NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 1

The national Catholic newspaper August 9 - 22, 2020 • No. 595 Priests shouldn’t Auckland’s Mercy promote political Spirituality Centre parties 3 closes 4 Saying ‘no’ to violence Students march in Otahuhu – pg 14

www.nzcatholic.org.nz 2 NZ News NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020

INSIDE THIS ISSUE New GM for Palmerston North Diocese Our Lady of Peace by EMMA DODSWORTH at Howick On July 14, Liam Greer was welcomed into the role of general manager of the Palmerston North Diocese. During the whakatau at the diocesan centre, p17 attended by diocesan and parish staff, Cardinal John Dew welcomed Mr Greer on behalf of the diocese. He acknowledged that Liam was coming into the diocese at a very unusual time, with no per- manent bishop and himself as apostolic admin- istrator. p17 “While it is a strange time, I can assure you of great support: from Monsignor Brian [Walsh], the staff of this diocesan centre, the clergy and laity Treasured of the diocese . . . You are very welcome and will be welcomed around the diocese.” teacher retires “The role of general manager in the diocese is extremely important, as the Church becomes more and more complicated . . . We rely heavily p20 on the support, knowledge and expertise of our general managers,” he said, adding that Mr Greer brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position, which has come from his most recent role with the MidCentral District Health Board and other employment experiences. Mr Greer, whose family has a five-generation association with the diocese, grew up in Palmer- Carmelite ston North, attending St Peter’s College. In Year turns 90 12, he was selected as an AFS exchange student and lived in Missouri, USA for 12 months, return- ing with itchy feet. Meeting Jannene soon after his return, they embarked to Europe where they lived Liam Greer (right) meets Fr Vijay Dung Dung at the wel- Pax Christi marks 75 years and travelled for several years. Their overseas p5 experience was cut short when they were caught come (Photo: Emma Dodsworth) up in the Gulf War, while travelling through the p10 Vatican instruction on parish roles Middle East in late 1990. knew the best place to raise them was Palmerston Returning to Aotearoa, Mr Greer enrolled at North, and moved back to their turangawaewae, p11 Theology of Body courses in Wgtn Massey University, and graduated with a degree their place to stand. Mr Greer undertook further in valuation and property management in 1994. study in infrastructure asset management and, in Working as a property valuer for a few years 2012, accepted the position of director of facili- p12 Pope calls on young to reach out to elderly made him aware of how important housing is to ties and estate management with the MidCentral the wellbeing of families, which led to him ac- District Health Board. cepting a role in Palmerston North with Housing After much contemplation and advice, he de- On the front cover: Catholic schools were involved in a stu- New Zealand. cided to apply for the Palmerston North diocesan dent-organised march against inter-school violence at Otahuhu With two young sons, Liam and Jannene moved general manager role. to Kapiti, where he took on a national role for “From the start of the hiring process through on July 29 (Photo: Josh Talakai) Housing New Zealand, being responsible for the to my first day, I’ve been nothing but impressed roll-out of the social allocation system. Mr Greer with the professionalism of the staff and the cul- completed further study in housing management ture,” Mr Greer said. “I am excited to be in this and social policy, and accepted the role of prin- new role and the challenges it presents, and I’m cipal asset manager in 2008. looking forward to working with the diocesan As their children grew up, Liam and Jannene team to achieve great things.” Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby, Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380. Email: [email protected] Govt. funding for Wellington cathedral project Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz by NZ CATHOLIC staff Publisher: Bishop Patrick Dunn Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana The Government is putting $8.5 million to- Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay wards the restoration and strengthening of the Design & Advertising: Anne Rose Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Advertising enquiries contact: Wellington. [email protected] Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the project meets all the criteria for funding under NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One the $3 billion infrastructure fund announced in year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The the Budget earlier this year. contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to The cathedral was closed in 2018 due to seis- reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 1174-0086 mic risk. Member Australasian Religious Press Association and “This project is ready to go right now,” Mr Australasian Catholic Press Association Robertson said, adding that it will create 300 construction jobs. “The restoration is expected to take about three years and, once complete, will see this Cat- The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Wgtn. egory 1 Historic Place once again available for the St Dominic’s Wellington community to use. as well. “The cathedral is not only widely used by the “We thought we would never be able to do Catholic College Catholic congregation, but also by the public as that, but we decided that we would apply to the Founded by the Dominican Sisters a performance space because of its globally-ac- “shovel ready” project.” Catholic School For Girls Years 7-13 claimed acoustics. It is also a tourist attraction Cardinal Dew was scheduled to lead a bless- because of its architectural merits.” ing of the site and workers outside the cathedral The project is getting underway now, the min- chapel on August 7. • Joyous celebration of St Dominic’s Day. ister’s statement noted. It has all the approvals it Some $3.3 million has been raised for the needs, up to and including stage 3 of the project. project so far before this funding. The overall • Upcoming Yr 12 retreat days. Stages 4 and 5 will be “shovel ready” by March, fundraising goal is $16m, reportedly. 2023, following immediately on from the comple- A cathedral newsletter stated that the fund- • Open mornings 9am: Friday 21 Aug, tion of stages 1-3. ing allows design work for the base isolation to The statement noted that “all approvals are in begin. Tuesday 15 Sept, Friday 16 Oct. principle and subject to contract negotiations. “The leadership team is delighted with this Investment values are also subject to change”. unexpected announcement, and we are now Cardinal John Dew told stuff that the funding gathering the necessary team to progress this would enable strengthening to be completed to a project,” the newsletter stated, adding that it was www.stdoms.ac.nz high standard, and would allow for base isolation “great news”. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 NZ News 3 Priests shouldn’t promote political parties by ROWENA OREJANA siastical authority, this is required people in the parish, not involved paign of President Donald Trump. for the defence of the rights of the in local politics”. The priest withdrew at the direction Priests in New Zealand are being Church or to promote the common At least one priest in New Zealand of Church authorities. reminded to use their social media good”. has aired support for a political In 2008, the CNA article noted, accounts wisely, and not to use “People in parishes belong to all party on his social media account, Chicago priest Fr Michael Pfleger these accounts to express support sorts of different political parties, but had since taken the post down. drew attention for appearing as for a political party. and a priest should not be involved “They get told not to do it,” Msgr part of a “People of Faith for Judicial Vicar and canon law in promoting one party or another,” Daly said. “People can address par- Obama” coalition during then-Sen- lecturer Msgr Brendan Daly said Msgr Daly explained. ticular issues such as employment ator Barack Obama’s primary bat- canon law prohibits the clergy from “A priest is to promote the spiri- or refugees or right-to-life, but ad- tle against Hillary Clinton for the promoting any political party, as tual welfare of the people. The rights dressing particular issues is quite Democratic Party’s presidential this could cause dissension in the and the interests of the Church are different to promoting a particular nomination. parish. not identified with any one political political party.” Pfleger’s bishop, Cardinal Francis He cited Canon 287 which states party, and it is a mistake to actively n The Catholic News Agency re- George, said at the time that, “while “clerics care always to do their ut- promote one political party from the ported in late July that the US Priests a priest must speak to political is- most to foster among people peace pulpit or on social media dressed as for Life national director Fr Frank sues that are also moral, he may not and harmony based on justice”. a cleric,” he added. Pavone had resigned from advisory endorse candidates nor engage in Paragraph 2 of the same canon Msgr Daly explained, even if the positions in the re-election cam- partisan campaigning”. states “they are not to play an ac- message was on a priest’s person- tive role in political parties or in al social media account, “he still directing trade unions unless, in the shouldn’t be doing it because his judgement of the competent eccle- role is involved in pastoral care of Close review of Vatican Bishops urge voters to guide on dealing with abuse by NZ CATHOLIC staff sional Standards (NOPS), which can appoint independent investigators to reject End of Life Choice Act New Zealand’s Catholic bishops examine complaints. will closely review a new Vatican Cardinal John Dew, the Archbish- by NZ CATHOLIC staff more liberal than one recently passed guide on dealing with sexual abuse op of Wellington and Metropolitan in Victoria, Australia, as well as laws by priests to see how it matches Archbishop of New Zealand, said he New Zealand’s Catholic bishops in the United States”. It will expose their existing rules on handling such and his fellow bishops would look at will be urging voters to say “No” much larger numbers of people to abuse. the Vademecum guidelines closely to the End-of-Life Choice Act in the the dangers of a premature death, In mid-July, the Vatican’s Congre- and discuss them at their next full referendum to be held next month. people who are currently well-served gation for the Doctrine of the Faith bishops’ conference meeting in Sep- In their election statement due out by palliative care. published Vademecum (“Handbook”), tember. later this month, the bishops write The statement also notes that a 17-page step-by-step-guide to help “It is a complex document,” said that the people most at risk from the elder abuse currently affects about bishops and other Church religious Cardinal Dew. “We will be looking legalisation of euthanasia and assist- 10 per cent of the elderly in New administrators handle accusations carefully to see where it fits in with ed-suicide will be “those most vulner- Zealand, despite the best efforts to of abuse by clerics against minors. the civil and criminal law of New able to the suggestion they would be prevent it. Complaints of abuse in the New Zealand. ‘better off dead’ — our elderly and “Voting ‘Yes’ to euthanasia in this Zealand Catholic Church are handled “The bishops believe that every disabled people who find themselves context is dangerous. It is also naïve under the A Path to Healing, Te Hou- person has an innate human dignity within the scope of the Act”. to think the Act can provide sufficient hanga Rongo protocols, introduced ­— te tapu o te tangata — and there- The bishops believe the greatest protection against this risk.” by the bishops in 1993 and updated fore all forms of abuse are unaccept- risk posed by the Act is “a premature The full text of the bishops’ elec- several times since. able and indefensible.” or wrongful death from which there tion statement, including more com- The Church urges victims of abuse Cardinal Dew said NOPS was also is no return”. ments on the referenda on September — past and present — to complain to reviewing the Vademecum document The bishops state that the New 19, will be in the next edition of NZ the Police or, if victims prefer, to the to identify if changes may be needed Zealand law is “broader in scope and Catholic. Church’s National Office for Profes- in A Path to Healing. Four deceased bishops and priest to be disinterred in Christchurch by NZ CATHOLIC staff Edward Joyce and Bishop John Halswell. The future of this building to rest in the planned new Christ- Cunneen from under the floor of a is reportedly uncertain. church Catholic cathedral, adjacent The remains of four bishops, side-chapel in the Cathedral of the A Christchurch diocese spokes- to Victoria Square and scheduled which Christchurch Catholic dio- Blessed Sacrament. man, Tony Sewell, was reported as for completion in 2025. cese is applying to disinter from This is in preparation for the saying the disinterment application Mr Doherty said that “we are their graves in earthquake-damaged planned demolition of the cathe- process included a public notice still in the early stages of the new structures, will likely be buried dral, which Bishop Paul Martin, SM, looking for relatives of the deceased cathedral planning process”. alongside other deceased bishops can undertake in accordance with bishops. Any living family members “Our current plan is to bury and priests at Bromley. emergency earthquake powers, would be consulted on where the the bishops and priest alongside But NZ Catholic understands a known as a section 38, granted in bishops would be reburied. our other [deceased] bishops and decision has yet to be made as to 2015. The disinterments were steps priests,” Mr Doherty said. their final resting places in relation The diocese has also reportedly that should be completed before “A decision will be made later as to the new planned Catholic Cathe- applied to disinter the remains of the section 38 powers are invoked. to the final resting place, and the dral in Christchurch. Bishop Matthew Brodie and Fr Lau- NZ Catholic asked Christchurch future cathedral.” Stuff reported that the diocese rentine Ginaty from their resting diocese general manager Andy A contractor has reportedly been had applied to disinter the remains places in the earthquake-damaged Doherty if there is a possibility that found to demolish the Cathedral of of Bishop John Grimes, Bishop St John of God hospital chapel in the bishops could eventually be laid the Blessed Sacrament.

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Fr Waldie said St Paul faced every St Paul should be held up as a situation he encountered since his model for the Church’s ecumenical Damascus road experience without outreach, says Te Kupenga biblical fear. studies lecturer Fr Kevin Waldie, SM. “Paul fearlessly faced each and Fr Waldie gave a talk entitled every situation with firm faith, “Paul, a model for dialogue and bold founded on the revelation of the profession of the faith . . .“ on July commission given to him by the Lord 9 at the St Columba Centre in Pon- Jesus at the great turning point in sonby. This was part of the year-long his life — that encounter meant his celebration of the 25th anniversary purpose in life underwent a radical of St John Paul II’s Ut Unum Sint. transformation,” he explained. Auckland diocese’s pastoral team Secondly, Fr Waldie said, whether hosted the event. we are taking the Gospel in the 1st Ecumenism, said Fr Waldie, comes century CE or 21st century, we need from the Greek word oikouména, to adapt our manner of encountering which means the rest of the world. others in order to dialogue and work He then laid out the Pauline ad- with others. ventures in spreading the Good News “This does not mean we abandon to the rest of the world, including St our faith tradition. Rather, we are Paul’s sea voyage to Rome, getting to grow in knowing our faith, its Fr Kevin Waldie, SM, gives his talk at the St Columba Centre shipwrecked in Malta, to his (Paul’s ) Scriptures, and the world to which reception and house arrest in Rome. we are commissioned to proclaim he said. work with each other. Fr Waldie said Luke’s description the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Once, we would have been ut- “We might not have exactly the of the early Church “is a work of Fr Waldie talked about his experi- terly divided and hung up about . same beliefs in the sacraments etc., outreach to Jew and Gentile alike”. ence teaching at the Auckland Con- . . how we should interpret the Da- but we do fundamentally believe in He said reading the Acts of the sortium of Theological Education mascus road experience, whereas the power of the Word of God,” he Apostles, particularly chapters 27 years ago when he became the head now, there’s a whole new movement said. and 28, suggests “one or two things of its biblical studies department. of universal biblical scholars who Fr Waldie said St Paul’s words, about our ecumenical outreach”. “For a Catholic priest to be teach- broached the topic in a different deeds and journeys in Acts show us “In imitation of Paul, we need to ing our non-Catholic brothers and way.” what it means to “be embraced by view with courage and conviction sisters how to read Paul is quite a He said that, ecumenically, this the Mystery of Christ and to show it our world and it’s people of faith or turn-around in the whole system,” is an example of how Christians can to the world”. Auckland’s Mercy Spirituality Centre closes by MICHAEL OTTO “Technology, travel, time pres- response to the needs of the spiritu- assessing a number of alternative sures and changing demographics ality centre today. options. The Covid-19 pandemic has have all played a part, and the ability “What none of could foresee was “Sadly, none of the alternatives claimed another victim with the per- to continue to operate the centre has the impact of Covid-19 and the lock- achieved the reductions required to manent closure of Te Ngakau Waiora been under pressure for some years.” down, with months of not being able continue offering a viable ministry Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom, Sr Sue acknowledged that “there to operate. Covid-19 has affected all of spirituality.” Auckland, from July 31. are questions about why this closure aspects of our lives, including the Mr Buckland said he was proud of A ceremony marking the closure is happening so quickly”. NZ Cath- impact on our resources.” what had been achieved at the centre was held on July 19 at the centre, olic understands that the closure Sr Sue paid tribute to the centre’s for more than three decades — “a attended by Sisters of Mercy and decision came shortly after the cen- staff “who are most impacted by this rich programme of spiritual nour- more than 100 people who have felt tre had re-opened and resumed its decision, and for whom this is most ishment and stimulation, a centre connected to this ministry in many programme following the lockdown. difficult in these uncertain times”. for quiet contemplation, a place to ways over the years. The centre has been supported She offered “our deepest thanks connect with one’s deeper self and The congregation leader of Nga financially by the Sisters of Mercy for your dedication [and] your mer- with God”. He also paid tribute to, Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of through Mercy Ministries NZ Trust. cy hospitality offered to all who and thanked, the staff. Mercy New Zealand, Sr Sue France, “In 2018, the congregation funded have come here over the years. You “As a place, an oasis in the centre RSM, spoke at the ceremony, saying a review to provide support for the have been the heart of this place of of this large city, we hope that it will that the decision to close had been board of Te Ngakau Waiora to find a mercy”. continue in some aspect and perhaps a very difficult one. way forward for the centre,” Sr Sue She also acknowledged the “cour- find a new direction.” Sr Sue said that, “over the time said. age and integrity of the board in Sr Rita Vessey, RSM, past manager, the centre has been operating, much “A significant increase in funding facing this situation”. spoke on the history of the Sisters has changed in the way people access was provided by the congregation as Looking to the future, Sr Sue not- of Mercy presence in Epsom since spirituality, and in the expressions a result of the review, to implement ed that, “as a congregation, spiritual- 1921. She recalled the support of the and kinds of spirituality which draw the recommendations, and allow ity is at the heart of what we do and priests, religious and lay people who people to a physical centre”. time to refocus and re-imagine in all of our ministries. What shape or have enriched the ministry on the form a future ministry of spirituality site through their input. She closed of the Sisters of Mercy might take is by paying tribute to the sisters who not yet known — and we are a pilgrim had the courage and vision to start people on a journey”. this spirituality ministry in 1983. She “What is important today is to asked: “How will our response be to honour and give thanks for the work this work of Mercy” now? of this sacred place, this wellspring The centre manager, Beate Mat- of mercy in the city.” thies, acknowledged the teamwork of Te Ngakau Waiora Mercy Spiritu- all at Te Ngakau Waiora, remarking ality Centre board of directors chair- that each staff member was from a person Peter Buckland spoke at the different culture and continent. She ceremony, describing the centre as a thanked them with a book of pho- “place of retreat, in an environment tographic memories of their time of tranquillity, in which a programme together at the centre. of spiritual nourishment is offered”. Ms Matthies was grateful for the “Our hope is that people from all “wonderful” feedback received from walks of life who participated in one friends and supporters of the centre, or more aspects of our programme which represented the ecumenical over the years were able to deepen nature of this ministry. In particular, their experience and relationship she thanked Bishop Patrick Dunn, with God,” Mr Buckland said. and quoted the Anglican Bishop Ross He noted that decisions “to end Bay who expressed his gratitude on a service, especially one which is behalf of the Anglicans who always valued by so many, are not easy, nor felt very welcomed at the centre. are they taken lightly”. She extended an invitation to the “All the parties involved in the last programme of Te Ngakau Waiora decision to close this centre, and to be held on site, which was to be to end our annual programme, took an inter-religious dialogue, organised the decision after considerable time in cooperation with the Auckland The centre’s sign seen from the footpath. for discernment, as well as closely Interfaith Council. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Features 5 Pax Christi International marks 75 years by ROWENA OREJANA

As Pax Christi International turns 75 this year, members of Pax Christi Aotearoa New Zealand will be marking the anniversary by remembering the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings with a liturgy for peace. Pax Christi national coordinator Kevin McBride said both anniversaries are being marked, as Pax Christi was a movement which started towards the end of World War II. The liturgy is scheduled to be held on August 9 at the Peace Place on Emily Place in Auckland. “Pax Christi itself arose from World War II when a French woman, Marthe Dortel-Claudot, and [the] Bishop of Montauban, Pierre Marie Théas, had been part of a sort of pilgrimage of prayer,” he said. Mrs Dortel-Claudot, who lived in Southern France close to the border with Germany, suggest- ed to Bishop Théas that they cross the border and pray with the people there. “The idea behind it was the ongoing enmity — which had enabled World War I to turn into World War II — would be overcome by former enemies joining together in prayer,” Mr McBride said. From left: Kevin McBride, Sr Bridget Crisp RSM and Judith Crimmins. During that “pilgrimage of prayer”, Pax Christi was born. what is already there and bring the Christian peace n Colonisation Supported by Archbishop Angelo Giuseppe spirit, if you like, into those movements,” he said. The group is very aware that some of the is- Roncalli, who later became Pope St John XXIII, the The group had close connections with East sues around peace, or lack thereof, has to do with group eventually became a movement for prayer, Timor, which had successfully become indepen- colonialism, a topic that they need to tread on study and action. dent from Indonesia. carefully given New Zealand’s own colonial past. The New Zealand group was formed in the early “We set up a direct relationship with people “We need to be careful in criticising the Indone- 1990s when the Auckland diocese Justice, Peace in East Timor and brought people out here to tell sians in West Papua, because our country is based and Development Commission was restructured to their story. We took Timorese people to the New on successful colonisation,” Mr McBride said. give way to Caritas New Zealand. Members of the Zealand Government,” he said. “We have to work very sensitively in that whole commission decided to form Pax Christi locally. In In West Papua, where the struggle is ongoing, area, and with an awareness of our own history, 1993, the group was inaugurated as a full section Pax Christi has assisted people from the justice and the ongoing obligation to actually address of Pax Christi International. issues which have arisen from colonisation in n Nuclear focus New Zealand. And that’s why, for example, we’ve The idea behind it was the had people out helping with Ihumatao out of the National promoter Sr Bridget Crisp, RSM, said airport.” a focus of the group is the support for the Inter- ongoing“ enmity which had Mr McBride said, at one point, the group had national Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons become involved in a housing project to promote or ICAN. peace in the community. Long-time member Judith Crimmins explained enabled World War I to turn “In the end, we gave it up. It was just too diffi- there was supposed to be an international meeting cult for an organisation like ours to run,” he said. of the group in Hiroshima in May, but the event into World War II would be was cancelled due to the pandemic. Sr Bridget said Japan has been opposed, not overcome by former enemies n Prayer, study and action only to nuclear weapons, but also the use of nu- The group focuses on prayer, study and ac- clear power after the Fukushima nuclear plant joining together in prayer.” tion. To this end, they have helped publish Susan disaster. Healy’s edited book Listening to the People of “Not many people are aware of the amount of the Land: Christianity, Colonisation and the Path nuclear testing happening in the Pacific. We only and peace groups of the Church there to come to to Redemption, as well as put together a booklet know about . . . Muroroa. There has been a little New Zealand, and learn English and, with the help called Praying for Peace. [information] about the Marshall Islands, but then of the help of the Franciscans, to study. The group is also encouraging people to set up you have got Kirimati (Christmas Island, part of Ms Crimmins said the group also discusses Pax Christi in their communities. Kiribati) and the other islands. The British were peace issues at international meetings, adding “Depending on where they are in the country, testing [there] as well,” Sr Bridget said, adding that that they need to be sensitive to members who I would try to encourage them to set up a little spreading information is part of the study aspect might come from opposing groups, like Indonesia local Pax Christi,” said Sr Bridget. of the group. and East Timor. “If anyone is interested in being part of She recalled speaking to a fellow member one our mailing list, or even joining a Pax Christi n Networking night during a conference in Mainz, Germany. She group around the country doing prayer, study, Mr McBride said Pax Christi does not set out to said his story had an impact on her. He lived 20 action, and if they are just needing help starting be an organisation. minutes away from Tel Aviv’s airport but, because off, they are most welcome to contact me,” she “It’s main role is networking and becoming he was Palestinian, he wasn’t allowed to fly in added. involved in existing movements, not wanting to there, but had to go through Lebanon. “If that’s Sr Bridget can be contacted through paxchris- set out anything new, but to become involved in not racism, what is?” she asked. [email protected].

“Covid-19 is creating new layers of poverty and need in our community.” Cardinal JohnDew 6 Opinion NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 A model of leadership

principal reason why the civil rights move- I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. every city, we will be able to speed up that day ment of the 1950s and 1960s was so suc- One has not only a legal, but a moral responsi- when all of God’s children, black men and white Acessful — both morally and practically — bility to obey just laws.” But then King contrasts men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, was that it was led largely by people with a strong this with obedience to an unjust law: “Conversely, will be able to join hands and sing in the words religious sensibility. The most notable of these one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust of the old Negro spiritual: ‘Free at last! Free at leaders was, of course, Dr Martin Luther King, laws. I would agree with St Augustine that ‘an last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’” Jr. To appreciate the subtle play between King’s unjust law is no law at all’.” And, in clarifying the Once again, on King’s reading, the political nests religious commitment and his practical work, I difference, he turns to Aquinas: “Now, what is the within the moral, which nests within the sacred. would draw your attention to two texts — namely, difference between the two? How does one deter- Martin Luther King derived from his religious his Letter from the Birmingham City Jail and his mine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is heritage not only the metaphysics that informed “I Have a Dream” speech, both from 1963. a man-made code that squares with the moral law his social activism, but also the nonviolent meth- While imprisoned in Birmingham (Alabama) or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is od that he employed. What Jesus reveals in the for leading a nonviolent protest, King responded out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in rhetoric of the Sermon on the Mount (“Love your to certain of his fellow Christian ministers who the terms of St Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law enemies”; “Bless those who curse you, pray for had criticised him for going too fast, expecting is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law those who maltreat you”; “If someone strikes you social change to happen overnight. The Baptist and natural law.” This is not pious boilerplate; on the right cheek, turn and give him the other”; minister answered his critics in a perhaps sur- rather, it reveals what gave King’s movement its etc.), and even more strikingly in his word of for- justification and purpose. giveness from the cross, is that God’s way is the The very same dynamic was on display six way of peace, nonviolence, and compassion. As months later, when King addressed the throng a Christian, King knew in his bones that reacting Bishop Robert Barron which had gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for to oppression with violence would only exac- the March on Washington. He was not giving a erbate the tensions within society. He sums up prising manner, invoking the aid of a medieval sermon. He was making a political speech, ad- this principle in one of his best-known sermons: Catholic theologian. King drew their attention to vocating in a public place for social change. But “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding the reflections of St Thomas Aquinas on law, spe- attend to some of the language that he used: “I deeper darkness to a night already devoid of cifically Thomas’ theory that positive law finds its have a dream that one day every valley shall be stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only justification in relation to the natural law, which exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only finds its justification in relation to the eternal made low, the rough places will be made plain, love can do that.” law. Aquinas means that what makes a practical, and the crooked places will be made straight; Within the confines of this brief article, I everyday law righteous is that it somehow gives ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and cannot begin adequately to address the social expression to the principles of the moral law, all flesh shall see it together.’” upheaval occurring in our culture today. But I will which in turn are reflective of God’s own mind. He was directly relating the social revolution say simply this: it is indisputably clear that there Therefore, King concluded, unjust positive laws, he was advocating to the mystical vision of the are severe moral deficits in our society that must such as the Jim Crow regulations that he was con- prophet Isaiah. And listen to the magnificent be addressed, but the best way to do so is from testing, are not just bad laws; they are immoral conclusion of the address in which he artfully within a moral, and finally religious, framework. and finally offensive to God. blends the lyrics of an American patriotic song May Martin Luther King’s model of leadership in Here is King’s own language: “One may well to the lyrics of a song he and his family sang in this regard be a lodestar. ask: ‘How can you advocate breaking some laws church: “And when this happens, and when we Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary Bishop of Los and obeying others?’ The answer lies in the fact allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every Angeles. This article was first published on www.wordon- that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. village and every hamlet, from every state and fire.org. It is republished here with permission.

Ronald Rolheiser A magnificent defeat

here’s the fairness in life? Why are some half-ruined with suffering and fierce with joy, people so undeservedly blessed in this the face a man flees down all the darkness of his Wworld, while others are seemingly cursed? days, until at last he cries out, ‘I will not let you Why are craftiness, self-serving ambition, taking go, unless you bless me!’ Not a blessing that he advantage of others, and dishonesty so frequently can have now by the strength of his cunning or rewarded? This has no quick answer. the force of his will, but a blessing that he can In his book The Magnificent Defeat, the re- have only as a gift.” nowned novelist and preacher, Frederick Buech- There’s an entire spirituality here. The blessing ner, takes up this question by focusing on the for which we are forever wrestling can only come biblical character, Jacob. He, as we know, twice to us as gift, not as something we can snatch cheated his brother, Esau. Catching him hungry through our own talent, cunning, and strength. and vulnerable, Jacob buys his birthright from By his wit and cunning, Jacob became a rich, ad- him for a meal. More seriously, he poses as Esau, mired man in this world. But in struggling for all tricks their father, and steals the blessing and the those riches he was wrestling with a force he un- inheritance that was Esau’s by right. Everything consciously perceived as someone or something about this seems wrong and calls for retribution, to be overcome. Eventually, after many years of yet Jacob’s life seemingly teaches the opposite. In struggle, he had an awakening. Light dawned, contrast to his cheated brother, Jacob lives a very through a crippling defeat. And in the light of richly blessed life and is favoured by God and by that defeat he finally saw that what he had been others. What’s the lesson? Are God and life really struggling with for all that time was not someone on the side of those who do this type of thing? or something to be overcome, but the very love Buechner builds his answer by moving from he was wrestling for in all his efforts to achieve the pragmatic and the short-range to the spiritual and get ahead. and the long-range. For many of us, this will also be the real awak- First, from a pragmatic point of view, the story Hendrick ter Brugghen, Esau Selling His Birthright, c. 1627. ening in our lives, waking up to the fact that, in of Jacob teaches its own lesson, namely, that as a (Photo: Wikipedia) our ambition and in all the schemes we concoct matter of fact in this life, people like Jacob, who to get ahead, we are not wrestling with a someone are intelligent, crafty, and ambitious, often do end up wrestling silently with each other throughout or something to be overcome by our strength and up being rewarded in ways that people like Esau, the entire night. Just as dawn is breaking and it wit; we are wrestling with community, love, and who are slower on the draw, don’t. While clearly seems Jacob might win, everything is suddenly with God. And it will undoubtedly take the defeat this isn’t the moral teachings of the Sermon on reversed. With an infinitely superior strength that of our own strength (and a permanent limp) before the Mount, other parts of Scripture, including he seems to have deliberately held back until now, we realise what we are fighting against. Then we some teachings of Jesus, do challenge us to be the stranger touches Jacob’s thigh and renders will give up trying to win, and instead cling like a intelligent, to work hard, and indeed at times him helpless. Something deeply transformative drowning man to this face of love, begging for its to be crafty. God doesn’t necessarily help those happens to Jacob in that experience of helpless- blessing, a blessing that we can have only as a gift. who help themselves, but God and life seem to ness. Now that he knows that he is finally defeat- Believing that our blessing lies in winning, we reward those who use their talents. But there’s a ed, he no longer wants to be free of the stranger’s strive to wrestle our lives away from others until fine moral line here and Buechner draws it out grasp; instead he clings fiercely to his former foe one day, if we are lucky enough to be defeated, brilliantly. like a drowning man. Why? we begin to beg others to hang on to us. He asks: when someone who does what Jacob Here’s Buechner’s explanation: “The darkness Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and did and it brings him riches in this life, where had faded just enough so that for the first time award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School is the moral consequence? The answer comes to he can dimly see his opponent’s face. And what of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted Jacob years later. He is alone one night when a he sees is something more terrible than the face through his website www.ronrolheiser.com Follow on stranger leaps upon him, and the two of them end of death — the face of love. It is vast and strong, Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Opinion 7

Public office and The Habit private lives n recent weeks there have been various memes doing the rounds on social media, taking a dig Iat the number of MPs resigning after various wrongdoings. One such meme says “Will the last one to leave please turn out the lights”. The MPs who left were from both sides of the House. The issues which saw them depart included sending private health information about others to media, sending indecent material by phone to a university student, and having an inappropriate “affair” with a person who had been a subordinate. Much of the public debate that has ensued has broadened from these specific cases. The discus- sion has largely focused on whether a politician’s private life should be regarded as private, and therefore not a consideration for voters. At one level, Parliament draws its own line. An MP loses his or her seat if convicted of an offence punishable by life imprisonment or by two or more years’ imprisonment, or if convicted of a corrupt practice. There’s also an alleged “code of conduct”. But, in the court of public opinion, debate after the recent parliamentary departures raised ques- tions such as “if a married politician who has an affair lies to his family, how can anyone trust him”? Other voices noted, however, that the nation might be worse off if the skills and abilities of some candidates were not able to be utilised because of failings in their private lives. This has been the default attitude in nations like France, where pri- vate dalliances are considered off-limits, although provide their own appro- if they want no part in the one recent case shows this may be changing. Paris Letters priate translation, and process, are reliant on mayoral candidate Benjamin Griveaux withdrew have it approved by Rome. their own ability to resist from the contest after it was revealed that he had Nothing seems to have a subtle pressure inherent happened here since. We in the legislation. (as a married man with three children) allegedly 12) makes uncomfort- able reading. The reviewer are literally praying Lat- This is not honest gov- “exchanged intimate mobile phone messages with Families in (as in my childhood), ernance. How is it justice a young woman and sent her a personal video”. ends his piece by saying, “. . . the authors wrote disguised in appalling that a so-called conscience Instead of writing a This sparked huge debate in France over what was their books from a certain English, and with ques- vote by MPs or the general letter, I am just going to seen as the “Americanisation” of French political ideological perspective tionable theology. Pastoral public can diminish the quote from Pope Francis’ life — the apparent intrusion of an irritating puri- on what it means to be care includes providing absolute degree of protec- address on April 25, 2014, tan morality, as one writer put it. Catholic”. liturgy that touches peo- tion of a vulnerable class because I think it is a A perceptive article by David Graham in The He mentions “ . . . the ple’s belief and reality. In of citizens that all others message we really need to official Catholic point of 2020, this is the best that enjoy? Atlantic in 2018 noted how different things were a heed before it is too late view with no mention of we have to offer God as In his uncompromis- few decades ago. Well-regarded US Presidents like to alter our course. contrary beliefs”. worship, praise, sacrifice, ing encyclical Evangelium Kennedy, John- “Catholic families The writer gives the thanksgiving and celebra- Vitae, Pope St John Paul II son, Eisenhower, have fewer children, with distinct impression of tion? Spare me. wrote: “Abortion and eu- Roosevelt and repercussions on the confusing legitimate di- A blind adherence to thanasia are crimes which Editorial number of vocations to many others had versity of opinion, on the tradition (Christ being no human law can claim the priesthood and reli- affairs while mar- one hand, with dissent such a fluent Latin speak- to legitimise. There is not gious life . . . Abortion ried. But these were not reported by the media from the clear and au- er), Pope Francis has lik- obligation in conscience compounds the grief of of the day. (Graham observed that one of few thoritative teaching of the ened to making us like the to obey such laws; instead many women, who now Church, on the other. dinosaurs. Would that the there is a grave and clear US Presidents without any serious allegations of carry with them deep No Christian should re- current translation of the obligation to oppose them infidelity in marriage — Richard Nixon — was the physical and spiritual duce faith and orthodoxy Mass also becomes extinct by conscientious objec- most famously unethical president). wounds after succumb- to mere ideology. — and quickly. tions,” and . . . . Things began to change in the late 1980s, lead- ing to the pressures of R.L. Kennedy, Marilyn Elliston, “In the case of an in- ing up to the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky saga a secular culture, which Takaka. Orewa. trinsically unjust law, and the blaze of publicity that attracted. devalues God’s gift of such as a law permitting But the really interesting point made by Gra- sexuality and the right to abortion or euthanasia, it ham was the changing role of shame in the lives life of the unborn. Euthanasia is therefore never licit to of politicians. “In addition, the rate Translation obey it, or to take part in “It’s no accident that the famous line that of separation and divorce a propaganda campaign in is high, even in many The first duty of gov- helped sink Senator Joe McCarthy [in the 1950s], favour of such a law or to Christian families, and It is so nice to see that ernment is protection of vote for it.” (EV 73). uttered by Army General Counsel Joseph Welch, children frequently do Cardinal Sarah (NZ Cath- its people. Except when Do our bishops intend was this: ‘Have you no sense of decency?’” not grow up in a stable olic, July 26) is at it again an individual becomes, to reiterate his clear teach- Graham stated that things are very different home environment. We — and in New Zealand through illness “likely to ing? today. “Because the public seems largely unboth- also observe with great we follow like sheep. The die within six months”, P. Schaab, ered by infidelity, politicians are less likely to show concern, and can only problem is not the word then one becomes, in ef- Timaru. shame; because politicians treat infidelity lightly, deplore, an increase in vi- “one” in the Collect; it fect, a depreciated, de- olence against women and is this current abysmal valued citizen, eligible the public focuses less on it too. It is literally a translation of the Mass, to apply for assessment vicious cycle: a cycle in which vice is encouraged.” children. All these reali- ties threaten the sanctity that should never have if one “qualifies” for an Hagia Sophia “A political system where voters are indiffer- of marriage, the stability been introduced. “end-of-life-choice” — to ent to adultery may or may not be a good one,” of life in the home, and Authentic liturgy be put to death. Given that Turkey Graham concluded. “A system where politicians consequently the life of — source and summit It is all voluntary — the has reversed Ataturk’s are immune to shame is almost certainly not a society as a whole.” — comprises a thing of law does not allow one action by making Hagia good one. But if such a system results in both Bill Monica Devine, beauty, encompassing a to be pressured. But the Sophia revert to a being Clinton and Donald Trump as presidents, it’s hard Lower Hutt. sense of the sacred, yet knowledge that assess- mosque (NZ Catholic, July to draw conclusions about what sorts of leaders reflecting the daily lives of ment is available cannot 26), maybe New Zealand individuals and commu- prevent feelings of insecu- should let the Ataturk it produces and what that means for the future.” nities. This translation, rity, of a duty to apply to memorial near Wellington Shame is usually viewed negatively. But shame Ideology in itself, scores nil on all avoid becoming a burden revert to nature. can give rise to positive outcomes. As Mary Gail counts, despite it being on society, a family or The message being — Frawley-0’Dea wrote in the National Catholic Re- The book review “A several years since Pope others. if Turkey doesn’t value porter in 2010, “there is a shame experience that black-and-white view of Francis issued the motu Regardless of “safe- Ataturk, why should we? deepens our relationships with self, others and what it means to be Cath- proprio allowing local guards” in the legislation, John Cowen, the sacred. This shame signals that we have trans- olic” (NZ Catholic, July bishops’ conferences to citizens in this situation, Te Atatu, Auckland. gressed, instructs us to make amends, and warns us to refrain from behaviours that lead to the deep- ening of shame, with its concomitant fragmenting Except for our own edi- NZ Catholic welcomes readers’ letters, although receipt of a letter does not guar- of our psyches, souls and connections to others”. torials, opinions expressed antee publication. No correspondence will be entered into concerning publication. Maybe one question voters could ask in New in NZ Catholic do not neces- Letters should be no longer than 220 words and should be topical, to the point, and Zealand before September 19 is — do I think the sarily reflect the opinion of include the writer’s address and phone number. Ad hominem attacks are not welcome. candidates up for election are capable of feeling the newspaper or of its own- Emailed letters should be sent as part of the text message — not as an attachment — to shame? The answers would say a lot about our er, the Bishop of Auckland, [email protected] and include the writer’s physical address. Pseudonyms are not “body politic” and where our country is headed. unless otherwise indicated. accepted, except by special arrangement. 8 Features NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 A radical response to NZ’s religious and cultural diversity by Dr CHRISTOPHER LONGHURST what our nation sought to do in its ables comparisons to be made in such about what New Zealanders of diverse 2007 Diversity Action Programme. a way that respects the integrity and religions and cultural backgrounds The idea of banning religious Good policies on paper are insuffi- diversity of all religions, even when believe and practice, they are also instruction and teaching world re- cient. Programmes enacting those its method remains confessional. essential subjects for fostering the ligions in New Zealand schools is policies are essential. social cohesion needed in such a unquestionably an overly-laboured Here are some reasons why. n Intercultural religiously and culturally diverse na- topic today. This is true because re- Robert Neville, American phi- The other sub-branch of academic tion as ours today. These disciplines ligious schools have been teaching losopher and theologian, in his theology which could provide a re- provide access to the faith-content world religions for decades, and state ground-breaking lecture “Reli- sponsible reply to our nation’s high of the world’s major religions, and to schools in New Zealand have never gion-Specific or Trans-Religious?” religious and cultural diversity is the knowledge of how that content is taught religious instruction. (Harvard Divinity School, 2017), re- intercultural theology. This subject conveyed in culturally-diverse ways. However, there may be an oppor- defined theology as “the intellectual explores the structural elements, Granted, these subjects require tunity for New Zealand to step up its core of religion”. This courageous forms of expression, and trans- professional educators to teach our game with a more radical response move has potentially expanded the- formation processes around how teachers and students. Though this to the nation’s religious and cultural ology outside of faith-based contexts religious messages are conveyed in is already happening today at the diversity. while respecting how its religious culturally-diverse situations. It would newly-formed Te Kupenga Catholic What if we introduced academic types —­ Catholic, Protestant, Ortho- let students analyse and understand Theological College of Aotearoa New theology into all school curricula, dox, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Bud- the inter-cultural and trans-cultural Zealand, where students learn, not to fulfil our nation’s commitment dhist, Sikh, etc., and even non-theis- characteristics of religious expres- only about what is theology, but to teaching an understanding of tic lifeways are rooted within specific sions, and the culturally-diverse also about how theological ideas different religions and cultures in a faith-traditions. manifestations of faith-content, that cross religious borders, and how manner that reflects the diversity of Neville argued that any theology is, a religion’s intellectual core or the faith-content of a religion can our nation? whatsoever ought to rest on a basis of theology. be expressed in culturally-diverse What if our schools were places comparative erudition. Taught today Intercultural theology operates contexts. for the study of theology as the in- in classrooms of both state and faith- from the premise that there exists in In short, while our nation’s leaders tellectual core of the world’s major based schools, this kind of theology all religions a mix of cultural back- provide good policies around diver- religions? What if this were done in would enable students to acquire the grounds, and the theology that in- sity, we still must implement those a comparative way? And what if we ability to know and understand di- forms those religions must take this policies in concrete and meaningful looked at how religious messages verse theological beliefs and religious factor into consideration. It is based ways. Comparative theology and in- can be responsibly and contextually viewpoints. It would produce people on the principle that the cultural form tercultural theology in the curricula communicated through the diverse who knew what is believed prescind- of the religion is itself the religious of all our schools — private, religious cultures coexisting in faith-based ing believing those beliefs. Therefore, message. and state, and also to various degrees communities localised at various it would enable students to accept, In a country like Aotearoa New at each level — primary, secondary places across the country? or at least respect, the theological Zealand where there are people and tertiary, might help fill that void, This could be achieved by intro- differences, and appreciate the simi- from diverse cultural backgrounds because they are effective ways to ducing two relatively new sub-branch- larities amongst the world’s religions. believing, interacting and worship- understand the differences and sim- es of academic theology into our It would also enable them to grasp the ping together, it is vital that our ilarities in religious beliefs and the classrooms, namely, comparative truth claims of any faith-content on students understand what is at stake cultural expressions of those beliefs. theology and intercultural theology. its own merits. when people of diverse cultural This might be a radical response, Arguably, these contextual theol- This is true because, in compar- backgrounds practice together the though it may also prove vital to the ogies are relevant to current educa- ative theology, what is being com- same religion. This understanding is social cohesion and harmony which tional needs today more than ever pared is not the religions, but theo- especially important today to help our nation needs today in responding because of New Zealand’s high reli- logical ideas across religious borders. prevent ethnic silos emerging in the to its interreligious and multicultural gious diversity, small population, and In other words, the subject matter of religions across the country, as our tensions. absence of educational mechanisms comparative theology is theological national identity continues to cultur- Dr Christopher Longhurst is a Catholic in place for social cohesion within concepts that fall under comparative ally and religiously diversify. theologian and lecturer at Te Kupenga our religious and cultural diversity. categories. Neville argues that the Both of these contextual theolo- Catholic Theological College of Aotearoa They might even be able to achieve judicious use of such categories en- gies are not just important to learning New Zealand.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vati- act as a ‘moderator of pastoral care’, each person’s vocation”. turing the diocese, particularly can’s Congregation for Clergy issued with the powers and functions of a Msgr Andrea Ripa, undersecretary when it comes to closing or merging a new instruction on pastoral care parish priest, albeit without an office of the Congregation for Clergy, said parishes. that specifies the role of lay men and with its duties and rights”. their office created the instruction as In order for such restructuring to women in the Church’s mission of The document also instructs bish- a way to help support and guide bish- succeed, the document said, many evangelisation, and offers guidance ops to not designate deacons, conse- ops and dioceses in parish reforms factors need to be taken into ac- in parish reforms and restructuring. crated and lay men and women who and diocesan restructuring. count by including all members of The 22-page document, titled are given responsibilities in a priest- The instruction was not a “one the parish. “The pastoral conversion of the par- less parish as “pastor, co-pastor, size fits all” approach, he wrote, “Dropping plans upon the people ish community in the service of the chaplain, moderator, coordinator, but a concise overview of current of God from above, without their in- evangelising mission of the Church”, parish manager”, which are typically norms and indications that can be volvement, should be avoided,” Msgr was released by the Vatican on July reserved for priests “as they have a utilised by the different dioceses and Ripa said in his written presentation. 20. direct correlation to the ministerial parishes according to their unique The instruction underlined that While it does not introduce new profile of priests”. situations. certain reasons were not sufficient legislation on pastoral care, the Vat- Instead, those with responsibili- “Given that the Church is man- for suppressing a parish, including ican press office said it was devel- ties should be designated as “deacon dated by Christ to be missionary, “the scarcity of diocesan clergy, oped by the congregation as a guide cooperator, coordinator, pastoral evangelising and outward-looking, the general financial situation of a related “to the various projects of cooperator or pastoral associate or a reform of her structures is contin- diocese” or other situations that are reform of parish communities and assistant”, it said. uously required in order to respond temporary or reversible. diocesan restructuring, already un- Laypeople, the document states, to the challenges of the day,” the Legitimate reasons for suppres- derway or in the planning process”. It are called “to make a generous com- monsignor wrote. sion had to be “directly and organi- also clarifies the role of the deacons, mitment to the service of the mission “Naturally, this involves a certain cally connected to the interested par- consecrated men and women, as well of evangelisation”, first and fore- reorganisation in the way the pasto- ish community, and not on general as the laity, in dioceses where there most, through the “general witness ral care of the faithful is exercised, considerations or theories”, it added. is a shortage or lack of priests. of their daily lives”. so as to foster a greater co-respon- Similarly, legitimate reasons for Those entrusted with participa- The Vatican press office said, sibility and collaboration among all the deconsecration and sale of places tion in the exercise of the pastoral “The text, fundamentally, recalls that the baptised,” he wrote. of worship could not include “the care of the community, the document ‘in the Church there is room for all The importance of the laity in the lack of clergy, demographic decline states, “will be directed by a priest and everyone can find their place’ parish community was emphasised or the grave financial state of the with legitimate faculties, who will in the one family of God, respecting in the way bishops work on restruc- diocese”, it said. German bishops continue debate over Vatican document BONN, Germany (CNS) — The Vatican instruc- tensive reference to the common responsibility than before. tion on the reform of Catholic parishes continues of the whole congregation. Emphasising the re- “It does not help at all just to conjure up noble to stir debate in Germany, where some bishops sponsibility of the parish priest was theologically principles and to refer to canonical guidelines,” say the current parish model with a priest in legitimate, he said. he said. charge is no longer sustainable because of a lack He added that the “perennial debate” over Instead, there should be a responsible, sen- of vocations. celibacy, the ordination of women priests and sitive and creative consideration of what form Cardinal Walter Kasper defended the paper management teams was causing uncertainty, parishes can survive in, given the circumstances. following widespread criticism, such as by Bish- which was to blame for the shortage of priests, Bishop Peter Kohlgraf of Mainz wrote in a state- op Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen, who said: “In alongside other factors. The cardinal said the ment that he could “not simply accept” what he no manner does the instruction take note of the document tied bishops to enforceable criteria if described as an “interference” in his episcopal of- fact that we in Germany ­— but also in many other they want to restructure parishes. fice. The pastoral theologian said the instruction countries of the universal Church — can no lon- Bishop Gerhard Feige of Magdeburg criticised left him worried about “the many who are (still) ger shape Church life according to the model of the document, reported KNA. committed”. He stressed: “Soon they will have the people’s Church we have known up till now.” “As learners we gladly accept suggestions,” (had) enough if their commitment is only sus- Critics especially cited the lack of priests. Bishop Feige wrote in pastoral letter to members piciously watched and evaluated from on high.” The German Catholic news agency KNA report- of his diocese. “As a bishop, however, I won’t let He added that he was worried about the priests ed that, in a guest commentary for the Church myself be paralysed and blocked by their restric- in his diocese. website domradio.de in Cologne, Cardinal Kasper tive orders, since much in it is quite unrealistic “We can’t fill vacant positions as it is. Many wrote: “The German criticism completely misses — especially with regard to our extreme diaspora priests complain that they are overwhelmed by the actual point of the instruction, the pastoral situation, which they evidently cannot imagine — the administration and bureaucracy.” He said it conversion to mission- and since no positive solutions are indicated in also seemed “absurd to have every merging of par- ary pastoral work.” view of the mounting lack of priests.” ishes approved by Rome on a case-by-case basis”. Cardinal Kasper said Bishop Feige said the document will demoti- The Vatican stopped plans by Trier Diocese to the first chapters of vate some people from working for the Catholic establish 38 large-scale parishes, to be co-led by a the document, and the Church at all. He warned that the structure of priest and a group of laypeople. German bishops Something summary, made ex- the Church will change even more dramatically have been invited to Rome for discussions. Special Visit Pascoes the Jewellers NZers part of Aussie Church reform meeting for a huge range of 9ct gold crosses and by NZ CATHOLIC staff an chair of the Plenary and for women until October, 2021. religious pendants. not to have equal representation in the “The planning committee developing One of the outcomes of a Zoom meet- preparation of discussion documents for advice to the Vatican on the Plenary ing attended by more than 100 church the Plenary would expose the Plenary Council requires an equal representation reform advocates representing thou- as an anachronism, with compromised of women,” they added. sands of Catholics from Australia and credibility and relevance for the Austra- “Bishops throughout Australia must New Zealand, was a call for the Australian lian community,” Ms Dean and Professor listen to the people, at least respecting bishops to appoint a woman as co-chair- Warhurst said. the existing provisions of Church law, for person of the upcoming Plenary Council “A woman co-chair is a matter of diocesan pastoral councils and diocesan in that country. justice. If the bishops were to reject assemblies to be truly representative of The Zoom meeting took place on July this move, then it would be incumbent the faithful. 16. Among the 18 or so groups represent- upon them to explain clearly why more “The Plenary Council will be judged ed was Be the Change, New Zealand, as than half of the active faithful should be on whether it ensures future account- well as unaffiliated groups and individ- excluded from leadership of the Plenary. ability and integrity and listening in the uals from Australia and New Zealand. Exclusion of women in this way would be Church’s decision making —­ that can’t The Australian Catholic Coalition on a powerful symbol of business as usual.” occur without accepting the equality of Church Reform co-chairs Andrea Dean The co-chairs also called for “clar- women and introducing effective ac- and John Warhurst said there was over- ity in the agenda concerning priority countability in Church governance,” Ms whelming support for recognition of for other necessary reforms, including Dean and Professor Warhurst said. women’s leadership in the Church. This the establishment of Diocesan Pastoral Among the groups represented at is fundamental to the reform of Church Councils and Assemblies before the the Zoom meeting were Australian Re- governance. Plenary”. forming Catholics, For the Innocents, “Women play a leading role in the They also questioned why the Aus- Inclusive Catholics, Rainbow Catholics day-to-day support of Catholic Church tralian bishops were submitting the InterAgency for Ministry, VOCAL (Voic- liturgies and in running its health, ed- Instrumentum Laboris — the key doc- es of Catholic Australian Laity), WATAC ucation and social services, but are ument that will determine the Plenary (Women and the Australian Church), www.pascoes.co.nz excluded by church law from executive agenda — to the Vatican in September, and WWITCH (Women’s Wisdom in the governance. For there not to be a wom- when the Plenary has been postponed Church). NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Features 11 Reflecting the face of Jesus through support by ROWENA OREJANA a very tangible way,” he said. Members of the Catholic Caring Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn’s Foundation Board of Trustees, as well Catholic Caring Foundation has given as Auckland diocese general-manager 69 grants to charities and agencies James van Schie, were joined by do- throughout the region so far this nors, supporters, and friends of the year, enabling these agencies to re- foundation. spond to needs of families, particu- Ann-Marie Parker, Catholic Caring larly during the Covid-19 lockdown. Foundation manager, expressed her Some 800 people gathered at gratitude to the Tindall Foundation’s the annual Caring Foundation Mass support through the New Zealand held at the Christ the King parish in Catholic Bishops Conference. Owairaka on July 22. Auckland vicar “As Bishop Pat’s foundation in the general Msgr Bernard Kiely celebrated Auckland diocese, it is a real privilege the Mass on behalf of Bishop Dunn. that, after 30 years, we can still con- Msgr Kiely said that, like Mary tinue our mandate of caring for the Magdalene, whose feast fell on the poor, [the] marginalised, and [those] day of the Mass, the followers of Je- in need. We can do this only with the sus are called to “reflect the face of support of our donors, supporters, Jesus to our world”. and the wider Catholic community,” “Today, we acknowledge that very she said. important part of what it means to be Auckland diocese vicar for Maori a Catholic, what it means to be Chris- Manuel Beazley extended a welcome tian: putting our faith into action,” he (mihi) to everyone, and explained At the Caring Mass were (from left) Pat Davis, James van Schie (GM, Catholic Diocese said. “Putting our faith into action is the importance of manaaki (caring) of Auckland), Riu Tetai, Lil Dent, Msgr Bernard Kiely, and Mary Hape. not an optional part of what it means and how the Catholic community to be a follower of Jesus Christ. and foundation show this in the work And the caring apostolate of who we they do. Loraine Elliott helped with giving out Tetai, who helped her husband Camp- are as a Church is what we celebrate Auckland diocese vicar for edu- the Caring Awards, for organisations bell in setting up a foodbank from today.” cation Catherine Ryan assisted Msgr which had been recognised for their Moerewa 30 years ago. “If we hope to reflect the face of Kiely in handing out Caring Awards “outstanding care and commitment She was accompanied by all those Jesus, the one we follow, we need to for students in the different Catholic to helping others in our diocese”. involved in the foodbank and they be kind and we need to put our faith schools in Auckland, while vicar for Among those who were recognised came all the way from Moerewa to into action. We need to be caring in social impact and communications for their caring service was Riu Roa support her. Presentation Sisters Theology of the Body courses in Wellington launch new website by NZ CATHOLIC staff Centred on Christ, the teaching by NZ CATHOLIC staff has the potential to change lives in a We all have questions. Whether we radical way where we will never see The Presentation Sisters congre- are young or old, whether we know ourselves, the world and the people gation of Aotearoa New Zealand have it or not, we all want to know what around us in the same way again. started a website to cast information are we here for. What is the mean- The courses will be run for the more widely about their work. ing of my life? Why did God create first time in Wellington by Maria Pais The Sisters of the Presentation of me? What is my purpose? What will who completed a Masters Degree in the Blessed Virgin Mary were found- make me truly happy, completely Theology (Marriage and Family) from ed in Ireland, by the Venerable Nano happy? the John Paul Institute on Marriage Nagle in 1775. These questions are only some and Family, Melbourne, Australia, The new website is very time- which the Theology of the Body and who has been running TOB ly, said Sr Noreen McGrath, PBVM, (TOB) seeks to answer. “Theology courses since 2012. leader of the New Zealand sisters. of the Body” is the name given to Limited spaces available so regis- “With all that is going on in the world a series of about 130 talks by Pope ter early! Courses for Young Adults today, we believe that the light that St John Paul II during his first five (ages 18-35 years) will be held on Nano first shone . . . is so sorely years as Pope, which focuses on the September 5 and 6, and for Adults needed again,” said Sr Noreen. meaning and purpose of the human on September 19 and 20 at Challenge Today the sisters are involved in person. 2000, 1 Wanaka St, Johnsonville, prison and hospital ministry, spir- Christopher West, an Ameri- Wellington. itual accompaniment, school sup- can Catholic author, speaker and Early Bird Registration: $40.00 port, parish life, justice, anti-traf- co-founder of the Theology of the (closes on 29 August). General ficking movements and responding Body Institute, says that the: “The- Registration: $50.00 (closes three to the cry of the Earth and the cry of ology of the Body lays out a banquet days before the event). To register, the poor. They are now based in the that truly satisfies the deep hunger contact Patricia at 0220289737 or Hutt Valley and Mosgiel. in our hearts. It reveals God’s ulti- email [email protected]. St John Paul II in 1978 in Rome, days after The new website is www.presen- mate plan for each of us in a full, nz For more information, visit www. his election. (CNS Photo) tationsistersnz.com life-giving way.” marriageandfamily.org.nz

See, Judge, Act is a remarkably well- researched history of the origins, growth, achievements and demise of the Catholic youth movements. ~ Cardinal Tom Williams

… more than just a history; it is an analysis of the foundational principles behind the ‘See, Judge, Act’ theology, combining Catholic social teaching with leadership training in order to reform society. for beautiful funerals ~ Pat Lythe, NZ Catholic

… the closing chapters are resplendent with hope and encouragement that the Christian transformation of society is awaiting and is possible. ~ Peter Slocum, Tui Motu InterIslands

Contact us anytime:09 415 8720 www.dils.co.nz Steele RobeRtS AoteARoA Ask for a copy at your local bookstore 12 International NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Pope calls on young to reach out to elderly VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Anne — Mary’s parents, Jesus’ care while respecting current something that shows kindness and Francis called on young people to grandparents and the patron saints directives. affection for older people who may reach out to their grandparents or of grandparents. Grandparents and the elderly are feel lonely”, while respecting social the elderly who may be lonely or Pope Francis said he wanted to “your roots”, and having a strong distancing rules that may apply. on their own. mark the day by inviting all young bond or connection with one’s roots It said it has been hearing about “Do not leave them by them- people to make a concrete “gesture is important, he said, because “an the many ways people have been selves,” he said, after praying the of tenderness toward the elderly, es- uprooted tree cannot grow, it does finding creative ways to draw the Angelus with visitors in St Peter’s pecially the loneliest, in their homes not blossom or bear fruit.” Church community closer to those Square on July 26. and residences, those who have Because the pandemic has affect- who are older and lonely, including “Use the inventiveness of love, not seen their loved ones for many ed older people especially hard, the serenading residents in retirement make phone calls, video calls, send months” because of rules in place Dicastery for Laity, the Family and homes. messages, listen to them and, where to curb the spread of the corona- Life launched a campaign on July 27, It asked people to continue to possible, in compliance with health virus. after being inspired by Pope Francis’ share their efforts and ideas on care regulations, go to visit them, In part, because of such regu- invitation to reach out safely and social media with the hashtag #sen- too. Send them a hug,” he said. lations in place, he asked young creatively to the elderly. dyourhug, and the dicastery would The Pope made his remarks on people to be creative and inven- The campaign encourages young repost some of them on their plat- the memorial of Sts Joachim and tive in finding ways to show they people around the world “to do forms @laityfamilylife. Volunteer admits starting fires Philippine bishops NANTES, France (CNS) — A volunteer is facing dare Duterte to ‘sue us’ up to 10 years in prison after he confessed to deliberately setting fire to the city’s Gothic ca- MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Bishop Broderick thedral. Pabillo, apostolic administrator of Manila, defend- French media reported the 39-year-old man, ed a recent pastoral letter issued by the Catholic named only as Emmanuel A, admitted lighting Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines criticising two fires in the area of a 17th-century organ, and the Philippines’ newly passed anti-terrorism law. a third above an electrical panel in the Cathedral Church and human rights groups oppose the of Sts Peter and Paul on July 18. law due to what they say is its vague and ambigu- The man, who is a Catholic from Rwanda, had ous provisions, reported ucanews.com. been working voluntarily at the cathedral as a But on July 20, President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal warden, and had the keys to the building because counsel, Salvador Panelo, said the letter “appears he was responsible for locking it up on the day to have violated” the Philippine constitution with of the fire. regard to separation of church and state. Panelo He was questioned by police following the also accused the Philippine bishops’ conference blaze and was released without charge, but he of pressuring the Supreme Court in “calling for was rearrested on July 25. He confessed to arson prayers” and appealing to the conscience of the later that day. court’s members. Nantes prosecutor Pierre Sennes told the Bishop Pabillo, however, has said that being Agence France-Presse news agency on July 25 that bishops or clergymen did not divest them of their the man has since been charged with “destruction civil and political rights to free speech, because and damage by fire”, an offence that could carry they are still citizens of the state. a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and US$175,000 “Don’t we have the right to speak about the gov- in fines. ernment’s shortcomings because we are members The prosecutor’s office also revealed that the of the Church? We are also citizens,” Bishop Pabillo man came to Nantes several years ago and had said in a news conference. applied for refugee status without success, culmi- He also said that, if the Duterte government nating in an order in 2019 for him to leave France. believed the pastoral letter violated the constitu- The cathedral in Nantes is considered to be a tion’s article on the separation of church and state, jewel of French architecture. It was built between Panelo should press charges against the bishops. 1434 and 1891 and has been designated a historic “If it really is violative, they should file a case monument by the French government because of against us. We are challenging them if our letter its architectural significance. really violates that,” Bishop Pabillo added. More than 100 firefighters had contained the He said the Philippine bishops did not intend blaze within two hours of it breaking out, and to influence members of the Supreme Court, but they stopped it from spreading to the main body wanted to raise awareness among all Catholics of of the church. the present issues the Philippines is facing. The choir organ at the west end of the building “We did that (pastoral letter) in order to raise was destroyed, however, along with much of the awareness among Filipinos . . . our call is clear in choir area and some stained-glass windows. The fire in the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul in Nantes, the text. It is a call to prayer,” Bishop Pabillo said. A July 22 statement issued by Father Fran- France, is as seen in a screen grab obtained from a social Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, acting president cois Renaud, the administrator of the Diocese media video (CNS Photo) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Phil- of Nantes, said the fire had weakened the fabric ippines, also said on July 20 that the conference of the cathedral, and that it would be closed for and prayer. We are deprived of our cathedral. But had never intended to influence members of the repairs which could take years to complete. we are not deprived of the light and peace given Supreme Court or interfere with the operations of “Most of the costs will be borne by the state, to us by the Lord of this place. With or without a government. which owns the building,” he said, adding that the cathedral, our Church will know how to shine, I “Our only influence is on conscience, because diocese would need to find funds for a new organ am sure,” he said. it is our duty to form consciences, and we are ac- and the replacement of the choir stalls. The blaze came just over a year after a fire countable to God for this. “The cathedral struck those who entered it severely damaged Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, “We draw inspiration from both the Scriptures with its light and the elevated gaze it elicited. It though the fire in Nantes was much smaller by and the magisterium of the Church,” Bishop David offered everyone peace conducive to recollection comparison. added. German abbess faces possible landmark trial on church asylum MUNICH (CNS) — A Benedictine town of Kirchschletten more than cases in exchange for a fine. If the asylum while the asylum-seeker’s abbess who granted refuge to fe- 30 times. The main hearing at the accused agreed, the matter was over, individual application is examined, male asylum-seekers faces trial for Bamberg district court was cancelled although this did not amount to an provided that he or she is not hidden. refusing to pay a fine, reported the in mid-July because the judge wanted acquittal. The Freising district court ruled in German Catholic news agency KNA. to wait for possible further charges Franz Bethauser, the lawyer for 2018 that, as long as the state does It could become a landmark case against her, a court spokesman told Mother Mechthild, has long been hop- not enforce an asylum-seeker’s obli- by determining whether granting KNA. ing for a fundamental clarification gation to leave the country, Church Church asylum amounts to the “I acted out of Christian spirit,” of the issue by the justice system in asylum cannot be punishable. punishable offence of “aiding and the 62-year-old abbess said. “To give order to give people legal certainty. Bavarian Interior Minister Joa- abetting illegal residents”, as state concrete help to a person in need KNA said the hearing in Bamberg chim Herrmann urged the police and prosecutors often interpret it. There can’t be a crime.” would not be just about Mother immigration authorities to stick to is no supreme court ruling on this Up to now, authorities in Bavaria Mechthild. It is also about whether this line and not to deport refugees issue yet, KNA reported. have mostly dropped proceedings the 2015 agreement between the directly from Church care. But, as Mother Mechthild Thurmer grant- against people granting Church churches and the government on yet, asylum-seekers and their hosts ed refuge to female asylum-seekers asylum and imposed no penalties. Church asylum still stands. Under have no legal claim and hence no in her monastery in the Bavarian In a few cases, they offered to close that agreement, authorities tolerate final security in the matter. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 International 13 China accused of hacking Vatican computers

NEW YORK (CNS) — China has “This series of suspected net- derstood to be held between the two years. China has consistently — and been accused of hacking Vatican work intrusions also targeted the sides, as has happened on and off in usually vehemently — denied all computers, as well as those in the Hong Kong study mission to China recent decades. accusations of computer hacking, Diocese of Hong Kong and other and the Pontifical Institute for For- Talks on a new deal have been but investigations by data experts Catholic organisations in May. eign Missions (PIME), Italy. These delayed by the coronavirus pandem- and journalists continue to turn up The hacking appears to be an at- organisations have not been pub- ic. The last talks were in November, evidence of Beijing’s programmes. tempt to gain an advantage in talks licly reported as targets of Chinese 2019, before they were halted by It is the first time the Vatican has between the Vatican and China, threat activity groups prior to this Beijing, reports have said. been identified as a target of Chinese which were due to resume as early campaign.” The same reports said face-to- hackers. as late July, about a fresh deal on the A landmark provisional Vati- face discussions were set to resume “The suspected intrusion into the appointment of bishops. can-China agreement was signed in before the end of July in Rome, Vatican would offer RedDelta insight US data monitoring group Record- September, 2018, the culmination of ucanews.com stated. into the negotiating position of the ed Future and its Insikt Group used efforts by Pope Francis and his pre- In a recent interview with an Ital- Holy See ahead of the deal’s Septem- sophisticated data analysis tools to decessors, St John Paul II and Pope ian television programme, the Vat- ber, 2020, renewal,” the report said. uncover the cyber espionage, report- Benedict XVI, aimed at normalising ican’s lead negotiator, Archbishop It added that targeting of the ed ucanews.com. the appointment of bishops and Claudio Maria Celli, confirmed that Hong Kong study mission and its “From early May, 2020, the Vati- bringing the entire Catholic Church the Holy See “wants to continue with Catholic diocese could also “pro- can and the Catholic Diocese of Hong in China into communion with Rome. this step, it wants to go forward”. vide a valuable intelligence source Kong were among several Catholic While the details of the agreement China’s alleged actions would for both monitoring the diocese’s Church-related organisations that remain secret, it is widely thought appear to fit in with Beijing’s pro- relations with the Vatican and its were targeted by RedDelta, a Chi- that the Pope has the final say over gramme of hacking the communi- position on Hong Kong’s pro-democ- nese-state sponsored threat activity bishop candidates presented by cations devices of governments, racy movement amidst widespread group tracked by Insikt Group,” the Beijing. Ahead of the candidate’s businesses, charities and individ- protests and the recent sweeping Recorded Future report stated. nomination, informal talks are un- uals around the world in recent Hong Kong national security law”. Jesuit superior warns of pandemic’s threat to democracy VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Human “To discriminate against mi- lives and jobs are not the only things grants would be, and is, a great dan- threatened by the coronavirus pan- ger and would be a sign of a world demic: In many countries, democra- that we do not want,” he said. cy and efforts to build a more just The Jesuit superior added that he world also are under attack, said Fr is concerned about how some busi- Arturo Sosa, superior general of the nesses are using the pandemic as Jesuits. an excuse to fire workers or reduce “Democracy can be one of the salaries and benefits, including for victims of the pandemic, if we do health care. not take care with our political con- “In other words, the pandemic is dition,” Fr Sosa told Vatican News. an occasion to take steps forward “At this time, for example, many or to take steps backward,” he said. governments — including so-called “And we must be very aware of this democratic governments — are tak- as the Catholic Church and as people ing the path of authoritarianism.” committed to justice and peace so The interview was published on that we can build a more welcoming, the eve of the July 31 feast of St more democratic society.” Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Inspired by St Ignatius, he said, A rescued migrant is checked by UN High Commissioner for Refugees workers upon Jesuits. Jesuits and other Catholics know his arrival in Valletta, Malta, on July 27, during the COVID-19 pandemic. (CNS photo) Pope Francis, also a Jesuit, joined that being close to the poor is always Fr Sosa and his confreres for a feast- important, but especially during this spirituality, is a personal and pro- cause it helps a person be “fully day lunch at the order’s headquar- pandemic. found encounter with Jesus Christ, available to do only that which God ters near the Vatican. “If we are not capable of looking crucified and risen, which leads to desires, without attachments to any In the interview, Fr Sosa said at the world up close, sharing the such a familiarity with God that person, place or institution”. many governments are using the point of view of the poor, which is one can find him in pandemic as an excuse to restrict or the point of view of the crucified every thing and every end their assistance to migrants and Jesus, then we will make mistakes moment,” Fr Sosa said. refugees, “which is a great mistake in our decisions,” he said. That intimate relation- Auckand’sCatholic if we want to make the world more “The heart of the Ignatian expe- ship becomes a source fraternal and just”. rience and, therefore, of Ignatian of true freedom be- Funeral Specialists

Davis Funerals has been $50 million for abuse survivors from archdiocese caring for Catholic families for over 80 years. We are a PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The approached, programme ad- suffering, such funds generally family managed business Archdiocese of Philadelphia ministrators reported a surge in attempt to redress several eco- that has proudly provided has paid out or approved more claims, which totalled 616 as of nomic consequences of sexual over three generations of than US$50 million so far to May 30 of this year. abuse, including lost wages, professional and personal 222 clergy sex abuse survivors, Of those, “the overwhelming medical costs and payments for service to our Catholic according to a new report from majority” have been “meritori- mental health counselling. community. the Independent Reconciliation ous”, according to the IRRP’s Four of the settlement offers and Reparations Program. third interim report, issued on have been declined, while 34 It’s our privilege to help you IRRP was launched in Novem- June 24. claims have been denied. One through this important time. ber, 2018, as a means of pro- Settlement offers average claim was withdrawn prior to We have 16 Funeral viding settlements to claimants about US$225,000 per claimant, determination. Directors all trained and alleging abuse by archdiocesan an amount “the overwhelming Another 82 claims are listed experienced to help our clergy. majority of claimants” found as “incomplete”, with adminis- Catholic families. The programme’s adminis- to be “satisfactory”, the report trators working “to address any trators, acting independently of said. deficiencies”. Contact us today to discuss the archdiocese, assess claims Approximately 250 claims Attorneys Kenneth Feinberg your options, or organise and offer compensation with are still under review. If all of and Camille Biros, the IRRP’s a free pre planning no monetary cap, either indi- them were to be approved at claims administrators, expect consultation. vidually or in total. Claims are the same average amount, an to conclude the determination considered regardless of how additional US$56.25 million process in about six months, at long ago the events in ques- could be awarded to survivors. which time a final report will tion occurred, or whether the The three-stage review pro- be issued. Phone: 09 638 9026 statute of limitations had ex- cess, which includes the offer The pair operate similar pro- Email: [email protected] pired. for a survivor to meet with the grammes in numerous dioceses The archdiocese has pledged programme’s administrators throughout Pennsylvania, New to pay all awards as indicated by and a victim’s advocate, rang- Jersey, New York, Colorado the plan and agreed to by the es from four to five months, and California. Response rates 80 survivors. according to the report. to the Philadelphia programme As the September 30, 2019, While advocates stress that “compare well” with those from davisfunerals.co.nz deadline for filing the forms no price can be put on victims’ other dioceses, said the report.

NZ Catholicv2.indd 1 4/09/19 12:38 PM 14 Features NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Students march against inter-school violence by MICHAEL OTTO

Hundreds of Auckland secondary school students took to the streets in Otahuhu after school on July 29 in a rally against inter-school violence. Among the goals of the march — reportedly organised by students from 15 schools working together — were raising awareness on ways to prevent inter-school violence, displaying unity and harmony between school communities, and eliminating stereotypes around Auckland schools. The march was reportedly supported by whānau, local authorities and the wider com- munity. In a statement released before the march, organiser Theresa Viane of McAuley High School said: “We are always shown videos and news about students fighting or rivalries between schools, but why does this occur? We need more projects and groups that specialise in actively reaching out to students about this issue”. In June, a brawl took place outside De La Sending a message on the march. Salle College in Mangere, which saw one stu- dent stabbed in the stomach and another suffer concussion. Four teenagers were arrested and charged. Among other incidents in the last 12 months, was brawl involving some 100 people that was broken up by police last September. This in- volved students from Manurewa High School and James Cook High School. Inter-school online abuse has also been a problem, according to media. Theresa Viane said that the changes promot- ed by the march in Otahuhu include encour- aging unity, as well as “showcasing that Māori and Pasifika students are future leaders in the making who are willing to contribute and influ- ence a change”. A significant number of students from De La Salle College attended the march. Head boy Toma Laumalili said the march not only serves as a symbol against inter-school violence, but “as a new beginning emphasising peace and unity”. Radio New Zealand reported Toma speaking at the march, saying that “Our school gets a lot of bad media representation . . . we’re not all about the violence”. “I hope that we eliminate school violence and everyone rises above the hate.” Students listen to speakers (Photos: Josh Talakai) Health is so important to all of us here are many things we all want stay in people’s minds. This is true, of maybe they are estranged from them. — more money, peace, joy, hap- course, of all our social interactions Whatever the situation, we all find these Tpiness. We all want to be healthy, — we often don’t know what effect our cases very tragic. Even for those with although its not always the first thing words have. family, I am often surprised how few we say we want. Many of us take it for I often think of what happens when or how infrequent the visits by family granted. I see people every day who are people have left the presence of health are. There are some very isolated peo- having health issues. When, as a health practitioners. We often have to give ple in our community and, if ill health Family professional, you get on the other side heavy news — telling someone they is added into that mix, it creates a very of it and you or a family member are the have cancer, or dementia, or they have difficult situation to manage. patient, you get a very stark insight in a high risk of a heart attack or stroke. People used to routinely toast to Matters to just how vulnerable you are. When I am very aware that most people, at good health. I encourage all of us not you are experiencing bad health, you some level, go into a state of shock at to take our health for granted. It really Helen can feel very vulnerable and scared the news and may not hear much of is one of those things you notice most and anxious. Depending on who you see what we say after that. I also wonder if when it is gone. Luxford and how you find your experience with many people might fall apart emotion- Pray for health professionals for wis- the health professionals and system, it ally when they get home ­— if not them, dom that we say the right thing at the can be the making or breaking for how maybe their spouse or their family. right time to the right person. Pray for you find your health interactions going They may read all sorts of information those without support facing health bat- forward. on google, but they might be reading tles — that they can feel comfort from We frequently see people who have the wrong information without realising those caring for them, at the very least. had less than ideal interactions with the it — information that might not apply James 5:14-15; “Is anyone among you health system — whether they had to to them and might make them worried sick? Let them call the elders of the wait too long, had re-scheduling issues when they needn’t be. church to pray over them and anoint or unpleasant interactions with staff. I am often surprised by who is sup- them with oil in the name of the Lord. Often people focus on a statement that porting the patients we see — there is And the prayer offered in faith will someone made a long time ago that such a variety — it might be an ex-part- make the sick person well; the Lord will has really stuck with them. Such as ner, perhaps the daughter-in-law rather raise them up. If they have sinned, they “the doctor told me I nearly died due than their son or daughter, in some will be forgiven.” to another doctor giving me the wrong cases a non-relative — we have seen so Helen Luxford is a physician, working medication or too strong a medication”; many neighbours that help as if they part-time. She is a parishioner of St Mi- “A nurse made me feel like it was all my are family and it is so touching. For chael’s, Remuera. Together with her husband fault because I smoked/am too fat/don’t some people we see, they have no one, Michael, they are raising their children in the test my sugars enough.” Sometimes, not a single person they are able to call Catholic Faith and reflecting on the challeng- it’s the small things we say that really upon. Maybe they never had a family or es and joys that brings. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Features 15

CLIPS A Dickens of a show Radioactive by NEVIL GIBSON Amazon/Studio CanalMarie Curie’s discovery of radioactivity and two Nobel A new biography, The Mys- prizes, one shared with her husband Pierre (Sam Riley), make her tery of Charles Dickens, depicts one of the 20th century’s foremost achievers. She is also ideal him as a paragon of Victorian material for a feminist tract about the lack of women in science, values, but not those that are and the discrimination she faced as a Polish migrant in France conventionally held. in the decades before and after World War I. Unfortunately, the A. N. Wilson, who spoke at script (by Jack Thorne, of The Aeronauts and The Eddy fame) is the Auckland Writers Festival packed with clichés and the direction (by Iranian-born Marjane in 2017, depicts him as a “pre- Satrapi) is pedestrian at best. The largely linear plot, recalled by maturely decrepit monster of Curie (Rosamund Pike) as she faces death in 1934, ends several lust, ego and demonic capitalist years earlier. The scientific discoveries are well explained, with energy”. Furthermore, he was flash forwards to modern-day uses and abuses of radiology and a “man driven half-mad by the nuclear energy. But the personal side lacks the depth of, say, the cruelty, smugness, competitive- turmoil of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game or Stephen Hawking ness and hypocrisy of the 19th in The Theory of Everything. Even the period settings, mainly in century”. Paris with ubiquitous shots of the Eiffel Tower, don’t impress, Dickens died in 1870, aged probably due to the all-too-familiar look of backlots in Hungarian 58, at the height of his world- studios. Rating: Mature audiences. 110 minutes. wide fame. But even his death, of a stroke in the arms of his The Burnt Orange Heresy mistress, was covered up as (Limelight) The pandemic is a boon for arthouse distributors and exhibi- occurring in his own home. Dev Patel in The Personal History of David Copperfield. Wilson goes into much detail tors, as their movies are attracting more attention than would of Dickens’ abuse of his wife, normally be expected. This English-language thriller, set in Catherine, who bore 10 chil- Italy, is based on Charles Willeford’s 1970s tale of murder and dren, and his ferocious work Movie Review fraud in modern art. Art crimes have produced some excellent ethic. movies – an example being Danny Boyle’s Trance (2013). The Apart from writing the enor- ambition to succeed as a writer, house boat on a beach and a leads, Australian-raised Elizabeth Debicki (Virginia Woolf in Vita & mous novels on which his rep- when mass literacy was making farm, to misery as he is reunited Virginia) and Denmark’s Claes Bang (The Square), are overshad- utation rests, Dickens edited this a lucrative occupation. with his timid mother (Morfydd owed by the minor players, 85-year-old Donald Sutherland as a periodicals, acted in plays, David Copperfield was first Clark) and tyrannical stepfather legendary hermit artist, and Mick Jagger as a crooked collector. toured the United States, ran a adapted for the screen in 1935 Murdstone (Darren Boyd), who Italian director Guiseppe Capotondi depends on natural lighting, charity for “fallen” women and (by George Cukor with W. C. puts him to work in a bottling or rather the lack of it, to create a difficult visual experience. gave public readings. Fields), 1970 (as a BBC TV series), plant after she dies. That detracts from the beautiful setting of Lake Como in late These were lit by gas lamps, 1993 (as a cartoon) and 2000 (as In quick succession, Cop- summer. Rating: Restricted to audiences over 13. 99 minutes with him reading from behind a US TV production). perfield is entangled with all The Old Guard a small desk. He would throw The latest is by Armando the unforgettable characters, (Netflix) himself in an ecstatic frenzy Iannucci, best known for his all played by a top British cast. The $US70 million budget for this high-powered action show as he recounted sordid scenes profane depiction of cynical They include the impecunious demands to be seen on a big screen, rather than restricted to such as Bill Sykes’ murder of politics in The Thick of It and the Mr Micawber (Peter Capaldi), home viewing. Hollywood blockbusters are sorely missing from Nancy from Oliver Twist. Dick- laugh-out-loud machinations of the mad, but kindly, aunt Betsy the world’s cinemas thanks to Covid-19. Tom Hanks lamented ens performed this at least 28 The Death of Stalin. Trotwood (Tilda Swindon), her that his big-budget submarine drama Greyhound is available only times, Wilson reveals. His style is a sharp contrast kite-flying house guest Mr Dick on Apple’s streaming service. The cinema experience of action A public reading is the start- to conventional Dickens adapta- (Hugh Laurie), the unctuous scenes helps hide the flaws in plots that skimp on character and ing point for the new version of tions, some of which are worthy Uriah Heep (Ben Whishaw), close narrative. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Secret Life of The Personal History of David and dull to the point of boring. school friend Steerforth (Aneu- Bees) tries to dispel this notion, with her gang of superheroes, led Copperfield (Roadshow), the This was certainly the case with rin Barnard) and ditzy wife-to- by Charlize Theron (Atomic Blonde), who happen to be immortal. most autobiographical of his The Man Who Invented Christ- be Dora (also played by Clark). This means they rise from the dead despite being repeatedly novels, with Dickens himself mas (2017), one of at least six This rich and rollicking feast shot, taking away most of the motive. Nevertheless, living for remarkably played by Dev Patel screen versions of A Christmas may be too much for some to hundreds of years and surviving countless battles do take their (The Luminaries). Carol. digest, but in these lean times toll, as Theron and her three male companions welcome a new As Wilson tells it, Dickens Once Copperfield plunges for escapist fare at pandemic-hit female member (KiKi Layne). Stories based on graphic novels are grew up in abject misery, was into his life’s story, there’s no cinemas, it is welcome enter- never going to be subtle, and you know there is more to come rejected by his mother, worked letting up, as he is bounced tainment. when the credits have a teaser for the next instalment. Netflix as a child labourer in a sweat- as a child from brief periods Rating: Parental guidance rating: 16+. 125 minutes. shop and had a deep-seated of happiness at Yarmouth in a advised. 120 minutes. An excellent resource for engaged and married couples HABITS FOR A HEALTHY MARRIAGE: A Hand- book for Catholic Couples by Richard P. Fitzgibbons, M.D. Ignatius Press (San Francisco, 2019). 280 pp, Book Review US$17.95. Reviewed by BRIAN OLSZEWSKI (CNS) It is commonly understood that approximately for a happy and healthy marriage”. While Habits for a Healthy Marriage is fitting half of the marriages in the United States end in Fitzgibbons, the director of the Institute for marriage preparation, those who are married divorce. The rate of divorce is higher for second for Marital Healing in Philadelphia, introduces also will benefit from Fitzgibbons’ work. The top- and third marriages. Thus, it is understandable Chloe and Chad, who, in the wife’s view, are not ics he addresses can arise in healthy marriages, why the Catholic Church has made it a priority to communicating well: “When I try to talk to him, and the recommendations he offers can be help- prepare couples for healthy, permanent marriag- he doesn’t even seem to hear me.” He uses the ful no matter how long one has been married. es through thorough, well-developed diocesan dialogue they have with him in For example, in the chapter programmes. counselling to present possible titled “Generosity conquers However, even the most highly regarded causes for the problem, e.g., selfishness”, he suggests ex- pre-marriage instruments and intense one-on-one needing to control, lacking grat- pressing love and affection meetings with engaged couples will not guarantee itude for one’s spouse, being through words and deeds, permanency in marriage. Among the variables are emotionally distant. setting aside time to talk and the behaviours, influences and environmental Throughout the book, Fitz- praying together. backgrounds each future spouse is bringing to gibbons will ask about how Anyone concerned about that marriage. the couple’s parents handled healthy marriages — their own This is where Habits for a Healthy Marriage be- the topic being addressed, for or others’ — will benefit from comes an excellent resource for couples planning example, communication. The Habits for a Healthy Marriage, to be engaged or already engaged, and for those couple’s identifying and speak- no matter how much or how lit- responsible for preparing them for marriage. In- ing about what they learned - or tle one reads. However, a word dividual chapters, with their focus on topics such didn’t learn — from their par- of advice to both the engaged as forgiveness, trust, responsibility, gratitude, ents is an important element in and married: Keep a bookmark respect and generosity, can be integrated into resolving the problem. and highlighter nearby. There is preparation as discussion starters. He references what others bound to be something you will The chapter on communication is an example have written on the topic being want your intended or spouse of the book’s consistency in the quality of mate- addressed and, where relevant, to read, too. rial, the way it is presented and its applicability. includes frequent quotations Brian Olszewski is the editor of As with every chapter, it begins with a clearly from the work of St John Paul The Catholic Virginian, newspaper stated goal: “to assist couples with loving and II, as well as references from of the Diocese of Richmond, Vir- respectful communication, which is necessary Scripture. ginia. 16 Features NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020

THE CHURCH YEAR We are here:6 Nineteenth Sunday Advent Christmas Ordinary Time Lent Eastertime Ordinary Time

The reality of divine presence revealed

August 9: Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Read- Scripture by Fr Kevin Waldie sm ings: 1. 1 Kings 19:9,11-13; Psalm: 85; 2. Romans 9:1-5; Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33. This selection of passages from Holy Scrip- the Almighty. And it is there that Elijah learns ture is especially focused on the spiritual reality what he must proclaim and do. that God and the Lord Jesus bless us with their At the beginning of Romans 9, Paul’s turbulent times. The hostile weather on the Sea presence as we practise our faith in the midst thoughts are very much an indication of his call- of Galilee provides the right setting for demon- of a changing world. ing to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his strating that Jesus showed himself present when For the prophet Elijah, in the first reading, own people, the Israelites. His divinely revealed needed, in anxious and distressing circumstanc- that experience of divine companionship takes mission is a serious one. And he feels deeply es. His power over the forces of nature obviously on a sure but mysterious air. Such things as that his Jewish brothers and sisters should confirms him as the true Son of God. the great wind and the earthquake might have come to know that Jesus the Messiah has come Set alongside each other, these readings work suggested the presence of an almighty power. in the flesh and continues his presence among together to draw us into the revealed reality of But the point of this passage is to highlight his people everywhere. divine presence. Each biblical author has thrown the almost silent atmosphere of the mountain The Gospel scene described by Matthew some light on what it means to believe that our setting. For it is there that God makes himself captures that same sense of Jesus as the incar- God, and the Lord, wills to aid us all with bless- known, that is, in a space always associated with nate divine presence, always with us, even in ings in a multiplicity of ways. A God of mercy and universal salvation Behind the words of these readings stands tants of God’s world. the God of mercy and universal salvation. Their Two words from Paul fly off the page today in August 16: Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Read- message, therefore, witnesses to the ever-rele- Romans. They are “mercy” and “disobedience”. ings: 1. Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm: 67; 2. Romans 11:13- vant outreach to places where God’s plan for all The first of these identifies the largesse of the 15,29-32; Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28. humanity has not yet been heard or accepted. Gospel message that God wants human agents Isaiah, whose writing introduced the concept like Paul to proclaim with enthusiastic convic- of an outsider/foreigner persistently seeking to of the Good News, leads off with three verses tion. The second word acknowledges the real have Jesus share his merciful ministry with some- that weigh up the essence of faith for Jew and obstacles that prevent us from truly hearing and one like herself. As the text makes clear in the Christian alike. His prophetic announcement acting upon the Word of God. Speaking authori- very last verse, her faith in Jesus’ power perfectly looks to a time when God’s revealed plan will tatively on God’s behalf, Paul boldly champions illustrates how the early Church will spread belief become universal reality. So both Israel and all mercy as the victor over disobedience. This is in the words and deeds of Jesus. peoples of the earth are the intended recipients the very message he must deliver to the ends of Looking closely at the readings for this Sunday of divine favour and well-being. This word from the known world. reveals the extent of God’s grand plan, and the God defines a way of life pleasing to him, and a Matthew’s story of the Canaanite woman and role of believers who implement it throughout source of personal contentment for all inhabi- her demon-possessed daughter is a fine example this world of ours.

Times of trauma: Old Testament is a go-to guide for coping VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When the difficulties and uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic were at their height in Italy this past northern Bible News spring, one Vatican cardinal defined the snow- balling crisis as a form of “trauma”. When asked by the reporter what was needed that the vastness of the universe is at the centre, to confront this challenge, Cardinal Gianfranco put your suffering in the midst of that”. Ravasi, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture God never explains or gives Job answers, but and a renowned biblical scholar, said he was Job “seems like he is calmed by simply experi- finding some important insight in a book by US encing God”, she said. scholar, David Carr, titled Holy Resilience: The The complexity and lack of clear answers in Bible’s Traumatic Origins. the Old Testament is “not always helpful, but In his 2014 book, Carr — a professor of the I think right now, where we are, it is,” Leon- Old Testament at the Union Theological Seminary ard-Fleckman said. in New York, a Protestant and part of the edito- It is not a call for being passive, she added, it rial board of the Catholic Biblical Association’s shows people it’s alright to let themselves feel quarterly publication — looks at how trauma Dominik Markl, SJ Mahri Leonard-Fleckman what is happening, “to grapple with it and to let gave birth to the Bible, and how its texts reveal (CNS Photos) them know” horrible, inexplicable things happen. the strength and resiliency of individuals and Fr Markl said the biblical authors offer “a voice communities in enduring suffering and disaster. to those who suffer”, using strong language to Cardinal Ravasi said in that April interview great difficulty trying to find anything to like or express hardship, not repress it. with La Repubblica that this concept of seeing appreciate about the darker texts, particularly Ec- And experiencing great trauma and catastro- the Bible through this lens of resilience “may clesiastes, which— if read superficially — seems phe can also open the door to real conversion, now have significance for us, too”. to be saying, “there is no point to life”. he added. “The Bible as a whole is, in many ways, a So, while most students just “hate this book”, For example, he said it became clear during product of dealing with collective catastrophes,” she said, “something completely flipped” with the Babylonian exile that “everything has broken everything from pandemics to forced migrations, her spring semester students who, like everyone, down that had been our identity” and there was a said Jesuit Father Dominik Markl, a scholar at suddenly found themselves in the maelstrom of feeling “that we cannot, there is no way of going Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute. a pandemic. ahead as we have been used to”. Instead of one simple message, the Bible is “a Now facing radically different and uncertain Conversion becomes that moment when “we library produced over a millennium with multiple circumstances, they said they loved the text, “it absolutely understand we need to change, and and often diverging responses to very difficult spoke to them, it was just real and this was ex- that this is a painful and difficult process”, situations”, he told Catholic News Service. actly what they were feeling”, she said. because it demands being willing to “question He and another biblical scholar, who both “That was a really remarkable testament to one’s own concepts or concepts we take for spoke to CNS via Skype in mid-July, said this mo- how much the Hebrew Bible can really speak to granted”, including “what we consider to be our ment of great upheaval should serve as a strong us in times like this,” she said. identity”. impetus for people to pick up and read the Old For example, she said the vast majority of the Knowing what this change entails — such as Testament, which most Catholics are not always Book of Job “is just simply Job crying out in pain”. fighting and resisting or surrendering and letting deeply familiar with. His friends urge him “to come to grips” with go, for example — ­requires prayer, Fr Markl said. The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew what is happening, but there is no real reason for This moment of great crisis “forces us to think Bible, can also be difficult to decipher and digest, his suffering and “no proper human response to more deeply about what society is about, about said Mahri Leonard-Fleckman, an assistant pro- his suffering” either, she said. how we can help each other”. fessor of religious studies at the College of the What finally soothes him, she said, is God tell- All Christians should be examples of people Holy Cross in Massachusetts. ing him, “Reorient your perspective so that you who are aware and advocate “not for ourselves, She said, normally, many of her students have are not at the centre, but . . . I am at the centre, so but really for the good of humanity”. NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 17 Local Diocese News Howick parish welcomes new Our Lady of Peace

Left: The statue is processed into the church. Right: Bishop Michael Gielen prays before the statue, watched by Fathers Terry Montgomery (left) and John Fitzmaurice. by MICHAEL OTTO ful that parish priest Fr John Fitzmaurice and the our children, . . . this is such a difficult and chal- parish strongly emphasise devotion to Our Lady. lenging reality for us?” Bishop Gielen continued. A new statue of Our Lady of Peace imported “We have lost a bit of our devotion to her over She said: ‘Give them to me, give them to me from Italy is now in the Chapel of Our Lady in the years,’” Bishop Gielen said. “It is something and I will look after them. Do as my Son tells you, Howick’s parish church after being blessed and we have to work on.” because I know his heart.” commissioned by Bishop Michael Gielen on July 19. “Each of us can commit ourselves to a devotion Bishop Gielen continued: “We are going to give The four-foot high statue, carved and hand-paint- to Our Blessed Mother, asking her to intercede for our parish to our Blessed Mother . . . “ ed, was gifted to Our Lady Star of the Sea parish by us.” “Our Blessed Mother, we ask that you will re- a family that wishes to remain anonymous. Bishop Gielen referred to a seer at one of the mind us again of Jesus’ love for us,” he added. The statue arrived in this country by sea just a world’s Marian shrines being requested to ask Our At the end of the Mass, Bishop Gielen said that, few weeks before the lockdown, and the blessing Lady about the problem of family members and given what is happening in the world today, it is and commissioning by Bishop Gielen was originally children who no longer practise their faith. very fitting to call on Our Lady as Our Lady of scheduled for May 3, but that had to be put back As an aside, he remarked: “If I was to say, Peace. by a couple of months. what is the greatest suffering I have seen as a . . . The statue, having been blessed and commis- At the start of the July 19 Mass, in front of a priest . . . I would say that the number one thing sioned, at the end of Mass it was taken to the packed church, the statue was processed to just in that people speak most of, the number one heart- chapel, where there were also prayers. front of the sanctuary, while a Maori welcome was ache in their lives is not financial, not physical, Fr Fitzmaurice told the congregation that the given. During the Mass, the statue and bishop and not political, but is relational. Their families and smaller statue of Our Lady that had been in the the priests on the altar were bedecked in Pasifika children don’t practise their faith any more. That chapel has been “carefully stored”. According to a floral lei (garlands). really eats at them.” parish newsletter, it will be placed in a yet-to-be- In his homily, Bishop Gielen said it is wonder- The seer asked Our Lady, “what do we do with constructed, protected, outdoor stone grotto “out on the north-western side of the church” . . . “for parishioners and visitors to visit and pray there in the surrounds of our beautifully kept cemetery”. Another parishioner is going to gift a bench to be Treasured Whanganui teacher retires at the grotto for people to sit on. Fr Fitzmaurice said donations would be welcome to help build by SUE SECONI Mrs McLean always believed that all children, the grotto. whatever their learning capabilities, had the right The kapa haka group at Whanganui’s Cullinane to experience school life. College gave a stirring haka to treasured and re- “I always worked towards my classrooms spe- spected teacher Joy McLean on July 3, wrapping cifically being warm and welcoming, enabling the up 60 years of teaching, the last 19 at the college. students to feel safe and for me to gain their trust. At the full-school end-of-term-2 assembly Nurturing a friendly class atmosphere helped stu- and liturgy, principal Justin Harper said that Mrs dents to be comfortable to learn,” Mrs McLean said. McLean is a woman of faith. “She believes in the With a natural ability to recognise each stu- beauty of life and that God has a purpose for every- dent’s learning difficulties, she was able to set out one. This love led Joy to teaching in some unique unique learning strategies for them, and empower settings,” he said. them to achieve the best they could. After graduating from Palmerston North Teach- “Many did achieve NZQA level 1 and went on to ers College aged 20, she taught mainly in the find meaningful work,” she said. Whanganui region. She had no particular ambitions For seven years, she taught in the Felix Donnelly to work up the educational career ladder, but want- Youth Link family trust college in south Auckland ed to remain close to students in the classroom. for at-risk students. These were students with She had a full and varied life in New Zealand’s a huge range of behavioural and psychological education system as a teacher with special needs needs. While this had its challenges, she always students, troubled youth and as a counsellor for knew God was with her. “Prayer has always been the educational psychological services. central in my life, particularly when called to move At her first teaching appointment, the princi- out of my comfort zone,” she said. pal quickly recognised her extraordinary gift of Returning to Whanganui, she had planned on empathy, and invited her to teach students with retiring, but found herself working in the learn- specific learning requirements, as mainstreaming ing centre at the then-St Augustine’s. When this was being introduced into the school structure. college merged with Sacred Heart in 2003 to form co-educational Cullinane, she set about establish- ing the special needs centre, becoming its original co-ordinator. In 2018, she again tried to retire, but was asked by then-principal Kevin Shore to remain as the li- brarian. During the Covid-19 lockdown in March this year, she made the decision to retire once and for all. “I never dreamt I would last so long in teaching, but I’ve loved every minute of it,” she said. With her husband unwell, she is looking forward to taking him on outings, and attending to her passions of sewing, cooking and scrapbooking. To the students on her last day on a school campus she said: “If you see me out and about, Joy McLean don’t forget to say hello and give me a cuddle.” 18 Features NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020

Papal Prayer CAPTION CONTEST

The Pope’s universal prayer intention for August: The Maritime World. We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

40 YEARS AGO FIGHTING FOR PEACE OPTIONAL NO LONGER A Christchurch priest has issued “Such a campaign will require a call for Christians in New Zealand great faith and courage. We may have to campaign for a reduction in de- to change lifestyles, challenge con- fence spending and ultimately, for cepts of national interest, question Write the best caption for this photo and win $30. Send in your ideas by Tuesday, disarmament. male-dominated values and contest August 18 to Caption Contest 595, NZ Catholic, PO Box 147000, Ponsonby, Auckland Father John Curnow, secretary of certain accepted ways of acting.” 1144. Or email: [email protected] Please include your postal address so the National Commission for Evange- The first major obstacle to peace, that your prize, if you win, can be sent to you. lisation, Justice and Development, Fr Curnow said, is injustice in the made his comments in a public meet- world. Millions live in desperate The winner of the Caption Contest from ing in Christchurch called to discuss poverty, while world powers spend issue 593, (right) was M. Barrington, “Alternatives to ANZUS”. $450 billion a year on weapons of Auckland. Describing the threat of a nuclear destruction. war as “an insane option”, he said “Hunger and the violence of injus- Some other suggestions were: that all people of goodwill must tice assist their preparation for war. begin to see the work of peace as a The present so-called ‘world order’ “I’d recognise my wife’s ankles compelling imperative. is, in fact, systematised inequality.” anywhere.” ­— Kevin McCormack, “We must move away from al- “The second big problem, said Fr Wellington. liances with militarism, and break Curnow, is the almost total blindness “Heelo, Heelo, Heelo!” — B. Green, with the culture of war. Could these which exists about the possibility of be political issues in an election nuclear war. There is vast apathy and Auckland. year?”, he asked. fatalism, he said. “They are nice legs, but it is not helping This wasn’t what I expected when “Sooner or later, we would have “Action for peace is not in the me identify the culprit.” —­ Russell Watt, to examine and confront the whole mainstream church activity. Church- I was asked to judge calf day!” Auckland. value system and power structure es have still to get their teaching on that imposes violence and inequality peace out of the statements and into “These New Zealand-made shoes on people, a system that accepts war the life and ministry of Christians.” are the best!” — Margaret Anderson, “That’s a great addition for Blue and terror as a means of retaining Wellington. Heelers!” ­— Brian Wilson, Albany. advantage. — Zealandia, August 10, 1980

SAINTED GLASS

On August 11, we Election 2020 remember St Clare from Assisi, who was influenced by St Fran- It is planned that the next issue of cis and started the NZ Catholic will run the election statement put Poor Clare order in 1215. This window out by New Zealand’s Catholic bishops. from a church in As- Here are some quotes taken from parts of the sisi — San Damiano — shows the saint statement that have, thus far, been approved, and her followers. NZ Catholic understands. The rule of her or- der specified that they could not own Now, as we prepare for New anything, hence they Zealand’s general election, we want had to rely entirely to invite you, the voters and our on charity. That was politicians, to reflect beyond party risky for those who policies and political personalities followed it. Succes- sive Popes tried to and consider: modify the rule, only “What kind of a nation do to have it changed we want Aotearoa back again by Clare. New Zealand to be The rule was part- as we journey together?” . . . . ly eased after her death. That perhaps illustrates the conflict As bishops, it is not our role to in the Church and our tell you who to vote for. We are called www.nzcatholic.org.nz own lives between to assist in forming consciences in being too strict and the light of the Gospel, not to replace too lax. St Clare, pray them. It is our role to guide people to for us. ­ referendum choices we face, we — Glen McCullough look to the well-being of everyone in ask you to pray and discern what our political decision-making will protect the poor and vulnerable, – especially the most vulnerable and what will uphold the dignity – as well as the well-being of our of creation so that we create a planet . . . . connected future for all, without discarding any of us. . . . . Rather than thinking about what will benefit each of us personally Again, read the full statement in the regarding the election and next issue of NZ Catholic. Freepost Authority No. 511 Cataracts have cbm saves sight Give the Miracle of blinded Obed 10 million times sight to a child who Without immediate surgery ...and much more is blind TODAY. he will lose his sight for life NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 19 cbm is the largest disability specialist for Every day you wait, a child like

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sub595 msm525 20 Features NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Celebration as Carmelite brings up 90 years

Sr Elizabeth of the Trinity, OCD A Mass at the monastery on the day of Sr Elizabeth’s birthday celebration. by MINA AMSO mother, before she boarded the train “I’ve never been in a supermarket heaven, but right here in our own to join the sisters. The “God bless before, they didn’t exist [at the time souls through baptism, and we’ve Three days after her 21st birth- You” said by her mother stuck with she entered the monastery],” she got to learn to live with him and be day, Sr Elizabeth of the Trinity Sr Elizabeth to this very day. laughed. in that silence and that solitude, the (McSwigan) stepped into the Car- Silence, solitude and the life of Reading the lives of the saints stillness, to listen to him. Not to the melite monastery in Christchurch. prayer attracted the 18-year-old to and connecting with Mary are key attractions of the world.” That’s just over 69 years ago and the Carmelite life. for Sr Elizabeth’s spiritual journey. Mother Dorothea Mary of Jesus she’s never looked back. The best advice from a priest she She also loves little, short prayers said the community has been fortu- “Well I look back now and think received once was ‘don’t take any and says them throughout the day. nate to have Sr Elizabeth. ‘good heavens I can’t believe it’. I’ve notice of what other people think Prayers like “Jesus I love you. Share “We have been blessed to have Sr never regretted it. I’ve been here or say to you, only pray,’ and she your love with me. Share your life Elizabeth as our prioress for a good since the 16th of July, 1951,” Sr did. with me”. She said it anchors her number of years, with her gentle, Elizabeth recalled. Sr Elizabeth’s 90th birthday was soul and keeps her in union with unassuming nature,” she said. That’s a lifetime. the occasion of a big celebration on God. Sr Elizabeth is also a trained “A cousin of mine said, if you July 13 at the monastery, with 16 “If you want to learn about Jesus seamstress, whose work included don’t stay, I’ll help you. She meant priests and many people present. turn to Mary. Keep Mary in mind, and making habits for sisters, choir financially. And I thought in my She is sharper than ever, able to Jesus will grow in your heart. mantles, and the upkeep of these heart ‘I am coming to stay and, if recall specific stories, situations “God is dwelling in our souls. over the years. they don’t want me, they can send and moments in her life with clarity When we get baptised, we receive the At the Christchurch monastery, me away’. But I was determined to and detail. Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. there are nine fully professed sis- stay. And here I am.” A young person once asked Sr It is the presence of God in our lives ters, and two novices who have Sr Elizabeth remembered vividly Elizabeth: ‘Sister, you must miss [that] is important. made their first profession, all aged the moment she bid farewell to her going to the supermarket?” “To think God dwells not only in between 28 to 90. 13 nuns at Michigan convent die of Covid-19 by DAN STOCKMAN experienced the worst loss of life for a community of women religious LIVONIA, Mich. (CNS) — They were since the 1918 influenza pandemic. teachers. A librarian. A director of In many ways, because of the restric- religious education. A secretary in tions in place to prevent a return of the Vatican Secretariat of State. The the virus, the sisters’ grieving has author of a 586-page history of the yet to begin. congregation. All aspects of community remain One was an organist. One helped prohibited or severely limited. Sis- her second-grade class write and ters could not attend the funerals. perform a commercial for Camp- There are limits on the number of bell’s Soup. One was a nurse and led people allowed in the chapel. They nursing students on mission trips cannot enter each other’s rooms. to Haiti. They were dining in three different All of them were members of the shifts, with one sister seated at each Congregation of the Sisters of St Fe- table. As of July 6, they were back to lix of Cantalice, or Felician sisters. two to a table. They lived together, prayed together The community had 65 sisters and worked together. before the pandemic. The remaining And in one awful month — from sisters fear the day they can be to- Good Friday, April 10, to May 10 - 12 gether as a group and see how many sisters died of Covid-19, the illness are no longer there. caused by the novel coronavirus. “I get chills thinking about that,” Eighteen other Felician sisters at the Sister Mary Andrew Budinski, superi- convent in Livonia had the illness or of the Livonia convent, told Global A small memorial for the 12 sisters who died in one month from COVID-19 sits in the as well. Sisters Report. “The raw grief is yet garden outside the Felician sisters’ convent in Livonia, Mich., on June 10. (CNS photo). “We couldn’t contain the grief to come, I think.” and the sorrow and the emotional As the pandemic progressed in Of the other Felicians to die from When it’s all over, they plan to impact,” said Sr Noel Marie Gabriel, March, so did the restrictions at the Covid-19 at the convent were four in hold a celebration of life for the 13 director of clinical health services convent: no visitors, no shopping their nineties, five in their eighties, sisters they lost. In the meantime, for the Felician Sisters of North trips, no group activities. two in their seventies and one in there is still the semi-quarantine to America. “We went through the mo- At first, there was no Mass, only her sixties. deal with. The last person came out tions of doing what we had to do, Communion services, because the In the middle of April, the Felician of a 28-day isolation on June 8, but but that month was like a whole dif- priest was not allowed to enter the Sisters across North America gath- there are still many restrictions. ferent way of life . . . it was a month convent. Then, Communion services ered on a Zoom call to their sisters “I look at it like an accordion that of tragedy and sorrow and mourning were cancelled, and Communion was in Livonia. They brought a message can open and close, and right now, and grieving.” distributed to the sisters in their of comfort, of community, a message that accordion is still really tight- One of the 18 sisters who initially rooms. On Holy Thursday, even that of love. ly closed,” Sister Noel Marie said. survived the illness died from its ended. They remembered the lost sisters “We’re not touching each other, not effects on June 27, making her the The first death was Sister Mary in a slideshow. The Livonia sisters hugging, not doing the things we 13th victim. Luiza Wawrzyniak, aged 99, on Good said they wept through the entire usually do. . . . We miss that part of The Felicians in Livonia may have Friday. thing. how we live.” NZ Catholic: August 9 - 22, 2020 Features 21 Caritas Aotearoa NZ song writing winners by NZ CATHOLIC staff

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 SINGout4JUS- TICE song writing competition. The theme of this year’s competition was “Light”. Pope Francis reminds people that “God is the light that illuminates the darkness, even if it does not dissolve it, and a spark of divine light is within each of us.” Students from around New Zealand submitted entries to this year’s compe- tition, which was extended due to the Covid-19 lockdown. “We were unsure of how many entries we would get, due to Covid-19, lockdown and the impact that this would have on schools, but it was great to receive the number of entries that we did. We have amazing musical talent in this country, and the various compositions that students put together were a pleasure to listen to,” said Teresa Shanks, Caritas education advi- sor. A team of judges at Caritas scored each entry based on composition and performance. “In many cases, the songs were so good that many of the judges couldn’t get the tunes out of their heads! Everyone who took part should be so proud of what they have achieved,” said Michael Stewart, Caritas education coordinator. The winners for the junior category (Years 7-10) are Marina Jones, Yalaina Tubu, Trinity Tuineau, Aloyze Tafu and Olivia Selemaia, who are Year 10 students at Sancta Maria College in Junior winners (From left) Olivia Selemaia, Yalaina Tubu, Trinity Tuineau, Aloyze Tafu and Marina Jones from Sancta Auckland, with their song Love and Light. Their Maria College in Auckland. song was inspired by the Virgin Mary, an advocate for all, and a light of guidance. The winner for the senior category (Years 11- the history of the competition to have won more on the Caritas website, caritas.org.nz/singout- 13) is Shanille Lat, a Year 13 student at Sacred than once, after her win two years ago with Nga- 4justice. The website also lists those students Heart College in Lower Hutt, with her song The rangi Sadlier-Patmore and their song Questions. who were highly commended by the judges of Journey of Faith. Shanille is the first student in All are invited to listen to the winning entries the competition. Another step in Arrowtown centre saga by PETER OWENS Proposed earthworks were 4152 cubic metres cut that [will not be] suitably avoided or mitigated”. to depths of up to 6.5 metres. The submitted plan She also reported: “Resultant on-street car parking The Queenstown Lakes District Council re- also includes provision for 29 on-site car parks. A during inclement weather will also adversely affect source consents team leader has recommended total of 368 submissions were received when the residential amenity, as parking is pushed further consent be refused for a controversial building Olive Leaf Centre Trust’s proposal went out for into residential streets.” proposed on land beside Arrowtown’s St Patrick’s public consultation last year — 218 in support Ms Standish said the proposed building and church. and 150 opposed. the other work was also contrary to objectives and The Olive Leaf — a Gaudi-inspired building In her report, the Queenstown Lakes District policies of the district plan, and did not meet the to be funded by donations — was first proposed Council resource consents team leader, Alana overall purpose of the Resource Management Act. and designed by prominent architect and local Standish, considered the adverse effects of the The council has arranged a three-day resource parishioner, Fred van Brandenburg, several years proposal were more than minor. She said the scale consent hearing scheduled to start in Queenstown ago. Since then, the project has been driven by a of the building, combined with extensive landscap- later in August this year. local trust, the Olive Leaf Centre Trust. ing, would “significantly obscure” the church, tak- The planned building features a leaf-shaped ing away from its primacy, and adversely affecting floating roof, with a maximum building height of the “simple open and spacious values of the site”. about 3.5m, a water feature which would capture Car parking, as proposed, would clutter the rainwater from the roof before it travelled down site, resulting in adverse effects on the heritage the “leaf” stem to the basement floor level, struc- character of the site and zone. Traffic effects were tural glass mullions across the upper floor and not contained to the site because unsealed parking stone and brick renders. was “weather dependent”. Further, “no suitable It would include a church and community hall, management for larger events” was proposed. with capacity of 100 people, a kitchen, meeting According to Ms Standish, “…. the unrestricted area and adjoining courtyard, a crypt and three number of large events and hours of operation bedrooms, primarily to be used by visiting clergy. will result in adverse residential amenity effects

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Caring for you with warmth, honesty and compassion Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 www.arohafunerals.co.nz An artist’s impression of the proposed new Olive Leaf Centre next to St Patrick’s church.