable of the Dec. 8. This scriptural message challenges our usual Prodigal Son. The younger son expected nothing on He wants the Year of Mercy to usher in a “revo - human reaction and our need to get even for any hurt returning home, not even his father’s love. But his lution of tenderness.” It’s not just a church door he done to us. “An eye for an eye. . . .” father threw a feast. We are flabbergasted, as was the wants to open; it’s the door of tenderness in our Pre-Christian philosophers like Plato, Aristotle elder son. hearts. and the Stoics tended to regard mercy, pity and The Second Letter to Timothy reflects Ezekiel’s The pope explained that he is highlighting God’s compassion as useless sentimentalism. Mercy for insight: “If we are faithless, God remains faithful — mercy because the world “needs to discover that God Aristotle was not a virtue, but a weakness of the for he cannot deny himself” (2 Tim 2:13). is father, that there is mercy, that cruelty is not the elderly and children. For the Stoics, it was a mental Spiritual author Rev. Richard Rohr captures path, that condemnation is not the path. . . . Because aberration. By way of contrast, Cicero rejected the how difficult it is for humans to switch to an “econ - the church herself sometimes follows a hard line, she Stoic conception of mercy as absurd; for him omy of grace.” He writes: “We base almost every - falls into the temptation of following a hard line, into mercy was an index of wisdom, morality and good - thing in human culture on achievement, perfor - the temptation of underlining only moral norms, but ness. mance, accomplishment, an equal exchange value, so many people remain on the outside.” The Old Testament portrays God’s anger as or some kind of worthiness gauge.” He says we Any meditation for the Year of Mercy could well short-lived, but his mercy as everlasting. For exam - need to “experience a dramatic and personal break - begin with a reflection on the message of the Old ple, psalm 103 says: “God does not treat us as our ing of the rules of merit (forgiveness or undeserved Testament prophet Ezekiel. He says: “You will sins deserve, nor repay us as befits our offences.” goodness)” to operate outside the rigid logic of our remember your past behaviour and all the actions by The prophet Isaiah, proclaimed repeatedly in our human culture. which you have defiled yourselves, and you will Advent liturgies, says, “For the sake of my name I Mercy is more than a gift. It is also a personal loathe yourselves for all the wrongs which you have shall defer my anger, for the sake of my honour I challenge, to a new way of acting. — PWN Prophetic voices calling for ‘new paths’ in Paris are squashed by fear

As tragic as these bombings with concern for all and without East, spreading while not con - are, it was the nature of the prejudice toward coming genera - tributing to ISIS recruit- Paris coverage that generated a tions” (53). ment. ISIS looses. deep fear gripping my gut and France’s prime minister has Now, all that is at risk. Soul heart. announced that events during this The long-planned march on Why? Summit will be limited to “core Nov. 29 of 200,000+ from around Mending Then it struck me. negotiations.” the world was threatened. Paris — it cannot be! This threatens all public events The numerous concerts cele - ISIS knows us well. It certain - to pressure our leaders to negoti - brating life with dignity for all Yvonne A. Zarowny ly knows how to push the buttons ate effective “new paths” to Creation are at risk. of most of our leaders, media, and achieve the kinds of deep struc - Surveillance restricts people’s “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing. . . . war/surveillance technology prof - tural changes required. capacity to take actions drawing You will know them by their fruits.” iteers. As outlined in Laudato Si’ , attention to the numerous authen - Matthew 7:15/16 By the time you read this, constructively addressing the real tic sustainable modes of develop - Paris will be or have hosted the existential threat to our and all ment that enable us to have high - As I write this, western media Why is that? vitally important COP21 Climate other earthlings that is anthro - er qualities of life for all. is doing near hysterical 24/7 cov - In Canada the Opposition Summit. pogenic climate change — is The president of the U.S. erage of the tragic loss of 129 leader is calling for the Liberals If these power brokers do not more complex that merely reduc - states these attacks were against “innocent” lives and the injuring to reverse their promise to with - agree to implement an effective ing greenhouse gases. “all humanity” and the “universal of another 300+ in Paris. draw our jets from the U.S.-led strategy to address the root If we make the necessary values we share.” The president of France has bombing missions. These are causes of the environmental structural changes to stop our Given the real threat anthro - declared war on ISIS/ISIL. ISIS killing or maiming hundreds of devastation our current domi - rabid environmental devastation, pogenic climate change is to us, wins. thousands of “innocents” while nant mode of development we would also be starting to and how much fossil fuel is burnt Very occasionally there is not containing or degrading requires, we will continue to effectively address the root causes mention of the ISIS bombing of ISIS/ISIL. careen toward self-destruction. of the quagmire that is the Middle — eCOSYStem , page 15 mostly Muslim “innocents” in Why? These missions help ISIS wins. Beirut and Bagdad in the days ISIS recruitment. Laudato Si’ states: “The prob - Thousands of Canadian before Paris. Others are calling for the lem is that we still lack the cul - There was no hysterical cover - Liberals to reverse their election ture needed to confront this crisis. kids end up in foster care age of these tragedies; no build - promise to take in 25,000 We lack leadership capable of ings lit up in the colour of their refugees. Islamophobia spreads. striking out on new paths and flags to show solidarity. ISIS wins. meeting the needs of the present By marni Brownell and It is difficult to know how to Neeta das mcmurtry, Winnipeg improve outcomes for kids in care troy media if we don’t keep track of what is going on. Some analysts say child What happens when authorities welfare systems suffer from determine that children can’t live underfunding, staffing cuts and safely with their own parents or not enough foster families or caregivers? resources to support them. But Thousands of Canadian children policy-makers have a difficult go into foster homes or other types time identifying best practices and of out-of-home care on behalf of deciding what to fund without sta - child welfare agencies. But we tistics to measure possible out - don’t know how many, nor do we comes. know how well they are doing. What we know Canada does not keep reliable national statistics on kids in care, In 2011, the National House - instead relying on provincial hold Survey counted approxi - reporting. But each province has mately 30,000 foster kids in its own child welfare policy and Canada. This single-day count its own definition of children in does not include children in other care, which may not include other types of out-of-home care, such as types of out-of-home care, such as group care. Also, statisticians cau - care from family relatives (kin - tion that voluntary surveys such ship care) or group homes. as this often result in less accurate data from low-responding groups such as indigenous peoples, new Brownell is an expert advisor immigrants and low-income fami - CNS/Edgardo Ayala with EvidenceNetwork.ca and a lies. In 2007, the Canadian Child SalVadOraNS marK aNNiVerSarY OF ChUrChWOmeN — U.S. delegates and Salvadorans senior research scientist with the march in procession dec. 2 in Santiago Nonualco, el Salvador, to the spot where four churchwomen Manitoba Centre for Health Welfare Research Portal reviewed were murdered by guardsmen in 1980. a memorial service was held in this rural community to com - Policy (MCHP). McMurtry, a provincial annual reports and count - memorate the 35th anniversary of their killings. Salvadoran National Guardsman abducted, raped and freelance writer, specializes in ed more than 65,000 Cana dian chil - murdered maryknoll Sisters ita Ford and maura Clarke, Ursuline Sister dorothy Kazel and Cleveland making academic and scientific dren in care on a single day. lay missionary Jean donovan. they were among 75,000 people who died in el Salvador during a decade writing accessible to broader of violent conflict. audiences. www.troymedia.com — CaNada , page 15 December 9, 2015 LETTERS Prairie Messenger 15

We fear what we don’t know, especially foreign immigrants

the editor: I feel compelled seem to reflect the same fears and Instead of believing falsehoods to write this letter after hearing anxieties that many are feeling and rumours on the Internet how the many false and misleading today in regard to new immigrants about stepping out of your com - statements currently circulating and people of different faiths, par - fort zone and visiting a local on the Internet and in the press ticularly Muslims. The fears and mosque or volunteering at one of pertaining to Muslims and their anxieties of the 20s led to thou - the local agencies that work so Islamic faith. sands of Saskatchewan citizens hard to settle newcomers. It reminds me of quotes from taking out memberships with the As Rev. Ron Rolheiser wrote Bill Waisers’ book, Saskatche wan: Ku Klux Klan, as it supported their in a recent column “In the name A New History. In the 1920s many xenophobia toward certain ethnic of truth and what’s best in us as feared the immigrants as they were and religious groups. Waiser Christians and Canadians, this is perceived as “dirty, ignorant, garlic writes, “By 1929, the Klan boasted the time to offer more, not less smelling continentals.” Others 25,000 members” (p 251). support for Muslims. We all have feared “the country becoming a We need to move away from the same God and are part of the mongrel nation.” And still others labelling and demonizing certain same family. More than ever we “blamed them for an increase in ethnic, political and religious must offer our understanding, crime and for spreading commu - groups. It is in giving in to anxi - sympathy, support and fellowship J. Weber nism” (pages 248 - 249). ety and fear that we increase the in faith.” — Sheila murray, These quotes from the 1920s probability of conflict. Saskatoon While looking east Light falls Cost to earth’s ecosystem is neglected in between hand out and coin, flesh and spirit, Continued from page 14 ports life with dignity for all its meeting of the world’s richest dream and act, co-habitants. nation-states — whose militaries young and old, each time a jet takes off on a At the G20 meeting in Turkey, tend to defend the “rights” of the red lights and green lights, bombing mission, I really have to Obama stated: “ISIL is the face of world’s richest global corpora - city lights and rural nights, wonder what these values are. evil.” tions — no matter the cost to your rights and my rights, Based on the “fruits” we are That is the same language earth’s ecosystems of which we centre and edge. experiencing, obviously they ISIS/ISIL uses to describe “us” humans are a part. don’t include peace, inclusive — western civilization. To me, they are all false Always falls, economies or a planet that sup - Let us remember the G20 is a prophets — except for the ones always bends, like Francis who are calling for in between honest dialogue enabling us to co- here and Open doors of your hearts create a variety of authentically Bethlehem. sustainable economies. By Michael Dallaire Continued from page 1 est generation Ultra HD 4K resolu - We risk voices of hope and tion as well as HD, 3D and stan - compassion being drowned out “The wounded are to be treated, dard definition. by those of fear and hate. helped to heal, not subjected to cho - With the appropriate displays or It is tempting to become a Canada tops kids in care lesterol tests,” he said, meaning a TVs, people will be able to watch cynic — or despair the “human too narrow scrutiny of minutiae events with increased depth and condition.” Continued from page 14 many kids in care? delays staving off the broader dis - detail, and, for the opening of the Laudato Si’ reminds us each “is Canada (like the U.S.) favours a ease of conflict and indifference. Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica called to be instruments of God.” More recent provincial data “child safety” approach to chil - He once illustrated the same con - Dec. 8, 19 cameras were to be What can a person aching to tell us that Canada has one of the dren’s welfare. This means that if a cept by painting a visual image of deployed to capture every angle, be faithful to the Divine do in highest rates of kids in care in the welfare agency identifies a child at pastors who prefer to coif and comb including a unique papal point of such charged, challenging world. risk, he or she is removed from the the wool of the tiny flock in the view. times? Let’s take Manitoba, which has home. Child welfare agencies rely pews rather than seek the sheep that The Vatican also planned to set One thing is after experiencing reliable statistics on the issue. In on foster homes and other types of are outside in danger or lost. up 4K screens in a prison in Milan, your moment or two of fear or 2014, Manitoba Family Services placements to provide temporary, “I believe this is the time for a hospital in Rome and possibly in despair to not let it consume you. reported more than 10,000 children day-to-day care for children until mercy. We are all sinners, we all the Holy Land so people who are Express it — literally — and in care. Alarmingly, by age seven, the risks of abuse or neglect are carry burdens within us. I felt physically confined could feel part then become a channel for loving, 7.5 per cent of all Manitoba chil - resolved. But with so many kids in Jesus wants to open the door of his of the opening ceremony. hope-filled social transformation. dren have been in care at some care, securing quality out-of-home heart,” he said in the magazine From the very start of his pon - Don’t “like” or “share” the point. Manitoba’s rate of out-of- care is a challenge across Canada. interview. tificate, Pope Francis has been numerous variations of “hate/fear home care for children under 11 Australia and several Euro pean The opening of the holy doors showing what the way of mercy speech” flying about Facebook. years old was 10 times higher than countries take more of a “family in Rome and around the world will means. Do gently and respectfully that of Western Australia. Manitoba welfare” approach. When a child be a symbol of how Jesus is open - The pope’s very first Angelus challenge your group of friends, rates of care for children during the is at risk, the whole family is ing the door of his heart. address and homily in 2013 cen - faith community or through your first year of their lives are also high - given intensive home support to In fact, dioceses have been tred on mercy, as he explained God local paper — any reduction of the er than Sweden, Western Australia, try to remove risks while the child asked to designate and open their always waits for that day of awak - complexities of the threats con - England, New Zealand and the U.S. stays with the family. Sweden’s own Door of Mercy in a cathedral, ening and conversion, then for - fronting us to simplistic good/evil Manitoba is not alone. For child and family well-being policy an important church or sanctuary. gives everything. The real problem categories . . . particularly scenar - example, in 2013, Association des has made remarkable progress in The pope also will send out from is people — not God — who give ios where “we” are always the Centres Jeunesse de Quebec reducing child poverty and family Rome “missionaries of mercy” — up on forgiveness, he said. “good” or the “persecuted.” reported 11,250 children in kin - violence, two major risk factors priests mandated to the world’s But mercy changes everything, Do take good care of your pre - ship care, foster care and group for child welfare. peripheries to show patience and he said; it “makes the world a little cious heart. care. In 2012, the Saskatchewan It’s time we took a dramatic compassion in their ministry. less cold and more just.” For me, that includes playing a government reported 6,738 chil - new approach to kids in care and Such gestures suggest the pope He said in the magazine inter - tune by the young Vancouver dren in out-of-home care. overhauled our system to focus on still wants people to avoid the view that one Friday of every group Delhi to Dublin: “Love is We also know that not all preventing rather than reacting to expense of travel — like his post- month during the Year of Mercy “I the hero.” Canadian children are equally child maltreatment. That requires election suggestion to fans back will make a different gesture” that Then resume the thankless task likely to be placed in care. The federal leadership to develop a home in Argentina to give to the shows God’s mercy. He had asked of trying to enable loving, life- First Nations Child and Family national strategy that ensures our poor the money they would have the world’s young people to redis - affirming relationships with all Caring Society of Canada esti - most vulnerable citizens are treat - spent for a trip. cover the corporal and spiritual Creation to be the fruit flowing mates that indigenous children ed as valued and respected mem - To help people at home feel works of mercy, like feeding the from our social structures — comprise 30 to 40 per cent of kids bers of our society. “just like being there” in Rome, hungry and counselling the doubt - including our economies. in care even though Aboriginals There is no greater folly than the Vatican television centre will ful, and choose one to practise Anything less would mean I comprise less than five per cent of wasting the potential of our chil - start broadcasting major papal each month as they prepare for am following a false prophet. the total population of Canada. dren — or worse, putting them at events during the Holy Year in lat - World Youth Day in July. What about you? So why does Canada have so risk.

Editor: Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB 306-682-1772 Subscriptions: $37.00 per year (45 issues); $67.00 for two years; tax included; U.S. $126.00 per year. Foreign $152.00 per year. Associate editors: Maureen Weber , Single copy: $1.00 GST#10780 2928 RT0001 Don Ward Copy and advertising should arrive 12 days before publication date. Layout artist: Lucille Stewart Change of address: Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing and send Advertising: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 both old and new addresses. Circulation: Gail Kleefeld 306-682-1772 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Website: http://www.prairiemessenger.ca Circulation Department Regina diocesan editor: Frank Flegel 306-586-7316, 306-352-1651 100 College Drive, Box 190, Muenster, Sask., S0K 2Y0 Saskatoon diocesan editor: Kiply Lukan Yaworski 306-242-1500, 306-651-3935 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada Prince Albert: Chancery Office 306-922-4747 through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Fax: (306) 682-5285 [email protected] Member of Winnipeg diocesan editor: James Buchok 204-452-2227 Heritage. Published by the Benedictine monks of St. Peter’s Abbey. Canadian Church Press Saint-Boniface Chancery Office 204-237-9851 and the CCNA Printed by St. Peter’s Press, Muenster, Sask. CN ISSN 0032-664X Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 16 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS December 9, 2015 Africans seek ‘just and clear’ global climate accord

By James martone opens our eyes to our situation” of which were already “unavoid - November trip to Africa, Pope that should push people across able,” accord or no accord, the Francis said it would be tanta - CAIRO (CNS) — Africa is the region to speak loudly about World Bank said. mount to “a suicide” if a global cli - among the world’s regions most environmental issues. It said those included “the loss mate accord is not reached soon. in need of a “just and clear” glob - “We need development pro - of cropland, a decline in crop pro - Many scientists argue that an al accord to combat climate gram that respects the environ - duction, worsening undernourish - increase in natural disasters such change, Egyptian President Abdel ment and is tailored to the African ment, higher drought risks and a as flooding, droughts and rising Fattah el-Sisi told the UN climate context,” Barbara told Catholic decline in fish catches.” sea levels across the world are all conference in Paris. News Service at the time. The conference gathers more but inevitable if limits are not “All African nations are con - “It is important that we do not than 150 countries and hundreds of placed on the greenhouse gases tributing less to the total harmful copy the development model used other concerned groups from causing global warming. emissions and are the most affected in other parts of the world as we around the world, including com - But those gases are caused by by climate change,” he told other now know what happens when munities of Catholic priests, nuns fossil fuels, which many poor global leaders at the gathering. development goes ahead with no and laypeople working against the countries depend on for energy The summit aims to achieve a regard for consequences,” he said. backdrop of Laudato Si’ , which and income. Any agreement on legally binding and universal Sisi, who leads a climate argues that a change of heart is global warming must therefore agreement on measures to stem change committee of African necessary to protect the earth and contain measures that safeguard climate change and protect the leaders at the UN, has presented all its inhabitants. the poor, through financing and environment. his and other African initiatives On the way home from his late- technology, say their advocates. Earlier this year in Cairo, minis - to face climate change and called ters and delegates from 54 African CNS/Yoan Valat, EPA for international technical and Pope lauds patriarch’s nations committed themselves to President abdel Fattah el-Sisi financial support to help the con - reaching a binding climate change tinent’s different countries face agreement in Paris, but they indi - by 2100 along the Indian and climate change impacts. commitment to creation cated that any accord would need Atlantic Ocean coastlines, with “Africa demands an interna - to reflect Africa’s “priorities and particularly high numbers of peo - tional, just and clear agreement By Junno arocho esteves the feast of St. Andrew the Apos - aspirations,” the UN Environment ple at risk of flooding in the coastal that considers disparity of bur - tle, the patriarchate’s patron saint. Program reported at the time. The cities of Mozam bique, Tanzania, dens between developed and VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In his message, the pope report highlighted worst-case sce - Cameroon, Egypt, Senegal and developing countries,” Sisi said Pope Francis conveyed his grati - recalled his visit to Turkey last year narios for Africa if global warming Morocco,” the report warned. on the opening day of the Nov. 30 tude to Orthodox Ecumenical in which he celebrated the liturgical went unabated: After Pope Francis’ June - Dec. 11 conference. Patriarch Bartholomew of Con- feast with the Orthodox patriarch, If temperatures increase by four encyclical, Laudato Si’ , on Care Leading up to the UN confer - stantinople for his commitment to saying that it was “a moment of degrees Celsius, “projections for for Our Common Home, Bishop ence, the World Bank announced peace and reconciliation between grace” that renewed “the bonds of Africa suggest sea levels could rise Emanuel Barbara of Malindi, a plan of action to help Africa the Catholic and Orthodox friendship with you and with the faster than the global average and Kenya, described the pope’s mes - deal with increased poverty due churches as well as his commit - church over which you preside.” reach 80 cm above current levels sage as a “radical encyclical that to climate change impacts, some ment to the care of creation. Although there are differences “I wish to express my deep that have not yet been resolved, appreciation for your holiness’s Pope Francis noted that there is Poor invited to Vatican movie premiere fervent commitment to the critical no obstacle “which cannot be issue of care for creation, for overcome through prayer, the By Junno arocho esteves ing fans trying to catch a glimpse took place in the Vatican audience which your sensitivity and aware - purification of hearts, dialogue of their favourite actors. hall Dec. 1 and those considered ness is an exemplary witness for and the affirmation of truth.” VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At the Vatican, however, a celebrities in the eyes of the pope Catholics,” the pope said in a The pope also praised Patriarch The usual fanfare that comes with movie premiere is not your typi - were in attendance. written message delivered Nov. Bartholomew’s dedication to the the world premiere of a movie is cal star-studded event. “To this exceptional premiere, 30 to the patriarch in Istanbul. protection and care of the environ - pretty standard: the lights and The world premiere of Call the Holy Father wished to invite The pope’s message was given ment, calling him an example for cameras, the celebrities walking Me Francesco, the first movie the poor, the homeless, refugees to Patriarch Bartholomew by Catholics. The World Day of down the red carpet and scream - based on the life of Pope Francis, and the people most in need, Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of Prayer for the Care of Creation, together with the volunteers, reli - the Pontifical Council for Pro - celebrated by both churches Sept. gious and lay people, who work moting Christian Unity, who led a 1, he said, “is a hopeful sign for daily in charity,” a statement from Vatican delegation to Istanbul for Catholics and Orthodox.” the papal almoner’s office said. Parishes and charitable associa - tions in Rome were given 7,000 tickets for the poor to attend the premiere at the Vatican. The night also included a concert featuring the Pontifical Swiss Guard’s musi - cal band. The papal almoner’s office said that many of the Swiss Guards offered to play during their free time as a gift to the homeless. The poor were also offered a brown-bag dinner “donated espe - cially for the occasion by several benefactors.” Directed by Italian filmmaker Daniele Luchetti, Call Me Fran - cesco details the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, from his hum - ble beginnings in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to his election to the papacy in 2013. At the premiere, Luchetti expressed his hope that the movie would be “an emotional moment” in following “the footsteps of a man we admire.” While all the details of the pope’s life are not known, the Italian director said he was optimistic that the film would CNS/Olivia Obineme explain “how he came to be and KCs dONate WiNter COatS — archbishop William e. lori of for what reasons.” Baltimore walks with children from Catholic Charities head Start David, one of the thousands of Nov. 30 after helping distribute 1,000 winter coats donated by the homeless people attending the Knights of Columbus to neighbourhood children at St. edward in CNS/Anto Akkara premiere said that it was “truly Baltimore. FlOOdS iN iNdia — archbishop George antonysamy of Chennai, emotional” to see the path fol - lowed by Pope Francis. “His way india, poses with an elderly woman near floodwaters surrounding St. Two choices go together: to stop climate change and antony’s Parish in Chennai, india. the heaviest rainfall in over a cen - of being close to the poor, close tury caused massive flooding across the region, driving thousands from to people in need and the endless curb poverty so that human dignity may flourish. their homes, shutting auto factories and paralyzing the airport in capi - struggle against evil” was particu - — Pope Francis in Dec. 6 Angelus talk tal Chennai. larly moving, he told CNS.