Single Issue: $1.00 Publication Mail Agreement No. 40030139 CATHOLIC JOURNAL Vol. 94 No. 13 September 14, 2016 Winnipeg synod Benedictines offer refuge in a hectic world The faithful spoke and Archbishop Richard Gagnon By Carol Glatz dictine order’s recent work: Many listened as the synod for the monasteries have been taking in Archdiocese of Winnipeg VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The migrants and refugees, offering held the first in a series of world’s Benedictines offer pre - them housing, employment and listening sessions to address cious gifts by providing quality education; promising relationships three questions. education, quiet refuge in a hectic have been formed with Buddhist — page 3 world and loving hospitality to monks and with Muslims; and JOY anyone in need, Pope Francis said. around 160,000 students are At a time when the church is enrolled worldwide in Benedictine A new Justice and Outreach called to focus increasingly on the educational institutions. Year (JOY) of formation essential, Benedictine monks and Pope Francis said the Bene - was recently launched in the nuns possess “a unique gift and a dictines’ work in the formation Diocese of Saskatoon. special responsibility — that of and education of youth “is very — page 6 keeping alive spiritual oases much appreciated and highly where pastors and the faithful can qualified.” Mercy a challenge draw from sources of divine Thanks to their studies and mercy,” the pope said. experience of the Benedictine “We need to learn the truth,” The pope’s remarks came in a way of life, these students can said Archbishop Emeritus speech Sept. 8 to abbots and con - become skillful experts in the val - James Weisgerber, speaking ventual priors from 250 monas - ues proposed by St. Benedict’s Courtesy of P. Novecosky, OSB of the historical treatment of teries of Benedictine men from rule, he said. BENEDICTINE MEETINGS — Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, is seen Aboriginal people in Canada. around the world as well as repre - He praised the monks’ efforts at the Vatican Sept. 8 during a meeting with the heads of Benedictine Mercy is a challenge for sentatives of Benedictine women. to live merciful and fraternal lives monasteries from around the world. The Benedictines are meeting in everyone who claims to be a They were in Rome to attend the in their communities, which they Rome Sept. 3 - 16 to elect a new abbot primate. disciple of Christ, he said. Congress of Abbots Sept. 3 - 16 do “through that industrious and — page 7 and to elect a new abbot primate eloquent silence that lets God Quaerere , on the contemplative and spiritual poverty.” to head the international confed - speak in the deafening and dis - life of women — a document that He urged them to not let the Call of the Arctic eration of monasteries Sept. 10. tracted life of the world.” is also addressed “by extension to declining number of members in Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB, “Even though you live separate all monks,” he told his audience. their monastic communities be a Canadians representing St. Peter’s Abbey in from the world, your seclusion is The Benedictine charism of hos - discouragement, but rather to be take pride in Muenster, Sask., is in attendance. not sterile, rather it is an enrich - pitality, he said, allows members to an impetus to hold onto “the zeal the mythol - In his remarks to the pope, out - ment, not an obstacle to commu - encounter people whose hearts are of your testimony” and the enthu - ogy of the going Abbot Primate Notker Wolf nion,” he said, referring to his “lost and distant” and who may be siasm and courage needed to “True highlighted some of the Bene - apostolic constitution, Vultum Dei living a moment of “great human establish new communities. North,” “Your service to the church is writes very precious,” Pope Francis said; Gerald Commission educates church about abuse “Even today there is a need for men Schmitz, yet few have visited and women who put nothing before the Arctic Circle. This week By Carol Glatz when the memorial should be Members of the pontifical the love of Christ,” who receive he reflects on a July held, according a press release commission have spoken recently daily nourishment from God’s Arctic expedition. VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Sept. 12 from the Pontifical with officials at the Congregation word, who celebrate the holy litur - — page 9 Members of the pope’s commis - Commission for the Protection of gy in a dignified manner and who Sacred fire sion for child protection, includ - Minors. — UNIVERSAL , page 4 work in harmony with creation. ing an abuse survivor, have been While we don’t often realize speaking with new bishops and Anti-trafficking experts applaud decision it, both the wise and the major Vatican offices as part of a wicked feed off the same mandate to develop and educate energy, and it’s God’s energy, the church about best practices. By Deborah Gyapong names of alleged “johns,” is might end up with a bunch of writes Ron Rolheiser, OMI. Pope Francis also approved the applauded by anti-human-traf - cases on the books only to see the OTTAWA (CCN) — A 2015 ficking experts. laws repealed.” — page 10 establishment of a day of prayer for survivors of abuse, but decid - anti-prostitution sting in Sydney, But there are concerns the “And still others have never Ukraine at war ed it will be up to each nation’s N.S., and a recent court decision landmark 2014 prostitution law enforced the purchasing provi - bishops’ conference to decide upholding the release of the that for the first time in Canadian sion, believing the laws wouldn’t With 10,000 dead in history made the purchase of sex stand,” she said. “This inconsis - Ukraine’s eastern Donbass illegal and recognized that most tency was present even under the region, Russian tanks and prostitutes are victims exploited previous government, which had missile systems massing on by pimps and human traffickers is made its position very clear, but I the eastern border, two not being evenly enforced. think in the absence of clear di - million internally displaced “We know there is a lot of pres - rection from the current Attorney Ukrainians, Crimea already sure from pro-prostitution groups General of Canada, it’s become under Russian rule and the and the sex industry to repeal the even more of a concern.” Ukrainian Black Sea fleet laws,” said Evangelical Fellowship But former MP Joy Smith, sunk or stolen, Rev. Peter of Canada (EFC) policy analyst who played a leadership role in Galadza is putting his trust Julia Beazley. “But at this stage, organizing the grassroots cam - in the politics of the beati - the government has said only that paign to change Canada’s prosti - tudes, writes Michael Swan. they will be taking a good look at tution law in 2014, warned of a — page 11 the legislation — something they “backlash” if the bill is repealed. are doing with several laws passed “A lot of these young girls who Port of Churchill by the previous government.” service these men are trafficked Enforcement of the law de - and they don’t want to do it, they Recent events in northern pends on local police and Crown are controlled by traffickers,” said Manitoba regarding the clo - prosecutors, Beazley said. “Some Smith, who now works to combat sure of the Port of Churchill CNS/ L’Osservatore Romano jurisdictions have embraced the human trafficking full time should prove that, like high - objectives and approach of the leg - through the Joy Smith Foundation. ways, the fate of crucial rail YEAR OF MERCY — Pope Francis greets Giuseppe Chiolo, 16, in St. Peter’s Square during a Year of Mercy general audience at the Vatican islation and are enforcing it fully, “What about their shame?” lines should not be in the Sept. 10. The pope administered the sacrament of confirmation to the as we’re seeing in Cape Breton. “The fact of the matter is we hands of private companies, young man, who is being treated in the oncology ward of a Florence But we’re also starting to hear that are in a new era in Canada: buy - writes Dean Harder. hospital and had asked to meet the pope. “The love of God is bound - some jurisdictions that had initial - ing sex is against the law,” she — page 12 less,” he said. “Our whole life, although marked by the fragility of sin, ly embraced the approach are now is placed under the gaze of God who loves us,” said Pope Francis. backing off, concerned that they — JUDGES , page 5 2 Prairie Messenger INTERNATIONAL NEWS September 14, 2016 Monastic life serves God, fires the imagination

By Carol Glatz Ending his third and final term For? Heretical Thoughts on is that whatever the communities without being moved to respond as leader of the confederation of Germany , piled high next to a are doing, “we are doing it out of is not following the Gospel, he VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Benedictine monasteries, the 76- stack of Dan Brown’s The Da love for Christ.” said. “We have to do something.” Though generally renown for year-old German monk also plays Vinci Code , at the Munich air - At the Congress of Abbots For today’s Benedictine monks Gregorian chant, curating libraries in a rock group, named Feedback, port’s newsstands. Sept. 3 - 16, abbots and conventu - and nuns, St. Benedict’s sixth- and offering quiet retreats, some in his spare time, and performs It’s not unusual to find monks al priors from each of those century rule means living out the Benedictine monks also brew classical and sacred music on flute. pursuing such aesthetic or eclec - monasteries were meeting at St. Gospel together. It’s a communal beer, run farms or play electric A bestselling author, too, tic endeavours because they em - Anselm Abbey in Rome to elect a and constant team effort, he said, guitar, like Abbot Primate Notker Abbot Wolf said he had seen his brace creativity, he told Catholic new abbot primate. like a soccer or baseball squad Wolf. volume, What Are We Waiting News Service. The abbot primate lives in would require, only here “you are Having people from different Rome to serve as a liaison be - training mutual love, training backgrounds living, talking, tween the pope and the Bene - charity.” working and praying together dictine monasteries, as well as Community life is not easy, he means “you are rather creative, I directing St. Anselm Abbey, serv - said, but it is there “you can show would say, in a monastery,” he ing as chancellor of the Pontifical you are a real Christian, to stand said. University of St. Anselm and run - back and give the other the chance But it also “shows that Chris - ning the residence where 120 to live” in a generous, give and tianity is at the roots of human cul - monks from 40 nations live. take of communal living. ture,” which means “it’s so normal, The abbot primate, he said, has Over the decades, he said he so natural” that the Benedictine no jurisdiction over other monas - has seen a positive “change of order’s excellence in education, teries, which are all independent mentality” in Benedictine commu - music, historical preservation or and follow their own traditions nities, which suffered from what agriculture goes hand in hand with and cultures. he called an “interpersonal crisis.” trying to live out the Gospel. “I can’t tell superiors, abbots Monastic living was thought to Committed to serving God and what they can do,” he said, but he entail fulfilling rules and regula - his creation, “Benedictines are attends their national meetings to tions without taking care “of how close to nature,” Abbot Wolf said. help build unity and collaboration the other person, your neighbour, For example, St. Ottilien among the order’s far-flung com - is feeling,” he said. Arch abbey — his home mon as- munities. “But now they are taking care tery in Bavaria where he will Abbot Wolf said the Rule of of themselves and the communi - CNS/ L’Osservatore Romano return after living in Rome since St. Benedict helps bring balance ty” so they can still have “a sober CREATIVE ENDEAVOURS — Pope Francis greets Abbot Primate 2000 as abbot primate and head to one’s life. While much of his community, but also a heartfelt Notker Wolf, superior of the Benedictine order, during a meeting with of St. Anselm College — turns work required lots of meetings living together.” the heads of Benedictine monasteries from around the world at the the manure from its 180 dairy and extensive travelling, “I know This heartfelt hospitality also Vatican Sept. 8. cows into biogas, which they then where I am rooted.” Common extends to everyone, he said. sell to the local power company. prayer with his brothers, the When guests visit a monastery, Latin American coalition: “We get more from selling en - eucharist and the liturgy are “my he said, “they are also there look - ergy than from selling our milk,” anchor,” he said. ing for people with whom they can he said. The strong contemplative talk to about their life. They have mining causing damage There are some 250 monaster - nature of the Benedictine life a quiet place where they may dis - ies of Benedictine men through - doesn’t mean the monks shut their cover again the sense of their life, By Ezra Fieser munities, often populated by out the world, each one with its eyes to the world’s needs, he said. come back to their roots and to indigenous peoples. own culture, traditions and activi - “I think just to praise the Lord eventually find their roots in SANTO DOMINGO, Domini- A report released in June by the ties. The important thing, he said, in church and see people dying” God.” can Republic (CNS) — Large- international non-governmental scale mining and extractive opera - organization Global Witness found tions are failing to deliver eco - that 185 people were killed in such nomic benefits while causing en - conflicts across the globe last year, vironmental damage and human the highest number on record. suffering throughout Latin Amer - Nearly two of every three of those ica, said a coalition of church deaths occurred in Latin American organizations and environmental countries, led by Brazil’s 50 groups. killings, according to the report. The Churches and Mining On Sept. 1, Bolivia strengthened Network, which includes Catholic its control over mining operations bishops, priests and laypeople, after protests turned violent, result - leaders of Christian churches and ing in the death of four workers environmentalists, said in a state - and the South American country’s ment that governments, church deputy minister of the interior. leaders and civil society organiza - Gold mining has been linked to a tions need to find alternatives to so- resurgence of malaria in Venezuela called “mega-mining” operations. and environmental degradation of “We are aware that defending the rainforest in Peru. Creation, in a predatory system “We are worried by the in - whose highest purpose is profit crease in criminalization and and money, is an action that in - assassinations of those who are volves danger and the risk of defending the land, like the case death. But we are encouraged by of our sister Berta Caceres, for 50TH ANNIVERSARY — Honouring Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, the Vatican newspaper said the over - the Gospel of Jesus, the encyclical whom we demand justice and call whelmingly popular series gave the world a model of peace, tolerance and co-operation at a time of global Laudato Si’ ,” and by the strength for a more just world for women, tensions. The 50th anniversary of the original series premiered on Sept. 8, 1966, led by stars William of the many communities affected human rights activists and the vic - Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley. by mining and other extractive tims of the extractives industry,” industries,” the network said in the the network said in its statement. statement Sept. 4, following a Caceres, a Honduran environ - Vatican paper honours Star Trek on 50th meeting in Colombia. mental activist and indigenous The 2015 encyclical said de - rights leader who won the presti - By Carol Glatz model of co-operation,” the arti - had recently emerged from a mand from richer developed coun - gious Goldman Environmental cle said. bloody war fought against Japan, tries was causing harm in the Prize in 2015 for her work in VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Captain James Kirk and his too, and it was marked by deep Global South, where the mining opposing a proposed hydroelec - Honouring Star Trek’s 50th faithful crew, it said, journeyed to racial tensions.” It also struggled operations are carried out. “The tric dam, was shot dead in her anniversary, the Vatican newspa - distant galaxies and discovered with tense “relations with coun - export of raw materials to satisfy home in March. per said the overwhelmingly pop - new civilizations “in order to pro - tries beyond the Iron Curtain, far markets in the industrialized North The Churches and Mining ular series gave the world a pose peaceful relations (built) on away just like Vulcan,” the has caused harm locally, as for Network said governments have model of peace, tolerance and co- a foundation of equality.” extraterrestrial planet and home example in mercury pollution in to do more to protect activists and operation at a time of global ten - Also significant and ground - of Mr. Spock — who was of gold mining or sulphur dioxide pol - that bishops, priests and laypeople sions. breaking was the makeup of the mixed human-Vulcan descent. lution in copper mining,” it said. should listen to the communities The show — whose first crew of the starship Enterprise: The newspaper, L’Osservatore The network’s statement, affected by mining. episode aired Sept. 8, 1966 — an alien, an African-American Romano , said the show, which which was signed by roughly 50 “We call on the churches to began during the Cold War. wom an and a Japanese man, it “marked an era,” represents a members coming from at least 15 take an active role in defence of But “while builders of nuclear said. “totally human star voyage in countries, comes amid heighten - our common home as this is a fallout shelters made buckets of “Today it might seem totally search of new ways of under - ing conflict between international constitutive element of being money, especially in the United normal, but it’s important to re - standing one another. A voyage mining companies and rural com - Christian,” the statement said. States, Star Trek proposed a true member that America at the time that is always needed.” September 14, 2016 CANADIAN NEWS Prairie Messenger 3 Winnipeg synod begins with listening sessions

By James Buchok chooses, to write brief responses on forms that are provided. The WINNIPEG — The faithful next 15 minutes are spent in spoke and Archbishop Richard group discussions, followed by Gagnon listened as the Synod for the main part of the gathering, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg held when all are invited to voice their the first in a series of listening feelings directly to Gagnon. The sessions to address three ques - archbishop listens — and only tions: What do you appreciate listens — while others record about your church? What is your what is said. vision for your archdiocese? The spoken and written What should be your church’s responses from the 10 sessions priorities? will lead to the next part of the Among the positives were synod, the Focus Commissions, expressions of a church that cele - which will identify main themes brates ethnic diversity and collabo - that emerge from the Listening ration. Among the challenges is the Sessions and create reports to need for the church to reach out - become working documents for side itself, beyond its structures, to the Synod General Sessions. The a commitment to build a just soci - entire two-year synod plan can be ety through Gospel values. seen in a slideshow on the There was much more said and Archdiocese of Winnipeg web - heard at the 90-minute session at site; those who cannot attend a St. Paul’s High School Sept. 8, and Listening Session can go to the there is much more to come at the website and respond online. James Buchok nine additional listening sessions “The synod is like a funnel,” SYNOD LISTENING SESSION — Winnipeg Archbishop Richard Gagnon (far left) listens at the first of a scheduled throughout the archdio - said Gagnon. “It’s wide on top, to series of Listening Sessions in the first phase of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg Synod. cese until Nov. 5. hear what is in your hearts, and All are invited to express their the thoughts are discerned down - holy thing to express those also scheduled for Oct. 8, 9:30 the Apostle Parish, Winnipeg; opinion, including the baptized ward to more specific initiatives thoughts that we have. I looked at a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Kateri with youth and young adults, 9:30 who are no longer active in the and goals.” The archbishop each of your offerings as little Tekakwitha Parish, Winnipeg; a.m. Oct. 22 at St. Peter’s Parish, church and also, in the words of admitted it is a bit overwhelming. gems of faith.” Oct. 13, 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Winnipeg; and Nov. 5, 10 a.m. at Gagnon, “those who do not know “Who’s going to do all this?” he The next Listening Sessions Perpetual Help Parish, Winnipeg; Christ the King Parish, Stonewall. Jesus Christ.” asked jokingly, then answered, took place Sept. 13 at St. Anthony Oct. 15, 1 p.m. at St. Viator’s A session will also be held at The sessions begin with a few “We are.” of Padua Parish, Winnipeg; and Parish, Dauphin; Oct. 18, at 10 Chez Nous /Our Place drop-in minutes of silence to reflect on “I kept thinking this is a holy Sept. 14 at St. Augustine’s Parish, a.m. at Wayway seecappo First centre in downtown Winnipeg at the three questions and, if one moment,” Gagnon said. “It is a Brandon. Listening sessions are Nation; Oct. 19, 7 p.m. at St. Paul a date to be determined. Joyful, reverent priest takes bishop’s seat in Kamloops celebration

By Agnieszka Krawczynski he adjusted a microphone in the “I humbly acknowledge my smile,” he said. land whose life has shown a will - The B. C. Catholic Sandman Centre arena in Kam - shortness in everything,” Nguyen This reverent and joyful bish - ingness to follow the call of loops Aug. 25. continued. op has travelled a long way and Christ with a heart of faith,” said KAMLOOPS, B.C. (CCN) — He then read aloud one of “I believe that I am called, I through much hardship to get to Archbishop Richard Gagnon of A Vietnamese priest stood before many congratulatory letters, am appointed, not because I am the episcopal seat. Winnipeg during the homily. an altar in a dimly lit arena, head cards, and text messages he’d capable or worthy. It is not about He fled Vietnam, his home Gagnon had been a priest in bowed, as he prayed during the received in the last few months. my qualities. It is about God’s country, in 1987 after being the Archdiocese of Vancouver for solemn ceremony that would “Dear Father Joseph,” he said, cit - mercy. Merciful God has given thrown in prison and labelled a nine years when Nguyen was make him a bishop. ing a letter from a boy in Grade 3. me the Diocese of Kamloops as a “henchman of the Vatican” by ordained a priest in 1992 and A sea of more than 2,000 peo - “I am so happy that the pope gift, a great and precious gift. I communists. His first attempt to began serving in a parish along - ple watched as Rev. Joseph has named you Bishop of hope and pray that my life, my escape the country by boat failed, side him. Phuong Nguyen was ordained Kamloops. I always thought that sacrifice, my service here, may and he was forced ashore, impris - “Our brother has proved him - and accepted signs of his new only big men are chosen to be become a gift for this diocese.” oned, and tortured. self to be a man of dedication and role as a bishop: a ring, a crozier, bishop. You give me hope that as Rev. Fred Weisbeck, the chan - He succeeded on his second service,” testified the spiritual a book of the Gospels. little as I am, I can be a bishop, cellor of the Diocese of Kam- attempt and ended up in a refugee head of Winnipeg. When the sacred rite was over, too.” loops, toasted his new bishop dur - camp in the Philippines, where he “I’ve known this first-hand Nguyen stepped up to the podium Thousands, including 130 ing a celebratory banquet later suffered a serious car accident and myself, when we served together and broke into a smile. priests, 17 bishops, and several that evening. was hospitalized for three months. in St. Jude’s Parish in Vancouver. “I wish to be taller a few inch - dea cons, were at least smiling “The first gift we receive from Then he moved to Canada, seek - I saw our brother as a man of es,” he characteristically joked as then, too. our bishop is the gift of his ing to become a priest while navi - tremendous dedication and hard gating a completely foreign coun - work, but also with a great sense try and language. of humour.” “Today I begin a whole new He urged the new bishop to part of my ministry,” he said after pray for and collaborate with fel - his ordination. low priests, religious, lay faithful, Nguyen is stepping in as the First Nations people, other head of the Kamloops diocese Christians, and people of other after Bishop David Monroe, its faiths. shepherd since 2002, retired at “Now he is called to leave his age 75 this year. boat, once again, and go to a new “He has lived his vocation in place, a new shore, with a new extraordinary service as a servant ministry, new responsibilities and leader. I am very deeply grate - communities.” ful,” Nguyen said, thanking his While the people of Kamloops predecessor. warmly welcomed their new bish - The ordination ceremony op, those who had travelled from recalled Nguyen’s Vietnamese Vancouver to witness the event roots: choirs from St. Joseph’s said they were sad to see him go. Parish in Vancouver and St. “We were so blessed to have Matthew’s Parish in Surrey sang him,” said Theresa Lorenzana, a hymns in his native language. member of St. Andrew’s Parish, Young children dressed in tra - where the new bishop once ditional outfits, with candles and served as pastor. wreaths in their hands, also did a “He’s funny, and he’s really short, simple dance during the good with his parishioners,” ceremony. added her sister, Kris Lorenzana. B.C. Catholic/A. Krawczynski “Today our hearts are filled “He was a really good parish NEW KAMLOOPS BISHOP — Bishop Joseph Phuong Nguyen of Kamloops celebrates mass right after he with gratitude as we welcome our priest. He was encouraging all is ordained a bishop. The solemn ceremony was held at a large arena inside the Sandman Centre Aug. 25 brother, Joseph Phuong Nguyen, the young kids to join the and attracted more than 2,000 people. a Christian man from a faraway church.”

4 Prairie Messenger CANADIAN NEWS September 14, 2016 Catholic board teams up with hockey legends

By Evan Boudreau ing of the Cold War context of The Catholic Register what it meant to be a Canadian when the series was played. The TORONTO (CCN) — Catho - players share their experience of lic students will soon be learning competing behind the Iron about leadership and Canadian Curtain. history through an innovative “When we arrived in training course developed in partnership camp we were Pete Mahovlich with some of Canada’s most icon - from the Montreal Canadiens, or ic hockey players. Mickey Redmond of the Detroit Members of the Team Canada Red Wings, or Ron Ellis from the squad that defeated the Soviet Toronto Maple Leafs,” Stapleton Union in the 1972 Summit Series said. “When we got to Russia we have partnered with the Niagara were Pete Mahovlich of Team Catholic school board in a cur - Canada, Mickey Redmond of Team riculum initiative designed to use Canada, Ron Ellis of Team Canada. the eight-game hockey show - We became Team Canada.” down as a teaching tool. In addition to helping with the “From our standpoint there are curriculum, team members will Photo courtesy of John Crocco a lot of lessons that we learned as visit the school board to speak to CURRICULUM PROJECT — Team Canada members from the 1972 Summit Series (back row) pose with Canadians and we want to give about 350 student leaders. select students from the Niagara Catholic school board. The board struck a curriculum development part - back,” said Team Canada de - “By student leaders we mean nership with the team. fenceman Pat Stapleton. “(The captains of teams and clubs . . . as ’72 Summit Series) had such an well as all of our student council impact on the whole country. leaders,” said Crocco. Universal Day of Prayer proposed There isn’t a day that goes by that “We are going to bring them somebody on that team isn’t talk - together in the fall with the vari - Continued from page 1 ered their talks on abuse by clergy bishops’ conferences choose an ing about it because they were ous players from the team. We are and the importance of protecting appropriate day on which to pray asked questions about it.” hoping to get it done prior to for Institutes of Consecrated Life minors and vulnerable adults dur - for the survivors and victims of The unique partnership with the November.” and Societies of Apostolic Life, ing the early September seminar. sexual abuse as part of a Uni versal school board developed out of a In addition to the assembly for as well as at the Pontifical The commission has complet - Day of Prayer initiative,” it said. 2014 conversation with John the student leaders, two meetings Ecclesias tical Academy, which ed a template meant to help all The reason a universal date was Crocco, Niagara Catholic’s direc - will be organized for the players trains priests for service in the church entities — from bishops’ not set is because a number of bish - tor of education, following a to discuss team building with Vatican’s diplomatic corps. conferences to Catholic associa - ops’ conference around the world speaking engagement by some school administrators, said Pontifical commission mem - tions — in formulating guidelines already have specific days set aside members of Team Canada ’72. Crocco. bers, who were in Rome in early in preventing and responding for penance and prayer for victims The players had talked about over - “Think about when a coach September, were also set to appropriately to abuse. and their healing, Zollner told coming adversity, the political cli - brings a team together or when address the Congregation for Pope Francis was set to receive Catholic News Service. mate of the time and the lessons captains bring their team together. Clergy and to speak at seminars the template “shortly,” according For example, the church in they learned from the experience. Well, flip that now to principals for recently appointed bishops. to the commission press release. Australia adopted the nation’s own “(He) was impressed,” said bringing their staff together.” Marie Collins, a commission At the request of a clerical Day for Child Protection — Sept. Stapleton. “Out of it came this The key to successful team member and survivor of clerical abuse survivor from Canada, the 11 — to mark its Day of Prayer. agreement for us to provide the building in schools requires cre - abuse, was scheduled to be one of commission developed a proposal The Southern African Bishops’ content of what happened . . . and ative innovation, adaptability and a number of commission members for a universal Day of Prayer Conferences will dedicate Dec. 2 - they would provide the lesson. resilience — characteristics dem - to address the Sept. 11 - 18 ses - because “prayer is one part of the 4 — days which fall during Advent They have the expertise to do onstrated by Team Canada during sion of what is commonly referred healing process for survivors and this year — to penance, fasting and that, we’re just guys who compet - the Summit Series, Crocco said. to as “new bishops school.” the community of believers” and prayer, the press release said. ed on a team.” Being role models for educa - Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a public gatherings for prayer also The commission said it has Six teachers from the board tors is something Stapleton said psychologist and commission help raise awareness about the resources like prayers for mass, worked with a group of players to the former hockey players take member, and Archbishop Charles issue, it said. liturgical texts and other materials develop material to be integrated seriously. J. Scicluna of Malta, a longtime Pope Francis received the pro - available on request as part of the into the social studies and “We’ve got a time limit on abuse investigator, already deliv - posal and has asked “that national Day of Prayer initiative. Canadian history curriculum. It ourselves,” Stapleton said. will be taught from grades 4 to 6 “That’s why it is important to PRAIRIE MESSENGER PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY across the Niagara Catholic give back, so that Canadians board. understand what we experienced The idea is to foster leadership and understand what it is to be MCKERCHER LLP BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS skills and a historical understand - Canadian.” KAPOOR, SELNES, & KLIMM SASKATOON: John Schachtel Barristers & Solicitors (306) 653-2000 Looking for a unique ministry W. Selnes, B.A., LL.B.; L.J.(Dick) Batten, QC 1201 - 8th St. East G. Klimm, B.A., LL.B.; Michel G. Thibault Saskatoon, Sask. with big blessings & new challenges? 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By Jean Ko Din that the people know they are Many of the staff at Catholic The Catholic Register being supported. Missions has been working with The challenge, however, is to Kennedy since he was first TORONTO (CCN) — “Keep help these communities become appointed in 2006. They have the missions safe,” Rev. Philip J. more self-sustaining. Kennedy grown with him and seen his Kennedy told the staff of said this is especially true for devotion to his work. Catholic Missions In Canada as First Nations communities. He “He is always telling us stories he ended his 10-year mission as said the work of Catholic Mis - about the missions,” said Patria president. sions seems limited compared to Rivera, director of publications As Catholic Missions staff and what needs to be done to help ful - and communications. “He has friends from the Archdiocese of fil the recommendations outlined always inspired us to work harder Toronto gathered together on in last year’s Truth and Recon- and to focus our strengths on Aug. 30 to celebrate Kennedy as ciliation Committee report. making the job not only a job, but he enters retirement, he reminded “They need to do things for part of our vocation.” them that work for the missions is themselves,” he said. “That’s a In recent years, Kennedy’s never done. big challenge for us, to learn to health has been declining, but his “Whether it’s a fire in a church step back and let them take dedication to the missions never or some flood or disaster or some responsibility.” wavered. In 2014, Kennedy was parish in a far distant area that During his tenure leading hospitalized for three weeks. really needs help, it’s good to be Catholic Missions, Kennedy Even on bed rest, he would call able to come to the aid of the would spend most of his year into the office to ask staff to bring priests and the bishops and mis - travelling to the missions to meet him papers to work on. sionaries,” said Kennedy. with the communities face-to- “He always wanted to be here Catholic Missions helps to face. at work,” said Rivera. “It didn’t sustain and extend the Catholic “Most of them are very happy take that long for him to get back faith in more than 600 isolated, with what Catholic Missions is on his feet and he wanted to get poor and hard-to-reach communi - doing. They’re always happy to back on his feet right away. He ties in Canada. The organization’s see me,” he said. was not one for moping around fundraising support provides mis - Catholic Register/Jean Ko Din Anne Hanley, Catholic Mis - and doing nothing.” sion parishes with the resources KENNEDY RETIRES — Rev. Philip J. Kennedy cuts a cake at his sions’ communications officer, Kennedy always brought a for daily building maintenance, farewell in late August. Kennedy has retired as president of Catholic said Kennedy’s devotion to the positive energy to the office envi - travel needs of missionaries, First Missions In Canada. missions and its donors inspires ronment. Rivera said everyone in Nations ministries, catechism the staff every day. the office will miss his dry wit. programs and the education of president at Catholic Missions tinue their ministry in these small “Every morning, we offer Moving forward, Kennedy seminarians. has always been to make it easy communities. morning prayer . . . his first two said he will still be around the Kennedy said his real job as for the bishops and priests to con - Kennedy said that for Rev. prayers every morning are for the organization. Even as he settles David Reilander, his successor, missionaries and for the donors,” into a parish in the Archdiocese Judges, police officers, the most important job will be to said Hanley. of Toronto, he sees himself visit - make the organization’s presence “His devotion to them is so ing the office every now and not keeping up with laws known in these remote areas so personal and heartfelt.” then.

Continued from page 1 So they are caught and they feel Book predicts bright future for Catholics ashamed.” said. “These people that go to buy “I praise the police for doing By Deborah Gyapong One area of improvement, favour with 24 per cent negative sex from young girls have no con - their job,” she said. “That’s going Bibby said in an interview, is atti - toward Catholics.” sideration for the young girls.” to save countless lives of young OTTAWA (CCN) — Catholics tudes toward Jews, which in data Overall, Canada’s Catholics In September 2015, in re sponse girls.” in Quebec are more likely to hold going back to the 1970s, especial - paints a favourable picture for the to a growing prostitution problem “Many judges and many police a negative view of Muslims than ly in Quebec, shows negative atti - future of the Catholic Church in in Sydney, the police force arrested officers are not keeping up with Catholics across the rest of the tudes being very high. Now Canada, largely due to the large 27 men and released their names in the law of the land and are not country, according to a new book among Catholics in Quebec, Jews number of Catholic immigrants a news conference. One of the enforcing it like these police and by Reginald Bibby and Angus are viewed unfavourably by only coming into the country. alleged johns went to court, claim - this judge did,” Smith said. “I Reid. 14 per cent of those who attend A Pew Research Centre 2015 ing the release of his name before a praise them for doing that.” In Canada’s Catholics , Bibby monthly or more and by 20 per study projects Christians will conviction amounted to “public Beazley said the media’s re - and Reid find that Canadian cent of Catholics who attend less. decline from 69 per cent of the shaming” and a violation of his sponse “underlines the continued Catholics who attend church once For Catholics outside of Quebec, Canadian population in 2010 to Charter rights under section 7. need for public education.” a month or more are least likely to the number drops to six per cent 60 per cent by 2050. Bibby said In late August, Nova Scotia “The new laws recognize that hold negative views of Muslims, and four per cent respectively. Catholics will continue to be by provincial court Judge Brian prostitution is a form of exploita - with 29 per cent of Catholics out - The other two groups that fare far the largest group among the Williston rejected the challenge, tion and violence against women,” side Quebec who attend church badly in the survey among Cath- Christians. The Muslim popula - citing the new prostitution legisla - she said. “But it will take time for regularly holding a negative view olics are Mormons and Evan- tion will continue to grow from tion in his decision and pointing the broader society, including the of Muslims, compared with 49 per gelicals. In Quebec, 40 per cent of two per cent of the population in out the police were not releasing media, to understand the realities cent of Canadians as a whole. Catholics who attend regularly 2010 to six per cent in 2050. any information that was not of prostitution.” However, 55 per cent of Cath - view Mormons unfavourably; 36 Those with no religion are pro - already available to the public and “(Sydney) is serious about tar - olics who attend church once a per cent of less frequent attenders jected to go from 24 per cent of the news media. However, main - geting the demand for paid sex, month or more in Quebec hold do. In the rest of Canada, 17 per the population to 26 per cent in stream news reports focus on the and, as the judge said, the police negative views of Muslims, and cent of regular attenders view 2050. public shaming of the johns, cit - actions were a response to the ‘need for those who attend less fre - Mormons unfavourably; 28 per The study shows the Catholic ing civil liberties experts. to protect society’s most marginal - quently the number jumps to 63 cent of less frequent attenders do. population in Canada is about “If the media wants to report it, ized and vulnerable members in per cent. Evangelicals fare worst among 12.8 million people, or 39 per it has to be well balanced and talk focusing their attention on the men For those proclaiming no reli - those with no religion in Canada, cent of the population. to people like myself,” said driving demand,’ ” she said. gion, 38 per cent view Muslims being viewed by 44 per cent The book predicts a bright Smith. “The sympathies are not Smith believes the National negatively, while 41 per cent of unfavourably. Thirty-two per cent future for Catholics because they with the johns who buy sex.” Inquiry into Missing and Mur dered other Canadians do likewise. In of non-Catholic Canadians view will remain the largest religious “The fact that they were and Indigenous Women and Girls comparison, other Canadians hold Evangelicals negatively. Among group in Canada. Most Canadians shamed, well that’s too bad,” she will help put the spotlight back on negative views of Roman Catho - Catholics outside Quebec, 19 per remain Catholic inter-generational - said. “What are they are doing prostitution as a form of exploita - lics at a rate of 19 per cent. cent of the regular attenders view ly and the immigration pipeline behind the backs of their wives? tion and violence against women. These figures are “against the Evangelicals negatively to 20 per will bring many more new Catho - great Canadian ideal, and the cent of the less frequent attenders. lics to Canada who tend to be a Catholic ideal that we’re being In Quebec, the numbers are 16 younger, more conservative demo - accepting of people different than per cent and 15 per cent respec - graphic. us,” said Bibby, a Canadian sociol - tively. “In Canada’s increasing reli - ogist who holds the Board of Catholics outside Quebec are gious mosaic, Christians remain Governors Research Chair in the the most likely to hold negative the biggest tile, with Catholics the Advertise in the University of Lethbridge’s sociol - views of atheists at 39 per cent largest group in that category,” ogy department. “We have a long for frequent attenders and 20 per Bibby said. “In the Canadian reli - PrMaoinrdiaey - FMridaey s8:3s0 -e 5n p.mg. er way to go.” cent for less frequent. gious reality, Catholics will con - Bibby said the high levels of “The people most actively tinue to constitute the majority,” Ph. 306-682-1772 Fax 306-682-5285 negative feelings toward Muslims involved are feeling the most he said. “They are league leaders, email: [email protected] might be understandable given antagonistic toward atheists,” way ahead of everybody and the context, and anxieties, around Bibby said. “People in the no reli - that’s not going to change in the terrorism. gion category typically return the foreseeable future.” 6 Prairie Messenger LOCAL NEWS September 14, 2016 JOY formation program holds opening weekend

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski rights of all of God’s beloved are “The experience of some of recognized and honoured,” says us is not the experience of all of SASKATOON — A new O’Gorman. us,’’ notes O’Gorman. “Inequali - Justice and Outreach Year (JOY) The orientation retreat Aug. 27 ties and injustices based on race, of Formation diocesan program provided participants with economic status, gender, age, was recently launched with an grounding for the year ahead. and ability are predicated on orientation retreat held at Queen’s One topic was Catholic Social unconscious assumptions and House in Saskatoon. Teaching, presented by Gertrude beliefs that have been deeply and “It was like the first day of Rompré, director of Mission and systemically entrenched. The school,” said co-ordinator Kate Ministry at St. Thomas More formational aim of the JOY pro - O’Gorman, who along with two College. Sometimes described as gram is to awaken us to some of other team members welcomed “the Catholic Church’s best-kept the assumptions we hold, so that 15 participants to the inaugural secret,” Catholic social teaching we can enter as fully as possible JOY program. “One by one we all is an integral part of the JOY for - into equitable relationship with arrived — not knowing exactly mation program. those we meet along the jour - what to expect, but carrying with “Themes of Catholic Social ney.” us an openness to learn and a Teaching will be woven into each O’Gorman points to Pope deep desire to immerse ourselves Kiply Yaworski weekend of the JOY program and Francis’ words: “Among our in the work of social justice.” JOY — A new diocesan formation program was launched with an orien - experienced in concrete ways tasks as witnesses to the love of The JOY program has its ori - tation retreat Aug. 27 in Saskatoon that included an introduction to through the agencies we visit, the Christ is that of giving a voice to gins in a diocesan-wide discern - Catholic Social Teaching by Gertrude Rompré, director of Mission and people we meet and the stories the cry of the poor” as a guiding ment about initiating the perma - Ministry at St. Thomas More College. The Justice and Outreach Year we hear,” says O’Gorman. principle for the JOY program. nent diaconate in Saskatoon. (JOY) of Formation is a 10-weekend program linking Catholic Social “Catholic Social Teaching — “We are taking up the invita - During those discussions two Teaching with experiential learning opportunities. Participants will con - along with Pope Francis’ eccle - tion through our involvement in years ago, a need for practical nect with local service agencies, meet with those working in social justice sial vision and the compassionate the Justice and Outreach Year of formation in providing outreach fields, and walk with those being served, as well as working to broaden life and mission of Jesus of Formation to respond to our bap - and service was identified as understanding and acquire practical skills for outreach and service. Nazareth — is the foundation tismal call and meet our human something that should be avail - upon which the JOY program responsibility to reach out to oth - able to all the baptized. As a The program will run from hunger and food, restorative jus - stands, and which we will strive ers. We will seek to grow and be result, Bishop Donald Bolen September to June, with partici - tice, youth and family, and care of to embody.” transformed in humble service, established a committee to devel - pants coming together once a the earth. Another orientation session, discipleship, compassion and of op the JOY program, led by month to focus on issues of social “By connecting with nearly led by Christine Zyla of the course, joy.” O’Gorman, who previously justice, visit local service-based 30 local service agencies diocesan Office of Migration, Those interested can follow served as one of the co-ordinators agencies, and work alongside throughout the next 10 months, raised awareness about possible along via Facebook, Twitter, and of Lay Formation in the Diocese people who experience life on the meeting with those who work in unconscious assumptions and a blog at www.joyformation of Saskatoon. margins. these social justice fields and privileged perspectives. program.com “This diocesan pilot program “Throughout the year we will being with the people they serve, has been a labour of love, born also prayerfully consider our own we seek to broaden our under - Paul and Carol Hill from a passion to pursue justice baptismal call in the midst of the standing and become equipped and live the Gospel in solidarity realities we encounter,” adds with skills to engage in service with the poor,” says O’Gorman. O’Gorman. outreach. reflect on Mother Teresa “For some time, it has been ges - During the weekend sessions, “The JOY program is embark - tating in the hearts and minds of participants will explore outreach ing on a new adventure — learn - By Frank Flegel about Mother Teresa the night Catholic Pastoral Centre staff, related to human dignity, refu - ing what it means to walk in soli - before he went to Wilcox. When he committee members, program gees, indigenous experience, anti- darity with one another and work REGINA — Recently canonized saw a statue of Mother Teresa in the volunteers, agency partners and poverty, international develop - together toward a safer, more just St. Mother Teresa’s influence on the cafeteria he was inspired to build a of course, lay applicants.” ment, health and elder care, society where the dignity and Hill family has had a positive new girls’ dormitory.” The Mother impact to the benefit of disadvan - Teresa Dormitory opened in 2000. Mother Teresa School celebrates taged Regina children. The Mother “These are the kind of things Teresa Middle School (MTMS) Mother Teresa inspired,” said Hill. opened its doors in By Derrick Kunz Holy Family for a special mass Canonization is the final step September 2011 Sept. 4 to mark the canonization in being declared a saint by the with 17 students en - SASKATOON — Staff, stu - of the school’s namesake, who Roman Catholic Church. Mother tering Grade 6. All dents and other members of the was known for her charity and Teresa is now St. Teresa of are now in Grade 11 Mother Teresa School community service to the poorest of the poor Kolkata — although, as Pope at different schools gathered at the Cathedral of the in Kolkata, India. Francis commented at the official in Regina and at celebration in Rome, she will Athol Murray Col - remain “Mother Teresa” in the lege of Notre Dame hearts of many. in Wilcox, Sask. Principal Rick Garman wel - Paul Hill, chair comed all in attendance, includ - and CEO of the ing students, parents, the school’s Hill group of com - first principal Bernard Bitz, panies and chair of Board of Education trustees, su - the MTMS board perintendents of education, teach - of directors, with Frank Flegel ers and division staff. his wife Carol, told Paul and Carol Hill Rev. David Tumback, pastor a Sept. 6 gathering of the Cathedral of the Holy at Holy Cross Church the story of Carol Hill told a couple of dif - Family, was joined by Rev. meeting Mother Teresa and how ferent stories about Mother Teresa, Michael Dechant, OMI, and Rev. her influence led to the establish - one of which was meeting her in Mark Blom, OMI, to celebrate ment of MTMS in Regina. Australia in 1986. She was sched - the occasion with the school He said the group was so uled to speak there but was having community. Tumback shared sev - impressed that they asked how difficulty in obtaining a visa in eral stories illustrating the saint’s they could help her work. She time for the date. A prominent humility and service. He used an essentially told them she didn’t businessman managed to pull some analogy of a poker player who is want their money but to go back strings and get her into Australia. “all-in,” the term for betting to their own community, identify He then offered to drive her to the everything on a single hand. a need and fill it. The eventual airport and he was surprised to hear Mother Teresa was all-in: she result was the initiative by the Mother Teresa ask what she could gave all she had in loving service Hills to establish the MTMS do for him. Somewhat taken aback, of God. school in Regina. he managed to ask her to teach him Mass concluded with the Hill noted that the concept had how to pray. singing of the school song led by expanded to Winnipeg, where the Paul stated how fortunate he Rhonda Baker who composed it. Gonzaga School accepted its first and Carol have been in meeting It states that we are all pencils in students in September. He also two people who are now saints. God’s hands, referencing a described how a Hill business There was one other person pre - famous quote by Mother Teresa. partner on a visit to Regina was sent who had met John Paul II Derrick Kunz The school community handed convinced by Hill to visit Wilcox, and Mother Teresa: Gerry Moen, MOTHER TERESA SCHOOL — A banner featuring the face of out bookmarks made for the occa - about a half-hour drive south of who as former national chair of Mother Teresa was on display at the Cathedral of the Holy Family for sion and hosted a reception after Regina. Co-workers of Mother Teresa met a special mass to mark the canonization of the school’s patron. mass. “He told me he had a dream them in Rome in 1978. September 14, 2016 LOCAL NEWS Prairie Messenger 7 Spirit of mercy inspires Urquico ordained to diaconate

Catholic educators By Frank Flegel the church” and is read every day. music ministry, along with the Celibacy gives freedom from fami - Archdiocesan Women’s Schola, REGINA — “In the ritual, the ly responsibilities, so the priest with Valery Hall as organist. By Derrick Kunz Director of Education Greg first thing we have heard is the “can completely give himself to Several of his fellow seminari - Chatlain reminded staff of their name, Arpee Urquico,” said this life of prayer and service.” ans and teachers journeyed to SASKATOON — Greater roles as leaders. “What you do Winnipeg Archbishop Emeritus Urquico responded in a loud Regina for the ordination. His Saskatoon Catholic Schools’ near - matters,” he said. “What you do James Weisgerber as he began his voice to each question posed by mother, who was unable to obtain ly 2,000 staff gathered at the to contribute to the Catholic edu - homily. “That is so significant, and Weisgerber during the examination a visa, watched the service Cathedral of the Holy Family to cation of every child who chooses that’s just not to make sure that he of the candidate part of the ordina - through live streaming. celebrate the new school year the to be with us makes a significant is here; it is God calling him by tion ceremony: to be obedient to Following the service, Urquico day before they welcomed stu - difference in their lives. It matters name. The church in the name of his bishop, to observe celibacy, and thanked his teachers and friends dents back into classrooms. both in the short term and the Jesus has determined that Arpee preach the Gospel — adding at the for their support — particularly The annual gathering began long term. It matters to each child, should be ordained a deacon.” end of the questions, “with the help the people of St. George’s Parish, with mass that included readings to each family, to each co-worker And so on Sept. 2 at Holy of God.” That was followed by Assiniboia for allowing him to be and prayers in English, French, and to the Lord himself.” Rosary Cathedral began the sec - recitation of the Litany of Saints part of their lives. Ukrainian, Cree and new Mike Patin, an author, speaker, ond-last step for Urquico to with everyone kneeling and A reception featuring several Aramaic, reflecting the diversity and “faith horticulturist” gave an become a priest. That is expected Urquico prostrate on a rug below Filipino foods was held in the of staff and students. inspirational keynote address. He sometime in 2017 after he com - the sanctuary. cathedral auditorium immediately Board of Education chair referred to teaching in a Catholic pletes another year of studies at St. Montiague and one of following the ceremony. Diane Boyko spoke of the hope school division as a calling, stat - Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. Urquico’s teachers, she sees in the staff, students, for ing that educators see their voca - The new deacon arrived from Rev. Robert Gaut - the division and for Catholic edu - tion “through a slightly different Philippines about five years ago hier, vested the new cation in Saskatchewan. “I really lens — the lens of faith.” after his cousin, Rev. Gerard Joy deacon with a stole want our staff to remember how Mixing humour with his Montiague, living in Prince Albert, and the dalmatic (a fortunate we are, to see the good Louisiana charm, Patin got staff convinced him to come to Canada loose-sleeved robe), work they do day in and day out,” to compile a list of reasons not to as a missionary. He completed after which Weis - Boyko said. “I think staff feel a teach in a school division. He some studies in Philippines then gerber presented bit of anxiety. We ended last emphasized that the reasons to came to Canada and entered St. him with the school year with budget cuts, and become an educator outweigh Joseph Seminary. He spent a year Gospels. In recognition over the summer we have been them all. “Everyone in a class - of internship at St. George’s Parish, Jobin Family hearing about ‘transformational room has a story to tell and is Assiniboia, Sask., where Weisger - of Urquico’s her - SEVENTY YEARS — Alfred Parent and Cecile change.’ It’s important to keep our worth a million dollars to some - ber on April 3 officially accepted itage, the second reading for the day Jobin began dating in the fall of 1945, and mar - focus on what’s important: our one,” Patin said. “In a class of 30 him as a candidate for priesthood. ried in August the following year. They had nine students, the good work we are that’s $30 million. We are all Weisgerber spoke in his homily was in Tagalog, the children, and the family has grown to include 26 doing, and being men and women called to do what we do in a spirit of two daily reminders of God’s Philippine lan - grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one of faith.” of mercy. call to love: recitation of the bre - guage. The Regina great-great-grandchild. On Aug. 14, Alfred and viary and the observation of celiba - Filipino choir pro - Cecile celebrated 70 years of marriage with fam - Long-serving priest cy. The breviary is “the prayer of vided some of the ily and friends in Prince Albert. celebrates 80th birthday Mercy a challenge for disciples of Christ By Frank Flegel He completed his studies and was ordained in 1962, and imme - By Frank Flegel dramatic changes to their lives tle pieces of land — and these were REGINA — He stood at the diately assigned to Poznan, then with the arrival of the Europeans. a people used to roaming all over. door and greeted everyone per - Goleniow where he was vicar. He REGINA — More than 1,000 “150 years ago the government They were starved, their children sonally who came to help him cel - began his missionary work to Regina Catholic School Division invited people to come and be taken from them and placed in resi - ebrate 80 years of life, 54 of those Polish immigrants in 1970 with teachers and staff heard two dif - farmers on the prairies. ‘There’s dential schools, and when all the as a priest with the Society of an assignment in the United ferent historical perspectives at nothing out there but buffalo,’ children were gone that led to dys - Christ Fathers. States. their Sept. 30 opening mass. they said. But we know now there functional communities, said His first assignment in Canada Winnipeg Archbishop Emeritus were people living here.” And Weisgerber. The government con - was to Calgary in 1979, then back James Weisgerber spoke about they used the buffalo for every - trolled everything and it wasn’t until to the U.S. for assignments in sev - changes in the lives of indigenous thing, said Weisgerber; but in 1960 that they could vote and leave eral locations. He returned to people when the Europeans began eight years the buffalo were gone. the reserve without permission. Calgary for a few years, then went arriving on the prairies about 150 “What were they to do?” We now blame the victim, he to Windsor, Ont., and another years ago, and Leah Perrault de- In 1874 Treaty Four was signed. said. “We need to learn the truth.” return to the U.S. before coming scribed how the church changed “And that’s about us, too,” he said. Mercy is a challenge for everyone to Regina in 1993 from Houston, about 1,700 years ago and what it “We entered into it together.” who claims to be a disciple of Texas. He remained parish priest means today. They were then pushed off to lit - Christ. at St. Anthony’s until 2012 when Perrault describes herself as a a bout with cancer took him into preacher without a pulpit. She retirement. holds a master’s degree in pas - According to current St. toral theology from St. Michael’s Anthony’s pastor Rev. Stanislaw University, Toronto. Her day job Poszwa, Ogorek was twice near is executive lead of Governance death. “He was anointed by Arch - Advancement with Emmanuel bishop Bohan and other clergy.” Care (Catholic Health ministry of Poszwa said Ogorek stopped Saskatchewan). She was director chemotherapy about a year ago of Pastoral Care for the Saskatoon Frank Flegel and has been cancer-free since. Roman Catholic Diocese prior to Rev. Marian Ogorek He is currently priest in residence her current position. at St. Anthony’s and helps with Perrault compared mercy to a Rev. Marian Ogorek was born sacramental ministry. wave: “It has no structure, it is in Lublin, Poland in 1936. “Yes, I More than 100 people showed energy that moves through us.” remember the war,” Ogorek said up for the party and after being The early church had no struc - in an interview with the PM. His greeted by Ogorek sat at decorat - ture, said Perrault, but about 1,700 brother was born in the summer ed tables in preparation for the years ago began building structure of 1939 and the war started on meal. “It’s all Polish food,” said in churches, education and health Sept. 1. Ogorek lost no immediate Poszwa, who emceed the event facilities. “They came to us for family during the war, but several and led the group in traditional everything; now they come to us Frank Flegel cousins perished shortly after the Polish songs of blessing. only for spiritual care.” PRAISE IN THE PARK — It was a rocking time in Regina’s Victoria conflict began. After the war, the After the meal, the party She described mercy as love for Park Sept. 10 as eight bands from different faith communities beat out country was taken over by the enjoyed a slide presentation of the broken by the broken, and went music for the glory of God. It was the annual Praise in the Park communists. Ogorek’s, dating back to his early on to list the seven corporal and endorsed by the Regina Council of Churches and the Regina Ministerial Ogorek entered the seminary years in Poland and service in the seven spiritual works of mercy. Association. Children played at several activities in the warm sun as their parents and others sat on the grass, on blankets or lawn chairs and of the Society of Christ Fathers U.S. and Canada. She noted that Pope Francis fre - listened to the music. Faith-based organizations set up tents alongside after high school. The commu - Ogorek thanked everyone for quently references to mercy. the main venue, providing information on their activities and member - nists didn’t much hinder the semi - coming and received a blessing Weisgerber has a long relation - ship. Food was available from trucks parked nearby and an ice cream naries or the churches. “Poland is from the congregation, whom he ship with Aboriginal people stem - bicycle made its way through the park several times. Initial attendance 95 per cent Catholic, so every - blessed in turn. ming from his time as parish priest was small, as the afternoon was competing with a televised Roughrider thing was open.” They didn’t As to his future, the affable in Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle game from Winnipeg, but more came as the afternoon wore on. Pastor have to go underground, as in priest shrugged and smiled: “Only Valley, where he served several Charles Kooger of Sonlight Christian Reformed Church and Alex some other communist countries. God knows.” First Nations. He described the Coleman of Hallelujah Radio co-organized the afternoon. 8 Prairie Messenger CHURCH AT HOME September 14, 2016 When what’s in the imagination doesn’t match reality

and we wouldn’t have time to do alien shapes, some with spikes like in the season the dianthus imparts much with this small plot (that’s punk rockers, and some smooth. its sweet fragrance over the whole just an excuse — we aren’t garden - Except for the poppy packets. Do yard, and there are random colours Around the ers or landscapers), Russ decided it you know that the poppy seeds you — tiny pink star-like flowers, white might be a cool idea to also sow it plant are nothing like the ones you baby’s breath and other white blos - Kitchen Table in wildflowers and see what hap - bake into a cake? I was surprised soms the size of pencil erasers, red- pens. I planted a row of dianthus to open the packet to see — or and-black-eyed yellow flowers that seedlings to make sure there was rather squint at — the minute black remind me of daisies, purple pan - Maureen Weber something in the meanwhile. spots inside. They’re so small they sies that scowl, delicate things with I felt like The Sower in Vincent al most get lost in the whorl of cherry-coloured petals and minia - van Gogh’s famous painting: cast - one’s fingerprint. Scattering them ture blue bell-like flowers with tons In the spring I heard an inter - prompting. I was skeptical, but ing seeds from my bag with the is a challenge. of buds at the end of tall, thin spa - view with CBC Radio garden spe - decided to try it by the fence where brilliant sun bathing me in its yel - Van Gogh is my favourite ghetti-like stalks. And some pop - cialist Lyndon Penner in which he we’d excavated a small area that low light. Actually, this little cor - painter. I’ve always had a fantasy pies! Red, white, orange, and a pale enthusiastically encouraged listen - had previously been a mess of ner gets no light from the late-day of becoming a painter in his style. purplish one with feathered edges, ers to plant sunflowers because stones and tree stumps. Since it sun, and I had paper packets of With thick rich oil paints in yel - like a fancy dress. They last only a they just “grow” without much was going to be a busy summer god-knows-what — weird seeds of lows, reds and midnight blues, I few days before their long, skinny would spill the colours that live in stems sink to the ground, but oh, I my mind onto a canvas. Maybe I take such delight in each one. could even paint the wildflowers The sunflowers did not fare that would grow in my garden, or well. Of many seeds planted, only vases of sunflowers picked from about 10 stalks grew, but they are along my fence. All I had to do working so hard to produce that I was wait. cannot help but stand in awe of And we waited. It took weeks their efforts — and help them to for anything to show up. Once stand, because they keep bending green shoots did begin to grow, it over. was impossible to tell whether they This little garden is not the were weeds or flowers (well, dill grand Eden of my imagination. It and dandelions are unmistakable), would not inspire a painting and is and we let it turn into a ragged plot not worthy of a post on social lest we pull a potential blossom. I media, where cruel judgments are felt a bit ridiculous watering some - handed down by insecure, obtuse thing that homely, but nobody people. But looking at it brings to could see me in the backyard any - mind the words of Rabbi Abraham way. Eventually we were able to Joshua Heschel: “Just to be is a pull the obvious weeds, but you blessing. Just to live is holy.” would be amazed at the weeds that My garden has survived to give masquerade as flowers. what it could manage, and in so Now it’s fall and my dream of a doing has provided humble bless - M. Weber lush undulation of colour has faded ings I did not imagine. One should RAGGED GARDEN — Maureen’s flower garden is a reflection of the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua with the reality of what is. But never discount the possibility of HPeschel: “J ust to b e is a blessin g. Just to l i ve is hol y .” something else has happened. Late being surprised by holiness.

A SACRED SPACE IN A BUSY WORLD

SMALL THINGS: Illuminated through Mercy Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. ­ 4 p.m. Gerry Turco e Join author Gerry Turcotte on a lively journey through the small things in life and discover moments HEALING HEARTS: A Merciful Journey of mercy hidden among ladybugs and elevator buttons. Sharing stories from his recently published Tuesdays, Sept. 13 ­ Nov. 1, 10 a.m. ­ noon Carmen Hopf book, Small Things: Reflections on Faith and Hope, Turcotte invites you to ponder where the Spirit This eight-week series is an invitation to take an inner journey – a walk in the hidden valleys unexpectedly breaks into your life. Participants will have the opportunity to view a portion of the and hills of your own inner spaces. See what joys and sorrows, surprises and challenges hand-scribed and illustrated Saint John’s Bible – an example of how creative expression enhances you may find on your journey of becoming fully alive. The book Healing Troubled Hearts by engagement with text. Come and see how beauty and laughter mercifully transform the ordinary Lyn Holley Doucet will be used as a guideline and resource. Daily spiritual reading and into the extraordinary. $75 includes buffet lunch. reflection, questions, and compassionate group listening and sharing are the structure for SPIRITUAL BOOK CLUB this journey. Maximum 10 participants. $120 for eight weeks. Mondays, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 12, Jan. 23, Feb. 27; 7 p.m. ­ 9 p.m. CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Do you love to read and to share insight with other readers? If so, join us as we use our eyes of 2nd and 4th Wednesdays ­ began Sept. 14, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (drop­in) faith to see inspiration in the writing of a variety of authors. Books are provided at a discounted Antoine e Voûte Roeder rate. Registration is required. $10 Sept. through Dec. $15 Jan. through June Contemplative prayer attunes one to the silence within, the silence that met Elijah outside YOGA WITH JULIE — Julie Jeong the mountain cave (1 Kings 19:12). Praying without words or images, breath guides us to an Wednesdays, Sept. 28 ­ Nov. 30, Jan. 18 ­ March 22, 6:30 ­ 8 p.m. ever greater awareness of God’s Spirit-Breath vitalizing every moment of our lives. Each The mindful movements of traditional hatha yoga invite the integration of mind, body, and spirit. evening includes spiritual readings, sitting in silent prayer, and group sharing, within the Join us within a peaceful Christian environment to relax your body, become more fully aware of context of a small community. All are welcome. your breath and open your whole being to God. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga/exercise mat. NEW! Monday mornings, Jan. 23, 2017 - March 27, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. A QUIET DAY AWAY $135 for each 10-week session. Tuesday, Sept. 20; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Tuesday, Jan. 24; Wednesday, February 22 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PRC Team BEING A PERSON OF MERCY Step away from your daily routine to be re-energized and rest in God’s presence. The day Friday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m. to Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m. Max Oliva, SJ begins and ends in guided prayer. The in-between hours are yours. A single bedroom is Pope Francis’ emphasis on the “tenderness of mercy” is a welcome invitation to Christians. Mercy provided for your use. Ask for details about extending your stay. Liturgy in the Main Chapel is the form love takes when it encounters suffering; mercy wants what is good for the one who is at 9 a.m. (optional). $40 per session includes buffet lunch. struggling. Jesus is the face of God’s mercy; as his followers, we are called to show mercy because God has first shown mercy to us. In this weekend retreat, we will consider mercy in three ways: WRITING CIRCLE God to us, we to others, and mercy to oneself. We will also explore the spiritual and corporeal Tuesdays, Sept. 20 ­ Nov. 1, 1:30 p.m. ­ 3:30 p.m. Carol Sebas an works of mercy. “Give thanks to the Lord, for his mercy endures forever.” — Ps. 136:1 Cultivate your creative inclinations. Attune yourself to the creative spirit within and its desire Suite: $270 Single: $230 Commute: $185 for expression. Share inspiration and technique. Take time to put pen to paper. No experience necessary. $60 for seven weeks. MERCY IN TIMES OF TRANSITION Thurs. Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m. ­ 3:30 p.m. Debbie Doornbos LABYRINTH WALK FOR PEACE Times of transition can be challenging. Mid-life, retirement, job change, new babies, and new Wednesday Sept. 21, 7 ­ 8 p.m. seasons in our lives may result in feelings of loss, grief, and uncertainty. This is normal. Join us as we pray, sing, and walk the labyrinth in the name of PEACE. This annual event However, these times can also be seasons of hope. They are an invitation to practice mercy marks United Nations International Day of Peace. No registration required. and compassion to ourselves and others. Regardless of what season of life you are in, come explore the transformational opportunity mercy offers us during life’s transitions. Please see our website for more details: www.providencerenewal.ca “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” – Mt 5:7 or call 780­701­1854; 3005 119 St NW Edmonton, AB T6J 5R5 $60 includes buffet lunch September 14, 2016 ARTS & CULTURE Prairie Messenger 9 A summer reflection on the call of the Arctic

The Arctic seems to forever cast a spell over man’s imagination . . . A corner of the world of ice-encrusted shores and unbounded frozen tundra, of endless days or continuous nights. A land that is as unpredictable and dangerous as it is alluring and wondrously beautiful. — Alexis Troubetzkoy, Arctic Obsession: The Lure of the Far North

By Gerald Schmitz committee undertook a major study of Canada’s role in circumpolar co- Canada is second only to Russia operation. But the summer trips in its claims to the Arctic. Indeed alluded to above have been on my much of Canada’s total territory personal initiative. and coastline lies north of the A decade ago I went on my Arctic Circle even if this huge first marine voyage through the expanse has a tiny population. Northwest Passage (stopping at Canadians take pride in the graves from Franklin’s ill-fated mythology of the “True North.” expedition on Beechey Island), Our political leaders have pro - sailing up to Grise Fjord, claimed northern visions and Canada’s most northerly commu - made ritual assertions of “Arctic nity on Ellesmere island, then sovereignty.” (An excellent guide across Baffin Bay and past Hans to the issues at stake is Michael Island (disputed with Denmark) to Byers, Who Owns the Arctic? Qaanaaq, Greenland’s most Gerald Schmitz Understanding Sovereignty Dis - northerly town. We sailed down TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR SUN — Kayaks and zodiacs transported the northern travellers to and from the putes in the North .) Former prime the Greenland coast as far as ship during a two-week Arctic expedition. minister Stephen Harper made a Upernavik then crossed back over point of annual summer photo-op to explore the eastern coast of ils of these waterways which, as structed to withstand any potential moss campion, mountain avens, visits to Arctic locations. The Baffin island — with stops at the polar ice continues to thin and disaster, holds some three million purple and yellow saxifrage, Arctic Justin Trudeau government has Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet), retreat in summer, will be increas - known crop varieties. poppy, to name but a few. We were made tackling climate change a Kangiqtugaapik (Clyde River), ingly open to commercial shipping Our voyage under 24-hour sun issued expedition parkas (and policy priority, and it is in the Oiklqtarjuak (Broughton Island), and larger cruise ships. (An article took us to one stunning landscape boots) but had days so sunny and high latitudes that its effects are and Pangniqtuuq (Pangnirtung) — about giant luxury liners plying after another of mountain peaks mild (up to 15 C) that a long hike most pronounced. Canadians liv - ending in Nunavut’s capital of the Arctic in the Aug. 1 issue of and great glaciers as well as sites could be done in little more than a ing in the Arctic, notably the Iqaluit. Maclean’s was headlined “The of historical relics — from mining, T-shirt. Even on days with fog or indigenous peoples who have Our ship, the MS Explorer, hit One Per Cent Are Coming to whaling, even ill-fated attempts to raw winds, the atmosphere was made it their home for millennia, an iceberg off the Antarctic coast Canada’s North.”) reach the North Pole by hot-air never less than captivating. have an especially powerful case the next year and sank! For tu - I certainly have no interest in balloon. Everyone was excited to Every day was a learning ex pe - for demanding climate action. nately some 100 passengers and that kind of deluxe tourism. But see polar bears, of course. The rience that included daily rec aps (See Sheila Watt-Cloutier’s The crew were safely evacuated and this July I decided it was time to first two on land were quite thin, of everything seen and a range of undertake another lone females searching out birds’ lectures on Arctic subjects. much smaller-scale nests for meagre sustenance. The Among our excellent guides, and more adventurous next two were big robust males on operating zodiacs, some bearing Arctic expedition, this the pack ice, one still feasting on a firearms as a precaution against time to the remote seal. Awesome. On that banner bears, were experts in marine archipelagos thou - day, when we reached a furthest biology, ornithology, geology, his - sands of kilometres north of 81°22,’ we also had the tory and photography. above Scandi navia. It rare delight of watching a pair of And as I have found on previ - was with Quark blue whales — earth’s largest ous voyages, one meets really Expeditions on the creatures — around our ship. The interesting fellow passengers. I “Sea Adventurer” and furthest northeast we ventured was especially enjoyed my conversa - originally the plan to Kvitøya (“White Island”) which tions with Steven and Jane Bahls was to explore both is almost completely covered by a of Rock Island, Illinois, where Norway’s Svalbard permanent icecap. Steven is president of Augustana islands and those of Overall we would sight some College. Jane has written a superb Russia’s Franz Josef 25 bears, including several mothers blog of the trip which can be Land. When Russian with cubs, Arctic foxes, groups of accessed at: http://www.janebahls. permission was not reindeer with calves, bearded seals tumblr.com/. I have also posted an Gerald Schmitz received, that was on ice floes, huge walrus haul-outs album of photos to my website at: CALL OF THE ARCTIC — A polar bear is seen on the pack ice July 9 during changed to an in- and females swimming with https://gerrystakes.shutterfly.com/ Gerald Schmitz’s summer trip around Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between depth circumnaviga - calves. The birdlife was extraordi - pictures/5358 mainland Norway and the North Pole. tion of Svalbard plus a nary — brightly beaked puffins, I was one of only three Ca na - thrust further north to rock ptarmigan, predatory Glau- dians on this northern voyage, not Right to be Cold: One Woman’s subsequently picked up by a the edge of the polar icepack. It cous gulls, the steep nesting cliffs unusual as I’ve observed earlier. Story of Protecting Her Culture, Norwegian ship after drifting for probably turned out for the best as, of kittiwakes, little auks, and Given our country’s Arctic the Arctic, and the Whole Planet .) five hours in lifeboats. There’s a with the benefit of mostly ideal guillemots in the hundreds of thou - reach and responsibilities, I hope And yet very few Canadians good reason on-board safety drills conditions, we were able to do sands, and more. The brief summer that in coming years more Ca - have ever been anywhere north of are mandatory. more and longer landings in spec - is bursting with life and colour; the nadians will answer its call and the Arctic Circle. No doubt the In 2010, author Kathleen tacular coastal settings that offered boggy tundra carpeted with all be inspired by the wonders of remoteness and the expense of Winter went on a voyage similar a great range of Arctic flora and manner of flowering vegetation — God’s creation. getting there are a factor. to mine of 2006, though beginning fauna. Zodiacs (small motorized However, it seems that rather few further south in Greenland at rubber dinghies) transported us to Canadians have a desire to experi - Kangerlussuaq and ending in the and from the ship, and some also ence the Arctic. No one will ques - Northwest Passage. Her trip was did sea kayaking. tion a southern escape during our also accompanied by noted Inuit We boarded the Sea Adven turer winters, whereas going to the cultural activist Aaju Peter, film - on July 5 at Longyearben on the frozen north during our summers maker John Houston (son of main island of Spitzbergen after will strike many as an odd choice. James Houston, who brought Inuit waiting hours for an enormous Having been on three High Arctic art to global attention), as well as cruise ship (3,000 passengers to summer voyages (and one to the musician Nathan Rogers, son of our 69) to vacate the pier. This iso - Antarctic), my sense is that even the late Stan Rogers who wrote the lated community of 2,000 souls is when these take place primarily iconic ballad about the passage. one of only two in Svalbard, within the Canadian Arctic, Winter wrote about it in an evoca - which has no historical indigenous Canadian participants are distinct - tive memoir, Boundless: Tracing population (it was discovered by ly in the minority. Most of us Land and Dream in a New Willem Barents in 1596), and at seem to take for granted what oth - Northwest Passage . When her latitude 78°13’N lies over 2,000 ers find so rare and special. ship ran aground in Corona tion kilometres from Oslo by air. The I admit to being fascinated by Gulf, passengers and crew were town was founded by an American the tales of polar exploration since I stranded for three days until they coal miner. Some mining contin - was a kid. And I’ve had profession - could be transferred to the Coast ues. There is a church, a university al opportunities to visit Arctic com - Guard vessel Amundsen and fer - college, and an outstanding muse - Gerald Schmitz munities, notably in 1996 when the ried to Kugluktuk (Copper mine). um. Of planetary significance is TAKING A BREAK — A bearded seal lounges on an ice floe at House of Commons foreign affairs It’s a reminder of the potential per - the Global Seed Vault which, con - Monaco glacier July 8. 10 Prairie Messenger DEEPENING OUR FAITH September 14, 2016 Our choices now mark a path for our descendents

eighth century BC, railed against the social corruption and holds are precariously housed, that is, living in unafford - the oppression of the poor and helpless then afflicting his able, below standards, or overcrowded housing conditions. land. King Jeroboam had nearly restored the whole of the In 2014, 64.1 per cent of food bank users were from Liturgy former northern realm of Solomon by conquering Syria, Canada’s First Nations communities. Twenty-one per cent Moab, and Ammon. An artistic revival followed the eco - of single mothers in Canada raise their children while liv - and Life nomic development triggered by the kingdom’s expansion. ing in poverty. What are the global facts? These and many Peace and prosperity did not guarantee justice. Amos calls other cares call out to us. (http://www.cwp-csp.ca/pover - out the rich and content. By their neglect of the needs of ty/just-the-facts/) Michael Dougherty the poor, he sees them precipitating their own descendant’s Luke in the gospel shares the cautionary parable Jesus downfall. told of the rich man and Lazarus. Dives, as the rich man has Pope Francis in his social encyclical Laudato Si’ come to be known, obviously knew Lazarus during his life - A new crop of elementary students made the transi - shares this perspective. “We here in the Global North need time. If he did, Dives also surely knew of his crying needs. tion to secondary school a few weeks ago. These 13-year- to grow in the conviction that a decrease in the pace of Ignoring those needs resulted in the unbreachable chasm olds will be in their late 30s when 2040 rolls around. If we production and consumption can at times give rise to opening between Lazarus and Dives after their deaths. The today cannot effectively deal with the implications of cli - another form of progress and development. Efforts to pro - parable prods us to consider what can we do to address the mate change, resource depletion and global poverty they, mote a sustainable use of natural resources are not a waste problems of poverty and injustice around us now. by then, will have to face possibly the most dramatic chal - of money, but rather an investment capable of providing How can we respond to the challenges laid before us lenges ever faced by humanity. The future of our species, other economic benefits in the medium term. . . . We know by Amos and Luke? At the local level every community I indeed all of creation, could depend on the choices they how unsustainable is the behaviour of those who constant - know of offers anti-poverty initiatives we can support. will make. ly consume and destroy, while others are not yet able to What about globally? Did you know that the world spends We have a pretty good idea now what they will see live in a way worthy of their human dignity.” over $1.7 trillion dollars a year on arms? How much before them — the outlines of their issues lay before us now. would it cost to solve the world hunger crisis? The price One major warning sign is the gross inequality that perme - Amos 6:1a, 4-6 has been estimated by the United Nations to be $30 billion Twenty-sixth Sunday ates and distorts the relationships among our global family. Psalm 146 a year. What would be the cost of providing clean water in Ordinary Time Did you know that the Democratic Republic of Congo has a 1 Timothy 6:11-16 for all? According to the WHO to improved water and September 25, 2016 per capita GDP of only $770 while Canada’s was $45,553, Luke 16:19-31 sanitation services for everyone would cost around according to the IMF in 2015. Twenty-one countries have US$22.6 billion per year. even higher per capita GDPs than Canada. The average Paul writing to Timothy, whom he mentored and trav - Cardinal Basil Hume once said, “Either we invest in global income, though heading toward $10,000, hides a elled with, urges him to “fight the good fight of the faith.” arms and death or we invest in life and the future develop - growing inequality both within Canada and globally among The logic of our consumer society tempts all of us to place ment of the peoples of the world.” The choices we make nations. This wealth gap, this unequal distribution of the our wants before others’ needs. The pursuit of “righteous - individually and those we make collectively through our bounty of the earth, lays at the heart of many of the conflicts ness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness” will governments mark the path we have chosen for our and conundrums we now face. If this trend continues keep us on the right tract and allow us to hear the cry of descendants. unchecked, how grave will its consequences be in 2040? the poor. “Like our responses to the global environmental cri - In the first reading the prophet Amos, writing during Can we hear the litany of social concerns arising in sis, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to social chal - the reign of the Kingdom of Israel’s Jeroboam II in the our own communities and country? Did you know that lenges have proven ineffective. Obstructionist attitudes, more than one in seven Canadians live in poverty? That 62 even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the per cent of children living in the North are food insecure? problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind Dougherty is co-chair of the Social Justice Committee Precarious employment has increased nearly 50 per cent confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Whitehorse, Yukon. over the past two decades. Three million Canadian house - universal solidarity” ( Laudato Si’ ). The wise and the wicked both feed off of the same sacred fire

between saints and sinners, tend to So where do sin and evil out of the energies themselves. So, struggle more to actually catch fire, enter? They enter in when we too, sin and evil arise out of how In to truly drink deeply from the well - misuse the good energy God has we relate to certain things in the springs of divine energy. Our given us and they enter in when world, not out of some inherent struggle isn’t so much in misusing we relate in bad ways to the good evil inside of our own persons or Exile divine energy, but rather in not suc - things of creation. Simply put: inside of the things themselves. cumbing to chronic numbness, We are good and creation around The wicked aren’t evil persons Ron Rolheiser, OMI depression, fatigue, flatness, bitter - us is good, but we can relate to it drawing energy from the devil. ness, envy, and the kind of discour - in the wrong way, precisely They’re good people irresponsibly agement which has us going through selfishness, greed, or vio - and selfishly misusing sacred through life lacking fire and forev - lence. Likewise, our energies are energy. The energy itself is still See the wise and wicked ones basically every commandment.” er protesting that we have a right to good, including all those energies good, despite its misuse. Who feed upon life’s sacred fire He’s right in his assessment be uncreative and unhappy. Great that underlie our propensity We don’t tap into evil energies that the selfishness, greed, and saints and great sinners don’t live toward pride, greed, lust, envy, when we give in to greed, lust, These are lines from Gordon violence we see in our world lives of “quiet desperation”; they anger, and sloth; but we can mis - envy, sloth, or anger. No, rather Lightfoot’s song Don Quixote , today are “anti-Christ” (though drink deeply sacred energy, use those energies and draw upon we misuse the good and sacred and they highlight an important perhaps not the Anti-Christ spo - become inflamed by that fire, and life’s sacred fire in self-serving, energy within which we live and truth: both the wise and the ken of in Scripture). However, make that the source for either lustful, greedy, and wicked ways. move and have our being. The wicked feed off the same energy. he’s wrong about where selfish - their extraordinary wisdom or their Sin and evil, therefore, arise out wise and wicked both feed off the And it’s good energy, sacred ener - ness, greed, and violence are wild wickedness. of the misuse of our energies, not same sacred fire. gy, divine energy, irrespective of drawing their energy from. The This insight, saints and sinners its use. The greedy and the violent energy they are drawing upon feed off the same source, isn’t just feed off the same energy as do the comes from God, not from the an interesting irony. It’s an impor - wise and the saints. There’s one devil. What we see in all the neg - tant truth that can help us better NOW AVAILABLE source of energy and, even though ative things that make up so much understand our relationship to God, e-Edition subscriptions it can be irresponsibly, selfishly, of the evening news each day is to the things of this world, and to visit: www.pmonline.ca and horrifically misused, it not evil energy but rather the mis - ourselves. We must be clear on for more information Receive 45 issues per year remains always God’s energy. use of sacred energy. Evil deeds what’s good and what’s bad, other - Unfortunately, we don’t often are not the result of evil energies wise we end up both misunder - think of things that way. Recently but the result of the misuse of standing ourselves and misunder - Mail coupon to: Prairie Messenger, Circulation Dept. I was listening to a very discour - sacred energy. Whether you con - standing the energies of our world. Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 aged man who, looking at the sider the devil a person or a A healthy spirituality needs to Phone: (306) 682-1772 Fax: (306) 682-5285 email: [email protected] selfishness, greed, and violence in metaphor, either way, he has no be predicated on a proper under - J our world, blamed it all on the other origin than from God. God standing of God, ourselves, the J One YearJ $37.00 devil. “It must be the anti-Christ,” created the devil, and created him world, and the energies that drive U.S. $170.00 Foreign $269.00 he said, “How else do you explain good. His wickedness results our world and these are the non- Applicable tax included J J all this, so many people breaking from the misuse of that goodness. negotiable Christian principles New Renewal All energy comes from God and within which we need to under - all energy is good, but it can be stand ourselves, the world, and Name: ______Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, wickedly misused. Moreover, it’s the use of our energies: First , and award-winning author, is ironic that the ones who seem to God is good, God is the source of Address: ______president of the Oblate School of drink most deeply from the well - all energy everywhere, and that Theology in San Antonio, Texas. springs of divine energy are, energy is good. Second , we are City/Town: ______Prov: ______He can be contacted through his invariably, the best and the worst, made by God, we are good, and Postal Code: ______Tel: ______website: www.ronrolheiser.com. the wise and the wicked, saints and our nature is not evil. Finally , Now on Facebook: www.face - sinners. These mainline the fire. everything in our world has been Visa/MC: ______Expiry: ______book.com/ronrolheiser The rest of us, living in the gap made by God and it too is good. September 14, 2016 Deepening Our Faith Prairie Messenger 11 Ordinary Ukrainians just want their dignity back

By Michael Swan sary — those priests are very The Catholic Register much affected, as are the parish - ioners, by what’s going on.” With 10,000 dead in Ukraine’s At the synod in Lviv, Nowa- eastern Donbass region, Russian kowski was presenting a new pro - tanks and missile systems massing gram called “The Vibrant Parish.” on the eastern border, two million It fits into the Year of Mercy with internally displaced Ukrain ians, a theme of diakonia , service to Crimea already under Russian others. rule and the Ukrainian Black Sea “In many ways this program is fleet sunk or stolen, Rev. Peter essential, especially for our par- Galadza is putting his trust in the ishes in eastern Ukraine and in politics of the beatitudes. those affected areas,” Nowa - Along with about 1.2 million kowski said. “Because it’s what other Ukrainian-Canadians, we do as a family parish. We Galadza understands just how have the Word of God, we have easily his country is sacrificed on liturgy, we have prayer, we need the altar of power politics and leadership. So we see ourselves in strategic interests. this framework.” “If you’re a poor country, Ukraine should be an example you’re going to be sacrificed,” for the world, said Galadza. Galadza said. “But you see, from “We’ve never had an empire. a Ukrainian Catholic perspective, We have never invaded other this gets frustrating. Because CNS/Alexander Ermochenko, EPA countries. We don’t have some through out their history Ukrainian kind of jingoistic, national pride A NATION AT WAR — In this March 2016 photo a man stands in front his damaged house after shelling that would incline us to hold on Catholics have frequently had no in the Ukrainian town of Makeevka. one to turn to, except the church. to nuclear weaponry,” he said. They have tended to believe — “It really has slipped from the a “miracle of God.” into Ukrainian speakers and Rus - “It’s the fact that Ukrainians have sometimes naively, but they headlines. People might think that If Putin is going to be the pro - sian speakers. The church — frequently had no one else to turn nonetheless believe — that an everything is hunky-dory and it’s tector of Russian language, her - Catholic and Orthodox — finds to that they turn to our Lord. It’s institution grounded in the politics not,” said Rev. Andriy Chirovksy. itage and culture worldwide, itself faced with the wounds of a that fact that I think can teach us of the beatitudes will sooner or “It is very frustrating precisely there’s no way to separate any of nation as they are manifested in a lot in Canada.” later step up to the plate and because we are constantly aware of that culture or heritage from families and communities. Ukraine’s not a perfect coun - defend the underdog.” how disastrous the situation is and Russia’s Orthodox Christian his - “I think that the religious lead - try. Corrupt billionaires and poli - On Dec. 5, 1994, the Russian how dangerous it continues to be.” tory. But in Ukraine, Russian ers are very much, I think on all ticians have too readily directed Federation, the United States and Ukraine’s war with Russia Orthodox parishes are beginning sides, trying to support those peo - their poor country for personal Great Britain signed the Budapest ought to matter to everybody, said to distance themselves from ple who are at war, support those gain, said Chirovsky. But ordi - Memorandum, which guaranteed Galadza. Moscow. The head of the Russian people who have been wounded,” nary Ukrain ians “simply want to Ukraine’s security and its borders “Is no one able to connect the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, he said. “There’s been around have their human dignity back,” in exchange for Ukraine signing dots?” he asked. “How the hell are Metropolitan Onufri, has stepped 10,000 men killed in the war and he said. onto the Treaty on the Non- you going to convince people in back from Patriarch Kirill’s more their bodies are returned to west - “They want to live in peace, in Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons the Middle East not to seek nuclear stridently pro-Russia statements. ern Ukraine. If you consider that an independent Ukraine which as a non-nuclear weapons state. weapons? How are you going to Russian Orthodox in Canada your average parish priest then has never waged an offensive war When the Soviet empire col - convince North Korea to give up and the United States are tired of will be preparing for the funeral, against anyone,” he said. “That’s lapsed, Ukraine found itself in its nuclear arsenal when this is Russian nationalist tirades from will have to deal with the funeral. one thing I’m very proud of as a possession of an enormous nu- how a country is treated when it the pulpit and are seeking refuge And, as is the tradition in the Ukrainian Christian. Ukraine has clear arsenal. By giving up the does give up its nuclear arsenal?” in Ukrainian Catholic parishes, Ukrainian churches, both Ortho - never waged an offensive war in weapons, Ukraine had hoped for A false picture of the war as a said Chirovsky. dox and Ukrainian Catholic, all of its history. It’s always been a peaceful, independent future. mostly internal conflict between an “They’ve come to me and there’s a nine-day service after defensive. Ukraine has not tried No such luck. For more than Orthodox, Russian-speaking east - they’ve said, ‘I just can’t go there the funeral and then a 40-day ser - to acquire anyone else’s territory. two years Ukraine has instead ern half and a Catholic, Ukrainian- any more. Constant harrangues vice and then a one-year anniver - I’m proud of that as a Christian.” faced Russian soldiers in its terri - speaking, Europe-oriented western from the pulpit against those tory trying to break off pieces of half drives Chirovsky nuts. Ukrainians . . . Can I come to the country in the name of protect - “To say that Ukraine is a your church?’ ” ing and uniting Russian speakers. Catholic west and an Orthodox east As a parish pastor, Chirovsky “It is a hot war where people is completely inaccurate. I mean doesn’t wall the liturgy off from are dying every day, where Rus - the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic politics. sian forces are shelling Ukrainian Church has parishes in (pro- “At every liturgy I pray and I territory every day, Ukrainian sol - Russian stronghold) Donetsk. We pray out loud, I give a petition, diers are dying and being wound - have monasteries in Donetsk. We that our brothers and sisters in ed,” said Orest Zakydalsky, the have an exarchate in Donetsk. We Ukraine might be freed from ex - Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ have a bishop for Donetsk. It’s ri - ternal aggression and from inter - senior policy adviser. “We are diculous to speak in those terms . . . nal corruption,” he said. working constantly to keep this an 60 per cent of the Ukrainian troops In Ukraine for a global synod issue that the public is aware of.” on the Ukrainian government side of Ukrainian Catholic bishops, When the perogies are served are Russian speaking.” Eparch Ken Nowakowski of New and the dancers line up for North A 2006 survey by the Razum - Westminster, B.C., stumbled upon America’s largest Ukrainian cul - kov Centre, a Ukrainian NGO, a different religious response to tural festival in Toronto’s Bloor found 62 per cent of people living the war. He was visiting a small West Village Sept. 16 - 18, the in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking town where he had gone to ordain dancers, singers and cooks will be eastern provinces considered a deacon who will eventually thinking about their bleeding na - Ukraine their “fatherland” against serve as a priest in his diocese. tion on the eastern edge of Europe just 20 per cent who identified There, he was invited by local — even if they are two, three or with Russia. women to pray the rosary with four generations removed from The religious dimension of the them for victims of the war. immigration to Canada. war is hard to avoid, but even “For the last three years, every The Toronto Ukrainian Fes tival harder to understand. The biggest day at 8 p.m. these women gather,” will open with an ecumenical church in Ukraine is the Ukrain - Nowakowski told The Catholic prayer service where Ortho dox, ian branch of the Russian Or - Register. “I found out that they’re Catholic and Protestant Ukrainians thodox Church. It has 12,000 not unique. In most of the villages will bow their heads for their parishes, 45 dioceses, 186 monas - there are some form of everyday Courtesy K. Nowakowski missing cousins, aunts and grand - teries, 20 schools and colleges prayers for the people who are at parents who have been displaced, and perhaps as many as 10,000 the front. It was very moving, very UKRAINIAN SYNOD — The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Patriarchal Synod was official opened recently with a celebration of the divine injured or killed in the fighting. clergy. Moscow’s Patriarch Kirill intense for me. You can see that is seen as a political asset by these women — some of them liturgy at the historic St. George’s Cathedral Sobor in Lviv, Ukraine. “It can’t help but run through His Beatitude Sviatoslav was the main celebrant. The bishops of the the festival,” said festival volun - Vladimir Putin’s regime, and have relatives at the front, some of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church from Ukraine and Western and teer Sonia Holiad. “It’s not some - Kirill has spoken about the them don’t — nevertheless, this is Central Europe along with their brother bishops from North and thing you can ignore.” Russian Orthodox Church work - their way of contributing to those South America and Australia were joined by His Beatitude Gregory But many Ukrainian-Cana - ing in harmony (a semi-theologi - who are at the front.” III Melkite Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and dians find themselves wondering cal concept in Orthodoxy called Nowakowski finds that in Alexandria and Jerusalem. The synod meetings ended Sept. 11. The why the media can’t muster much “symphonia”) with Putin. Kirill Ukraine it is easy to see past the synodal theme this year was Diakonia — service to others. Seen in this interest in Ukraine’s war. even called Putin’s rise to power artificial divisions of Ukrainians photo are Eparch Ken Nowakowski and His Beatitude Gregory III. 12 Prairie Messenger FEATURE September 14, 2016 Education for First Nations a reconciliation priority

crats set the transfer payments so responding to low “it institutionalized the abuse YouTube and social and deprivation that followed.” media pleas of Cree Journey St. Anne’s Indian Residential students they had School was established by the never met. I was to Justice Oblates, assisted by the Grey thrilled to learn that Nuns, in Fort Albany. Sadly, “the the first southern Oblates underbid the Anglicans school to engage was Joe Gunn for access to Cree children” since one I attended — Neil they were given fewer financial McNeil Catholic boys resources than granted to the school in Scarboro. It was a truly impressive event Nations community is engaging, Bishop Horden School at Moose Shannen on Parliament Hill — with barely Angus frames the current situation Factory. St. Anne’s has a recog - Koostachin was an a politician in sight! in terms of ruptured treaty commit - nized and dark history of abuse, irrepressible student I was listening to young James ments, residential school horrors and was shut down in the mid- leader of “the largest Bay Cree students speaking on and ongoing wilful government 1970s. By 1976, Attawapiskat got youth-led children’s why they wanted a safe school for neglect. The author’s personal its own school — but shoddy con - rights movement in themselves, their sisters and broth - knowledge of this history arose as struction of diesel fuel lines to the Canada’s history,” ers, and other northern Ontario his family housed Shannen and school and teachers’ units caused according to Dr. Cindy communities. With them were Serena Koostachin when they came thousands of gallons of leakage. Blackstock. Shannen some Ottawa-area grade school south to attend high school. (Angus Soon the teachers were getting unfortunately died in a students, with their teachers and also served these communities headaches and their students get - 2010 highway acci - parents, happy to lend their sup - since 2004 as the member of Par - ting sick from the toxic cocktail. dent, and her photo port. Their conviction and enthusi - liament for Timmins-James Bay.) A new school was promised, but hangs in an exhibit in asm converted me then and there Reading this book will leave revoked by the Conservative gov - Winnipeg’s Canadian to support the Shannen’s Dream you angered and frustrated, but ernment in 2007. A 2009 study by Museum of Human This is the cover of Children of the Broken campaign for educational equality also better equipped to begin the the Parliamentary Budget Officer Rights. Treaty by Charlie Angus. and equal school funding for all work of reconciliation with reported that of the 803 federal While Attawapiskat Canadian children. indigenous peoples that our coun - reserve schools across the country, got their school, the Shannen’s tial schools settlement. In Sep - The larger story has now been try, and our faith communities, so less than 50 per cent were listed in Dream campaign continues, until tember, the federal government told in Charlie Angus’ book desperately requires. good condition, and 21 per cent had equality of funding for all First must reply to the questions Charlie Children of the Broken Treaty: Treaty 9, signed in 1905, com - not ever been inspected! Since Nations schools becomes a reality. Angus posed in Parlia ment: how Canada’s Lost Promise and One mitted the federal government to 1996, when Liberal Finance If Canadians desire real recon - much money was raised of the $25 Girl’s Dream . While the struggle to provide education for the Minister Paul Martin imposed a ciliation with indigenous peoples, million target, and how much actu - get a school in an isolated First Aboriginal children of the region. two per cent cap on all spending for we must join efforts to redress the ally went to school survivors, and Here began “the long-standing Indian and Northern Affairs inequities in First Nations educa - how much of the total compensa - pattern of obstructing treaty ob - Canada, the situation worsened. tion, child welfare funding and tion owed was considered an Gunn is the Ottawa-based exec - ligations under the guise of sav - Angus states, “First Nations stu - other issues. People of faith were expense, legal cost, or administra - utive director of Citizens for Public ing money for the government.” dents are underfunded between 20 justifiably disappointed when the tive fee of the church? Justice, www.cpj.ca, a member- The Department of Indian Affairs and 50 per cent compared with stu - news broke this spring that the Let’s agree with Truth and driven, faith-based public policy obtained the power to remove dents in the provincial systems.” almost 50 Catholic entities in - Reconciliation Commissioner organization in Ottawa focused on children from their communities, So youth began the Attawa - volved in residential schools fell Murray Sinclair, who stated, ecological justice, refugee rights but then handed responsibility for piskat school campaign, with far short in raising the funds they “Education got us into this mess, and poverty elimination. education to churches. Bureau - hundreds of southern schools hoped to contribute to the residen - and education will get us out.” Government needs to take back ownership of Port of Churchill

By Dean Harder during its operating season. The railway must be set up to actively Most of us take for granted that facilitate rapid grain movement in the majority of our roads and years with large crops. Allocating highways are publicly funded and railcars to serve Churchill must be built at cost in order to serve the a priority during its active season. overall public good. There is no The mere existence of the need - clamour asking why those roads ed facilities is not enough, howev - are not being given away to pri - er. Grain movement is essential for vate companies to let road barons port viability. There fore a grain profit from them. For good rea - logistics oversight system must be son! If anything, recent events in in place to make all the parts work northern Manitoba should prove together effectively. A farmer-first to us that, like highways, the fate orderly marketing agency is needed of crucial rail lines should not be to secure a strong export market for in the hands of private companies. grain handled through Churchill, The Port of Churchill and the along with good prices for farmers. Hudson Bay Railway that serves Wikimedia Commons/Ansgar Walk Logistics oversight, together with it have real potential to benefit the marketing agency, would en - WORTH SAVING — The Port of Churchill in Churchill, Man., is a port on Hudson Bay. The port was sure the port’s viability by meeting the communities they connect to originally owned by the Government of Canada but was sold in 1997 to the American company — if they are publicly owned and OmniTRAX to run privately. The port and railroad freight operations have been shut down, but Dean or exceeding a 500,000 tonne annu - managed to serve Canada’s great - Harder argues that the port is worth saving. al throughput. er public interest. Both are vital In short, we need to replicate infrastructure with important and own grain terminals at Canada’s gence combined with a series of Northern communities, local the function of the single-desk irreplaceable roles in both our other ports. Shipping grain over the missteps by different governments. workers, businesses and farmers Canadian Wheat Board to ensure economy and social fabric. rail line that serves Churchill It can be traced back to the privati - who rely on the line must be part both the railway and the port are Churchill is the Canadian reduces maintenance costs for zation of Cana dian National of the decision-making for the viable by providing a consistent prairies’ only ocean port. It provides prairie highways in Manitoba and Railway in 1995, the give-away of publicly owned entity that re- and reliable flow of grain through an additional route for grain trans - Sas katchewan. It also supports the the Hudson Bay rail line to places Omni TRAx as owner and the port. Assurances from the pri - portation. Utilizing this corridor line’s economic viability, providing American-owned Omnitrax in manager of these facilities. vate grain merchants are paper reduces pressure on the West Coast northern residents and tourists a 1997, and the re moval of the As they do with roads and thin and do not benefit farmers’ and Thunder Bay to help prevent gateway to the North that is less farmer-run single desk Canadian high ways, the federal and provin - bottom line. logistics bottlenecks when there is a expensive and more environmental - Wheat Board in 2011. cial governments must commit to With the right plan, the Port of bumper crop. From a farmers’ ly friendly than air travel. To secure the port’s benefits investing in the rail line and port Churchill can be a thriving entity standpoint, the port can also coun - In spite of all these benefits, the for future generations of Cana - infrastructure in perpetuity. There that supports thousands of people teract the inefficiencies caused by future of both the port and the rail - dians, the federal government should never be risk of potential and hundreds of businesses while vertically integrated grain compa - way are uncertain. Omni TRAx should take back ownership of selling off of line assets. bringing vibrancy to our North. nies shipping exclusively to their abruptly closed the Port of both the Port of Churchill and the An adequate grain catch basin Governments must ensure that the Churchill on July 25, 2016, and the Hudson’s Bay Railway. In addi - fed by both CN and CPR railways rail line and Port of Churchill be - fate of the rail line that connects to tion, it needs to take measures to must be secured to bring grain to long to the people and must not be Harder is a National Farmers the rest of Canada is now up in the ensure the port remains viable for the rail line serving Churchill. sold off or given away ever again. Union board member. He farms air. Today’s situation is the result the communities connected to the Storage facilities must be secured Churchill is our Canadian with his family on their grain of a dangerous domino effect set in rail line and farming communities and, if necessary, built, to ensure Prairie and northern port. We are farm near Lowe Farm, Man. motion by Omni TRAx’ s negli - that are within its catch basin. grain is available to feed the port all Churchill. September 14, 2016 FEATURE Prairie Messenger 13 Paris clinic aims to tackle an age-old practice

By Elizabeth Bryant But in the European Union, the portraits of female migrant influx is actually increas - activists, offers an ST.-DENIS, France (RNS) — ing FGM numbers, and the same is array of specialists Miriam clearly remembers the day happening in North America, under a single roof. It she was cut, bundled by two vil - experts say — although patchy is part of an adjacent lage women into a bathroom at the reporting and resources make it dif - public hospital, where age of seven, where a third per - ficult to gauge the problem, much some 14 per cent of formed the procedure. “It was very, less find comprehensive solutions. annual births are by very painful,” the young Malian With one of the EU’s highest wom en who have woman says softly, as her two tiny counts of FGM victims, mostly undergone FGM. children pinch her cheeks, crying within its large, West African On a recent after - for attention. community, France has arguably noon, Deles pine ush - She still gets bouts of pain, adopted the region’s toughest re - ers Miriam (she asked especially during sex. But she is sponse, including prison terms of that her real name be far more concerned for her five- up to 20 years for perpetuating withheld for fear of month-old daughter and lives in the practice. It is also a top Euro - reprisals) and her chil - fear that the baby will eventually pean country of refuge for those dren into a small suffer the same fate. at risk of FGM, which can be examination room. “All my sisters were cut,” grounds for asylum claims. The young Malian Miriam says. “The same with “France is definitely one of the immigrant has trav - their children. It’s a practice in my leaders in terms of prosecutions elled from Spain, village.” and legal recourse,” says Natalie directed to the centre RNS/Elizabeth Bryant The 27-year-old mother is not Kontoulis, communications and by a French NGO. Her PUTTING A STOP TO A CHILLING PRACTICE — Midwife Mathilde Delespine in Bamako, Mali, but at a new advocacy officer for End FGM husband cannot find speaks with a Malian woman at a new women’s centre outside Paris, France. The women’s centre outside Paris that European Network, a Brussels- work and wants to woman is afraid her child will be excised, as she was. is among the few in France to offer based umbrella group. “But evi - return to Mali. holistic treatment for victims of dence shows fear is not a good “I told him I won’t go,” she small number are cut in Europe, want to eradicate the practice in female genital mutilation, or FGM. enough motivator to stop a prac - tells Delespine. “I don’t want my activist Kontoulis says, although France, we need to convince the Among the clientele, Miriam’s tice that has been around for hun - girl cut.” evidence is often anecdotal. communities to abandon it,” says story is chillingly mundane. dreds or thousands of years.” Delespine probes gently. Does “The cutters often come for a Marguerite Bannwarth of French Up to 60,000 women in France, Staff at the women’s centre she love her husband? She sug - short period of time, they cut a NGO Equipop, which fights FGM and an estimated half-million or know this first-hand. The brain - gests how Miriam might still get load of girls and then they go back in France and West Africa. more across the Euro pean Union, child of a French-Lebanese doc - sexual pleasure, and makes ap - to their homelands,” she says. “So Equipop trains community have undergone FGM, the cutting tor who spent years treating pointments with the centre’s gyne - they’re hard to find, and the com - activists in France’s immigrant or removal of the labia or clitoris abused immigrant women, the cologist and psychologist. Finally munity closes ranks and won’t dis - community and works with local that carries painful and sometimes centre opened its doors recently she examines Miriam’s tiny daugh - close them.” NGOs to change mindsets in fatal consequences. in one of France’s poorest and ter and writes out a certificate FGM is illegal across the EU, Mali’s western Kayes region, in The practice is largely carried most ethnically mixed regions. attesting that she has not been cut. where the European Parliament which many of these immigrants out by Muslim and some Chris- “Many of the women who come The document is designed to make estimates 180,000 women and were born or have ties. In some tian communities, although it pre - here are victims of domestic vio - it more difficult to take the baby girls are at risk each year. Yet few cases, experts say, home communi - dates both religions and is not lence,” including sexual abuse, says from French territory to a country countries strictly enforce national ties have abandoned cutting, while sanctioned by the Quran. the centre’s midwife co-ordinator, where FGM is practised. laws or establish measures to turn the diaspora continues the practice. Worldwide, where the UN es ti - Mathilde Delespine. Others come Many of Europe’s FGM vic - back the tide, activists say. Many French health care and mates about 200 million women for more mundane sexual issues. tims were cut before immigrating, “Many member states do have social workers are not trained to and girls have been cut, prevalence The cheerful, chalet-style build - experts say, or during holidays the political will, but they’re not detect FGM, activists say, much rates are shrink ing in so me places. in g, where wal ls a re do tted with back in the “home” country. A putting their resources where less track its victims. their mouth is,” Kontoulis adds. Back at the women’s centre, In some cases, that is chang - Delespine jots down numbers of ing. Judges in Britain, which has local NGOs that can help Miriam among the highest cutting rates, find a place to stay and eat, at Catholic Family Services Regina are beginning to issue FGM pro - least for now. Her long-term fate, tection orders. In Belgium, grass- and that of her daughter, is uncer - Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. roots organizations are creating tain. tools to help health care and other “We see this often,” De les - professionals detect risks and take pine says, referring to the desti - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR preventative action. tute women who knock at the (permanent full time) France has jailed more than 100 centre’s door. “Most have been Key Responsibilities: people under a general penal code here just a short time and want to Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall coordination that sets sentences of up to 10 years protect their children. and supervision of the activities of the Catholic Family Services Society in accordance with the vision, for cutting — and up to 20 if the “Of course, education is a bet - mission, values and beliefs upon which the organization was founded. The Executive Director’s victim is a minor. Both cutters and ter option, but the judicial re - broad duties include overseeing the administrative and organizational management, finances, parents can be sanctioned, even if sponse can be one answer,” program planning and evaluation, public relations and communications, human resources the cutting takes place overseas. Delespine adds. “It’s important to management and development of Catholic Family Services. But cracking down is only part use the law to say this kind of of the answer, activists say. “If we violence is unacceptable.” The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader as well as: G an energetic individual with high ethical standards G a team player G an excellent communicator who can relate to people at all levels G have an appropriate professional image The Prairie Messenger G a strategic visionary with good judgment and strong operational focus invites you to advertise G have knowledge of the non-profit sector in our upcoming special issue G be well-organized and self-directed G be ready emotionally and physically to perform duties in honour of Qualifications: G Master’s degree in business administration, social work, psychology or other human service Most Reverend Donald Bolen discipline with 5 to 10 years’ experience in a leadership role on his installation as G a clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check G a valid driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle; and Archbishop of the G a cellphone G a basic understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church will be considered an asset Archdiocese of Regina. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Please submit letter of application, resumé and references by 5 p.m., September 30, 2016 to: This congratulatory issue will be dated: Executive Director Search Committee Catholic Family Services Regina October 5, 2016 160 McIntosh Street Deadline for advertising is: September 23. Regina, SK S4R 4Z4 email: [email protected] Contact Prairie Messenger advertising: We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. email: [email protected] " No phone calls please. Phone: 306-682-1772 Fax: 306-682-5285 14 Prairie Messenger EDITORIALS September 14, 2016

Protect the environment defending human rights in their countries, their com - international mining companies and rural communi - munities and their schools. ties, often populated by indigenous peoples. Pope Francis is reiterating his call for care of the The world, he said, is looking at religious believ - A report released in June by the international en vironment, and religious leaders are echoing his ers to see their reaction to protecting the environment non-governmental organization Global Witness noted concern. and human rights. Members of different religious that 185 people were killed in such conflicts across In his message for the World Day of Prayer for communities must work alongside non-believers so the globe last year, the highest number on record. the Care of Creation, Sept. 1, Pope Francis proposed that “we may give effective responses to the many Nearly two of every three of those deaths occurred in adding the care and protection of creation to the tra - plagues in our world.” Latin American countries, led by Brazil’s 50 killings, ditional list of corporal and spiritual works of mercy Religious communities also must stand together according to the report. (PM, Sept. 7). in condemning acts of violence and terrorism in the In Bolivia, four workers and the country’s deputy As a spiritual work of mercy, the pope said, care name of God, he said. These actions have caused minister of the interior were killed in recent violence. for creation requires “a grateful contemplation of “religions to be pointed to as the ones responsible for In March, Berta Caceres, a Honduran environmental God’s world,” while as a corporal work, it calls for the evil that surrounds us.” activist and indigenous rights leader who won the “simple daily gestures which break with the logic of Pope Francis told the participants that the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2015 violence, exploitation and selfishness.” emphasis on God’s mercy and love during the Holy for her work in opposing a proposed hydroelectric When we hurt the earth, we also hurt the poor Year provides an occasion to fight for creation, so dam, was shot dead in her home. and thus commit a sin against creation, against the that it may be a home “where everyone has a place Environmental degradation includes mercury poor and against those who have not yet been born, and nobody is excluded or eliminated.” pollution and a resurgence of malaria from gold min - the papal message explained. Meanwhile, The Churches and Mining Network, ing in Venezuela, destruction of the rainforest in Peru Pope Francis came back to this theme in an audi - which includes Catholic bishops, priests and laypeople, and sulphur dioxide pollution from copper mining. ence Sept. 8 with participants of a Latin American leaders of Christian churches and environmentalists, People in the Global North are largely unaware conference on the care for creation. The Sept. 7 - 8 met in Santo Domingo and issued a statement Sept. 4 of these issues. Out of sight, out of mind. They are conference, “America in Dialogue: Our Common (see story, page 2). It pointed out that large-scale min - interested in profits made by their companies and use Home,” was held in Rome and sponsored by ing and extractive operations are failing to deliver eco - of the raw materials. Communities in the Global Organization of American States and the Institute for nomic benefits while causing environmental damage South, who don’t receive the economic benefits Inter-religious Dialogue of Buenos Aires, as well as and human suffering throughout Latin America. promised and who lose control over their natural the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. It called on governments, church leaders and civil resources, are the losers. The conference addressed Laudato Si’ , his encyclical society organizations to find alternatives to so-called The World Day of Prayer for the Care of on the environment. “mega-mining” operations. The statement was signed Creation needs to be followed up by an examination He told the delegates religions can play an by roughly 50 members coming from at least 15 of and change in “simple, daily gestures” in our important role in protecting the environment and countries. It emphasized heightening conflict between lifestyle. — PWN Reality of education spending in Saskatchewan vs. rhetoric

By Deani Van Pelt and tion spending in Saskatchewan That’s an increase of almost $1 Specifically, per student Simply put, Saskatchewan is Jason Clemens versus the convenient rhetoric. billion in education spending on spending in public schools in spending considerably more mon - The Fraser Institute It’s easy for administrators, public schools in just a decade. Saskatchewan increased from ey now, on a per-student basis, on politicians, and other apologists (Unlike Saskatchewan’s provin - $10,476 in 2004 - 05 to $14,562 public schools than it did a It’s that time of year again for public schools to blame the cial budget, we’ve added pension in 2013 - 14. No other province decade ago. when parents across Saskatche- observed problems on a lack of and capital spending into overall spends as much per student, and This is not to say that individ - wan are sending their kids off to funding. It allows education lead - education spending totals.) no other province experienced a ual schools, school districts, and school after the summer break. ers to point the finger at someone Furthermore, because it ig nores percentage increase as high as And when parents meet in the else. The reality, however, is that enrolments, that $1 billion increase Saskatchewan over that period. — RESOURCE , page 15 schoolyards and drop-zones for the public school system in Sas - underestimates the real increase in the first time in months, conver - katchewan has received large education spending in the prov - sations may turn to “cuts” in edu - increases in funding over the last ince. Statistics Canada data indi - cation funding, the elimination of decade, which implies that the cate that over the same 10-year an education assistant, the state of problems in the education system period, enrolment in public schools class sizes, or perhaps even the relate to organization and man - in Saskatchewan de clined 1.5 per closing of a school. agement rather than funding. cent, from roughly 176,000 stu - So it’s an opportune time to First, some facts about educa - dents to about 173,000 students. understand the reality of educa - tion spending on public schools in Accounting for the higher Saskatchewan. According to data spending levels and lower num - from Statistics Canada, total ber of students means that the per Van Pelt and Clemens are co- spending on public school educa - student level of spending in pub - authors of the recently released tion in Saskatchewan has grown lic schools increased 39.0 per report Education Spending and from about $1.5 billion in 2004 - cent between 2004 - 05 and 2013 Public Student Enrolment in 05 to $2.5 billion 2013 - 14, the - 14 (and this data accounts for Canada.www.Troy Media most recent year of available data. the effects of inflation). Aleppo has become a dark city: Jesuit

Rev. Ziad Hilal is a Syrian Jesuit priest who spent several years we don’t know how, and their serving the Christian community in the Syrian city of Homs. He spoke mother is also working. Aug. 12 with international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, I choked up when the owner of to report on his recent trip to Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, which the restaurant told me he could is hotly contested between the regime and opposition forces. not say no to these children, even though business is slow — it’s What was the situation like Need, Jesuit Relief Services, because they are helping their in Aleppo? other agencies, as well as the mother, the man said. There is electricity for maybe local bishops, to help Christians What can you say about the one hour, two hours a day, but not to stay in their land — and also to military situation? Rebels have every day. Then it is a dark. Some offer aid to the Muslim people. driven deeper into the city, people use generators to get elec - For example, there is a local soup reports say. tricity for a few hours. But from kitchen that gives out 7,500 meals It is chaos now — and not midnight until morning it is black a day; it is run by both Christians only in Aleppo but throughout — a dark city — and nothing and Muslims, and many of the Syria; there is fighting every - happens. beneficiaries are Muslims. where; we speak a lot about The city is divided between The problem in Syria is not Aleppo but let’s not forget the the opposition and the govern - between Christians and Muslims other cities. It is the same situa - ment, and people cannot move — and this relief work shows tion; our country is divided now. between the different parts of the how our church is working for The only way out is through city. For many that meant not reconciliation. dialogue among Syrians them - being able to go to work, losing Can you give us an example selves. Using weapons we have jobs, and losing their homes. of how families are suffering? not been able to arrive at a resolu - Are there any signs of hope? There are many poor families tion. We have to work for peace Aid to the Church in Need The churches and Christian without work. One Catholic fami - — that’s most important. This is CHAOS IN ALEPPO — The state of Aleppo “is chaos now — and not organizations provide a sign of ly has three children — ages our cry today: that peace in Syria only in Aleppo but throughout Syria,” says Rev. Ziad Hilal, a Syrian hope. There are many services, seven, eight and 14 — working in is possible. Jesuit priest who spent several years serving the Christian community funded by Aid to the Church in a restaurant. Their father has died, This is the only hope for us. in the Syrian city of Homs. September 14, 2016 LETTERS Prairie Messenger 15

Farmers had good relations with Aboriginal neighbours

The Editor: It is an exceeding - experience to read some of the fore we (the whites) settled on ly sad and troubling incident online racist remarks against their land, and pushed our Abo- which involved the shooting of a Aboriginal people living in this riginal neighbours onto re - young Aboriginal man on a farm province. The worst one suggest - serves. property owned by Gerald Stanley ed that Stanley should not have In the early 1950s some of us near Biggar, Sask. left witnesses! farmers from the Cudworth area The details of why the car in It was a surprise to learn that visited elders on the One Arrow which Colten Boushie was a pas - we have people in this province reserve to negotiate an agreement senger and had driven onto who are that racist. to produce grain crops on their Stanley’s property has not been In Canada, and in this prov - land. We met with two elders that clearly established at this time. ince, we have families that have had wonderfully descriptive But, it is alleged that Stanley fired come from different cultures, lan - names: Almightyvoice and a shot into the vehicle, killing guages, religions, etc. Racism is Painted nose. We were young and Boushie. Stanley pleaded not not ac ceptable. It does not con - anxious to be courteous. In guilty, was charged by the RCMP tribute to a peaceful neighbour - speaking to Almightyvoice, one for second degree murder, and hood. of us inadvertently addressed him released on bail. Aboriginal people lived in this as Mr. Almightynose. For a It was really a disappointing province hundreds of years be- moment there was a stunned Design Pics Archbishop Hayes fondly remembered silence. Then our Aboriginal friends burst out in laughter and Moss we then joined them. They had a The Editor: It was sad to see Conservative MP from Halifax good sense of humour. Gratitude spills in your Aug. 24, 2016, issue that went by and made a special point We farmed the land that we over suffering the former Archbishop of Halifax, of speaking to the archbishop. had leased on the reserve for two like moss James Hayes, passed away. Next, Robert Stanfield from or three years. But left it, since it over stones On one occasion, Rev. Leonard Halifax and then leader of the was too much of a hassle to that forget Sullivan, then stationed in Ottawa, Conservative party, wheeled move machinery a distance of their edginess, took Archbishop Hayes to the around when he saw him and about 30 miles. During that time, their certainty, Parliamentary Restaurant in spoke to the archbishop. By this we had Aboriginal and Métis and soften Ottawa to have lunch with then MP time, Les Benjamin was wonder - working with us there and help - beneath the verdure Les Benjamin. Archbishop Hayes ing to himself, “Hey, who is this ing us on our own farms. They of living long was dressed in “civvies.” Father guy?” Finally he found out, to his were good people and hard with the lesson. Leonard introduced the archbishop astonishment, that he was the workers. — Leo Kurtenbach, By Nancy Compton Williams to Les by saying, “I’d like you to Archbishop of Halifax. Saskatoon meet a friend of mine, Jim Hayes,” This little anecdote is simply to which Les replied by saying, another example of the respect in “Nice to meet you, Jim.” which Archbishop Hayes was Resource challenges not due to lack of funds As they were eating lunch, a held. — John S. Burton, Regina Continued from page 14 noted above, has actually been monopoly (which helps create increased dramatically over the misaligned incentives for both even the province as a whole are last decade. bureaucrats and educators), lack Attention Teachers: not struggling with K-12 educa - Rather, for an explanation for of responsiveness to parental Consider using the Prairie Messenger tion. Indeed, many parents resource challenges in Saskatche- demands, and centralized, pre - (including the two authors of this wan’s public schools, look to how scriptive curriculum are just a few as a classroom teaching resource for the article) are acutely aware of the system is organized and man - of the many handcuffs holding 2016-2017 school year. resource challenges at our local aged. Public schools suffer from back Saskatchewan’s public schools. the same incentive and organiza - school systems. Consequently, the A subscription for the But the explanation for these tional problems as any other gov - problems in Saskatchewan public individual resource challenges ernment agency or department, education require a fundamental school year is available cannot be a lack of money. And it which leads to the misallocation restructuring rather than simple for the low cost of $10 certainly can’t be from a cut in and wasting of resources. complaints about a lack of per copy per year, education spending, which, as Archaic regulations, union resources. with two conditions: 1) minimum of 10 copies Letters to the editor 2) papers will be sent in one bundle to be We welcome your response to articles published in the Prairie Messenger. Two-way commu - distributed at your nication assures everyone of a better exposure to the truth. school. We cannot publish any letters to the editor unless you give us your full name, your address Send requests to: Prairie Messenger (Circulation) and your telephone number. (It is especially important to remember this if you are sending your Box 190, Muenster, SK S0K 2Y0 comments by email) . Phone: 306-682-1772 / Fax: 306-682-5285 Due to limited space we ask you to keep your letters short — 300 to 350 words maximum. The email: [email protected] Prairie Messenger reserves the right to edit letters to conform to space requirements and newspaper Spread the Good News! style .

During an Alaskan travel program Choose PILGRIM JOURNEYS for any season of 2017 Fr. Ralph Kleiter announces Summer 2017 To Europe Autumn 2017 River Cruise and Canada 150 Saskatoon’s Ministry to Tourism North Atlantic Medley “New York’s Broadway to London’s West End” Cruise I- River Cruise of Danube’s Capitals & Wachau Valley (Oktoberfest)- Germany, Hungary, 2017 Destinations New York, Boston, Halifax to Reykjavik Iceland Crystal Symphony (All Inclusive) Slovakia, Round trip Vienna on Crystal Mozart Sept 13-23, 2017 May 19-31, 2017 12 Days from US$2,750 Canada 150 10 Days Land Tour Oct 3-15, 2017 celebrating 150 Anniversary of Winter 2017 Fly to Southern U.S.A. **Special repositioning to Europe fares** Confederation featuring historic destinations in Eastern Canada with a stop-over in Spotlight on San Antonio + A Rendez-vous presentation with Fr. R. Rolheiser OMI Cruise II-Reykjavik Iceland to London via isles of Demark, Scotland & Ireland Winnipeg including the new National Museum on Human Rights Feb 19-24, 2017 **“Snowbirds” can meet in San Antonio Crystal Symphony May 31-Jun 10, 2017 10 Days from US$4,675 Spotlight on New Orleans “Heart of the South”+ San Antonio Tour Feb 12-24, 2017 Contact Fr. Kleiter for details & for a special presentation reserve your place at the **Special Back to Back cruise discount (5%) offering 5 days in Iceland ports. TRAVEL NIGHT Wed., Oct 5, 7:30 p.m. at Queen’s House, Saskatoon Spring 2017 Easter time in the Holy Land See www.crystalcruises.com Cruise categories availability now very limited Rev. Ralph Kleiter Ministry to Tourism Pilgrim Journey to Biblical Lands April 23-May 9, 2017 Complete Israel & Jordan 314-619 Sskatchewan Cres W Discovering Poland 10 Days Land Tour Aug 31-Sept 11, 2017 Pre-Holy Land option to Rome April 19-24, 2017 Saskatoon, SK S7M 0A5 Canada email: [email protected] tel: +1306-244-3747 www.pilgrimjourneys.ca

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By Cindy Wooden and he did not feel he was run - “no one expected him.” Seewald said. The two met May ning away from any problem. “When I first heard his name, I 23 at the Mater Ecclesiae monas - VATICAN CITY (CNS) — “My weak point perhaps is a was unsure,” he said. “But when I tery in the Vatican Gardens, While retired Pope Benedict xVI lack of resolve in governing and saw how he spoke with God and where the retired pope lives. said organization and governance making decisions,” he said. with people, I truly was content. The only writing the retired pope are not his strong suits, he also “Here, in reality, I am more a pro - And happy.” does these days, he told Seewald, is said, “I am unable to see myself fessor, one who reflects and med - Pope Benedict said it made no a Sunday homily each week. as a failure.” itates on spiritual questions. impression on him that the brand But writing any more than In a book-length interview Practical governance was not my new pope chose to appear on the that, he said, “would simply be with the German author Peter forte and this certainly was a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica too arduous for me now.” Seewald, Pope Benedict said that weakness.” without wearing the ermine-lined Insisting “my hour had passed when he resigned he had the Pope Francis, on the other red moz zetta or cape. “What did and I had given all I could,” Pope “peace of someone who had over - hand, “is a man of practical touch me, though, was that even Benedict said he never has regret - come difficulty” and “could tran - reform,” the retired pope said. before going out onto the loggia, ted resigning, but he does regret quilly pass the helm to the one His personality and experience as he tried to phone me.” hurting friends and faithful who who came next.” a Jesuit provincial and archbishop Electing the first Jesuit pope were “really distressed and felt The new book, Last Testament , have enabled him to take practi - and the first Latin American pope, forsaken” by his stepping down. will be released in English by cal organizational steps. the College of Cardinals showed While a pope, like any Chris - Bloomsbury in November. The retired pope, who is 89, that “the church is moving, tian, is called to take up his cross Pope Benedict insisted once said he had no inkling that then- dynamic, open, with the prospect and follow Christ — including again that he was not pressured Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of new developments before it,” CNS/Bloomsbury bearing criticism and even scorn by anyone or any event to resign would be elected his successor; he said. “What is beautiful and BENEDICT INTERVIEW — — the retired pope said, “that encouraging is that even in our This is the cover of Last doesn’t mean, however, that he day things that no one expected Testament, an interview retired must die by the sword.” happen and they demonstrate that Pope Benedict XVI did with German author Peter Seewald. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the church is alive and brimming he served 24 years as prefect of with new possibilities.” The retired pope, who has had the Congregation for the Doctrine Seewald also asked Pope a pacemaker since 1997 and can of the Faith, working very closely Benedict about reports that dur - no longer see out of his left eye, with St. John Paul II. ing his pontificate there was a so- told Seewald that preparing for Despite their closeness, Pope called “gay lobby” in the Curia death is part of his daily routine. Benedict said he easily rejected the and the group protected certain It’s not a matter of getting his idea of taking the name John Paul priests by threatening to black - earthly affairs in order, he said, III when it became clear in the con - mail others. “but of preparing to pass the ulti - clave of 2005 that he was about to The retired pope replied that a mate examination before God.” be elected St. John Paul’s successor. commission of three cardinals he With a view to writing a biog - “I felt that would be inappro - had named to investigate a major raphy, Seewald said he conducted priate because a standard had leak of reserved documents and his interview with Pope Benedict been set there, which I couldn’t conduct an administrative review of “shortly before and after” his res - match,” Pope Benedict said. “I Vatican offices and procedures ignation in February 2013. The was a different character, cut identified “a small group of four, book contains more than 500 from different cloth. I had a dif - CNS/Wolfgang Kumm, EPA perhaps five persons,” which a few questions and answers, covering ferent sort of charisma, or rather a VULNERABLE TO TRAFFICKING — Internally displaced women Vatican officials and the media later the childhood of Joseph Ratzinger, non-charisma.” gather in early February at New Kichigoro camp outside Abuja, Nigeria. would refer to as the “gay lobby.” his seminary and university years, In response to Seewald’s repe - People displaced through violence “are extremely vulnerable to traffick - “We dissolved it,” Pope his teaching career and his work at tition of the aphorism that “the ing,” said Albert Mashika, regional co-ordinator for Caritas Africa. Benedict said. the Second Vatican Council. loving God corrects every pope in Seewald also asked about his his successor,” the retired pope years as a bishop in Germany, his said Pope Francis’ “direct contact Data needed to help deal with trafficking work as prefect of the Congre - with people,” the way he wades gation for the Doctrine of the Faith into a crowd, is probably a cor - By Bronwen Dachs ficking for sexual exploitation of trafficking is “our main focus and his papacy. rection, as is “the courage with and for domestic servitude were as church,” Mashika said. Pope Benedict reviewed the which he exposes problems and ABUJA, Nigeria (CNS) — A among the topics discussed at the According to Caritas Inter na - text and approved its publication, searches for solutions.” lack of reliable data on human traf - meeting. tionalis , 60 million people were ficking in Africa hinders aid reach - “People in general are not either refugees or forcibly dis - ing people who desperately need it, aware of the extent of human traf - placed in 2015. Benedictines elect abbot said the continental co-ordinator ficking and the impact it has on “Driven by a desperate need to for Caritas Internationalis . our cities and villages,” said survive and desire to build a bet - ROME (CNS) — Abbots and People displaced through vio - Mashika, who is based in the ter life,” people forced to flee priors from Benedictine men’s lence “are extremely vulnerable West African nation of Togo. conflict, poverty and persecution communities around the world to trafficking,” Albert Mashika, Trafficking is particularly rife in “are particularly vulnerable to elected U.S. Abbot Gregory Polan re gional co-ordinator for Caritas conflict-ridden countries, he said, both sexual and labour exploita - of Conception Abbey in Missouri Afri ca, said in a Sept. 6 telephone noting that the uprising in Nigeria tion,” Caritas said in a statement. to be abbot primate. in terview from Abuja, capital of of the extremist group Boko Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle The 66-year-old Scripture Nigeria. Haram has had “ripple effects” on of Manila, Philippines, president scholar and translator was elected “We need to gather our own other countries in the region, of Caritas Internationalis , told Sept. 10 in Rome during the data to strengthen our work and including Chad, Niger and Mali. participants Sept. 6, “Slavery Congress of Abbots (see stories, ensure that it is evidence-based,” “Social cohesion is destroyed” starts when people do not respect pages 1 and 2). His election means Mashika said, noting a lack of as people leave their homes and their own humanity, their bodies the monks of Conception Abbey expertise and resources in Africa villages to escape the violence and their spiritual potential. will have to elect a new abbot to to deal with the enormity of the and “these are circumstances in “They see themselves, and con - succeed Abbot Polan, who has led problem. which trafficking flourishes,” sequently other persons, as mere Conception Abbey since 1996. More than 130 representatives Mashika said. instruments or objects to attain The abbot primate is not the CNS/Conception Abbey of faith-based organizations, inter - Poverty is the “most visible some goal, especially mon ey, prof - superior general of the Benedictine Abbot Gregory Polan national and regional groups, and issue connected to trafficking,” it, influence or power,” the cardi - order because the monasteries are law enforcement agencies from 43 but there are many underlying nal said. He was quoted in a Sept. independent. Instead, the abbot As abbot primate, he also be - countries met in Abuja for a Sept. problems, including “corruption, 7 blog post by Michelle Hough, primate is called to represent the comes the abbot of St. Anselm in 5 - 7 meeting organized by Caritas mismanagement of resources, and Caritas communications officer. monks at international gatherings, Rome and chancellor of the Bene - with the Pontifical Council for lack of transparency in gover - Hough said trafficking victims promote the unity of the abbeys dictine’s Pontifical Atheneum of Migrants and travellers. nance,” he said. are “men working to pick Europe’s and priories around the world and St. Anselm and its Pontifical Participants included Cardinal “It is crucial that the church strawberries in hothouses in south - serve as a liaison to the Vatican. Liturgical Institute. John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of increases its efforts” to combat ern Spain for little pay and no Abuja; Comboni Missionary trafficking and that it strengthens rights” and “women tricked into Sister Gabriella Bottani, co-ordi - its ties with other faith and hu - prostitution and walking the streets You say grace before meals. All right. But I say nator of Talitha Kum, a Rome- manitarian organizations doing of towns and cities around the grace before the concert and the opera, and grace based international network of the same work, he said. world.” before the play and pantomime, and grace before I religious sisters working to end “The resources for this work They are “Thai fishermen human trafficking; and the Sultan are limited, so we need to make who’re kept in cages on boats open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’adu sure that we work in areas that we without pay and often without swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s most can put our competencies to their food so they can catch fish that dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. influential Islamic leaders. best use,” he said. ends up being served in the — G. K. Chesterton Trafficking of children, traf - Providing assistance to victims world’s restaurants,” she said.