Tui Motu InterIslands monthly independent Catholic magazine February 2014 | $6 . editorial new light arising unexpectedly

nexpectedly, in the sur- representative group of cardinals Ignatius (pp 24–25) highlights this, rounding dimness, the chosen by Francis to assist him in the putting SJ to the fore . light switch was turned on daunting task of allowing this new light There is a good book review touching again,U and things began to change . to shine . ‘Springtime’ is the evocative on Francis and the Jesuit charism . This is a friend’s description of Pope title of Mike Fitzsimons’ reflections With Simon Rae’s inspiring reflec- Francis bursting on to the global on his meeting with the chair of this tions on the place of the Jesuits within stage to “wake up the world” . All of C8, Cardinal Rodrigues, late last year . Indonesian culture, here is another us need this kind of light helping us Along with this, Anna Holmes con- fertile spiritual strand to ponder . to live out our service to our sisters tinues to reflect pertinently on what Jim Consedine gives us a strong and brothers . And how attractively is happening in Rome, and Daniel and sober comment on the life of Francis has done this: avoiding the O’Leary picks up on questions of the Nelson Mandela, while Norman stifling formality of the last abso- pope’s heart . Habel and Bishop lute monarchy in Europe; blessing Another focus of this issue are two expand our thoughts on the crucial babies, children and in a particular reflections on the charisms underlying questions of interfaith dialogue . way the sick or infirm; preaching two Catholic schools: one flowing I hope you enjoy gazing at the por- easily comprehensible homilies, from the work of St John Baptist de traits of some North Otago women with telling images; not afraid of la Salle; and the other, St Madeleine whom Mary Horn has painted for allowing his simple words to be mis- Sophie Barat . With the recent death her exhibition, Wise Women . Her understood; looking at our messed of a great Catholic educator, Bishop explanation of the ‘sacred’ which up world from the perspective of John Mackey (see the obituary p 19), they enshrine is another important the poor and the periphery, bringing it is pertinent to see how two major spiritual strand of this issue . This hope . This is so refreshing, as the schools continue educating the young theme is taken up, too, by Cathy Gospel comes alive in his hands . in a love for the person of Jesus . Harrison in her fine study entitled Part of the excitement of Francis’ A lively issue-undercurrent is “Women at the Well” . first year has been the appoint- material which portrays the Jesuits: As ever, savour your reading! ment of the “Council of 8”, a Peter Tolich’s reflection on Saint KT

Editorial...... 2 Making peace thru’ abraham ...... 21 Peter Cullinane contents O necessary fault! Tui motu board news . . . . 3 Seeking god in all things ...... 22-23 Letters to the editor ...... 4 Simon Rae Comment: Remembering nelson mandela . . . . 5 St ignatius of loyola ...... 24–25 Jim Consedine Peter Tolich A springtime ...... 6–7 ‘Salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’ . . . . 26–27 Michael Fitzsimons Kathleen Rushton RSM A second letter to pope francis ...... 8–9 Poem: Epiphany ...... 27 Anna Holme Jenny Blood Making connections ...... 10–11 Book and film reviews ...... 28–29 Graeme Mustchin Crosscurrents ...... 30 One heart and mind in jesus’ heart ...... 12–13 Jim Elliston Sandy Pasley Building on our many gifts ...... 31 Women at the well ...... 14–15 Robert Consedine Cathy Harrison A mother’s journal ...... 32 Wise women ...... 16–17 Kaaren Mathias Mary Horn Heart that speaks unto heart ...... 18–19 Daniel O’Leary Cover photos: Pope Francis hugs Vinicio Riva Obituary: Bishop John Mackey ...... 19 in Saint Peter’s Square at the end of his general Michael Hill audience in on 6 November, 2013 . Vinicio is a 53-year-old from Vicenza, Italy who has suffered Abraham and the people of the land ...... 20–21 Norman Habel from neurofibromatosis since he was a child .

2 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 . board news o necessary fault!

oard meetings are usually just in responding to our call for help of this year, with an Australian that: time for business . But not with our running expenses . For this speaker of note . The topic chosen last November! The Tui Motu we are ever grateful . However, to be is euthanasia seen through a secular boardB gathered in Glenorchy at the able to sustain this Tui Motu family lens . There would be time for second- invitation of Paul and Marie Ferris . It structure, prudence dictates that we ary school pupils to interact with the was like a mini-retreat . Certainly minds up the cover price . From 1st March speaker on one day, as well as a public were put into top gear, but we were also this year, the copy price will be $7 .00 . lecture on the following day — with enriched by taking time to revel in the Annual subs will look like this: plenty of time for discussion and beauty of the upper Wakatipu Valley mingling . More soon . — thank you, Paul and Marie, for this : gift to the Board! $33 for five issues (unwaged $28); look at facebook: $66 for a full year - 11 issues Theresa Vossen is doing a sterling price increase (unwaged $56) job in not just managing but truly The Board decided it was time to Australia/Pacific: $80 - 11 issues animating our Facebook page . I am up the cost of each magazine by the Rest of the World: $85 - 11 issues sure that each of us could manage a smallest margin possible, but one LIKE and help disseminate the work that accurately reflects our financial If this price-hike affects your abil- of Tui Motu by Facebook . situation . The costs of printing and ity to receive the magazine, we are distribution, our major expenses, more than happy to dialogue with look at website have increased steadily since we last you about that . Have you looked at our website increased the price of a copy of the recently? It has quite a number of magazine four years ago . You know Tui Motu event new features added . For instance, you and appreciate that we are a ‘cottage There is to be an annual travelling may now browse full copies of back industry’ running on a shoestring event where an important topic rel- magazines in colour . It is a magnifi- budget . In all of this, the magazine’s evant to New Zealand will be chosen cent programme . We are hoping to organization ticks along very simply and a first-rate speaker asked to spur get all the back copies of the maga- and effectively, thanks mainly to the thought and discussion zine on to the website . This will be a work of Sister Elizabeth . The event will ‘travel’ in the sense superb and easy way for readers to go Our major source of income that it will move from city to city: back and read many old favourites, comes directly from YOU, our read- this year in Auckland; next year in and build an open repository and ers, through our parish sales and , and so on . archive of the work of the magazine your subscriptions . Together with The first of these fine events will be over the last 17 years . n these, you are prodigally generous in Auckland sometime in the middle Philip Casey, Chair

Tui Motu – InterIslands is an independent, address: Independent Catholic Magazine Ltd, Catholic, monthly magazine. It invites its 52 Union Street, Dunedin North, 9054 P O Box 6404, Dunedin North, 9059 readers to question, challenge and contrib- ute to its discussion of spiritual and social phone: (03) 477 1449 issues in the light of gospel values, and in fax: (03) 477 8149 the interests of a more just and peaceful email: [email protected] society. Inter-church and inter-faith dialogue website: www.tuimotu.org is welcomed. TuiMotuInterIslands

editor: Kevin Toomey OP The name Tui Motu was given by Pa Henare Tate. assistant editor: Elizabeth Mackie OP It literally means “stitching the islands together...”, bringing the different races and peoples and faiths illustrator: Donald Moorhead together to create one Pacific people of God. directors: Susan Brebner, Rita Cahill RSJ, Philip Casey (chair), Neil Darragh, Paul Ferris, Robin Kearns, Elizabeth Mackie OP Divergence of opinion is expected and will normally honorary directors: Pauline O’Regan RSM, Frank Hoffmann ISSM 1174-8931 be published, although that does not necessarily typesetting and layout: Greg Hings Issue number 179 imply editorial commitment to the viewpoint expressed. printers: Southern Colour Print, 1 Turakina Road, Dunedin South, 9012

3 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 letters to the editor

speaking out and sinning . In fact, the story of the letters to the editor Thank you to Peter Murnane for fall of the first man and woman is quite We welcome comment, the article on “Mistranslating the marginal to the Old Testament . No discussion, argument, debate . missal” . So many people and priests other narrative, no prophetic writing, But please keep letters under are saying similar things, but sadly no psalm mentions it; only the latest are afraid to speak out in this way . Wisdom writings seem to know of it . 200 words . The editor reserves Why should we fear to speak out? So we can conclude that the story of the right to abridge, while not We should be able to pray in a way the Fall forms no part of the personal changing the meaning . that is more ‘real’ to us, the people religious faith of the Israelites for many, We do not publish anonymous of God, rather than some transla- long centuries of their history . letters otherwise than in tion which has been forced upon Yet many Catholics attach such exceptional circumstances . us? This new translation does not huge importance to the Fall and to Response articles (up to a flow grammatically or prayerfully . original and personal sin that there is page) are welcome — but A young man recently said to me little or no room left for God . A differ- please, by negotiation . “I have yet to hear a priest pray the ent perspective, that places God at the Mass with the new translation”! centre of everything, seems called for . Surely we as priests are called to St Bernard tells us that God delib- lead people in prayer and thus cel- erately created us as needy people . Our ebrate the Eucharist more prayer- sins and weaknesses are therefore occa- in God’s eyes . That’s an awful lot to fully and meaningfully . sions for us to turn to God; to experi- have in common: enough surely to Don’t worry, Peter — you are not ence God’s love and mercy . So yes, we enable us to reach agreement on the the only priest still using the 1974 get lost often, but in a good way . We’re less important bits . English Mass translation! really getting lost into God . Jim Howley, Auckland Brendan Behan had a similar idea . Fr Bernie Thomas ofm,Auckland a paradox As he put it, “I love sinning . God loves consequences of the fall forgiving . We’re a perfect match!” One’s ethnicity, a mere accident of Many people seem to attach a great So Felix Daniher (TM, November birth, is irrelevant to a civilized soci- deal of negative importance to the 13) is absolutely right . Gay or straight, ety . Relevant is one’s contribution to story of the Fall in Genesis 2:3 and our before God we’re no different: cre- society, whatever one’s ethnicity . consequent fallen state of sinfulness ated, redeemed, loved, and precious Kees de Leeuw, Mt Maunganui

a gospel manifesto 2014

Are you looking for a strong lead in 2014? How about the five priorities that a Christchurch ecumenically based group of church people have entitled “A Gospel Manifesto for 2014”? The five priorities are: * Every Child Counts * Healthy Homes Lead to Healthy Lives * Gross Inequality Costs Everyone * Correcting a Punitive Society * Being a Better World Neighbour Underpinning all five priorities is the teaching of Jesus and its application to the local and global situation in which we live . Each priority has been researched and written up by poeple competent to comment on their area of expertise . This material will be released progressively through Church related publications, including Tui Motu during 2014, with the last material available no later than September 2014 . The planning group has deliberately called the five priorities a “Gospel Manifesto” as this underlines the importance of the Teaching and Way of Jesus as life enhancing (Ka Ora) as opposed to life defeating (Ka Mate) . In this 2014 Election Year, the Gospel Manifesto holds out the hope of what life should be for all in Aotearoa/New Zealand, not just a privileged few . It also mirrors the equality that should prevail globally as well as locally . May the Spirit that gave rise to this manifesto fuel and fire your resolve also . Brian Turner on behalf of the Gospel Manifesto Planning Group

4 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 comment remembering nelson mandela

Jim Consedine

Let us now sing the praises of famous All governments promote mythmak- and their brutality and the criminal people, those who have gone before us ing . The ANC is no exception . They injustice system that put him in in their generations. (Wisdom 44:1) need this ‘saint’ . prison, would give a total victory Verne Harris of the Nelson to his oppressors . He determined n a visit to the prison cell Mandela Foundation’s Centre of that would not happen . He would on Robben Island where Memory and Dialogue, says, “The beat them by winning them to his Nelson Mandela spent 17 world sees him as a cuddly grand- cause . He would turn their swords Oyears incarcerated, I remember being father, who embraces all the good into ploughshares! struck by how tiny it was . It was things . But no, there are parts of him And so it worked out . He set several square metres smaller than the the world needs to reckon with, and about acquiring the spiritual maturity average New Zealand cell with which they wouldn’t really be comfortable required . His life’s political task was I was familiar . I remember especially reckoning with ”. Harris also says, to work for the liberation of his coun- the tiny window that sat high on the “Mandela’s extraordinary composure try and its entire people, regardless of wall, closed and out of reach . in absorbing the pain of separation race or status . His parallel personal Reflecting on the visit some time from his family has in a sense been journey was to be just as important . later, I came to see that window as a intimidating for the family . At times Working day by day, month by metaphor . Despite the fact that it was he was formal and remote ”. He points month, increment by increment, escape proof, that it was too narrow out that Mandela’s role in founding he sought to transform his personal to squeeze through, that it was out of the armed wing of the ANC also response to the injustice that lay reach, that it was stuck in a concrete tends to be glossed over . Bombing heavy upon his heart and transform it wall on an island isolated and out of campaigns are acts of terror and often into a process of healing, forgiveness sight from civilization, that window kill innocent bystanders . and eventually reconciliation . allowed a small 40 watt bulb to shine Like all imprisoned revolutionar- That was huge . It’s a miracle of a light the whole world came to see . ies, Mandela was scarred by his years grace . And eventually it was this mes- It was like a lighthouse . It shone out of separation and incarceration . One sage of forgiveness and reconciliation onto the rocky cavernous landscape cannot do years of hard labour on that touched the lives of all who came and wild seas beyond; its glow pro- meager rations and hope to survive to hear of Nelson Mandela after his vided hope and a path to millions . without being damaged . What we release . It has been his special gift to the Unraveling the spin around the know from his letters and subsequent human family . This was epitomised last legend of Nelson Mandela is some- reflections is that each year took its December in Auckland by the warm thing that needs to be attempted if toll on his wellbeing . At times he was embrace of former opponents, HART we are ever to get a true picture of the disillusioned and bitter . leader John Minto and police Red man . It is not an easy task . I wonder, But history shows he changed . I Squad commander Ross Meurant, at has the ANC deliberately set about consider arguably his greatest legacy the Mandela Memorial Service . creating and promoting the saint- will be found in that conversion The danger now is that in hon- like Mandela legend to further their experience . I realized this upon reflect- ouring Nelson Mandela in life, political aims? Many think so, and ing about him in that tiny cell . Being people may come to sentimentalise point to the way they have evolved in locked alone late afternoon until early his memory in death . This has been government . They have set aside many morning, with nowhere to move to and done to so many other great people of the features of the Freedom Charter little to pass the time, absent from his through the ages . We tend to forget which brought them to power . They beloved wife and family, his six-foot the blood, sweat, courage, faith and have failed to tackle the underlying plus strong frame squeezed into the tears that made them the revered economic issues which cause and tiniest of spaces for years on end, should figures they became . maintain so much inequality . Many have eaten up his soul and turned him Let us not do that to Nelson other major issues of inequality dating bitter beyond description . But in the Rolihlahla Mandela . n from the apartheid years relating to end he chose otherwise — and that, I the provision of housing, education suggest, is his legacy par excellence . Jim Consedine is a priest of the Diocese and health care remain largely unmet . He came to see that to be eaten of Christchurch and editor of Corruption and crime are rampant . up with negativity about his jailers The Common Good.

5 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 pope francis a springtime

Michael Fitzsimons talks to Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras and reflects on the unfolding papacy of Pope Francis.

fter a good soaking walk- he’ll stay there forever until he becomes Pope Francis’ challenge to the ing from the Terrace to a cardinal . The feeling now is that you Church is to get ‘beyond small-minded the Catholic Centre in should go to give a special service, and rules’, to be a Church that finds new AHill Street, I get to meet the joyful then maybe after five years, or at most roads to reach those who do not attend Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga ten years, you’ll go back to your diocese ”. Mass or who have quit or are indiffer- of Honduras . He is a key figure in The reform of the Roman ent . This demands that the Church, the new Vatican regime, the chair of is only one small part of the renewal and all who live therein, put Gospel the Pope’s new, influential Council of process . With Church attendance in compassion before moral judgments . Cardinals (The C8) and President of the Western world plummeting, espe- “We cannot insist only on issues Caritas International . cially among the young, and the moral related to abortion, gay marriage and Cardinal Rodriguez is a man of authority of the Church at a low-point the use of contraceptive methods,” many talents, who is said to have in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal, says Pope Francis . “This is not possible been a contender for Pope himself . it is no time for tinkering . … the dogmatic and moral teachings He’s a trained pilot, plays both the of the Church are not all equivalent . saxophone and the piano and speaks The church’s pastoral ministry cannot six languages . The Pope’s enthusias- Speaking simply from be obsessed with the transmission of a tic Latin American envoy greets the the heart, without disjointed multitude of doctrines to be little gathering of journalists with a the nuanced and imposed insistently . Proclamation in a wide smile . missionary focuses on the essen- He hopes and wishes we are seeing complex language of tials, on the necessary things: this is also a new springtime in the Church . It’s Church statements what fascinates and attracts more, what early days yet but we are seeing a differ- and papal encyclicals, makes the heart burn, as it did for the ent model of church emerging, more disciples at Emmaus . consultative and more pastoral . has been a hallmark “We have to find a new balance; “The sign that Pope Francis has of this authentic and otherwise even the moral edifice of been giving is that all his life he has charismatic Pope the church is likely to fall like a house been a dedicated pastor, especially to of cards, losing the freshness and poor people . That’s why his priority, fragrance of the Gospel . The proposal as a guideline to his pontificate, is to A survey of the Pope’s speeches and of the Gospel must be more simple, announce the mercy and pardon of statements reveals the revolutionary profound, radiant ”. Our Lord ”. intent of this papacy, not so much in It is unusual, to say the least, to hear The first job of the newly appointed its teaching — that is still to be deter- a pope warn against exaggerated doctri- Council of Cardinals, which Cardinal mined — as in its pastoral priorities . nal security . Our faith, says the Pope, is Oscar chairs, is to advise the Pope on In an extended interview with Fr a way of life not an ideology . It demands reforming the Roman Curia which Antonio Spadaro, editor of the Italian humility, compassion and an adherence has long been seen as a powerful gate- Jesuit journal La Civiltà Cattolica, to the Gospels’ fundamental, non- keeper and obstacle to real change in Pope Francis spells out those priorities . negotiable message to serve and to love . the Church . “I see clearly that the thing the If a disciple “becomes a disciple of the The Roman Curia should not be Church needs most today is the ability ideology he has lost the faith . Without an institution that is serving itself, says to heal wounds and to warm the hearts prayer one abandons the faith and the Cardinal . “Authority or power is of the faithful; it needs nearness, prox- descends into ideology and moralism ”. for service, not to serve itself . Those imity . I see the Church as a field hospital The problem with ideology is it is that are called to collaborate with him after battle . It’s useless to ask a seriously rigid and moralistic but without kind- in the Roman Curia are there to serve, injured if he has high cholesterol and ness, says Pope Francis . not to make a career ”. about the level of his blood sugars! You “It frightens, it chases away the “If a priest is sent by his bishop to have to heal his wounds . Then we can people, it distances the people, and help the Roman Curia, it’s not so that talk about everything else ”. distances the Church from the people .

6 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 accountability from the Vatican Bank . In June 2013, he appointed a Papal Commission to conduct an exhaustive report into the Bank’s juridical stand- ing and activities . He has also called for an Extraordinary Synod of Bishops for November 2014 to focus on the family, only the second time that such a Synod has happened . In preparation, he has asked local bishops to consult with Catholics as widely as possible on issues such as contraception, gay marriage, sex outside marriage and whether divorced and remarried Catholics should be able to receive Holy Communion . Such consultation is unprecedented . The first nine months of Pope Francis’ papacy are seen by many as a rekindling of the fires of Vatican II . Fifty years on, there is once again the prospect of greater universality and Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga [photo: Adrian Heke] collegiality, a stronger voice for lay men and women, a more open and compas- It is a serious illness, this of ideological previously hostile . A recent global survey sionate stance towards humankind and Christians . It is an illness but it is not revealed that he topped the list of names its array of moral concerns, an eager- new, eh? Already the Apostle John, in most mentioned on the internet and his ness to engage with the world as it is . his First Letter, spoke of this . Christians twitter account is among the five most Says Cardinal Rodriguez: “Many who lose the faith and prefer the ide- followed in the world . things from the Council have been ologies … the key that opens the door “It’s beautiful that he can express put into practice but we still have a to the faith is prayer . When a Christian freely his way of thinking,” says Cardinal long way to go, to see a church that is does not pray, this happens ”. Rodrigues . “It’s sad to have to balance truly universal, not Europe . In Europe Since he was elected, Pope Francis every word you say . He talks the way you see an autumn not a spring . You has made a habit of speaking freely we like people to communicate ”. see spring in Africa and in parts of and forthrightly with selected journal- It is hard to know where all this is Latin America, but in Europe it’s only ists . At times he has not hesitated to leading . Certainly I have not heard a autumn . We don’t think the Church be severe in his criticism of church Pope speak and act like this in my life- can continue that way ”. behaviour . Some examples: “Heads of time, nor have I seen the admiration he It’s a big ask for an institution as hier- the Church have often been narcissists, stirs in a broad cross-section of people, archical and traditional as the Catholic flattered and thrilled by their courtiers . even in a time when organised religion is Church to change its ways . Could this The court is the leprosy of the papacy ”. in trouble . Catholics and non-Catholics be a turning point? The Honduran And again, “Proselytism is solemn alike are amazed by what they are hearing Cardinal smiles across the table . nonsense, it makes no sense . We need and seeing in this joyful new Pope . His “Yes, we need to recover our breath to get to know each other, listen to each determination to live simply, to forsake and keep going . The Holy Spirit is not other and improve our knowledge of the plush papal residence for simpler on holiday ”. the world around us ”. accommodation, to live communally, to The signs are there, and so is the Speaking from the heart, without drive an old car, to respond personally to hunger . A few days later, a co-worker the nuanced and complex language of people who contact him, to greet people with no religious background at all Church statements and papal encycli- personally after Mass, show him to be a says that the best thing to have hap- cals, has been a hallmark of this authen- pastor first and foremost . pened to the world in the last year has tic and charismatic pope . It has made But it doesn’t stop there . There is a been the Pope . The same day a friend him a remarkably powerful and effective reforming zeal, the extent of which we — a former seminarian — who has communicator of the Gospel message, are yet to see . In addition to the reform long since given up on the Church striking a chord with young and old, of the Curia that he has signalled, tells me he has added the Vatican believers and non-believers, even the he has called for transparency and feed to his Bookmarks . n

7 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 pope francis a second letter to pope francis The writer continues her dialogue with Pope Francis by letter on the state of the Church and his place in dealing with the world and all of us. (See the first letter: Tui Motu, May 2013, pp 22-23). Anna Holmes

ear Pope Francis, What an eventful nine months we have had in the church . ThereD has been a new birth of its found- ing ideals as you proclaimed a church of mercy, inclusion, love and forgiveness, focused on the poor . You said: “A way has to be found to enable everyone to benefit from the fruits of the earth, and not simply to close the gap between the affluent and those who must be satisfied with the crumbs falling from the table, but above all to satisfy the demands of justice, fairness and respect for every human being.” The five concerns I wrote of in my Pope Francis at Lampedusa letter last year were : misuse of power, lack of faith, lack of hospitality, refusal clericalism to all . Even when seminary staff sug- to dialogue with the post-modern You told priests that as shepherds they gested that seminarians were not suit- world, and misogynism . How well you needed to ‘smell of the sheep’ . What able, some bishops, desperate to have have begun to address these . a wonderful image for New Zealand . enough priests, insisted they be trained . You also said much about clericalism, Others imported priests and seminar- power which wounds the church . ians from very different cultures . You You have used your own power well, “A church without prophets falls rightly said: preserving your freedom to be yourself . into the trap of clericalism. “We must form their [seminary Congratulations on beginning your True prophets … keep the promise students’] hearts. Otherwise we create ministry by refusing to be shut up in the of God alive, they see the suffering of little monsters. And then these little papal apartments . One major weakness their people, and they bring us the monsters mould the people of God. This of the papacy has been the isolation of the strength to look ahead. When there is really gives me goose bumps … Life is Pope in the Vatican . You challenge those no prophecy amongst the people of God, complicated. It consists of grace and who would keep you apart by picking up the emptiness that is created gets filled sin. He who does not sin is not human. the phone and arranging trips yourself . by clericalism …” We all make mistakes and we need to It was so good to see you embrace those and recognize our weakness …” with Aids, visit the imprisoned asylum “When a priest leads a diocese or Clericalism is still a very real prob- seekers on Lampedusa, dine with prison- a parish, he has to listen to his com- lem both centrally in the Vatican and ers and start dialogue with gay people . munity, to make mature decisions and peripherally . Those attached to clerical Your refusal to be at the centre of lead the community accordingly … In power are no more willing to give it high ceremonial has been a breath of contrast, when the priest imposes him- up than dictators anywhere . It is from fresh air . No need for limousines, the self, when in some way he says, ‘I am these that the criticisms come: that you bus will do . No need for frills and fur- the boss here’, he falls into clericalism.” are letting the side down by being too belows or red slippers with pompoms . The number of vocations fell away informal and allowing people too close No need to wear the vestments of lace sharply in the 80s and 90s . Seminarians to the seat of power . and gold so beloved by those who were accepted who were not suitable Travelling around New Zealand at would like to turn the church back to because their intention was to govern, the end of last year I heard stories of cler- the time when it had absolute temporal not love . They saw vocation as a way icalism everywhere . Priests who refused power . You reek of simplicity . of taking power, not of loving service to acknowledge or affirm the ministries

8 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 of the people; one closing the lavatories New Zealand in 1985 security men faintly understand . You seem happy in the church entrance, making the eld- from Italy and NZ SIS surrounded with mystery and do not need to hedge erly and mothers of young children walk him . Much to my amusement when it it about with rules and regulations . to the school next door . Priests imported rained hard and their suits shrank, their You really seem to understand the post from other cultures who issued orders shoulder pistol holsters were clearly modern, totally interconnected world and expected to have their hands kissed visible . Even the Queen does not get where mysticism makes sense . by grateful parishioners . You have been security like that in New Zealand . very clear about the unchristian values misogynism expressed in clericalism . You have entered You have not yet addressed the insti- tutional misogynism that seeks to put hospitality into dialogue with women in certain roles and refuse them You illustrate that hospitality is one the modern, totally others . Your greatest change in this area of the major tasks of the church and interconnected world . was to wash the feet of a Muslim woman show that we are all on a journey . At on Maundy Thursday . a stroke, remaining in the guesthouse, Your faith is clearly The time for men to define women you disempowered those who might visible, causing wonder has gone and women’s voices need to wish to restrict your understanding and delight . You want be heard . The church will continue to and feed you a selective view of what is shrink if women are not truly part of its happening in the world . the church to be a dialogue and governance . Women ensure Not since Pope John XXIII has church of the poor . the church’s future by giving birth to there been a Pope who so reached the its new members . You know this when ordinary people in the street . I recall you invite mothers to breastfeed in the seeing John XXIII at a papal mass in dialogue with the world Sistine chapel . Please keep reflecting on Rome in 1959 . Even when carried You have entered into dialogue with the deeper implications of it . I agree that shoulder high on a throne by his staff, the modern, totally interconnected until the problem of clericalism is dealt beautifully dressed in gold braided, world . Your faith is clearly visible, caus- with, merely ordaining women into an brass-buttoned uniforms including ing wonder and delight . You want the unreformed system would be wrong, white gloves, he emanated a wonder- church to be a church of the poor . You damaging for them and the church . ful sense of humanity . He positively frequently talk of the inclusive love of I like the way you talk of the people beamed at the assembled people and God for all people, and the need for the of God . There is still much to be done made it possible to believe that the church to be merciful not legalistic and to enable the growth of the church of church was a place of love . judgemental . You have reached out to all: the laity . Those who were energised You have managed to do this once “an attitude of openness in truth and passionate after Vatican II are now again . Over the past nine months I have and love must prevail in dialogue with old and tired after seeing all the hopeful listened to conversations about what the believers of non-Christian religions, changes wound back . Of course, there Pope was saying and doing . These were despite the various obstacles and dif- are still pockets of new growth where not in church circles but on the street ficulties, particularly fundamentalism parishes are a real community of people and among people who are not church- on both sides … the one way to over- who are all willing to enable the church . goers . The world has welcomed your come this fear was to foster dialogue.” Growth from the bottom happens only humanity with great interest, because it Dialogue, you went on to say, does when people are enabled to develop their is this above all that shows the presence not mean giving up your identity as a gifts in a loving and caring community . of a loving God in the world . Christian . On the contrary, you stressed Unfortunately the gift of enabling is a bit “true openness means remaining firm thin on the ground among priests trained visible faith in one’s deepest convictions, and therefore when the fashion was for the priest to Pictures of you embracing infants, being open to understanding others.” control . You understand that enabling those with major disabilities, women “We must try to bring about unity the gifts of all is what the church needs and old friends have been circulated … But we Catholics must pray with each to do . This is a humble enabling that around the globe — picking up an old other and other Christians. Pray that the nurtures a community of love — the friend in your popemobile and touring Lord gift us (with) unity! Unity among task of a mother church . St Peter’s square . Such warm humanity ourselves! Seek unity, unity builds the May you continue to have such is to be applauded and rejoiced in . Church and comes from Jesus Christ. He deep discernment in the New Year . n When crowds pressed about Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit to build unity!” his disciples drove them away, just as Above all you show a belief in a Anna Holmes is a retired Dunedin Vatican staff have done with previous God of love ever present to all people, general practitioner who has specialized popes . When Pope John Paul II visited in all cultures and in ways we only in dealing with youth and palliative care.

9 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 catholic schools making connections

It is important to look into the charism of a particular Catholic school, to understand the life and work of the saint or person who inspires a school’s name. They can become inspirational for others. In this article, the writer gives a personal reflection on these matters.

Graeme Mustchin

e need heroes . Their Petone . I looked up to Johnny who Father Frank as a Columban, as a deeds, often mythologi- was a few years older than me . I still Missionary, as a passionate Kiwi cal, inspire us to become remember him as my buddy as he had important lessons to teach me . Wincreasingly aware of our own was always very kind to me and made He was part of an organization that potential as we strive to be better sure that I was O .K . Occasionally on I had come to know and respect . I human beings . wet days whilst waiting for the bus hadn’t thought much about that in I first came to work at Francis Johnny’s mother would drive by in the seventies but being older and Douglas Memorial College in 1978 what I believe was a 1940’s Chevy . She somewhat wiser now I started to see for three years and then after a break would take us home . Father Frank’s important and lasting connections . of a decade while pursuing other sister-in-law and Johnny touched my Over the next few years a picture educational goals I returned in 1990 life through small kindnesses which began to emerge . The Brothers were and still work there now as both have never been forgotten . anxious to ensure that the whole teacher and chaplain . Later I was to spend time training community knew the story of this Initially I thought very little and teaching as a Marist Brother . It brave sporting kiwi who had lived in about Father Frank as his fellow was during that time that I was to New Plymouth for a brief period of Columbans affectionately refer to enjoy a close association with the time . A memorial mass was celebrated him . The College was named after Columbans . Some of them would annually, first in the Parish church him but being a biblical Martha visit to talk about the missions . John and then in the College gymnasium . busy about many things I never Griffin became a fierce opponent on Stories were told in the classroom stopped to consider the significance . the tennis court and many priests and Frank was used as inspiration During my time away I returned became very good friends when I for speeches delivered as part of the briefly for the Silver Jubilee in 1984 worked and played sport in Fiji . I was English Curriculum . and purchased a Jubilee book that in Suva and they were principally in The sanctuary lamp in the chapel, contained an article about Father Lautoka and Ba . gifted to the College from the church in Frank . It was only then that his Pililla where Frank worked, stimulated story began to touch my life and I enthusiastic discussion . What if it could began to make connections . On beautiful mornings talk? What further mysteries might it the sun shines through help to solve? The Vale family gifted a intertwined beginnings a multi-coloured image cricket bat that had been presented to My father was born two days after Jim by Father Frank . A small cabinet in Father Frank . I was baptized at of Frank with rugby the library stocked items from a mass Sacred Heart Cathedral in July ball in hand, vistas kit, a letter or two and a breviary . In a 1943 just as Frank disappeared . My of the Philippines prominent place in the well-used and parents shifted out to High Street in miniaturized in the computerized library the cabinet served Lower Hutt to Sts Peter and Paul’s, as a constant reminder about important the mothership of the Douglas fam- background . facets of our foundation . ily’s parish in Johnsonville . Graduating from Sts Peter and new contributions Paul’s school I went to Marist in learning important lessons It was during the 90s that three sig- Waterloo Road and found myself And so it was that in returning nificant contributions to the lasting catching a bus home to Alicetown to Francis Douglas Memorial memory of Kiwi Frank took place . with Johnny Douglas who lived in College in 1990 I had this idea that Patricia Brooks visited the College

10 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 Francis Douglas Memorial College, with Mount Taranaki as its dramatic backdrop and addressed the assembly as part ever have imagined in his wildest for bravery . It is dedicated to Andrew of the launch of her book, With No dreams that he would be immortal- Harris, an old boy of the College, Regrets . What a treasure this was to ized in highly colored stained glass in who died on Mount Everest trying to become . For a period of time it was a College named after him standing save the life of another climber . required reading for every Year 11 tall at the base of Mount Taranaki? What makes these three a particu- student . It provided a superb insight larly apt heroic trinity? As I said in into the heart of a generous young making the links an address that I gave to the college man filled with an awe-inspiring Our boys know the story well, and assembly in 2010 with Andrew’s sense of vocation . It is a book still carefully guided by their Religious parents as guests, quoted and sourced for speech, essay, Study teachers learn to understand “Here then were three young prayer and eulogy . the links among the trinity of Jesus men; Jesus, Vernon and Andrew, And it didn’t seem very long after Christo Duce — our leader; John who in their early thirties gave up that that Paul Gittings arrived from Baptist de La Salle — our founder; their lives in the service of others . TVNZ in hot pursuit of a story for and Father Frank — our hero . They Far away from their homes: one in his much acclaimed Epitaph series . He were all on a mission . On occasions Jerusalem on the edge of the Judean drew much attention with a TV camera under assessment time constrictions desert, the second in the Philippines as his close companion, with his gem the stories get a little muddled but and Andrew himself in Nepal . Each A Glorious Death slowly being born . the students know about Palestine, of them in vastly different circum- There are copies of this as well, a visual Parmenio and Pililla, even if somewhat stances disappeared from the face of companion to our audio resource . Every precariously when under pressure . To this planet, with words of anguish Year nine class analyses this DVD . quote two transposed preposterous from distraught mothers anxious for Brother Bill was the boss at the time propositions elicited during exami- their safety ringing in their ears ”. and he had another trick up his vast and nations at Year nine level, “Francis As the saying goes, “Greater love bottomless sleeves of generosity . Good Douglas founded the de La Salle than this has no man than that he lay things come in threes, they say, and Brothers in the Philippines” and “ down his life for his friends ”. so it was that some stained glass win- Jesus was the first de La Salle Brother Francis Douglas Memorial dows appeared in Brother Peter Bray’s to be killed by the Japanese during the College is a Roman Catholic College hexagonal steepled chapel . The College French Revolution ”. that exists for the education of young Crest was surrounded by John Baptist men within the Lasallian tradition de La Salle and yes of course, Fr Francis trinities of nurturing one’s faith and being of Vernon Douglas . On beautiful morn- My story would not be complete service, energized by the influence of ings the sun shines through a multi- without packaging up a trinity of a living Christian community . Father coloured image of Frank with rugby trinities . We could say that Francis Francis Vernon Douglas will always ball in hand, vistas of the Philippines Douglas Memorial College is be a wonderful role model for us all miniaturized in the background . blessed with three heroes . We have who aspire to live out these ideals . n Classes read the story, watch the mentioned Jesus Christ and Father DVD, and when they come to the Francis Vernon Douglas but if you go Graeme Mustchin is the Lasallian Chapel for meeting, mass or prayer into the library and stand next to the Chaplain at Francis Douglas Memorial they sit quietly with this gentle kiwi cabinet of Frank’s memorabilia you College in New Plymouth. giant . During his lifetime would he will notice above it a framed citation

11 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 catholic schools one heart and mind in jesus’ heart The principal of Baradene College gives us an account of her school’s charismRobin Kearns within the tradition of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. Sandy Pasley

aradene College of the Sacred Charism is the heart of the founder heart), every student is offered a Heart was founded over 100 aglow at one period in history warm welcome to a loving, family years ago by the Congregation beating in on us in another day and environment . Through giving and Bof the Religious of the Sacred Heart age . . receiving, students foster this secure of Jesus (RSCJ) . The school takes its Charism is tree, branch, flower, fruit . and caring atmosphere . name from that of the congregation’s An ever-changing, always rooted 4. A Social Awareness which impels foundress, Saint Madeleine Sophie obsession to action — Helping others. Barat who at the time of political For the coming reign of God, where Our young women learn that the reign of God is needed most, upheaval in France in the late 18th through service they are able to One that develops from age to age century realised that education of respond to others’ hardships and And then grows up in a new way in young women would open up a make a difference in today’s world . the next one . world of possibilities — it would help The satisfaction and self-esteem Charism is a living passion for them grow in the love of Jesus Christ, whatever dimension of the life of gained through service provides con- think critically and have influence in Christ . . fidence to carry on their homes and in their wider world . peace, truth, healing, mercy . . is 5. Personal Growth in an missing now . Atmosphere of Wise Freedom — vision renewed Here, in our time . Growing through new experiences. Today the vision of St Madeleine Where we are . Students’ unique abilities are Sophie Barat remains at the heart of — Joan Chittister OSB appreciated and celebrated, learning a RSCJ school’s education . The phi- to grow in self-confidence by dealing losophy of our education is exempli- Values – Hearts and Minds. realistically with their own gifts and fied by the following five goals: Our teachers balance new educa- limitations, sharing their gifts with a 1. A Personal and Active Faith tional ideas with an appreciation of what sense of humility and grace . in God – Faith is the foundation of is timeless . They care about students, our home listen to them, and encourage them to relating to Jesus is key In understanding through heart grow in confidence and knowledge . Central to our endeavours as an RSCJ and mind that they are personally 3. The Building of Community as a college is provision of opportunities loved by God, students are formed to Christian Value — being part of our school, to further nourish a relationship with be thinking, compassionate women . our community and our wider world. the person of Jesus Christ . 2. A Deep Respect for Intellectual In the spirit of Cor Unum (one An RSCJ school values the per- sonal experience of contemplation and action working hand in hand . Reflection better informs our choices . As wise and compassionate young women, students will move forward equipped to recognize their place in shaping the future . Daily life at the College reflects our motto cor unum et anima una in corde Jesu — “one heart and one mind in the heart of Jesus” . This motto espouses the spirit of community that is evident at school Masses, non-eucharistic liturgical rituals, celebrations and at sports events where the chant of cor unum means The Duchesne building and the front lawn . something very special to Baradene girls . It is through Christ’s light that our hearts

12 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 are connected and our minds informed . The ‘living charism’ of the RSCJ community of sisters is integral to the College community . Approximately ten sisters live on site and their spirit- ual guidance and prayers provide the heartbeat of the College . They have a great interest in what is happening in the school and attend school func- tions . They work closely with our strong alumnae group: “Once a child of the Sacred Heart, always a child of the Sacred Heart” . international network An ICT class . Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, established in 1909, is the have been involved in a Justice, Peace what Mother Stuart would make of the only remaining RSCJ school in New and Integrity of Creation programme . move towards e-learning . We are sure Zealand . Schools such as Sacre Coeur The intention is to see increased she would applaud the emphasis we in Timaru, Cottesmore in Christchurch awareness of Social Justice through have had on the development and use and Erskine in Wellington have long coordinated and integrated pro- of information and communications since closed . From these schools and grammes . Each Year Level has its own technology (ICT) to engage students Baradene, the RSCJ Sisters maintain age-appropriate focus, incorporating in learning . We applied for, and were connections to many women through- prayer, scripture, curriculum input and offered, the opportunity to be one of out New Zealand and all over the world action/service . It is hoped that through ten Colleges in New Zealand chosen through a global network of RSCJ prayer, reflection and action, students to be a Microsoft IT Academy school . schools in 41 different countries . In par- will come to experience firsthand the This means all of our students will have ticular, we enjoy a close association with knowledge that for our work of Social the opportunity to receive training three sister schools in Australia . Justice to be authentic, it must reflect in and gain Microsoft qualifications . Staff, Boards and student the direct social service of charity, and These qualifications are recognised exchanges enrich community and the social change of justice . worldwide . In 2014 we have adapted build cross-cultural understanding . All our staff are invited to become our curriculum so that Year 7 and To further the internationality of our part of the RSCJ story, whether they 8 students will be trained to use the Sacred Heart Network of Schools, are teaching staff, perform admin- Microsoft Suite competently . This will many students take part in annual istrative or technical roles, or are see these students well placed in later exchanges to sister schools in six ancillary staff . All are invited to take years to integrate their expertise in the countries . These exchanges are recip- part in Orientation on the Goals and different subject areas . rocal arrangements, giving students Traditions of the RSCJ . Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in the opportunity to experience differ- There have been many gifted edu- the early 1880s (governed by patience, ent cultures and education within the cators among the RSCJs . One in par- compassion, friendship and determina- network to prepare them for a future ticular, Mother Janet Erskine Stuart, tion) devoted her life to prayer and in a worldwide work-force . has had a great influence on the devel- the ministry of education . She began This is also reflected in our com- opment of Sacred Heart educational a Society that today seeks to develop munity’s response to the needs of philosophy in order to make known the spiritual and intellectual growth of others . Consistent with developing the vision of Saint Madeleine . Mother young women at Baradene College . Our both local and global perspectives Stuart valued greatly the qualities of hope is that these young women will among the students are fundraising intellectual honesty and openness of become people of prayer, empowered initiatives supporting local, regional mind: the importance of evaluating to be leaders in our society, advocates and global projects . In particular, what we do and striving to be better, for Social Justice, and confident in the they support Caritas Aotearoa and to educate so our students have self- knowledge that they are loved by God . n the RSCJs work in Africa, the knowledge, energy and purpose . Philippines, Indonesia and India . Sandy Pasley is the principal of move to e-learning Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, social justice action As we move into the centenary year of Remuera, Auckland. Beginning in 2012 all our students her death in October 2014, we wonder

13 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 celebration of women’s faith journeys women at the well

Twenty years ago Catholic Social Services launched a dynamic, life-changing programme for Catholic women in Christchurch. In September last year many gathered to celebrate how they, like the woman at the well who encountered Jesus, had been allured across social, cultural and gender boundaries to a spring of Living Water.

Cathy Harrison

uring the early 1990s like campaign to attain the vote in New that group . The process used in the a lot of NZ women, Anne Zealand — a world first — and programme would draw it out . Mary McCormack, then Director also a prophetic move to engage and Chris shared this insight; they also Dof a vibrant Catholic Social Services, women in voluntary work in the regarded supervision as essential . was beginning to understand the community . At the time Anne significance of the suffragette move- believed there was more of a place programme principles ment . At the same time she was aware for women in the community than Love was central to the carefully that new pathways were needed for in the church — and that was 20 identified community development contemporary Catholic women — years ago! However, what was really and social work principles of the some of those pathways, already in the happening, she claimed, was that programme . The programme would making, were just waiting to be trod . the further the women went into respect the integrity and wisdom Thinking suffrage, Anne sensed the community the more the church of each woman and her capacity that a number of women she had met was widening, enlarging . for cooperative learning and shared were not just seeking education, they Anne’s vision was shared by two understanding . It would not be a were also searching for a deepening of collaborators, Mary Woods and Chris prescriptive model . their spirituality . Thomas, both of whom had extensive Anne, Mary and Chris quickly and complementary gifts in social tapped into the wisdom of the a time of discernment work, the voluntary sector, commu- already established Christchurch East Women at the Well emerged from this nity development and supervision . Development Scheme established by time of discernment . It was both Mary believed that when you gather the Aranui community of the Sisters of a visionary response to mark the a group of women together everything Mercy to respond to the unmet needs 100th anniversary of the suffragettes’ you need to know can be found in of women in the suburbs . Sister Teresa O’Connor, so calm and wise, had a significant initial role and remained a mentor and anchor for the group . Kitchen table spirituality best describes the vision Anne shared as she travelled around the suburbs visiting the women she thought might be interested . The invitation was often given amidst toddlers and toys and baskets of washing, and mostly the response was a whole- hearted biblical ‘yes’ . Yet age and stage were not criteria . The wisdom of years and the inner-authority of the elder women impacted strongly on the group . Face-to-face networking, long before Facebook, brought two suc- cessive groups of 12 women (also a Reunion of Women at the Well in Christchurch, 2013 biblical number) together for a life- changing journey .

14 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 a cwl suffragette project Others described how they encoun- Generously adopted as a Catholic tered and responded to dazed trauma- Women’s League suffragette project, the tized people wandering the streets with Women at the Well began on 24 June 1993 . no homes to go to, no money . Honouring a local woman was to be an Recollections of the hospital’s important feature of the programme and heart ward which had no power and Florence Dobbs (1887–1965) became no capacity to test the increasing the exemplar . A foundation member of numbers of people arriving with seri- the Catholic Women’s League, her life ous chest pain testified to the incred- had been dedicated to service of others . ible resilience needed during this time Florence was an active, undemanding of extreme crisis and uncertainty . woman who got her way through love . Ah, the women at the well — Fr Tom Liddy, preaching her panegyric, mothers, daughters, sisters and wives said, “How much good Florence did — they gathered and honoured each only God knows . . the present necessity other’s grace-filled stories . Exquisite of the person before her was the gauge of and compelling was their sharing, her charity ”. transmitting the Living Water they The two programmes, involving first drew all those years ago . weekly sessions, lasted for 18 months . Celebration ritual altar These courageous women con- Participants recalled that food, laughter tinue to give contemporary expression and celebration were significant touch- prisoners and homeless women on the and meaning to the realm of God, to stones . Being nurtured was an inten- inner-city streets . Life at the Well . They have etched the tional highlight for the team recognized Some specialized in care for unsup- signature of the Feminine Divine in that the very women who were generous ported young mothers and babies . places many people cannot or will not givers to and nurturers of others were Others engaged in pastoral care and go . The vision has not dimmed, rather themselves often unnurtured . chaplaincy for people with intellectual it has ignited and is spreading . They disability . This included the establish- radiate energy and joy wherever they Quick to anticipate ment of a choir recognised as the hap- venture . Their bold humility and serv- piest choir in the world . For others it ant leadership continue to be a vessel those who desire was a call to aged care and nursing . of hope for our vulnerable world . her, Sophia (Wisdom) And when most of us are sleeping at made herself known to night, it is not unusual for one vibrant faith journeys 80-plus woman to receive a call from the Their day of celebration ended with a them . police requiring support for women and beautiful ritual which included gift- children and transport to a Women’s ing each other with white roses (in the reunion’s hallmark Refuge — and this, after a lifetime the absence of camellias) . Val Langley, Honour, gratitude and humility lending strength to women’s rights and the vice-president of the CWL, was were the hallmarks of the reunion . needs: a voice for justice in society and in attendance, visibly moved by sto- Honouring of each other’s stories the institutional church’s wilderness . ries and fruits of this CWL project . illuminated the richness and the Together she and Anne cut the anni- ongoing fulfilment of this prophetic deep wells versary cake . In this manner those and unique programme . The women When the February earthquakes attending became replenished once spoke of how it had trail-blazed new occurred in Christchurch many of again for their personal journeys . directions in life for them . It was these women discovered how deep These journeys are undertaken in moving to hear of their personal was the personal well of their ability union with a Samaritan woman who, transformations, the healing and to respond quickly and creatively in two thousand years ago, had no idea courage and capacity to cope with the midst of trauma and devastation . that her faith would inspire so many some of life’s huge challenges which One of them spoke of the urgency generations of women in far-away lay ahead . and yet calm required when an aged places she had never dreamed about . n Quick to anticipate those who care hospital and rest home with 60 desire her, Sophia (Wisdom) made residents collapsed . She recalled heart- Cathy Harrison lives in Christchurch, herself known to them . This Living rending images of the residents huddled and is involved (inter alia) with Water from the inner wellspring took together in a room before their imma- the Edmund Rice Justice and Mercy them into extraordinary places — nent exodus, bussed out of the city in Foundation programmes. including working with partners of the dark of night, many never to return .

15 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 16 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 Wise Women These images come from a current exhibition of my works entitled Wise Women.

I have long been interested in Carl Jung’s ‘archetypes’, the universal patterns that Jung says are derived from the collective unconscious. The “wise woman” is one such archetype. Every culture and religion over the aeons has brought forth such women. For Christians we have only to think of the Hebrew Scriptures or the New Testament — such women as Miriam (Moses’ sister), and Mary Magdalene (the friend of Jesus).

In 2011, I began a journey of painting icons of local wise women. They represent a universal situation. Each woman I have painted has a halo, the Christian symbol of holiness. Why? Because I believe every human being is holy, that each one of us has an inner core of beauty that is sacred. Whether we are male or female, we have in our subconscious a wise woman. I wanted these iconic women to be local — from the North Otago area around me — to show the strength that is here, home-grown but in all of us. I hope through gazing on these images you may realize and grasp more of your own inner sacredness.

The land, which surrounds me at Teschemakers, is a continuing revelation to me, a depository of the sacred which I have reflected in these images. If we could reverence that sacredness in ourselves, in every one we meet and in creation, we might — no would — change our world.

— Mary Horn OP, Teschemakers, Oamaru

17 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 spiritualtiy heart that speaks unto heart

Daniel O’Leary

he Year of Faith has ended looks at the living context of each of today . He now looks at the world with a man at the helm of individual’s precious life . as an active contemplative who has the who is Drawn instinctively to the vul- fallen irrevocably in love with God’s redefiningT the papacy and bringing it nerability and poverty of the human poor . There is a charismatic power a new authenticity . It has profound condition, the Pope’s fundamental in such people . We somehow feel consequences for personal belief, too option is unshakeable as he instinc- safe in their company . They unlock Quietly enough the Year of tively discerns the real issues — the our hearts . We want to believe and Faith began . And quietly enough it liberating and empowering of disad- follow them . They inspire us to trust continued, with the usual parish and vantaged people in a world of unre- our own wisdom and graces, to find diocesan initiatives — the devotions, strained capitalism . In recognising our own voice, to recognise the fear the pilgrimages, the talks . After this, he has tapped into the dreams within us that must die for something six months there was an astonish- of millions . God’s people sense that, new and beautiful to be born . ing series of events when one Pope even while still trapped in unjust A third reason for the swell of retired and another was elected — a regimes, something unretractable has interest and delight in Pope Francis, man who immediately and defini- already been set free within them . for the speed with which his words tively broke the papal mould . We A second reason for the emo- and presence are storming the hearts were not expecting any of this; we tions stirred up by the new Pope is and minds of millions, has to do with are still coming to terms with it all . his courageous presence as he moves his personal gifts of communication, Once while driving along the so confidently among people of all together with the technical miracles Flaggy Shore in West Clare, Seamus ages, nationalities and cultures . From that carry his compelling inspira- Heaney remembered those sudden where does this inner authority come? tion around the world so swiftly . gusts of wind which come at the car Many feel that it is born in the experi- Normally a Pope’s words are securely sideways “and catch the heart off ence of an earlier, painful conversion crafted according to a magisterial guard and blow it open” . For many of during his time as Jesuit Superior and template allowing for no easy misun- us, it was a bit like that . In his address Archbishop in Argentina . derstanding . Every text is scrutinised to the National Religious Education When people emerge from such and chiselled, honed to exclude any Congress of Ireland last month, a profound and personal period of possibility of confusion or error on Dublin’s Archbishop Diarmuid darkness and confusion, they are the part of the protected speaker . Martin said, “If we were thinking of often fired by an intense vision that Pope Francis is following another the Year of Faith in terms of renewal, transcends fear, by a fierce commit- way of communicating — a kind Pope Francis has challenged us to ment to self-sacrifice in the service of sacrament of conversation which change gear from renewal to near of others . And they are changed allows his personality and charismatic revolution ”. How and why has this forever . We think of St Paul, St presence to deepen the love and phenomenon happened so quickly? Francis, Oscar Romero and many meaning of his words . He speaks as Three reasons come to mind . saints, living and dead, who, in their one of those he is addressing . An anx- Pope Francis champions Christ- suffering, have been radically trans- ious Fr Federico Lombardi, a Jesuit ian humanism . He is utterly formed, graced with a passion and a and the Vatican spokesman, told devoted to the implications of vision that they have actually grown reporters last month that “this is a the fleshing of God in Jesus the into — and become . genre to which we are not accustomed Human One, and therefore, to the Because of his “big heart open to … let’s take it for what it is, seeking primacy of the human as the sacra- God”, it is as though something in to interpret it correctly ”. During his ment of divine presence . That is Pope Francis has broken through into recent visit to Sardinia, he set aside why he begins with the drama and a whole other emphasis regarding his prepared address and said: “look- trauma of each person’s story . He the role of the Church, a startlingly ing at you, these words came to me deals in tears and hopes rather than clear perspective of what Incarnation instead . I preferred to say to you what in impersonal declarations . He is truly about in the complex world came into my heart, looking at you

18 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 obituary in this moment ”. Cor ad cor loquitur. Bishop John Mackey: 1918-2014 Devoid of airs and graces, when heart speaks to heart, a thousand barriers Michael Hill are transcended . The relaxed style and vibrant, he only sin is cruelty” . transparent personality of the Pope “ It was 1963, and I is well suited to the culture and was given the task of media technology of our time . We showingT this middle-aged New are reminded of Marshall McLuhan’s Zealand priest round Rome . theories about the medium and the I remember nothing of where message, the singer and the song . we went . But I clearly recall a When style and substance com- ding-dong argument on the bine in one warm and imaginative nature of sin which continued personality, a powerful energy goes as we travelled from one antiq- instantaneously viral into all corners uity to the next . of our planet . In this postmodern John Mackey was returning age, the definitive meta-narrative to Auckland after study in the gives way to the cult of the personal United States, and was imme- and conversational, and the authori- diately appointed Director of tative pronouncement gets much Catholic Education for the less attention than the spontane- diocese . Later he lectured in ous, authentic comment, especially church history at Holy Cross among young people . College, Mosgiel . One of his And yet, as another Church’s year students at the time describes John Colleges . John loved to preach on closes, many cannot help feeling a as being more philosopher than his- the big occasion, and he would certain anxiety, a sense of ambiguity torian . He was a powerful thinker . research his subject thoroughly so about the future . An identity and He read widely and challenged his that no detail was left out . Once he approach that is open and trusting, students to think for themselves . described the arrival of the mounted such as that of Pope Francis, will He encouraged them to “love the Napoleonic cavalry at Rosmini’s bring its own discomfort and dilem- church with all its wrinkles” . birthplace in 1796 so vividly that you mas . For decades, we have become In 1974 he was appointed could practically hear the clip-clop of accustomed to certainties and clearly Bishop of Auckland . He was a the horses’ hooves in the church! defined boundaries and safeguards . conscientious administrator . He After his retirement he continued But now we are entering new terri- got on well with people, was always to lecture, preach, supply in parishes tory with more open spaces . stimulating company and had a for absent priests, and mix socially . For many, this is a glimpse of great sense of humour . His fellow In his early years he was notorious the promised land . For others, such priests were constantly impressed for referring in his homilies to this uncharted landscapes bring only a by the power of his mind and the “sad and sinful world” . But in recent sense of insecurity and confusion, freedom with which he embraced years he liked to sit in Milford shop- even disagreement and criticism . The new ideas . He encouraged them to ping mall watching and praying for scene is set for a season of disturbance . study at secular universities, so that the passers-by . His comment to a And yet, with the stubborn faith of their minds would be expanded . friend was how good people were! our fathers and mothers, might not One of the tasks that fell to He had forgotten about the sad this very disturbance be the greatest him was to supervise the process and sinful world! He said: “if there grace of the Year of Faith? n of integrating Catholic schools . is such a place as hell, then there’s The Education Minister, Merv nobody in it” . Father Daniel O’Leary is a priest of the Wellington and Bishop John worked His mind continued to be sharp Diocese of Leeds. His website is: well together and the process moved and active even as he became enfee- www .djoleary .com rapidly, so that by the time Bishop bled by age . In his last illness in the Father O’Leary’s article is republished by John resigned as bishop in 1983, North Shore hospital he made a deep kind permission of the London Tablet owing to ill health, nearly all 300 impression on the nursing staff for (www .thetablet .co .uk). Catholic schools had been success- his amiability and humour . He died fully integrated . He also oversaw the on Monday 20 January . introduction of catechetical teach- May he rest in peace . n ing into state Teachers’ Training

19 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 inter-religious dialogue

abraham and the people of the land Norman Habel

The story of Abraham begins with Abraham and the people of the land, the Canaanites. His special relationship with these people of the land is important as we consider how Jews, Christians and Muslims relate to the peoples of the land today. (Editor’s note: This month we honour the people of this land of Aotearoa, and the covenant relationship begun in the Treaty of Waitangi.)

ome years ago I worked with him . They are the custodians of the expressions of Israelite faith . The the Australian Aboriginal land; Abraham is their guest . He kings of Sodom and Salem roll out Rainbow Spirit Elders in travels through the land until he the red carpet to welcome Abraham . Stheir formulation of Rainbow reaches Shechem where God’s pres- They enjoy a meal together to cel- Spirit Theology . In that process the ence is revealed in the land (Gen ebrate their friendship . Then the figure of Abraham became a vital 12:7) . Who is this God? God, by king of Salem, who is also the priest component . Abraham’s relation- the name of YHWH, is yet to be of Salem (later Jerusalem), performs ship to the land of Canaan, the revealed to Moses . a ritual blessing on Abraham . The people of the land and the Creator In the stories that follow, title of the God in whose name this Spirit of the land was like a rev- Abraham does not conquer the land blessing is performed is “El Elyon, elation as we studied the Abraham or kill any of the indigenous people Maker of Heaven and Earth” . narrative from the perspective of of the land . Rather, he lives at peace Who is this deity? He is the the people of the land . with these people, who willingly high God El, the Creator Spirit of share their land . Abraham’s way is the land . El is the very name of the the people of the land one of peaceful co-existence . Creator God in the Canaanite texts When missionaries came to a we have from ancient Ugarit in new land, they often spoke of the the god of the land Northern Canaan . This identifica- Promised Land that Israel had a The peaceful way of Abraham is tion is confirmed when we discover right to possess . And Joshua was illustrated especially in the story that the term translated ‘Maker’ is often hailed as the hero who con- of Genesis 14 . Five kings invade not the usual word for Creator or quered the land and fulfilled God’s Canaan and defeat many of the Maker in Hebrew, but a term found promise . Little was said about the inhabitants in battle . They also in ancient Canaanite texts . indigenous peoples of the land of conquer the kings of Sodom and Abraham swears an oath by Canaan and their link with the Gomorrah, taking captive some this Canaanite God and thereby people of the land being invaded, of the people (including Lot, recognises the Creator Spirit of the although in some contexts they Abraham’s nephew) . Abraham people of the land . In addition, he were equated with the Canaanites . gathers together 318 of his men made it clear he would share the The invasion of the British into so- and pursues the foreign kings . By land with the indigenous people called ‘promised lands’ seems more attacking them at night he is able and would not take advantage of like the invasive model of Joshua to rescue Lot, his family and the them . Abraham was a true peace- than the peace-making approach possessions of the king of Sodom . maker, not a greedy invader . of Abraham . When Abraham returns, we When Abraham arrives in discover an amazing fragment of covenant with the land Canaan, the host country is invit- ancient history in Genesis that In a later story, when a dispute ing . The Canaanite people accept has not been modified by later arises over a well that Abimelech’s

20 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 servants have seized, Abraham again finds a way to make peace making peace thru’ abraham (Gen . 21: 22-24) . He even makes a covenant with Abimelech which In Palmerston North, Bishop Peter Cullinane spoke as ensures that Abraham can settle as one of three speakers exploring the place of Abraham a resident immigrant in Philistine lands . In this covenant Abraham in peacemaking. His essay is a history and theology again swears by the local deity, here of peace, or a lack of it, amongst the Abrahamic faith called El Olam, and recognises this communities, written from a Catholic perspective. God as his own . In this covenant, Abraham not only agrees to remain loyal to Abimelech and his people, but also to the land itself . Abraham’s Peter Cullinane covenant is also with the land . That this land is sacred for Abraham and the people of the ach of Abraham’s families car- to say “error has no rights” because land is apparent from the number ries forward the blessings God it is persons who have rights, includ- of places in the land, like Bethel, bestowed on Abraham . And ing those who are perceived to be in where Abraham builds an altar and Eso it is that we have in common the error . The Catholic Church officially where he experiences the presence message of shalom/salaam/peace . The teaches: “The Church repudiates of the Creator Spirit who promises calling of all of us is to be peacemak- every form of persecution against Abraham and his progeny a future ers . But we will not be credible to the any whomsoever it may be directed” in the land . The land is promised world around us if we do not first (Nostra Aetate, 4) . to Abraham, not as a domain to acknowledge our history and face 2) The idea that salvation wasn’t be conquered but as a sacred place our demons . It has been a warring possible outside the Church . It’s an whose people are its custodians . history . easy step from there to consigning If our calling is to be peace- everyone else to Hell . man of peace makers, we must ask ourselves what Today we accept that no one has Abraham, then, is a man of peace, a on earth got into us that led us into the right to make that judgment . The genuine guide in the task of peace- violence against one another? And Catholic Church officially teaches: making and reconciliation in our what has changed that can prevent “Since Christ died for all, and since day . such things from happening again? all are in fact called to one and the With Abraham we too are called I shall speak only for the Christian same destiny, which is divine, we to recognise the people of the land people and especially the Catholic must hold that the Holy Spirit offers as the custodians of a host coun- Church, trying to account for what to all people the possibility of being try, whether they be Australian got into us that led us to commit saved” (Gaudium et Spes, 22) . Aborigines, Maori or Palestinians, injustices against Islamic and Jewish 3) The idea that because the the Canaanites of today . people, and why things can now be scriptures are inspired by God, words With Abraham we too are called different . and sentences can be quoted without to recognise the land as sacred, the Wrong actions started from taking seriously their historical, domain of divine revelation and the wrong ideas . I shall give five examples cultural and literary contexts . Today, host country with which we should of this: Christian scripture scholars show us also make covenant . 1) The idea that “error has no that it is the meaning of scripture With Abraham we too are called rights” . It’s an easy step from there to that God has inspired, and to know to recognise that the Creator Spirit thinking that people in error have no the meaning we have to take into known by the people of the land rights . And from there it comes easily account the contexts which give their is one with the Creator God we to justify torture and persecution . meaning . have come to know in Judaism, Eg, the crusades against Islam; per- 4) Wrong ideas about the role of Christianity and Islam . n secution of Jewish people; and also the State . For several hundred years sometimes against fellow Christians it was assumed that the State could Norman Habel is well-known Australian (the killing of presumed witches; to impose Christian beliefs and punish biblical scholar and author of books say nothing of the slave trade) . dissent . This has long since changed . about Scripture and Ecology, including What has changed that will The Catholic Church officially Reconciliation: Searching For prevent these things from recurring? continued on page 25 . . . Australia’s Soul (Mosaic Press, 2013). First, we now realise it is meaningless

21 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 inter-religioust dialogue seeking god in all things

The writer spent many years in Indonesia teaching and serving the Gospel as professor and minister. Here he writes of his experience of the Jesuit charism, and of the Jesuits whom he knew and admires. Simon Rae

hen we first arrived in thought often of the way this com- suffering that moved him to prepare for Indonesia in 1972 our munity embodied the Gospel in its priesthood . After ordination in 1959 language teacher sent me commitment to the culture, aspira- he was sent to Germany to qualify as Wout into the streets of Yogyakarta to tions, frustrations and struggles of an architect and he was responsible for practice Indonesian with anyone who the people among whom they lived . many Javanese churches, government could be enticed into conversation . The buildings, a Trappist monastery and great drawback was that almost eve- another budawayan a remarkable settlement for squatters ryone wanted to practise English . But Romo (Father) Dick Hartoko living under threat of expulsion on the one place I returned to often was the (1922–2001) was a different kind of banks of the River Code in Yogyakarta . Catholic Pusat Kateketik, a centre that budayawan . Born Theodorus Geldorp, He won international prizes and was provided Christian education materials in east Java, the son of a Dutch father described as ‘the father of modern in many media . The lay staff there were and a Javanese mother, he entered the Indonesian architecture’ . kind and ready for conversation, and I in 1942 . After study Romo Mangun served as a parish learned a lot about this Jesuit centre’s in Indonesia and the Netherlands he priest, 1967-1980, taught architec- Catholic mission, set in an old city at served parishes in Yogyakarta . Catholic ture in Gadjah Mada University, the heart of Javanese culture . people report that his preaching was experimented with alternative forms orthodox, in the pattern of the times . of basic education, and wrote widely a european jesuit But he also founded a cultural jour- on architecture, philosophy, theology One man told me of being sent there nal, Basis, which has survived into a and spirituality, and published essays when he was young — late at night — new generation, presenting creative and eleven novels . He was an unyield- to bring a priest to a dying relative . A writing, comment and his unique ing defender of the wong cilik — the tall European returned with him in the discussion of ‘signs of the times’ . As humble, marginalised people — and dark . His parents were confused and an interpreter of culture Hartoko was was in increasing conflict with the embarrassed when they saw that it was not overtly Catholic, or even religious, Suharto regime culminating in an Fr Piet Zoetmulder, a pioneer scholar of but espoused a universal humanism, instruction to ‘eliminate’ him for his classical Javanese, honoured in Indonesia explicitly grounded in his Catholic opposition to a major World Bank and internationally . His explanation faith but open to engagement with dam project that would expel many was: “In the presbytery we have a board all kinds of people and perspectives . small villagers from their land . The with our names on — when our name He offered provocative reflections on military commander refused to act, reaches the top we respond to the next society and culture, translated western an indication of the wide respect and call ”. This great scholar was first of all a philosophy and interpreted western affection he had earned . priest, a pastor and bearer of grace in the values for Indonesian readers . In later Only two of Romo Mangun’s novels community around him . Like his confr- life he focused on mystical reflection are available in English translation . eres he was also what the Indonesians call and writing . The more accessible, The Weaverbirds budayawan — a student and observer of (ET1991), can be read as a spiritual the cultural world around him . father of modern indonesian work . But it is also a novel set in the hard Oddly — or providentially — my architecture realities of life for childhood compan- last visit to Indonesia in 2007–8 A link between two generations of ions whose lives took opposing paths, brought me again into contact with Jesuit budayawan was Fr Yusuf Bilyarta for mixed-race Indonesians in the new this unique community of Jesuit Mangunwijaya (1929-1999), known society, for the conflict between tradi- priests, now men of a younger gen- universally as Romo Mangun . Mangun tional and modern values in a collapsing eration . In the meantime we had had interrupted his studies to serve in colonialism . In a way that is puzzling read their publications, enjoyed the the struggle for Independence (1945- for western readers, but authentically Centre’s broadcast-quality musical 49) finally as a company commander, Javanese, religion, politics, history and and liturgical recordings, and had and it was this experience of the people’s story interact ‘on the shadow screen

22 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 of the world’ — a literary echo of the who have no secure place in the socie- Javanese wayang, shadow plays . Like the ties in which they live . Although they weaverbird the protagonists must try share all aspects of Javanese life, peace- and try again to build a satisfactory nest fully and harmoniously in the good in a changing world . times, the Chinese become scapegoats Durga/Umayi (ET 2004) portrays in times of madness . recent Indonesian history through the Sindhunata mingles elements from experience of a woman who reflects 16th and 20th century history, Javanese both Durga a witch and Umayi a god- myth and legend, Chinese folk tales dess in the wayang dramas . The choice and classical wisdom, culminating in of a female protagonist is moving and the terrible events around the downfall reveals a deep understanding of the of the Suharto regime in 1998, to show challenges and suffering of women the way in which the Chinese are scape- caught up in chaotic social change, goated, and Chinese women again and as well as a clear-sighted and non- again become victims of political and judgemental awareness of the way in sexual violence — victims of power and which a woman’s sexuality embodies lust . Questions of humanity, values, both opportunity and threat for her . love, rivalry, deceit and corruption are raised in epic situations where drama a successor to mangun becomes a metaphor of life, and life Dr Gabriel Possenti Sindhunata SJ tragically imitates past dramas . (1952–) is very much a man of our own time . A journalist with the largest enhancing women’s situation Jakarta daily before he entered the sem- Like Mangunwijaya, Sindhunata has inary, he tells of going to places priests a profoundly moving ability to set a seldom visit and his writing reflects a woman at the centre of his drama, remarkable sweep and diversity — and to expose the political, social from world soccer to academic studies and sexual exploitation of women in German and Indonesian, novels in in patriarchal societies . Like the Javanese and Indonesian and a host protagonist in Durga/Umayi, whose of essays on contemporary social and name changes ‘according to situation political issues . Romo Sindhu served and condition’, the Chinese Princess in a parish before undertaking doctoral travels through time experiencing the study in Munich . He is now based in occasional joys and terrible tragedies Yogyakarta, where he teaches in the of her people . She concludes with the Two views of the threatened Catholic Sanata Dharma University, urgent question, If by birth into the squatters’ settlement in Yogyakarta, is an active writer and now editor of designed by Romo Mangun . world we become sisters and brothers Basis . Five volumes of collected feature why do we have to ask ‘who are we?’ articles have been published, revealing literary style of a journalist coupled ‘Who is our family?’ ‘Are we not all an ongoing engagement with the chal- with multiple references to traditional brothers and sisters?’ lenges and values of living in a time of stories, sayings and world views, all of In 2007 I called on Romo Sindhu chaotic change — in Javanese a zaman which makes translation into a western in the complex I had visited in 1972, edan, a time of madness . cultural context a challenge . to request permission to use material In many ways a successor to An example of Sindhunata’s major in my class . This incredibly energetic Mangunwijaya, Sindhunata calls on writing is the novel Putri Cina (The man appeared, graciously unhurried, the old world of the Javanese to con- Chinese Princess) published in 2007, and invited me to come back to use nect with people of many backgrounds a 302-page reflection on the lot of their library . in the cultural contexts in which they Chinese women in Indonesia in times Romo Sindhu and his community live . While he continues to preach, and of madness . A multi-layered novel, are truly living out the Ignatian princi- to write more explicitly Catholic reflec- Putri Cina draws on the tradition that ple, “seek to find God in all things” . n tions than Romo Mangun, his creative a 16th century Javanese ruler had a writing is very Javanese, giving a voice Chinese princess as concubine, but gave Simon Rae is a retired Presbyterian — or a cry of pain — to the victims of her to his son to pacify the jealousy of Minister living in Dunedin. He is the ‘time of madness’ in which we live . his consort . She reflects on the lack of translating Sindhunata’s Putri Cina, He has maintained the rather informal identity (‘face’) of the overseas Chinese and looking for a brave publisher.

23 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 hitchhiker’s guide to church history Saint Ignatius of Loyola This is the sixth in a series of essays which search the Church’s history to highlight those in our past who were ‘change-makers’ and whose influence on the course of Church history is still visible. Peter Tolich

that true than in the sixteenth century which brought forth many such greats . Among them, one shines out as a person who responded to that call . Ignatius Loyola gathered around him a group who were to become known as the Society of Jesus . Moreover, Ignatius’ vision of life is encapsulated in a spirituality which is rooted in the conviction that God is active, per- sonal and — above all — present within and to us . Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires until March 13 2013, that day became Pope Francis . One could reasonably argue that because of his Jesuit formation and lifestyle, we have a man of action, who simply by being himself places the life and vision of St Ignatius Loyola, clearly in front of the Catholic faithful of the 21st century . A Basque nobleman and soldier, Ignatius followed a military career until a cannonball shattered his leg during a war against France in 1521 . While recovering at Loyola in northern Spain, he read the only books available to him — a life of Christ and the lives of the Saints . From reading these, Ignatius began to experience a profound conversion . He spent the next year in prayer and penance at Manresa, nearby to Loyola, where he wrote the first draft of his famous Spiritual Exercises — a programme of prayer of compelling insight . These exercises set out a way of praying and living followed by St Ignatius of Loyola by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) thousands of people today . It is important to realize that Ignatius’ conversion ope Francis: This pope was a pope of firsts — the was not full and immediate . This took place over a first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the period of seven years as he tried to work out what it was first from the southern hemisphere and the first that God was asking him to do . Now we call this process non-EuropeanP pope in 1300 years . He has shaken up of working out who we are as Jesus’ followers and what the Catholic Church following the surprise resignation we are to do, the process of ‘discernment’, a favourite of Pope Benedict XVI in February, 2013 . He made idea of Ignatius . His own discernment process flowered headlines for his willingness to speak out on taboo into a desire to become a priest . issues, criticising the church’s obsession with abortion, gay marriage and contraception, and calling for a ‘new balance’ . It was his openness that led Time magazine to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to select Pope Francis as its 2013 Person of the Year . In each period of history, great men and women have CHURCH HISTORY been called by Jesus to carry on his gospel exhortation to 1400–1600 go out to a world in need of salvation . No more so was

24 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 For this purpose he moved coun- making peace thru’ tries to the University of Paris to receive the best priestly formation then pos- abraham sible . He began studying Philosophy . . . continued from page 21 in 1528 . It was in Paris that Ignatius teaches that all persons have the right gathered six like-minded companions to follow their conscience freely and around him . These illustrious fel- to practise their beliefs (Nostra Aetate, lows were to become the foundation 2,3,4), and that the role of the State members of the Society of Jesus, when is to create the social conditions in in 1534 they took vows of poverty which this can happen . and chastity . By 1537 all seven were 5) The idea that salvation depends ordained and had professed additional on our own success and on being in vows, one of obedience to Ignatius as the right . It’s an easy step from there their superior; and another to the Pope, to being obsessive, driven, judgmen- to go wherever the Pope sent them . tal, oppressive and fanatical . When Ignatius died in 1561, there Today, we are more faithful to our were around 1000 Jesuits . Saint Ignatius lived his life as a belief that salvation comes not from In Ignatius’ seven interim discern- person who made a real difference in our being proved right but from being ment years many things happen to his world . The religious congregation forgiven . We have all sinned, and we him . Let us focus on one situation . At he founded embraces that willingness all stand in need of forgiveness . Manresa he intends stopping only for a to continue to be change-makers in This in turn requires that we our- few days but stays ten months .He spends whatever field they are called to serve . selves be forgiving and merciful . hours each day in prayer and works in a The vision of Ignatius has continued To sum up: The Christian people hospice . Whilst there, he develops the to manifest itself in his Jesuit followers has had to learn that there is abso- ideas for his Spiritual Exercises . He has a and no more so than in this remark- lutely no place for exclusiveness, vision which he regards as the most sig- able man called Pope Francis . May coercion, violence, fundamentalism, nificant event in his life . Ignatius never Pope Francis continue to encourage us or killing in the name of God or reli- reveals the vision, but clearly it is an all to be change-makers in a Catholic gion . It took us a long time to learn . encounter with God . Ignatius sees God church that reaches out to a world in We now promote dialogue aimed at as God really is: all creation is seen in a need of justice, mercy and love . May St understanding one another properly, new light and acquires a new meaning Ignatius’ prayer for generosity inspire and respecting each person’s God- and relevance, an experience that enables us all to bring Jesus and his message given dignity . For Christians this is Ignatius to find God in all things . This of love and justice to all the people we a requirement of following Christ . n grace, finding God in all things, is a encounter in our daily lives . n central characteristic of Jesuit spirituality . Peter Cullinane is the Emeritus Catholic Ignatius Loyola is well known for Peter Tolich is the Director of Bishop of Palmerston North. his prayer for generosity: Religious Studies at Sacred Heart Lord, teach me to be generous, Girls’ College in Hamilton. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, NOT BY BREAD ALONE to fight and not to heed the wounds, Deepen your experience of Easter by prayerfully journeying through Lent with Bishop Robert to toil and not to seek for rest, Morneau’s reflections on the daily scriptures. to labour and not to ask for reward, Just minutes per day will give you spiritual food for your journey this Lent and Easter. save that of knowing that I do your will. This prayer challenges us to forget Single copies $5; 10-30 copies $4.50ea; 30- self, so we can explicitly do the will of 50 copies $4.25ea; 50+ $4.00ea + freight. God, in each situation we find ourselves . Order NOW to ensure delivery before We are asked to become other-centred Ash Wednesday rather that self-centred; we are called to Freephone 0508 988 988 be Jesus in a world desperately in need [email protected] of compassion, caring and hope; we are 38 Higginson Street, Otane invited to make a difference with those Central Hawke’s Bay we encounter in our everyday world . www.christiansupplies.co.nz

25 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 scripture ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’ Matthew 5:13-16 The Sermon on the Mount: 4th to 8th Sundays of Ordinary Time (9 February - 2 March)

alt of the earth ’. Those words came to disciples came to him . Then, opening his mouth, me as I listened to the eulogy my he began to teach them …” (5:1–2) . Jesus does not cousin gave recently at the funeral escape the crowds by going up the mountain . Two “ofS his daughter, who died suddenly symbolic gestures evoke the biblical tradition . The of suspected meningococcal disease . mountains are the place of revelation . To sit down With vulnerable, honest realism, he is the symbolic gesture for one who gives a teaching . spoke of their lively, beautiful and His disciples “come to him” . They are his audi- stretching-the-boundaries 16 year old . ence rather than the crowd . Even though, at In the midst of grief and loss, it seemed this point of the narrative, only four disciples to me, he offered a glimpse of light have been called (4:18–-22), the in the unbearable darkness of tragedy . sermon applies to all disciples: He appealed to the many young people those called during the minis- present to live with hope when they try of Jesus including the 12, a remember their friend and class- much wider group of disciples and mate . Do not fail her . Appreciate all who will become disciples (28:19) the gift of life . Live with the love through the mission of the Church . of life and people, giving things a go, While the sermon is not spoken and with the sense of adventure that charac- to the world in general, the world in general terised her life . is there at the foot of mountain in the afflicted How would this earthy, solid member of my crowds who are always in sight and have over- extended family see his nun cousin beginning a heard the words Jesus gives to his disciples (7:28) . scripture reflection with him? It would be far from The sermon involves three distinct ‘parties’: his mind . However, my cousin bought home to Jesus, the disciples (Church) and the afflicted me how the two images of disciples as “salt of the crowd (the World) . The invitation is to be part earth” and “light of the world” are to be woven of a community which is to influence the world inextricably into the way of living of those who by sharing in the divine project to humanise/ claim to be followers of Jesus . These images flow divinise the world . It is to be grasped by, and from the beatitudes . Jesus calls the first disciples to live by, a distinct theological vision in which (4:18–22) . What disciples are to be for afflicted God is revealed by Jesus, Emmanuel/God with humanity is found in the setting for the Sermon us . Through living out the instructions Jesus of the Mount (4:23–25) where a summary is given gives, the disciples (Church) have the potential of the activity of Jesus . He teaches, proclaims the to be ‘salt of the earth’ (5:13) and ‘light of the good news and heals (v 23) over the very wide world’ (5:14–16) . area of the region (vv 24–25) . Jesus’ first hearers would have recognised Central to Matthew’s presentation of Jesus many layers in the emphatic plural present is the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7), tense: “you are the salt of the earth” . In the where Matthew outlines the way of life that beatitudes, God promised that the ‘meek,’ is to characterise the Church . The that is, the powerless, the humiliated, first words point out very clearly the poor and needy, “will inherit that Jesus’ vision of afflicted the earth” . Underlying this is the humanity leads him to give this jubilee year which every 50 years long sermon, “Seeing the returned the land to kinship groups crowds, Jesus went up (Lev 25) . God’s reign challenges the the mountain; and accumulation of land by elites (Matt after he sat down, his 5:5, 18, 35; 6:10, 19) because the

26 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 earth belongs to God and refers to all God’s creation . Commitment to the world’s well-being means that the earth, in its widest sense, is for all disciples their Epiphany sphere of action and place of mission . Today are we are aware of consuming too much salt . We seek a balance as in too much salt or too little Mother Julian saw it in a hazelnut on fish and chips or better none at all! Not so in the William Blake in a grain of sand ancient world . There were many uses of salt as well as symbolic associations . Salt was regarded as coming but I had never heard of them when from the purest of sources: the sea and the sun . For as a child I crept into the night garden Sirach, “The basic necessities of human life are water and saw the white flowers glowing and fire and iron and salt …” (39:26) . Salt was the means to flavour and preserve food especially fish and and I was afraid and I fell on the wet meat . It prevented corruption . The prophet Elisha grass and when I looked again I saw used salt to purify water . New-borns were rubbed with salt . Salt had a liturgical function as when it was my mother’s daisies smiling and mixed with incense . Salt and friendship are associated . I ran towards the house and got into The writer of the Letter to the Colossians exhorts: bed and pulled the blanket over me “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt …” (4:5) . The disciple who does not embody the but I still can’t forget, can’t forget, can’t… beatitudes is like salt that has lost it taste . — Jenny Blood Disciples as ‘salt of the earth’ stand in parallel to being ‘light of the world’ (cosmos) . People are the locus of God’s action in the world . There is possibly a political dimension here for Cicero describes Rome as a “light to the whole world” . For disciples God is, and gives, light . Job describes it this way: “ . . when God’s lamp shone over my head, and by God’s light I walked in darkness” (29:3) . As God shone through Jesus (Matt 4:16) so God’s light shines through people . The Old Testament often speaks of people as lights . Matthew’s image envisioned a small terra cotta lamp which gave light to those around it . It best fulfils its function when it is set on a lampstand where it illumines, reveals and Join us in working for a world free from shows light rather than drawing attention to itself . poverty and injustice My cousin began his eulogy by saying to his daughter that this time he was going to have the last word . However, at the end of the service, the last words were hers from “Hey You,” a poster she had made and which had hung on her bedroom wall . The gist of what I heard was, “live the precious gift of life to the full, be content with the body, looks and talents you have, use your talents, seize the moment, use opportunities, you can achieve goals and bring Join the happiness ”. On reflection what I heard was her edgy version of our potential to be ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’ . I borrow her greeting: “Hey you, you are salt of the earth and light of the world ”. Salt and light have a purpose and without achieving their As a regular donor with our One World Partnership you will be supporting whole communities – not just individuals – in their purpose both are useless . n struggle against poverty and its causes. Contribute any amount at a frequency that suits you. Kathleen Rushton is a Sister of Mercy working in adult For more information contact Caritas on 0800 22 10 22 education in the Diocese of Christchurch. or visit www.caritas.org.nz

The Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace and Development

27 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 book reviews exploring the human schillebeeckx revisited

Book: Pope Francis: From North to South: Untying the Knots Southern Scholars Engage with Edward by Paul Vallely Schillebeeckx Bloomsbury (ISBN: 978 1 4729 By Helen F Bergin OP (ed) 037 09), NZ$38.90: available from the Catholic Centre Shop, 8 The ATF Theology, 2013 (ABN 90 116 Octagon, Dunedin 9016. 359 963) Reviewer: Fr Gerard Aynsley Reviewer: Anthony J Kelly CSsR, Australian Catholic University n the front cover of this paper- Vallely skilfully portrays Francis as a man back, there is a blurb: “Read this who is tough and complex, and at the same r Helen Bergin, OP, the editor of book, forget the rest” . Whatever time compassionate and straightforward to this book, is to be congratulated aboutO the rest, this book is a riveting read . In the point of simplicity: a paradoxical mix for bringing together this broad eight short chapters we survey events leading of humility and power . He sees all of this rangeS of scholars in order to acknowl- up to Benedict’s resignation as Pope; Francis’ flowing from Francis’ deep prayer life . From edge the debt that theology owes to middle-class worker beginnings; his early life the age of 36 he has been in leadership her great fellow Dominican . However as a Jesuit; his time as Jesuit provincial against struggling with the questions of authority difficult it is to spell his name, it is quite the background of the horrible history of and power, first as provincial and later as clear that his influence has been great ‘the dirty war’ in Argentina, exploring in- bishop . This has given him an amazing and in the various contexts represented in depth accusations that as provincial he never very subtle idea of power and its possibili- this collection of essays: New Zealand, ‘saved’ from torture and imprisonment two ties . Vallely demonstrates that Francis has a Australia, Papua New Guinea, Asia and young Jesuits who worked in the slums; and clear vision of what he wants to do . Not for North America . This book indicates that he was divisive . him the baroque “cultured, silk-brocaded that Edward Schillebeeckx is not only a This account of Francis’ early experi- propriety” of the fine intellectual Benedict European possession . His thought over- ence of leadership doesn’t read like the XVI . No, first Francis wishes to take up the flowed “from North to South” as this makings of a future pope — despite his call for greater collegiality in the governance interesting array of scholars engage with clear spiritual, charismatic and leadership of the Church made by the assembled different aspects of the theology of one qualities . Continuing on, Vallely explores Cardinals in their pre-election meetings . of the eminent theologians of our age . Fr Bergoglio’s crucial ‘heart change’ in Only then comes his deep desire to reform The index offers a handy list of the hinterland city of Cordoba . From the Roman Curia . Both of these goals will works on or about Schillebeeckx here began the reversal of his understand- be pursued with the help of the C8, the though, of course, for such a prolific ing and approach to life and its context council of cardinals appointed to trawl writer, it does not pretend to be com- which has become his signature call . for good information, and feed back their plete . Nonetheless, these nine chapters Unexpectedly, he is made bishop and later results to the Pope — in this way begin- give a good indication of the reach and Cardinal Archbishop in Buenos Aires, ning to model the collegiality Francis seeks . depth of the theology through which, becoming known as the ‘Bishop of the Significantly Vallely takes up Francis’ choice in remarkable way, he served the faith slums’ because of his care for the poor . In of name: that as Pope he yearns for a church and mission of the Church . A particu- doing this, he built on the best insights of that is focused in the gospel, centred around larly gracious photographic portrait the Theology of Liberation that he had the poor, opened outwards to dialogue with of the elderly Schillebeeckx looks out previously demonized, learning as well others, closer to the people, thus mirroring on the world of the reader as though from his admitted mistakes as provincial . Christ’s call to St Francis: “Francis, rebuild giving a blessing of hope and serenity . Finally we are let into the secrets of why my church, which is falling into ruins” . When space is limited, this is not he failed to be elected Pope in 2005, Vallely’s straightforward journalistic the time to comment on each of the and the lead-up to his election in 2013 . writing style hones well Francis’ call to contributors, a list must suffice: from Francis’ spiritual development is striking: enthrone the humanity of each of us: New Zealand, Helen Bergin herself, He begins as a theological conservative that it is in people’s lives and particular Neil Darragh, John Dunn and Philip reflecting a particular Argentinian Jesuit circumstances that the encounter with the Gibbs — and also working in PNG; background, who then becomes attuned living and incarnate God takes place . If from Australia, Ormond Rush, Denis to the pastoral call of Vatican II through you can lay your hands on this book, you Edwards, Dennis Rochford and Edmund his hands-on ministry to his people . will enjoy it . Viva il Papa! n Chia (originally from Malaysia), and

28 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 film review schillebeeckx revisited skeletons in the cupboard

Kathleen McManus from the United States . Each of these offers a valuable perspective on Schillebeeckx’s immense oeuvre in their respective treatments of Film: Philomena Church, who provides the voice of Christ and the Church, hope, holiness, Director: Stephen Frears criticism and condemnation . human experience, suffering, culture and Back in London, his newspaper interreligious dialogue . These fine essays Reviewer: Paul Sorrell editor eggs him on to play up the most vary in that some treat more the content sensational aspects of his unfolding of Schillebeeckx’s theology and others he story behind Philomena story — especially the shortcomings of find their focus in his theological method . has been told many times in the Church — which include adopt- Schillebeeckx was an outstanding films and books — a mother’s ing children out to the highest bidder European scholar, formed in the classic Tsearch for the child she gave up for and destroying evidence of births at scholastic tradition represented in the adoption many years before . This the convent . thought of St Thomas Aquinas . He two-hander, finely played by Dame The search for Philomena’s son takes was a notable contributor to theology Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, is itself the mismatched pair to the US where of Vatican II, during and after the based on a nonfiction book — the their often clumsy encounters provide council . To that degree, he could call account by journalist Martin Sixsmith both humour and pathos . Philomena on the resources of the past and showed of Irish nurse Philomena Lee’s search frets that Anthony may have become himself indefatigable in his exploration for her long-lost son . Anthony was a hobo, or even obese, ‘given the size of the new . He sought a new realism adopted as a baby by an American of the portions here’ . However, they in intelligent and reflective faith in the family when, as a young unmarried find out a good deal about Anthony secular world of today . Even in this mother, Philomena was sent to work (or Michael, as he is known in the globalised world, each of us thinks as a laundrywoman in a convent in US), uncovering a life story embracing from where and when we are, that is, in Roscrea, County Tipperary . (The both triumph and tragedy, success and a context . Yet Schillebeeckx’s theology setting is strongly reminiscent of The defeat . In a heart-rending twist, the end had a remarkable impact . Though in Magdalene Sisters, reviewed in this of their search takes them right back to language and thought, it was distinc- column in July 2003 ). the beginning . tively European in its context, it has But this is a quest story with Philomena could so easily have the ability to affirm and inspire the an original twist — all the legwork become an exercise in sentimental- thinking of others in vastly different in unravelling the case is done by ity or easy polemics, a self-indulgent contexts—as already mentioned . Sixsmith, an investigative journalist ‘weepie’, or a stereotyped attack on Schillebeeckx had a vivid aware- recently sacked from a high-profile the Church . What saves it from this ness of the history of suffering — like job with the BBC who, with noth- fate — although at times the film so many Europeans of his generation ing better to do, decides to turn his walks a fine line — is Philomena’s — and yet for him that crucible of hand to a ‘human interest’ story . His unwavering commitment to finding suffering generated a more defiant and detached cynicism contrasts with the truth about her child, whatever creative hope in the healing and liberat- Philomena’s unworldliness and simple the outcome, and the film’s emotional ing power of God . faith that persists despite what has trajectory that, at the end, bridges These essays make at least this reader happened to her . It is Sixsmith, with the gap between this ‘simple Irish think that such hope is the message of this his militant aetheism and biting con- lady’ and the hard-nosed investigator . great theologian for all the churches . n demnation of the sins of the Catholic Highly recommended . n

29 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 comment Crosscurrents Jim Elliston new era dawns caused harsh economic conditions . been noted in China . Francis, speak- Early in his pontificate John XXIII A military force from eight countries, ing in December about ‘ecumenism of allowed RAI (Italian Broadcasting) to including the UK and the US, invaded blood’, explained that contemporary do an item on a ‘day in the life of the China and suppressed the revolution in Christians of different denomina- Pope’ . A joke going around Rome at a brutal manner — they were defend- tions in many countries are suffering the time had RAI asking John “About ing their God-given right to economi- persecution and death for professing how many work in the Vatican?” to cally exploit the Chinese people . Christ; this is drawing them together . which John replied: “About half ”. One outcome was a view linking Christians in China have shared perse- Although many are hard working, Christian missionaries with the other cution, and now there are hopes for a there are some slackers . ‘foreign devils’; by association, so too shared partnership in service and steps Apart from what might be termed were Chinese Christians . towards acceptance as full citizens . ‘auxiliary staff’ — locals who look In the aftermath of the Maoist takeo- after maintenance etc — there are the ver by the end of the 1940s Christians election year (mainly) priests who are seconded from were subjected to persecution . China During Christmas week I read several their home dioceses for five-year peri- subsequently allowed a limited exercise of commentators on economics and pov- ods . This is an excellent system: it pro- religious activity for a strictly Government- erty . Most claimed that 2014 will be vides both regular injections of qualified controlled ‘patriotic church’ . a bumper year . Is there a chance this personnel in the various departments Over the years the Vatican has could encourage Government to effect and gives them wider insights into the tried various approaches to the structural change in the economy? universal reach of the Church . problem of interference with Church Colin James’ Otago Daily Times The problem is cronyism and career- matters, generally with minimal suc- column lauded the parliamentary ism . By cultivating the right contacts cess . In recent times some progress health committee’s unanimous report, many have managed to extend their was made by who had which concluded the country should term several times over, with the conse- the Chinese desk in the Secretariate of frame policy and then make social quent deleterious effects on the ‘culture’ . State, but relations deteriorated when investments on the presumption that Two developments reported in he was promoted out of Rome as a child poverty is of national concern . December show the ‘Francis effect’: Nuncio . Francis recently appointed Dame Leslie Max’s annual report about 30 priests have so far been told him as Head of the Secretariate and it (greatpotentials org. nz). was a brief they will soon be returning to their is hoped that Archbishop Parolin, who but informative analysis of attitu- native dioceses, and from 1 January is highly regarded in diplomatic cir- dinal changes in NZ over the last all Vatican staff (except Cardinals cles, will be able to improve relations . half century . Poverty of many types, and Archbishops) will have to clock A second factor stems from the including non-financial e g. . basic in upon arrival at work . In another, one-child policy, introduced to counter living skills, has increased, and the indirect, blow to cronyism, Francis has the rapid population increase, coupled downward slide of our society now has ordered that officers in any of the three with the erasure of Confucianism . A an inbuilt dynamic . As Archbishop bodies currently administering aspects crisis is developing because the tradi- John Dew wrote in the NZ Herald, it of Vatican finance, must be free of any tion of the family looking after the is the responsibility of Government to conflict of interest, and must have “rec- elderly — and the elderly looking after create a framework within which vol- ognised professional competence in the grandchildren — has been destroyed . untary agencies can work effectively legal, economic and financial fields” . Secular welfare bodies are suspect alongside state agencies . because of perceived corruption, and Pope Francis recently critiqued serendipity? the Government has begun approach- the ‘trickle-down’ theory that when A confluence of several factors has raised ing Church bodies, both Protestant ‘the glass was full it would overflow’, hopes that a new era is dawning in rela- and Catholic, to step into the breach benefiting the poor . “Instead it magi- tions between the Chinese government and help with care because they have cally grows bigger, with no overflow ”. and its various Christian populations . proven their worth in the field . Even if the situation is considered About the turn of the last century The third factor is the ‘Francis from an economic point of view an uprising, known as the Boxer effect’ . His personal humility, his alone, it makes no sense to allow Rebellion, occurred against foreign attitude towards the needy, and his this multi-faceted self-perpetuating business activities in China which had generally cooperative manner have poverty to continue . n

30 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 comment building on our many gifts

Peter Norris

ecently Pope Francis had a everything sometimes seem a little personal experience to our lives . We birthday and celebrated it dead? Even our leaders are sometimes have people like our gifted Pope and in an unusual way . When discouraged . Bishop Sir David Moxon who can askedR by attendants what he wanted Perhaps it is because we are not inspire us . We have our local leaders to do he mentioned that there were corporations where everything is who can inspire us . On the other a few people who slept under the vested in the leaders . We are really hand, in the middle of it all, we have colonnades of St Peters at night . a scrambled mass of volunteers who a disparate group of people who do He asked if they could join him for are not actually agreed on aims not live in an authority structure but a dinner . I do not know whether or approaches . Even the current who are open to various messages some Swiss guard went and invited Pope was banned from writing for from others . them or not, but apparently they a stage after he finished his term as At times we may seem moribund came to celebrate his birthday provincial of a Jesuit province . He and at other times we may seem dinner in their normal finery . It is seems good natured about it all . I comfortable and discouraged, if not a great lesson for everyone . am certain our more local leaders dead . That is part of being human . In the New Year’s honours list, have had times that have been dif- We have our highs and our lows . the Most Reverend David Moxon ficult for them . Archbishop Philip My hope is that we realise that our became Sir David Moxon . I have Richardson worked for a while, in highs lift us higher than the lows and known David Moxon as Bishop pre-seminary times, in India, help- that we continue to be inspired by of Hamilton and more recently as ing poor people at a mission sta- others . Being a priestly people does the Anglican Archbishop of New tion . One of his early morning jobs not mean that everything is always Zealand . In 2006 he was made a was collecting the dead for burial . wonderful, but it does mean that we Fellow of St Margaret’s College as Archbishop John Dew worked in see that the good outweighs the bad, we thought he had contributed priestly formation where expecta- that we continue to be inspired by much to New Zealand and was a tions were blurred and standards others, and that we know that God good role model for young people . were mainly self imposed . acts even through our weakness . n I know that some people threat- We are not a corporation with ened his life because of some of his corporate solutions . We are not Father Peter Norris is the Master of St attitudes to helping the poor . He efficient with streamlined processes . Margaret’s College, on the campus of the is now in Rome as the representa- We do not have clearly articulated University of Otago in Dunedin. tive of the Anglican Church to the goals and processes that work . Catholic Church . Instead we bring a richness of We have some very good leader- ship in both Anglican and Catholic InterIslands ChurchesIf you know and a friend we are who grateful might for Subscribe to Tui Motu enjoy reading — and maybe $28 for five issues (unwaged $24) thatsubscribing . At some to levelsTui Motu we — seem fill in top Name heavy but we are also lucky to have $56 for a one-year subscription their details and send it to us at: Address some very good people in those 11 issues (unwaged $48) Freepost 97407 positions . The current Archbishops Overseas P O Box 6404 Australia & S. Pacific $70 in both the Anglican and Catholic Post code Sub No Dunedin North All other regions $75 churchesDUNEDIN are 9059 both fine people with I am enclosing an additional donation to secure the future of Tui Motu...... a – commitment and we will send them to a the free back poor copy . We should be proud of them . I have included a cheque for $...... GST No: 68.316.847 or, please debit my credit card (Visa/Mastercard) NameWith such. . . . international...... figures. . . . in both our churches and with Card No: Signature Address ...... fine national leaders, why do our Name on card Expiry date churches ...... seem ...... a . . . .little ...... moribund? ...... I know ...... of . . . . . wonderful ...... people ...... in or, pay by direct credit to: BNZ, University of Otago branch, Tui Motu-Interislands, 02-0929-0277471-00. (Please use subscriber number and name, and confirm by leadership in both churches and in email that payment has been made.) other churches as well . With the post to: PO Box 6404 Dunedin North, Dunedin 9059 Email: [email protected] good example we see, why does

31 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014 a mother’s journal

long ago, rowing a dinghy across the highlight of the dimpled morning Okarito Lagoon . for our crew . However the bird man is Five-year-olds do not focus for much more excited by a rather mild- long on mangrove physiology or even mannered and unobtrusive brown bird sightings . “I’m hungry ”. I dig out wader, almost like a small, shy and a container of dried fruit and nuts . speckled weka — the very rarely seen by Kaaren Mathias She’s soon making and eating “babies Crested Rail . Over the next few hours in a manger” (peanuts nestled in the we collectively identify over thirty dif- angroves glowing in wrinkly folds of golden sultanas), but ferent bird species including five types the early morning sun . still wide-eyed and noticing . of kingfisher . All around I see the art Their reflections zigzag I feel a twang of envy as a fisher- works of our Creator, Redeemer, towardsM our boat, in the green and man paddles past — his dugout canoe Sustainer . What a wonderful world! gold, smearing, blurring . How draped with a small net . How peaceful A morning spent in a beautiful doughty and determined these and simple it could be to spend my and untamed place, speaking with plants in their peculiar lives rooted days on this quiet estuary teeming with quiet voices, attentive, noticing, in brackish estuaries . Thriving in birds and reflections, and catching fish content with just water and a small salty mud where most plants would for a living . It’s naive of course . I’m snack, with my wonderful family all curl up and die . Adapting, working sure there are mosquitos, poor catches around me . Can this morning’s boat out cunning ways to get by, maybe and sweltering days, all for an erratic trip on the Zuari river be a metaphor even relishing the constant change and meagre livelihood . . for how I hope 2014 can be for all of of tides and salinity . Way ahead perched on a branch, us? We are attentive, awake, present, As we chug slowly into the white my 11-year-old points out another awe-filled, minimalist, grateful and light of the early sun, an osprey lands brave chest of kingfisher turquoise . deeply knowing that somehow we are regally on a large post ahead . Surveys Only when much closer do we realise part of the beauty of it all . n breakfast . Scampering crabs, darting it’s a blue plastic bag snared in the minnows and small birds are all fair branches . A bird man and his 14-year- Kaaren Mathias lives with her husband Jeph and four children game . A blur of kingfisher tears in old son share the boat with us . His in North India, where she front of us, an illusory turquoise two-foot-long mega-lens captures works in community health and streamer . Now a kotuku with snaked extraordinary images of birds in flight development. Her email address is: neck wings slowly over the water, and far away, and even the floating kaarenmathias@gmail .com reminding me of an early morning eyes and snout of a crocodile that is

32 Tui Motu InterIslands February 2014