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Friday 4th December, 2020 Friday 4th December 2020 • £1.90 • €2.10 Subscribers only pay £1.69 www.thecatholicuniverse.com

Hark, the herald angels can sing! Christmas bubbles of joy as families can join together for Mass – and go carol singing Nick Benson strictions on who they can meet while 27th December, composed of people The Government has confirmed that there dependent on the tier their area from no more than three households. its new Covid-19 guidelines for Eng- is in. An individual can only be in one land will allow family members to at- However, ‘between 23rd and Christmas bubble and cannot change tend Mass together for a short period 27th December, you may also attend it once they are in one. They can only over Christmas. a place of worship with members of meet their Christmas bubble in private The Guidance for the Christmas Pe- your Christmas bubble. This applies homes or in their garden, places of riod, published on Sunday 29th No- in all tiers,’ the guidance states. worship or public outdoor spaces. vember, also gives the green light to “Thanks to the work of the Faith On singing, the Government has outdoor carol services, as well as door- Task Force and the advisers to various said that carol singing or carol services to-door carolling. faiths in drawing up guidance for re- can take place if all attendees follow The Catholic Bishops’ Conference opening, we have demonstrated that advice on the suggested principles of of England and Wales welcomed the places of worship can be among the safer singing, published on 20th No- guidelines and reminded people that most Covid secure in the country,” vember, and guidance for the Per- while Christmas may be different this said the spokesperson for the Catholic forming Arts developed by an expert year, it provides the world with “a Bishops’ Conference. group co-ordinated by Public Health beacon of hope”. “We believe, on scientific advice, England. “The Christmas Guidelines are wel- that worship services with appropriate However, the guidance reminds Pope Francis greets his come in that they enable people to precautions are safe and should be churchgoers that ‘Covid-19 spreads predecessor in Benedict’s mark – albeit in a way still different allowed to continue safely in any tier. from person to person through small private chapel from other years – this great Festival We are pleased that government has droplets, aerosols and through direct of Christ’s Birth bringing joy and hope recognised this following joint advo- contact. Therefore, singing, shouting to the world,” a spokesperson for the cacy by faith leaders, led by Cardinal and physical activity increases the Catholic Bishops’ Conference told The Nichols and Archbishop Welby. risk of transmission through small Popes meet to share in new Catholic Universe. “The opportunity for all Catholics droplets and aerosols. “Pope Francis has spoken movingly is to work together, to play our part ‘If singing does take place, steps cardinals’ celebrations of the call during this pandemic to in suppressing the virus. Taking the should be taken to reduce the risk of recommit ourselves to being doers of key steps to prevent infection like transmission, including limiting the Popes past and present were on hand to make sure that the consistory the Word. This great celebration of physical distancing, hand washing number of people participating as far for 13 new cardinals was a joyful occasion, after a personal appearance Christ’s Incarnation gives us both a and wearing face coverings. The as possible. The cumulative effect of at Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s private residence in the Vatican was beacon of hope that this pandemic greater care we put into this, the soon- aerosol transmission means the more the new red hats’ first official engagements. shall pass, and a call to continue our er we can look forward to the great people involved, the higher the risk The creation of 11 new cardinals – two were prevented from attending efforts to share in Christ’s mission by celebrations of the Church’s year being of transmission.’ the consistory by Covid-19 restrictions – was described as a moving, bringing light, hope and healing.” able to be observed with closer re- The guidelines state that this applies heartfelt event, with just 100 people in attendance for the ceremony in The guidance states that people semblance to former years.” to both professional and amateur the cavernous space of St Peter’s Basilica. can attend places of worship in all People will be allowed to form choirs. • Full story on cardinals’ consistory: see pg 12-13 tiers from 2nd December, with re- Christmas bubbles between 23rd and Continued on page 2 This week’s Companion £1.90 €2.10 High performance: How a simple act The top track cars of kindness lead to for any budget Cormac’s first album Jamie Oliver’s flavour-packed The joys of guide to the online shopping festive season 02 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress Nichols critical over aid U-turn Cardinal Vincent Nichols has told MPs our responsibilities to the world’s most that combatting the Covid-19 pan- vulnerable people, especially as com- demic is ‘an international endeavour’ batting the spread of Covid-19 will as he expressed his concerns about necessarily mean richer countries the Government’s decision to cut UK supporting poorer ones in purchasing spending on overseas aid. vaccines. In a letter sent to all MPs, the car- ‘Combatting Covid-19 is an inter- dinal urges all parties to not step back national endeavour and we cannot from the UK’s responsibilities to the neglect those countries that benefit world’s most vulnerable people. from our aid. I hope that compas- The Government’s announcement sionate and wise counsel will prevail.’ Catholics attend Mass in marks a U-turn on a Conservative The cardinal also highlights the im- Westminster Cathedral. manifesto pledge to protect UK aid pact the cut will have on forced mass Photo: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk spending, reneging on its legal obli- migration and human trafficking. gation to spend 0.7 per cent of UK ‘Trafficking must be tackled at its gross national income (GNI) on poorer source. Carefully targeted and well countries. The decision came as the World ‘If we truly wish to Hark, the herald angels can sing Bank predicted that extreme poverty be a great nation, will rise in 2020 for the first time since then cutting the Continued from page 1 participants. If there are more than 1998, with the Covid-19 pandemic ex- overseas aid Those performing or rehearsing in Can school hold six people in total, each ‘group’ must pected to push a further 115 million budget is a a professional capacity or as part of a not interact, ‘mingle’ or otherwise so- people into that category, undoing retrograde step.’ supervised activity for under 18s are a nativity? cialise. Carollers should adhere to decades of progress to reduce poverty managed overseas aid programmes not limited in number and do not public health advice, including social and hunger. are an essential part of this effort,’ he Yes, within existing school have to adhere to gathering limits but distancing from anyone they do not In his letter to MPs, Cardinal Nichols writes. bubbles – but audiences can should still follow the performing arts live with. says that in today’s figures, a reduction Cardinal Nichols also cites the words attend only in Tiers 1 and 2 guidance. Supervised activity for children is of UK aid from 0.7 per cent of GNI to of Pope Francis, who in his recent en- (with safeguards in place). For adult amateur performances exempt from limits on gatherings in 0.5 per cent amounts to a cut of around cyclical Fratelli Tutti, wrote: ‘Poverty, No audiences in Tier 3. In all and rehearsals, the Government ad- every tier, meaning that children’s £4 billion in spending. decadence and suffering in one part cases, livestream if possible. vises that organisations, including choirs and other out-of-school settings ‘A clear measure of a nation’s great- of the earth are a silent breeding churches, ‘should consider the case can continue. ness is the manner in which it re- ground for problems that will end up for proceeding (or not), given the congregations should not participate Volunteers supporting people over sponds to the needs of its poorest,’ affecting the entire planet. wider health context in your area’. in singing, shouting and chanting. the Christmas period can continue he writes. ‘The same is true for the ‘If we are troubled by the extinction Those that do proceed, should fol- Professional and amateur choirs in all tiers. Where possible, this should response to poverty between nations. of certain species, we should be all low performing arts guidance and will may perform outdoors and congre- be done from home but if this is not If we truly wish to be a great nation, the more troubled that in some parts be subject to local gathering limits. gations may join in with singing but possible, they can volunteer outside then cutting the overseas aid budget of our world individuals or peoples This means that if more than one should follow social distancing of 2m. their home. is a retrograde step. are prevented from developing their group of six (in tier 1) or household Outdoor attendees should also re- Volunteers should follow advice on ‘Promises were made by all parties potential and beauty by poverty or (in tier 2 or 3) is performing or re- main seated where possible and the how to help safely, published on on aid spending at the last election. other structural limitations. In the hearsing indoors, they must not in- maximum number of people present 4th November, and must follow social In these extraordinarily difficult times, end, this will impoverish us all’.(Fratelli teract, ‘mingle’ or otherwise socialise should take into account the area of distancing guidance. we should not now step back from Tutti, 2020, para 137). together. Social distancing between the outdoor space and the require- groups or households must also be ment to maintain 2m social distancing Guidance for the Christmas Period maintained at all times. at all times. in full, see: Patel hammered for upping Professional and amateur choirs Door-to-door carol singing can take https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ may perform in any indoor venue but place in groups of no more than six guidance-for-the-christmas-period Channel obstacles Humanitarian charity Detention Ac- was described by the charity as “shuf- ‘Up to us all to do our bit’ – Bishops’ Conference tion has criticised the Home Secretary fling the deckchairs on the Titanic”. after she struck a deal with her French Bella Sankey also accused Ms Patel The General Secretary of the “We are delighted at the decision to in developing Covid-secure counterpart to increase French patrols of “massaging the numbers”. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of allow the resumption of collective protocols in our churches. against migrants hoping to reach the “No amount of massaging the num- England and Wales has urged all worship. This decision reflects the “But it is incumbent on all who UK. bers masks her refusal to take the who enter churches to ensure they importance of the right of all come to worship God to play their Ms Patel said an increase in police sensible step of creating a safe and are following the guidance in an people to express their faith and is part in keeping themselves and patrols on French beaches would slash legal route to the UK from northern effort to keep everyone safe. an acknowledgement of the active others safe by following all of the the number of migrants attempting France, thereby preventing crossings Canon Christopher Thomas said: collaboration the Church has had guidance that has been prepared.” to cross the Channel, but the decision and child deaths,” she said. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 03 News

University in apology to pro-life student over suspension

A Catholic midwifery student who was tigation, disrupting her education. this means that no other student will banned from her hospital place- But the Fitness to Practise panel have to experience what I have. ment because of her pro-life views dismissed all allegations against her “What happened to me risks creat- has won an apology and payout from and Ms Rynkiewicz believed that she ing a fear among students to her university. was unfairly targeted for her beliefs, discuss their values and beliefs.” Julia Rynkiewicz, 25, served as pres- demanding that the university apol- A poll released this week by ADF ident of Nottingham Students for Life, ogise “as a matter of justice”. International (UK) found that 44 per a pro-life student society that was ini- The university has now conceded cent of students self-censor in front tially denied affiliation by Nottingham a settlement and apologised for sus- of lecturers for fear that they would University’s Students’ Union. pending her. be ‘treated differently’ if they expressed Concerns around her fitness to prac- “Putting my life on hold because of their real opinions. tise centered on material available at an unjust investigation was really dif- ADF International (UK) has called the society’s freshers’ fair stall, as well ficult, both mentally and emotionally,” on the Government to take steps as her public association with the so- said Ms Rynkiewicz. “The settlement to end ‘no-platforming’ and strength- ciety. She faced a suspension and a demonstrates that the university’s en legal safeguards for academic free- four-month fitness-to-practice inves- treatment of me was wrong. I hope dom and free speech. Julia Rynkiewicz ‘Temporary’ home abortions Priests given new rules could become permanent The UK Government has launched a their unborn child at home without consultation on whether the tempo- direct medical supervision. over social media use rary measures allowing ‘DIY’ home Right To Life UK has called for their abortions in England will end following immediate suspension following on- Simon Caldwell stances of child sexual abuse against They must never exercise ministry their current temporary approval. going and significant safety issues. Priests must never “friend” children more than 900 individuals in the when under the influence of alcohol, Home abortions were introduced A leaked email revealed that NHS or vulnerable adults on Facebook or church, including priests, monks and use profane language, or make sug- under the Coronavirus Act 2020, but England and NHS Improvement fear other forms of social media, the bish- volunteers. gestive jokes or ‘indecent, vulgar or now this provision could be made that there is an “escalating risk” around ops of England and Wales said. The bishops’ guidance for priests, sexual comments’, the document said. permanent, allowing women to con- ‘DIY’ home abortions, while police New safeguarding guidance makes Caring Safely for Others: Pastoral Stan- Cardinal Nichols said the document tinue carrying out terminations at have opened a murder invest- clear to all clergy that they must ‘never dards and Safe Ministry, told them to “makes plain that which is simply not home without medical supervision. igation into the death of a baby who invite children or adults at risk, or ac- ‘refrain from communicating with a acceptable, that which is lax practice, The temporary policy allows an they believe was born alive despite cept invitations from them, to be child on a one-on-one basis via tech- and that which is all too often absent abortion provider to prescribe abortion her mother taking ‘DIY’ home abortion “friends” or contacts on any personal nology or social media (including text from good pastoral care.” pills over the phone or by video and pills. There are also growing concerns social media sites we use, or otherwise messages or email) unless we have He said the document was present- then women perform their own abor- that some women are at greater risk interact with them on those sites.’ first obtained the written consent of ed with “the full authority” of the tion at home, by taking both abortion of being forced into a termination by The guidance came to light after that child’s parent or legal guardian.’ bishops and brought a “new depth to pills, meaning they are left to pass abusive partners. release last month of the report on It said they must ‘notify immedi- our work of safeguarding.” sexual abuse in the Catholic Church ately’ Church safeguarding officials if The cardinal has said he is deter- in England and Wales by the Inde- they receive any inappropriate com- mined to implement reforms to the pendent Inquiry on Child Sex Abuse. ments or images from a child or adult Church’s safeguarding structures out- The report revealed that between 1970 at risk, and they must always com- lined by the recent Elliott Report, de- and 2015 in the region of 900 com- municate in a manner modelled on spite facing criticism of his own han- plaints were received into 3,000 in- the life of Jesus Christ.’ dling of abuse cases. Ampleforth College vows to fight Government ban on new pupils

Ampleforth College has said it will appeal an enforcement notice banning it from taking on new students after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he was acting over ‘very serious’ safeguarding failures. However, the £36,000-a-year Catholic boarding school in North Yorkshire said the ban ‘is completely unjustified and based on incorrect information’. The Education Secretary imple- mented the ban after reading reports by Ofsted and Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). According to the reports, the school was failing to meet independent school standards relating to safeguard- ing and leadership and management. ly believe, and have been advised, tively separated the abbey from the The enforcement notice acknowl- that this is completely unjustified and college. edges that the school has filed a com- based on incorrect information. ‘During this time, the Independent plaint against Ofsted’s recent findings ‘We will be pursuing a number of Schools Inspectorate has endorsed but having taken this into account, different options to resolve the situa- our actions.’ the Secretary of State is satisfied that tion before the restriction is enforced.’ Ampleforth said the Department the standards are not being met. The The college said ‘in the last 18 for Education’s (DfE) action does not St Laurence Education Trust, the pro- months we have put in place a robust reflect the school it is today. prietor of Ampleforth College, is re- safeguarding regime, a new and ex- ‘We cannot understand why this quired to cease to admit any new stu- perienced senior leadership team, decision has been taken, and we can- dents. and a new governance structure – in- not understand why it has been pub- Ampleforth College said: ‘We strong- cluding new trustees – that has effec- lished.’ 04 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper Mum takes her vigil ban fight to European court

A single mother is taking her fight my daughter is here today. Stopping of the order against the charity’s sup- against a ban on vigils outside abortion people from offering much-needed port for women in crisis. clinics to the European Court of Hu- services and resources for women in The UK High Court affirmed that man Rights. my situation is wrong. Let them help.” the censorship zone violated funda- That court’s ruling could potentially The council’s Public Spaces Protec- mental rights, but found that the PSPO impact on 820 million Europeans from tion Order (PSPO) how forbids such was justified nevertheless. 47 countries, including the UK. help from being offered near clinics. However, if the ECHR overturns this Alina Dulgheriu said she had been It is believed over 500 vulnerable decision it will set a precedent for forced to go to Europe after Ealing women received help from vigil vol- volunteers outside abortion facilities Council brought in a ban on groups unteers in the five years up to the ban. across Europe. offering counselling and prayer vigils Now Ms Dulgheriu hopes that the Ryan Christopher, director of ADF outside abortion clinics. She asked: Court will overturn the council’s de- International (UK), said: “This cen- “What kind of society withholds help cision and allow the volunteers to sorship zone limits the options avail- from vulnerable women? I’m chal- continue to offer support. able to vulnerable women who feel lenging Ealing Council’s ban at the The wide-ranging order forbids even as though they have no choice but to European Court of Human Rights be- silent prayer near the abortion facility, go through with an abortion. By crim- cause my experience is typical for thus raising concerns about the pro- inalising even the most basic offer of many hundreds of others.” tection of freedom of assembly and help, Ealing has gone far beyond what “I didn’t want an abortion but I was expression, as well as freedom of reli- is reasonable or proportionate. abandoned by my partner, my friends gion or belief. PSPOs may only “The European Court of Human and society. My financial situation at be brought into force if they are ‘rea- Rights has reiterated the importance the time would have made raising a sonable’ in order to prevent a detri- of guaranteeing freedom of expression, Alina Dulgheriu child very challenging. But thanks to ment to the quality of life in the and it is clear that Ealing’s censorship and her daughter the help I was offered by a group out- area. Supporters of Ms Dulgheriu’s zone undermines this without suffi- Sarah. Photo: Be side a clinic before my appointment, campaign question the proportionality cient justification.”. Here For Me Advent is a Actor adds voice to Emmerdale criticism time of hope Nick Benson cause of the incorrect assumption Now more than ever, Ireland must Actress Sally Phillips has condemned Sally Phillips with son Olly. that they are unable to live full and turn away from despair and look to- ITV soap Emmerdale’s controversial Emmerdale is causing productive lives.’ ‘unnecessary hurt’ says the wards the hope of Jesus Christ, the Down Syndrome abortion storyline Pro-life groups said they were en- star. Primate of All-Ireland has said as he as “thoughtless” and “irresponsible”. couraged by Ms Phillips and Mr Mor- welcomed the start of Advent. The The actress, best known for starring gan’s support on the issue. A SPUC season offers “a new beginning and a in the Bridget Jones films as well as spokesperson said: “It is important promise of hope for better times,” TV comedies Miranda and I’m Alan that figures such as Sally lend their said the Archbishop of Armagh, Ea- Partridge, said the plot, which sees voices to the gathering outcry regard- mon Martin, “a glimmer of light, that couple Laurel Thoma and Jai Sharma ing Emmerdale’s troubling storyline. note of joy and consolation.” abort their unborn baby after receiving “Mr Morgan’s comments are to be a Down Syndrome diagnosis, is “at welcomed, too, though the impact of The Universe best poorly informed and thoughtless, his comments is dampened by his and at worst irresponsible”. pro-abortion voting record. But if Em- – Contacts – She told the soap it is causing “un- merdale’s offensive storyline prompts necessary hurt to a group of individ- MPs and others, such as himself, to uals”, including her 16-year-old son rethink their position and realise that Olly, who has Down Syndrome. all abortion is wrong and that every “The use of a Down Syndrome di- child has a right to life, then something agnosis brings unnecessary hurt to a good might come out of this story.” group, many of whom watch the show Right To Life UK’s spokesperson, precisely because there is a character Catherine Robinson, said: “It’s en- To contact a member with Down Syndrome,” she told The couraging that Sally is speaking out of The Catholic Universe Daily Mail. against this negative portrayal of those team, call: “Disability hate crime is on the rise with Down Syndrome. and running with this storyline in “On the one hand, it’s great that Disability Awareness Month was at the show has a character with Down ADVERTISING SALES: best poorly informed and thoughtless, Syndrome, as this helps to show just 07984 616950 and at worst irresponsible.” gained support from Stephen Morgan, channel to drop the storyline. how normal it is. On the other hand, Her comments come as around MP for Portsmouth South, who has He said the storyline ‘creates a neg- the producers are completely under- CIRCULATION: 30,000 people have signed an online written to Carolynn McCall, chief ex- ative and offensive narrative that in- mining this by introducing a plotline 07375 397312 petition urging the soap to ‘bin’ the ecutive of ITV, on behalf of his con- dividuals with Down Syndrome do where a baby in the womb has their ‘prejudiced storyline’. stituents and the Portsmouth Down not have a right to life, and are not life ended precisely because he or she Opposition to the storyline has also Syndrome Association, calling on the viewed as equals in our society be- has Down Syndrome.” ACCOUNTS: 07984 616949 EDITORIAL: Actor loses expert backing over theatre sacking 07949 987771 The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Bible says about marriage and ho- refused to act for her on the grounds Parsons said that the Facebook post London has upheld a judge’s decision mosexuality. of religious discrimination and breach “constitutes a fair and reasonable ex- to reject expert evidence from a well- The theatre argued that the Face- of contract. pression of Christian beliefs”. GENERAL ENQUIRIES: known theatre critic and Christian book post was “deeply offensive to Miss Omooba had secured support Miss Omooba said: “Since I lost the 0161 820 5722 theologian in the case of sacked Chris- the LGBTQ community”, so that the of an eminent theatre critic, Lloyd role as Celie I have not been employed. tian actress Seyi Omooba. production could not go ahead with Evans, and a renowned theologian, All doors have been intentionally Supporting Catholic journalism Miss Omooba, an up and coming Miss Omooba in the lead role of the Dr Martin Parsons, who both provided closed to me and people who used to West End star, was removed from a musical The Color Purple. expert reports supporting her claim. give me the time of day now ignore www.thecatholic lead role in a musical at Leicester’s Supported by the Christian Legal However, Employment Judge Elliott me. Curve Theatre in 2019 for a four-year- Centre, Miss Omooba is suing the ordered both expert reports to be ex- “My career was more than a job to universe.com old Facebook post that cited what the theatre and Global Artists Agency who cluded from the case as inadmissible. me, it was something that I loved.”

06 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment

The Universe – Comment – Police should prioritise negotiation We’re still here for over routine force to win back trust you every week!

Mike Hough

It was very sad news this week that the giant Arcadia retail group has As a young researcher in 1979, I was collapsed, putting some 12,000 jobs out on patrol with two Strathclyde at risk. The future of a number of constables in a rough Glasgow hous- iconic high street brands now ing estate. We drew up alongside hangs in the balance, and employ- half-a-dozen teenagers, who were ees will have an anxious wait to sitting chatting on a wall – doing hear the outcome for not only their nothing illegal whatsoever. One offi- jobs, but their vital pensions as well. cer told them, “move along, lads”, The Arcadia collapse can’t be blamed entirely on the pandemic: and they grudgingly shuffled off. it’s mega-rich owner Sir Philip When I asked why he had done this, Green was fond of lecturing us on he said: “It’s just what we do.” What the secrets of commercial success, they were actually doing was but he failed profoundly to recog- demonstrating that they controlled nise the changes that were happen- the streets. ing in the consumer market. Fast-forward to 2020. The Black Long before Covid sent us all off Lives Matter movement in the US to live online with our credit cards, and protests on this side of the many of us had already begun to Atlantic have shown how tensions ask deep questions about con- between the police and parts of the sumerism, the global exploitation community are unresolved and, in of people and resources, and the some cases, simmering. presumed need for endless choices and cheap, throwaway products. Black Lives Matter erupted in the Experts say that the pandemic US in response to a tragic and seem- will change the high street forever, ingly unending series of police and perhaps it’s no bad thing. Our killings of black suspects. How local high streets were already American police continue to com- wastelands, as large out-of-town mit such outrages is a question that retail complexes destroyed small remains unanswered. family shops and diverse local busi- But this problem is not uniquely overusing these tactics that seem- police and no longer feel that the ership and better training to sell nesses. American. In the UK, ethnic minori- ingly do more harm than good, that cops are on their side. When this policing principles that value the Losing a cherished job is one of ty groups are over-represented in alienate people and can have tragic happens, police often respond with building of trust, alongside fair and the most devastating events that deaths in police custody and black consequences? My new book, Good a policing style that helps them respectful treatment of the people can hit us, but new jobs will be cre- suspects are heavily over-represent- Policing, examines why police some- maintain a tight grip on the public. being policed. ated as we pass through this pan- ed in stop-and-searches. There were times appear to be locked into a vi- This will involve routinely demon- Much more effort needs to go into demic, and they may just be better four stop-and-searches for every cious cycle of worsening relations strating that they are in control (as I ensuring that frontline officers are jobs that will help us to reconnect with people and rebuild our com- 1,000 white people last year, com- between them and the public – es- saw in Glasgow) and overwhelming equipped with de-escalation tech- munities. pared with 38 for every 1,000 black pecially those from ethnic minority any resistance to this control with niques – which can be as simple as For those of us who can remem- people. groups. But it is possible for the po- force, if it is challenged. listening and explaining – when it ber the immediate post-war years, The incident in Glasgow and the lice to navigate their way out of I believe that police departments comes to handling conflict. new opportunities and new hope death of black men such as George these traps. in multi-racial cities in the US are Meanwhile, there still needs to be were built on the ashes of despair. Floyd while in police custody, repre- Half an answer is found in long- stuck in these hard power traps. much more scrutiny over the use of Though the heady days of the sent two ends of a continuum of running tensions between traditions With intense mutual distrust be- stop-and-search. The police obvi- 1950s and 60s may seem like a policing tactics involving the ‘perfor- of policing by consent and the more tween cops and people of colour, the ously need powers to investigate dream of endless sunshine and mance of street control’. ‘common sense view’, that policing opportunities for deploying soft suspicious activity but the extent of plenty to us right now, the eco- The tactics range from simply is about keeping criminals in check. power policing may have been stop-and-search use needs to be nomic and social upheaval ahead moving people on to stop-and- To borrow a term from political sci- squandered over the years – if they curbed and the way that suspects may lead us all to just such a future. search. This can be followed by ar- entists, police are often faced with a ever existed in the first place. are treated needs to be greatly im- rest and – occasionally – death. The choice between hard power and soft The police may believe that coer- proved. The Universe fatal shooting of Mark Duggan in power. Hard power involves the de- cive hard power tactics are, realisti- All this will take time and effort. – Direct Contacts – 2011 and the death of Edson Da ployment of deterrent strategies and cally, all that are available to them. But the hard power alternatives just Costa in 2017 both led to riots in coercive force that keep a tight grip Predictably, this leads to too many add to the erosion of police legiti- To contact a member London. on unruly behaviour. Soft power, by encounters between police and sus- macy in some communities. In public order policing, kettling contrast, requires supporting peo- pects which are characterised by And that – ultimately – leads to of The Catholic Universe (where demonstrations are corralled ple’s commitment to obey the law by mutual fear and hostility. It is this more deaths in police encounters, team, call: in tight areas) is another tactic of winning hearts and minds. But too erosion of trust which all too often more riots and more urban unrest. street control. In mainland Europe, often, advocates of hard power sim- ends in tragedy. • Mike Hough was founder and di- ADVERTISING SALES: requiring people to produce their ply win the argument. Escaping from hard power traps is rector of the Institute for Criminal 07984 616950 identity cards is another. Police fall into these traps when one of the hardest challenges facing Policy Research (ICPR), and is now The outcome of all these perform- they overuse their power so much policing. Reform in US cities may an emeritus professor in the School ances of control can range from the that there is no longer scope for the prove a real uphill struggle but the of Law, Birkbeck, University of Lon- CIRCULATION: anodyne (as in my Glasgow incident) kind of soft power tactics which mo- stronger UK tradition of policing by don. He is the author of Good Polic- 07375 397312 to the tragic, where resistance leads tivate consent to the rule of law. consent may provide firmer founda- ing: Trust, Legitimacy and Authority to death. When people are routinely treated tions for policing styles based on published by Bristol University ACCOUNTS: But why don’t police forces stop with disrespect, they lose trust in the trust. There needs to be strong lead- Press. 07984 616949 EDITORIAL: www.thecatholicuniverse.com Supporting Catholic journalism 07949 987771 Universe Media Group Limited, News and feature items: Subscription rates: Editor: Joseph Kelly 2nd Floor, Oakland House, All enquiries: (Annual) £80 UK; £105 Ireland/Europe. 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Police apology Faith is beating heart of music, after arresting ‘loud’ pastor composer tells Catholic Union Thames Valley Police have apologised after a Milton Keynes pastor became Expressions of faith in music are need- In an increasingly secular world, the first church leader to be prosecuted ed now, more than ever, Scottish com- Sir James said the music had an in- for allegedly breaking Covid-19 regu- poser Sir James MacMillan CBE told creasingly important role in bringing lations despite holding a legal service the Catholic Union as he delivered the sacred into people’s lives and “of- in line with Government guidance. the annual Craigmyle Lecture. fering a window into God’s divine love On Friday 20th November, two po- The title of this year’s lecture, was affair with humanity”. lice officers demanded access to King- ‘Music, Faith and Politics’, with Sir Sir James said that expressing faith dom Faith Ministries International James addressing Catholic Union through music was fundamental to Church in Milton Keynes, a Pentecostal members and supporters online from freedom of worship, which so many ministry, after reports of ‘loud music’. his home in the Ayrshire countryside. Christians around still do not have, Rev Daniel Mateola, 49, was holding Sir James has composed concertos, and said that expressions of faith in a legal broadcast service to 150 online operas and symphonies among other music were needed more than ever. members of his congregation. The works, as well as the music for the Catholic Union Director, Nigel Park- broadcast was part of a Men’s Con- opening of the Scottish Parliament er, said: “We are most grateful to Sir ference addressing male congregants’ and the papal visit in 2010. James for agreeing to give this lecture struggles during the pandemic. Sir James said that his world re- and for his uplifting and inspiring In-person worship was banned volved around music, but also de- words. This was the first time in the during England’s second lockdown. scribed himself as a practising Catholic history of the Craigmyle Lecture that However, guidance clearly stipulates with a keen interest in politics. it has been delivered online. I’m de- that Church leaders can broadcast to Sir James said that the search for men and women”, he said. spent force, religion has proved to be lighted that so many people were able their congregation online. After re- the sacred in music had a long history. Sir James spoke of the number of a vibrant, animating principle in mod- to take part and to have these dark viewing the case Thames Valley Police “Some of the world’s most important contemporary composers who also ern music, and continues to promise days illuminated by the joys of music issued their apology, admitting their composers were profoundly religious have deep faith. “Far from being a much for the future,” he said. and faith”. officers had been wrong. Clifton Mass is star of BBC’s Christmas plans The BBC has anounced that its annual Christmas Eve religious broadcast will be Mass from the Catholic Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, Clifton, Bris- tol. The Bishop of Clifton, Declan Lang, will preside and the Mass will be in- troduced by Canon Bosco MacDonald, Cathedral Dean, who will also preach. The festive religious programming schedule also features Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli, Catholic musical group The Priests and Diversity dance star Ashley Banjo. Bocelli and The Priests will join an array of star guests, including Sir Cliff Richard, Katherine Jenkins, The King- dom Choir and the Choir of St Paul’s, in performing on Songs of Praise: The UK’s Favourite Carol. The programme, which is set to air on the final Sunday in Advent, comes from St Paul’s Cathe- dral and will see Aled Jones count down the top ten carols as voted for in a UK-wide online poll. Ashley Banjo will narrate the annual show On Christmas Night, where he will tell the story of the first Christmas from Luke’s Gospel. The show will also feature a musical performance to close Christmas Day. Marking Advent on BBC One, Ellie Harrison and Angellica Bell uncover local customs, culture and traditions as they celebrate A Very Country Christ- mas, with episode one set to air on BBC One on Sunday 6th December. This year will also see the launch of the first joint BBC Radio 2 and Songs of Praise Young Chorister of the Year 2020 competition. From Gor- ton Monastery in Manchester, the Rev’d Kate Bottley with Katherine Jenkins and Aled Jones host the search for the best young singers in the coun- try. There will be live services for Christ- mas Eve and Christmas Day on BBC One as well as the much-loved Carols From King’s on BBC Two. 08 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Comment Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Imagine a different world Free speech has become the

John Battle political football of our times

Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, spells out the impact Author JK Rowling is too many a of the Covid-19 pandemic: ‘Any- philanthropist who deserves praise... yet her comments in one who thinks that the only les- defence of women has led to her son to be learned was the need to being labelled ‘transphobic’ improve what we were already do- Leon ing or to refine existing systems and regulations is denying reality.’ Spence His radical challenge is that ‘in this, our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, You wouldn’t have thought that a we can contribute to the rebirth of lower league football match be- a universal aspiration to fraternity’. tween Lincoln City and Accrington ‘Let us dream, then, as a single Stanley would ever make the head- human family’. lines in national newspapers, would In her Financial Times book of you? the year Doughnut Economics, But that is exactly what happened development economist Kate Ra- a couple of weeks ago, albeit not for worth, who worked for the UN and what was happening on the pitch – a Oxfam, presented a devastating rather dull 0-0 draw by all accounts – critique of traditional economics but, rather what was happening in as severely limited, disregarding the commentary box. the dignity of the person and the Reporting on the match for the complexities of communities, and BBC Radio Lincolnshire was veteran undermining our ecological envi- broadcaster Steve Thompson, who ronment. She questions the main was at the microphone when a scuf- obsession with a narrow economist fle broke out among opposing play- idea of ‘growth’ and generating ers. Commentators are usually not ‘wealth’ while neglecting its distri- ones to think originally when a bution. The result, as is more than cliché or two will do and so Thomp- evident, is a divided world of in- son resorted to the old classic, de- creasing rich and inequalities hit- scribing the fracas as ‘handbags’. ting the poorest hardest. Every football fan knows exactly lanthropist who on the whole has have been abused themselves, transgender debate, but the pile on Moreover ‘economics’ is not to what handbags means; it’s that used her wealth for the right reasons. should be able to rely on women’s by her detractors in the wake of her be regarded as an objective science rather pathetic pushing and shoving She has given money to deserving refuges as a safe haven and be some- comments has been pathetic, too. with its own unquestionable rules. young men tend to do in the heat of charities – well over £100 million as where it isn’t possible for a man to In a related story next week 7,000 We can as human beings make a the sporting moment. Unfortunately, a conservative estimate; and do- proclaim by self-identification that Cambridge academics will vote on a new and different future by mak- however, Thompson’s tired com- nated large sums to political cam- he is female and potentially expect new ‘free-speech’ policy for the uni- ing better personal and political mentary on this occasion caused of- paigns which are important to her – to use the same centre. versity. The draft document suggests choices. We need not to be fence. Sadly for him, according to including £1 million to the Better To- In what until the past few years that the opinions of academics, stu- hemmed in by the outdated meas- Lincolnshire Live, he also described gether campaign, established to would have been self-evident to dents and visiting speakers should ures of GDP or even the notion of a player as being “a bit of a drama fight to keep the union between her anyone and in response to an article be treated ‘with respect’. debt. Notably the Old Testament queen… he’d have been better wear- native England and the place she entitled ‘Creating a more equal post If adopted the policy would allow tradition regularly emphasised by ing a skirt”. calls home, Scotland, in the run up Covid-19 world for people who those subject to it to spout any old the prophets challenged the no- Complaints ensued and Thomp- to the 2014 Scottish Independence menstruate’, Rowling committed a rubbish and heaven help you should tion of debt through cancelling son was suspended for his unrecon- referendum. thought crime by responding in a you point out that to be the case. personal debts every seventh Sab- structed blokeishness. He won’t be Rowling isn’t a woman who seeks Tweet by saying: “People who men- Trying to get the draft policy over- batical year and wiping slates allowed back on air until the new to move to a tax haven to limit liabil- struate”. I’m sure there used to be a thrown is former alumnus and clean with a Jubilee fresh start year and in the meantime will have ities, but rather accepts that as word for those people. Someone British National Treasure Stephen every 50 years. The idea was basi- to take re-education training by the someone who the state supported at help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Fry. cally to break into and interrupt football authorities. her lowest ebb, has the duty to sup- Woomud?’ Writing in last week’s Sunday economic, social and political Let’s be honest, the lower reaches port it when she can afford to. It’s fair to say she has been Times Fry wrote “A demand for re- arrangements that had ossified of the football league are not some- I would suggest that most people hounded since. spect is like a demand for a laugh, or into harming the poor. where you are likely to see ‘peak hold Rowling in the highest of re- The list of infractions against demands for love loyalty and alle- Today, again, we see low income woke’. Those football towns whose gard, rightly so. Unfortunately, she ‘wokeness’ goes on and on, and for giance. They cannot be given if not countries hit by Covid-19 being teams have made up the bottom two too has become a victim of the same the most part is enabled by broad- felt.” driven back into unsustainable professional divisions for over a woke culture which brought down casters like the BBC and newspapers I suppose it’s true that each gener- debts despite the achievements of hundred years in general are not the the local football reporter from the such as the Guardian. ation moves on from the ones that the Jubilee Debt Campaign led by sort of places where a phrase like start of today’s column. Just as important as that right to came before it. I look back to my Cafod at the turn of the century. ‘handbags’ will cause offence, al- Rowling’s crime, for that is what be offended is the right to express own radical years and see how mine Church Action on Poverty is now though it may well be dismissed as her detractors feel she is guilty of, is ourselves freely. I can well imagine had moved on from my parents, and calling for the cancellation of the old and tired. that as a former victim of domestic listening to Steve Thompson and be- now that I am a parent myself I can escalating personal debts closer to But suspension? That’s a bit much, violence herself she has reservations ing bored rigid by his use of a see it happening again. But it’s all home. isn’t it? We’re living in a world now about the principle of self-identifi- clichéd football term which would going too fast, isn’t it? In Advent we prepare for the where the right to be offended is cation for transgender people. have seemed old hat in the 1980s, In the past we may have been of- radical break into our history with above all others and the perpetrators In what shouldn’t be a controver- but be offended by it? Get a life. fended by the words of our elders, the birth of Emmanuel, the Christ- that caused that offence held up as sial opinion at all, Rowling believes I happen to agree with most of but I don’t think we tried to ban mas feast of the Incarnation. being only one step away from crim- that women, particularly those who what Rowling has said about the them, did we? We made an argu- Rome didn’t anticipate this new inals. Certainly say the wrong thing ment to counter their viewpoints, beginning and Herod could not and the perpetually offended will at we responded with humour and stop it. Mary recognised from the the very least try to cost you your even a healthy dose of sarcasm. angel’s announcement that it job. But those days are gone. If you meant removing the rich from We’ve seen exactly the same hap- now transgress from the new agenda their thrones and raising the lowly. pen with author J K Rowling. Since We live in a world where the right to be you’re removed. Pope Francis has always linked the Harry Potter juggernaut rolled It may well be that it’s just care for the earth and care for the into view Joanne Rowling has been offended is above all others and the progress, but progress isn’t always poor in his teaching. Fratelli Tutti seen by most as a decent woman perpetrators that caused the offence good, is it? now provides an Advent handbook who rose from obscurity and relative Leon is a writer, political for our new times. poverty to become a billionaire phi- held up as one step‘‘ away from criminals commentator and charity trustee The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 09

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IN BRIEF Sunak praised and Brave Kiera’s story offers criticised over review Chancellor Rishi Sunak has an- nounced an additional £151 mil- lion to help end rough sleeping in England, bringing the total spend society’s gender identity up to £250 million. The announcement, which came as part of last week’s Spend- ing Review, alongside an increase to the living wage and a boost in zealots a salutary lesson pay for the lowest paid, was wel- comed by many charities. However, How can any young person really concerns were raised over the fail- CATHOLIC consent to a lifetime of taking med- ure to announce an extension of COMMENT ication and the associated neurosis the temporary £20 increase to Uni- of whether or not they convincingly versal Credit beyond April 2021. pass as the opposite sex? How can The Catholic Union also criticised Caroline any child fully consent to a life the absence of any extra support where their risks of certain medical for charities and voluntary organi- Farrow conditions and complications are sations that are helping people quadrupled and an almost certain through the Covid-19 pandemic. shorter life expectancy? London-based think-tank Lega- Last year, as readers may well recall, One of the disturbing themes run- tum Institute estimated that there I was faced with the possibility of a ning through this judgement was are 690,000 more people, includ- criminal record for using strong lan- the lack of evidence to support giv- ing 120,000 children, living in guage to condemn the actions of ing children such radical treatment, poverty now than at the beginning Susie Green, CEO of Mermaids, an with judges expressing shock that of the Covid-19 pandemic in advocacy group for ‘transgender the clinicians had failed to gather Britain. children’. even the most basic of data about Nigel Parker, Catholic Union Di- Green drew my ire because she the children who were being treated. rector, said this year’s Spending used the experience of her own child The Gender Identity Service has Review revealed the scale of the as a model for other gender-con- not collated any data in respect of economic shock caused by the fused children to follow and I felt it the children who were treated be- coronavirus. “The combination of necessary to highlight the precise tween 2011 and 2020 and so the ages a public health emergency and an nature of the treatment that her son, or sex of these children will remain economic emergency is having a as he was then, received, namely, a unknown. Equally, neither was any devastating impact. Sadly, it’s peo- sex-change surgery on his sixteenth data collected as to whether or not ple on the margins of society who birthday. these children were on the autistic are the worst affected,” he said. Surely, I reasoned, if most parents spectrum or had any other mental “Increasing the living wage and knew the medical pathway that was health diagnosis, nor was there any boosting pay for the lowest paid being advocated for young children were the wrong sex, before the child were so desperately worried about kind of investigation or analysis into people in the public sector is wel- with gender dysphoria, they would was then put on puberty blockers. the unnecessary medicalisation of this issue. Even more surprising, come. But it’s worrying that in- likely change their mind. As a mother to children of a simi- children. What the court has recog- there was no tracking of the out- creases in Universal Credit have Today, in a landmark judgment, lar age and who have been diag- nised is that giving children puberty comes of children who were put on not been extended into next year. the High Court has proved me right, nosed as being on the autistic spec- blockers is an experimental treat- puberty blockers, or even stronger “More support for people who ruling that children under the age of trum, this is a concern that ment where the long-term side ef- cross-sex hormones, and so it is un- are rough sleeping and victims of 16 are unlikely to be able to give in- resonates. Autistic children tend to fects are unknown. It means that clear what happened to these chil- domestic abuse is also welcome,” formed consent to receive this type fear change, especially something as children like mine are no longer go- dren once they reached adulthood. Mr Parker said. “But there was no of medical treatment, following a monumental as puberty, and I know ing to be routinely subject to life- The right outcome might have fi- extra support on offer for charities case brought by three people: Sue that if you were to have offered at changing medical procedures and nally been achieved but only thanks and other voluntary organisations, Evans, a former employee of the least one of my children a magic pill surgery. to the bravery of three women who who are doing so much to help Gender Identity Service (GIDS) who to supposedly pause puberty and The judgment means that any were prepared to make a stand. I people through this difficult time.” first raised concerns 15 years ago; ‘give them time to think’ then they child under the age of 16 who wishes Mrs A, the parent of a teenager with would most likely have gladly ac- to be prescribed puberty blockers have to admit to crying upon read- gender dysphoria; and a brave cepted without a second thought. will firstly need the permission of ing this outcome, not tears of ec- Scrap the parking young woman named Kiera Bell. Equally, not all of my children, in the court and in all likelihood, so too stasy but of relief, that families like Kiera, who is only 23, was first common with many others, con- will young people between the ages mine, children like mine, are just tax for heroes prescribed puberty blockers at the form to typical gender stereotypes of 16 and 18. that bit safer. Our ‘NHS heroes’ should not have age of 16 and went on to have a dou- and were you to suggest to them that This isn’t about undermining chil- But they were also tears of sorrow to pay hospital parking charges ble mastectomy at the tender age of this might be because they were in dren’s ability to consent or take deci- for what other young people like when they go to work and battle to 20, before regretting it. She said “I the wrong body, then they would sions about their medical treatment, Kiera Bell have had to endure, hav- save lives, Tim Farron has said. made a brash decision (as a lot of happily have grasped this as a won- but rather recognising that until a ing had body parts unnecessarily re- The former Liberal Democrat teenagers do) trying to find confi- der solution as to why they are not person has achieved a sufficient moved and being given hormones leader and devout Christian has dence and happiness, except now like all of their friends. Add into the level of emotional maturity, some which could render them perma- joined over 40 cross-party MPs in the rest of my life will be negatively equation social contagion and that decisions are impossible. nently sterile and their bodies irrev- writing to Prime Minister Boris affected”. children who transition often How can an 11-year-old take the ocably changed and damaged at an Johnson to call for hospital parking Mrs A is the mother of a 15-year- achieve the social cachet, status and decision about their future fertility age when they could not consent. for NHS staff to be made free old child with autism currently validation that they perceive to have and to reject their physical body, Society also needs to ask search- permanently. In March the Gov- awaiting medical treatment for gen- been lacking and you can begin to when they are yet to experience sex- ing questions as to why this was ever ernment provided health trusts der dysphoria, who said that her fear account for the explosion in numbers ual maturity? How can a 13-year-old allowed to happen. with funding to enable free park- was not that their child transitions, of children who have been diagnosed know with any certainty, how they Caroline Farrow is a Catholic ing for NHS staff. However, the but that they get it wrong, explaining as transgender over the past few years. will feel about their body in years to journalist and UK campaign government said the subsidy “can’t that there was so little exploration as The High Court’s decision is there- come, when they haven’t even got director and media commentator continue indefinitely” and would to why a child might feel that they fore a blessed relief for those who used to living in it? for Citizens Go end “when the pandemic eases”. “Those working in the NHS are heroes,” Mr Farron said. “We owe Judge ruling delights plaintiff as ‘common sense’ win them so much for their tireless work, caring for our loved ones Keira Bell said she was “delighted” after three competent to give consent to puberty blockers. innovative and experimental, we recognise that and battling to save lives. High Court ruling agreed that children under “It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could clinicians may well regard these as cases where “They should not have to pay an 16 with gender dysphoria are unlikely to be understand and weigh the long-term risks and the authorisation of the court should be sought extra tax for just doing their jobs. able to give informed consent to undergo consequences of puberty blockers.” prior to commencing the clinical treatment.” The Government should commit treatment with puberty-blocking drugs. They added: “In respect of young persons aged Keira Bell added: “This judgment is not to fund local NHS trusts so that Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Lord Justice 16 and over, given the long-term consequences political, it’s about protecting vulnerable they can scrap hospital parking Lewis and Mrs Justice Lieven, said: “It is highly of the clinical interventions at issue in this children. I’m delighted to see that common charges for NHS staff for good.” unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be case, and given that the treatment is as yet sense has prevailed.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 11 Bishopric of the Forces From parish to posting: Life as a permanent deacon in the RAF

takes place! Chaplaincy in the RAF is as old as the RAF itself. The RAF has always had pastors who were ‘priests’ to minister to its people, but it had not had deacons as regular commissioned chaplains until 2014. I was the first! This exciting new chapter means that today the aspiration of Catholic military chaplaincy mirrors more closely the aspirations of the On 7th July 2014, after months of Church’s ordained ministry, which prayer, discernment, inquiry, prepa- calls deacons, priests and bishops to ration and formal military training, I Pope Francis pictured in 2019 make manifest the fullness of the arrived at the Chaplaincy Centre at with Bishop Paul Mason of the ministry of Jesus Christ. The priest is RAF Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) for Military Ordinariate and Bishop called to minister God’s love princi- Reverend (Squadron Leader) my first day as a Station Chaplain – Santiago Olivera of Argentina, as pally through the celebration of the Deacon Dave Skillen the Catholic Padre helping to com- they hold statues of Our Lady of Sacraments within the Church, plete the ecumenical make-up of the Lujan. Photo: Paul Haring while the deacon is called to minis- home, we each make manifest this team. ter God’s love through the service of call in many and varied ways. This was very different prospect – of accompanying Bishop Paul Ma- of the statue from the Argentine Word and Charity out in the world, This is an exciting and privileged exciting yet daunting – to that of son, Ordinary of the Forces, to meet Bishop and people, and the Holy Fa- often being the sacramental pres- context for ministry. Are you a dea- parish deacon and school chaplain Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square, ther blessed both statues which ence of the Lord and his Church on con or priest who may be feeling that I had been committed to for the along with Fr David Conroy (Princi- serve as a reminder that the bonds the very margins of society. called to serve, with the support of four years previous, since ordination. pal Royal Navy Chaplain) and Fr of faith, love and peace endure Together, priest and deacon col- your bishop or religious superior, for To date, after nearly seven years’ Michael Fava CBE (then Principal through Christ Jesus. laborate in complimentary fashion, a time in Her Majesty’s Armed service, I have experienced much: I Army Chaplain). There we were able These are just a few examples of sharing in the ministry of the Forces? Why not take a look at the have worked on three busy RAF Sta- to return a statue of Our Lady of Lu- the experiences of a military chap- bishop. website of the Bishopric of the tions; served two four-month over- jan to Argentinian Catholic brothers lain (the list is endless); however, by In military chaplaincy deacons Forces where you can find out more: seas deployments, first to the Falk- and sisters, which an Army priest far the greatest privilege is the daily and priests are co-missionaries who www.rcbishopricforces.org.uk, and land Islands and then supporting chaplain from my own diocese of work of spiritual and pastoral ac- are commissioned to “go out into do get in touch with Bishop Paul or the UK contribution to the fight Lancaster brought back from the companiment of our servicemen the whole world and proclaim the any of our principal Catholic Chap- against Daesh in the Middle East; I Falkland Island conflict in 1982 for and women and their loved ones, good news” (cf. Mark 16:15). By ac- lains! am chaplain to the Forces’ HCPT safekeeping. For 37 years the statue our civil servants and contractors, as companying the men and women of Reverend (Squadron Leader) group; and, in 2019 I was appointed was cared for at the Military Cathe- they experience the highs and lows our armed forces, often quite liter- Deacon Dave Skillen, MA, QTS, BA the Principal Catholic Chaplain dral, Aldershot. In this deeply mov- of service life. Here is where the real ally to the ends of the earth, and by (Hons); Principal Catholic Chaplain (RAF). In October 2019 I had the joy ing encounter we received a replica work of proclaiming the Gospel caring for their loved ones here at (RAF). News Health staff lead case against DIY abortion Nick Benson that it is their ‘duty’ to provide ‘the Hundreds of healthcare workers have best possible medical holistic care’ expressed their opposition to ‘DIY’ and to signpost to the best possible abortion, warning Northern Ireland’s social, practical and financial assis- Health Minister that it is ‘unsafe’ and tance in their time of need, especially ‘unacceptable’. during the difficult times of an un- Precious Life supporters outside Stormont In an open letter to Robin Swann, planned pregnancy. 277 healthcare workers said ‘women ‘Rather than seeking to further lib- and children in Northern Ireland de- eralise our laws with the introduction serve better care than these unsafe of ‘at-home’ abortion, the Assembly and unacceptable ‘at-home’ abortion should move to bring forward legis- NI politicians happy to lose schemes provide’. lation to repeal the extreme abortion They said they found it ‘sadly ironic’ legislation imposed on Northern Ire- that amid a deadly pandemic, when land by Westminster,’ they said. the whole of society is constraining The Society for the Protection of 6,500 lives – and waste £4m itself to prevent sickness and death Unborn Children (SPUC) praised the for vulnerable members of society, healthcare workers for speaking out Northern Ireland’s leading pro-life tions they would need to cater for in ask for abortion to be legalised, it was there is a push to expedite the ending against the scheme, which it branded group Precious Life has criticised Northern Ireland, presuming that forced on us by Westminster.” of the lives of its most vulnerable “dangerous and violent”. health officials after it was revealed abortion rates there will be the same Ms Smyth pointed out that as well member, the unborn child. “We commend the brave healthcare they had made plans to perform up as England and Wales. as “the evil of killing babies” there is ‘At a time when precious healthcare workers who have spoken out against to 6,500 abortions per year in Northern “There were around 22,500 preg- also a high financial cost. “A conser- resources are being sidelined for the this dangerous and violent pro- Ireland – at a cost of at least £4 million. nancies in Northern Ireland last year. vative estimate suggests these planned rightful and necessary treatment and gramme,” A SPUC spokesperson said. The figure was revealed in the notes But there is absolutely no reason to abortions will cost £4 million but it prevention of Covid-19, it is foolish “‘DIY’ home abortion provision is a of a meeting involving officials from make the presumption that a quarter could be as high as £5 million.” to set aside funding and resources for travesty that should never have been Northern Ireland’s Health and Social of those will end in abortion,” said With 300,00 people on NHS waiting a form of treatment that provides no introduced. Care Board last December, shortly Bernadette Smyth, director of Precious lists in Northern Ireland she asked improvement in healthcare outcomes, “Allowing women to take powerful after abortion was forced on Northern Life. “Northern Ireland has a pro-life “wouldn’t this money be better spent indeed in many cases providing worse drugs alone at home shows a complete Ireland from Westminster. culture, the majority of people here treating these people, or providing outcomes, and is essentially ideolog- lack of care and respect for women’s They relate to a discussion among have stood united against abortion support for women in crisis pregnan- ical in nature,’ they said. health as well as the lives of their un- health officials about how many abor- for 50 years. The people here didn’t cies?” The healthcare workers stressed born babies.” 12 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper Low-key but heartfelt consistory welcomes Church’s new cardinals Cindy Wooden Pope Francis and new cardinals visit with retired Pope Benedict XVI In a moving but deliberately low-key at the retired pope's residence after the consistory. occasion on 28th November, Pope Francis ordained 11 senior Churchmen Right, Cardinal Grech. as cardinals in a special consistory at the Vatican, elevating them to the ranks of ‘Princes’ of the Church and assigning each a titular church in Rome last Sunday. As with so many similar events around the world this year, the con- sistory was scarred by the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing officials to scale back what is traditionally a lavish cer- emony full of pomp, noise and colour. Gone were the huge crowds in St Peter’s Square who usually accalim the new cardinals, with pockets of the faithful travelling thousands of miles But for all that it was still an in- to acknowledge their new red hat credibly moving ceremony, with one from their homeland. Instead each of the new cardinals saying the ab- cardinal was accompanied by a priest- sence of fuss and crowds had made it secretary and could invite only a hand- more personal, as if it were an occasion ful of guests, so the congregation at just involving the pope, Jesus and the Altar of the Chair in St Peter’s me.” Basilica was barely 100. Two of the proposed 13 new cardi- Also missing were the ‘courtesy vis- nals could not attend: Cardinals Jose its,’ a reception lasting several hours F. Advincula of Capiz, Philippines, and in the early evening when the general Cornelius Sim, apostolic vicar of public was invited into the Vatican to Brunei, were forced to miss the con- greet the new cardinals. sistory because of Covid-19 travel re- Scrapped too was the traditional strictions. They are still officially car- meet and greet with the congregations dinals, however, and will receive their of the Rome churches to which the birettas and rings at a later date, the new cardinals were associated. Car- Vatican said. dinals are given a ‘titular’ church in In his homily at the prayer service, Rome, formally making them mem- Pope Francis told the new cardinals Cardinal Advincula bers of the Rome diocesan clergy, that “the scarlet of a cardinal’s robes, was not able to flying to Rome and again upon arrival. which is what the Church’s first car- which is the colour of blood, can, for travel from the Even after testing negative, they were Philippines and had dinals were. a worldly spirit, become the colour required to quarantine for 10 days to watch of a secular ‘eminence,’” the traditional proceedings online and were tested again immediately title of respect for a cardinal. before the consistory. The Universe If that happens, he said, “you will Cardinal Gregory from Washington – Contacts – no longer be a pastor close to your DC said he hopes Pope Francis will people. You will think of yourself only find him to be “supportive, encour- as ‘His Eminence.’ If you feel that, aging and trustworthy” in his role as you are off the path.” a cardinal. The USA’s first Black car- For the cardinals, the pope said, dinal said he regretted that his two the red must symbolise a wholeheart- sisters had been unable to travel to ed following of Jesus, who willingly Rome to attend, but knew that they gave his life on the cross to save hu- they may be united to the Chair of He prayed that people would react to were watching the livestream instead. To contact a member manity. Peter by a closer bond to our apostolic the pandemic as an “opportunity to With the consistory the College of of The Catholic Universe The Gospel reading at the service, ministry.” rethink our lifestyles, our relationships, Cardinals now has 229 members, 128 Mark 10:32-45, included the account Mexican Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi the organisation of our societies and, of whom are under the age of 80 and team, call: of James and John asking Jesus for Esquivel, retired bishop of San Cristo- especially, the meaning of our lives.” eligible to enter a conclave to elect a special honors. “Grant that in your bal de Las Casas, Mexico, told Vatican Cardinal Grech also led the others new pope. Pope Francis has given the ADVERTISING SALES: glory we may sit one at your right News that the new cardinals are called in the recitation of the Creed and of red hat to 57 per cent of electors. 07984 616950 and the other at your left,” they said. to reconfirm their commitment to an oath of fidelity and obedience to The full list of new cardinals is: But Jesus reproaches them. making Christ the centre of their lives Christ and his Church and to Pope • Mario Grech, from Malta, 63. “We, too, pope and cardinals, must and “to collaborate with the pope in Francis and his successors. • Marcello Semeraro, an Italian who CIRCULATION: always see ourselves reflected in this his ministry as bishop of Rome, and The new cardinals came from eight is prefect of the Congregation for 07375 397312 word of truth,” Pope Francis said. “It so we are assigned a parish in this countries: Italy, Malta, the United Saints’ Causes, 72. is a sharpened sword; it cuts, it proves city, as a sign of communion between States, Brunei, the Philippines, Mexico, • Antoine Kambanda, Rwanda, 62. ACCOUNTS: painful, but it also heals, liberates and that community and the one who pre- Rwanda and Chile. • Wilton D. Gregory, USA, 72. 07984 616949 converts us.” sides over this local church, which is All cardinals who came from outside • Cardinal Jose F. Advincula of Capiz, According to canon law, cardinals the pope.” Europe were tested for Covid-19 before Philippines, 68. are created when their names are Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, sec- • Celestino Aos Braco of Chile, 75. EDITORIAL: made public “in the presence of the retary-general of the Synod of Bishops, • Cornelius Sim, Brunei, 69. 07949 987771 College of Cardinals.” While many was the first mentioned by the pope • Paolo Lojudice of Siena, Italy, 56. Rome-based cardinals attended the in October when he announced he • Mauro Gambetti, custos of the GENERAL ENQUIRIES: consistory, more members of the col- was creating new cardinals. As such, Sacred Convent of Assisi in Assisi, 55. lege were “present” online. it fell to Cardinal Grech to address • Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, retired 0161 820 5722 In fact, the formula for the creation the pope on behalf of the new cardi- bishop of San Cristobal de Las of cardinals, recited in Latin by Pope nals. Casas, Mexico, 80 Supporting Catholic journalism Francis, says, “It chiefly concerns the “Convoked in consistory at such a • Silvano M. Tomasi, Italy, 80. Church of Rome, but it also affects serious time for all humanity because • Raniero Cantalamessa, Italy, www.thecatholic the entire ecclesial community: We of the pandemic, we want to turn our preacher of the papal household, 86. will call certain of our brethren to thoughts to all our brothers and sisters • Enrico Feroci, 80, former director of universe.com enter the College of Cardinals, so that enduring hardship,” the cardinal said. Cardinal Cantalamessa Rome’s Caritas. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 13 Rome

New cardinals arrive in procession at St Peter’s Basilica for the consistory Photo: Vatican Media

First black US cardinal does matter Shannen Dee Williams When Pope Francis appointed At- lanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory to become the first African American to lead the Archdiocese of Washing- ton in 2019, many observers consid- ered it a foregone conclusion that he would become the first Black cardi- nal from the USA. After all, five of Gregory’s six immediate predeces- sors had ascended into the highest- ranking body of the Church. Pope Francis’ demonstrated com- mitment to more equitable repre- sentation in the College of Cardinals raised the chances of Cardinal Gregory’s selection even higher. Pope warns new red hats: However, Black Catholics in the US still held their breath, but when it came his appointment was a mon- umental milestone. First and foremost, Cardinal Gre- beware sin of ‘worldliness’ gory’s appointment is a recognition of his distinguished record of moral Carol Glatz prayer frequently throughout the day – There is the “slumber of mediocrity,” is part of a conspiracy, he said. leadership in the white-dominated Concelebrating Mass with the newly “before our meetings, our studies and he said, “when we forget our first love Instead, Pope Francis said, people US Church. An unyielding champion created cardinals, Pope Francis said our work, before making decisions, and grow satisfied with indifference, must stay awake and remain vigilant of racial equality and advocate for Advent is a time to be vigilant, hopeful in every important or difficult moment concerned only for an untroubled ex- through charity and compassionate the Church’s marginalised, he has and helpful. of our lives – ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’” the istence.” service to others. consistently demonstrated a com- People of faith who believe in the pope said. This “lukewarm, worldly” life slowly “When the Church worships God mitment to the common good and Heaven that awaits them should not People must be watchful and fo- eats away at faith, which must not be and serves our neighbour, it does not all humanity without distinction. be caught up with earthly concerns, cused on what is essential in life, the lukewarm, but a fire that burns, “a live in the night. However weak and But his appointment is also he said during a Mass in St Peter’s pope said, because “one great mistake desire for God, a bold effort to change, weary, she journeys toward the Lord,” uniquely significant to the nation’s Basilica on 29th November, the first is to get absorbed in a thousand things the courage to love, constant progress,” he said. longstanding and long denied Black Sunday of Advent, which marks the and not to notice God. he said. Before praying the Angelus with Catholic community. In fact, some start of a new liturgical year. “People must not let themselves be Faith “is not a tranquiliser for people people in St Peter’s Square, the pope see Gregory’s elevation as even more “Why should we be anxious about overcome by discouragement, but live under stress, it is a love story for spoke of the importance of believing significant than the 2008 election of money, fame, success, all of which in hope,” he said. people in love!” in a God who comes to dwell among the nation’s first Black president. will fade away? Why should we waste “If we are awaited in Heaven, why Another danger is “the slumber of his people. While some might feel inclined to time complaining about the night, should we be caught up with earthly indifference” when people show no “We are well aware that life is made argue that Cardinal Gregory’s when the light of day awaits us?” he concerns?” he asked. “Why should we concern for those around them and up of highs and lows, of lights and African American heritage should asked. be anxious about money, fame, suc- “everything revolves around us and shadows, and life has been especially not matter, the fact remains that The Mass was celebrated with the cess, all of which will fade away?” our needs,” he said. difficult for so many because of the race has mattered in the modern 11 new cardinals created the previous Waiting and being watchful are dif- “We immediately begin to complain pandemic,” he said. The worry, fear Church since the dawn of the day, all wearing their new purple vest- ficult, though, he said, and everyone about everything and everyone; we and discouragement so many people transatlantic slave trade and Europe’s ments. They were joined by pastors is vulnerable to dangerous kinds of start to feel victimised by everyone” feel actually risk turning into “pes- violent colonisation of the Americas or rectors of the 13 Rome churches to “drowsiness.” and then end up believing everything simism, closure and apathy.” and Africa in the 15th/16th centuries. which the new cardinals were associ- People should remember the Lord Indeed, one cannot tell the story ated and about 100 others who had “is our help and our shield,” the pope of Black Catholicism that seeded been invited by the new cardinals. said; he is “present in history to lead Gregory’s rise without acknowledg- In his homily, Pope Francis said the it to its ultimate goal and to its fullness, ing the foundational African roots of two key phrases for the Advent season which is the Lord Jesus Christ.” the US Church, or reckoning with were God’s closeness and people’s vig- For Christians, God is the “God- the Church’s long and largely unrec- ilance against indifference and medi- with-us,” who “walks beside us” and onciled histories of colonialism, ocrity. to help people discover the meaning slavery, segregation and exclusion. Advent reminds people that God of life, “to give us courage when we But Gregory is also the product of came down “to dwell in our midst” are under duress or when we suffer,” a longstanding tradition of Catholi- and that they must always call for his he said. “In the midst of life’s storms, cism that has fought against racism assistance, he said.“The first step of God always extends his hand to us and white supremacy at every turn. faith is to tell God that we need him” and frees us from threats.” It is a tradition that has always un- and to ask that he “come close to us The pope asked that people use derstood that Black lives matter and once more,” the pope said. “God wants this time of great difficulty to pray that Black history in the United to draw close to us, but he will not simply as a family, live more moder- States and wider world is, and always impose himself; it is up to us to keep ately and to reach out to help their has been, Catholic history. saying to him, ‘Come!’” neighbors in a way that is respectful And for that alone, let the Church People should repeat this short and discreet. say amen. 14 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Rome/World Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress

Abusers put end Swiss choices to innocence full of holes, says diocese A Swiss Catholic diocese that elects its own bishop from a shortlist drawn Fr Shay up by the Holy See has rejected all Cullen three candidates proposed by Pope Francis. The Diocese of Chur said all three We celebrated the ratification of candidates to replace retired Bishop the Convention on the Rights of Vitus Huonder were “unsuitable” as the Child in November. It estab- they either did not have strong links lishes the right of every child to a with the diocese or were too near re- life of peace and security, dignity, tirement themselves. fulfilled needs, a happy family, ed- Pope Pius XII established that Chur ucation, freedom, protection from could select its own bishops in the abuse and poverty, right to health, 1948 decree Etsi salva, which accorded justice and play and happiness. the cathedral chapter the privilege of The Convention binds all mem- electing a bishop from among three ber nations to respect and imple- priests proposed by the Holy See. Since ment the rights of the child and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI meets the new cardinals created then the diocese has retained a fierce act in the best interests of the by Pope Francis, during an audience in his private chapel independence from Rome interfer- child. ence. Before the Convention, the recognition that the child is the most vulnerable and needy was unrecognised by the public, who preferred not to talk about child Vatican says Chinese bishop protection and abuse issues. In many societies, that is still the way things are. Reporting of child sex- ual abuse is improving slowly but has a long way to go. It was and is ‘is in communion with pope’ taboo for many, the unspoken evil that, like a monster, would haunt Carol Glatz new bishops, Bruni said. dained a priest in 1989. He served as greater freedom and security for the anyone who talked about it. The The Vatican confirmed that a bishop Bishop Chen’s ordination took place president of the patriotic association Catholic community in China. best way to deal with child sexual recently ordained in China is in full in St Michael’s Cathedral in Qingdao of Qingdao and has been a member The agreement has meant that, for abuse and slavery was to bury it communion with the pope and that with Bishop John Fang Xingyao of of the standing committee of the pa- the first time in decades, all of the away and cover it up. That is why more Vatican-approved nominations Linyi, Shandong province, presiding. triotic association since 2010. Catholic bishops in China are in full the Convention is so important. would be coming. Bishop Fang, who is president of The activities of all religious com- communion with the pope and there There is now an awakening in Bishop Thomas Chen Tianhao, 58, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Asso- munities in China are subjected to will no longer be illegitimate ordina- society. Many nations have new is the new bishop of Qingdao in Shan- ciation, concelebrated the Mass with government oversight and approval. tions, that is, bishops ordained with strict laws and awareness. Brave dong province and was ordained on Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of The Vatican-China provisional government approval, but not the Vat- and courageous children are com- 23rd November. Zhoucun, vice president of the Council agreement, signed in 2018 and re- ican’s consent. ing forward to protest. The #MeToo Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican of Chinese Bishops, and Archbishop newed in October, outlines procedures Pope Francis has told reporters that movement creates an environment press office, said that Bishop Chen Joseph Zhang Xianwang of Jinan, vice for ensuring that Catholic bishops are the agreement envisions “a dialogue where speaking out is encouraged. was the third bishop to be named president of the ‘Liang hui’ association, elected by the Catholic community about potential candidates. The matter Millions of people went through and ordained within the regulatory which includes the council of bishops in China and approved by the pope is carried out through dialogue. But school and college and were never framework of the provisional agree- and the patriotic association. before their ordinations and installa- the appointment is made by Rome; warned against child sexual abuse ment between China and the Holy The Mass was not open to the public tions. the appointment is by the pope. This being so prevalent. Even the Ten See on the appointment of bishops. because of Covid restrictions, but par- Vatican officials have said that giving is clear. Commandments do not explicitly “I can also add that undoubtedly ticipants included 21 priests and more up full control over the choice of bish- “And we pray for the suffering of condemn it. Jesus of Nazareth did other episcopal consecrations are fore- than 200 nuns and lay faithful. ops would not be what the Vatican some who do not understand or who and placed children as the most seen” given that work is currently un- Bishop Chen was born in Pingdu, hoped for, but that the agreement have many years of clandestine exis- important in the Kingdom and derway for the appointment of several Shandong province, in 1962, and or- was a good first step toward ensuring tence behind them.” said abusers should be cast into the sea with a millstone tied around their necks. He had it right and took a strong, clear position Vatileaks butler on it. But it was ignored by Church Veiled warning for Germany leaders over the ages. Not surpris- dies, aged 54 ing, then, that clerical sexual The papal butler who was pardoned abuse of children was and is such by Benedict XVI for his role in the a frequent crime that it was ig- as Church fears fresh schism ‘Vatileaks’ affair has died at the age nored and covered up. We have to of 54. stand against it and expose it Pope Francis has launched a thinly Holy Spirit is missing, which risks launched its Synodal Path in 2019, Paolo Gabriele passed away on 24th everywhere. veiled attack on the German Church, converting the Catholic Church into debating the issues of power, sexual November after a long illness, the Vat- Seven million children between saying it was working in such a way “a beautiful humanitarian association,” morality, priestly life and the role of ican reported. He leaves a wife and 10 and 18 are sexually abused as to sow disunity. but “it is not the Church.” women in the Church. three children. every year. They will grow up with “At times, I feel a great sadness While the pope did not mention a Other topics include priestly celiba- Gabriele served as the German anger and hatred in their hearts when I see a Church community that specific country, he has previously cy, promoting more women in the pope’s personal butler from 2007 to and be more prone to be violent in takes a wrong path because it thinks urged the German Church to ensure Church and reviewing Catholic teach- 2012 when he was arrested on suspi- their family or society and turn to it is building a Church through gath- that its ‘synodal path’ was guided by ing on sexual morality. cion of leaking classified papal docu- erings, as if it were a political party, Some German bishops are con- ments to an Italian journalist. He was crime and insurrection. ‘The Church’s considering what the majority want; cerned about the process. In Septem- indicted for aggravated theft and stood What do small children know current synodal path they do not ask for the Holy Spirit to ber Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of trial in the Vatican where he told and say about it? could lead to schism’ help. Cologne warned that the Synodal Path judges that he did not “feel like I’m a When given the chance they give said Cardinal Woelki clear, unwavering testimony “It says it is on its ‘synodal path’. reform project, on its current trajec- thief,” adding that he “acted only out against their attackers. they must But where is prayer? Where is the tory, could split from Rome and create of visceral love for the Church of Christ be heard, be supported and be be- community’s love? Where is the Eu- the Holy Spirit with patience and was “a German national Church.” and for its visible head on earth.” lieved. That is the only way we can charist?’ Without these four co-ordi- not simply a “search for results that “The worst outcome would be if He was found guilty of theft and eradicate abuse. nates, the Church becomes a human generate quick consequences but are the Synodal Path leads to a schism ... given a reduced sentence of 18 society, a political party,” he said. “But ephemeral due to the lack of maturity with the universal Church,” Cardinal months. there is no Holy Spirit.” or because they do not respond to Woelki said. “That would be the worst In December of 2012 Benedict XVI Visit www.preda.org, and on If one of those aspects is missing, the vocation to which we are called.” thing if something like a German na- visited Gabriele in his cell to pardon Facebook, Preda Foundation. he added, then the presence of the The Catholic Church in Germany tional Church were to be created here.” him.

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NJPN Comment Nigeria sees A time for Thanksgiving’s legacy another priest eccentrics kidnapped ready to hit US - Fauci A Nigerian archbishop has asked for prayers for the safe release of a priest Coronavirus cases worldwide have kidnapped in Abuja last weekend. Fr Rob Boys search a rubbish dump in Najaf, Iraq, for food or something Fr Matthew Dajo was kidnapped now reached 60 million, with 500,000 useful to sell. The UN has suggested that globally, 265 million people Esdaile new cases reported in a single day at will face starvation soon as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic on Sunday night, Archbishop Ignatius the start of the week – a global record. Kaigama of Abuja said, and he ap- Advent is an eccentric time. I don’t Over 1.5 million people have been pealed to the local community to as- necessarily mean ‘odd’ (though killed, confirmed the World Health sist police in locating his where- the way our culture has stuffed a Organisation, whose director general abouts. season of restraint, pregnant an- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Fr Dajo was abducted by gunmen ticipation and hope with Yuletide the news was a “sad milestone in this during an attack on the town of Yan- feasting is definitely quite contrary). global struggle.” goji, where his parish, St Anthony’s, I mean it’s focus lies beyond itself. The news came as he proclaimed is located. It points both to the future positive news from vaccine trials was “Armed bandits raided the com- (Christ will come again) and the “light at the end of this long, dark munity and shot sporadically for past (his birth at Bethlehem) to tunnel that is growing brighter”. about 30 minutes,” Fr Kevin Os- provoke an encounter in the pres- But he reiterated his warning against elumhense Anetor reported. “The ent. And, as with those mechanical allowing the poorest and most vul- gunmen scaled through the fence of systems which operate outside nerable to be “trampled in the stam- the priest’s house, while others po- their natural centre of gravity, pede” to get inoculated. sitioned themselves outside, before there is something inherently un- Cases remain high across a number entering Fr Matthew’s bedroom and settling in that. A good living of of regions of the world, with countries whisking him away.” this season draws us beyond ha- that had initial success in suppressing Kidnappings of Catholics in Nigeria bitual orbits. first wave outbreaks now seeing in- are an ongoing problem that not only John the Baptist is the Advent fections rise again. affects priests and seminarians, but figure par excellence and undeni- The statistics prove that “once the fallen into poverty since May, accord- and Mexico have also recorded more also lay faithful, Kaigama said. ably eccentric in both senses of virus gets a grip on a society it is vir- ing to researchers. than one million cases; Peru is nearing “We have cases of abductions, de- the word. Decidedly odd (all camel tually impossible to shake off without In Europe, France is now far and that milestone but it’s rate of new in- tentions, and killings by terrorist skins, locusts and wild honey) and drastic steps such as lockdowns,” the away the worst affected nation, with fections is falling after the Government groups, criminal herdsmen, bandits, a bit too ‘shouty’ for our tastes, he WHO chief said. more than two million cases; Spain, introduced strong measures to coun- and gangs of kidnappers to contend also points beyond the here and The United States continues to Italy, Germany and the UK have all teract its spread. with,” he said. now. He is the voice crying in the record the highest new cases and recorded more than one million cases, India has driven the increase in “Last week, in one of our parishes wilderness, ‘Prepare a way for the death toll, with more than 13.5 million but their numbers have either sta- numbers in Asia, with over nine mil- in Abuja archdiocese, five children Lord!’ (Mk 1.1-8) and ‘the witness cases and nearly 270,000 deaths. This bilised or started to fall in recent days. lion confirmed infections, the sec- were kidnapped from one family who to speak for the light’ (Jn 1.6-8). week there are more than 90,000 peo- New cases have also been rising in ond-highest official total in the world live behind the parish house, and A leader whose narrative was ple in hospital, more than in either of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. after the US. the following day a woman preparing not about himself: that would be a the two previous peaks of the pan- Outside Europe, cases are rising in Africa has recorded more than two for her wedding was also kidnapped. refreshing prospect! A figure both demic. Asia once more, with Japan on ‘high million cases, although the true extent They have not been found.” indicating a way forward and The country’s leading epidemiolo- alert’ after seeing a record number of of the pandemic there is not known The Islamist group Boko Haram inviting the whole community to gist, Dr Anthony Fauci, said he feared daily cases in what could be a third as testing rates are low. South Africa, is behind many of the abductions, unite in making straight the the country faced another surge this wave of infections. Prime Minister with about 800,000 cases and more including that of 110 students kid- crooked paths: that is surely what weekend after Americans celebrated Yoshihide Suga urged people to be than 21,000 deaths, is still the worst napped from their boarding school we need if we are to ‘build back the Thanksgiving holiday last week. wary of increased social interaction. affected country on the continent. in February 2018. Of those kid- better’, post-pandemic. But if we “It usually takes a week for new cases In the Middle East, both Iran and Morocco, Egypt and Ethiopia are the napped, Leah Sharibu, is still being want that to happen in the politi- to show up on official figures,” he Jordan have seen the number of daily only other African countries to offi- held. “Leah has become a symbol of cal space, then we need prophetic said, “so I would expect to see the infections rise sharply in recent weeks. cially record over 100,000 cases. Christian resilience against forced voices in the Church space, too. consequences of Thanksgiving start In Latin America, Brazil has more Damage to the world’s major conversion,” the archbishop said. We need to allow ourselves to be to work its way into our figures by than six million confirmed cases and economies is four times worse than He added that “we must also not eccentric in the truest sense. Our this weekend.” the world’s second highest death toll. the 2009 global financial crisis, the forget the 112 Chibok girls and others focus also must be beyond our- The outbreak has had a devastating There are concerns the country is now Organization for Economic Co-oper- who are held captive, with many ei- selves, our centre of gravity out- impact on the US economy. Nearly facing a second wave of infections ation and Development has said; the ther dead or forcefully married off,” side our own immediate orbit, eight million Americans, many of despite it moving into its warmest UN believes that up to 265 million referring to the kidnapping of 276 fixed on God’s Kingdom and the them children and minorities, have weather period. Argentina, Colombia people could soon face starvation. Christian girls in Borno State in 2014. sharing of God’s mercy. However, if we choose that tra- jectory we shall certainly be viewed by our neighbours as ec- Crisis feared as Tigray fighting continues centric in the other sense. There is something odd about Christians Pope Francis has asked people to pray and the Ethiopian state broadcaster the communications blackout in the The northern Ethiopian region of who speak up and act up, not just for Ethiopia’s Tigray region, where the reported that the region was under region, amid claims that rebel forces Tigray is run by the Tigray People’s observing the crooked ways but United Nations has said that “a full- control of the government. have continued shelling the border Liberation Front (TPLF). The group demanding change and working scale humanitarian crisis is unfold- But multiple international news region with Eritrea. The US Embassy once dominated the ruling coalition with the like-minded to achieve it. ing.” outlets have been unable to inde- has said sporadic fighting is continuing of Ethiopia but was marginalised by There is something peculiar in A spokesman for the Holy See said pendently verify these claims due to across the region. Prime Minister Abiy’s political changes those who embrace sufficiency in that the pope was following the news after he took office in 2018. He dis- a world of excess – contenting coming from Ethiopia closely and solved the ruling coalition and merged themselves with ‘wild honey and asked for prayers its people. its ethnicity-based regional parties locusts’ rather than the overprovi- Weeks of violence in the Tigray re- into a single party, the Prosperity Party, sioned online shop. Some under- gion have led to the deaths of hun- which the TPLF refused to join. stand that that truth, here and dreds of civilians and forced tens of Tigrayan leaders have said they were now, is not yet fully realised and thousands of people to flee to Sudan. unfairly targeted by political purges that our pilgrimage, our struggle, “The Holy Father, in inviting prayer and allegations of corruption. They must go on. for this country, makes an appeal to have argued that Abiy’s postponement Yes, that is all a little strange – the parties in conflict to stop the vio- of national elections due to coron- though not as strange as the lence, to safeguard the life, especially avirus have ended his mandate as a prospect of Jesus Emmanuel, of civilians, and to restore peace to legitimate leader. Divinity enfleshed in a new-born the populations,” Holy See Press Office The UN High Commissioner for infant in a borrowed byre in Beth- Director Matteo Bruni said. Refugees, Babar Baloch, has warned lehem. That truly is eccentric. The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy that “a full-scale humanitarian crisis Fr. Rob Esdaile is parish priest of Ahmed announced last weekend that is unfolding,” and that an estimated Our Lady of Lourdes, Thames Government forces had ceased mili- Tens of thousands have 40,000 refugees have crossed from Ditton tary operations in the Tigray region, fled fighting in Tigray Ethiopia into Sudan. theCatholic Cindy Chris Fr Michael Wooden McDonnell Collins Pope urges the valuing From the outside, The Octave at of all human life - p20 looking in - p21 Christmas - p24

www.thecatholicuniverse.com TIMESA CATHOLIC UNIVERSE SUPPLEMENT Vatican tells young people to ask for ‘words of wisdom’ for

Christmas Ben and Isaac talk to their grandparents, Sue and Alan, through a window as they self-isolate at their home in Cheshire. (Catholic News Service photo/Martin Rickett, PA Images via Reuters)

Carol Glatz The invitation was part of a new alone. We can create bonds with force, visiting can only take place For other ideas and guidance, the campaign launched on 27th Novem- each of them – this is a treasure remotely, via telephone, video calls dicastery has posted on its website, One present young people should ber aimed at encouraging young waiting to be discovered!” and messaging. But it is possible to laityfamilylife.va, a free e-book, The ask for this Christmas is words of people to reach out to their grand- The Vatican office asked that peo- participate in this campaign” by Richness of Many Years of Life, wisdom from older people they parents and other older people, not ple reach out to older people and sharing “the wise words of grand- which offers a toolkit in multiple know, a Vatican dicastery said. only to help alleviate the isolation ask for “the gift of their wisdom.” parents and the elderly on social languages “for the development of “Today, in the difficult circum- and loneliness caused by pandemic People can then take the advice, media,” it added. a true pastoral ministry that reaches stances of a Christmas still over- restrictions, but also to create new memories and nuggets of wisdom The latest campaign follows a out” and involves the elderly as shadowed by the pandemic, we are and creative bonds. they collect and post them on social similar effort the dicastery launched active participants in the church. proposing that young people post The unusual circumstances caused media using the hashtag in July in which it “collected virtual The e-book includes the proceed- on social media a memory, a piece by the pandemic means “there is an #aGiftOfWisdom. hugs sent by many young people to ings of the first international of advice or a ‘gift of wisdom’ they opportunity for young people to re- “Some of the best posts will be both their own grandparents and to conference on the pastoral care of have received from one of the elderly ceive a special gift” for Christmas shared” on the dicastery’s social ‘adopted grandparents,’” it said. The the elderly the dicastery held in Jan- people with whom they have formed this year, the dicastery said in a media accounts @laityfamilylife, it effort was meant to encourage young uary 2020 to promote a “renewed a bond in recent months,” said the news release. said. people to show kindness and affec- concern for the pastoral care of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and “Because of the pandemic, there “Unfortunately, in many cases, tion to older people who may be elderly in every ecclesial commu- Life. are more elderly people who live because of the health regulations in feeling lonely. nity.” Social justice must be founded on care for others, pope tells judges

reality you must keep in mind.” Working towards true social integrated humanity,” he said, as against that culture that can lead Junno Arocho Esteves The judges were taking part in justice must also be done with an well as the roots of what people to using others, to enslaving others Guaranteeing justice for all men a two-day virtual meeting on “attitude of commitment” that are experiencing today. and ends up taking away the dig- and women is not possible while “Building the New Social Justice.” follows “along the path of the Pope Francis insisted that true nity of others,” the pope said. “Do a few people control most of the The meeting was sponsored by Good Samaritan” and that is social justice is impossible if the not forget that solidarity, under- world’s wealth and everyone else’s the Pontifical Academy of Sciences mindful of not falling “into a cul- human person is not the centre of stood in its deepest sense, is a way right to a dignified life is disre- and the Committee of Pan-Amer- ture of indifference,” he said. concern. of making history.” garded, Pope Francis said. ican Judges for Social Rights and People “must recognise the all- “God asks us believers to be In a video message released on Franciscan Doctrine. too-frequent temptation to disre- God’s people, not ‘God’s elite.’ Monday, the pope encouraged At “such a critical time for all gard others, especially the weak- Because those who go the way of judges from North and South of humanity,” the pope said, the est,” the pope explained. “We have ‘God’s elite’ end up in the so- America and Africa not to lose virtual meeting to discuss the work to assume that we have become called elitist clericalisms that work sight of “the distressing situation of building “a new social justice accustomed to turning a blind eye, for the people, but do nothing in which a small part of humanity is, without doubt, excellent news.” to ignoring situations until they with the people, do not feel like a lives in opulence, while an increas- Offering a reflection for their hit us directly.” people,” the pope said. ing number of people are denied discussions, the pope said that And, he continued, one must Lastly, Pope Francis said that dignity and their most elementary building social justice is a “collec- not ignore history with all its solidarity is essential in the fight rights are ignored or violated.” tive work” that must be achieved “struggles, triumphs and defeats.” against poverty, inequality and An Iraqi boy collects recyclable “We cannot be disconnected on a daily basis “because imbalance “Therein lies the blood of those unemployment. garbage at a dump in Najaf, Iraq. from reality,” he said. “This is a is a temptation at every minute.” who gave their lives for a full and Solidarity means “fighting (CNS photo/Alaa Al-Marjani) 18 CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

In brief TALKING POINT VATICAN CITY: The approval decades ago of a Zairean rite of the Roman Missal demonstrated that it is possible also to develop a rite for the Amazon region, Catholic social teaching Pope Francis said in a preface to a new book. The Zairean rite, an example of liturgical inculturation, “sug- gests a promising way also for can bridge divisions in the eventual elaboration of an Amazonian rite, in that the cul- tural needs of a specific area of the African context are acknowl- edged without distorting the na- ture of the Roman Missal as a society, says archbishop guarantee of continuity with the ancient and universal tradition of the Church,” the pope wrote. The pope’s remarks appear Catholic social teaching, “with its in the preface of a new book, understanding of natural law,” can Pope Francis and the Roman bridge the divisions that exist in Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire: US society between religious A Promising Rite for Other Cul- adherents and secularists, said tures. Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of The book, currently only in Miami. Italian, is due to be released on Archbishop Wenski portrayed 9th December by the Vatican the divide this way: “One side, the publishing house. The Italian secularists, holds for a radical Catholic newspaper, Avvenire, autonomy by which truth is published the pope’s text earlier determined not by the nature of this week. things but by one’s own will. The Edited by Congolese Sister religious side – our side – holds Rita Mboshu Kongo, a theolo- that men and women are not self- gian and member of the Daugh- creators but creatures, that truth is ters of Mary Most Holy, the not constructed but received, and book is meant to help readers that it must reflect the reality of learn more about the different things.” aspects of the Zairean rite, which “Catholic teaching proclaims the incorporates elements of Con- dignity of every human being but golese culture and reflects the also acknowledges the reality of needs of Catholics in the sub- sin,” Archbishop Wenski said in Saharan African nation, formerly his column for the November issue Zaire, now Congo. of the Florida Catholic, Miami’s archdiocesan newspaper. MEXICO CITY: Mexican “Our police forces, our social Church and civic officials have services agencies, our schools, our cancelled public feast celebra- courtrooms deal with the tions for Mexico’s patroness at consequences of sin every day,” he her shrine in Mexico City due added. to the Covid-19 pandemic. The “Today we see much anger in celebration normally attracts 10 our society. And much of that million pilgrims to the Basilica anger is seen in our streets and of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the expressed in social media,” the Pope Francis greets Archbishop world’s most-visited Marian archbishop said. “We hear warring Thomas J. Wenski of Miami during slogans: ‘Black lives matter,’ ‘blue a meeting with US bishops at the shrine. Vatican in February. At a joint news conference, lives matter,’ ‘all lives matter,” and (CNS photo/Vatican Media) Mexico City Cardinal Carlos from those who identify as pro- Aguiar Retes and Mayor Claudia life, ‘unborn lives matter.’ And and the unlettered.” history who identifies himself as a enforcement and the legal Sheinbaum urged pilgrims to they all do matter – beneath these Much is being made of the Roman Catholic,” Archbishop profession.” stay away from the basilica and slogans there is an argument about election of Joe Biden as president, Wenski said. “This is quite an achievement to avoid congregating in the area. ‘who truly belongs to our society?’ since Biden (pictured) would be “Because of his (Biden’s) considering that for much of our Pilgrims normally descend on and ‘who is shut out?’” only “the second president in our apparent dissent from Catholic nation’s history, Catholics were the area – often arriving on foot He added: “Catholic social teachings due to his support of looked on with suspicion as being from cities and towns surround- teaching on the life and dignity of certain anti-life policies of his ‘un-American,’ and ‘anti- ing the Mexican capital – and the human person, on human party (the Democrats), he has been Catholicism’ remains a deeply gather at midnight prior to the solidarity, on the common good criticised by many for ‘not being entrenched bias in American life,” feast day on 12th December to and the necessity for governments Catholic enough,’” he added. “But he said. serenade Mary. Church officials to respect the principle of at the same time, our newest “As Catholics, we should not get instead urged devotees to cele- subsidiarity can make important Supreme Court justice (Amy caught up in internecine arguments brate the feast at their local contributions to addressing the Coney Barrett) has been criticised about ‘who is too Catholic’ and parishes or at home via broad- social unrest that besets our by others as being ‘too Catholic.’” ‘who is not Catholic enough.’ In casts from the basilica online society today as it faces the While Biden will be just the any case, Jesus will sort it out on and on public television. challenges of enduring racism, second Catholic among 46 men to Judgement Day,” Archbishop “We already know that the growing inequality and the serve as president, there are Wenski said. Virgin moves and moves to intolerance of a ‘cancel culture.’” currently six Catholics on the “In the meantime, every baptised where her sons and daughters When Irish novelist James Joyce Supreme Court, and 31 per cent of Catholic can call himself or herself are, especially those who are described the Catholic Church as those in Congress are Catholic a ‘practising Catholic’ because this grieving,” Archbishop Rogelio “here comes everybody,” he did so despite Catholics accounting for life is our one chance to practise Cabrera López, president of the disparagingly, Archbishop Wenski just a bit over 20 per cent of the the faith until we get it right,” he Mexican bishops’ conference, said. “But the Church does US population, noted Archbishop added. “And, because we all are said at the news conference. welcome everybody – saint and Wenski. “And Catholics are sinners, we all must practise very sinner, rich and poor, the learned likewise overrepresented in law hard.” CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20 FEATURE 19 www.thecatholicuniverse.com Church aids tiny Colombian island’s residents left homeless by hurricane

Cody Weddle The Nuestra Señora de los Laidy Betancourt now sleeps in a Dolores Catholic Church is tent with her husband and 10-year- pictured on Providencia island, old son on the sanctuary floor of Colombia. The church was the Our Lady of Sorrows Church only one of six Catholic churches (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores) on on the island to not be destroyed entirely during Hurricane Iota. the tiny Caribbean Isle de Providencia. (below) Bishop Jaime Uriel She, along with many of the Sanabria Arias prepares to island’s 5,000-plus residents, were celebrate Mass at the parish left homeless after powerful offices of Nuestra Señora de los Hurricane Iota slammed Dolores Catholic church on 22nd Colombia’s only island province November. (Catholic News Service on 16th November. photos/Cody Weddle) “We’re thinking this will be the first and last time we experience this,” Betancourt said. “We’ll be moving back to the Colombian mainland.” Iota marked the first recorded Category 5 storm ever to hit the island, which sits off the coast of Nicaragua. The Colombian Government estimates that the hurricane damaged 100 per cent of structures, destroying eight out of 10 of them. Iota later hit Nicaragua as a Category 4 storm, then barrelled through Honduras, both already reeling from Hurricane Eta, which passed through two weeks earlier. Authorities in Central America have confirmed more than 140 deaths from Eta and more than 40 from Iota, including one person on Providencia. “The hurricane started at eight in the evening, and at three in the morning the eye arrived,” said Father Benito Huffington, the parish priest who has ministered on the island for 31 years. “Then at 10 in the morning the next day, it was as if another hurricane island her entire life, said in a mix miraculous because many lives arrived, and that was what finished of English and her native Creole. were spared.” everything off.” When the winds subsided about Government flights and ships As warnings started arriving 1pm, relieved residents emerged to eventually arrived at the island, from the central government while an island largely razed by the 160- delivering vital emergency the storm neared, Fr Benito mile-per-hour winds. Fishing boats supplies. Duque has promised 15 worked with the local mayor’s sat in the middle of streets that tons in humanitarian aid and the office to offer shelter to residents. were lined by piles of rubble. Government has delivered 1,500 Nearly three dozen people took Of the island’s six Catholic tents. However, it has declined to shelter in the church’s youth centre churches, only one has not been evacuate all residents. and dozens more in the concrete damaged beyond repair. A pile of Bishop Jaime Uriel Sanabria parish offices. For 10 hours, Fr blue and white boards replaced the Arias, apostolic vicar of San Benito hunkered down in the three-story Mary Immaculate Andres and Providencia, arrived bathroom of his home with three Education Institute where the nuns three days later from San Andres nuns who oversee a local school. educate 250 local children. Built in Island, 55 miles southwest of “We saved our life because we 1932, the building had been Providencia. had a bathroom with a sturdy roof declared a national monument. “Here people are in need of and concrete,” he said. Our Lady of Sorrows Church spiritual assistance, because in a But the roof of the youth centre lost its roof, its pews strewn tragedy of this magnitude, people did not hold up as well and around inside. need hope, encouragement, and a field hospital after the hurricane by 2022. The islanders remain collapsed during the storm. Providing some hope amid the presence,” he said. “And our left the health clinic in disrepair. mostly unable to contact family Dodging the beams, the 33 people despair, a concrete statue of the presence here is important and the At the church sanctuary where and friends in the outside world. inside, including Betancourt, Mary on Santa Catalina island fundamental help we can give.” residents continue to camp in Hurricane Beta in 2005 was the waited for a respite from the wind directly north of Providencia Bishop Sanabria has remained tents, Fr Benito has pleaded for last storm to cause significant to run to the parish offices a few remained standing unscathed. on the island and on 22nd tarps to cover the roof. Many damage to the island. It damaged yards away. After seeing the statue during a November celebrated the first islanders have complained that more than 1,500 homes. “That was a very hard day, that tour of the island a day after the Mass for dozens of residents at the they are struggling to stay dry “Now it’s not just that homes breeze started to come in, and storm, Colombian President Ivan parish office. because of constant rain and lack don’t have roofs,” Fr Benito said. boof, boof, boof, the roof was Duque noted that “after a Category Colombia’s Government has of adequate shelter. “Homes are no longer standing lifted up,” Virginia Webster, who 5, the Virgin still stood there. promised to start delivering The Colombian Government has and we know that as an island, it was born and has lived on the Many people are saying she is temporary housing and has set up promised to rebuild all structures will take longer for us to fix this.” 20 CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

Cindy Wooden VATICAN LETTER ‘Make space at the table’: Pope urges valuing and welcoming all human life

Pope Francis admits he is not an economist, but he is a pastor. And as a pastor, he has seen how the global economy has cast aside many members of his flock, and he knows that the Gospel and Catholic social teaching call for a different response. “Solidarity is not the sharing of crumbs from the table, but to make space at the table for everyone,” Pope Francis said in a new book written with Austen Ivereigh. The book, Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future, was published on 1st December by Simon & Schuster. Journalists were given copies in advance. The pope’s concerns about the current situation of the world, especially given the coronavirus pandemic, will not be new to anyone who followed his homilies as the pandemic developed in the spring, watched his weekly general audience series on Catholic social teaching or read his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship. But the new book sets out systematically how he takes the “see-judge-act” method of social action – what he calls “contemplate-discern-propose” – and uses it to describe the current state of affairs, to look at attitudes behind many issues and to call for a new way of doing things. Part of the new book, Ivereigh Pope Francis meets author Austen Ivereigh at the Vatican in October 2019. The pope collaborated with said, is based on Pope Francis’ Ivereigh on the book, Let Us Dream: The Path to A Better Future. In the book the pope said he experienced recorded responses to his written three “Covid moments” in his lifetime: lung problems that threatened his life when he was 21; his questions and part on suggestions “displacement” in Germany in 1986 for studies; and when he was sent away to Cordoba, Argentina, for almost outlined by the pope, elaborated by two years in the early 1990s. Let Us Dream was published on 1st December by Simon & Schuster. Ivereigh and then redacted by the (Catholic News Service photos/Vatican Media) pope. lives.” human being and an understanding our economic security or to The Covid-19 pandemic has In other words, the pope said, that the Earth and all the good it assuage our fear that parenthood concepts like the universal basic been a global trauma or trial, Pope “we need to slow down, take stock contains were meant by God to be will upend our lives.” income (UBI), also known as ‘the Francis said, and it is precisely and design better ways of living a gift for everyone, not just those To claim “to promote the Gospel negative income tax’: an how one acts in a trial that reveals together on this earth.” strong enough to grab the most the and not welcome the strangers in unconditional flat payment to all the state of his or her heart: “How The only way to get a proper quickest. need, nor affirm their humanity as citizens, which could be dispersed solid it is, how merciful, how big perspective, he said, is to go to the “I cannot stay silent over 30- to children of God, is to seek to through the tax system.” or small.” margins of society, to the places 40-million unborn lives cast aside encourage a culture that is The payment would guarantee “God asks us to dare to create where people suffer most and every year through abortion,” he Christian in name only, emptied of every citizen has the minimum something new,” he said. “We allow that suffering to touch one’s said. “It is painful to behold how all that makes it distinctive,” Pope necessary to survive and, he said, cannot return to the false securities heart. in many regions that see Francis said. could encourage people to job of the political and economic “I think often of persecuted themselves as developed, the Abortion, anti-immigrant share with others, increasing systems we had before the crisis. peoples: the Rohingya, the poor practice is often urged because the sentiments, racism, lack of care of employment, or give more time to We need economies that give to all Uighurs, the Yazidi – what ISIS children to come are disabled, or the elderly and the embracing of volunteer work. access to the fruits of creation, to did to them was truly cruel – or unplanned.” an economic system that focuses Pope Francis urged people to the basic needs of life: to land, Christians in Egypt and Pakistan “Human life is never a burden. It on profit at all costs are all signs of pause and look around for lodging, and labour.” killed by bombs that went off demands we make space for it, not the “erosion of the value of life,” something new and different they And, he said, “we need a politics while they prayed in church,” he cast it off,” Pope Francis insisted. he said. could do to help someone else. that can integrate and dialogue said. “Of course,” he said, “the arrival “Without a vision for society “When you feel the twitch, stop with the poor, the excluded and the The pope’s prescription is of a new human life in need – rooted in the dignity of all people,” and pray,” he said. “And then act. vulnerable, that gives people a say centred on dialogue, a recognition whether the unborn child in the he said, “the logic of the unfettered Call up, go visit, offer your in the decisions that impact their of the God-given dignity of every womb or the migrant at our market ends up turning life from a service. Say you don’t have a clue border – challenges and changes gift into a product.” what they do, but maybe you can our priorities. With abortion and As he did in a letter in April to help. Say you’d like to be part of a “Human life is never a burden. It demands closed borders we refuse that grassroots workers’ co-operatives, different world, and you thought we make space for it, not cast it off” readjustment of our priorities, Pope Francis said in the book that this might be a good place to sacrificing human life to defend he believes “it is time to explore start.” CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20 21

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Chris McDonnell JOURNEY IN FAITH From the outside, looking in

Belonging to a social group, a question the management of his sports club, a political party or a position by Rome and his own local community association religious order over a long period involves accepting certain rules of time. A farmer friend of and patterns of behaviour. Our Flannery’s described it as “a book behaviour is modified for the of religion for adults”, indeed an greater good of all. Breaking the apt description. Asking questions rules might lead to a minor is an integral part of a fulfilled sanction or, ultimately, to faith, even if some of the answers expulsion if the matter is are uncomfortable. I have always considered serious enough. I encouraged young people to ask would like to explore this week the questions but not always to expect implications of ‘belonging’ and a neatly packaged answer. There is the consequences of finding a mystery in life that remains in oneself on the outside, spite of everything. consequences for the group and for A compassionate argument the individual concerned. listens to both sides, hears both Our membership of any group is points of view before reaching a usually a voluntary action. No-one conclusion demanding action. forces you to become a card- Being placed on the outside carrying member of a political without the opportunity of party nor demands that you join dialogue only exacerbates the the local golf club. It is a course of position when there is action that we undertake for disagreement. At times of such personal reasons. Our social stress and loneliness we should commitment leads us to associate reflect on the words of the Nobel ourselves with a particular group, Laureate, Albert Camus who so we confirm our point of view wrote: “Don’t walk in front of by joining our voice to theirs. We me… I may not follow. Don’t walk apply for membership of a sports behind me… I may not lead. Walk club or gym in order to share beside me… just be my friend”. activity with others. Both actions We expect friendship even when benefit the group we join as well there is disagreement over as ourselves. principle. But joining does not nullify our Rejection and exclusion are cul- own voice. In fact most groups de-sac solutions when a have clear ‘Standing Orders’ that disagreement occurs. It is often the wrong thing at the wrong time. the courage to speak out are priests advances. Closure will not enable member’s opinions to be said that a family can be defined as Sometimes it is best to let a point listened to and their opinions be temporary as with Covid, but heard for the greater good. the place where it is safe to ride to a later date when a valued. Another perspective must long term due to a structural Expressing a critical comment disagree with one another, being dispassionate exchange may take be sought if we are to find credible failure of our Catholic Community should not imply disloyalty, rather aware that a relationship of love place in a more conducive solutions. to recognise the need for radical the opposite. Very often it is exists that is strong and lasting. atmosphere. We shouldn’t be fearful of such change before it is too late. because we care for the greater Trust and the comfort of In the light of the recent news honest discussion; rather we Reflect back some 60 years to good that we feel compelled to personal security allow honest that the seminary at Wonersh is to should welcome it as our the time when John XXIII speak up. The Member of views to be expressed as each close due to a lack of new opportunity to contribute to considered calling a Council. Parliament, David Lammy, person within the group strives to students, Flannery’s reflection on Mission. At every moment the Knowing what he knew about the recently said: “You can be critical experience an understanding of his experience of seminary life Church exists in historical time. In entrenched views of the Roman of your own country but still love another’s point of view. offer much food for thought. His our ‘otherness’ we might attempt Curia, he must have been fearful of it”. We sometimes use the phrase description of a narrow and tightly to ignore the society that it is our opening the windows to let fresh We should always be aware of ‘speaking when the time is right’. controlled atmosphere challenges lot to share. We may agree or air in. But he did so from a the prejudice of the group. Every We all know that we can the suitability of seminary training disagree with the surrounding position of faith, he trusted in the group has a prepared position on a exaggerate disagreement by saying for the future priestly ministry of milieu that we experience, but we Holy Spirit and that trust enabled variety of subjects. For example a its students. cannot ignore it. him to act. football crowd have very clear With the recent publication of Our appreciation of scriptural Too often, when someone offers loyalties during a match and are the IICSA report on abusive narrative is testimony to expert a dissenting opinion, rather than usually vocal in expressing their behaviour within the Catholic scholarship over many years. Some address their point of view, we opinion. Church in England, surely the time of the conclusions drawn from accuse them of acting in bad faith, All very well, but what happens has come to re-examine the such scholarship might be of not understanding the details of when disagreement with the group context of vocation and uncomfortable for us to assimilate the argument. Their journey in leads to rejection, how is that preparation of our priests? One but rejection out of hand limits our faith becomes a lonely trek in an managed? practical outcome from this whole honesty and challenges our arid desert wilderness. I have just finished reading Fr sorry mess would be for our integrity. Tony Flannery writes from the Tony Flannery’s latest book, From hierarchy to establish a National So why not call a National experience of such a personal the Outside, an account of the last Commission on the nature of Commission on priesthood where desert journey, his words challenge eight years since his public priesthood, patterns of preparation our voices, many and varied, might many preconceptions that are ministry of priesthood has been for ministry and options for parish be heard for the greater good of accepted without question. He is to forbidden by the CDF. An Irish life. all? We have a narrow window of be thanked for this honest member of the Redemptorist It is no longer possible to opportunity before church doors contribution to a journey that it is Order, he has spent a lifetime continue with a model of are locked as the age profile of our ours to share. caring for very many people across priesthood that is outmoded and is, the island of Ireland, preaching in so many ways, dysfunctional. I have always encouraged young and leading retreats. It is a That will mean confronting issues challenging read that demands the that some would rather not face. people to ask questions but not always attention of the reader, calling to We should expect that those with to expect a neatly packaged answer 22 CREDO CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

Fr Francis Marsden The need for us Catholics to know our Scriptures thoroughly

Bible Sunday. How should we as formed me that I wasn’t saved. If I Catholics relate to Born-again Bible was truly saved, you see, I would Believers, so-called? leave the Catholic Church. He knew One afternoon I was walking much more than I did about the state through a Merseyside shopping of my soul. He could tell me that I precinct en route to buy some sta- didn’t really have a personal rela- tionery. I noticed three men sitting tionship with Jesus Christ. I ob- on benches. One wore a yellow flu- jected. He firmly put me in my orescent jacket which declared “Je- place: “You only think you have, sus saves”. Agreed. In front of them but you don’t!” Good news? a short elderly man, Bible in hand, The Catholic Church is wrong, he was shouting the Good News at all said, because it teaches that you and sundry, but all and sundry were can’t know for certain if you are walking on by, paying no attention. saved. (Well, we have firm hope and Seeing me, the preacher cried out: pray for final perseverance). “Even the priest walks past.” Em- Whereas in his Bible-sect he en- The Adoration of the Trinity, by Albrecht Dürer (1511): from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father barrassing, certainly. Inside the sta- joyed infallible knowledge that he and the crucified Christ. tioner’s, I decided that if he shouted personally was saved and destined in it is false.” Instead he founded a born again.” Often this replaces the between 60 and 100 AD, preserved again when I walked back, I would for glory, alleluia! I wondered how community, the “Church of the liv- traditional, Biblical route of repen- a reliable account of Jesus’ principal engage him in “dialogue.” he could object to the canonisation ing God, the pillar and foundation tance of sin, profession of faith, bap- words and deeds. These texts crys- Well he did: “Even the priest of saints, when he had already of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:15) tism and the Eucharist. They reduce tallise the key events of Jesus’ life, walks past!” So I stopped and asked: canonised himself. The sola scriptura doctrine of the sacraments to mere ritual ordi- but they do not contain everything. “Which church are you from?” One The Catholic Church teaches peo- “the Bible, the Bible and only the nances, not the normal, essential They constitute Written Tradition. of his mates came up and shoved a ple, he alleged, that they can save Bible”, is ironically not to be found channels of grace which regenerate Oral Tradition and Written Tra- crumpled leaflet into my hand. I un- themselves by their own good works in Scripture. Martin Luther invented our souls. dition therefore complement each folded it .. . . “List of Catholic Here- (It doesn’t! That’s Pelagianism). He it about 1519. In fact St John’s St John Henry Newman wrote: other. The Oral Tradition now sur- sies and Human Traditions adopted held to justification by faith alone: Gospel says the opposite: “Jesus did “To be deep in history is to cease to vives in the early Church’s life – its and perpetuated by the Roman only believe in the Lord, nothing many other things as well. If every be Protestant.” These sectaries have martyrdoms and saints, its prayers, Catholic Church in the course of else, and yippee, you are irrevocably one of them were written down, I minimal understanding of Church liturgies and Creeds, the writings 1600 years.” saved! Once saved, always saved! suppose that even the whole world history. About 330 AD, they say, and sermons of the Fathers, the Obviously it wasn’t to be an ecu- Doesn’t the New Testament teach would not have room for the books Constantine founded the Roman great Councils and Synods. The menical tea-party! that baptism, keeping the command- that would be written. (Jn 21:25) Catholic Church to replace genuine written Scriptures became an im- I never knew we sponsored so ments, repenting of sin, receiving The fact that such Bible-only sects Christianity with pagan customs. portant part in the matrix of life in many “heresies”: wax candles, ven- Jesus’ Body and Blood, and an ac- do accept the New Testament as the They ignore Jesus’ foundation of the early Church, but they were eration of angels and ‘dead saints’, tive love of neighbour are normally Word of God is nevertheless a back- his indefectible Church upon the never the only element. the Mass as a daily celebration, the necessary for salvation too? handed compliment to the Catholic Rock, St Peter. (Matt 16:18 ff). In- Many of the so-called “Catholic ‘worship’ of Mary, Mother of God, Such Fundamentalism claims to Church. It was Catholic saints who stead, they believe Jesus’ church did heresies” listed earlier do exist in Extreme Unction, purgatory, the take every word of the Bible liter- wrote the NT books, recognised fail – horror of horrors, it became Scripture, in seed: the veneration of Latin language, the papacy, kissing ally. It disrespects its literary genre them as divinely inspired, discarded Roman Catholic! Never fear – they Mary – “all generations shall call the pope’s feet, worship of the cross, or culture. Human traditions are un- other non-apostolic works, and drew have restored genuine Christianity me blessed;” her Immaculate Con- images and relics, holy water, the godly. If a particular tradition isn’t up the canon of books approved for in their little Bible-congregations! ception (“full of grace”) and As- veneration of St Joseph, baptism of explicitly commanded in the Bible, reading at the Eucharist – the NT. In reality, Divine Revelation was sumption (Rev. 12); the Real Pres- bells, Friday and Lenten fasting, it is corrupt. It ignores the guidance Catholic monks and scholars were always wider than the written Scrip- ence of Jesus in the Eucharist (John priestly celibacy, the Rosary, tran- of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus copying and circulating NT manu- tures alone. It began with the Apos- 6); the priestly absolution of sins substantiation, the ‘adoration of the promised his disciples “will lead scripts for 14 centuries before the tles’ experience of Jesus’ life and (John 20:23). Others like fasting, wafer,’ the scapular, indulgences, you into all truth.” It contradicts Je- first “Bible-only” sectary ever ex- Resurrection. At first they commu- anointing the sick, the Mass, the confession to a priest, the Ave sus’ promise to remain with his isted. Anyone who accepts the NT nicated this by preaching and teach- Hail Mary, purgatory, holy water Maria, the “apocryphal books” of Church until the end of the age. is implicitly depending upon the ing – Oral Tradition. “Tradition” and relics are Biblical too. the Bible, the Immaculate Concep- (Matt 28:20) witness of the Catholic and Ortho- means simply “that which is handed This demonstrates the need for us tion and Assumption of Mary, and In their sola scriptura world, the dox Churches. The Holy Spirit dove on,” from Latin tradere, to hand Catholics to know our Scriptures papal infallibility. Bible alone says what is permitted. did not fly down from heaven at over. St Paul’s epistles mention this thoroughly. “Ignorance of the Scrip- Here were all the supposed iniq- It proposes Christianity, as the reli- Pentecost with the completed NT in oral tradition, in Greek, paradosis. tures is indeed ignorance of Christ.” uities of Catholicism in a tidy gion of a Book, a written text, like its beak. In the early decades there was no (St Jerome). Nevertheless, duly chronological list. in Islam. However, Jesus never said Another error of Bible-only sects written NT scripture. As the Apos- chastised, I will refrain from bap- We joined in lively debate. The to his apostles: “Write a New Tes- is their emphasis on a subjective ex- tles’ generation was dying out, their tising bells and kissing the pope’s younger “evangelist” kindly in- tament and whatever is not included perience of “being saved” or “being written Gospel “memoirs,” written feet in future. CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20 23 www.thecatholicuniverse.com

BOOKCASE Ellis Heasley Parishes could benefit PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis: from communal study Serious human rights of book on priesthood concerns amid violence Christian Solidarity Tigray region, primarily in Worldwide (CSW) recently four camps within reach of raised concerns at reports the Eritrean border. As JeSuS AS PrieSt fOr Our understandings and practices of indicating that atrocity crimes regular readers of this column time: ACCOrdiNg tO the priesthood in Christianity, may be underway in will be aware, these refugees Order Of melChizedek breaking down the key Ethiopia’s Tigray region, fled a government that is by father Bernard Bonnot. understandings and sometimes where a violent civil war has committing some of the Paperback - 237 pages. misunderstandings in various been taking place since the gravest human rights Available to buy from all good periods. bookshops or online at Amazon. start of November. violations in the world today, Although the Church’s views on The conflict began on 4th including of the right to priesthood became frozen at the November when Ethiopian freedom of religion or belief. Father Bernard Bonnot thought Council of Trent reacting to the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed With the presence of Eritrean through and wrote this book as a Protestant Reformation, they were ordered a military offensive troops confirmed in Tigray, meditation upon the meaning of radically re-understood by the against the Tigray Peoples’ there are genuine concerns his 50 years as a Catholic parish Second Vatican Council and Liberation Front (TPLF) that these refugees may be priest. Jesus, he notes correctly, subsequent official statements, forces in response to an attack targeted or even forcibly was not a priest among his own culminating in Pope Francis’ on a federal army base which repatriated to Eritrea, where people, not a descendant of Aaron. emphasis on priestly ministry as a the Tigrayan authorities they would likely face He was a layperson with no pastoral rather than hierarchical described as pre-emptive. indefinite arbitrary detention, appointed role in the Temple to calling. The Ethiopian authorities torture or even execution. offer sacrifice. Indeed, like many Throughout the book Fr Bernard have claimed that their forces Additionally, concerns are Jews of his time, he was critical of illustrates his interpretations of are only targeting the also rising regarding the the Temple priests for their priestly ministry with the Tigrayan leadership, forces impact of the conflict on collaboration with Rome, as his understandings he has gained from and allied militias; however, neighbouring Sudan, where dramatic cleansing of the Temple faithful Jew of his time, affirming his half-century of parish service this does not appear to be the an estimated 40,000 people illustrates. the law/covenant and demanding, to the priestly people of God, the case. Numerous egregious have already fled. This could Jesus was closest to and may like the Hebrew prophets before Church. human rights violations present that country with yet have been a Pharisee, which is him, that his followers fulfil the He notes, accurately, that against civilians have been another humanitarian crisis, why the New Testament shows law by living it in their hearts and worldwide, there is a crisis of reported over the course of placing an additional strain him so often in spirited dialogue in in their deeds, caring for those fewer men believing themselves to the conflict. These include on Sudan’s fragile democratic with Pharisees. It is important to in need. be called to the priesthood, which rape, extrajudicial killings, transition. note, though Fr Bernard does not Jesus did not in any sense has had consequences such as the and the indiscriminate From these developments, it go into this in sufficient detail, that “destroy” the law by “radicalising” closing and consolidation of many bombing of homes, churches, is clear that the international with one exception (divorce), Jesus it, as Fr Bernard states. He parishes, making it more difficult mosques, educational community must take swift affirms the understanding of the deepened our understanding of it for Catholics to come together and establishments and other action, and it is encouraging spirit of the law/Torah held by the and what is central to it, love of God celebrate the Last Supper, death civilian structures. to hear the UN Security Pharisee followers of Hillel as and neighbour (Lv. 19:18, Dt. 6:5). and Resurrection of Jesus. On 22nd November The Council will finally be holding opposed to the more restrictive The key biblical passages behind He urges the ordination of Sunday Telegraph reported a session on Tigray on 24th understanding of Shammai. the title are those in Genesis, married men, noting that the that the country “may be on November. Ethiopia must be Interestingly, Rabbinic Judaism where a non-Jewish priest, apostles were married; the the edge of genocide,” reminded of its numerous also follows the Hillelite Melchizedek, comes out to ordination of women as deacons, detailing violence including national, regional and interpretation, so Christianity and congratulate Abraham on his noting that the early Church had the decapitation of four international legal obligations Judaism to this day have a very victory in battle, and the references many women deacons; and even children, and babies being cut to ensure protection for similar understanding of how to to it in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7. the ordination of women as priests, out of pregnant women. CSW refugees and other vulnerable live out our respective Fr Bernard goes into detail about since none of these are doctrinally has also received disturbing populations, including under understandings of being in the biblical understandings of defined. reports of house to house the International Covenant on covenant with the one God of priesthood in the Hebrew (On 8th April, 2020, Pope shootings in the town of Civil and Political Rights Israel. The book would have been Scriptures and New Testament. Francis announced creation of new Zalambesa that allegedly (ICCPR) and the African deepened by this larger context, He goes through the lengthy commission to study the resulted in the extrajudicial Charter on Human and since Jesus lived and died a history of the development of the ordination of women as deacons. executions of over 50 people. People’s Rights. But he has reiterated the Church’s The conflict also raises Please pray for the situation ban on women priests, citing St serious human rights in Tigray. Pray that God John Paul II’s declaration on it in concerns for Eritrean would raise up peacemakers the document Ordinatio refugees residing in the who would bring an end to Sacerdotalis, though this could be region. Last week, the non- the conflict. Pray also that overturned by a future pope governmental organisation God would comfort all those because it was not formally, (NGO) Human Rights who have lost their loved ones, solemnly proclaimed as infallible.) Concern-Eritrea (HRCE) homes and livelihoods, and Fr Bernard’s book should be confirmed that thousands of that he would protect read not only by priests but by Eritrean troops, including vulnerable groups like the laypersons, and could well serve as mechanised armour divisions Eritreans currently residing a text for an ongoing communal and conscripts, have been in the region’s refugee camps. dialogue within parishes. It could fighting in Tigray since Finally, please pray that the help dedicated laypersons to hostilities began, and have international community understand better their priestly role sustained heavy casualties. would take robust action to within the community and in the According to the UN end the violence and to hold celebration of the Eucharist, which Refugee Agency (UNHCR), those responsible for serious was and is a communal meal, not there are an estimated violations of human rights, Seminarians at the Pontifical North American College attend the simply the action of a single 100,000 Eritrean refugees some of which may amount to ordination of deacons in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on 1st person. currently residing in the atrocity crimes, to account. October. (Catholic News Service photo/Paul Haring) Reviewed by Eugene Fisher 24 HIDDEN GEMS CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

Fr Michael Collins The Christmas Octave is arranged as follows: Sunday within the octave: feast of the Holy Family; celebrated on Friday, 30th December when Christmas is a Sunday; The Octave of Christmas 26th December: feast of Saint Stephen; 27th December: feast of John “If my grandchildren come near the Apostle; The Adoration of the Shepherds, by me at Christmas, I’ll shoot them,” 28th December: feast of the Italian artist Guido Reni. The feast said the lady sitting on the wall Holy Innocents beside me. She was addressing a of the Nativity of Christ, a holy day 29th-31st December: days friend as she poured tea from a of obligation, is celebrated on 25th December, the first day in the eight- within the octave, with flask. “I’ve got this far, and I want day celebration of the Octave of assigned readings and to stay this way till the vaccines Christmas. (CNS/Bridgeman Images) prayers, on which the arrive.” celebration of optional Her companion nodded in memorials is permitted vigorous agreement. “I couldn’t according to special rubrics agree more with you,” she (but as noted above, when affirmed. “And the bonus is that I Christmas is a Sunday, the won’t have to bake like mad for feast of the Holy Family is Christmas.” celebrated on 30th December); Being very polite, I turned away 1st January, octave day of the from the conversation so as not to Nativity; solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. earwig. But I had visions of the grandchildren piling out of a car outside the house on Christmas As the year passed, these dates morning. Windows shut, curtains were added to until the whole year drawn, lights off. Where is was full and saints had to crowd Granny? A chink pulls across in together to share one feast day. The one of the nets, and a side window Second Vatican Council tried to opens. The nozzle of a M2 whittle these down and a Browning machine gun protrudes committee examined the historical slowly and sprays the sky with a evidence for the saints venerated warning round of ammunition. The over the centuries. There was family race back to the car and general consternation when saints take off like lightening. Granny such as Christopher and meanwhile retreats, puts on the Philomena were declared to be the kettle and settles down to watch product of little more than pious the Queen’s Speech. myth and Pope Paul VI struck their I told the children of Fifth Form names from the calendar of the in Dublin’s St Conleth’s College, saints. where I am chaplain about Granny The feast days still resound in with the gun. They squealed with popular culture and even today delight as they imagined their own historians refer to the Saint grandmothers weekly shooting Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, lessons before Christmas. “My rather than the date of 24th Granny can use the All4One August, 1572. voucher I got her last Christmas at In the 18th century, the people a gun range,” suggested one 10- of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean year-old. The hands waved Sea called tropical storms after imploringly at me as they wanted saints. Given the season, these to tell the class what a good shot were generally saints whose feast they thought their own days were celebrated between grandmother might be. Curiously, August and November. grandfathers did not figure. If they So, if there are any children ever introduced the right for reading this letter, I don’t want to citizens to bear arms in these alarm you. Please don’t worry –I blessed Isles, I foresee this bunch am sure you will be quite safe will be the first to purchase visiting your grandmothers on machine guns. Christmas Day. However, if there There has been a lot of talk in roasted over the fire and the air Octave of Christmas might help out of liturgical music provided in are any children in south county Ireland over the past week about was filled with roasting chestnuts get some of us over a quandary. If the days following the feast of Dublin, perhaps it might be a good the Government “opening the over charcoal. Even if these were we embrace the traditional octave, Christmas. idea to wear a bullet-proof vest, economy” and “saving Christmas.” only in our imagination, that is we can spread out the festival. So, In the old days, the Christmas just in case! You can’t blame anyone. People what we want. When a great many instead of packing the house with Octave was followed shortly are genuinely tired and not a little people ceased to believe in Jesus well-meaning family, we could afterwards (on Twelfth Night) by traumatised by the events of the and his birth, they transferred their have a diary of visits. Then people the Octave of the Epiphany. Once past year. While governments longing to a mythical Santa Claus can feel free to visit at an more, the feast was too important to place us in lockdowns and invented by Coca Cola. appropriate time. I know it means slip by on just one day and so the introduce coloured tiers, the Over the past few days, my foregoing the traditional meal for festival continued for a further pandemic has turned the world family have been trying to make some, but this is a particular year week of prayer and carols. upside down. Understandably, Christmas Day arrangements, and where what we want to do is These thoughts bring to mind the people want Christmas, which is who would host who. Rules of Six replaced by what we can do. calendar of saints which we observe one of the stable things in the don’t apply in Ireland, but I By observing the traditional throughout the year. Since the calendar, to be the same. suggest a Rule of Eight. Octave of Christmas, we can also beginning of the Christian faith, the Christmas carols, mince pies, For centuries, Christmas and focus on the wonderous event of day of a person’s death was called roast turkey, sherry trifle, Easter have been followed by an that first night. The period of their dies natalis - the day of birth twinkling lights on glittering Octave, a period of eight days in Advent, which we began last week, into eternal life. That comes from trees – they all make up a lovely which the feast is prolonged. is a month-long preparation for the time when the date of a person’s end of the year. True, Christmas is Indeed, the prayers at Mass Christmas. It makes sense then birth was seldom remembered but The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: The 1969 revision often a time of sad memories, and specifically refer to each that we might prolong the festival when the day of death was carefully of the Roman calendar restored it even regrets. There is a longing for successive day as “today.” by a further week. Just think, recorded – often for the payment of as a solemnity concluding the times past, where marshmallows I would like to propose that the Bach’s Christmas Oratorio grew death duties! Christmas Octave. CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20 25

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SUNDAY WORSHIP Preparing the way for the Lord

6th December – or any form of service to the 2nd Sunday of Advent Church of Christ? The future of our Church as an organised, priest- 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 served community handing on the God is coming to save his prayer-life and values of Jesus is people and to open up our way under serious question today. But into the future. if enough people open their hearts Comfort, O comfort my people, to God’s work, like John the says your God. Baptist and those first disciples, Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, Andrew and Philip and Peter, then and cry to her a way will be found to keep the that she has served her term, world aware of the saving message that her penalty is paid, of Christ. In the process, our that she has received bishops may need to be urged by from the Lord’s hand many practising Catholics to open double for all her sins. up the priesthood to well motivated married people, as well A voice cries out: as to the traditional but “In the desert prepare diminishing cadre of the the way of the Lord, voluntarily celibate. make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Comfort my people Every valley shall be lifted up, The word ‘power’ can have and every mountain negative echoes for us, suggesting and hill be made low; an overbearing will to dominate the uneven ground others. Isaiah speaks about power shall become level, of the Lord that in a very different and the rough places a plain. way. God is like a shepherd Then the glory of the feeding his flock, gathering lambs Lord shall be revealed, in his arms, holding them to his and all people shall see it together, breast, and gently leading the for the mouth of the ewes who are due to give birth. Lord has spoken.” This is a very tender power, a life- force of faithful and enduring Get you up to a high mountain, St John the Baptist Baptises the People, by Nicolas Poussin. Circa 1635. love, a love that gathers and O Zion, herald of good tidings; nurtures and reassures. This is the lift up your voice with strength, the elements will be dissolved desert, proclaiming a baptism of taught the value of self-control God whom John the Baptist O Jerusalem, with fire, and the earth and repentance for the forgiveness of and of prayer, and urged them to invites us to rediscover this herald of good tidings, everything that is done on it will sins. And people from the whole listen to the inner voice of God in Advent. lift it up, do not fear; be disclosed. Judean countryside and all the their hearts. The high point of It is this God who comes to us say to the cities of Judah, Since all these things are to be people of Jerusalem were going John’s short ministry was meeting in the person of Jesus of “Here is your God!” dissolved in this way, what sort of out to him, and were baptised by with Jesus. As well as baptising Nazareth. John the Baptist refers persons ought you to be in leading him in the River Jordan, Jesus, he encouraged some of his to Jesus as “more powerful than I See, the Lord God lives of holiness and godliness, confessing their sins. Now John own followers to join the Jesus am.” Jesus is the powerful one, in comes with might, waiting for and hastening the was clothed with camel’s hair, movement. It was through the the sense that the first reading and his arm rules for him; coming of the day of God, because with a leather belt around his Baptist that Andrew and his defines power. He gives full his reward is with him, of which the heavens will be set waist, and he ate locusts and wild brother Peter, and Philip and expression to God’s tender love and his recompense before him. ablaze and dissolved, and the honey. He proclaimed: “The one Nathanael became apostles. that brings healing to the broken, He will feed his flock elements will melt with fire? But, who is more powerful than I is Each of us can help other people strength to the weak and rest to like a shepherd; in accordance with his promise, we coming after me; I am not worthy to know and love God. If we were the weary. It is this adult Jesus, he will gather the wait for new heavens and a new to stoop down and untie the thong more committed, maybe we could now risen Lord, whose coming lambs in his arms, earth, where righteousness is at of his sandals. I have baptised you do more to influence others towards us and present to us we and carry them in his bosom, home. with water; but he will baptise you towards faith. Parents can celebrate at Christmas. The and gently lead the mother sheep. Therefore, beloved, while you with the Holy Spirit.” introduce their children to God by Baptist calls us this Advent to are waiting for these things, strive teaching them about trust and prepare a way in our lives for the 2nd Reading: Second Epistle of to be found by him at peace, Our need for preachers prayer. But this will only be coming of this Lord, this St Peter 3:8-14 without spot or blemish. The ministry of John the Baptist effective if built on the example of Shepherd, in whom mercy and God gives us time to repent and could be the focus of today’s their actual life. In all sorts of way, faithfulness have met, justice and so be ready to meet him when he Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 homily. He prepared the minds of people are in position to influence peace have embraced. comes. John the Baptist prepares the people for the age of the Messiah. others, for good or ill. This is (Responsorial Psalm). This is the But do not ignore this one fact, people for the coming of their God sends the message of clearly so for those who work in God whom we seek this Advent, beloved, that with the Lord one Saviour. salvation and meaningful living to the communications. But ordinary who can give greater depth to all day is like a thousand years, and a The beginning of the good news us through each other. St Paul people doing ordinary jobs can our other encounters. thousand years are like one day. of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As once asked: “How can people also influence the views and The Lord is not slow about his it is written in the prophet Isaiah, know about God if they have values of those they interact with. n Published by kind permission of promise, as some think of “See, I am sending my messenger never heard? and how can they Does our way of speaking and The Association of Catholic slowness, but is patient with you, ahead of you, who will prepare hear if nobody is sent to them?” behaving help others to share our Priests, an association for not wanting any to perish, but all your way; the voice of one crying He holds the vocation of values, or do we confirm their Catholic Priests who wish to have a forum, and a voice to reflect, to come to repentance. But the out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way preaching as vital, if God is to be suspicion that this world is a discuss and comment on issues day of the Lord will come like a of the Lord, make his paths known and loved. Jesus found his selfish and cynical place? affecting the Church and society thief, and then the heavens will straight,'” first disciples among the circle of What about promoting vocations today. See www.associationof pass away with a loud noise, and John the baptiser appeared in the the Baptist’s followers. John to the priesthood or other ministry, catholicpriests.ie 26 CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

HEART OF THE MATTER Nuns provide free maternal health care for fistula patients in Nigeria

broadcast to reach a wider hair styling craft and the sisters Medical Missionary audience. approved of it,” she explained. Sister Sylvia Sr Sylvia said fistula is a “When it was time the girls Ndubuaku oversees preventable condition that requires whom the rehabilitation centre was the Family Life Centre a match between a foetus and a actually set up for to graduate and in Mbribit Itam, mother’s pelvis. A mismatch can become independent, I was Nigeria, where women diagnosed with lead to a difficult delivery, she surprised to be part of them vesicovaginal fistula explained, “and may require a because I am not a patient,” Joy receive no-cost health cesarean section to get the baby said. care, counselling and out.” Joy was settled with about £225 support. Sr Sylvia is “But when a girl is given out in to buy hair dressing equipment and seen during a recent marriage at a very early stage a power generation system to set interview in Uyo, when her pelvis is still maturing, it up her own salon, allowing her to Nigeria. pushes her into hard labour, which earn money to continue her (Catholic News may not turn out well in the end,” education and support her family. Service photos/ Sr Sylvia said. The sisters also have a natural Valentine Iwenwanne) The nuns also provide family planning unit which teaches rehabilitation, mental health couples about relationships and counselling and skill development natural family planning derived in soap making, hair dressing, from the Billings ovulation sewing and baking to women and method. Sister Cornelia Udoka, girls who have lost their self- who runs the unit, said she and the esteem and means of livelihood. staff help couples understand the “We speak with them with method so they can plan when it is soothing words to encourage them, best to have a child. and that early approach loosens To reach more women with the them up for treatment and disease, Sister Ngozi Ahunaya, expedites their recovery process who heads the centre’s Safe because they have been Motherhood team, and her traumatised,” Sr Sylvia said. colleagues travel into communities Iyang Joy, who was part of the with a mobile clinic. They provide skills development programme, temperature and blood pressure told me the love and care of the tests, diabetes screening and sisters is evident daily. “My mum treatment for malaria and typhoid. was brought here for a surgery in They also administer connection between the vagina and physical and spiritual care for Valentine Iwenwanne November 2019, while staying immunisation services, school bladder or rectum through which women and girls, treating about with her in the hospital; I decided health and other treatments for It took some time, but Esther Edet urine and/or faeces continually 200 patients annually. Care this to join the girls in the those who cannot regularly visit finally received the health care she leak. year, however, has been rehabilitation centre to perfect my the hospital. needed. Edet was taken to a traditional complicated by the coronavirus She credits the Medical birthing home when it came time pandemic. Missionaries of Mary who run the for her child to be born. But she Around the world, 50,000 to Women religious from the Medical Family Life Centre in Mbribit experienced a prolonged and 100,000 women develop obstetric Missionaries of Itam, where women experiencing a difficult labour and couldn’t give fistula annually, with upward of 60 Mary in Nigeria variety of health issues, including birth. per cent of the cases in Africa. The taught Iyang Joy fistula, are able to receive “The baby was forced out, but it World Health Organization hair styling skills treatment and care. Edet, who couldn’t make it. When I started estimated that more than two and provided asked that her real name not be having problem, they directed us million women in sub-Saharan funds for used, is now 17 and continues to to this place (the Family Life Africa, Asia, the Middle East, equipment so she recover. Centre),” Edet told me. Latin America, and the Caribbean could open her Edet’s ordeal began when her Edet underwent fistula repair are living with VVF. The WHO own salon business. Joy, stepmother forced her out of the surgery at the centre, but still said the illness can develop after pictured in Uyo, house, accusing her of being battled complications that included prolonged and obstructed labour Nigeria, said the responsible for her half-brother’s gynatrasia and foot drop, also and may result from common love and care of unfortunate death. She was 15. known as drop foot, in which a African practices of child marriage the sisters is Moving in with a friend, Edet person cannot lift the front part of and female genital mutilation. evident daily. got involved in a romantic one or both feet because of muscle Health experts say 200,000 relationship at her friend’s behest weakness or paralysis. women live with fistula in Nigeria. and soon became pregnant. The centre provides no-cost No data is kept on the number of “He started sleeping with me surgery and other health care to women who have died from the because I didn’t have money to the less privileged in Akwa Ibom, condition. The disease is prevalent feed,” she told me. “He buys me Nigeria’s oil rich state in the Niger in Nigeria because of sociological food and some few other things I Delta region. and cultural beliefs and practices, needed so I couldn’t stop him. But Medical Missionary Sister poverty and poor health care. he ran away when he got to know Sylvia Ndubuaku, who oversees In response, the sisters and that I was (pregnant).” the hospital, said the congregation centre staff engage visit villages to That’s when Edet’s health began focuses “much more on maternal look for women with VVF. They to deteriorate. The doctor Edet saw health needs of the people in far- distribute fliers to help raise didn’t help, leading her to contract to-reach communities where awareness; they also have quarterly vesicovaginal fistula, known as access to medical doctors is radio and television programmes VVF. limited.” and catchy public service Obstetric fistula is an abnormal The sisters provide medical, announcements which are CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20 27

www.thecatholicuniverse.com Questions and answers... with Fr Francis Doyle Why did Jesus call himself the ‘Son of Man’?

Q. We refer to Christ by various Two years ago, though, the I’ve never had a problem call here with limited information: notably (in No. 1184) for ‘manifest titles: the Messiah, the Lamb of parents decided to leave the feeling compassion for my I have no idea what your mother's sinners who cannot be granted God, Son of the Father, etc. But I Catholic faith. Their children mother and I often pray for her. original missteps were that caused ecclesiastical funerals without have never understood why, in are now ages two through 13, But I decided a long time ago her to lose custody, nor what public scandal of the faithful’. the Scriptures, Jesus refers to and we are wondering what are that when I had children of my damage you perceived when you Notorious members of crime himself as the “Son of Man”. our responsibilities to those own, I would love my mother tried giving her the chance to be an syndicates would be an example of That sounds, to me, a little less children now? from a distance and not give her active grandmother, nor what sort this. than divine. Why does Christ A. What pleases me, with your the chance to hurt or influence of ‘controlled interaction’ your No matter how openly sinful a call himself that? question, is how seriously you my children. A few times since friends and family are now person’s life has been, a Catholic A. Your question is an insightful view your responsibilities as then, I’ve tried giving her suggesting. funeral is never to be denied if the one and has been the subject of godparents. That is the ideal the opportunities to redeem herself In situations like this, you are person has manifested repentance considerable discussion by Church seeks to achieve, although only to find out that I was wrong probably best advised to have a before dying. When opera star Scripture scholars. St John Paul II many sponsors fall short. The – to the detriment of my face-to-face discussion with a Luciano Pavarotti died in Italy in (on 29th April, 1987) devoted one Church’s Code of Canon Law in children’s well-being. priest or other trusted counsellor 2007, some expressed surprise that of his weekly audience talks to Canon No. 872 states that a Despite this, I am forever where all of the circumstances can a funeral Mass was celebrated in explaining what Jesus meant when godparent ‘helps the baptised being asked by friends and be reviewed. his hometown cathedral with he called himself “Son of Man”. person to lead a Christian life in family to give my mother messages of condolence from an That title is used in the four keeping with baptism and to fulfil another chance by allowing her Q. Recently, a local priest archbishop and even from Pope Gospels, always within the sayings faithfully the obligations inherent some controlled interaction so refused to bury a resident of his Benedict XVI, since it was of Jesus; and depending on the in it’. So a continuing relationship that she’ll know the blessing of town because the person did not commonly known that, following a context, it can refer either to is clearly envisioned. grandchildren. What I’m go to church. The priest was told divorce, he had conceived a child Christ’s humanity or to his Even in the circumstances you struggling with is this: Is it that the deceased had confessed with his secretary, whom he later divinity. describe, you can continue to fulfil enough that God knows I’ve and received Communion on his married in a civil ceremony. At certain times, the pope some of the responsibilities – forgiven my mother, or must I deathbed, but that did not seem According to several news pointed out, Jesus seems to be mainly, to continue to serve as show it by giving her another to matter. Fortunately, a sources, Pavarotti’s pastor stated highlighting the fact that “he took examples of faith-filled Catholics chance with my children? neighbouring priest was willing that the singer had been reconciled his place with that same name as a by the tenor of your lives and A. You are correct in thinking to celebrate the funeral Mass. to the Church before his death. true man among men, as a son of a sacramental practice and by that the mandate for a Christian is What should we do with regard In the case you mention, if the woman, Mary of Nazareth”, one praying regularly for the children to strive to forgive always. From to the first priest, except to pray priest had any doubt as to the who shares entirely our earthly you have sponsored. the facts as you’ve explained them, for him (which I am doing)? proper course of action, Canon No. condition and suffering. You might even consider I believe that you’ve done that. A. Sometimes in cases like this, 1184 states that he should have An example comes in Matthew’s sending them a card or note each (Bringing the person before the the story contains elements of sought the advice of his bishop. In Gospel (8:20) where Jesus says, year on the anniversaries of their Lord in prayer is a good first step hearsay and the facts become such situations, I believe that the “Foxes have dens and birds of the baptism, but this would depend on to forgiveness, because it reminds clouded. But if it really happened presumption should normally sky have nests, but the Son of Man how that would be viewed by the us that all of us are flawed and in as you describe, then I would favour the deceased – a has nowhere to rest his head.” children’s parents and you are in a need of God’s help.) disagree with the first priest’s presumption only to be overridden In other passages, though, Jesus better position to measure that than I hope that your mother knows determination. in extreme situations. uses the title with clear reference I. you’ve forgiven her, and I imagine According to the Code of Canon Simply being a sinner does not to the prophecy of Daniel (7:13- If you lived in the same vicinity you’ve been able to communicate Law (No. 1176), Catholics have render one unworthy of a Catholic 14), which was viewed by all as and if the parents had simply fallen that to her. the right to a church funeral, and burial – in fact, it’s precisely messianic: “I saw coming with the away from Catholic practice Forgiveness, though, does not this is generally true even if the because we are sinners that we clouds of heaven one like a son of through laziness or the general demand that you put your children deceased was not regularly need the funeral Mass. man…He received dominion, busyness of family life, you might in peril, and you, as their parent, practising his or her faith at the splendour and kingship; all even offer to take the children to are in the best position to know time of death. In certain situations, n Please note that Fr Doyle cannot nations, peoples and tongues will church and to religious education what would cause them harm. It is Catholic funeral rites may be answer readers’ personal serve him.” classes. difficult for me to make a clear refused, but only by exception – questions through this column. When Jesus cures the paralytic But what I suspect from your who has been lowered through the question is that the parents made a roof, for example, he ascribes conscious decision to withdraw divinity to himself by first saying from the Catholic faith – in which to those looking on, “But that you case you might drive them (and may know that the Son of Man has their children) further away by authority to forgive sins on pressing too hard. earth...” (Mk 2:10). If you are still friendly with the Even more patently, when on parents, you might consider having trial before the Sanhedrin he was an honest discussion with them – asked: “Are you the Messiah, the explaining to them that you still Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus feel some personal responsibility answers: “I am; and you will see for the children’s growth in the the Son of Man sitting at the right faith but that you don't want to do hand of the Power and coming anything that would offend, and with the clouds of heaven” asking the parents what they (Mk 14:61-62). would be comfortable with. So the one title, Son of Man, had a dual purpose: to lay claim to Q. In Matthew 18:21-22, we are Christ’s unique nature, which was given a standard of forgiveness both human and divine. which I interpret to mean that we are to forgive always (‘not Q. Several years ago, my wife seven times, but seventy seven’). and I were asked to be the I’m at a loss, though, as to how godparents of five children to apply that in my case. For a whose parents were joining the long time, I’ve had a terrible Catholic Church at the time. We relationship with my mother, A funeral takes place in Westminster willingly agreed. Later, the who lost custody of two of her Cathedral. Catholics have the right to a couple had four more children; three children (including myself) church funeral, and this is generally true we were asked to be their for continually putting us in even if the deceased was not regularly godparents as well and were unsafe and inappropriate practising his or her faith at the time of death. (Photo: © Mazur/catholicchurch.org.uk) proud to do so. situations. 28 CatholicTIMES supplement 04.12.20

Follow us on twitter @ukcatholicpress FAITH ALIVE: ADVENT – WEEK 2 Where to find God: Advent conversion in 2020

David Gibson An Advent poem Long months of the vicious Covid- 19 pandemic preceded the arrival of this year’s Advent season Out of sight leading to Christmas. Neither Advent nor Christmas in 2020 will Darkness has a way of escape the pandemic’s shadow. overtaking our senses, But Advent is a season for our sight, our stability. conversion, a hopeful, forward- It suffocates, stifles. looking period that keeps spiritual growth high in mind. The season It is difficult to find our way. asks where God is found. Was God present despite the As it was in the beginning, pandemic’s ravages? It entailed as it is now, as it was then. real pain and proved stunningly And we wonder will disruptive. Yet many attest that we ever see again? God-like developments occurred in all kinds of homes and And yet. communities during this time. Conversion during Advent is, in Out of sight. particular, “a question of Somewhere hidden converting our idea of God,” Pope Something is growing. Francis says. It is a time “to Goodness itself welcome not a fairy-tale character, but the God who challenges us, Light tucked inside involves us and before whom a a teenage womb. choice is imposed,” he remarked Tender and treasured on 15th December, 2019. She taps her tummy as How might a person’s idea of expectant mothers do God need to grow? A speech Pope Light rolls and kicks Francis gave in December 2018 and moves inside her. described several ways the idea of Light from light God goes awry, A deacon lights candles on the Advent wreath. The Second Sunday of Advent is celebrated this weekend. Immensity sheltered “The Bible and the Church’s (Catholic News Service photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Catholic Standard) in such a small space history show clearly” how often been such an event? Many early Christians through its ongoing events? Waiting to shine believers “can frequently come to Early in Christian history a apparently expected the second Did this occur for the ancient think and act as if they were the different kind of event, but also coming of Christ to occur quickly. Christian community or with It is the same now owners of salvation and not its one stemming from the early But parents and grandparents died today’s 2020 pandemic? Is God We wait in anticipation recipients,” Pope Francis Christians’ immediate world, as time passed, and some found and heard in the context of explained. He cautioned: shook believers and left them Christians began to wonder if God disturbing current events? Pleading, begging, wishing, “Being Christian ... does not wondering if they had had delayed the promise of the The pandemic threatened and longing, hoping mean acting like an elite group misunderstood a promise of God. second coming. changed human lives. It did this in who think they have God in their We hear about this on Advent’s Unsurprisingly, there were ways that felt painful. Nonetheless, For the light to overtake pocket but as people who know second Sunday in 2020. scoffers who began to suggest not doors somehow were left open for the darkness. that they are loved by the Lord” A reading that Sunday from the only that God had delayed the good outcomes. despite their imperfections. Second Letter of Peter (3:8-14) second coming, but that there Suffering was no stranger to the As in the beginning, Clearly, disturbing events in our describes a big issue that arose at might be no second coming at all. pandemic. But the online, virtual When the earth was surrounding world can shake us that time and ultimately prompted Some insinuated that God no methods that emerged for fulfilling formless, void. and leave us asking once again many to refocus their longer was intimately involved the demands of jobs, schoolwork When darkness covered who God is for us or, more simply, understanding of God. The issue with this world’s life, according to or essential shopping frequently the surface of the deep, how life suddenly could become involved Christ’s second coming in a note in the New American Bible. yielded surprising human rewards. And light crashed through. painfully frustrating and glory at the end of time, which is a But God’s promise remained, Then there was the simple fact confusing. Has the 2020 pandemic key Advent theme today. the Second Letter of Peter that so many now spent much affirmed. It advised the Christian more time at home in the company Christians are called, Fr Michael community that “with the Lord of family members or friends. stressed, “to seek the way back one day is like a thousand years How many of them found during towards God, towards one another, and a thousand years like one day.” this time that they were developing towards ourselves and towards Moreover, “the Lord does not a renewed appreciation of each creation.” delay his promise, as some regard other and of their relationships? ‘delay,’ but he is patient with you” The pandemic “has enabled us, (3:8-9). perhaps for the first time in our It was a disturbing moment in lives, to recognise the deeply time among early Christians. It interconnected relationship of all seems, though, that conversion and living things and the urgent need renewed faith followed in its wake, for us to repent and change our as the author of Second Peter lives,” Franciscan Father Michael urged Christians to turn to asking Perry (pictured right), a priest who “what sort of persons” they ought is minister general of the Order of to be and to focus their energies on Friars Minor, observed in a homily conducting themselves “in in Assisi, Italy on 1st August. holiness and devotion” (3:11). “The call to repentance, To hear God’s voice, Christians conversion, to open our minds, pray, reflect, participate in worship hearts and lives to a new way of Two girls wearing face masks pray during a Mass celebrated in or consult Scripture and the faith living together on this planet is September. Neither Advent nor Christmas in 2020 will escape the community, for example. But more urgent now than at any other pandemic’s shadow. But Advent is a season for conversion, a hopeful, cannot an incarnate Lord also moment in human history,” he forward-looking period that keeps spiritual growth high in mind. (CNS photo/Chaz Muth) speak within the world and said. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 29 Sacred Treasures: The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst Advent: it’s a time for us to look both backwards and forwards Stefan Kaminski Advent has a complicated history. It is both an observance and a season that, like so many other practices in the Church, has been present and grown organically since the Church’s early years, but took some time to find a certain formal unification. The temptation with other prac- tices that were manifested in this way, for example with the question of a celibate priesthood, is to say that the practice was only ‘invented’ much later on, whenever the first, formal, universal decree came into effect. This is neither true, nor does it represent a good understanding of the Church’s development of doc- trine or liturgical life. It is difficult to pin down when Advent first began to be observed. The earliest record of Advent arises in 380AD, when a local synod held in Saragossa (Spain) established a three-week, Lenten-style fast from the 17th December to the Epiphany (6th January). This also appears to be the earliest record of the celebra- tion of Christmas as a liturgical feast, which was variously kept on the 25th December or on the 6th January. A synod in Gaul (France) in 581AD ordered a 40-day preparation for the Nativity beginning on the feast of St Martin of Tours (11th December). Fasting was required on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and on these days Holy Mass would be cele- The Adoration of the Shepherd brated according to the Lenten by Matthias Stomer c1634-1640 liturgy. Advent thus became known as ‘St Martin’s Lent’. Easter mystery; in turn, Easter is the Part of the Christmas mystery is the visible, is also a tension that we in the home-celebration of Advent, Over the next few centuries, this Church’s major feast because it evidently this paradoxical contrast live in this present life. As Christians, marking each Sunday with the light- practice spread to England, Italy, promises Christ’s second coming between appearance and reality: we live in the knowledge that this ing of the candle and the accompa- Germany and further afield. At the and the renewal of creation. one that invites, rather than de- world is not the last word, and that nying prayers. And among many same time, the Lenten nature of the Thus the liturgical New Year, with mands, attention. That paradox and the turbulence of this time is only works of art that can provide a visual period began to be relaxed, and the the Advent season, marks the pas- the gentleness of the Lord’s first the ‘birth-pangs’ of a world waiting aid, Matthias Stomer’s Adoration of 40 days reduced to the current four sage of time towards the end of this manifestation also serves as an op- to be renewed, as St Paul puts it. And the Shepherd is one example that Sundays by the 11th century. The world and the Final Judgement. Ad- portunity because, as St Cyril of Advent is a time of preparation for captures that Advent tension beauti- second half of the Middle Ages saw a vent is therefore not intended simply Jerusalem reminds us, the second that renewal. fully. Following Caravaggio’s style, continued back-and-forth as various as a preparation for the celebration coming will be very different in If, on the one hand, the practice Stomer makes use of light and dark popes and bishops, including St of Christ’s first coming: but as a con- character. He contrasts the two com- of Lenten penances and fasting has to inversely portray what is hidden Charles Borromeo, sought to main- tinued and longer-term preparation ings by noting that while the first been lost to us in the West, on the and what is apparent. The hidden- tain the ancient spirit of penance, for His second. was hidden, the second will be visi- other, the treasures of the Advent ness of God emanates as light from and to encourage the laity – rather The prophetic words of Isaiah and ble to all; that at the first, Jesus was liturgies – especially in the prophetic the Child Jesus, while the world than just the clergy – to practice this. Jeremiah that will echo throughout wrapped in swaddling clothes texts and the Psalms – provide a around is left in darkness. The con- Whereas the Church in the West Advent, announcing the birth of the whereas at the second, he will be clear direction and guide to this sea- trast is further heightened by the developed liturgies and offices for Saviour, contain within them the an- clothed in light. At the first he was son of waiting and preparation. rough, older faces of the shepherds the Advent period even from the 6th nouncement of Christ’s future com- judged, at the second he will judge; The readings of the Church’s Office who gaze on the new-born babe. century, the Greek Church does not ing. In the same way, the Child in the and that while the Kingdom was of- (available online at www.universalis. With the young Mary standing by, a have a dedicated liturgy. Instead, it manger is to be adored because, fered freely at the first, at the second com) provide a rich source for daily more tranquil and innocent scene continues to observe Advent as a pe- hidden within that helpless form, is his Kingdom will rule over all. meditation. The Advent wreath – could not be imagined; and yet, riod of 40 days of fasting, beginning the full power and divinity of the This tension between the two borrowed from the Lutherans in the within that scene is contained the with the feast of St Philip the Apostle Godhead, Who was, is and will ever be. comings, as between the hidden and early 1500s – is also an essential aid promise of a violent end to all vio- on 14th November, during which lence and the reordering of creation meat, butter, milk and eggs are ab- under the Kingship of Christ. stained from. Many of our spiritual ancestors in Our Advent season today, therefore, How to support The Christian Heritage the first centuries after Christ ex- is one that is marked out primarily pected that second manifestation of at the liturgical level; indeed, it con- the Lord in their own time – perhaps stitutes the beginning of the Church’s Centre at Stonyhurst part of the reason why Advent took some time before becoming estab- liturgical year – theoretically of far The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst is a built Theodore House to enable visitors, scholars, lished. greater significance than the calen- registered charity, established to increase access by parishes, schools and retreatants to deepen their No less than them, however, is the dar year! the Catholic community to the Stonyhurst Christian faith. spirit of preparation appropriate to This new year is given its signifi- Collections. Images from the Collections are kindly us, two millennia later. cance and validated, however, not reproduced by permission of the Society of Jesus Further details of how to support the project or to simply in view of Christmas. The Na- and Stonyhurst College. book Theodore House are available from 01254 Stefan Kaminski is Director, tivity and its Octave are only cele- The Christian Heritage Centre at Stonyhurst has 827329. brated because they foreshadow the The Christian Heritage Centre 30 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com News Extra Champ warns F1 ‘don’t ignore human rights’

Nick Benson Lewis Hamilton has insisted that For- mula One “needs to do more” to im- prove human rights issues in some of its host countries. Revealing that he had received let- ters from rights groups when arriving in Bahrain for last weekend’s grand prix, the Catholic sportsman said it is “very important” that all sport stars and organisations use their platform “to push for change”. “The human rights issue in so many of the places we go to is a massive problem,” he said. “We are one of the few sports that go to so many different countries and I do believe as a sport we need to do more.” Hamilton, who recently drew level with Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of seven Formula One world championships, said the sport has taken “a step in the right direction” but added, “we can always do more”. “They have put some steps in place for the places we go to but it is im- portant to make sure they are imple- mented in the right way and that we see some action taken,” he said. “That is going to take some work but it’s all in the background.” Hamilton’s call came as 30 MPs wrote to Formula One chief executive One host countries, including Russia, take violence, abuse of human rights Chase Carey urging the sport to ‘put China, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the and repression very seriously. people above profit and human rights United Arab Emirates, as well as Saudi “Our human rights policy states above racing’. Arabia, which is set to host a Formula that the Formula One companies are The MPs’ letter came ahead of the One grand prix for the first time in committed to respecting internation- Bahrain Grand Prix, following concerns 2021. ally recognised human rights in its over the country’s human rights A Formula One spokesperson said: operations globally; our partners and record. “We have always been clear with all host countries commit to respect hu- Human rights groups have also race promoters and governments with man rights in the way their events raised concerns over other Formula whom we deal worldwide, that we are hosted and delivered.” Wenger: My successful career built on Catholic upbringing Nick Benson Wenger, who attended Mass every and Louise, but said the demands of Arsenal legend Arsène Wenger has re- day as a child, admitted that he was running a family restaurant took a vealed how his Catholic upbringing so eager to please that he even began toll on their family life. drove him to become the most suc- inventing sins for confession. When asked if his parents were cessful manager in the Premier League “We had to confess every week and able to make any time to for family club’s history. sometimes I learned to lie as well be- activities or holidays, Wenger said: “I The 71-year-old, who managed the cause I didn’t always remember what wouldn’t advise anybody to open a North London club from 1996 to 2018, I did wrong,” he said. bistro and have children. At the time said growing up in Duttlenheim, “You came out fresh, you always there was no family life. France, in a devout Catholic family felt, ‘Okay I have confessed now. God’s “The bistro was open every day of who owned their own bistro helped forgiven me – I can start my life again’.” the year. It closed only one day, from instil his strong work ethic. Wenger said he would often work four o’clock in the afternoon until Wenger, who was named as FIFA’s in La Croix d’Or in Strasbourg, the midnight. That was on Christmas Day new Chief of Global Football Devel- bistro owned by his parents, Alphonse because the village was dominated opment last year, explained how as a by religion. So that was no holiday.” child his faith helped to shape much Wenger, who won three Premier of his outlook and values and led him League titles and seven FA Cups during to always strive to better himself and a 22-year spell in charge of Arsenal, never settle for less than the best. said it was very difficult when he even- In an interview with Radio 4’s Desert tually left in 2018 but he still supports Island Discs, he said: “I think the im- the club. pact for me was that you’re never “That’s life, you do your best and completely happy because you never after other people come in. do well enough. “What you want is that they are “The religion makes you feel always faithful to the culture of the club and feel a bit guilty because the Catholic carry the values that you have built religion is like that but overall, the and that the club continues its devel- desire not to be scared to work.” opment as well.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 31 Feature Beautiful and

Michael’s camera revealing new allowed me to gaze upon my life and work‘‘ from a film offers perspective outside glimpse into of myself. priest’s life

A new film shot by one of Britain’s the death of their severely disabled leading documentary makers offers child – “and I get to spend time with a tantalising glimpse of life as a them in their grief,” he said. modern priest. Another scene is particularly mov- Priest chronicles the life of Brad- ing. “An elderly woman – called granted the privilege afforded by his “I should add that the family had they go about their daily lives in the ford-based Fr Paul Grogan in the Mary Cunningham – is dying – and it work: “Making documentaries is an given permission and Mary herself shadow of this scandal.” parish of Mary, Mother of God dur- is to me that she says the simple lap- immense privilege and to enter into had requested to be filmed.” He is keen to point out that “work- ing non-pandemic times from the idary words which are etched in my the lives of other people with such Michael came to this project as an ing with Fr Paul, I had a privileged beginning of Lent to Easter Sunday. memory: ‘I am not afraid of dying’.” intimacy should not be taken for outsider, not a Catholic and “hopes view of the priesthood as it should be.” It is produced and directed by Finally, “two adults with learning granted and is often a humbling ex- that it gives an insight as to why Priest completes his trilogy of filmmaker Michael Whyte. difficulties look forward to receiving perience. people chose to commit their lives films exploring faith in the Catholic The film follows Fr Grogan as he the First Sacraments and I get to “For instance, when I was filming in the service of the Catholic Church. supports his people through their share with them as best I can what it the Last Rites being given to Mary Church.” ups and downs – in their joy and in all means.” Cunningham, I had two thoughts: He was inspired to make the film, • You can stream Priest or buy the their pain. The film opens with a fu- It has also brought into sharp re- one, I should not be in this room, in- despite the fact that the Catholic DVD via Amazon, where you can neral; features a baptism and shares lief his failings and shortcomings: “I truding on this very private and inti- Church has been beset by scandal, find other examples of Michael the intimacy and beauty of a was so defensive when a widow crit- mate time; and second, this is a because he was “more concerned Whyte’s work. deathbed scene. The work of ‘The icised me for not having visited her powerful scene showing the value of with those members of the Church This article previously appeared on Priest’ is one of love and service, not just-deceased husband sufficiently the priesthood as Fr Paul commits who have a profound belief and the website of the Bishops’ just in ministering to his parish, but regularly that I wrote a letter to her, Mary into the arms of God. commitment to their faith and how Conference of England and Wales providing invaluable, social support trying to justify myself. It was a cruel to the local community. and cowardly thing to do and her Fr Grogan, originally from Halifax, niece properly upbraids me, at some worked as a journalist after graduat- length, in the film. ing from the University of Cambridge. “As a young priest I was in denial He went onto train for the priest- on a couple of occasions that my re- hood at the Venerable English Col- lationships with women had become lege in Rome in the late 80s to mid- too close. When I mentioned that in 90s. Since then he has spent time as the film I felt newly overcome by a university and hospital chaplain shame because of the confusion and and worked in a Young Offenders’ the hurt I caused.” Institution. He has also been the The Bishop of Leeds, the Right vocations director for the Diocese of Reverend Marcus Stock, Fr Grogan’s Leeds and, since 2015, has been the bishop, says that the film portrays parish priest of Mary, Mother of God. the highs and lows of parish min- In the film, Fr Grogan says that he istry: “This film provides a ‘fly-on- thought about becoming a priest at the-wall’ view of the day to day life an early age: “I remember my two and ministry of a Catholic parish brothers and I sitting on the sofa priest,” he said. “It captures the when we were young and Sr Magda- breadth of ministry and demon- lene, a Sister of Mercy, standing over strates the privileged access that a us saying, ‘and which one of you priest is given to the lives of people three is going to be the priest?’ and I during vital moments of great joy thought it’s probably me, but I’m not and profound grief. going to out myself just yet.” “Frankly and honestly, it depicts The making of the film has made some of the highs and lows in parish him aware of how lucky he is to be a ministry but also allows the deep priest. personal faith and commitment of “Michael’s camera allowed me to the priest to shine through in all that gaze upon my own life and work he undertakes in the name of Christ from a perspective outside of my- and the Church.” self,” he said. The film shows him Documentary maker Michael with a young couple as they mourn Whyte says that he never takes for

“Frankly and honestly, it depicts some of the highs and lows in parish ministry but also allows the deep personal faith and commitment of the priest to shine through in all that he undertakes in the name of Christ‘‘ and the Church.” 32 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com

Follow the Catholic Universe on twitter @ukcatholicpress AroundUniverse weekly pullout the Parishes CatholiC news and information from aCross the Uk and ireland Brentwood parish so proud after securing 80th Livesimply award Brentwood Finally, a concert featuring pro- fessional and amateur musicians Bernadette Tsocos and choirs raised over £2,000 for the The Livesimply award has hit a ma- homeless charity ‘Only A Pavement jor milestone after St Joseph’s Parish Away’. My brother, who is the CEO in Upminster, Brentwood diocese, and founder, Greg Mangham, came was named as its 80th recipient. and gave a talk on the charity. My Two assessors – Ellen Teague of son, who is a professional musician, the Columbans and Colette Joyce, took rehearsals and secured the co-ordinator of Westminster Justice services of the professionals for free. and Peace – conducted an evalua- This will be an annual event once tion last month with three members lockdown is lifted. of the parish co-ordinating team: It was affirming to be commended Bernadette Tsocos (co-ordinator), by our two Livesimply assessors for Mary-Anne Madden and Yvonne our small and dedicated team Dickens. All paid warm thanks to achieving so much in the parish and parish priest Fr John Tuohy for his local schools, even with the Covid support. restrictions of 2020. They applauded The parish began working towards making Livesimply initiatives visible Livesimply accreditation in May through the parish website and 2018, looking at actions as a parish The knitting group was praised for weekly newsletters, and the commit- which not only took care of our own bringing together previously ment to be inclusive of vulnerable but reached out to the wider com- isolated members of the community. and isolated people in the parish munity. Parishioners were urged to The fruits of its labours have been with such initiatives as the Knitting review their lifestyles and consider donated to local charities Group and SVP outreach. what changes they could realistically There is no doubt that participat- make to live more simply. signed up to undertake certain ac- which would take responsibility for for parishioners. Parishioners do- ing has re-awakened our under- Many parishioners were already tions under the three Livesimply encouraging pupils and their fami- nated 800 bulbs, flowers and shrubs standing of the need to be less aware of Laudato Si’ and we used headings: Living simply, sustainably lies to live a simpler life in solidarity for this area, along with birdfeeders wasteful and be more aware of how this as our guide. We also read and in solidarity with the poor. with those less fortunate and to pro- and bird food. Children spent a day our lives impact on others, whether widely from the words of Pope Fran- A Livesimply ‘100 Ideas’ Sheet was tect the natural environment. We making bug hotels which were hung it be ensuring the goods that we buy cis and looked to role models both distributed and discussed. Pledges also asked the sixth form to encour- on the trees. are from sources which protect the in the past and the present. Our were assembled and to date more age their local communities to live A parishioner volunteered to be- rights of workers and are environ- weekly quotations in the parish than 200 have been collected. We more simply. gin a knitting group to encourage mentally friendly or our understand- newsletter have been taken from a made a display of pledges at the A huge number of projects were the more isolated parishioners to ing of how our decisions affect oth- wide range of cultures, creeds and back of the church – one from our agreed upon. We supported the come together and to give those who ers. religions, from the famous and the younger parishioners and one from Thurrock Food Bank every week are housebound a chance to con- We expected Livesimply to do less so. Bidding prayers on the care adults. The childrens’ display was with food collections, pledged to in- tribute. This group has been an out- much for individuals, but it has of creation were also included at based on the ‘Tree of Life’ and the volve isolated and lonely parish- standing success and has knitted done much for our parish too. We Mass. adults’ one was a ‘Road of Achieve- ioners through prayer and took care and donated a huge number of were asked if the project would con- The Livesimply campaign was ment’. of the grounds of our Mass centre, St items to a variety of charities. They tinue post award; “absolutely” was launched at every Mass that same We also launched the Livesimply Peter’s, as a way of improving the also knit for our social events and our immediate response! month. We spoke from the pulpit, campaign in the local Catholic pri- natural environment. We encour- sell their goods. They stayed active Bernadette Tsocos is the Livesimply gave out leaflets and met with mary and secondary schools by con- aged young parishioners to connect through lockdowns, enabling the Co-ordinator and Chair of the parishioners. Each one took a pledge ducting assemblies, working with with nature, providing a haven for parish to donate to charities we had Pastoral Parish Council at form and over the next few weeks classes and forming ‘Green Teams’ wildlife and a reflective environment not previously supported. St Joseph’s, Upminster. Parishioners pack hall for ‘great toy giveaway’ Falkirk: A ‘Great Toy Giveaway’ took place last weekend at St Francis Xavier’s parish in Falkirk thanks to the generosity of parishioners and the local community. A parish appeal for toys, books and vari- ous gifts led to a church hall packed with presents, meaning struggling parents can give children a Christmas to remember. Parish priest, Fr Jamie Boyle, said it had been “an amazing response to our appeal for a toy exchange.” He added: “This will lighten the burden East Anglia: On All Saints Day Fr Like the cross, which likewise faces for so many families this Christmas and it’s Philip John from St Philip Howard another road, the new grotto is a good for the planet too!” in Cambridge dedicated a new visible symbol of faith. It invites A parishioner posted a video on grotto to Our Lady in the grounds people to come in. the parish Facebook page and said: ‘When of the church. It replaces an older Created just before the second Fr Jamie came in and looked at the hall and grotto which was already in place. lockdown, it offers a place to pray, saw everything, he filled up, because I The new grotto, built by even when the church building is don’t quite think he could believe the gen- parishioners, faces the road. not open for private prayer. erosity.’ The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 33 Around the Parishes

Lincoln: A Catholic family of eight from strange times and despite the talk of youngest, Edith and Micah (5 and 3), on real reason for the season, Jesus is our Lincolnshire have written, performed and Christmas being cancelled due to Covid, glockenspiels. Mum, Fiona, sings the lead Saviour,” he said. professionally recorded a song to raise Christmas IS Coming! vocals and plays piano, while dad, Mark, a As well as spreading some good cheer, the money for March for Life. Euan (13) plays cello and trombone on the local teacher, plays the tubular bells to add Braddish family hope with every download Christmas is Coming (Our Saviour is Born) is track, Leo (12) drums and violin, Pearce (9) the right Christmas feel of the song. they will raise money for March for Life. The an uplifting song to give people hope in these viola, Vincent (8) violin and the with the “We want the song to remind people of the song is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Young adults lead Christ Shrine promises much with the King’s holy half hour Mgr Philip leading the way Salford: On the Vigil of the Feast of Christ the King, the diocesan Young East Anglia: It’s been a few weeks the Chesterton stories, and both that Mgr Philip Moger Adults group helped to lead a vir- now since Mgr Philip Moger’s church, and its mother parish, with in the Slipper tual Holy Half Hour of prayer for induction as Rector of the National which it merged in 2006, contained Shrine at Walsingham. He spoke to Chapel in significant works by Eric Gill. the end of the pandemic. Walsingham The service was streamed from St Eldred Willey to let people know a It was two days before Christmas Catherine of Siena, Didsbury, and little bit more about him. in 2009 when Mgr Moger received was introduced by Bishop John “Thank you very much,” said the the call from Bishop Arthur Roche Arnold. Following was a period of Pope. “Especially for the silence.” asking him to take charge of liturgy silence, bidding prayers prere- That was the parting tribute at for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. “It corded by young adults from the Birmingham Airport from Pope was a wonderful experience,” he re- group and Exposition of the Benedict XVI to Mgr Moger, who was calls. “The Pope depended utterly on Blessed Sacrament. director of Liturgy for his visit to the Holy Spirit and on other people During the Exposition of the England. to smooth the way for him. There Blessed Sacrament, a candle was lit It says a lot about the priest he was a calmness about his presence, for every parish in the diocese in an was addressing. Although he is a and he did not go about checking act of solidarity from the young master of liturgy, he is not a great microphones.” Like the Pope, he too adults. blower of trumpets. An interview remembers “the absolute silence in Youth ministry manager, Lor- with him, like a papal visit, is punc- Hyde Park” which marked one of the raine Leonard, said: “We were really tuated by silences in which God is key celebrations. pleased that our Young Adult group present. An unexpected call on his talents was be able to host the holy half Mgr Philip is devoting much of learning with 180 students and more of four priests responsible for liturgy. was role-playing the Pope himself, hour, which was experienced by this initial period in Walsingham to than 20 priests on the staff. He returned in 2008, this time as dressed appropriately in white, dur- many around the diocese. making friends with the locals, After ordination in 1982 he was Dean, a position he would hold for ing the rehearsal at Westminster “It was a really powerful way of, whom he has found to be friendly in appointed assistant priest at St Ur- 11 years. Numbers had grown and Abbey. It was an opportunity to exer- on the Feast of Christ the King, return. “Not just at the Shrine,” he ban’s parish, Headingley, a suburb of the ethnic make-up had become cise his natural rapport with standing in solidarity with all of said. “But also in the shops in Faken- Leeds. So began a pattern of priest- more diverse. In this period music at Anglican leaders. As he walked in those around the diocese facing ham and selling ice cream in hood which always seemed to be of- the cathedral thrived in an extraor- with Archbishop Rowan Williams he challenges and loss due to the pan- Cromer.” And the scenery? “The hills fering the most diverse experiences dinary way. There were 100 singers remarked: “You’re wearing your Vati- demic.” are… not what you’d call hills in and the widest insights into the mis- in various choirs, and an outreach to can II ring.” “Yes,” replied the Arch- If you would like more informa- Yorkshire, but the coast is lovely.” sion of the Church. In the first parish 2,000 musicians in schools and bishop. “Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor tion on the Salford Young Adults Mgr Moger grew up in the more there was school chaplaincy, a Sue choirs around the diocese. “There gave it to me, and tonight I’ll be Group and would like to be kept up contoured landscape of West York- Ryder home and a hospital for peo- was a dynamism and richness in the wearing the ring which Pope Paul VI to date re: forthcoming activities shire, in the parish of St Mary in Hal- ple with learning difficulties. music,” said Mgr Moger, “and espe- gave to Michael Ramsay.” Mgr and events, please email Alex at ifax. After his mother, sadly, died After Vatican II the Diocese of cially a belief in the talents of children.” Moger remembers Archbishop [email protected] when he was just five, his paternal Leeds had begun experimenting More networking came when he Williams as sympathetic and ap- ofsalford.org.uk grandmother, who was active in St with a pastoral centre – at that time was appointed vocations director, a proachable. “He would have made a Mary’s, stepped in to help with his a new concept. In 1985 it took over role which took him on termly visits good parish priest,” he adds, which upbringing. At the age of eight he Myddleton Lodge, a recusant house to the seminaries around England from him is probably the ultimate first sensed the call to become a in Ilkley, as a new base for the proj- and once a year to Rome. compliment. priest, and it returned powerfully in ect. Mgr Moger was one of two In 2001 the role of Bishop’s Secre- So what of Walsingham itself? “It’s his late teens. priests who moved in to run it. For tary was added, along with more about the presence of Our Lady,” he Four years working at Nat West seven years he had the opportunity parish experience at St Cuthbert’s in said, “sharing her joy and meditating Bank were never likely to draw him for brief pastoral encounters with a Bradford, which delved into the on her simplicity, and her openness into a secular career, and in his early huge number of visitors. richness of Catholic history. The to God’s grace. It’s something we’ll 20s he arrived at Ushaw Seminary – In 1992 Mgr Moger took on his parish was founded by Mgr John O’- probably never get to the bottom at that time a heaving centre of first role at Leeds Cathedral, as one Connor, the model for Fr Brown in of.” 34 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Education Schools unite to help Kilgraston’s proud London’s homeless as ‘Wear it Again’ Children from 14 Catholic schools across London and Hertfordshire have makes awards final taken part in a joint action to help the homeless this winter. Kilgraston has achieved national must never stop learning and that ap- The project, co-ordinated by recognition as the only Scottish school plies to teachers and Heads just as Catholic charity, Caritas Westminster, to be nominated as a finalist at the much as it does to pupils. was timed to coincide with the inter- UK-wide i25 Awards. The awards ceremony highlighted national Catholic World Day of the The school, near Perth, was short- a host of impressive educational in- Poor. 675 children packed winter es- listed for its pioneering ‘Wear it again’ novations in everything from the sentials and hygiene items into St Vin- pre-loved clothing campaign, garner- teaching of astronomy; various pupil cent de Paul Society’s ‘Vinnie Packs’ ing national coverage and adopted initiatives, including the campaigning for distribution by charities and com- by many organisations. by prep school pupils of Government, munity groups to homeless and other The virtual ceremony recognised resulting in ‘Finn’s Law’ - ultimately vulnerable people across the country. UK-wide excellence in innovation and changing legislation regarding violence Caritas Westminster also helps with impact across the independent edu- towards animals in the line of duty; distribution of the packs. cation sector. and the introduction of a life-long It is thought a grand total of 3,375 “I am particularly pleased that our learning curriculum that explored dif- Vinnie packs were filled by the children Children initiative for recycling clothes and ferent ways to tackle a subject. packing the at the 14 schools. raising the environmental implications Dozens of Kilgraston parents and Vinnie packs at, of ‘fast fashion’ was embraced so en- pupils tuned in to the event, with The headteacher of St Paul’s Catholic above, St Paul’s many dressing-up for the occasion: Primary in Cheshunt, Katie Worton- Cheshunt and thusiastically and especially by our Geer, said her school was “delighted (left) Our Lady pupils,” said Dorothy MacGinty, head “It gave me a great excuse to wear my to take part. “The children all thor- Catholic teacher at Kilgraston. vintage Dior, said Mrs MacGinty, “and oughly enjoyed packing the boxes and Primary School, She continued: “Waste, and its re- there are precious few of those occa- knowing that they were helping others. Hitchin. duction, is a matter of huge signifi- sions these days!” It was also a good opportunity for us cance for everyone and so very im- The over-all winner was Westminster to help teach the children about the Photo of St portant that tomorrow’s adults un- School in London for its ‘liberating importance of social justice and how Paul’s by kind derstand and act to redress the situa- power through education’ campaign we can make a difference through permission: tion.” to provide bursaries and out-reach our prayers and actions.” Mazur / “Being nationally recognised for support. One of the children said: “I really cbcew.org.uk our work, together with learning about Pictured below are some of the enjoyed making the Vinnie packs be- others’ projects and initiatives, is so sixth-form Kilgraston pupils in vintage cause I like helping others just like important,” said Mrs MacGinty, “we clothing for Wear It Again day. Jesus tells us to in the Bible. “The boxes had lots of warm things “Children have been able to learn during the pandemic, as people were in like socks and gloves to help the about what it means to be homeless, first furloughed and then made re- homeless on the streets over the winter and issues of social justice and the dundant – in some cases these people month. The packs also had face masks teachings of the Catholic Church re- will also have lost their homes. in to help keep the people safe.” garding caring for the poor and re- Rosa Lewis from Caritas Westmin- A child from St Joseph’s Catholic specting the dignity of all people. ster was encouraged by the number Primary in Willesden commented: Among the dozens of projects which of schools taking part and was pleased “People usually walk past homeless will help distribute the Vinnie Packs “to see the enthusiasm of the children peopl and don’t do things to help so I to those in need, is the Dad’s House to do something practical for World am so happy that I was able to help.” Foodbank in Kensington. Dad’s House Day of the Poor.” Collette Hough, a teacher from St was originally set up to support single She added: “We’re really grateful to Mary of the Angel’s in Bayswater said fathers bringing up children on their all the teachers who have got involved. it was an “Amazing opportunity for own, but are now supporting families, It is not an easy time for schools at the children to be a part of. On a daily single mums, rough sleepers and those the moment, so it is wonderful to see basis the children from Year 6 have in need of their foodbank. how many are still thinking about so- asked to go and pack more Vinnie It has seen an astronomical rise in cial justice, and wanting to reach out packs for the homeless.” the numbers of people in hardship to others.” The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 35 Education

Yorkshire’s own Greta wants New academy trust climate action from Sunak wants to bring joy Mathilde Iveson, a 14-year old student of the school’s Eco Team, is passionate with their teachers and the Trust to from St Francis Xavier RC and CoE about the need to make changes in step up their environmental actions. School in Richmond, North Yorkshire, order to reduce the UK’s climate emis- St Francis Xavier has signed up into children’s lives has written to her MP, the Chancellor sions. She’s been involved in elimi- to Let’s Go Zero, pledging to be zero St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Acad- the mould to give new and exciting Rishi Sunak,to ask him to help her nating single use plastics, litter picking, carbon by 2030. emy Trust – a recently formed collec- opportunities to all of its children and and fellow students progress their bulb planting and is a key Eco Team Let’s Go Zero is run by Ashden, a tion of 17 schools from across the staff over the coming years. plans to be a zero carbon school. speaker. UK-based climate solutions charity. Diocese of Middlesbrough – has pub- Ms Rice added: “We firmly believe She also asked him to help the Mr Sunak visited the school in 2019, Harriet Lamb of Ashden said she lished its vision to ‘Bring Joy, Hope, that each child has that spark, that school increase biodiversity through the year it won the 2019 Education hoped “We hope that the Chancellor Opportunity and Purpose for our chil- gift within them. It’s our job to help more flower beds in and near the Estates Award for Sustainability. Rishi Sunak listens to Mathilde and dren in an uncertain world’ via a new them see it and to nurture it so that school, and by helping it to switch to Since then the students have be- the many others at the school who brand identity and website. they can be a positive force for good hybrid or fully electric school buses. come even more aware of the climate are taking a lead on the fight against The release of the vision coincided Mathilde, who is in Year 9 and part emergency and have worked hard climate change.” with the Trust being shortlisted for a ‘Each child has a spark Department of Education Sustain- inside them... it’s our ability Award in its first year. job to help them see Amy Rice, CEO of St Margaret it and nurture it...’ Clitherow Catholic Academy Trust, Amy Rice said: “Our vision was crafted when we started a year ago, but it has never been more relevant. in whatever they do in their future. “The staff across this Trust are de- “That requires an approach that termined to make a real and enduring looks at each child as a precious indi- difference to children’s lives and give vidual, unconstrained by mechanistic them the strength and independence targets or the usual expectations. not only to face the challenges that “We are hugely ambitious for our are ahead, but to be the adults and children academically, of course, but young people who will reshape our that is far from the whole story. We future into a fairer and more loving hope that people with the same am- world. bition and the same hope for our chil- “In the current circumstances, we dren’s future will feel inspired to join Students with Ronnie the hope that people can experience our and support us, in whatever way they Recyclist – a temporary vision, virtually, through our new, en- can.” art display in Richmond gaging website.” St Margaret Clitherow Catholic made from ecobricks. The Trust is open about wanting to Academy Trust was formed in June do things differently and majors on 2019 and by September of the same Inset, Mathilde with her its value of courage, which will, ac- year, 17 schools – two secondary and letter to the Chancellor cording to the Trust team, see it break 15 primary – were part of the Trust. You’re our heroes www.thecatholicuniverse.com St Pancras Catholic Primary School in Ipswich celebrated All Saints with a special dressing up day, inviting children to come in as saints and as Be part of the conversation... their personal heroes. The school asked them to think about people they look up to or who have inspired them. The children dressed in a huge array of costumes: saints, NHS workers, superheroes, astronauts, and climate activists. Many came as their grandparents or parents. We’re looking for articles Teachers also got involved. Mr Grimwood dressed as St George. It was a lovely day and a wonderful way to celebrate inspirational people in the for future issues of children’s lives. Education magazine. If you would like to contribute please contact me – on details below.

Left, Mr Grimwood as St George and Grace as St Teresa of Calcutta

Above, George as his Great-Great- Grandad who fought in the First Catherine Kelly Editor on 0161 820 5722 World War, Ella as Greta Thunberg, Roman as a police or email [email protected] officer and Oliver as Sir David Attenborough PART OF THE UNIVERSE NEWSPAPER DIGITAL NETWORK 36

YOUR WEEKLY LIFESTYLE PAGES INSIDE YOUR UNIVERSE FOOD | DRINK | MUSIC | BOOKS | HEALTH | FINANCE | TV GUIDE | GARDENING uuniverse GARDEN December jobs for Here in the UK we’re pretty blessed the garden in many ways. Sure, the sky spends most of its year an ugly slate grey. But while If you’ve had a look round your we’re not impervious, we are well garden recently you’ll have seen out of any areas prone to major nat- the change in seasons reflected ural disasters; the weather is annoy- on the ground, which will be lit- ing rather than terrifying and the tered with fallen leaves. chance of you getting bitten by a We’ve just left November be- poisonous insect really depends on hind – a glorious month by any whether you’re flying to the tropics month’s standards. Some love anytime soon. July’s beautiful blue skies, or cher- Nevertheless, there is one force so ish December for the freezing destructive it has homeowners up at snow as much as Christmas itself. night frantically Googling a way out Yet November is something even of its overgrown grasp, striking fear more special. It represents into the heart of all that come into change. We have said goodbye to its path in a way that even an infes- summer and we’ve arrived in De- tation of black widow spiders could- cember, far colder and a lot more n’t hope to match. wintry. We are, of course, talking about But this change to winter also Japanese knotweed. It strips homes means hard work. Protecting vul- of their value, in some cases com- nerable plants from frost is now essential, and the sooner you do this the better. Sometimes it only “By the mid-1800s, takes one frost to wreak havoc, and the devastation can take seri- Japanese knotweed ous work to repair. was available to buy in the UK, and was being sold as the latest exotic accessory” pletely by way of rendering them unsellable, collectively costing UK homeowners around £160million Small tasks will pay off in spring Photo: Angus MacAskill per year in devaluations and getting it fixed. Start clearing up properly. This is more than an inconvenient Any leaves or foliage need to be plant; this is a veritable fight for sur- raked up in a bid to eradicate vival in many cases, which makes it diseases or pests that could lie all the more ridiculous that we in- dormant once the temperature Overstayed welcome: really drops, but then return vited the beast here in the first place! Japanese knotweed became avail- stronger than ever before when able in the UK in the mid-1800s. It we emerge into spring again. was sold as the latest exotic acces- The dead leaves you collect sory for any fashionable garden. should be placed into dustbin lin- Japanese knotweed ers with holes punched in by a Having been named ‘the most in- teresting ornamental plant fork. Tie these but don’t dispose. of the year’ in 1847 by the It’s one of the most damaging plants known to man, Instead, leave to stand in a shel- Society of Agriculture tered area, and watch as they de- and Horticulture, both capable of devastating properties and wiping value grade into leaf mould. At the end Kew and Edinburgh of it you’ll have a great substance Royal Botanic Gar- from assests. Why, then, did we invite it to live here? to dig into soil that needs texture dens then received improvement. specimens, growing Persicaria; a plants from these for herbaceous clear that ‘a bit different’ meant The first is poisoning the plant Start a compost heap. commercial aims. knotweed ‘power-mad and near-unstoppable.’ itself, which can take up to five Combine both soft, green, moist People said it would species years of repeat applications, each garden waste with dry, brown feed cattle, which isn’t So, what can be done? setting you back some £2,000, but items for the best results – this true, and praised the plant Thankfully there are some ways of this doesn’t always guarantee will ensure there is plenty of for its sturdiness, and ability to killing knotweed. Sadly, though, 100% effectiveness. Shoots can nitrogen and carbon present, grow and adapt quickly, which defi- none are particularly cheap. In fact, reappear from plants you thought which is what you need for this to nitely is true. They also said it would they are crushingly expensive. were already long gone, and, really work. make the ideal natural material for frustratingly, years down the line. fencing areas off and protecting The alternative is uprooting, for Plant new life other species, which obviously isn’t Poisoning the plant can which you’ll need to excavate to All spring bulbs need to be in the entirely accurate either. Yet, amaz- more than 2 metres in depth to ground before the end of the ingly, it wasn’t until almost 100 years take up to five years... ensure you’ve got it all. Estimated month or they stand little chance later that it stopped being sold to each application cost: £10,000. of survival, with the exception of people looking for something ‘a bit The stalk of Japanese Knotweed Still, it’s cheaper than losing a tulips, which really needed to be different’, because by then it was costing around £2,000 home. last month – so be quick!. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 37

uuniverse These are a few of Click-happy: the benefits of shopping from home our favourite things... The pandemic has turned us into a nation Many homeowners class items with sentimental value as of home shoppers. But can it ever be their most treasured possessions but despite how precious better than a trip down the high street? they are, not all of us may have insurance. 3. Price comparison fasHiOn There are search engines dedicated to finding the best price for Home shopping is nothing new. whatever item you could dream of, HOME We’ve been getting our stuff deliv- so unless it’s your thing, you can You can’t take it with you, according ered to our door for decades; re- say goodbye to traipsing from shop to the old saying; but even if we member when catalogues from to shop trying to find the best deal could, ‘it’ probably wouldn’t be the Kays, Freemans and Grattan were on that must-have item. Try most expensive item we own ... so all the rage back in the 70s? pricerunner.co.uk to find the best what is this precious item that has, Nowadays, catalogue stores are deals. Many catalogue shops according to a recent survey, been online and you can shop for any- display reviews of their products named as homeowners’ most valu- thing you like in the comfort of too, so you can see what other able possessions? your own home, but does it still win people thought of them before While computers and jewellery out over a trip to the shops? We parting with your cash. top the list of the most expensive think so. Here are the top five ad- objects owned, 74 per cent of home- vantages of home shopping. owners said that sentimental items 4. Choice Home shopping offers a choice of such as photos, letters and drawings 1. Convenience items that you simply can’t find in their child has done are more pre- The shops might close, but the the high street. Many local cious than their most costly posses- internet never does; you can businesses are now trading online, sions. browse and order to your heart’s each with their own unique items, In a survey of 2,000 homeowners, content at all hours of the day and you could find distinctive home insurance company Confused.com night – even on Boxing Day when and garden products too that you discovered that for nearly three- the sales start. All this while just can’t get at your local quarters of UK homeowners, photos avoiding the crowds and never Homebase. are the most precious items because having to deal with a pushy sales If you’re looking for more of their sentimental value. Men are assistant who pounces on you the specialist items, you can browse not as sentimental as women, with minute you get through the door. 29 per cent of gents saying that the and buy from abroad, too – just remember to check the cost of most financially valuable items they 2. Transport delivery and the website’s overseas own are also the most precious to Home shopping saves you shipping policy before you buy. them, while only 23 per cent of queueing for hours to find a space Bear in mind also that some women agreed. in your local multi-storey. No more items are subject to Customs Duty, In contrast, 47 per cent of women fiddling around for change for the all age groups. the study. When it comes to 18-24 Excise Duty or Import VAT if you feel that photos are the most pre- meter or worrying how you’re going Despite admitting how precious year old homeowners, 16 per cent of want to avoid the shock of having cious sentimental items they own, to carry a multitude of bags back to our possessions are, not all of us these do not even know if they have to pay the postman for your while just 34 per cent of men saying the car: your purchases are have insured these items, and Lon- home contents insurance or not, deliveries. The HMRC website will that these items were more impor- delivered right to your door in a doners are the worst offenders. while 30 per cent of the same group tell you what items are affected: tant to them than their fancy gadgets. matter of days. After photos, the second most When it comes to insuring posses- say they don’t have a policy. Despite http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/po popular item for women was jew- sions, Londoners are most likely to such a large proportion of home- st/buying.htm ellery, while the second most popu- take the gamble and fail to take out a owners not bothering with home in- lar items for men are letters. home contents insurance policy. surance, 20 per cent have been bur- 5. Try before you buy However the over 55s are more Only 64 per cent of Londoners who gled. Not surprisingly, jewellery is Of course, you can do this in high likely to say that items inherited own their home actually have home the top item stolen by burglars, fol- street stores, too – but is there from a relative are among their most insurance, compared to a national lowed by items of sentimental value. anything worse than showing all precious items. Photos and letters average of 80 per cent. Home insurance and a good home your lumps and bumps to the remain consistently precious across However, the younger generation security system is all vital to keeping world while battling through a don’t fare much better, according to property and valuables safe, says session in a cramped communal Old letters and photos are Gareth Kloet at Confused.com. changing room on a busy Saturday worth more than material “Sadly, burglary is a fact of life that afternoon? items. one in five of homeowners whom we Most sites offer a hassle-free surveyed had already experienced. returns system and will give you a While insurance cannot replace certain period of time - usually items such as photos, it is possi- seven to 14 days – to make sure ble to name precious items that you’re completely happy with your have a value of more than new items. £1,000 on your home insurance pol- Home shopping offers so many icy. conveniences over the high street “This helps ensure that posses- that it’s hard to list them all, but sions such as jewellery or an- these are some of our favourite tiques or expensive technology plus points. can be replaced or compensated Why not give it a go for your for in the event of a burglary.” Christmas shopping this year? 38 uuniverse From the track to the Deals and wheels A round-up of the latest car reveals, street: five of the best consumer issues and hot deals. Want a hardcore car to drive fast on the track? Pick from this bunch of high-performance specials, says Darren Cassey. MOTORING In the heavy traffic of the modern world, driving quickly on the road is often irresponsible (not to mention possibly illegal). That’s why track days have boomed in popularity over the past decade, allowing en- thusiasts to drive their cars safely at the limit. Gritting firm warns of icy winter ply and urged UK businesses to If this sounds appealing, you ahead for British motorists also prepare for the worst. might want something fit for the A major gritting firm has warned Ice Watch meteorologist Timo job. Many manufacturers now British motorists to prepare for an Strom said: “When you look at make more hardcore versions icy winter on the roads after it winters that follow similar sum- of their performance cars, took delivery of 3,000 tonnes of mers to 2020, there’s an increased tuned for the smooth surfaces salt. chance of higher pressure over the found on race tracks. McLaren 765LT Ice Watch, which provides grit- Arctic bringing cooler polar air. Here, we’ve collected some of the ting, snow clearance and winter “This would bring cold weather best… maintenance services, warns that to the UK and businesses need to winters that have followed similar be prepared. McLaren 765LT summers to 2020’s tend to be “We are heading into a negative This is the new kid on the block, much colder. phase of ENSO (El Niño–Southern being one of McLaren’s most The firm works with MeteoGroup, Oscillation) called La Niña. During hardcore models. The Senna sits Renault Megane which provides weather forecast- November and December, the Met above it in the firm’s track-focused RS Trophy-R ing for the BBC and government Office says La Niña can lead to an range, but this model is based on agencies worldwide. It says there increase in northerly/north-west- one of the firm’s ‘standard’ supercars is an increased chance of higher erly winds, which would bring – the already potent 720S. pressures over the Arctic, which colder conditions to Northern It barely weighs more than a Ford leads to colder weather in the UK. England and Scotland, and the in- Fiesta but packs 754bhp in its 4.0- Because of this forecast, Ice creased chance of snow, sleet and litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine – ice.” Lamborghini Watch has invested in its salt sup- so performance is blisteringly quick. Huracan Performante Jaguar: We’re prioritising SUVs for did, we sell more of those and Porsche 911 GT3 RS electrification over saloons that’s the area of the market that’s If you’re looking for a performance Jaguar has revealed it will prioritise growing, which is where we priori- car, the first model on your its SUVs for electrification, rather tised our initial investment.” shopping list should be a 911 – than its more traditional saloon and the GT3 RS is the most models. Ford takes wraps focused of them all. The firm currently only offers its off its Fiesta ST The latest ‘992’ genera- Edition hot wings and spoilers on the car to electric I-Pace SUV when it comes tion doesn’t have a GT3 RS hatch move independently depending on to electric vehicles, though a plug- version just yet, so your Ford has whether you’re turning left or right, in hybrid version of its high-riding choice is to either wait or revealed a more maximising downforce on the side F-Pace has recently been revealed. jump into the used mar- performance- that needs it. Clever stuff. The smaller E-Pace is also set to ket. That’s no problem, be- receive a plug-in hybrid power- focused version of its cause the previous genera- train. Fiesta ST hot hatch – but only 300 tion 991.2 is utterly Renault Megane RS Trophy-R wil be on sale in the UK. You don’t have to spend six figures According to Jaguar, this all fantastic, offering the kind of The Fiesta ST Edition gets on a tuned supercar or to enjoy comes down to its “priority in performance and driver involve- Porsche 911 unique styling details and up- your time on track. The humble hot terms of investment”, which ment unparalleled this side of a GT3 RS grades to optimise it for road or hatch has been a hugely popular means that its best-selling SUVs race car. track use. It has been tuned on the segment in the UK. gain hybrid power first and then with extra performance and trick Nurburgring Nordschleife by Ford The Renault Megane RS Trophy- other models will follow once Lamborghini Huracan Performante upgrades that make it handle better. Performance engineers. R might just be the ultimate ver- funds allow. Another model that’s no longer on The V10 engine makes 631bhp It gets two-way adjustable sion of this – and it should be, with Scott Dicken, Jaguar sales direc- sale new but is totally worthy of your and the car is 40kg lighter than the coilover suspension, which drops prices starting at over £50k. With a tor, said: “Investing in electrifica- attention, is the Lamborghini standard model, but it’s the clever the ride height by 15mm at the stripped out interior, Ohlins shock tion is very expensive. The market Huracan Performante. It’s the track- aerodynamics that steal the head- front and 10mm at the rear. absorbers, Akrapovic exhaust, opportunity is in SUVs. focused version of the firm’s lines. ‘Aerodinamica Lamborghini Under the bonnet is the usual Brembo brakes and carbon-fibre “Our priority is to electrify our already-rapid Huracan supercar, Attiva’ – or ALA for short – allows the 1.5-litre turbo engine, which parts, it’s a serious bit of kit. SUV nameplates, and to be can- makes 197bhp and 290Nm of torque, contributing to a top Caterham Seven speed of 143mph. There are seemingly endless It also gets unique styling variations of Caterham Seven, but touches that include an Azura it doesn’t matter which one you get, Blue paint that was previously they’re all about as pure a driving only available on special order, experience as you can get. gloss and matte black parts, car- You slot down into a tiny frame bon-fibre-effect finishes inside that has nothing more than the and leather for the steering wheel, bare essentials of body panels, four gear knob and handbrake. wheels and somewhere to sit. If you Jaguar is investing The Ford Fiesta ST Edition is want an antidote to today’s heavy, in electrification Caterham Seven priced from £27,075. numb cars, this is the one for you. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 39

uuniverse Do play with your food Lookit Cookit is a cook book with a difference. Aimed at children, it encourages them to enter the kitchen, and gets them interested in cooking.

BOOKS food. Not least, what goes into a dish It doesn’t take you long to realise and why those elements may appeal that Judy Jackson’s attempt at get- to their palate. ting kids interacting with food has The idea presumably being that a very different approach to other when people are more aware of what cook books. In fact, one look at the it is they are eating, their diets usu- ‘Un-contents’ alone (a list of what ally reflect this with a focus on isn’t in the book) will suffice: healthier options. Given the ongoing • No long recipes or lists of ingre- problems Britain faces thanks to its dients you don’t have. decidedly unhealthy youngsters, • No mention of eating five-a- and the constant relationship be- Have fun with a piping kit to make day or hiding vegetables in a tween edibles deemed to be “fun” unique combinations. Lookit Cookit sauce. Fruit and the green things and junk, it was only really a matter photo/Judy Jackson are not to be taken like medicine, of time until someone came along before you’re allowed dessert with an idea like this. Each “game” comes with a star • No instructions for making So by developing these unique rating, making it easy to work out Chocolate Rice Krispies - if you tasks and challenges, which are in the age a child should be in order to want to get messy fingers there are themselves recipes, the author has take it on. The selection offered more exciting things to cook - like created a somewhat psychological ranges from the simplest tasks to Sticky Chicken Wings or Blueberry road map to instilling good eating preparing an entire three course Pancakes . habits in our little ones. Rather than meal, the latter best reserved for With that in mind, it’s probably simply being a case of explaining older youngsters. best to focus on what Lookit Cookit which ingredients need to be mixed The final tasting, then, is an addi- does offer, which is plenty. Jack- in order to serve up a dish, instead tion to the culinary bookshelf that son, a food writer herself, has com- they are given an insight into why families are likely to revisit time and piled over 25 kitchen games, 130 flavours are the way they taste, vari- time again, making for both a worth- photos and innumerable hours of ous methods of cooking, and how a while investment in advance of in- research to deliver a publication healthy, mixed diet can be delicious, evitable rainy days to come, and a that aims to do two key things: en- exciting and doesn’t need to involve shrewd purchase on the part of any- Tasks and challenges in the book are courage children to enter the parental tricks – thus appealing to one that wants their kids to under- in themselves recipes. Lookit Cookit kitchen, and get them interested in their desire for independence. stand that they are what they eat. photo/Judy Jackson

ing – with 87 per cent wishing they times such as walking, cycling, had more free time for a hobby or reading and jogging, and now more pastime. Only five per cent said they of us are beginning to indulge in a Finding the right balance have ample free time to themselves. more physical pastime. Pastimes play such a vital part in Work is also impacting our our lives, helping us to reduce stress, choice of hobby, as one in four of Brits are fuming about losing their hobbies keep fit and meet new friends. More us finds colleagues far more moti- than half of us believe work severely vational than our own family and – and they are pointing the finger of blame gets in the way of our social life at friends – particularly in least once a week, while an ad- Going terms of getting us to at that pesky thing called work for getting ditional quarter of the UK to the gym and do a more physically in the way of a spot of fun or a fitness drive workforce think their career running are some challenging activity. impacts on their hobbies at of the more physical Going to the gym, least twice a week. Cumula- hobbies we are most walking and run- tively this shows that more likely to start doing ning are some of the HEALTH than three-quarters of us feel because of our more physical hob- We’ve all heard the old adage “all As many as nine out of 10 of us that work has a noticeable, workmates. bies we are most likely work and no play make Jack a dull would like more free time to spend and ultimately negative, impact to start because of our boy”, which is why so many of us on our hobbies, according to a study on the enjoyment of their free time. workmates. take up a hobby. However, with by leisure information website real- Work hours are not only curbing This growing level of resentment less free time to spend on hobbies buzz.com. our free time but they are now stop- toward work from hobby-loving and more time spent at home, it The independently commissioned ping our hobbies, too. When asked Britons surprises Fiona Gibbins, seems Britain’s work-life balance survey delves into perceptions re- how much money people spend on marketing director of has fallen seriously out of kilter. garding the UK’s work-life balance a hobby or pastime the results realbuzz.com. “Our research has If you find yourself too tired to and the amount of time and money showed that 38 per cent – one in some interesting findings. It’s stag- go to that yoga class you’ve been the British public invests in a hobby three of us – do not actually spend gering to see how strongly the meaning to join or long work or pastime. any money on their hobby. This has British public feels about work im- hours prevent you from indulging Unsurprisingly, the study shows triggered a resurgence of free pas- pacting on their free time and ulti- in after-work activities, you are not that the British don’t have enough mately getting in the way of them Free hobbies such as cycling, running enjoying a pastime.” alone. time to do the things they enjoy do- and walking are on the rise. 40 uuniverse

NICK’S MUSIC PICKS Nannie couldn’t be prouder Recording a song for ‘Nannie’ has led to a major record deal for 11-year-old Lancashire schoolboy Cormac Thompson, who has just released his debut album, Hear My Voice.

The Music Scene could not see each other and so he Nick Benson had the idea to perform a song virtu- ally. Now, since the song was shared A simple act of kindness from an and people far and wide fell in love 11-year-old grandson to his with his wonderful voice, he finds beloved ‘Nannie’ – performing her himself label mates with the likes of favourite song for her on YouTube Alfie Boe, Katherine Jenkins and An- Cormac Thompson. as they could not be together due drea Bocelli. Not only that, but he to lockdown – has led to the young started work on the album at the a little light during these dark times nary adventure already for Cormac, lad being signed by the legendary Metropolis Studios where everyone we are all having to endure.” and one that he could never have Decca Records and playing Freddie from Queen to U2 to Adele has cre- Hear My Voice features 15 brand expected when he first decided to Mercury’s piano! ated masterpieces. Cormac even got new recordings that showcase the cheer up his grandma, he is a very When Cormac Thompson’s to warm up by using Freddie Mer- pureness and clarity of Cormac’s down to earth boy. Singing live, per- heartfelt performance of Danny cury’s piano. He played it wearing voice. The material included ranges haps performing his music in a Boy came to the label’s attention by gloves so that he could keep them as from his own takes on songs like cathedral seems a slightly remote chance on social media, they im- souvenirs. Snow Patrol’s Run, to evergreen clas- possibility at the moment. Cormac mediately signed him up and his Cormac’s ‘Nannie’ (Colleen) said: sics like Pie Jesu and there is a very will have to content himself with the album Hear My Voice has just been “I could never have imagined that contemporary take on the Christmas virtual world – as an 11-year-old he released today, (Friday 4th Decem- his little pieces, sung for me, would classic Walking in the Air. Themati- would love to do a show on Fortnite ber). have led to this amazing opportu- cally there is a nod towards missing like Marshmello, Travis Scott or Do- Cormac is from Lancashire and nity. My husband and I are so very loved ones, distance and the Gaelic minic Fike! While that may be a his maternal grandparents live in proud of Cormac, and we hope that tradition. Of course, the album fea- stretch, what is for certain is that Northern Ireland. Due to the his singing will give much pleasure. tures Nannie’s favourite, Danny Boy. Nannie couldn’t be prouder, and the • Hear My Voice by Cormac is out Covid-19 travel restrictions, they We also hope that it will help to shed Whilst this has been an extraordi- whole nation will love Hear My Voice. now on Decca Records.

NICK’S TV PICKS

Jamie Oliver gets into the Christmas Gary Barlow hosts an hour of Consumer duo Helen Skelton & Coronation Street celebrates its Julia Bradbury hikes up the mighty spirit. Channel 4 © musical fun. ITV Plc © Sabrina Grant. Channel 4 © diamond anniversary. ITV Plc © Helvellyn peak. Multistory Media.©

Jamie: Keep Cooking At Christmas Gary Barlow’s Night at the Museum Luxury Christmas For Less Coronation Street: For The Love Of Britain Sunday 6th December Sunday 6th December Monday 7th December 60 Unforgettable Years Tuesday 8th December 8.00pm-9.00pm 9.00pm-10.05pm 8.00pm-9.00pm Monday 7th December 7.30pm-8.00pm Channel 4 ITV Channel 4 8.30pm-10.00pm ITV Jamie Oliver and his family invite Gary Barlow hosts an hour of musical This Christmas we all need a festive ITV For The Love of Britain is a new us to get into the Christmas spirit fun from the Natural History pick-me-up. But with money being This special explores the legacy of series in which Julie Walters invites with a helpful guide to the whole Museum in London. tighter than ever, we want both the world’s longest-running soap us to take a great escape into our festive season. Gary will be joined through the quality and value. opera, narrated by Joanna Lumley great outdoors. From creating edible presents to night by a range of special guests in- That’s why Sabrina Grant and OBE Britain is made up of some glori- reinventing leftovers, Jamie has cluding global superstar and friend Helen Skelton want to show you how It promises never heard before se- ously landscapes. Sitting within loads of handy hints and tips for a Michael Bublé, Jack Whitehall, Jason to get a luxury Christmas for less. crets from the show’s stars – from those landscapes are plenty of hid- bespoke Christmas 2020. Donovan, Ronan Keating, Alesha The consumer duo reveal why you first audition nerves ,to fall-outs, to den gems many of us are yet to dis- Jamie also shows us how to Dixon and Alfie Boe, shouldn’t be afraid of doing your their special memories of the story- cover. make a beautiful sage, onion and Guaranteed to be the hottest ticket special Christmas shop at a dis- lines that gripped the nation. In this episode we visit Britain’s apricot stuffing that can be made in town,viewers will have a front row counter and how our tastes and our Giggles and gaffes, jaw-dropping most popular national park, the before Christmas day, and top tips seat at this exclusive music event. shopping habits can be used to our moments unseen for decades as Lake District. for a wonderful Christmas dinner “I am so excited to host this music advantage to grab a bargain Chirst- Coronation Street: 60 Unforgettable Julia Bradbury will be hiking up served with a simple but phenom- special,” said Gary. “During a tumul- mas present. Years tells the story of how this treas- England’s third highest peak, the enal chestnut gravy. This year, tuous time for the whole country, it And Sabrina reveal the secret to ured soap has become a national in- mighty Helvellyn, and Ben Fogle Jamie promises to make sure your feels amazing to be able to put on a buying a turkey and what separates stitution. has an unusual climbing experi- festive lunch is magical. proper night of entertainment” the luxury mince pies from the rest. ence at Honister slate mine. The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December, 2020 41 Vatican Insight Pope implores world to ensure its children don’t pay price for Covid The Global Compact on Education, a Vatican-led body that works to raise educational standards around the world, held its annual meeting recently, with Pope Francis delivering the keynote address. In it he issued a heart plea for governments to prioritise education in their post-Covid-19 recovery plans and use it to create a new global social harmony

Educational systems worldwide fered by this historic moment? have felt the effects of the pandemic We also know that the journey of at every level. Attempts have been life calls for hope grounded in soli- made to offer a rapid response via darity. All change requires a process online educational platforms, but of education in order to create new these have brought to light a marked paradigms capable of responding to disparity in educational and techno- the challenges and problems of the logical opportunities. They have also contemporary world, of understand- made us realise that, due to the lock- ing and finding solutions to the down and many other already exist- needs of every generation and in ing needs, large numbers of children this way contributing to the flourish- and adolescents have fallen behind ing of humanity now and in the fu- in the natural process of schooling. ture. Recent statistics have led some to We consider education to be one speak, perhaps hastily, of an ‘educa- of the most effective ways of making tional catastrophe’, inasmuch as our world and history more human. millions of children were forced to Education is above all a matter of leave school as a result of the economic love and responsibility handed down Pope Francis addresses the crisis caused by the coronavirus. from one generation to another. conference via videolink This has only increased an already As such, education is a natural an- alarming gap (with over 250 million tidote to the individualistic culture face of possible future scenarios. als in every part of the world to join Fifth, to educate and be educated school-age children excluded from that at times degenerates into a true Amid the present health crisis – and in supporting this compact and pro- on the need for acceptance and in all educational activities). cult of the self and the primacy of in- the poverty and confusion it has moting by their own testimony and particular openness to the most vul- Faced with this situation, we know difference. Our future cannot be one caused – we believe that it is time to efforts the values of care for others, nerable and marginalised. that necessary healthcare measures of division, impoverishment of subscribe to a global pact on educa- peace, justice, goodness, beauty, ac- Sixth, to be committed to finding will prove inadequate unless accom- thought, imagination, attentiveness, tion for and with future generations. ceptance and fraternity. new ways of understanding the panied by a new cultural model. We dialogue and mutual understanding. This calls for a commitment from us ‘We should not expect everything economy, politics, growth and have become more conscious of the That cannot be our future. all, on the part of families, commu- from those who govern us. We have progress that can truly stand at the need to change our model of devel- Today there is need for a renewed nities, schools, religions and govern- the space we need for co-responsi- service of the human person and the opment. commitment to an education that ments. Today we are called to have bility in creating and putting into entire human family, within the con- In order to ensure that the dignity engages society at every level. Let us the necessary parrhesia to leave be- place new processes and changes. text of an integral ecology. of the human is respected and pro- heed the plea of the young, which hind superficial approaches to edu- Let us take an active part in renew- Seventh, to safeguard and culti- tected, development ought to start opens our eyes to both the urgent cation and the many shortcuts asso- ing and supporting our troubled so- vate our common home, protecting from the opportunity that global in- need and the exciting opportunity of ciated with standardised test results, cieties. Today we have a great oppor- it from the exploitation of its re- terdependence offers to communi- a renewed kind of education that is functionality and bureaucracy, which tunity to express our innate sense of sources, and to adopt a more sober ties and peoples to care for our com- not tempted to look the other way confuse education with instruction fraternity, to be good Samaritans lifestyle marked by the use of renew- mon home and to foster peace. We and thus favour grave social injus- and end up atomising our cultures. who bear the pain of other people’s able energy sources and respect for are experiencing a comprehensive tices, violations of rights, terrible Instead, we should aim to impart troubles’ (Fratelli Tutti). the natural and human environ- crisis that cannot be reduced or lim- forms of poverty and the waste of an integral, participatory and poly- This calls for a pluralistic and ment, in accordance with the princi- ited to any single sector. It affects human lives. hedral culture. We need the courage multifaceted process in which all of ples of subsidiarity, solidarity and a everything. The pandemic has led us What is called for is an integral to generate processes that con- us can work to provide meaningful circular economy. to realise that what is really in crisis process that responds to those situa- sciously work to overcome the exist- responses in which diversity and Finally, dear brothers and sisters, is our way of understanding reality tions of loneliness and uncertainty ing fragmentation and the conflicts methods are harmonised in the pur- we want to commit ourselves coura- and of relating to one another. about the future that affect young that we all bring with us. suit of the common good. The ability geously to developing an educa- Here it is evident that neither sim- people and generate depression, ad- We need the courage to renew the to create harmony: That is what is tional plan within our respective plistic solutions nor wishful thinking diction, aggressiveness, verbal ha- fabric of relationships for the sake of needed today. countries, investing our best ener- will do. Education, as we know, is tred and bullying. a humanity capable of speaking the For these reasons, we commit our- gies and introducing creative and meant to be transformative. To edu- This entails a shared journey that language of fraternity. The value of selves personally and in common: transformative processes in cooper- cate is to take a risk and to hold out is not indifferent to the scourge of our educational practices will be First, to make human persons in ation with civil society. In this, our to the present a hope that can shat- violence, the abuse of minors, the measured not simply by the results their value and dignity the centre of point of reference should be the so- ter the determinism and fatalism phenomenon of child marriage and of standardised tests but by the abil- every educational programme, both cial doctrine that, inspired by the re- that the selfishness of the strong, the the tragedy of children sold into ity to affect the heart of society and formal and informal, in order to fos- vealed word of God and Christian conformism of the weak and the slavery. To say nothing of the ‘suffer- to help give birth to a new culture. ter their distinctiveness, beauty and humanism, provides a solid basis ideology of the utopians would con- ings’ endured by our planet as a re- A different world is possible, and uniqueness, and their capacity for and a vital resource for discerning vince us is the only way forward. sult of a senseless and heartless ex- we are called to learn how to build it. relationship with others and with the paths to follow in the present To educate is always an act of ploitation that has led to a grave This will involve every aspect of our the world around them, while at the emergency. hope, one that calls for co-operation environmental and climatic crisis. humanity, both as individuals and in same time teaching them to reject The goal of this educational in- in turning a barren and paralysing At certain moments in history, it is our communities. lifestyles that encourage the spread vestment, grounded in a network of indifference into another way of necessary to make radical decisions Let us appeal in particular to men of the throwaway culture. humane and open relationships, is thinking that recognises our interde- that can shape not only our way of and women of culture, science and Second, to listen to the voices of to ensure that everyone has access pendence. If our educational sys- life but above all our stance in the sport, artists and media profession- children and young people to whom to a quality education consonant tems are presently marked by a we pass on values and knowledge in with the dignity of the human per- mindset of replacement and repeti- order to build together a future of son and our common vocation to tion, and are incapable of opening justice, peace and a dignified life for fraternity. It is time to look to the fu- up new horizons in which hospital- every person. ture with courage and hope. May we ity, intergenerational solidarity and Third, to encourage the full partic- be sustained by the conviction that the value of transcendence can give It is time to subscribe to a global pact on ipation of girls and young women in education bears within itself a seed birth to a new culture, would this education. of hope: the hope of peace and jus- not signify that we are failing to take education for and with future generations. Fourth, to see in the family the first tice; the hope of beauty and good- advantage of the opportunity of- This calls for a commitment‘‘ from us all... and essential place of education. ness; the hope of social harmony. 42 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Classified/Crossword/Sudoku

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The Catholic Universe Crossword No. 675 Experts in Worldwide Repatriation 24 Hour Service Across 1. Wipes up (4) 020 7237 6366 or020 7313 6920 3. Crucial (8) 8. Tumult (4) 9. Bettered (8) 11. Seldom (12) www.albins.co.uk 13. Belt (6) 14. Tarry (6) 17. Esteem (12) The Catholic Universe Sudoku No. 275 20. Commonwealth (8) 21. Homeless child (4) 22. Supplied (8) 23. Prophet (4) Down 1. Wedding (8) 2. Tender (7) 4. Popular report (6) 5. Oppressive (10) 6. Polite (5) Every 7. Swimming pool (4) Sudoku has a unique 10. Grievous (10) solution that can be 12. Convey (8) reached logically. 15. Facial contortion Enter numbers into (7) the blank spaces so 16. Writer (6) that each row, 18. Dissertation (5) column and 3x3 19. Stumble (4) box contains the numbers 1 to 9. SOLUTION - Stuck? see page 43 see page 43 The Catholic Universe | Friday 4th December 2020 43 Classified/Crossword/Liturgical Calendars

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Ordinary Form Liturgical Calendar Catholic journalism at its best ... Sunday Year B,UNIVERSE weekday cycleROP SIZE I The Catholic Universe (weekly) incorporating The Catholic Times December: Month of the Wednesday, 9th December: Is 40:25- Immaculate Conception 31; Ps 102; Mt 11:28-30 Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, 6th December: Is 40:1-5,9-11; Thursday, 10th December: Is 41:13-20; Ps 84; 2Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8 Ps 144; Mt 11:11-15

Monday, 7th December: Is 35:1-10; Ps Friday, 11th December: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1; Subscribe 84; Lk 5:17-26 Mt 11:16-19 Solemnity of the Immaculate Saturday, 12th December: Ecclus 48:1- today to a Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4,9-11; Ps 79; Mt 17:10-13 Tuesday, 8th December: Gn 3:9-15,20; 12 month Ps 97; Eph1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-28 Digital Extraordinary Form Calendar according to the Edition Roman Missal of 1962 (Tridentine Rite) 12 page Catholic Sunday, 6th December: Second Sunday Thursday, 10th December: Feria Times supplement of Advent Rom 15:4-13; Mt 11:2-10 Readings of Sunday repeated Monday, 7th December: St Ambrose Friday,11th December: St Damasus I bishop, confessor & doctor 2 Tim 4:1-8; pope & confessor 1 Pet 5:1-4,10-11; Mt Universe Media Mt 5:13-19 16:13-19 T: 0161 820 5722 Tuesday, 8th December: Immaculate Saturday, 12th December: Feria Join us on the journey ... Conception of Our Lady Prov 8:22-35; Readings of Sunday repeated Lk 1:26-28 https://thecatholicuniverse.com/product- Wednesday, 9th December: Feria Compiled by Gordon Dimon, Senior MC category/subscribe-digital/ Readings of Sunday repeated of the Latin Mass Society 44 For extra news go to www.thecatholicuniverse.com Sport (SWIFT) Like us on facebook - search Catholic Universe Newspaper The importance of showing gratitude to others

Mgr Vladimir Felzmann test your limits. In his autobiogra- what matters. phy former Olympic track star Carl One study performed at The Uni- When we express gratitude or are Lewis admits that he chose to em- versity of California, Berkeley, asked thanked, our brain releases brace his competitors as essential in individuals in states of mental dis- dopamine and serotonin, the two his quest for performance excel- tress to write gratitude-focused let- crucial neurotransmitters responsi- lence – rather than as enemies ters – which they were not required ble for our emotions that make us meant to be beaten down. to send. Results showed that individ- feel ‘good’. They enhance our mood Grateful athletes enjoy the pres- uals who wrote letters experienced immediately, making us feel happy sures that enable them to demon- positive mental health beginning from the inside. strate their skills and test their lim- four weeks after the study – and they “The joy I get from winning a ma- its. They want to win, but appreciate lasted up to 12 weeks after the act of jor championship doesn’t even com- their process, the competition and writing. pare to the feeling I get when a kid the challenge. By monitoring brain activity, re- writes a letter saying: ‘Thank you so “Remember to be grateful for searchers were able to note which much. You have changed my life’,” what you have including your op- areas of the brain were active while wrote Tiger Woods, widely regarded them out before practice. They give portunity to play your sport. Sport is participants were making their deci- as one of the all-time greatest golfers. a hug to the die-hard fan that is at not something you have to do, but sions. Those who wrote letters were The dictionary defines gratitude every game and cheers for his/her something you get to do!” wrote more likely to be motivated by grati- as, “the quality of being thankful; team regardless of the outcome. John Haime, President of ‘New Edge tude than by guilt or obligation. readiness to show appreciation for Like the great New Zealand All Performance’: former professional The differences in brain activity Arséne Wenger stepped down as and to return kindness.” The word Blacks who tidy up their dressing athlete and current bestselling au- demonstrated that a continued fo- gratus You are a Contender! Build manager of Arsenal FC in May 2018 originates from the Latin , room after every game and train- thor of cus on gratitude over time will cre- after helping the Gunners win Emotional Muscle to Perform Better meaning pleasing and thankful. ing – and believe humility is aligned ate physical changes to the pre- three Premier League titles and Kathy A. Feinstein, Sport Perform- with greatness – grateful athletes ap- and Achieve More … in business, frontal cortex. You can physically seven FA Cups during his 22 years ance Consultant based in Florida, preciate everyone around them. sports and life. change your brain and train it to be in charge. A fan is pictured at his writes: “Did you know that practis- They appreciate everything they re- Practising gratitude – saying or more gratitude-ready. final fixture with the words, ‘Merci ing gratitude can improve athletic ceive – there is no attitude of entitle- writing thank-yous – has been Beyond the benefits to your out- Arséne’ on the club’s home kit . performance? Research confirms ment. shown to increase happiness as well look, immune system, and sleep what the world’s elite sports stars al- Grateful athletes appreciate what as physical and mental health; shift- schedule, a few studies (and plenty rently you do not, to show gratitude, ready know – that being kinder to they have: the opportunity to play a ing away from resentment, jealousy, of anecdotes) have documented the why not say, even silently, grace be- yourself, and to others, and being sport they love and all of the benefits and other negative emotions. positive impact that gratitude can fore all meals [including breakfast!]? grateful – is good for your mental that go with that sport – fitness, rela- Along with a more positive out- have on an athlete’s performance. If I know people who systematically health. Athletes have talked about tionships, life lessons, joy of win- look, individuals who regularly prac- you remember that sport is a cultivate gratitude, typically by how having compassion, gratitude ning, the learning from losing and tise gratitude often sleep better, ex- metaphor for life you might ask keeping a “gratitude journal” in and a sense of perspective enable the opportunity to challenge and press more compassion, report yourself – as part of your night which they regularly record the them to balance the demands of be- test your abilities. feeling more alive, and have stronger prayers: “How many times did I say things for which they’re grateful. At ing a full-time athlete with having a Grateful athletes are grateful for immune systems. It’s also related to ‘thanks’ today – to whom?” Have a night, as part of your night prayers, com family.” competitors – from Latin : “with, higher levels of optimism, life satis- think on what you can do to become why not think about two things you petere “When you start each day with a together” + “to strive” mutu- faction, and well-being, and a a more grateful human being. Per- are grateful for from the day? Get grateful heart, you are inviting posi- ally helping each other improve. greater likelihood of engaging in haps thanking God the Father for into the habit of being ever more tivity to your day. Gratitude is a sim- Competitors can bring out the best prosocial behaviour. Gratitude is like the great gift of your life, Jesus Christ grateful. It will improve your life. ple trait we mustn’t forget to prac- in you and without them you do not a supplement for your brain – reduc- for giving that life meaning and the In a couple of weeks, we tise. We need to practise it every have the opportunity to play and ing the noise and focusing in on Holy Spirit for God’s love? If, cur- shall focus on perseverance. single day, regardless of the circum- stance. We can always find some- thing to be grateful about. It can be big moments or small accomplish- ments. It’s just important to be grateful,” teaches Ben Francia, an Internet Marketing Consultant based in the Philippines. Gratitude encourages humility. Appreciating all those who have helped – on and off the pitch, court or pool – encourages the use of “we” rather than just “me”. Thanking – eucharistia [in Greek] – expresses appreciation; itself evi- denced in taking care of that gift. I express my gratitude to God for all I still have across my PIES – the Physi- cal, Intellectual, Emotional and Spir- itual dimensions of my life – by tak- ing care of them. Hence my 83 pushups on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and the same number of full-squats on Tuesdays, Thurs- days and Saturdays. [Regular readers will remember the 83 = 81 +½ years of breathing plus nine months in my mother’s womb, rounded off to the nearest higher integer.] Grateful athletes recognise people who go unnoticed. They shake the hand the of the maintenance worker At the end of your day who helps cut the grassy field that write down two things they are about to tear up with their you are grateful for from cleats or the janitor who mops the the day. Get into the habit floor so their feet won’t slide on the of being ever more dust. They write their athletic trainer grateful. It will improve a thank you note for taping them up, your life. (Photo: iStock) helping them rehab, or stretching

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