Looking ahead to Powerful calls to events as the examine voca- Extraordinary Jubilee tions in Glasgow Year of Mercy begins. and beyond. Pages 2, 6-7, 10-11 SUPPORTING 50 YEARS OF SCIAF, 1965-2015 Pages 2, 22

No 5650 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday December 11 2015 | £1

I As Pope Francis opens the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, Scotland prepares to follow his example Door opens to God’s mercy for all

By Ian Dunn

POPE Francis has said the Church must put mercy first as he opened a Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica and launched the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Pope was joined by Pope Emeri- tus Benedict XVI on Tuesday as he pushed open the doors and prayed on the threshold of the Basilica on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The year, from December 8 to the Feast of Christ the King next November, has been declared a jubilee year during which the faithful can receive blessing and pardon from God and remission of sins. Across the world Holy Doors will be opened in cathedrals and churches with St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow and St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh set to open their Holy Doors on Sunday. vinced of God’s mercy.” Archbishop Leo Cushley of St “But that is the truth,” he went on. Andrews and Edinburgh has said he “We have to put mercy before judge- hopes Catholics will re-embrace the ment, and in any event God’s judgement Sacrament of Confession in the Year will always be in the light of His mercy. of Mercy. In passing through the Holy Door, then, may we feel that we ourselves are part Launch of this mystery of love. Let us set aside Seventy thousand people attended Mass all fear and dread, for these do not befit in St Peter’s Square before the opening men and women who are loved. Instead, on Tuesday, which had very stringent let us experience the joy of encountering PIC: PAUL McSHERRY security including uniformed military that grace which transforms all things.” patrolling through the crowd. In his homily, the Pope said the Second Vatican Council Archbishop Leo Cushley lays out his plan to tour the ‘clusters’ of ARCHBISHOP GOES ON parishes in St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese with the help of Extraordinary Holy Year was a gift The Pope also paid tribute to the Second pupils from St Peter’s Primary School. In addition to meeting more of of grace. Vatican Council as ‘a genuine encounter the clergy and parishioners in the archdiocese, Archbishop Cushley “To pass through the Holy Door between the Church and the men and TOUR OF ST ANDREWS hopes the tour will help him assess the needs of the archdiocese for means to rediscover the infinite mercy women of our time.’ the future in terms of resources, clergy and so on, given that by 2020 he of the Father who welcomes everyone expects to have 33 diocesan priests but the archdiocese currently has I Continued on page 7 and goes out personally to encounter AND EDINBURGH 111 parishes. For report, see page 3. each of them,” he said. “This will be a I Editorial, page 9 year in which we grow ever more con- I News and opinion, page 6-7, 10,11

SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 Powerful vocations message from Glasgow’s Archbishop in uncertain times

ARCHBISHOP Philip long time now God has been senses and be saved, suggests Tartaglia of Glasgow cele- systematically denied and set St Paul in his epistle to the brated a special Mass for aside,” he said. “World leaders Romans. vocations on St Andrew’s are talking again of war and “But they will not ask his Feast Day and sent a power- destruction. The world appears help unless they believe in him, ful message at St Andrew’s unstable. The future is uncer- and they will not believe in him Cathedral in the city. tain. And these same leaders unless they have heard of him, “This call of Jesus to us to are gathering in Paris, where and they will not hear of him follow him is urgent,” he said these most recent terrorist unless they get a preacher, and during the vocations closing atrocities took place, to try to they will never have a preacher Mass, adding that we live in agree measures which will help unless one is sent.” So the challenging and difficult times limit anthropogenic climate question is: will it be you? Fol- following the likes of the Paris change… Once again, uncer- low me and I will make you massacres tainty, fear and the spectre of fishers of men. Will it be you? “Terrorism and murder are calamity abound. Will it be you who will offer the sign of a moral darkness “In this context, the world our brothers and sisters a help- which undoubtedly has many needs a word of peace, of light ing hand… other manifestations in our con- and of reason. The world needs “Will you come and help temporary society where for a the help of God to come to its me? I need your help.”

Schoenstatt Scotland SPOTLIGHT ON hosted Vespers and Benediction sung by Schola Cantorum of St Patrick’s Edinburgh for the Eve of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, December 2015 – November 2016.The principal Celebrant was Fr Joe Sullivan, parish priest at Holy Cross Croy, and the event included Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament PICS: PAUL McSHERRY

The Scottish hierarchy was well represented at the recent lecture by Francis Campbell at Glasgow University.The vice-chancellor of St Mary’s University London spoke on Catholic Education: Challenges and Opportunities at the event, hosted by The St Andrew’s Foundation. Leonardo Franchi, head of the foundation, was joined at the lecture by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia (right),Archbishop Leo Cushley (below) and Bishop John Keenan (below right) PICS: ROBERT WILSON

No 5652 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday Dec 25 2015-Jan 1 2016 | £2 DON’T MISS YOUR 48-PAGE SCO DOUBLE CHRISTMAS EDITION, IN PARISHES BY DECEMBER 25, PRICED £2

S

EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £175 total cost , no monthly charges. 200 Free channels including EWTN TV & Radio. Call Sky on 08442411602 for installation. Call EWTN on 020 83502542 or e-mail [email protected] for free monthly posted programme guide and Archbishop Philip Tartaglia joined Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty and pupils from John Paul II Primary School, Glasgow, to bless the 2015 Nativity crib on visit www.ewtn.co.uk for more info. display in George Square in the city centre PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER NEWS 3 Catholic education spokesman PIC: PAUL McSHERRY gives qualified support for new state-funded Muslim school

A CATHOLIC education over why there isn’t any state- spokesman has given funded Muslim school,” he said. qualified support to a bid to “I live in East Renfrewshire, create Scotland’s first state- which has great Catholic funded Muslim school. schools and where a new £13 The Al-Qalam school in million joint campus for Jewish Glasgow has submitted a and Catholic pupils. Considering proposal to First Minister the number of Muslim pupils Nicola Sturgeon to expand into around Glasgow many ask why secondary education with the we don’t have a faith-based help of public funding. school but where the national Michael McGrath, director of curriculum is taught.” the Scottish Catholic Education The school is the second this Service, said there was an year to contact the Scottish ‘understandable desire’ among Government with a proposal to some Scottish Muslims who do set up a state-funded facility not currently have access to state outside council control. -funded Islamic faith education. Ms Sturgeon is already “They see the positive impact considering proposals from of Catholic schools and wish to families in East Dunbartonshire emulate that,” he said. “The to take over the running of the Church would generally be Catholic St Joseph’s Primary supportive of people who School in Milngavie, which is embrace that model of being shut by the council and parental choice.” its pupils offered state-funded The ‘Muslim community Catholic education at St would have a strong case for Andrew’s Primary School in such a school’ he said Bearsden. The groups pushing ‘provided it meets existing for both state funded community standards of teachers, and -governed schools are being openness and is governed to advised on their proposals by the same expectations.’ the Hometown foundation, Archbishop Cushley tours archdiocese His support, however, would whose director Bill Nicol has be ‘contingent on such a school said parents across Scotland being managed on the same basis should be given the right to set and discusses his restructuring plans as other ‘denominational’schools up community schools outside in Scotland and subject to the council control. same statutory requirements.’ A Scottish Government By Ian Dunn I think we all found it very worthwhile.” centred on Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.’ Under current plans, however, spokeswoman said officials had The meeting began with prayer before “That requires a realistic discussion as the 60-pupil school would be received the submission from ARCHBISHOP Leo Cushley of St the archbishop outlined the key principles to how we best use the material and spiritual funded by the state, but run by an the Muslim group and would Andrews and Edinburgh has begun a of his vision for the future of the archdiocese resources we currently have within each independent board of governors respond in due course. tour of the archdiocese to discuss as set out in his pastoral letter, We Have community including numbers of priests, outside council control. “Our approach to raising plans to restructure it. Found the Messiah. The floor was then parishioners and church buildings,” he Nabeel Shaikh, general standards must be based on what It was standing room only at St Columba’s open for questions and discussion. The added. “I come into all of this with an open secretary of the Glasgow works and we are always open Church Hall in Edinburgh last Sunday as event lasted about 90 minutes. mind as to what the future holds for the Central Mosque, said there to new ideas for improving our Archbishop Cushley (above) kicked off his In the coming months, Archbishop Church in each area of the Archdiocese. was an increasing desire for a education system,” she said. 31-date tour of the archdiocese to discuss Cushley will visit all 31 of the pastoral units That’swhy people should come along to these school that was Muslim faith- “Ultimately, any decision on this, the future of the Catholic Church in this of the archdiocese known as ‘clusters.’ The public meetings to make their view heard.” based yet taught the national or any other proposal, would be part of Scotland. first cluster took in the parishes of St Patrick’s The planning document states that by curriculum. based on the needs of Scotland’s “Thank you to all those who turned up in the Cowgate, St Peter’s in Morningside, St 2020: “The Archdiocese of St Andrews “Lots of questions are raised education system as a whole.” in such great numbers on such a damp and Mark’sin Oxgangs, Sacred Heart in Lauriston and Edinburgh will only have about 33 dreich day,” the archbishop said at the and St Columba’s in Newington. diocesan priests to celebrate the Eucharist. Is your school holding a Nativity show this meeting. “I thought the meeting was serious Before the tour the archbishop said his Yet we presently have 111 parishes. In the -minded yet very positive and, actually, ‘big message is that the renewal and, yes, light of this, we have undoubtedly arrived year? Would you like it showcased in this very prayerful too.The degree of engagement growth of the Catholic Church in our part at a turning point.” year’s Scottish Catholic Observer? If so, send from those present and the thoughtfulness of Scotland is very possible but only if we your photographs to [email protected] of their questions were hugely impressive. create vibrant Christian communities I [email protected] Churches named among Scotland’s most beautiful buildings A NUMBER of Catholic Churches have been named as among the most beautiful Scottish buildings of the last century. The public will be asked next year to choose their favourite from a longlist of 100 structures selected by a panel of experts from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Three churches designed by famous Glasgow architecture firm Gillespie, Kidd and Coia were on the list: St Anne’s in Glasgow; St Paul’s in Glenrothes and St Patrick’s in Kilsyth. The recently refurbished St Peter’s College in Cardross, was also named. One modern addition was The Chapel of St Albert the Great of Edinburgh University’s Catholic chaplaincy (right). The list, which includes Power Station in Kirkcudbright. A new exhibition, Scotstyle, forward by members of the public, buildings from 1916 until the The public vote forms part of will tour the country and tell with a group of architects, present day, also includes two the Festival of Architecture, the story of the 100 buildings. critics and architectural Glasgow banks, the Bon Accord which takes place from March The list was selected from more historians whittling it down Baths in Aberdeen and Tongland to October. than 400 public nominations put to 100 properties. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 4 SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 Church stops super campus plans

By Daniel Harkins about it the day before publica- Honour for tion of the proposal.’ He also PLANS for a £17 million submitted as an alternative to the super campus for Catholic proposal the closure of St Mar- Motherwell’s schools in West Dunbarton- tin’s Primary with pupils relo- shire are set to be scrapped cated to a refurbished St Mary’s after Archbishop Philip Primary. Tartaglia of Glasgow opposed A spokesman for the archdio- former lay the proposal in a consultation. cese said that in his response the Plans were drawn up to merge archbishop had reluctantly St Mary’s Primary in Alexandria accepted that with only 58 and St Martin’s Primary in Ren- pupils, and already sharing a chancellor ton in a new-build along with headteacher, St Mary’s and St Renton Primary School and Lan- Martin’s were in some senses guage Unit and Riverside Early operating as a single school on Learning and Childcare Centre. two sites, and that he would By Daniel Harkins The campus would have been ate that Education Scotland has ‘reluctantly accept’ the merger located next to Vale of Leven reservations and in addition there for educational reasons in a AN 81-YEAR-OLD Motherwell man who Academy. has been significant opposition refurbished and extended St served for 18 years as Scotland’s first lay A consultation though found from some members of the pub- Mary’s building. diocesan chancellor has been honoured with a overwhelming opposition from lic and the Archdiocese,” Terry Amongst those campaigning Papal Knighthood. Glasgow Archdiocese, parents at Lanagan, executive director for against the closure plans was Frank Cassidy was chancellor of Motherwell St Martin’s and parents and staff educational services, said. “As a Leonardo Franchi, the head of Diocese from 1997 until his retirement in Decem- from St Mary’s Primary, with result I am recommending the the St Andrew’s Foundation for ber of 2014. Education Scotland also raising committee withdraws the current Catholic Teacher Education at Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell invested Mr concerns. Parents had been cam- proposal and allows officers to Glasgow University, who has Cassidy with the insignia of The Order of St Gre- paigning for months against the develop new plans for the school visited the school a number of gory the Great at his home parish of St John the proposals and had drawn up estate in Alexandria.” times. Baptist, Uddingston, on Saturday December 5. alternative options for the In a submission to the consul- “I am pleased that the council Bishop Emeritus Joseph Devine, who appointed Mr schools. tation, Archbishop Tartaglia seems to have taken on board the Cassidy to the role of chancellor in 1997, was also Last week, the Labour Party questioned the validity of an concerns raised from many quar- present, alongside parish priest Fr Dominic Towey, group—who control the coun- informal consultation before the ters,” he said. “It is time now for Vicar General Mgr Thomas Millar, Fr James Grant, cil—announced they would not plans were drawn up, and the constructive dialogue on the best the current Motherwell chancellor, and other priests be supporting the plans. This was fact that ‘the Catholic Church way to provide primary educa- and staff of the diocese. followed by a statement from representative on the Educational tion in this area.” A chancellor manages a diocese’s office and planning officials recommending Services Committee was only The council vote on the plans administration, with exact duties varying from dio- In 1958 he married Mary Hamilton in St Brid- councillors withdraw the plans informed of the proposal a few is set to take place at a meeting cese to diocese. Mr Cassidy was 63 years old and get’s Church, Baillieston where they continued to “While it’s clear there are sig- days before it was published and on December 23. retired when then Bishop of Motherwell Joseph live following their marriage and had two children, nificant educational benefits to that the headteachers of the Devine asked him to become chancellor, the first Marie Therese and Paul. In 1997 Mary died of can- some groups of pupils, I appreci- schools affected were only told I [email protected] layperson in Scotland to be offered the position. cer, nine years after they moved to live in Born in Flemington, Motherwell, in 1934 within Uddingston. the parish of St Patrick’s, Shieldmuir, Mr Cassidy From an early age he was active in the Church, was educated in St Patrick’s Primary School and particularly the Catholic Young Men’s Society, Our Lady’s High School, Motherwell, before leav- becoming the president of their Scottish National Lourdes Secondary’s got real talent ing for two years National Service in the Royal Council in 1966 and remaining involved to this day. Artillery. Mr Cassidy’s 18 years in the position spanned a After leaving the army he spent 32 years with number of important events in the life of the LOURDES Secondary in Car- Caterpillar Tractor Company in its Uddingston Church, with the former chancellor highlighting the donald celebrated life by invit- Plant, until its closure, and as a director of Huss- visit of Pope Benedict XVI as a particular highlight, ing pro-life groups from mann Refrigeration, Glasgow, for 8 years after but he said he knew it was time to retire last year. nearby schools to perform at which he retired. “I’m 81 years of age and although I don’t feel it their talent contest. All money raised was donated to the Scottish Catholic Interna- tionalAid Fund (SCIAF) and will be used to help refugees. Guest of honour Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow joined SCIAF’s Mark Booker, Salesian Sisters Jill and John Deighan, chief executive of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Scotland, to judge. First prize went to Sabrina Mandulu and Erin McEvoy of Lourdes Secondary for their song, written for the occasion, titled Who Can Bear to Feel Them- selves Forgotten? The school is now seeking sponsorship to have the song recorded and sold. Sec- ond place went to Clodagh and Shannon O’Donnell, sisters from St Ninian’s in Giffnock, who per- formed on the harp and fiddle. And third place went to Indian dancers Alphi Robert, Helga Joseph, Jovanna Joseph—and their choreographer Merlin Kumjomon—from S2 in Lour- des—the young pro-life group Praying for Divine Mercy in Glasgow PICS: PAUL McSHERRY members who had come up with the idea for the event. S6 volun- CATHOLICS of Glasgow put in December. to serve the Lord in a quiet and teers then took up the project. the words of Pope Francis The witness coincides with the dignified way. EWTN - THE CATHOLIC SATELLITE CHANNEL The event was compared Lour- into action last week by tak- opening of the jubilee year of “It was perfect. des co-hosts Seamus Brady of S6 ing the Church out into the mercy, which was launched by “We prayed that it wouldn’t The perfect Christian present and Alan John of S3. Mass was streets. Pope Francis on Tuesday with rain and He heard us. I have concelebrated by Archbishop Members of Divine Mercy the opening of the Holy Door of asked all who were present to Tel: SAS 0141 774 5000 or 07463 683655 Tartaglia, Lourdes chaplain Fr Scotland gathered on Buchanan St Peter’s Basilica. bring another person with them Gerry Walsh, Mgr John Gilmartin Street and invited passers by to “So many people came over next week.” for our Christmas Special and Fr John Carrol, Holyrood join them in praying the rosary. just to see what we were doing,” The next gatherings will take Secondary chaplain and previ- Deacon Mari Vinanni led the Helen Border from the group place at Buchanan Street on SAS - SCOTLAND’S CATHOLIC SATELLITE COMPANY ously Lourdes Secondary’s chap- group in prayer at the first of four said. “I know the Lord touched December 16 and 23 from lain of eight years. weekly gatherings to take place souls last night. It was a privilege 6.30pm—8.30pm. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER SCHOOLS/LOCAL NEWS 5 Hospice event attracts large crowd

HUNDREDS of people paid St Margaret of Scotland Hos- ing them support when they are a moving tribute to their pice is run by the Sisters of Char- grieving at this time.” loved ones recently as they ity and was created after a man Those in attendance at the cer- took part in an annual St Mar- with advanced throat cancer emony were full of praise for garet of Scotland Hospice approached a nun in Clydebank both the evening and the work of event in Clydebank. with nowhere to go and nobody to the hospice. “It was such a lovely The dark winter’s evening was look after him. The then St Mar- service and I now have some illuminated by hundreds of garet’s Hospice was opened in lovely photos of my family to torches as the hospice’s annual 1950, with the current purpose- share and treasure forever,” Light Up a Life event got under- built building opened in 1971. Marie Kelso said on the hos- way. “As ever, Light Up A Life pice’s Facebook page. The crowd gathered around a proved to be a very well-attended “Was a lovely service to magnificent Christmas tree, with and emotional event, which remember your loved ones,” each light representatiing some- allowed those in attendance to Jane Bainbridge Scobie said. one who had been cared for by remember a loved one at this “My dad was only in 1 full day the hospice. very important period of the and night from the 22nd of Octo- The annual ceremony marks year,” Sr Rita Dawson, chief ber and passed on the 23rd and the beginning of the hospice’s executive of the hospice, said. the staff and sisters are build up to Christmas, and “We have already received some absolutely amazing and made invites people to remember a feedback from supporters who my dad feel as comfortable as loved one by dedicating a bulb felt it was a lovely service. possible. Cannot thank St Mar- on the tree to their life. Money “Although the event raises funds garet’s enough for the amazing raised from the event goes to for the hospice, it is all about job you all do.” help the hospice’s vital and allowing families and friends to much-appreciated work. remember loved ones and offer- PIC: ROBERT WILSON

and most people say I don’t look it, it really was Parish Priest Fr Towey and Bishop Joseph Devine look time to go,” he said. Receiving the papal award was on as Frank Cassidy is invested with the a great experience he said and everything went insignia of The Order of St Gregory the Great exceptionally well. PIC: TOM EADIE Reflecting on his time as the country’s first lay chancellor, Mr Cassidy said there was a need for an increased role for laity going forward, and said that in a variety of capacities. a lack of people willing to take up such roles could “His experience of serving the Church as a com- be addressed with the provision of more training. mitted layman gave him the ability to evaluate Fr Grant paid tribute to his predecessor. diocesan decisions and policies from the viewpoint “Frank carried a wealth of worldly experience of the ordinary man and woman in the church pews. to the chancellor’s job,” he said. “As a layman with This proved to be one of the bonuses of having a a family, he brought a new dimension to what had layperson in such a central role in the day-to-day always been the role of an ordained priest. When administration of the diocese.” he undertook the role of chancellor, he had already given a lifetime of voluntary service to the Church I [email protected]

Extraordinary turnout for Greenock Mass

A large congregation gath- ered in St Joseph’s Church in Greenock on the Feast Day of St Andrew to celebrate Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Mass was celebrated by Fr Robert Mann, the Schola Bene- dicti provided the singing and parish priest Fr John Bollan was present in the Sanctuary. In his sermon, Fr Mann reminded the congregation that St Andrew’s Day is a Catholic feast day, saying that secularism has turned it almost into another Europe. Mass was said with biscuits in the hall, and many in Burns’ night. great dignity and those present attendance said they were look- He lamented the fact that so found it an uplifting and spiritual ing forward to another opportu- many of us have lost sight of the experience. nity to experience Mass in the Catholic heritage of Scotland and After Mass there was tea and Extraordinary Form.

Amish) are Christian groups ioner in the church and a much- LOCAL BRIEFS belonging to the church loved member of the Highland communities of Anabaptist community. He died on June 1 denominations. Ms Ferber will this year, prompting tributes Deborah-Ruth talk on the Mennonite peace from across the political spec- Ferber’s Glasgow talk tradition. trum. THE Glasgow Catholic Worker The window will be installed will host a talk by Deborah Parish honours late in place of an existing window Ruth Ferber, a Mennonite from Charles Kennedy MP opposite the altar and will be Canada with the L’Arche A STAINED glass window is to made up of six coloured panels. community in Edinburgh, on be installed in St John’s Church Donate to the following account Thursday, December 17 at 7pm, in Caol in remembrance of the details: RC Diocese of Argyll in Garnethill Multicultural late Charles Kennedy MP. and the Isles, Charity number: Centre, Rose Street. The The former leader of the Lib- SC002876, Sort code: 83-91-25, Mennonites (along with the eral Democrats was a parish- Account number: 65625051. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 6 WORLD/VATICAN NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015

Open the door to God during the Year of Mercy, Holy Father urges

WHEN Pope Francis planned image of seeing the Church ‘as the Year of Mercy and the a field hospital after the battle.’ opening of the Holy Door, “I believe this is the time for he did not mean to give the mercy,” he said. “We are all starting signal for a frensied sinners, we all carry burdens wave of pilgrims to Rome. within us. I felt Jesus wants to Rather than call to sign up for open the door of His heart.” an Eternal City package tour, the The opening of the holy doors Pope is inviting people to strike in Rome (above) and around out on a yearlong spiritual journey the world will be a symbol of to recognise a loving God who’s how Jesus is opening the door already knocking on their door. of His heart. Dioceses have He says he wants the Year of been asked to designate and Pope prays for climate change Mercy to usher in a ‘revolution open their own Door of Mercy of tenderness.’ in a cathedral, an important By Ian Dunn effort should be made, in Paris climate change summit in Paris. Once people realise ‘I’m church or sanctuary. The Pope to mitigate the impact of climate The funding will see the wretched, but God loves me the also will send out from Rome POPE Francis has prayed change and, at the same time, to Scottish Government’s Climate way I am,’ then ‘I, too, have to ‘missionaries of mercy’—priests for the success of the United tackle poverty and to let human Justice Fund double in size and love others the same way,’ the highlight God’s mercy. mandated to the world’s periph- Nations climate change dignity flourish.’ allow more support to projects Pope said in an interview “The world needs to discover eries to show patience and conference that is currently Let us pray, the Holy Father in countries such as Malawi and published just a few days that God is Father, that there is compassion in their ministry. underway in Paris as the added, that the Holy Spirit will Zambia. The fund aims to lessen before the December 8 (Feast mercy, that cruelty is not the Such gestures suggest the Scottish Government comits enlighten all who are called to the impacts of climate change of the Immaculate Conception) path, that condemnation is not Pope still wants people to avoid new funds to the cause. take such important decisions on some of the world’s poorest start of the jubilee year, which the path,” he said. “Because the the expense of travel—like his The Holy Father (above inset) and give them ‘the courage to and most vulnerable people. runs until to November 20 2016 Church Herself sometimes post-election suggestion to fans said that as he follows the work always use as their criterion of The First Minister addressed (the Feast of Christ the King.) follows a hard line, She falls back home in Argentina to give of the conference closely, he choice the greater good of the international faith groups and Discovering God’s generous into the temptation of following to the poor the money they was reminded of a question he human family.’ NGOs at the UN event and said love kick-starts a virtuous circle, a hard line, into the temptation would have spent for a trip. asked in his recent encyclical The Scottish Government has that ‘the people who have done which leads us to acting in a way of underlining only moral To help people at home feel Laudato Si’:“What kind of committed to action on climate least to cause climate change that’s more tolerant, patient, norms, but so many people ‘just like being there’ in Rome, world do we want to pass on to change with First Minister are the people who are being hit tender; and just, he said. remain on the outside.” the Vatican television centre those who come after us, to the Nicola Sturgeon announcing an hardest. The scale of the injustice Speaking with Credere, an The Holy Father said the will start broadcasting major children who are growing up?” extra £12 million will be invested is massive.’ Italian weekly magazine run by thought of all those people— Papal events during the Holy The Pope then urged on over the next four years to help “We know that the most the Pauline Fathers, the Pope sinners, the doubtful, the Year in latest generation ‘Ultra Sunday that, ‘for the sake of the reduce the impact of climate vulnerable are worst affected gave an in-depth look at why wounded and disenfranchised HD 4K’ resolution as well as common home we share and change on the world’s poorest by climate change: the very he sees such an urgent need to —conjured up that iconic HD, 3D and standard definition. for future generations, every communities, at the UN global young, the very old, the ill, and

English schools should abandon daily Christian were shot in the head and signs Pope Francis has promised to NEWS UPDATE were hung around their necks make the Vatican’s finances calling them ‘imperialist lackeys.’ more transparent after a series worship, the Commission on Religion suggests Fr Dordi, who was aged 60 of scandals. Last year he created Martyrs of Peru and had served the mission a new ministry to oversee Papal ENGLISH and Welsh schools acts of worship in accordance between Christians, Muslims are Beatified since 1980, was intercepted and finances, headed by Cardinal should no longer hold daily with their religious character, in and Jews and includes Iqbal THREE European missionary shot a few miles away on a rural George Pell. While he did not acts of Christian worship, as secular schools the worship must Sacranie, the former general priests killed by Shining Path road as he returned from say any wrongdoing had part of major reforms report- be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly secretary of the Muslim Council terrorists in Peru in 1991 have celebrating Mass and Baptising occurred, he added that Vatican edly outlined by an influential Christian character.’ This also of Britain, and Lord Woolf, the been Beatified. children on August 25 of the departments long had ‘an commission. applies to academies, free schools former chief justice. Some 30,000 people attended same year. Church officials say almost free hand’ with their A report by the Commission and foundations schools. “The current requirements for the Beatification ceremony for the three are the first Catholic finances. Turning to an external on Religion and Belief in British The commission includes a daily act of collective worship Franciscans Fathers Michał martyrs in Peru to be Beatified auditor puts the Vatican more in Public Life, led by former high members from all the UK’s won’t be changing—collective Tomaszek and Zbigniew and Fr Michał and Fr Zbigniew line with international standards. court judge Elizabeth Butler- major religions, and is being led worship plays an important role Strzalkowski of Poland and Fr are the first Beatified Polish Sloss and includes the former by the former High Court judge in schools. It encourages children Alessandro Dordi of Italy in a missionary-martyrs. Pope lights Christmas Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Elizabeth Butler-Sloss. to reflect on belief, and helps stadium in Chimbote, in northern tree and Nativity scene Williams, said the arguments for It reportedly suggests new shape fundamental British Peru, on Saturday. First external audit of POPE Francis remotely lit the mandatory Christian prayers in guidelines ‘to build on current best values of tolerance, respect and Italian Cardinal Angelo Amato Vatican accounts Christmas tree and Nativity secular schools was ‘no longer practice for inclusive assemblies’ understanding for others,” a presided over the ceremony and THE Vatican has ordered the scene at the Papal Basilica of St convincing.’ which would draw upon a range Department for Education there were representatives from first ever external audit of its Francis of Assisi. Under existing laws, schools of sources and ‘contribute to spokesperson said. “It is for all of the dioceses of Peru and accounts as part of Pope Francis’ The Nativity scene was in England and Wales have a their spiritual, moral, social and schools to tailor their provision to groups from Poland and Italy. efforts to reform the Church. constructed in a boat used by statutory duty to ensure pupils cultural development.’ suit the needs of their pupils, and Father Zbigniew, 32, and Fr The auditor, accounting giant Tunisian migrants who traveled take part ‘each school day in an The Commission on Religion parents can choose to withdraw Michał, 30, were killed on PricewaterhouseCoopers, will to the Italian island of Lampedusa act of collective worship.’While was established by the Woold their children from all or any August 9 1991 after a Mass in start work immediately, a Papal in 2014. faith schools are permitted to hold Institute, which studies relations part of collective worship.” the district of Pariacoto. Both spokesman said. “How many brothers and WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER WORLD/NATION NEWS 7 Seek mercy via going to Confession

I Continued from page 1 Catholics to remember the ‘precious gift that the Church has in the Sacrament of Recon- “An encounter marked by the power of the ciliation or Confession.’ Spirit, who impelled the Church to emerge from “I want this powerful moment of God’s the shoals which for years had kept her self- forgiveness to have an important place in our enclosed so as to set out once again, with enthu- lives again,” the archbishop said. “I say this siasm, on her missionary journey,” he said. because, if we are honest, this Sacrament is “It was the resumption of a journey of not as valued as it once was even in living encountering people where they live: in their memory. Rarely do we frequent the Sacra- cities and homes, in their workplaces. Wher- ment in sizeable numbers. And yet, I am ever there are people, the Church is called to reminded of how the Pope has said continu- reach out to them and to bring the joy of the ally from the beginning of his Pontificate that Gospel. After these decades, we again take up ‘it is not God who tires of forgiving us but this missionary drive with the same power and we who tire of asking for forgiveness.’” enthusiasm. The Jubilee challenges us to this The archbishop added that ‘Pope Francis openness, and demands that we not neglect is therefore urging us to understand afresh the spirit which emerged from Vatican II, the that Confession is not just an optional extra, spirit of the Samaritan, as Blessed Paul VI but essential for our journey towards eternal expressed it at the conclusion of the Council. life with God’. the presence of the Lord as his Mystical May our passing through the Holy Door “During this Year of Mercy I encourage Body and so we should understand that the today commit us to making our own the you to return to this Sacrament and to renew merciful Jesus, of whom we read in the mercy of the Good Samaritan.” its importance in your lives,” he said. “ Its Gospels, is still doing the same in our days necessity should be clear to us when we read in the Church and through our priests in the Confession in the Gospels that the Lord gave to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” Archbishop Cushley of St Andrews and Church, the power to forgive sins in his Edinburgh said that, like the Pope, he wanted name. The Church continues the mission and I Additional reporting by Daniel Harkins

SPOTLIGHT ON

conference success the very poor,” she said. “Women “Increasingly, unpredictable are suffering disproportionately, weather means that families The Scots College in Rome marked St Andrew’s Day with a special celebration as usual (below left) with guests of honour being Scottish priests cele- since they are often the main who grow their own food no brating special jubilees. This year, eight priests (above) were able to join them Fr Noel Burke (50 years), Fr George Bradburn (50 years), Fr Charles Hendry providers of food, fuel longer know when to plant,” (60 years), Fr John Eagers (25 years), Fr Henry Docherty (60 years), Fr Billy Donnelly (50 years), Fr Charles Kane (60 years) and Fr John McAllister (60 and water. he added. “More frequent and years). Fr Daniel Fitzpatrick, the college’s rector said the feast day ‘is one of the high points in the Scots College year.’ “The college continues to be a lit- “Now, the first and most severe flash floods and droughts tle bit of Scotland in Rome,” he said. “As we approach the beginning of a new Holy Year and the 400th anniversary of the Mission Oath, the College looks important priority in tackling also wipe out their harvests, forward to continuing its role as both a place of welcome for Scots in Rome and a reminder to the Church in Rome of the Church in Scotland founded by this injustice has to be to leaving already extremely poor St Ninian and dedicated to St Andrew all those centuries ago” address climate change itself. families hungry and even poorer. That’s why Scotland backs the “We welcome the increase to case for an ambitious agreement the Scottish Government’s at the Paris summit—one Climate Justice Fund. It’s a which is capable of limiting clear recognition that wealthy temperature increases to below industrialised countries like two degrees Celsius.” Scotland have a responsibility Welcoming the increase to to help poor countries cope with the Scottish Government’s the huge climate challenges Gifts for Christmas increase to its Climate Justice they face. It sets a positive Fund, SCIAF Director Alistair example to other wealthy nations Dutton said: “Climate change is meeting in Paris.” Magnificat devastating the lives of millions 12 weeks of the of people in poor countries. I [email protected] Subscription Scottish Catholic Celebrate the Word of God and grow in your personal faith with this Observer sisters have drowned at sea!” decades as Auxiliary Bishop of monthly publication, composed of Gift a 12 week subscription to the the Pope said. “They are with Down and Connor. daily readings along with simple SCO for a special price of the Lord now. In a statement, the Church morning, evening and night prayers only £12. “But He came to give us said that since his ordination in with reflections and meditations. hope, and we must take this 1965, the religious leader, £40 or £43 including Companions hope. He came to tell us that known as ‘Bishop Tony’ to He is stronger than death, that friends and colleagues, had He is greater than any evil. He served much of his ministry Magnificat came to tell us He is merciful, against the backdrop of the Advent/Lent/Rosary all mercy; and this Christmas I conflict in the North of Ireland. Magnificat Year of invite you to open your hearts Bishop Farquhar acknowledged Companions to mercy and forgiveness. But the ‘support and encouragement’ Mercy Companion The Advent and Lent Companions will help it is not easy to forgive these he had received from the late This booklet is a necessity to guide your journey through the holy massacres. It’s not easy.” Cardinal Cahal Daly, and accompany daily prayers during this season of Advent/Lent with daily prayers, commented on the close extraordinary year of mercy! reflections, and meditations. The Rosary Ireland’s longest friendship he had forged over Along with daily prayers, information Companion includes original meditations serving bishop retires the years with Bishop Patrick about the jubilee is also included. on each of the mysteries, concluding TRIBUTES have been paid to Walsh, with whom he worked £5 including p&p prayers and inspiring essays and poetry. Ireland’s longest-serving closely for 25 years. £3 each including p&p bishop Anthony J Farquhar “It is to the great family of following the announcement of Down and Connor, bishops, his retirement. clergy and laity that I would The Catholic Church has wish to acknowledge my greatest confirmed that Pope Francis debt, to my native parish of Holy To purchase any of these Christmas gifts had accepted 75-year-old Dr Rosary and of course to the Farquhar’s resignation after deceased members of my family Tel: 0141 241 6112 or email [email protected] serving for more than three and my sister, Anne,” he said. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 8 NEWS FEATURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015

Pedal power stateside for Mary’s Meals

By Martin Dunlop and Gordon hope to use this adventure being pulled out of, or precluded alto- ting to locals, be it hosts who have to raise money and awareness for gether, from getting an education,” generously offered a bed for the night “IT IS beautiful in its simplicity,” are worthwhile causes that promote posi- Gordon said. “Mary’s Meals’ model is or passers-by who have, perhaps the words Gordon Dunlop chooses tive change in the world. so simple, yet so effective, in counter- understandably, taken it upon them- when asked what Mary’s Meals means “The cause to which we are dedicat- ing these obstacles. It is beautiful in its selves to stop and ask: ‘why would a to him. “In a world where policy and ing our trip is that of poverty alleviation simplicity but the sustainability aspect Scotsman be cycling the length of the bureaucracy define so much of what through education, in the belief that also appeals. Our work with Operation Americas?’ Such conversations have, we do, here is such a simple idea every child deserves the right to an Groundswell [a non-profit organisation ultimately, provided many an opportu- which can truly help to break down the education so they be given the platform which has as its mission ‘changing the nity to explain the work of Mary’s cycle of poverty.” to unleash their potential,” Gordon way the world travels’] in Peru has Meals and bring the charity’s mission It is interesting that he mentions said. taught us of the value of local buy-in as to a new part of the world. ‘cycle,’ as that is his mode for spread- When choosing a charity to support a means of safeguarding the success “The simplicity and sustainability of ing the Scottish charity’s message. and promote this cause on his travels, of such projects—local volunteers in the Mary's Meals mission seems to In August this year, Gordon, who the decision was a simple one for Gor- the distribution and preparation of strike a chord,” Gordon, who has grew up in the parish of St Mary’s, don. meals, locally sourced produce where recently arrived on the Oregon coast, Largs, and his American friend Megan “Having volunteered and travelled in possible and the fact that overheads said. “One thing travelling through Wycklendt set off on a daunting—but various parts of are kept to the bare wilderness like this is teaching us, is yet highly exciting—cycle adventure South America, Meg minimum (93p in £1 the wonder of humanity. The generosity, covering the length of the American and I have met some The simplicity and is spent directly on warmth, friendliness and hospitality continents. remarkable kids and their charitable activ- that we've encountered on the road colleagues who have sustainability of the ities).” serves to restore some faith. There is Sowing the seeds triumphed against Mary's Meals so much good out there that can and The seeds for such an adventure were the odds in getting mission seems to Sharing the needs to be tapped into. We often lose sown back in 2011, when Gordon and an education,” he strike a chord. One message sight of it while going about our busi- Megan met while volunteering with said. Amongst the ups and ness but it is out there in abundance Pisco Sin Fronteras, a Peruvian non- “The fact that thing travelling downs of cycling the and people are embracing the cause, governmental organisation. Despite Mary’s Meals’ mis- through wilderness length of the Ameri- whether it be at a local level or further crossing paths for only four days in sion resonates with “like this is teaching cas—of which there afield.” Peru, a chance conversation round the so many kids is tes- us, is the wonder of are quite literally campfire of a shared dream to cycle tament to its sim- many, from Alaska to the southern-most tip of plicity and the humanity given I Find out more about Gordon’s cycle Argentina set the wheels in motion. humanity of the mis- some of by visiting the website Not a particularly easy task to organ- sion. Kids like the hill- (http://www.bikelivingtheameri- ise at the best of times. And even less Martha Payne and Charlie Doherty are roads the pair have had cas.com/) You can also donate to easy given Megan and Gordon’s an inspiration. to tackle—there has Mary’s Meals on the website. respective destinations post Peru: Wis- “Upon returning from a year travel- been plenty of time for http://www.bikelivingthe consin US—Megan’s home state, ling in South America, I attended the chat- americas.com/purpose. Donations where she returned to complete her Child 31 première at the Royal Concert made to Mary’s Meals will be university studies—and Sydney, Aus- Hall in Glasgow. I have to admit I was doubled by the UK Government tralia—where Gordon was beginning a pretty tearful throughout as I related ” until December 28 2015, at no new job. the scenes on screen to my own expe- extra cost to you. Four years, a lot of saving, sponsor- riences. I think my reaction was also ship searching, plenty of research, compounded with a sense of anger at training (Gordon would be the first to how easily this could all be fixed if admit that the Old Largs Road to people in power really put their Greenock, no mean feat in itself I may minds to it.” add, was the extent of his ‘long-dis- Gordon highlighted the impor- tance’ cycling career) reading, nervous tance of Mary’s Meals breaking chats with family and friends and innu- the cycle of poverty in the merable Skype calls later, however, and countries in which it oper- the dream came to fruition, as the ates, and also how fragile cyclists hit the roads of Anchorage. children’s access to edu- cation can be when Positive change growing up in poverty. Beyond the personal satisfaction of “Family illnesses, taking on such an energy and death, natural disas- endurance-sapping challenge, Megan ters can lead to kids

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER LETTERS 9

LETTER OF THE WEEK Parishioners of St Thomas’ Parish in Creeping ethnic cleansing of Neilston welcomed back occupied Palestine their former parish priest on Friday December 4 for WHY do Muslims hate and detest the a Mass, concert and West? Perhaps it’s the West’s indifference presentation to thank to the humiliations they suffer as in him for his 8 years of occupied Palestine where the creeping service to the parish. Mgr ethnic cleansing of Muslims (and James Cunningham was Christians) continues unchallenged by any welcomed back by his legal authorities. successor Fr Joe Balmer. An Israeli court has issued a demolition Following Mass in the order for two apartments in the East parish there was a con- Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan. The cert held in Mgr Cun- Siyam family, which owns the apartments, ningham’s honour in the said they were built 21 years ago, and over parish hall followed by a the course of years they have spent 600,000 buffet and the presenta- tion of a cheque as a shekels ($154,000) in fines to Israeli retirement present. (left authorities, in addition to fees paid trying to to right) Rachel McKane, obtain a construction license.The Israeli judge Rhiannon Rowley, Fr Joe had given the family two weeks to demolish Balmer, Mgr James Cun- the apartments themselves. Otherwise, they ningham, Orla Cameron, face demolition costs and a penalty fine, Melissa Heinrich, Niamh while Dawood would be jailed. O’Donnell The two apartments constitute the third and fourth stories of a five-story building.Together, they currently house 13 people, the families of Dawood's two brothers, Ayyub and Mahir. Dawood said that the first two stories, as well as the fifth story—where he lives with his family of eight—are not included in the demolition order. The court was unconcerned by the fact that demolishing the third and fourth floors inevitably meant demolishing the fifth. The judge told him the demolition of his home would be ‘a gift to the state of Israel.’ PICTURE OF THE WEEK Silwan is one of many Palestinian neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem that is seeing an influx of Israeli settlers at the cost of home demolitions and the eviction of The essence of true marriage adopted children through Baptism and the Palestinian families As of September this is centred on Faith Sacraments giving them the birth of year, 29 Palestinian homes have been sanctifing and supernatural grace, to form a demolished in occupied East Jerusalem, THE fundamental essence on true marriage small family chapel within their family ESTABLISHED IN 1885 leaving 29 Palestinians homeless, according is centred on Faith. Faith sustains a home perfected through the catechism and to Israeli rights group B'Tselem. marriage in sickness and health for the scripture. The vow of obedience within Nearly 579 homes have been destroyed in couple unto death. The Church recognises marriage renders the father law giver in the city over the last 12 years, leaving 2133 the married couple as an apostolic agency areas of the Church’s law of love along Palestinians homeless in total, the group within the body of the church based on the with the law of the land through his great reports. If Britain invaded another country spiritual marriage of Christ with his bride masculine strength with reflects Christ and and moved in 800,000 illegal settlers would being the church and the development of Moses who are the law givers through the May we seek God’s mercy we stand by and do nothing? children by the married couple as mosaic law and commandments. B McKenna custodians of the children’s souls, as the Peter Ferguson and offer it to others DUMBARTON souls of the children are God’s own GLASGOW

ERCY: Mercy for the sins of our past, from the Think on the other not forget the other bloody days (in fact Doctrine of a just war leaves oppressors of our present and the expected attacks side of the story nearly every day) where not only soldiers a great deal to interpretation on our future. Pope Francis heralded in the extraor- and policemen where murdered by the pro- dinary Jubilee Year of Mercy on Tuesday on the I AM writing in connection with the letter visional IRA, but also innocent civilians of OUR MPs voted last week on airstrikes on Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In his homily ‘Real red controversy is over poppies not men, women and children blown to pieces Syria. In truth, the doctrine of a just war for opening the door at the year of Mercy inauguration at the Vati- cups’ sent to you by D Farrell (Glasgow) a by both the IRA and loyalist paramilitaries leaves a great deal to interpretation. If this can, the Holy Father said ‘may our passing through the Holy Door few weeks ago with his scathing attack on e.g Enniskillen, not to mention the Protes- was not the case, then how could the todayM commit us to making our own the mercy of the Good Samari- British personnel of the armed forces and tant mother of 10 children who only had presidents of the Bishops’s Conference of tan.’ especially during the recent Troubles in the misfortune of living in a Catholic area Scotland and England and Wales take such “This Extraordinary Holy Year is itself a gift of grace,” he added. Northern Ireland. taken out and shot, her body dumped in an opposing views. “To pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite As I have a close relative, an ex-soldier, unknown grave only found many years Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow mercy of the Father. We have to put mercy before judgment, and in in the Erskine Military Hospital Care later. I know a former soldier who served last week flagged up that the Church views any event God’s judgement will always be in the light of his mercy. Home who served in the army (though long during that terrible time who suffers badly justice, peace and negotiation as the In passing through the Holy Door, then, may we feel that we our- before the troubled situation in N Ireland) from flashbacks of his time there who tells preferred means of ending conflict and selves are part of this mystery of love.” after much consideration I feel compelled me of the fear of himself and his fellow advised members of the Commons During the Year of Mercy we should all take the opportunity to to reply to D Farrell’s letter and I feel it is soldiers not knowing when they were ‘determination not to make a bad situation seek God’s mercy and find mercy and forgiveness in our own hearts important that the SCO and its readers have going to be shot dead by an IRA sniper or worse.’ Meanwhiel Cardinal Vincent in these difficult times globally. There will be events and occasions for another side of the story as I know a num- blown to pieces by one of the IRA booby Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and in the Jubilee of Mercy that can help us with this task. Archbishop ber of men who actually served in N Ire- traps whilst out on patrol. signalled support for ‘proportinate’ air Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh has already begun a tour land during those terrible times. I really believe D Farrell has to seriously strikes against the Islamic State as long as of his archdiocese, Bishop John Keenan and Paisley clergy are prepar- They, like myself and relative in Eskrine consider the other side of the story. If the it is part of a wider strategy for peace. ing for an Easter synod and Schoenstatt Scotland hosted Vespers and Care Home, come from Catholic Irish soldiers had all been withdraw at the height Christians are under attack by Islamic Benediction sung by Schola Cantorum of St Patrick’s Edinburgh for decent on both sides of the family, and it is of the troubles… we would have had a terrorists, as in fact are Muslims. History is the Eve of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. On Sunday, St estimated that one third of the British army civil sectarian war. written by the victors of any war or Andrew’s cathedral in Glasgow will open its Holy Door. that served in N Ireland came from the Thank God for the peace deal and all conflict. However, war leaves scars on Before the jubilee year began, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia sent out same background. Also the same applies to those who struggled to bring it about and those who win and those who are defeated. a powerful message in Glasgow about the need for vocations—espe- those in Scottish regiments. we pray it will last as sadly there are still We must not give up on peace. Pope cially in dark times when believers and non believers alike need extra While most certainly I do not condone elements on both sides who would tear it Francis is struggling to prepare for the help to see the light—in which he echoed St Paul. sad situations were there was a collapse of apart. We pray for all those murdered and celebration of Christ’s birth at a time when “So the question is: Will it be you? Follow me and I will make you military discipline such as the infamous those who still live traumatised by it all. the world is at war and there is so much fishers of men. Will it be you? Will it be you who will offer our broth- Bloody Sunday and other times mentioned Joseph Shearnan conflict, pain and suffering in the world. ers and sisters a helping hand,” Archbishop Tartaglia said. by D Farrell, yet it is important that we do COATBRIDGE The issue up for debate is how we attain As we enter the Jubilee of Mercy let’s not forgot that the Year of that peace. Consecrated Life is coming to an end. Our clergy and religious live G SCO reserves the right to edit letters to conform with space or style requirements It is not my place to comment further on in the most difficult of times where they have fewer colleagues than G This page is used solely for reader opinion and therefore views expressed are not necessarily how the English and Scottish Church before; are viewed by some in wider society with suspicion due to shared by SCO aligned with political parties on last week’s the actions of the few and where their services are needs now more G If you would like to share your opinion, send your correspondence to the address below vote, look for yourself. than ever at home and abroad. May we find mercy and remember to Mrs McGuigan G Whether you use e-mail or post, you must provide your full name, address, and phone number or cherish and support our clergy and religious this Christmas and your letter will not be used EAST KILBRIDE always. To rephrase a somewhat hackneyed expression for our pur- poses, a priest is not just for christenings, weddings and Christmas. WRITE TO LETTERS, SCO, 19 WATERLOO STREET, GLASGOW G2 6BT [email protected] 10 COMMENT SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 Becoming a person of real mercy will take work and a lot of prayer As with everything else in life, the Jubilee of Mercy may not be so much what we do as how we do it

ELCOME to the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which began on December 8, the Feast of the Immac- ulate Conception. Pope Francis has declared his hope that this Extraordi- Wnary Jubilee of Mercy be ‘for all believers a true moment of encounter with the mercy of God.’ What a hope, what an invitation, what an opportu- nity. So what are you (and I) going to do to make the most of this year? Firstly, I’m going to think about it, BY SR ROSEANN about what it means for me, about how I can make the most of this year. Then REDDY I’m going to pray about it. I’m going to commit to saying the Year of Mercy need for healing in all our lives and prayer every day and to going to Con- certainly our world is crying out for fession better prepared and more fre- peace, the daily trials of many being quently. And finally, I’m going to try testimony to the fact that we are not a and be more merciful, to be a real world at peace. We find it difficult to source of mercy and love, wherever be merciful and yet, without mercy, and whenever the opportunity arises. forgiveness and healing are difficult, So that’s that sorted, then: Look out if not impossible, and peace both per- world, here I come, Mercy personi- sonal and on a global scale remains fied—I wish! If only it were that easy. elusive. For me to become a person of real So how can you and I become real mercy is going to take a bit more work agents of mercy and seize the oppor- and a lot more prayer, so where to tunity of this great jubilee year? Well, start? As I’ve decided F r a u l e i n to look M a r i a It’s one thing to feed, again at would say what the (or more refresh, clothe and visit C h u r c h likely sing), teaches on let’s start at someone; it’s an entirely mercy and the very to work out beginning. different thing to admonish some new What is the ways in Jubilee year them for their sins. which I can of Mercy? put the the- A good ory into place to start is to read the Pope’s let- practice. The corporal and spiritual ter to Archbishop Fisichella announc- works of mercy. Remember them? ing the year. It’s widely available They are going to be my starting point. online and I recommend it to you all. In case you’ve forgotten what they I’m not going to quote the whole thing are, here’s a wee reminder. The corpo- but I’d like to highlight just a couple ral works of mercy are feed the hun- of points. As I mentioned previously, gry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the Pope Francis wants this Jubilee Year naked, shelter the homeless, visit the to be ‘for all believers a true moment sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the of encounter with the mercy of God.’ dead. The spiritual works of mercy This one sentence alone is enough for are admonish sinners, instruct the a whole year of reflection. Do I ignorant, counsel the doubtful, com- believe in the mercy of God? What are fort the sorrowful, bear wrongs my encounters with God currently? patiently, forgive all injuries, pray for Do I spend enough time in the pres- the living and the dead. ence of God? Do I make time for I wonder how many of you were prayers every day? Do I allow time able to remember them without look- and opportunity for real encounters? If ing at the list. For my part, I managed we speak calmly, with kindness and thing which I, for one, know to be enough for you: my power is at its not, or if not enough, then there is a to get all the corporal works but strug- compassion, it is possible to admonish, very difficult. I’m really rubbish at best in weakness.” So I shall be very whole year ahead in which to really gled with the spiritual work and that’s educate and give counsel. It may not be accepting help. Not the kind of practi- happy to make my weaknesses my practise ‘encounter with the mercy of not surprising—they are possibly the exactly what the person wants to hear, cal help that so much of my life is sur- special boast so that the power of God’ by simply being in His presence real challenge. It’s one thing to feed, but they certainly need to hear it. rounded by, like accepting help on Christ may stay over me… For it is more, talking and listening more and refresh, clothe and visit someone; it’s behalf of our mums and babies. I’m an when I am weak that I am strong.” (2 being truly challenged by mercy. an entirely different thing to admonish or me this Year of Mercy is expert at that. Cor. 12:9-10). them for their sins or to teach them in going to be my opportunity to It’s the help that involves admitting ope Francis also highlighted their ignorance, and yet in these acts re-take my brave pills and once I might be wrong or weak that I find I Sr Roseann Reddy of the Sister of the issue of abortion and the lie true mercy. again seek out and be available for all difficult. Still, as I (hopefully) the Gospel of Life works with the Car- F dinal Winning Pro-Life initiative. mercy of God, encouraging Truth and mercy go hand in hand. those the Lord sends into my life who progress in my spiritual life, I come to all those in need of help to seek for- As with everything else in life, it’s not many need to know and accept some see more and more every day the truth https://gospeloflifesisters.word- W press.com/ giveness and healing. There is much so much what we do as how we do it. If painful truths and accept help—some- of St Paul’s great words: “My grace is

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

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER COMMENT 11

November, in a move that W sci-fi films such as the IRE Terminator series (bottom) Expect the unexpected in the D I foreshadowed. Tony D’Costa, N general secretary of the Irish section of the International Catholic Peace Movement Jubilee of Mercy and always An SCO diary Pax Christi, said the presence of the Church was necessary A MEDIEVAL estate that once at the gathering. sheltered Mary Queen of “Why is it important to take Scots (below right) has had part in it from a Catholic £450,000 slashed from its perspective? ” he said. “It original £2million asking price. goes without saying that we Cowdenknowes mansion in have to be present here, in Earlston, Berwickshire, hosted order to change the world for the besieged queen as she the better and to translate the travelled to Jedburgh to hold hope and the values of the court in Gospel into 1566—just one reality.” year before a In its fateful series of contribution to events forced the dialogue in BY RONNIE her off the throne Geneva, and onto the representatives CONVERY executioner’s from the Holy See block. highlighted the Two years questionable HE Holy Year has after her visit to aspects of a begun… On Tues- Cowdenknowes, specific day in St Peter’s, Mary Queen of document called Pope Francis sym- Scots was the Agreement on bolically ‘knocked imprisoned by Explosive down’ the bricked up door into her cousin Remnants of War, the Vatican basilica, and Queen Elizabeth, also known as opened up the holy door of T where she Protocol 5. mercy to the world. remained for the “Given an ethical The event was beamed live following 18 years until her responsibility and the effort to across the globe in super HD. execution in 1587. provide for a peaceful and It was followed live by many The price was cut first to stable future world order, all on the internet, some probably £1.75m and has now been participants share the following it on the bus, live on dropped by a further responsibility to protect every their smartphone, others on £200,000 to £1.55m in the single person on grounds of laptop screens or tablets. hope of finding a buyer. his or her own dignity,” Mgr The buzz in Rome is palpa- The red-brick Richard Gyhra, chief secretary ble. For months the city has mansion—with turret features of the Holy See’s UN been filled with excitement but and its own gatehouse—looks embassy, said. “This applies also anxiety ahead of the out over the bank of the River irrespective of the wording of Jubilee Year. On the one hand Leader near Melrose. the agreement—be it weak it will bring great profits to the As well as seven bedrooms, or strong.” city’s hoteliers and taxi drivers it also features six bathrooms, The most urgent issue up as the influx of pilgrims mani- four reception rooms, a tower for discussion at the event fests itself. room, gym, library and was the proposed preventive On the other the event is a wine cellar.The earliest part of ban on fully autonomous logistical nightmare for the the existing house is the East weapons, which were city, which is already living on Tower, which dates from 1554, described as especially the brink of transport gridlock but was altered in 1883 to dangerous due to their ability every day of the week, and form the main entrance. One to select targets and attack which is now, alas, living of the bedrooms in the them without any human under a cloud of fear, justifi- mansion is pictured. The intervention. ably anxious that its symbolic grand house sits on the bank “We would never want to significance as the heart of of the River Leader in a rural leave those two issues to a Christendom will not be lost area near Melrose and machine,” added Mary on the evil planners of ISIS- Earlston. Wareham of the international Daesh. advocacy group Campaign to Those with long memories GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Stop Killer Robots. “They will recall the frisson of excite- should always remain under ment which marked (I am THE Catholic Church recently reasonable and appropriate or told!) the holy year of 1950 spoke out against the use of effective human control. So when Pius XII invited ‘killer robots’ at the UN’s what we expect from this Catholics of the world to come Geneva Convention on debate is to get closer to a ‘home’ to Rome after the Inhumane Weapons in early solution in this matter.” trauma of a world war. More recently there was the 1975 Holy Year of Pope Paul VI The Holy Father opened the door to with its emphasis on renewal actress on the role of women in tifical Council for the New Bangui Cathedral in the Central and reconciliation. art! Evangelisation has done a African Republic for the Jubilee of And who can forget the But if those Jubilees of the heroic job in putting together a Mercy before celebrating Mass Great Jubilee of 2000 called by past were great memories and programme of roughly mon- there St John Paul II to bring the great successes, what can we thly Jubilee gathering, while at Church into the third millen- expect from the new Holy Year the same time dealing with the nium? It was a triumph of just begun? enormous logistical issues un venerdì di ogni mese farò organisation with almost The answer is—I suspect— involved. un gesto diverso». Loosely weekly events led by the Pope that nobody has any idea! But perhaps most of all we translated he said that there —the Jubilee of priests, of dea- It is likely that during the can expect the unexpected! will be many gestures made, cons, of health workers, of year the Holy Father will issue In an interview published on but on one Friday of each prisoners, of the elderly… a document responding to the the Eve of the Holy Year the month of the Holy Year he (the I remember being present synod of bishops which ago- Holy Father said something Pope) will make a different for the Jubilee of artists and nised during the month of quite telling. In his final gesture. watching in bemusement as October over a series of thorny answer to the interview with No more. No less. gymnasts summersaulted pastoral issues facing the fam- Famiglia Cristiana, the Pope It’s going to be a Holy Year down the aisle of the great ily today. The expectations are was asked about what signs of Mercy, but also a Holy Year Dominican church of Santa high for that response but no and symbols we would see of suprises. Maria sopra Minerva, before one really knows what the during the Holy Year. Eurovision song contest win- Pope will say. His answer was brief but I Ronnie Convery is the ner Gigliola Cinquetti read a We can expect some major mysterious… «Ci saranno director of communications dialogue with an American gatherings in Rome—the Pon- tanti gesti che si faranno, ma for Glasgow Archdiocese

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

(Above) An Assyrian woman prays at a church in Damascus during a special Mass for Assyrian Christians abducted by Islamic State fighters. (Right) Iraqi Christians pray near a Nativity scene on Christmas Eve at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baghdad PERSECUTED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN MICHAEL J ROBINSON, communications executive in Scotland for AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED, provides an update from the persecuted Church, focusing on Christians’ experiences in Iraq and Syria

HE urgent need to help persecuted Christians in the Middle North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Vietnam, Persecuted and Forgotten? what had happened, they walked to Mass the following morning in the “You must convert,” they were told. “Our faith can promise you paradise.” from Mosul and the Nineveh plains. Thanks to the generosity of On the recent ACN pilgrimage to Egypt, Coptic Catholic Bishop East could not be clearer given reports that the Church in draws on eye-witness reports from ACN teams visiting key countries normal way and found deserted streets. They got to St Addai’s and But Gazella spoke up: “We believe that if we show love and benefactors, the charity has given more than £3.5 million in aid—food, Joannes Zakaria of Luxor told the 37 pilgrims: “Thanks to the Iraq could be on the verge of dying out within five years. and information provided by priests, bishops and Sisters. The report found the church locked. Only then did they realise something was kindness, forgiveness and mercy we can bring about the Kingdom of water, blankets, medicine, and accommodation. More than £1.8 million benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need in Britain—for we are very With the United Nations stating in June that refugee concludes that since 2013 the situation for Christians has worsened in badly wrong. Daesh’s reputation preceded them; when the Islamists God on earth as well as in heaven. Paradise is about love. If you want has funded the construction of pre-fabricated schools. Syria is also a poor but feel very strong. Thank you to ACN for all you do—for we numbers had risen to an all-time high of nearly 60 million, 15 of the 19 (close to 80 percent) core countries under review. captured Iraq’s second city of Mosul two months earlier they told to kill us for our faith then we are prepared to die here and now.” priority country for ACN. Aid to the Church in Need has been have hope, hope in the Church, for we believe in God. Please pray for us, one of the key drivers of displacement is persecution of religious Although Persecuted and Forgotten? lays bare the distressing facts Christians and other minorities to convert, pay the Jizya Islamic tax or The Daesh commanders had no response and the Christians were freed. supporting suffering Christians of Syria since war broke out in 2011. for peace and for all the peoples of this country and the Middle East.” minorities, notably Christians. of persecution, the report points to the work that can be done to help face being killed. 500,000 people fled for their lives. They made their way to safety in the Christian quarter of Ankawa, By September 2015, £6.13 million (EUR€8.6 million) had been This is just one of many messages which we are privileged to hear TPersecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for Christians survive oppression—emergency help (food, shelter, medicine, Standing outside St Addai’s that August morning, Victoria and Erbil in Kurdish northern Iraq, where ACN met them. Today Victoria approved for humanitarian and pastoral aid projects. and receive. Through the charity and indeed love of our supporters, Aid their Faith 2013-15, published in October by Aid to the Church in schooling) as well as pastoral support for clergy and lay people. Gazella resolved to return home and shut themselves in. For four days, and Gazella are still neighbours, sleeping side-by-side on mattresses, If you would like to read more stories and about the deepening plight to the Church in Need reaches out to reflect the love of Christ in the midst Need, concludes that if the exodus of faithful from Iraq continues at What will you do to champion and provide for the Church in need? the women dared not leave their homes. in a room provided by the Church, with food and medicine provided by of Christians then please visit the Persecuted and Forgotten? webpage: of darkness, despair and affliction—enkindling faith, hope and charity. existing levels, the faithful could all but disappear by 2020. A faster rate “Prayer sustained us,” Victoria recalled, but their supplies were ACN. A Christian area, Ankawa’s population swelled from 40,000 to www.acnuk.org/persecuted This Advent, as we prepare the way for Christ in our hearts and of decline is noted in Syria whose faithful have reportedly plummeted Victoria and Gazella: An amazing story of faith, dangerously low and the two frail widows desperately needed food and more than 70,000 within a few days. Gazella and Victoria joined the homes, May I ask you to keep a special place in your heart for our from 1.25 million before the war began in 2011 to barely 500,000 fortitude and friendship water. They had to venture out in search of supplies. A few days later, estimated 120,000 displaced Christians who had fled Daesh, tired from Thank you suffering brothers and sisters in Christ? today. The report describes the ‘religiously motivated ethnic cleansing’ Testimonies from victims of suffering are also included in Persecuted Victoria and Gazella were discovered by Daesh. They were their ordeal but grateful that God had granted them the strength they Perhaps it is hard for us to imagine what it must be like to flee your of Christians by Islamist terror groups especially in Iraq and Syria but and Forgotten? When people in the Nineveh village of Karamlesh frogmarched to a hill on the edge of Karamlesh where they took their had prayed for. home when terrorists threaten to kill you because of your Christian I To find out more about Aid to the Church in Need and the persecuted also in parts of Africa. Examining countries of core concern in the escaped invading ISIS (Daesh) forces in August 2014, neighbours place alongside 10 other Christians also rounded up by Daesh. These Aid to the Church in Need was the single-biggest contributor of aid faith. Yet, the witness of persecuted Christians such as Gazella and Church please consider praying for persecuted Christians. Follow us Middle East and elsewhere such as China, Egypt, Eritrea, Nigeria, Victoria and Gazella, both aged 80, were left behind. Not knowing last Christian inhabitants of the village were asked to renounce their faith. in the earliest months of the crisis as Christians poured into Kurdistan Victoria is a challenge and inspiration to us all. on Twitter: @ACN_Scotland or give us a call: 01698 337 472 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 12 MISSION MATTERS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER MISSION MATTERS 13

(Above) An Assyrian woman prays at a church in Damascus during a special Mass for Assyrian Christians abducted by Islamic State fighters. (Right) Iraqi Christians pray near a Nativity scene on Christmas Eve at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baghdad PERSECUTED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN MICHAEL J ROBINSON, communications executive in Scotland for AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED, provides an update from the persecuted Church, focusing on Christians’ experiences in Iraq and Syria

HE urgent need to help persecuted Christians in the Middle North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and Vietnam, Persecuted and Forgotten? what had happened, they walked to Mass the following morning in the “You must convert,” they were told. “Our faith can promise you paradise.” from Mosul and the Nineveh plains. Thanks to the generosity of On the recent ACN pilgrimage to Egypt, Coptic Catholic Bishop East could not be clearer given reports that the Church in draws on eye-witness reports from ACN teams visiting key countries normal way and found deserted streets. They got to St Addai’s and But Gazella spoke up: “We believe that if we show love and benefactors, the charity has given more than £3.5 million in aid—food, Joannes Zakaria of Luxor told the 37 pilgrims: “Thanks to the Iraq could be on the verge of dying out within five years. and information provided by priests, bishops and Sisters. The report found the church locked. Only then did they realise something was kindness, forgiveness and mercy we can bring about the Kingdom of water, blankets, medicine, and accommodation. More than £1.8 million benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need in Britain—for we are very With the United Nations stating in June that refugee concludes that since 2013 the situation for Christians has worsened in badly wrong. Daesh’s reputation preceded them; when the Islamists God on earth as well as in heaven. Paradise is about love. If you want has funded the construction of pre-fabricated schools. Syria is also a poor but feel very strong. Thank you to ACN for all you do—for we numbers had risen to an all-time high of nearly 60 million, 15 of the 19 (close to 80 percent) core countries under review. captured Iraq’s second city of Mosul two months earlier they told to kill us for our faith then we are prepared to die here and now.” priority country for ACN. Aid to the Church in Need has been have hope, hope in the Church, for we believe in God. Please pray for us, one of the key drivers of displacement is persecution of religious Although Persecuted and Forgotten? lays bare the distressing facts Christians and other minorities to convert, pay the Jizya Islamic tax or The Daesh commanders had no response and the Christians were freed. supporting suffering Christians of Syria since war broke out in 2011. for peace and for all the peoples of this country and the Middle East.” minorities, notably Christians. of persecution, the report points to the work that can be done to help face being killed. 500,000 people fled for their lives. They made their way to safety in the Christian quarter of Ankawa, By September 2015, £6.13 million (EUR€8.6 million) had been This is just one of many messages which we are privileged to hear TPersecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for Christians survive oppression—emergency help (food, shelter, medicine, Standing outside St Addai’s that August morning, Victoria and Erbil in Kurdish northern Iraq, where ACN met them. Today Victoria approved for humanitarian and pastoral aid projects. and receive. Through the charity and indeed love of our supporters, Aid their Faith 2013-15, published in October by Aid to the Church in schooling) as well as pastoral support for clergy and lay people. Gazella resolved to return home and shut themselves in. For four days, and Gazella are still neighbours, sleeping side-by-side on mattresses, If you would like to read more stories and about the deepening plight to the Church in Need reaches out to reflect the love of Christ in the midst Need, concludes that if the exodus of faithful from Iraq continues at What will you do to champion and provide for the Church in need? the women dared not leave their homes. in a room provided by the Church, with food and medicine provided by of Christians then please visit the Persecuted and Forgotten? webpage: of darkness, despair and affliction—enkindling faith, hope and charity. existing levels, the faithful could all but disappear by 2020. A faster rate “Prayer sustained us,” Victoria recalled, but their supplies were ACN. A Christian area, Ankawa’s population swelled from 40,000 to www.acnuk.org/persecuted This Advent, as we prepare the way for Christ in our hearts and of decline is noted in Syria whose faithful have reportedly plummeted Victoria and Gazella: An amazing story of faith, dangerously low and the two frail widows desperately needed food and more than 70,000 within a few days. Gazella and Victoria joined the homes, May I ask you to keep a special place in your heart for our from 1.25 million before the war began in 2011 to barely 500,000 fortitude and friendship water. They had to venture out in search of supplies. A few days later, estimated 120,000 displaced Christians who had fled Daesh, tired from Thank you suffering brothers and sisters in Christ? today. The report describes the ‘religiously motivated ethnic cleansing’ Testimonies from victims of suffering are also included in Persecuted Victoria and Gazella were discovered by Daesh. They were their ordeal but grateful that God had granted them the strength they Perhaps it is hard for us to imagine what it must be like to flee your of Christians by Islamist terror groups especially in Iraq and Syria but and Forgotten? When people in the Nineveh village of Karamlesh frogmarched to a hill on the edge of Karamlesh where they took their had prayed for. home when terrorists threaten to kill you because of your Christian I To find out more about Aid to the Church in Need and the persecuted also in parts of Africa. Examining countries of core concern in the escaped invading ISIS (Daesh) forces in August 2014, neighbours place alongside 10 other Christians also rounded up by Daesh. These Aid to the Church in Need was the single-biggest contributor of aid faith. Yet, the witness of persecuted Christians such as Gazella and Church please consider praying for persecuted Christians. Follow us Middle East and elsewhere such as China, Egypt, Eritrea, Nigeria, Victoria and Gazella, both aged 80, were left behind. Not knowing last Christian inhabitants of the village were asked to renounce their faith. in the earliest months of the crisis as Christians poured into Kurdistan Victoria is a challenge and inspiration to us all. on Twitter: @ACN_Scotland or give us a call: 01698 337 472 WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 14 FR ROLHEISER SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 Sensitive to community beyond ourselves

loud because, after my initial feelings inside all the environmental challenges had subsided and I’d had a more sober in which they find themselves. and prayerful reflection on our conver- Thus the challenge coming to me sation, I realised he was right. Having from the bishop was, in effect, to be the truth is one thing, speaking it in a more careful with my audience so as to place and a manner that’s helpful is distinguish theology classrooms and quite another. It’s not for nothing that academic periodicals from catechetical Jesus challenged us to speak our truth situations and church newspapers. in parables because truth, as TS Eliot It carried too a special challenge to once quipped, cannot always be swal- humility and charity, such as was, for lowed whole and the context and tone example, shown by the scientist- within which it is spoken generally dic- philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin tate whether it’s helpful or not to speak (left): Elderly, retired, and in declining it at a given time or to a given person. health, he still found himself ‘silenced’ BY FR RONALD Simply put, it isn’t always helpful, or by the Vatican in that we has forbidden charitable, or mature, to throw a truth to publish his theological thoughts. But, ROLHEISER into someone’s face. rather than reacting with anger and St Paul says as much in his Epistle to arrogance, he reacted with charity and OME years ago I was chal- the Romans in words to this effect: We humility. lenged by a bishop regarding who are strong must be considerate of Writing to his Jesuit Provincial, an article I’d written. We those who are sensitive about things acknowledges needs beyond his own: were talking in his office and like this. We must not just please our- “I fully recognise that Rome may have the tone eventually got a lit- selves. (Romans 15, 1) That can come its own reasons for judging that, in its tle testy: “How can you write some- across as patronising, as if Paul were present form, my concept of Christian- thing like that?” he asked. “Because it’s telling a certain elite to tone down some ity may be premature or incomplete true,”S was my blunt reply. He already of their enlightened views and actions and that at the present moment its wider knew it was true, but now, realising for the sake of those who are less diffusion may therefore be inoppor- that, he became more aware of his real enlightened, but that’s not what’s at tune… [This letter] is to assure you agenda: “Yes, I know it’s true, but that stake here. Undergirding this kind of that, in spite of any apparent evidence doesn’t mean it should be said in that admonition is a fundamental distinction to the contrary, I am resolved to remain way in a Catholic newspaper like ours. that’s critically important in our teach- a child of obedience. Obviously, I can- This isn’t a university classroom or the ing, preaching, and pastoral practice, not abandon my own personal search— New York Times. It’s a diocesan news- namely, the distinction between Cate- that would involve me in an interior paper and that’s not the best context chesis and theology, the distinction catastrophe and in disloyalty to my within which to say something like that. between nurturing and shoring-up most cherished vocation; but I have It will confuse a lot of readers.” someone’s faith as opposed to stretch- ceased to propagate my ideas and am I’m not immune to pride and arro- ing someone’s faith so as to make it confining myself to achieving a deeper gance and so my spontaneous reaction more universally compassionate. personal insight into them.” was defensive. Immediately there were Recognising the importance of sen- certain voices in me saying: “I am only atechesis is meant to teach doc- sitivity as to where and how we speak saying what’s true. The truth needs to trine, teach prayers, teach the truth, Jesus advises: “Speak your be spoken. Why are you afraid to hear creeds, clarify biblical and truth in parables.” the truth? Are we really doing people a church teachings, and give people a a solid, orthodox foundation. Theol- of shaking their faith. Catechesis and C I Fr Ronald Rolheiser is a priest and favor by shielding them from things solid, orthodox framework within ogy’s function, among other things, is theology have different functions and they’d rather not hear?” which to understand their Christian then to stretch its students in function must respect each other since both are member of the Missionary Oblates of But I’m glad I swallowed my pride, faith. Theology, on the other hand, pre- of giving them the symbolic tools with needed: Young seedling plants need to Mary Immaculate. He is president of bit my tongue, muttered a half-sincere supposes that those studying it are which to understand their faith in a way be protected and gently nurtured; just the Oblate School of Theology in San apology, and walked out of his office already catechised, that they already that leaves no dark, hidden corners into as older, mature plants have to be given Antonio, Texas. Visit his website at without saying any of those things out know their creeds and prayers and have which they are afraid to venture for fear the wherewithal to live and thrive www.ronrolheiser.com

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

THE comedy series Blackadder my words become my actions, One of the best-known Ludwig van Beethoven, was stars RowanAtkinson. One and my actions form my char- Christmas Trees stands in born on Decembr 16 1770, series was set in the times of acter. Trafalgar Square in London. wrote these words: Queen Elizabeth I, and another Be there, Lord, in that instant Each year a huge fir tree is “You will ask where I find my in the trenches of the First before every thought, shipped over from Norway—a ideas; World War. Edmund Blackad- that I may choose wisely my present from the Norwegian I hardly know. der also appears as the butler to thoughts and my attitude, people, in gratitude for Britain’s They come uninvited, directly George, the Prince Regent. One my words and my actions, help during the Second World or indirectly. of the characters in that series is so that I may grow in friend- War. I can almost grasp them with Doctor Johnson, who is seen to ship with those who become It is thought that 500 years my hands be compiling a dictionary. part of my life. ago, Martin Luther (the German in the open air, The real Doctor Samuel Show me, too, how best to church reformer) was the first in the woods while walking, Johnson—who died on Decem- encourage others to reach to put candles on a Christmas in the stillness of the night, ber 13 1784—spent eight years their potential. tree. He said that the lights early in the morning, preparing his dictionary of Amen would remind people of the called up by the moods about 40,000 definitions. He stars that shone above Bethle- which the poet translates into was also a poet, and is remem- MANY Christmas customs hem on the night of the birth of words bered for short phrases (some- were lost in Britain when the PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK Jesus. and I translate into musical times comical) that sum up a feast of Christmas itself was tones. situation. abolished by Oliver Cromwell having a decorated Christmas Fancy cakes and gingerbread God our Father, They ring and roar and swirl He wrote this simple state- and the Puritans in the 17th Tree. are suspended by coloured rib- at this time of year we think of about me ment: “True greatness consists Century. They said that Christ- An edition of The Illustrated bons from the branches. On the loved ones, and remember until I write them down in in being great in little things.” mas was only to be a solemn London News for 1848, stated top of the tree stands the small with gratitude what others notes.” time. that: “The Christmas Tree is figure of an angel with out- have done for us. Lord, I need to keep an eye Many of the customs we prepared annually by her stretched wings.” As the stars shone over Beth- God our Father, on the small things in life have today were introduced to Majesty’s command for the The custom of the Christmas lehem, so may we shine in the amidst the busy-ness and as well as the bigger issues, Britain in the 19th Century. Royal children… The tree Tree—brought to Britain by world ike bright stars as we noise of daily life, because my thoughts For example, Prince Albert employed for this festive pur- Prince Albert—soon spread share the Word of Life I ask you to bring it home to become my attitude, (the husband of Queen Victoria) pose is a young fir about eight throughout the country. Prince —Jesus, your Son, your Word me how much I need my attitude becomes my brought from his own country feet high. On each branch are Albert died Decmeber 14 1861, amongst us. time and quiet for myself. words, of Germany the tradition of arranged a dozen wax tapers… aged only 42. Amen Amen

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER REFLECTION 15 EWTN PROGRAMMES

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13 YOU DID IT TO ME: PUTTING 11AM MERCY INTO ACTION ANGELUS WITH POPE FRANCIS THURSDAY DECEMBER 17 1PM 1PM LIVE SUNDAY MASS LIVE DAILY MASS 5PM 5.30PM EWTN BOOKMARK EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 6PM 8PM THE WORLD OVER LIVE EWTN LIVE 8PM 9PM THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL YOU DID IT TO ME: PUTTING 10PM MERCY INTO ACTION VATICANO 9.30PM 10.30PM A TIME TO REMEMBER ADVENT REFLECTIONS FRIDAY DECEMBER 18 MONDAY DECEMBER 14 1PM 1PM LIVE DAILY MASS LIVE DAILY MASS 5.30PM 8.30PM EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY SHEPHERDS SPEAK 8PM 9PM LIVE THE WORLD OVER DID IT TO ME: PUTTING MERCY 9PM INTO ACTION YOU DID IT TO ME: PUTTING THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL MERCY INTO ACTION 10PM SATURDAY DECEMBER 19 VOCATION BOOM 1PM TUESDAY DECEMBER 15 LIVE DAILY MAS 1PM 1PM LIVE DAILY MASS EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY 9PM 7PM YOU DID IT TO ME: PUTTING ON THE ROAD OF MERCY INTO ACTION JOHN PAUL II WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16 9PM 1PM CONVERSATION WITH EWTN NEWS NIGHTLY CARDINAL DOLAN 8PM 10PM God’s mercy outweighs THREE WISE WOMEN CHRISTMAS WITH 9PM THE NUNS whatever sins we have LAY READERS’ GUIDE The latest article on our series on spirituality, ABBOT MARK CAIRA from NUNRAW ABBEY says that’s why Jesus was born in Bethlehem SUNDAY DECEMBER 13 Zephaniah 3:14-18a. Response: Sing Shout T BERNARD speaks of three need of forgiveness, the mercy of God will for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of comings of Christ in the season of A SPIRITUAL outweigh whatever sins we have committed. Israel. Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18. Advent: The birth of our Lord, the It is a loving God who will come to us at the Second Coming at the end of time REFLECTION end. It is not always a bad thing that we have and his daily coming into our some apprehension of the Final Coming. MONDAY lives. The Church’s Liturgy itself, especially Even lovers are fully aware that they fall far St John of the Cross in the daily celebration of the Divine Office, short of what they should be before the one Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17. Response: Lord, emphasisesS this as we move gradually they love. make me know your ways. Matthew 21:23-27. towards the feast of Christmas. It is in the latter part of Advent that we Sometimes we get the feeling that the spir- begin our more immediate preparation for itual aspects of our lives and the Liturgy are the Lord’s birth. The Liturgy moves up a TUESDAY like a game of Snakes and Ladders. We gear and the anticipation can be felt with the Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13. Response: This poor climb up a ladder of greater knowledge and vibrant O Antiphons in the Office of Vespers. man called; the Lord heard him. Matthew appreciation only later to find ourselves slid- Christ’s birth is now part of our history, we 21:28-32. ing down a snake of confusion and uncer- prayer and the Liturgy. can celebrate not just a birth but what that tainty as to where we are in all of this. In the first part of Advent, instead of deal- new born baby has done for us. As his broth- Maybe, like all learning and experience, we ing with the coming birth of our Lord, as ers and sisters, we are now embedded in the WEDNESDAY are not further forward in our perception of would be expected, the liturgy speaks not of same soil that nurtured him when he was Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21b-23. Response: Send ourselves, than we thought. We have still to Christmas but of the Second Coming. Per- brought to birth. The roots of our Lord’s victory like dew, you heavens, and let the assimilate what we have ‘learnt’ and make it haps this is because we have just ended the ancestry have become ours. What his for- our own. In other words, we are running too Church’s year and so the end of time is bears lived through in their joys and hard- clouds rain it down. Luke 7:18b, 23. quickly in our search for God. We should be appropriately dealt with at this point. But it ships, together with their hopes for a better doing it in his time and at the pace that is bet- can also be seen as the end towards which future are all part of our own desires. We THURSDAY ter for us. We have to become ‘still’ to allow Christ came to be born. When studying phi- keep remembering in our public worship and Genesis 49:2, 8-10. Response: In his days the meaning of what we are praying or losophy, in younger years, we were taught in our daily lives that we are here for a justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon studying seep into our bones. that what happens at the end of any process purpose. It’s true that in the Liturgy there is no tidy gives meaning to its beginning. TS Eliot’s Each of us is one in Christ and through fails. Matthew 1:1-17. linear time treatment of Jesus’ life nor of the poem The Four Quartets catches something him bonded with each other. The example rest of Salvation history. That can hardly be of that when he says: ‘In my end is my and teaching he left us was to live not just FRIDAY avoided since the liturgy runs in cycles not in beginning.’ for ourselves but to be Good News for those Jeremiah 23:5-8. Response: In his days jus- straight lines. We live through each year The purpose of Christ’s birth was to save who need help in their lives. He told us that tice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails. going over the same familiar ground. Each us from sin and give us eternal life. The our life is not limited to our time on earth; it time we meet incidents from the past again beginning of Advent shows us not Christ’s will become complete when we are reunited Matthew 1:18-24. and again but each time we have moved on human birth but the reason for that, the Final with him in heaven after we die. Yet we can because we have changed for the better or Coming. see and even taste some of the fruits of eter- SATURDAY the worse. We are filled with more gratitude In spite of the fear and trembling we tend nal life now when we try to live as Jesus Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a. Response: My lips or perhaps remorse than the last time round; to associate with the Final Coming, it will showed us. are filled with your praise, with your glory all either way, we see more deeply into the pres- not be like appearing before a Criminal That is why Jesus was born in Bethlehem ent as we come before God in our personal Court of Law. So long as we recognise our and why we celebrate his birth. the day long. Luke 1:5-25. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 16 FAITH IN CULTURE SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 The many ways and mysteries of God FAITH IN CULTURE looks at how spiritual awakenings are often key to enhancing our personal relationship with God

working class northside of Dublin was not an and on. Often these descriptions can be demeaning untypical rags-to-riches story. The singer (right) to a person's Faith. struggled academically at school due to dyslexia, Shane Lynch’s story was compelling because of which went undiagnosed for some time, while his friendship with Ben who admitted that he excelling in sports and working as a mechanic. would normally have run a mile from a someone By Richard There was a disparity with his hard-man personae and displaying Shane’s behaviour at the time. He didn’t his band’s clean-cut image but the alchemy worked. —as some misguided souls do—try to proselytise Purden He spoke about playing a role, a shadowy kind and tell his friend he was ‘going to hell.’ Pope of character. He became fascinated by the occult Francis has provided some valuable insight on ALKING about faith in the mainstream after embracing what he described as ‘a darker side these ideas in saying ‘the Church grows by attracting media can be a challenge but there are of the world.’ In a refreshingly uncomplicated way others.’ We attract others with the fragrance of many Christians who bring something he spoke of how many people consider tarot cards Christ not by trying to control or condemn them. positive to the culture when talking and clairvoyants to be harmless not realising what We all know someone who has spoken of their The programme also touched on the loss of his about a personal relationship with God. they are delving into. Experiments with this ‘dark interest in these practices or considered it ‘a bit of close-friend and band member Stephen Gately A recent TV interview with Boyzone’s Shane side’ brought something evil and unwanted into his fun.’A neighbour of mine likes to talk about their who died as the result of an undiagnosed heart Lynch on the BBC’s Fern Britton Meets... offered life. The singer spoke of suffering from sleep visits to a clairvoyant. Without sounding judgemental condition. The band said their last goodbye to their aT fascinating insight into the life of Faith. I’ve been paralysis while his fellow band members spoke of I simply ask: “What good does it bring?” I don’t want friend and brother by keeping an overnight vigil in intrigued by the amount of people, many without increasingly erratic and strange behaviour. He said to know about tomorrow—as my dear grand- the chapel. They were understandably unprepared faith, that were moved by the interview. that his aggressive and unpredictable conduct mother used to often tell me ‘today has enough for the night ahead and went without provisions. His Irish Catholic background growing up in the stemmed from a need to control those around him. worries of its own son.’ It was a poignant moment when Shane spoke of the priest appearing with some bottles of wine followed n Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus talks about knowing by Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell with fish suppers. people ‘by their fruits’ not by outwardly The friendship and support of others in our darkest Gordius No 224 righteous doctrines. Recognising something of moments is one of God’s greatest gifts. The Boyzone CROSSWORD IJesus in people is not about being suspicious of our singer spoke in a straight-forward way about a brothers and sisters in Faith but of being aware of hunger for God and his love for Christ. It was a dangerous and damaging people who proselytise love that changed him and how he treated others 1 2345 678 in His name. while restoring his relationship with his own family. What made the BBC broadcast so compelling It’s stories such as this that tell us something about 9 was the nature of his friendship with singer Ben culture, identity and human nature but more 10 11 Ofoedu who Shane described as having a ‘beautiful importantly than that they give us an insight into nature.’ It led to ‘a determination’ to find out who our need for the ways and mysteries of God. God really was. Significantly it wasn’t long before he met his wife Sheena from a Pentecostal I Richard Purden is a freelance journalist, author 12 131415 background. Often the different descriptions among of We are Celtic Supporters, an SCO feature writer First entry out the hat on FRI and a married father of two. Another of his books, 16 17 fellow Christians can put up barriers. Perhaps we DECEMBER 18 will be the Faithful Through and Through has been released winner spend too much time putting our fellow Christians 18 19 20 in boxes be it crude terms such as cradle or cafeteria in paperback form with new and updated chapters, Catholic, born-again, evangelical—the list goes on now titled Celtic: Keeping The Faith 21 22 Send your completed 2324crossword entries—along with your full name address and 25 daytime phone number—to SUDOKU 26 27 2829 30 CROSSWORD CONTEST SCO 19 WATERLOO ST GLASGOW G2 6BT 3132 SIMPLE 7 4 33 34 The winner’s name will be printed below. 7 2 4 349 5 87 612 8 6 1 2 39 7 4 5 35 36 The editor’s decision is final 146 3 89 5 7 2 1 6 4 8 39 2 5 4 8 13 9 76 ACROSS 9 1 3 6 72 4 5 8 1&6 Such an overtly pious attitude may take one literally DECEMBER 4 2 9 6 into Health Hour (6,4,4) SOLUTION 7 856 4 9 2 1 3 10 Send a payment (5) 49537 61 8 2 11 It’s very strong in Bridge (5,4) ACROSS 325 8 12 Crime (battery not included) (7) 1 Foe 3 Potting shed 6 2 8 543 1 9 7 15 Powerful light beam (5) 8 Labour 9 Examined 1 3 7289 5 64 17 Dry riverbed (4) 3 4 7 10 Irate 11 Obese 18 Burden (4) FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 19 Bring in a piece of legislation (5) 13 Coped 21&23 Such material as may be presented in rude beds' 15 Synod of bishops 57 1 2 49 AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN hues (7,5) 20 Texas 21 Risen AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS 24 Grow old, to a point, here in France (4) 23 Carer 24 Root crop 6 5 3 THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 25 It is one’s fate to have a mood swing (4) 26 Bring upon oneself (5) 25 Tom tit WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 28 Baltic republic, capital Tallinn (7) 26 Bitter lemon 27 Dud 37 IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE 33 Is this where to sit while washing oneself? (4,5) IS THE DEC 4 SIMPLE SOLUTION 34 American state, capital Boise (5) DOWN 35 Firearms (4) 1 Falling star 36 Cheating gets the plate one pigpen (10) 2 Emblazon 3 Prune MODERATE DOWN 4 Therapy 5 Gumbo 9 2 1 What a leveret grows up to be (4) 6 Hunter 7 Did 12 6 53874 2 1 9 2 Might the psalm head out to adorn a light? (9) Exasperated 13 Clout 7 1 5 346 7 2 8 6 9 1 3 4 5 3 Actor with only a walk on part (5) 14 Dries 17 Operated 4 The answer to an addition sum (5) 9 142 35 7 6 8 5 A strange flower (4) 18 Example 19 Escort 7 What bosses call when a coin is tossed? (5) 22 Nacre 23 Croon 4 1 5 1 497 3 658 2 8 Comprehend (10) 3 8 9 5 2 417 6 9 Put one's name forward as a clergyman fibbed (7) 2 6 5 197 8 3 4 13 Employer of a tool or object (4) NOVEMBER 27’s crossword 2 738 14 Pair found in some mews, too (7) competition winner was: 5 67 4 1 2 9 8 3 16 This environmentally-suspect container makes lab Gerard Henderson, Larbert 35819 2 37 6 45 pigs act strangely (7,3) 20 Christians identified in a strange canal sign (9) 4 3 1 9 856 2 7 21 Could you sleep on this geological feature? (7) 1 692 22 Give out, broadcast, radiate (4) Scottish Catholic Observer: FILL IN THE GRID IN SUCH A WAY 27 Took over as dance partner, having had an incision Scotland’s only national AS EVERY ROW AND COLUMN installed? (3,2) 5 6 7 29 In the Old Testament, Abraham’s wife and the mother Catholic weekly newspaper AND EVERY 3 BY 3 BOX CONTAINS of Isaac (5) printed by Trinity Mirror, Oldham. THE NUMBERS 1 TO 9. NO GUESS 30 Chopping this may bring tears to your eyes (5) Registered at the Post Office 8 6 3 2 19 WORK IS REQUIRED AND THERE 31 Eastern garment (4) 32 Boys of New York, initially skeletal (4) as a newspaper. IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION. ABOVE IS 2 8 THE DEC 4 MODERATE SOLUTION WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHURCH NOTICES 17 CHURCH&PUBLICNOTICES

The Sisters of the Gospel of Life invite you to a Monthly Mass for Life At Blessed John Duns Scotus Church Christmas Edition Deadlines 270 Ballater Street, Glasgow, G5 0YT For the 25th December/ 1st January Celebrant: Fr Joseph Uwah Wednesday December 16th Christmas Double Edition Exposition 6pm, Rosary 7pm, Mass 7.30pm all Classified Adverts and Church & Public notices Followed by tea, coffee & a chance to meet need to be booked by Wednesday the 16th December at 5pm. up with pro-life friends gospeloflifesisters.wordpress.com Bookings made after this time may not be accommodated. Contact Maire Élise on or SHAWN CUDDY 0141 241 6105 [email protected] AND BAND Appearing at St Augustine’s Choir, Coatbridge Christ theKing Hall Carmunnock Road, Glasgow A To on Friday advertise 18th December CELEBRATION Doors Open 8p.m. Admission: £12 at door of Recruitment Contact: 01236 725 665 CHRISTMAS or an MOTHERWELL DIOCESAN CHOIR Expert Service Directed by John Pitcathley present Choral music & readings for the Christmas Season “Christmas Night” to include music by John Rutter, John Joubert, contact The story of the birth of Jesus Christ in words and music Philip Ledger & Bob Chilcott Maire Élise in St Barbara’s, Muirhead Khoo Monday 14th December at 7.30pm [email protected] St Augustine’s Church, Dundyvan Rd, Coatbridge The Cathedral, Motherwell email: Wednesday 16th December at 7.30pm (next to The Time Capsule) – admission free advertising@ St Joseph’s, Blantyre Monday 21st December at 7.30pm www.staugustinescoatbridge.com sconews.co.uk ALL WELCOME www.facebook.com/saintaugustines EXPERTSERVICES

TERRY SPECIALIST IN LUNDIE TOOTH G EORGE P. R EILLY WHITENING DalyFamily Business Garage With Over 30 years Doors Experience The AND Painter and Decorator Denture COSMETIC Technician DENTURES 30 Years of Experience INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS & Have your own natural teeth High quality Dentures made with whitened. Monitor your own shade good quality private teeth and Free Estimates MAINTENANCE OF ALL GARAGE DOORS change by this new safe method. quality denture base material. Home visits can be arranged. A beautiful natural appearance 07974379811 Free estimates & advice SAVE YOURSELF £££’s made for the individual. 24 Hour TELEPHONE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 01698 822215 Call Out 18 ASHBURTON ROAD, KELVINDALE, GLASGOW G12 Telephone 0141-334 1883 TEL: 01355 261601 02559 18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE KIMMINS, Mary Rose MacINTYRE MacLEAN 1st Anniversary. In loving memory of our 8th Anniversary Died December 12, 2014. dear mother, Christina, Treasured memories of CLARK who died December 14, In loving memory of our She was taken without my stepfather, Donald 2004, also our dear son, James, who died any warning, Roderick, who died Her going left hearts filled father, Ronald, who died December 16, 2007. October 18, 2005, whose on June 1, 1994, and our birthday occurs on with pain, R.I.P. But though she is gone loving brother, Patrick Just a prayer from the December 9. Iain, who died January Our Lady of Lourdes and from amongst us, ones who loved you, In our hearts she will 31, 2005. Remembering Just a memory fond and St Anthony, pray for him. Alison, who died suddenly From mum, dad and CARRACHER always remain. McDONALD true, All the family. on September 10, 2006. In our hearts you will live family. Precious memories of my 6th Anniversary of Rest in peace. forever, husband, Tony, who William. Loving son of St Joseph, pray for them. , Stephen Because we thought the passed away suddenly KIMMINS We hold you close within MEMORIAM Died January 13, 1989. Bessie, devoted brother, world of you. December 12, 2002. our hearts, We who loved you sadly father and granda. Also And there you all remain, St Martin de Porres, pray ARMSTRONG Just for now I live with my husband Ronnie and miss you To walk with us for him. Please pray for the your memory. As it dawns another year, son-in-law John. Inserted by Neil and Morag. Till we meet again in throughout our lives, repose of the soul of our In our lonely hours of We think about you dear brother, Joseph eternity. Until we meet again. thinking always, So rest in peace dear MacLEAN Armstrong, who died Loving wife May. Thoughts of you are loved ones, 8th Anniversary December 16, 1984, our We talk about you too, always near. And thanks for all you In loving memory of our dear mother Jennie, died We have such precious CRUM All the family. have done, dear pappy, Donald October 19, 1956, and memories, 29th Anniversary We pray that God has Roderick, who died our dear father, Thomas, In loving memory of our McBRIDE But wish we still had you. given you, December 16, 2007. died March 12, 1973. dear mother, Betty, who 14th Anniversary St Roch, St Joseph, pray The crown you have truly Never more than a Our Lady of the died December 16, 1986. In loving memory of my for them. won. thought away, Assumption, pray for them. Deep in our hearts a dear mother, Alice, who Forever in our thoughts Loved and remembered memory is kept, died December 12, 2001, McELENEY and prayers. every day. Of a mother we loved and and also my dear father, Please pray for the Inserted by John Lachie, Donna, JR and Ronalda. John, who died Ewan, Michael, John will never forget. repose of the souls of our December 3, 1947. Angus and Marybell. St Anthony pray for her. dear father and granda, MacLEAN Remembering also my 8th Anniversary Inserted by her children. Dan, who died December dear brother, Pat, who MacINTYRE For our beloved pappy, died March 22, 2014. 16, 1997, and our dear Please remember in your Donald Roderick FRENCH Eternal rest grant unto mother and granny, Mary, prayers the souls of our MacLean, who died on In loving memory of my them, O Lord. who died September 15, dear parents and December 16, 2007. grandparents, Cathie, dear parents, Frank, who Our Lady of Lourdes, 1997. Sadly missed. who died December 11, died on December 15, pray for them. From Neil John, Rhoda, Sacred Heart of Jesus, 2003, and Archie, who CAMPBELL 1954, and Catherine, who Susan. Marion and Louise. grant them eternal rest. died March 14, 1980. Treasured memories of died on July 24, 1978, St Joseph and St Roch, Fois shiorruidh thoir Peter, who died on also my dear sisters, pray for them. dhaibh a Thighearna, MacLEOD – GILLIES December 17, 2009. Mary, who died on July 62nd Anniversary of our So sadly missed, so From the family. Agus solus nach dibir 12, 1994, and Margaret, dearrsadh orra, dear father, Joe dearly loved. who died on February 13, Gun robh am fois ann an MacLeod, who died on Our Lady of the Isles, 2003. sith. December 11, 1953. pray for him. Our Lady of Lourdes, Amen. 22nd Anniversary of our Inserted by his loving wife pray for them. Lovingly remembered by dear mother, Ann Gillies, and family. May they rest in peace. all the family. who died August 20, 1993. 38 Ladybank Drive. Those who died in grace CAMPBELL MacKINNON go no further from us than In loving memory of Iain 19th Anniversary God – and God is very near. , Patrick Joseph McDERMOTT Matheson, a precious GIVENS 39th Anniversary In loving memory of our Fois shiorruidh thoir In loving memory of our son, brother and uncle, Treasured memories of dear mother, Annie, who dhaibh a Thighearna. who died on December dear father, who died on our dearly loved father, died on December 13, Altdarroch, Kinlocheil, 16, 2007, aged 29 years, December 15, 1939. Andrew McDermott, died McGROARTY 1996; also our dear Fort William. and also his father, Iain, a (Ex Sheriff Clerk, Lanark). December 16, 1976. Rita, who died on father, John, died March Inserted by Alistair, Marie, loving husband, father May he rest in peace. R.I.P. Also remembering December 12, 2004. 4, 1983. R.I.P. Joe and Ian, Morar. and Gen who died on Fois shiorruidh thoir Inserted by the family. our beloved mother, Sadly missed, never December 27, 1994. Nancy, who died dhaibh A Thighearna. MARTIN forgotten. Agus solus siorruidh R.I.P. GRANT February 22, 2015. In loving memory of my Our Lady of Lourdes, dearrsadh orra. Silent thoughts of time Please remember in your A heart of gold stopped dear mother, Susan, who together, pray for her. Inserted by the family. prayers my dear beating, died December 14, 1989, Hold memories that will Inserted by the family. husband, John, who died Hard working hands at brothers, Alex, who died last forever. rest, MacLEAN May 23, 1989, Allan, who December 15, 1989, a 8th Anniversary Mum, Annmarie, Marion McKEE died May 16, 1998, and loving dad and granda. For each and every one In loving memory of a and families. In loving memory of Our Lady of Lourdes, of us, much loved father and sister, Mary, who died July 23, 1999; also loved pray for him. You always did your best, Patrick McKee, who died father-in-law, Donald To place an As time goes by without ones gone before. Frances and family. on December 14, 1971, Roderick, who died intimation you, and his beloved wife, December 16, 2007. To us you were someone And days turn into years, Violet, who died June 20, Deep in our hearts your special, Call: 0141 JELLY, Maria Theresa They’ll hold a million Someone good and true, 1993; also their son, memory is kept, 241 6106 Precious memories of memories, You will never be forgotten, Terence, who died August To love, to cherish, to Maria Theresa, who died And a thousand silent tears. never forget. For we thought the world 11, 1988. on December 17, 2004. Our Lady of Lourdes, Sacred Heart of Jesus, of you. Love and miss you pray for them. Loved and remembered have mercy on him. St Martin, pray for them. always. xx Inserted by their loving always. Inserted by Patricia and Susan, George, John and Your loving family. family. Inserted by the family. Duncan, Askernish. Paul. FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 19 FAMILYANNOUNCEMENTS

O’BRIEN O’NEILL RELIGIOUS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Grateful thanks to all DEAR HEART OF 5th Anniversary Sixth Anniversary relatives, his many JESUS In loving memory of friends and parishioners Dear Heart of Jesus in In loving memory of REV JOHN MULDOON Ann-Marie O’Brien, who Tommy, beloved husband, The family of the late Fr of parishes in which he the past I have asked you served. For Mass cards passed away on father, grandfather, great- John Muldoon would like for many favours, this December 15, 2010. and kind expressions of time I ask you for this grandfather, brother and to thank most sincerely Loving wife of the late sympathy, all of which special one (mention uncle, who died Decem- His Grace, The Most Rev. Jack, dear mother and have been greatly favour), take it Dear Heart ber 11, 2009. Philip Tartaglia, Arch- gran. bishop of Glasgow, The appreciated. Our thanks of Jesus, and place it We do not need a special Our Lady of Lourdes, Very Rev. John Canon to the St Mungo Singers within Your broken heart pray for him. and to Mr Joe Murray of MORRISON day, McAuley, who officiated at where your Father sees St Columba, pray for him. T & R. O’Brien for his 5th Anniversary To bring you to our mind, Fr John’s reception, Rev, it, then in his merciful The memories we have of Inserted by his beloved Fr Charles Kane, very sensitive and eyes it will become Your In loving memory of professional assistance. you, wife Mary and his Chaplain to the Little favour, not mine. Amen. Holy Mass has been Johnny, died December Are the everlasting kind. Sisters of the Poor, Say for three days, publi- devoted family. offered for the intentions 10, 2010. Devoted Eternal rest grant unto Robroyston, Monsignori cation promised. - N.M. of all. husband, dad and her O Lord, and all his brother priests WARD granda. And let perpetual light who concelebrated a DEAR HEART OF In loving memory of THANKSGIVING St Faustina, pray for him. shine upon her. most uplifting Requiem JESUS Marie, loving wife of the Mass. Words cannot Dear Heart of Jesus in From loving wife Mary May she rest in peace. to St Jude, St late Henry, who died express the debt of THANKS the past I have asked you and family. Your loving family. Anthony, St Teresa, Dear December 14, 2005. Dear gratitude we owe to the for many favours, this Heart of Jesus for help mother, grantmother and Little Sisters of the Poor. time I ask you for this O’NEILL and Childlike Confidence NICHOLSON To Rev. Mother Christine, special one (mention 31st Anniversary great-grandmother. for prayers answered. In loving memory of our now Assistant Mother favour), take it Dear Heart In loving memory of our As time goes by without Publication promised. – General, to Rev. Mother of Jesus, and place it dear father and beloved dad, John, who you, M.A.M.L. Monica, Mother Superior, within Your broken heart grandfather, Michael, who died December 11, 1984, And days turn into years, and the entire community where your Father sees died December 12, 1986; also our beloved mum thanks to St They hold a million mem- of St Joseph’s, GRATEFUL it, then in his merciful and our dear mother, and gran, Marie, who ories, Robroyston and to the Clare for prayers died April 5, 1995. eyes it will become Your Elizabeth, who died And so many silent tears. carers and friends of St answered. – M.S. We have loved them in life, favour, not mine. Amen. October 13, 1997. Too dearly loved to be Joseph’s, Robroyston for Say for three days, publi- Let us not forget them in thanks to Loved and remembered forgotten. the love and attention GRATEFUL cation promised. - F.P. death. shown to Fr John over Our Lady of Lourdes and always. Mary, Mother of God, Inserted by your loving the years he spent in their St Pio for all prayers to St Pio for all St Joseph, pray for them. pray for them. family at home and care. answered. - G.H. THANKS Inserted by the family. Inserted by all the family. abroad. favours received. - Y.L.

Gift Subscription and please send a subscription for the Ultimate Catholic Reading Package (SCO & Magnificat) Scotland’s National Catholic Newspaper 3 months £27 6 months £50 12 months £90 name address More than a Newspaper postcode Tel No: email: Christmas Gifts for all the Family from (name) Wondering what to get the friends and from (address) family for Christmas? from (postcode) message for greetings card (no more than 20 words) Give the gift that will help those close to you to grow in Faith through prayer and reflection while developing a sense of being please send an SCO subscription for part of the Catholic family of Faith across Scotland. 13 weeks £16.50 26 weeks £33 52 weeks £60

name The Ultimate Catholic Reading Package address Weekly copy of the Scottish Catholic postcode Observer (SCO) and Magnificat each month Tel No: email: for still ONLY £90 one off payment, or £8.50 from (name) from (address) per month Direct Debit from (postcode) (Tel: 0141 241 6112 for a copy of the form) message for greetings card (no more than 20 words)

A gift of please send a Magnificat subscription for The Scottish Catholic Observer 1 year (13 issues) £40 1 year (13 issues incl. Lent & Advent) £43 for 2016 only £60 name address A yearʼs subscription to Magnificat is £40 postcode Starting in January 2016 (13 issues) Tel No: email: Sent with your own message from (name) from (address) from (postcode) What about those who live away from Scotland? message for greetings card (no more than 20 words) Keep them in touch with the Catholic news in Scotland by sending them The Scottish Catholic Observer. Missionary Subscription please send an SCO subscription for Scottish Missionaries across the world look forward to 13 weeks £16.50 26 weeks £33 52 weeks £60 receiving their copy of The Scottish Catholic Observer each week. Would you consider donating one to a missionary as a name address Christmas gift? We currently have 10 Missionaries looking for postcode asubscription to the SCO. Tel No: email: 20 FUNERAL DIRECTORY SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 FUNERAL DIRECTORY BISHOPS ENGAGEMENTS ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA Archbishop of Glasgow, www.rcag.org.uk

Thomas Marin SAT DEC 12 11AM Ordination to the Priesthood of Frank Trias CP. (Founded 1926) SUN 12PM Mass for the Holy Year in St Andrew’s Cathedral Funeral Directors 2.30PM Carols for Peace, Glasgow City Chambers. MON 2PM Memorial Consultants Meeting of the Archdiocesan Finance Committee. TUE 4PM Meeting Traditional service and values of the SCES Executive. THU 8.25AM Mass in St Ninian’s High 24 hours a day, 365 days a year School Giffnock. FRI 1PM Lunch with the Curial Office Staff. Frank J Lynch Ltd. Funerals carried out the way YOU want them ARCHBISHOP CUSHLEY — We sell Dignity Pre-Paid Funeral Plans — a straightforward way to gain peace of Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh mind for you and your family. Funeral Directors We guarantee that the money you pay www.archdiocese-edinburgh.com for your Plan is held in a secure and independent trust fund . One of the few privately owned companies No one else has access to this money SAT DEC 12 6.30PM Inaugural Mercy Mass, St Catharine’s Convent until it is needed. of Mercy, Edinburgh. SUN 4PM Opening of the Door of Mercy, St left in Glasgow Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh. TUE 12.45PM Chapter Mass, St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Edinburgh 4PM Christmas visit to Thomas Nazareth House, Bonnyrigg. THU 12PM Advent Mass and reception Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans Available arin for Diocesan staff and Volunteers, St Margaret’s Chapel, Gillis FUNERAL DIRECTORSM & MEMORIAL CONSULTANTS Centre, Edinburgh 4.30PM Christmas visit to Sisters of Charity of St 62-64 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SX Tel: 0131 556 7192 Paul the Apostle, Musselburgh.

Part of Dignity Funerals Ltd BISHOP TOAL Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk Gorbals 156 Crown Street, Glasgow, G5 9XD Organist SAT DEC 12 Pastoral Visit to St Augustine’s, Coatbridge, all Masses. SUN Pastoral Visit to St Augustine’s, Coatbridge, all Tel 0141 429 0300 & Masses. MON 10AM Mass for the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral 7PM Blessing of the Newly Commissioned Icon in St Barbara’s Muirhead. WED 12.30PM Diocesan Centre Christmas Cantor Lunch. THU 11.30AM Advent Day of Recollection for Clergy in Holy Partick 323 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AL Available for weddings Family, Mossend 7.30PM Diocesan Youth Evening of Recollection, Holy Family Parish Centre, Mossend. FRI 9AM Visit and celebration Tel 0141 339 1122 and funeral services of Sacrament of Initiation, Shotts Prison. SAT Pastoral Visit to St Listen online at: Mary’s, Coatbridge, all weekend Masses. www.paulcarrollmusic.co.uk Possilpark Gilchrist & Lynch BISHOP GILBERT 136 BalmoreRoad, Glasgow, G22 6LJ T. 01698 325 493 Aberdeen, www.dioceseofaberdeen.com SAT DEC 12 10AM Confirmations Beauly. 12PM Confirmations, Tel 0141 336 2300 Cannich. 6.30PM French Mass St Francis’, Mannofield. 7.30PM Adve Advertisingrtising Catenian Christmas Party, Bishop’s House. SUN 11.15AM Opening of the Holy Door St Mary’s Cathedral. MON 7PM Opening of the Phone MaireOnaireOn Holy Door, St Mary’s, Inverness. WED 6PM Service of Readings 01 412416105412416105 and Carols, St Mary’s Cathedral. BISHOP ROBSON Dunkeld, www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk porteousfunerals.com SUN DEC 13 Pastoral Visit to St Mungo’s, Alloa & St Serf’s, Highvalleyfield. TUE 2PM Visit to Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. An Independent Catholic Family Funeral Directors THU 10.30AM Visit to St Mary’s Home, Monifieth Raised within the Catholic faith, with extensive experience EST 1912 2PM Safeguarding Meeting, Diocesan Office. FRI 7PM Ecumenical in arranging and conducting Catholic funeral services. Fourth Generation Family Carol Service, St Leonard’s in the Fields, Perth. SAT 10AM - 2PM We specialise in creating funerals that reflect your specific Funeral Directors & Monumental Sculptors Diaconate Retreat, St Ninian’s Institute. wishes and beliefs. Exquisite private facilities & unparallelled quality of We will guide and support you in personalising your service from an established family funeral directors BISHOP KEENAN service, while still embracing the time-honoured traditions with over 100 years local experience Paisley, www.rcdop.org.uk of Roman Catholic funeral liturgy. Unrivalled cost for comparable funeral service Contact us at any of our branches Perfect Choice Pre-Paid Funeral Plans SAT DEC 12 9.30AM Teachers Day All Day at the Diocese Indoor memorial showrooms & bespoke designs 7PM Paisley Philharmonic Choir. SUN 3PM Opening of the Year of Juniper Green Branch - 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 Mercy Holy Doors. MON 11AM St Vincent’s Hospice Mass 7PM Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 airdrie coatbridge Christmas Concert, Notre Dame High, Greenock. TUE 1.30PM St Leith Branch - 72-72 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB - 0131 554 1113 12-18 Hallcraig Street 45 Sunnyside Road Marks Primary School, The Nativity. WED 2PM St Josephs Primary, Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors - ML6 6AH ML5 3DG Busby, The Sleepy Shepherd. THU 11AM Accord Hospice with St 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988 01236 762000 01236 424132 Andrew's Academy 7PM Christmas Concert, St Ninian’s High www.DonaldMcLarenLtd.co.uk School. FRI 11.30AM Confessions, St John’s, Port Glasgow. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for over 100 years For every pre-paid BISHOP NOLAN MEMORIAMCARDS funeral purchased we donate to Galloway, www.gallowaydiocese.org.uk Memorare Memoriam Cards Ltd Affiliate St.Andrew’s Hospice Full-Colour Tradi'onal Hand Finished Double Folder, Wallet, Single Cards, Acknowledgement and Bookmark Cards WHY NOT VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO KEEP For free sample pack posted 1st Class Tel 0141 812 4491 * DIRECT LINE UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST (Everything is produced in Erskine, Scotland, nothing is sent away) NEWS? VISIT: WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK You canspeak with Margaret un'l9.00 P.M Every day including all weekend * 50% Off selected cards. We deliver anywhere in the United Kingdom. Our caring staff are here to listen and advise you, Free Keyrings; free Full Colour Photo in Silver Plated Frame, free Acknowledgment Cards (T’s & C’s apply) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please visit our web site. h(p://www.memorare.co.uk FIND AND LIKE THE Never beatenonprice, quality or delivery, we come highly recommended.Now inour 15th year. 53 Morrison Street Glasgow SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER 0141 429 4433 PAGE ON FACEBOOK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CHILDREN’S LITURGY 21

Our weekly series on Children’s Liturgy has lesson plans and activity suggestions for use with young people who are on the path to Christ Each week, Catechists will find readings and Psalm responses, complemented by prayer, reflection, FAITH discussion questions, and activities. Please feel free to use them as you wish The lessons are created by Adorer-theologians using the lens of the spirituality of St Maria de Mattias, which also embraces precious blood spirituality FIRST While this is the starting point for the lessons, readers are invited to approach them however the spirit moves you The Church is concerned with the availability and understanding of scripture for children who have their rightful place in the Church. In light of this SCO aims to provide a useful tool in drawing children closer to KIDS the Catholic Faith Alleluia The Lord will abandon Israel only until this CHILDREN’S ruler is born and the rest of His family come Isaiah 61:1. back to join Israel. He will stand like a shepherd (R) Alleluia, alleluia. feeding His sheep by the power and glorious I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me CROSSWORD 111 name of the Lord His God. His people will live according to your word. in peace and everyone on earth will know how (R) Alleluia, alleluia. great the Lord is. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The Word of the Lord Gospel Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother 7 Responsorial Psalm of my Lord?Areading from the Holy Gospel according 80:1 acdef and 2c, 14-15ab. to Luke 1:39-45. 8 (R) Rouse your power, O Lord, and come to Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of save us. Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where Shepherd of Israel, you sit on your throne above she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard the winged creatures. Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. 9 10 Listen to our prayer and let your light shine. The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth. Then Save us by your power. in a loud voice she said to Mary: “God has 11

(R) Rouse your power, O Lord, and come to blessed you more than any other woman! He 12 13 save us. has also blessed the child you will have. Why God All-Powerful, please do something! should the Mother of my Lord come to me? As 14 15 16 Look down from Heaven and see what’shappening soon as I heard your greeting, my baby became Fourth Sunday of Advent to this vine. happy and moved within me. The Lord has With your own hands you planted its roots. blessed you because you believed that He will (R) Rouse your power, O Lord, and come to keep his promise.” 17 Reflection save us. The Gospel of the Lord MICAH expresses joy that the Messiah will 18 come from among the people of this little town of shepherds. Mary turns to her cousin Elizabeth for comfort and courage—not to ACROSS her mother or the temple. 1 Cheerful (5) Both these stories make it clear that God’s 7 Make something easier to understand (7) ways are with the simple, humble and good 8 Stubborn animals that look a bit like people of the earth—not the powerful, rich or donkeys (5) 9 Not wanting to wait for something (9) most popular. 11 Tear (3) Why does our God, time and again, choose 12 You might say this if you were hurt (4) the ordinary to be the way of manifesting the 14 Look at it to see where places are (3) Divine? Perhaps it says more about us being 15 You might book a room for the night surprised and not realising God is not about here (5) anything else! 17 Going out in front (7) Activities 18 Spooky (5) G Review the process of coming to this Sunday: DOWN The signs of the coming of the Son of Man, 1 Pullover, sweater (6) 2 He’ll guide you safely across the road John the Baptist, Mary and Elizabeth. Talk (8,3) about all the ways the children have prepared 3 Say this when you agree (3) for Jesus’ birth. Then point out the significance 4 Games like basketball and rugby (6) of the angels, shepherds, creation, being sent 5 Person who works in a restaurant (6) away from the inn, as well as Mary, Joseph and 6 Got down on your knees (5) Jesus’ humble beginnings. Remind the children 10 The largest ocean in the world (7) to be thankful for the presence of their loved 13 Sharp part of a razor or knife (5) ones even as much as they are appreciative of 14 Animal that digs holes (4) their presents. 15 Enormous (4) G Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth when she 16 School trip (4) was in need. Have children think of someone they know who needs them. Provide various art LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION materials and have children use these to create ACROSS a special card for that person. Encourage children 1 Cauliflower 5 Irish 7 Badge 9 Ogre 10 Asks to visit that person and deliver the card. 12 Elm 13 Iceberg 15 Stage 18 Nettle 19 Erased Prayer DOWN Dear God, we love you so much. We know you 1 Children 2 Uniform 3 Lobs 4 Reels 6 Hurting love us very much too because you sent, Jesus, to 8 Desperate 11 Pet 14 Green 15 Sir 16 Ass 17 End us. Jesus was born with your life and love and so are we. Help us to grow to be like Jesus—to be full of love. Thank you, God for loving us.Amen. The Children’s Liturgy page is First Reading published one week in advance to Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over allow RE teachers and those taking Israel. A reading from the book of the prophet the Children’s Liturgy at weekly Micah 5:1-3. Town of Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of Masses to use, if they wish, this the smallest in the nation of Judah. But I will page as an accompaniment to their choose one of your people to rule the nation. And His family goes back to ancient times. teaching materials

WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK 22 VOCATIONS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 Real insight into joining religious life

HERE are many In Scotland one such age. He will need the intellectual and the tonsure. The noviciate is vocations. While all monastery is the Beneditine ability to gain spiritual benefit a period of formation in the men and women are Monestry at Pluscarden. from 2 or 3 hours of spiritual monastic life, with classes in the called to love and If you feel drawn to the life reading (lectio divina) a day and life of prayer, the Holy Rule, serve God they are lived at Pluscarden, there are to be able to participate fully in Monastic Tradition, the Psalms, called in different ways, some some objective criteria that must the Latin Mass and Office Latin and Gregorian Chant, as are called to serve the world by be first considered. (instruction in Latin is given in well as participation in the work Tdevoting all their energies to The candidate must be male, the noviciate). of the community. During it the preaching the Gospel and Catholic, and have received the novice is free to leave at any time helping the poorest. Sacrament of Confirmation. He bbot Aelred Carlyle, and may also be asked to leave. Some are called to bring new must be free from all binding who founded Pluscarden life into the world through obligations to his family and not Abbey, wrote of one fter the end of the married love.Afew, however, are be in debt. In addition to this he Aseeking to enter that, ‘spiritually, noviciate, there is a vote called in love to ‘give themselves should have lived a good, moral, he must feel that God is really of the community to allow over to God alone in solitude Catholic life for a number of calling him to a life of closer Athe novice to take temporary and silence, in constant prayer years and, normally, have shown unity with Himself, and that, with vows and receive the white habit. and willing penance’; and among that he is capable of earning his a great desire of self-dedication These vows last for a minimum these are monks whose ‘principal own living. A candidate needs in his heart, he will persevere in of three years during which time duty is to present to the Divine robust mental and physical spite of obstacles’. the junior monk receives further Majesty a service at once health and an ability to live with St Benedict, on the same formation in Scripture, Catholic humble and noble within the others in community. Usually he subject, wrote that ‘the concern Theology and Liturgy, to enable walls of the monastery.’ will be between 20 and 35 years of must be whether the novice truly him to live a fruitful monastic seeks God, and whether he life. After another vote of the shows eagerness for the Work of community he may proceed to God (that is, the Divine Office), desire for God and for the way to see the way of life at first Solemn Vows that make him a for obedience and for trials.’ that leads to God. In it the monk hand. A number of visits are full member of the community. Thinking about Life Choices? These ‘four seals’ of a binds himself by solemn vow to usually recommended, but at There is thus ample time, at least Benedictine vocation ‘practically stability in the community, some time one should contact the five and a half years, to make a cover the whole of a man’s conversion of life (in which are novice master and discuss one’s free and informed decision to spiritual life: he who truly seeks included chastity and poverty) feeling of vocation. If both parties commit oneself to the monastic God and is fervent in the work and obedience. Unlike more believe God is really calling the life as it is lived at Pluscarden. of the Divine Praise will be chaste, modern religious orders, the candidate, the next steps are For those who are thus called it honest and conscientious; he who monastic call is always to a usually as follows. Firstly the is the best way to serve God is obedient and humble will be specific monastery. If you think Novice Master offers the chance and the surest way to peace in contented, unselfish and cheerful.’ you may be called to serve God of a month in the noviciate, to this life and eternal beatitude in These are the signs of a at Pluscarden, the first step is to experience life 'on the inside'. If the next. vocation to the monastic life: a come and stay at the monastery this works out, a time is fixed for the postulancy to begin, which I If you are drawn to this vision usually lasts six months. This is and to the way of life at followed by a two-year noviciate, Pluscarden, visit their webstie Cistercian Monks which begins with the rite of at http://www.pluscarden monastic initiation during which abbey.org PIC: IAN RUTHERFORD SrFranceswill help you choose the novice is given a new name what’s right for you! visit: www.sistersofnazareth.com Do you feel called to seek God as a Cistercian monk within a FRANCISCAN email: [email protected] Community, living in prayer and work, in a spirit of silence? MISSIONARIES Write: Novice Director, Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, OF ST. JOSEPH mobile: 07906 372 786 Haddington, EH41 4LW Scotland Email: [email protected] Tel: 01620 830 223 Are you called like Francis of Assisi Website: http://www.nunraw.com.uk (Scottish Charity No. SC 022611) to live the Gospel radically? Want to know more? Email Sister Noel – Are You thinking about your future? [email protected] DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD IS www.fmsj.co.uk CALLING YOU TO THE Reg. Charity no. 1135474 MISSIONARYPRIESTHOOD? THEN WE CAN HELP YOU The Society of African Missionaries (SMA Fathers) is an international group of Missionary Priests. JERICHO “The Next Today we are active in Liberia, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia, Are you between the ages of35 and 60? Compassion of Tanzania, South Africa and other Jesus.” African countries working as Vocations partners in the rapidly Might you have a late vocation to a growing Church. Drug & Alcohol Rehabs., semi-contemplative life? Refuge for Victims of Feature will WILL YOU For details, please contact: Domestic Violence, be in our JOIN US? Supported Accommodation Send the The Superior coupon for for the Destitute, the January 15th more details Mater Ecclesiae Convent, Distressed, and all being I wish to know more about our editon. about the work of the lifestyle Street Ashton, ‘passed by on the other side.’ Society of African Missions Rugby A COMMUNITY OF To book a MEN OF PRAYER FOR CV23 0PJ OUR TIMES (founded 1970) space contact NAME...... AGE...... Vocation info from ADDRESS...... 01788 833825 Bro Patrick Mullen, advertising ...... The Jericho Society, [email protected] Mater Salvatoris, Harelaw Farm, POSTCODE...... Please print clearly and send to: Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, PA10 2PY @sconews FR. PATRICK McGUIRE ScottishCharity SC016909 Tel: 01505 614669 .co.uk SMA, St Theresaʼs, Clarendon Place Email: Dunblane, Perthshire FK15 9HB [email protected] WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 2015 SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER CATHOLICISM AND ISLAM 23 Times of crisis give rise to faith revivals DR HARRY SCHNITKER, in his series on the history of Islam and Catholicism, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ISLAM focuses on the troubled times the two faiths had and their responses to that

N FOUR distinct parts of the Muslim world revival movements were begun either in the late 18th or early 19th century. They were a reaction against the decline of Islamic power and the increasing presence of European powers. Before we turn to these movements, which still have a major influence on Islam today, weI need to compare what the Catholic Church’s reaction was to the changed world of the French Revolutionary epoch and its aftermath. For the Church, the advent of the modern world was a disaster. She had long been marginalised, but the French Revolutionary epoch had become an existentialist struggle. Over swathes of Europe, the Church all but disappeared. The figures are astounding. Almost all contemplative religious houses were closed, as were the majority of active orders. The Jesuits had vanished; there were but a handful of Carthusian nuns scattered across Europe and only six male houses remained; the Franciscans were wiped out over France, most of Italy, large swathes of Germany and Spain. The story of the Dominicans may stand for that of the wider Church: in 1789, it had 52 provinces and 20,000 friars; by the 1820s this was down to under 30 provinces and 4000 friars. The effects of the aggressive secularism of the Revolution were to be felt everywhere: throughout the 19th century, rulers and governments from Argentina and Chile to Italy and Germany would supress religious orders, close Catholic schools and challenge the Papacy’s right to run its own Church. The Papacy itself was totally side-lined: at the Congress of Vienna of 1815 (right), where the powers determined the shape of post-Napoleonic Europe, the Pope was not even invited. Two factors helped the Church to survive this debacle. One was the unexpected rapprochement between the Papacy and the world’s superpower, Britain. As both had fought against the French for decades, there was a thaw in relations, assisted by the revocation of penal laws against Catholics in Britain. With its own substantial Catholic population —in Ireland especially—the United Kingdom would export Catholicism to its colonies and to the Islamic world. The second factor was that in Restoration France, the Church regained some of its importance to the government, but was now far less controlled by it upheld the existing social order, blessed the factory (d. 1762), and ʿUthmān Ibn Fūdī (aka Usuman an autonomous unit of the Ottoman Empire. He than before. Here, as in Britain, the Church could and damned the discontented. Occasionally, it flexed Dan Fodio) of West Africa (d. 1817), stand out as also dreamt of replacing that Empire, and had develop at arm’s length from the state, but still its muscles, as in the case of the Wilberforcian or the creators of a modern Islamic sensibility. forged close relations with the Al-Azhar University benefit from its protection. Again, France was to Livingstonian anti-slavery movement, but that just Shah Walī Allāh we have already examined in in Cairo, a bulwark of Orthodoxy. This more become a major ‘exporter’ of Catholicism as it added to the sense that this was the voice of last week’s article. Here the attention must first go nationalistic Islamic power seemed to have a constructed the second-largest colonial empire of progress. Of course, in reality Christianity was to the most influential figure of the reformers, greater future than the crushed Salafi revivalists of the period. The rapid break-down of one post- under severe pressure for most of the 19th century. Mu ammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wahhāb. The founder of the House of Saud. Napoleonic European state, that of the United The rise of nationalism, the growth of secularism Wahhabiḥ Islam, he advocated a very strict return In Africa, there was another major Islamic Netherlands, also assisted the Church. One com- and atheism and the prevailing belief in progress to the values of the early Qur’anic community in reformer: Usuman Dan Fodio. Born in what is now ponent, Belgium, would identify closely with towards an earthly utopia—either Capitalist or response to the decline of the Ottomans and the northern Nigeria, Dan Fodio was an Islamic scholar Catholicism, and when its King became the ruler Marxist—were all antithetical to Christianity. rise of western powers. This included the study of who again wanted to integrate the teachings of the of a vast swathe of Central Africa, they, too, would Within the Catholic Church there was also a the Qur’an and Hadith, which would cultivate the Qur’an into a wider society. He regarded bring Catholicism to the colonies, and again, to retrenchment. Dogmatically, there was a greater virtue of ijtihad or independent reasoning, the contemporary Muslim rulers as un-Islamic and Islam. In the other component, the Netherlands, Marian emphasis, the role of the Papacy was rejection of Sufism and of the veneration of saints wished for a greater personal involvement of Muslims the Church would gain toleration, and thus became enhanced and many aspects of the modern world and shrine cults, and a call to oneness with God. with their sacred text and the sayings of the a tool for colonialism in southeast Asia. disapproved. Missionary orders were founded, like The latter we already encountered with Shah Prophet. Unlike his Indian, southeastAsian orArabic Even in Italy and Germany, where governments the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Congregation Walī Allāh in India last week, and al-Wahhāb counterparts, Dan Fodio included women in this too. were anything but tolerant towards the Catholic of the Holy Spirit and the Missionaries of Our shared the latter’s wish to integrate Islamic thought Dan Fodio was a Fulani, who was deeply Church, there was still support for the Church’s Lady of Africa, to revive a missionary élan that the and practice completely within the wider society. inspired by wider Islamic learning. Exiled by local missionary efforts. This was in part because there Church had not seen since the 19th century. His was a rather puritanical version of Islam and rulers who disliked his criticism, he became the emerged a narrative during the 19th century that Both offensively and defensively, then, the certainly lacked the tolerance that was normally its leader of a Jihad that established the powerful equated Christianity with progress. This derived Catholic Church responded to the great crisis of hallmark. His version of Islam arose in its former Sokoto Caliphate in 1809. There had already been from a British notion that saw history as the the late 18th century both by rejecting parts of heartlands, the Arabian deserts, and swept from a strong Islamic revival prior to this, and his own unfolding of progress, in which the Reformation modernity it thought incompatible with its teaching, there in the armies of Ibn al-Saud. Al-Saud was a uprising would see a West African Jihad movement was a stage of progression, and in which the 1688 and by embracing those parts it felt useful for bedu tribal leader, and in alliance with al-Wahhāb that established powerful Muslim kingdoms to the ‘Glorious Revolution’ cemented the perception spreading its message. he created a unified state from the bedu tribes that south of the Sahel. that Protestantism and progress were two sides of controlled the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina. None of the Islamic revivals impacted directly the same coin. To this was added ‘commerce,’ hat about Islam? We have seen that the His rule was short-lived. The movement and the on Catholicism, nor did the Catholic revival impact ‘industry’and later ‘empire,’whereas Protestantism 18th century was as much of a crisis kingdom began around 1744, and were all but immediately on Islam. Long-term, the two would gradually morphed into a more generic sense period for the Muslim world as it had destroyed by Egyptian intervention in 1818. The meet. As the old Islamic powers declined and as of Christianity. beenW for the Catholic Church. Here, the figures of leader of that intervention was an Albanian, the West’s colonial appetite grew, the two new and The Christianity of this narrative was rather the great reformers, Mu ammad ibn ʿAbd al-Wah- Muhammed Ali, who had used the confusion of confident religious movements that grew out of the emasculated. It was the sort of Christianity that hāb of Arabia (d. 1792),ḥ Shah Walī Allāh of India post-Napoleonic Egypt to establish the country as ashes of the 18th century were bound to clash. WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK